Soft feel - less performance?

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By Don O

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  • 10 Replies
  1. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    As a not young golfer and a constant hunger to consider change, I keep experimenting. I'm set on my clubs, so I've toyed with balls. There is no shortage of advertising for softer balls, I've tried a few (mia culpa - not all are Titleist). Across all clubs, none can match a Pro-V1 for distance and control. It is consistent that I can subtract a few yards. Whatever the benefit is for a soft feel or "designed for slower swing speeds", the only advantage may be price. I consistently find myself in a better position to score better with the V's.

    My GolfSpy has confirmed this with ball testing. They're not a marketing arm for Titleist, but find that softness is a trade-off for performance. I'd have to agree. The day may be coming when I'm playing the front tees on a limited income so I may decide to go with TruFeel, but for now will stock the 4-4-3 deal during our Still Winter season in WI.

  2. Badger Golfer

    Badger Golfer
    Columbus, OH

    Their ball test did show that you do lose a few yards with a softer ball. I personally admit to enjoying the feel of a softer ball but Ive forced myself to overlook that in the name of performance.
    BTW if you love the Pro V but want to save a few bucks, you could always look at buying used. Ive been playing the refurbished Pro Vs for a while now and other than the feel being a bit different, I find that they play pretty equally to new ones.
  3. Hunter E

    Hunter E
    Ohio

    Refurbished isn't bad, but I personally like recycled golf balls. My reason is the cover is still the original cover and no altercations have been made to the ball except cleaning.
  4. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Great that Titleist has so many options of high quality balls to fit everyone's individual needs and preferences. Glad you have locked into what works best for you. Hit'm straight and stay safe.
  5. JAM

    JAM

    I just ordered a dozen Pro V1's this month, "The Father's Day Special". I was told it would be 28 business days until I receive them in July. It is worth the wait to get the best. I have tried the AVX, but...
  6. Darryl M

    Darryl M
    Wichita, KS

    I've tried to explain this to people I play golf with that use other brand golf balls based on softness & price. Just find a Titleist that feels that way in a price range you like & never worry about a inconsistent ball again.

    none have switched but still complain?????

    DM
  7. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    The price part was simple. I lose maybe 4 dozen balls a year (actually less) so buying a 4-4-3 bundle, I pay $36 a dozen. Short of buying bottom end balls boxed in 15's, I'd pay $25-30 for Surlyn covered 2 piece balls. For simplicity, use $26. So I could save $40 a year (4 x $10 per box). I probably spend in excess of $200 yearly on liquid refreshments on course/post round.

    Even if I used 8 dozen in a year, that's $80 extra. Compared to a new $450 driver every 3 years, balls are the best bargain short of tees in the game of golf. Playing a better ball is worth it. Viewing a Pro-V hitting a pond as $4 lost, it really is just $1.50 - the $30/dozen balls weren't free either.
  8. TArsenault

    TArsenault

    Anyone having durability issues with their Titleist golf ball? I have hit Pro V and I am currently playing AVX. As soon as I hit one of my SM7 wedges, it tears the skin off the ball. Is this a normal thing or should I bee concerned?

    Thanks,
  9. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Judging that no professional men play the ball, the cover may be softer that the Pro-V's. I've never had an issue with cover damage from a wedge (tree trunks and cart paths are a different story) but I generate less than 6000 RPMs. You obviously have a faster swing than me.

    You should contact your local Titleist rep about the durability. Or call customer service for Warranty, Care, and Repair. Also know if the version is the original or the 2020 version released this spring. Titleist will want to know and either replace your supply if it is a lot problem or suggest and replace your supply with a Pro-V of your choice, and why (as my guess). I doubt they would just say too bad.
  10. Mark F

    Mark F

    I would agree with Don's comments, but might add a question. Are your SM7s new? If you bought them when the price went down as the SM8s were introduced then the grooves on the 7s might still be pretty sharp and with the faster swing the damage just might be a bit normal. I would still talk to the Customer service people though.
  11. Lance P

    Lance P
    Hillsborough, NC

    Many good comments here and the question of soft fee - less performance can be debated forever. Each person can "feel" something different but some numbers (spin rate, ball speed, etc.) can be tangible evidence.

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