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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? NCG brings you the low down on the TaylorMade SpeedSoft (ink) golf ball.
There’ll certainly be no doubts over which golf ball is yours if you bring out the TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink into play. The ink design rules out this being a traditional golf ball and the tech inside doubles down on that sentiment. At a lower price, this golf ball has caught the attention of golfers seeking a cheaper alternative to golf’s premiere ranges.
The strong performance begs the question, is this the ultimate golf ball for mid and high handicap golfers? Read on to find out in our TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink Golf Ball Review…..
NCG SUMMARY
The Taylormade SpeedSoft ink golf balls are certainly pleasing on the eye with their unique design. They offer an ideal blend of speed and feel to deliver a consistent level of performance throughout the bag.
There isn’t as much spin on offer as some golf balls with the enhanced speeds but that shouldn’t discourage most club golfers. Control on the greens is still there with a shorter club or wedge in hand. Some great value for money is also provided with plenty of distance available off the tee.
I feel like these would be the product an A-level art student would produce if they were tasked with decorating a golf ball. For me, they look great, super cool – but appreciate they might not be to everyone’s liking.
Rather stereotypically the pink one has caught my eye. I’m frankly obsessed with it but if you’re a little more conservative when it comes to your golf then these are still available in a traditional yellow or white coating – with the plain Speedsoft balls being slightly cheaper (for those in the UK).
The whole design of the TaylorMade SpeedSoft golf balls lies firmly in its name. They are designed to promote a soft feel without giving up any speed. Typically when it comes to a soft golf ball it has a lower compression point and is something that feels great but doesn’t necessarily go very far.
Starting out with off the tee performance, the golf ball certainly flew high. I think a lot of club golfers would benefit from a golf ball that promotes a higher ball flight as some may not have the speed or loft to get the correct trajectory that would give them an optimal carry distance.
The ball also offers plenty of help off the tee. I was reaching heights with my ball flight that I usually wouldn’t come close to and even off-centred strikes still produced quick ball speeds.
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There are a few bits of tech TaylorMade have included to try to find the perfect balance between the feel and speed of a golf ball. A low compression golf ball can be effective for golfers who don’t swing it as fast.
Additionally, the structure of the ball can be a big benefit as it deploys what is called a 2-piece ionomer structuring. This means the outside cover of this is a lot firmer that what is used in a TaylorMade TP5, for instance, which has a urethane cover. The set up in the SpeedSoft is different as it has a soft inner piece and a firmer outer piece. Generally, going from soft to firmer can mean a lower amount of spin produced.
That isn’t always a bad thing as a lower amount of spin will help keep the golf ball on line more and further run out. If you’re a golfer who doesn’t generate a lot of spin around the greens anyway then you are hardly missing out.
In terms of hitting into the greens, there is still an element of control of the golf ball even with reduced spin. I was still able to get the ball to check on the greens and the spin rate of some shots even snuck into the mid 6000s with a 7-iron.
TaylorMade have also equipped the ball with a different dimple pattern designed to reduce drag. This was evident from the consistent overall performance from mid-length, approach shots.
It was with the wedges in hand where we saw the big reduction in spin rate. However, this ball is by no means uncontrollable. I tested the SpeedSofts on what was a firm green and the ball still only rolled out around five yards.
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Golfers can often get caught up in spin. Realistically, how many mid to high handicappers open the blade up on a 60° wedge and spin the ball back to the flag? Not many, is my guess.
Compared to the chip shots, I couldn’t believe how soft it felt off the putter face. It was like night and day and it felt amazing.
Overall, this is a really impressive golf ball.
Yes, it doesn’t equal a TaylorMade TP5 but for the price you wouldn’t expect it to be. I think when golfers are looking for a ball to use they need something that is going to match to their game.
The Taylormade SpeedSoft delivers really good performance and is going to suit that mid to high handicap range.
The Speedsoft Ink design I really like but as previously stated – if you want it plain it is available in white and yellow and at a cheaper price (for those in the UK) than the Ink designs.
