These balls fly higher, straighter and farther — even if your swing isn’t the fastest.
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When we’re talking about the “feel” of a golf ball, what we’re really talking about is its compression, and compression represents how soft or firm a golf ball is on a scale that generally resides between 20 (very soft) to 100 (very firm).
But what does this mean for you as a golfer and a consumer? Well, soft golf balls compress at lower swing speeds.
So if you’re someone with a slow swing, a soft-feel golf ball is your best chance to get the most distance out of every shot. Soft-feel golf balls also tend to be more forgiving than firm ones, which means they’ll fly straighter even in the face of a lackluster swing.
If the benefits of a soft-feel golf ball sound great to you, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the choices in soft-feel golf balls to incorporate into your golf game.
How to pick the right soft-feel golf ball for you
Although price is an important consideration, make sure you pay attention to the features and benefits of any ball before you decide on a purchase. The most expensive ball doesn’t always translate to the right choice for you.
Balls with fewer layers are typically softer than those with more layers. Generally, a ball with fewer layers yields straighter and longer shots but less greenside spin. They’re also more durable. On the other hand, hard-feel golf balls with three or more layers require faster swings to maximize distance but offer better short game control.
A soft-feel golf ball — or a ball with a compression rating of 70 or lower — helps players with slow swing speeds achieve more distance from each shot. However, more advanced players with moderate to fast swing speeds will need a more hard-feel golf ball if they want to maximize their shot distance. This is because a soft-feel golf ball will actually over-compress when hit with too much speed and force. When this happens, energy is lost between the club and the ball.
The outermost layer of a golf ball is typically made from one of two materials: ionomer or urethane. Ionomer reinforces a ball’s durability and helps with distance, but it also makes the ball a little less responsive when you’re trying to spin the ball and stick the green. Urethane on the other hand offers better greenside spin.
Many of the balls on this list feature covers that are hybrid or synthetic blends, meaning they combine urethane and ionomer with other materials to achieve certain characteristics.
Now that we’ve shared some of the best soft-feel golf balls on the market, it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves and decide which top pick is right for you.
FAQ
Which golf ball has the softest feel?
The Callaway Supersoft MAX has a 38 compression rating, which technically makes it the softest ball on this list. However, the actual “feel” of a ball when handling or striking it can be subjective. Based on golfer reviews, the Supersoft MAX does have a very soft feel. The Titleist TruFeel also earned high marks from golfers for its soft impact against the clubface.
Is Callaway Supersoft a good ball?
Based on our research of reviews and product testers, the Callaway Supersoft is a well-rounded and high-performance ball. Golfers noted the ball’s distance in the long game and excellent greenside control. Many reviewers also described the ball as very forgiving on shots that should’ve been hooks or slices.
Adam Zammiello is a writer and filmmaker based near Raleigh, NC. He uses his background in B2B content creation and writing patient support programs to educate consumers and athletes on the products, trends, and services that can help them lead fuller, healthier lives.
