Background

The TaylorMade Penta TP is the first tour ball with five solid-layers, with each layer engineered to optimize performance in five key shot categories that skilled players need – driver, long-irons, middle-irons, short-irons and partial wedges. The five layers of Penta TP include the core, inner mantle, middle mantle, outer mantle and cover, and each one plays a critical role in optimizing the performance of each of the five key shots.

Layer 1 – Cover

The soft Urethane Cover promotes a higher than average spin-rate on the all-important partial wedge shots required in the scoring zone, within 100 yards of the flag. These are the types of shots where many current tour balls fail to deliver the goods because they launch too high and don’t spin enough. Instead, most tour pros want a ball that launches lower and spins enough to stop fast after one or two bounces, which gives them maximum control over these types of shots. Penta TP’s soft, durable Urethane Cover has the necessary characteristics to deliver that coveted combination of lower launch angle and higher spin-rate, while also providing soft tour feel.

Layer 2 – Outer Mantle

The firm and fast Outer Mantle promotes optimum spin off the short-irons to stop the ball quick without sucking it off the front of the green or drawing it back too far from the hole. The Outer Mantle is the fastest mantle in the ball; because it’s positioned just beneath the cover it’s easily compressed by slower swingers (ball speeds 120 mph and below), helping them to generate higher ball speed for increased distance.

Layer 3 – Middle Mantle

The semi-firm and fast Middle Mantle, which surrounds the Inner Mantle , promotes mid-launch and mid-spin off the middle irons. Mid-launch promotes control; mid-spin keeps the ball from up-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target. The Middle mantle consists of a fast material, allowing medium-slow swingers (who average from 120 to 140 mph in ball speed) to generate more ball speed and distance, as they will compress only the two outermost mantles underneath the cover.

Layer 3 – Middle Mantle

The semi-firm and fast Middle Mantle, which surrounds the Inner Mantle , promotes mid-launch and mid-spin off the middle irons. Mid-launch promotes control; mid-spin keeps the ball from up-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target. The Middle mantle consists of a fast material, allowing medium-slow swingers (who average from 120 to 140 mph in ball speed) to generate more ball speed and distance, as they will compress only the two outermost mantles underneath the cover.

Layer 4 – Inner Mantle

The soft, fast Inner Mantle, which surrounds the core, promotes soft feel, high launch and low spin off the long-irons for exceptional distance and high, soft-landing flight that helps the ball sit quickly on the green. The Inner Mantle consists of a fast material, which helps players who average from 140 to 160 mph in ball speed to generate more ball speed and distance, because although they don’t swing fast enough to activate the core, they are able to activate the three layers between the core and cover including the inner mantle, which is the deepest of the three.

Layer 5 – Core

The extremely soft, low-compression core is the most critical layer to promoting high launch and low spin off the driver, which are well known to be the launch conditions that promote maximum carry and distance. Despite being soft and low-compression, Penta TP’s core is still very fast, which allows players who generate fast ball speed — in the 140 to 180 mph range — to generate more ball speed. Which means that if long-hitters who play a tour ball will likely be longer with Penta TP.

Progressive Distance Promotes More Yardage at a Variety of Swing Speeds

The layers of Penta TP are configured strategically to promote "Progressive Distance," which allows it to deliver terrific distance to all types of swing speeds. That’s because, as mentioned above, each layer is exceptionally fast. Slow swingers who generate only enough clubhead speed to activate the Outer Mantle will benefit. Medium swingers who can activate only the Outer and Middle mantles will benefit. Fast swingers who activate the Outer, Middle and Inner mantles will benefit. And of course, very fast swingers who activate every mantle plus the core will benefit.

Added Spin and Control in the Scoring Zone

The added spin Penta TP promotes in the scoring zone is especially important in light of the groove-change rule that will be implemented in high-level competitions by the USGA and R&Amp;A in 2010. The new grooves will impart less spin depending on the lie (much less out of the rough) and swing type (shallow swingers will lose more than steeper swingers). Penta TP will help some players recover some of the spin likely to be lost because of the new rule.
Recent testing with TaylorMade Tour Staff pros drew rave reviews from Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Retief Goosen and Justin Rose, who complimented Penta TP’s all-around performance and singled out for praise the spin and control on the all-important 30- to 75-yard wedge shot. "That’s been the biggest shortcoming in today’s tour balls," says Dean Snell, head of TaylorMade’s golf ball R&Amp;D department.

LDP Technology for Improved Distance on Driver Mis-hits

Penta TP also incorporates TaylorMade’s LDP technology, which uses improved aerodynamics to promote increased lift to keep the ball in the air longer for more distance on the most common types of driver mis-hits, which occur on the top half of the clubface. TaylorMade robot testing shows that LDP improves driver distance on mis-hits dramatically, and that TaylorMade balls with LDP are clearly longer on driver mis-hits compared to competitive balls without LDP. Also, Penta TP’s dimple configuration delivers the same hold-the-line stability in the wind that the TP Red and TP Black are renowned for.

Three Years in Development, Five-Layer Penta TP Delivers a New Level of Performance

"Penta TP took three years to develop as our golf ball R&D team carefully experimented with different mantle materials, compositions and thicknesses until the ideal combination was defined," said Dr. Benoit Vincent, TaylorMade’s chief technical officer. Extensive computer modeling, prototype creation, robot testing and player testing went into creating what we believe is the finest all-around performing golf ball of its kind, a ball that delivers outstanding performance on every key type of shot a golfer has to hit while also delivering tremendously soft and responsive feel off everything from driver to putter."

Penta TP on Tour

Penta TP is already being played on tour, first by Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen, who switched into it at the PGA Championship. Other players who have switched into Penta TP include Y.E. Yang, Justin Rose and Jason Day. "It usually takes players several weeks or even months of trial before they’ll change balls," said Snell. "We’re seeing players switch into Penta TP after testing it for nine holes. That’s proof that Penta TP offers a dramatic improvement in performance."

A Great Choice for Every Level of Player

Penta TP was created for our tour pros, yet it’s a great ball for every level of player. You don’t have to be a fast swinger to achieve excellent distance with Penta TP, and it delivers the kind of spin in the scoring zone that a distance ball can’t compete with, giving shorter hitters the added control to get up-and-down more often. The same goes for higher handicappers – the extra spin Penta TP promotes will only improve the quality of their short shots, helping them score lower.

Look and Feel

Usually we go with ‘Look and Feel’ here, but well, it’s a golf ball.  Look is pretty similar to most other golf balls on the market!  That being said, there are a couple little look related things to discuss.  A lot of golf balls on the market these days include a great little alignment aid, much like what the ProV1 is offering with their latest models.  The Penta TP does not offer any such alignment aid.  In fact, the Penta actually has a little less text on it than the TaylorMade TP Red or Black golf ball.  With the Red LDP there is enough text there that one could use it to help in alignment in a pinch.  So, that is one small thing I missed.  Generally I end up using a little plastic line tool to draw a line on the ball with a sharpie anyway, so not a huge deal.  Just nice to have should you forget the line drawing helper (there is probably an official term for such a device, but it escapes me at the moment).

So with the TaylorMade TP Red and Black golf balls (I am always referring to the latest LDP model in this review..I know it gets confusing as the Red/Black seemed to have swapped from the 2007->2008 models, but alas, go with the LDP ones in this review), I found the Reds to be nice and soft off irons and while putting, where as the Blacks were a little firmer and clickier on putts.  I always liked the green side spin of the Blacks, but always preferred the feel of the Red.  That takes us to the first comparison.  I was happy to find the Penta had a nice soft feel to it on putts and on iron shots, similar to that of the Red.  I even found the feel off the driver to be nice and soft.  Not overly soft like a ProV1, but some solid feel to it on, not mushy.

So yeah, the Penta certainly delivers in the feel department.  Now, can it deliver in the performance department?

Performance

First thing I would like to mention here is the LDP technology built into the Penta.  This same technology was built into the TP Red and TP Black golf balls, and let me tell you, if you play in windy conditions, this ball is a life saver.  If you have played on windy days enough, you know that you either need to keep the ball down and out of the wind or make sure you make dead solid contact.  If you get a little side spin on the ball, it turns into a lot of side spin.  The LDP technology really seems to help the ball pierce through the wind, even on those shots that are not pured.  The LDP also seems to help keep the ball aloft on mis-hits on not so windy days.  Having played the TP Red or Black balls most of this season, I am going to find it hard to switch to any non LDP ball at this point!

Distance wise I found the Penta to be solid on both drives and irons.  With regard to the driver, I found that for me the Penta played at least a few yards longer than the Black consistently.  The Penta was pretty similar to the TP Red distance wise.

As mentioned in the Background section, the Inner Mantle layer provides a high launching, low spin trajectory with the long irons, and that certainly seemed to be the case for me.  Anything from a 3 hybrid through a 5 iron launched high and landed very soft on the green.  Combined with Project-X shafts in my irons, the Penta cut its way through the air, seeming to hang forever, then just drop from the sky nice and soft.  Was pretty to watch.

Mid to short irons held the green well and provided a consistent distance on well struck, full swing shots.  TaylorMade claims that the Middle Mantle layer should help with these irons and prevent ballooning.  I do not generally notice any ballooning with my irons when I play the TP Red or Black, and I did not notice any with the Penta either.  Sometimes the TP Black can get up there if I am playing on a windy day.  So, based on that, I would put the Penta more in the Red category on the mid irons, good thing for me.

Last, and certainly not least, short game performance.  This is one area where I felt the TP Red lacked.  I play with a decent amount of spin on my wedges and short irons, but by no means do I generate Tour Quality spin.  That being said, I could usually get the TP Red irons to hop and stop or spin back a foot or two on full swings.  The TP Black always had a ton of bite in them for me.  I started to like using the TP Black for greenside shots, just because of that added spin, however never could get used to the harder feel.

In steps the Penta, which, so far had me feeling like it was a TP Red on the long shots, and the TP Red off the putter face.  Now, can it feel the same as the TP Red on pitches and chips, but bite like the TP Black?  The answer is…pretty darn close.  Full swings with a Pitching Wedge was providing a boat load of back spin, on par with the TP Black.  Little chips with the 58 around the green also could one hop and stop like the TP Black.  With the Red, on those delicate 5-10 yard chips, I often had to just let the ball release and run out.  You can be a little more aggressive with the Penta.  Me like!

Conclusion

So where do we stand with all of this?  I loved the TP Red off the driver, on the putting green, off my irons, but always felt like I could use a little more spin around the green.  The TP Black left a little to be desired off the tee and felt too hard inside 100 yards.  For me, at least, the Penta felt like a great compromise between the two.  Great distance, control and feel in the long game and great distance, spin and feel on the greens and in the short game.

Given that the Penta is priced around the same point as the TP Red and TP Black it seems like a no brainer to me.  Though I do occasionally find deals on the TP Red for $19.99 on various websites.  As long as I can get the TP Red at half the price of the Penta I may stick with that ball…I managed to get by with it for most of the year.  However, whenever I find a deal on the Pentas, or someone wants to get me some for Christmas..I will happily put a couple sleeves in my bag!

If you are a TP Red or TP Black player, you should most definitely check out the Penta.  If you are a ProV1 player looking for a little more distance off the tee, while retaining most of that greenside spin and feel, check out the Penta you may be surprised.  If nothing else, I think you will find the LDP technology to be a great addition to your game.

Dave, over at The Orland Golf Blog has also put together a nice review of the Penta TP from a higher handicapper’s perspective. If you are in the 25 range, have a look at his review, he does a nice job of explaining it from his perspective

As always here on The Deep Rough, we will give you a little background information from the product manufacturer. In this case, KnetGolf will do a much better job of explaining the differences between the various grades of recycled golf balls. For our review we had a look at Mint, A and B class golf balls, but we’ll also list their description of reconditioned golf balls.

MINT Quality Recycled Golf Balls

Knetgolf.com’s Mint quality recycled golf balls are the best available and are the choice for many golfers regardless of skill level. The Mint balls have both the appearance and feel of a ball that has been hit for a maximum of only one hole of play and that is why we identify them as ‘One Hole Wonders’.

They have a consistent color and a glossy shine. There are no X Outs. Corporate or sport team logos will be in the mix unless otherwise noted.

Other retailers may describe this grade as AAAA, PEARL, PERFECT, 1st QUALITY, GRADE 1

REFINISHED Golf Balls

Knetgolf.com’s professionally used & refinished golf balls are used golf balls that are reconditioned using a modern process which does not affect the playability of the golf ball, but brings them up to a level where they appear and behave just like new golf ball. Knetgolf only uses style specific golf balls, meaning only a used Titleist Pro V1x will be reconditioned into a refinished Titleist Pro V1x.

Used & refinished balls are subject to performance variations from new ones. These used & refinished balls were processed via one or more of the following steps: stripping, painting, stamping, and/or clear coating. Used & refinished balls are not endorsed by the original manufacturer and the balls do not fall under the original manufacturer’s warranty. However, we believe strongly in this product, standing behind them 100%.

GRADE A

Knetgolf.com’s Grade A recycled golf balls are clean, playable and have moderate surface blemishes and minor to moderate ink marks. None of the surface marks or slight blemishes will affect the trajectory, distance or flight path of the ball. There may be very minor user markings or the color may be slightly inconsistent as these balls are similar to ones you have played a few holes with. These balls are slightly cosmetically challenged but have no cuts or creases. No X outs are included in this mix. Corporate or sport team logos will be in the mix unless otherwise noted.

Other retailers may describe this grade as AAA, NEAR MINT, NEAR PERFECT, 2nd QUALITY, and GRADE 2.

GRADE B

Knetgolf.com’s Value Grade B recycled golf balls are the best valued buy for budget minded golfers. The Grade B recycled balls are 100% playable. The Grade B balls may be cosmetically challenged in that they have moderate surface blemishes and minor to moderate ink marks. None of the surface marks or slight blemishes should affect the trajectory, distance or flight Path of the ball. A cut ball is considered unplayable. If Knetgolf deems that the scuff or scratch is too large or if it tears into the cover of the ball, it will not qualify for any of our grades.

Cart paths, trees, and other small markings on the surface may be evident. Corporate or sport team logos will be in the mix unless otherwise noted. Knetgolf.com stands 100% behind this product and all purchases are backed by our 100% guarantee.

Other retailers may describe this grade as AA, VERY GOOD, GOOD, 3rd QUALITY

To wrap up the KnetGolf provided information, here is a two minute video about KnetGolf, the process of recycling the golf balls and how the balls will show up at your door step.

Look

As we mentioned earlier our review samples included some Mint, Class A and Class B golf balls. The picture below this paragraph shows you a nice little bowl full of the mixed up golf balls. Maybe you can tell the difference, maybe not. About all I noticed was that some of the Class B golf balls were a little discolored (you can see that on the golf ball in the bottom left) and some had little ink marks from personal ball marks (ball in the top right). None of the balls were scuffed up, cut, or otherwise physically blemished, though as the description suggests, you may receive one with little scuff marks that should not affect performance. Now, the difference between Mint and Class A? It is not that easy to notice the difference, but I will put it this way, the Mint balls looked like they came out of a Titleist box, where as the Class A balls looked like they may have played a few holes but came through the ball washer.

Performance

I had played the ProV1X back in 2006/2007 until I started playing the TaylorMade TP Red balls more regularly, so I am still pretty familiar with the characteristics of the ProV1X. From what I could tell, the Mint and A grade recycled balls performed no different than their new counterparts. They stuck nice on wedge shots and shorter iron shots. The ball came off the driver with that ProV1X feel and apparent ball speed. Really, unless I put myself on a TrackMan I would not be able to tell any performance differences between this ball and a new ball…heck, even on a TrackMan I doubt you would notice a difference.

The Class B balls, performance wise…again it is hard to say, but I will say this much, the ones that were slightly discolored did bug me a little, at least visually. There is something about a nice, clean, new looking golf ball that inspires some confidence. So unless they are going in my shag bag, I would probably opt for the Class A or Mint recycled golf balls.

To be honest, I was really surprised with the quality of the golf balls. I was fully expecting to be disappointed when the guys from KnetGolf got in touch with me, but I have been delighted with the quality of their product.

One of the really neat things about a service like this is the ability to get your hands on golf balls that have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Sayyou prefer the 2007 ProV1x…KnetGolf has plenty of them at a great price. Same goes for pretty much any other manufacturer. Like those old Nike One Platinum balls? They’ve got you covered. The 2007 TaylorMade TP Red golf balls? No problem. They even have a bunch of different Maxfli models…so if for some very strange reason you want to fill your back with Pink Noodle Ice golf balls…be my guest.

Another great idea would be to use this service to fill up your shag bag. Practicing with the same ball you play on the course is such a great idea, you want that same feel and performance off the golf ball during practice and play. Though the thought of spending $50 a dozen to fill up my shag bag makes me ill. Some of these Class B recycled balls are a quarter the price of the new balls ($14.99 for a dozen ProV1s)…I can live with that. KnetGolf seems to have picked up on this idea as well and actually sells a little package deal with 36 balls and a shag bag for under $20.

Conclusion

That about wraps it up. I have always been one for trying to find a way to save a buck, but at the same time wanting to use quality equipment…this seems like a perfect compromise. It is no wonder KnetGolf is on track to supply 20,000,000 golf balls to more than 200,000 golfers in 2009! To top it off, here are a couple deals from KnetGolf!

• Shipping is free for orders over $99
• Get 15% off Titleist Recycled Golf Balls – Use Coupon Code TITLEIST
• Get 50% off Top-Flite Recycled Golf Balls – Use Coupon Code TOP50

A golf ball without dimples? Crazy you say. Nope, The Caesar Golf Company has managed to remove said dimples and offer a completely smooth, billiard ball like apparatus for golfer to swing at.

If you are a serious, low handicap golfer, distance is all important. Now, for the rest of us, Caesar Golf Company has introduced a revolutionary new ball that helps golfers consistently hit straight shots. It has no dimples. The smooth surface on the Featherie eliminates hooks and slices.

“Dimples create lift at high velocities, increasing distance the ball will fly, but they are also responsible for side spin, a major cause of hooks and slices,” explains Vin Lee, founder, Caesar Golf Company. “This ball flies straight. It lets the golfer do strategic shot placement.”

Designed for Par 3 or 4 courses, private resort and executive courses, Caesar Golf’s new smooth surface ball gives golfers more control. It hits well off the tee with a high lofting wood or hybrid. It’s great for golfers with a slower swing. On a dog leg, it will keep the golfer out of the rough.

The premise is simple…makes sense…but how does it perform on the course?

The Caesar Golf Ball

Look

Imagine a golf ball sized cue ball. Stamp a roman style logo on the side, and there you have it, the Caesar Golf ball. The ball is definitely interesting looking. Play with it, and I guarantee people will ask questions about it almost immediately. If you are looking to make a statement with your golf ball…well you have limited choices. Go Paula Creamer style and play a Pink Precept or hit the toga party with a Caesar Golf ball. There really isn’t much else to it. It really is quite smooth, white…and yeah…that’s about it.

Feel

The Titleist snobs like to call Top-Flite golf balls ‘Top-Rocks’ because they think Top-Flite golf balls feel like a rock compared to the beloved ProV1. The obviously have not hit a Caesar Golf Ball. This thing hurts. Now mind you, it is a little chilly here, perhaps if it were 90 out, the ball would feel a little softer. But even in the 60s-70s here last week, this ball hurt.

Durability

Normally, I do not dedicate a section to this, but one of my first questions with this ball was…what happens when I hit it with some sharp Eidolon grooves? I fully expected this ball to get shredded/damaged/lose it’s smooth surface quickly. I was very surprised to find that this ball is remarkably durable. After numerous rounds of golf…countless lob wedge shots…even a few cart paths…this ball looks like new. Not sure how that works out, but definitely a positive feature of this ball.

Performance

Caesar Golf Ball on the Course

So, typically, people look at three major components of the game of golf: Full Swing, Short Game and Putting. They’re all different, and demand certain attributes from a golf ball. So let’s look at these components individually.

Full Swing

No dimples. On a full swing, you’re going to gain something and lose something with the Caesar ball. As they make abundantly clear in their literature, you will lose distance with the Caesar ball. I found I lost at least 2 club lengths with my irons. I never tried it with a driver, as I was concerned I would damage the driver head (see feel). So yeah I am sure some people can live with the loss of distance, if there is a dramatic improvement in accuracy.

So what do we gain? A little bit in the control department. No question, it is difficult to hook or slice this golf ball. You can still do it, but certainly not with ease. If you have a 50 yard banana slice now, perhaps you can do it…I wasn’t able to. However, what it will not fix is a push or a pull. If you start the ball left or right…they will still go that way…they just won’t slice or hook further off line as much!

My problem here is this, the target audience is high handicap players. If your swing is a mess, you are just as likely to pull or push your shots as you are to hook or slice it. (If you are not sure what a push or a pull is, have a read through this post, it will help you a lot.) Now, you will also be losing at least two clubs of length. So, instead of a high handicapper hitting a 7 iron into a green from 150 yards…they’re hitting a 5 iron. Smaller sweet spot, more difficult to get the ball up in the air, better chance to hit the ball off line. I don’t know, it seems to all cancel out in my book.

One last thing I’ll mention on full swing shots. The ball will take off on a much lower trajectory and, since there are no dimples, you will not have a ‘climbing’ effect of a traditional golf ball trajectory. So the ball comes in a lot flatter, and will roll out a lot further. This helps some with the lost distance, but does not help you if you need to get over something (trap/water/etc). Besides, if water is involved, you probably want to put your $10 ball in the bag, and hit something else!

Short Game

I had mixed results with this in the short game. One great thing about this ball (which I’ll mention more of in Putting) is that the ball rolls very true. So, bump and run shots, or little chips up onto the green, roll out very smooth on the green. Pitches, flew a little lower, but again, roll out nice on the green. If one put a lot of time into practicing with this ball, I am sure it would be fine around the greens. However, you can throw out any type of shot that involves spin…side..back…or otherwise. You always need to play for the roll out.

Going back to feel again, which is a huge component of the short game….it just isn’t there with this ball. It feels like a rock even when you are chipping.

Putting

If this ball shines in one area, it is putting. This thing does indeed roll like a billiard ball on a pool table. If you play on grainy or longer grass greens, you often notice that as the ball slows it is easily influenced by the grass, and will start to veer left or right. With this ball….even as it slows down it continues to roll true. I wish I could just replace my ball with this one whenever I got to the green, unfortunately that’s against the rules of golf.

One problem, again, with this is the feel. Putting with this ball feels very different than any other golf ball you may have used. It feels a lot harder. You will also need to adjust to the speed. Due to less resistance (I assume) the ball rolls much quicker than a dimple golf ball. A couple sessions on the practice green may help you here, but it is definitely a time investment.

Conclusion

For $30 a sleeve ($10 a ball), the Caesar Golf ball is no bargain. Though, given how durable they are, unless you try hitting them over water, I cannot imagine you would have to buy any more than 3 of them. Is it worth $30? If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, and want to mess around with an interesting concept, be my guest. If you are a retiree that plays a banana slice, is living off social security and expect this ball to make you into Tiger Woods…forget about it. Who knows, you may be able to make up for the loss of distance with more roll out. Perhaps the harsh feeling of the ball may not bother you. I do not know. Personally, I would rather buy 30 Top-Flite D2 balls.

It was fun to mess with, trying to hit a hook with it. It definitely was very fun to putt with…like I said earlier, wow..if I could always putt with this, golf would be a lot easier. I would say if you play a short par 3 often, and do not struggle with distance…but fight a big slice, it may be worth a shot. If nothing else, it will be something to talk about with your regular foursome.

Perhaps you can find them on eBay cheaper.

Note Cayman golf is having a sale on these, $20 for 3 balls. Thanks to Jason down in the comments for pointing this out.

Bridgestone Golf has given me the opportunity to review their 3 of their new ball releases for 2008, the E5+, E6+ and new B330S.

Each of these balls are designed with different golfers in mind.

e5+ Features

The e5+ with its unique Urethane cover two-piece construction is designed for players seeking longer carry distance off the tee by generating an optimum trajectory height.

The Tour proven Urethane cover provides shot shaping control, superb spin performance and a soft responsive feel.

The 330 Seamless dimple design delivers advanced aerodynamics for a consistent trajectory leading to pin-point accuracy.

e6+ Features

The e6+ Multi-Layer design with its innovative Anti-Spin / Extra Velocity Inner Cover is engineered for players seeking a straighter ball flight with longer carry distance and roll.

The enhanced low compression design provides an extra soft feel on all shots and a smooth roll off the putter.

The 330 Seamless dimple design delivers advanced aerodynamics for a consistent trajectory leading to pin-point accuracy.

B330s Details

• 330 Seamless Dimple Design for Superior Flight Consistency
• Newly Enhanced Soft Speed Elasticity Core for increased distance
• Reengineered Ionomer Inner Layer for Acceleration
• Soft Urethane Cover for Increased Touch and Control

Look

All 3 golf balls look nearly identical. The e5+ has a black number, while the e6+ and B330s have red numbers. Each ball has their name on the side. The e5+ and the e6+ have a little bit of a “louder” logo, while the B330s has a much more quiet logo. The e5+ and e6+ also have a slightly fancier alignment aid.

I prefer the look of the B330s labeling on the side, but none of the 3 are really “loud” to be honest. I could live with any of the 3.

Performance and Feel

Each ball has a distinct feel. As you could see above, they each have their performance benefits.

I found that the e5+ tended to be the longest of the 3 balls in terms of carry distance. On well struck shots, the ball was carrying a 1/2 club longer off the irons than the Titleist ProV1X I normally play. The e6+ tended to be the shortest, maybe a couple yards shorter than my usual ball. However, I didn’t think much about it and certainly could have been the particular shots.

As for accuracy, I found all 3 to be extremely accurate. The e6+ definitely spun less, as it is designed to do. This definitely would help someone who curves the ball a lot. However, if you tend to be a low-spin player, as I am, off the driver, it can definitely effect your ball flight. The e6+ tended to carry a little shorter than I expected it to, but it would roll out, off the driver, to catch up.

Around the greens, the B330s was leap years ahead of the other 2. The B330s is the best feeling ball I’ve ever played around the greens. it was easy to stop on short pitches. It was easy to make run out on pitch and runs. I found both the e5+ and e6+ a little more difficult to stop quickly. I played more flop type shots with the e5+ and e6+ than I was accustomed to playing. It wasn’t a huge adjustment, but there were a couple shots that I adjusted how I wanted to play them because of the ball. With the B330s, I felt I had full control of the ball, and could play whatever shot I wished.

On the green, I preferred the feel of the B330s as well, but all 3 felt good. The e5+ felt a little more “soft” than the other 2, but not bad. The B330s felt more like what I was accustomed to.

Conclusion

The B330s is comparable, if not even a little better, than the ProV1x I normally play. It spins a little more around the greens, but, spins more like the ProV1x off the full irons. The e5+ and e6+ were not designed to compare with the ProV1X. They have specific goals in mind, and from what I have seen, they hit those goals perfectly. All of the claims Bridgestone made about these balls are accurate!

In the winter months, when a slightly softer ball is desirable, the e5+ would be my choice. I like the Urethane cover. It doesn’t spin as much as the B330s, but in the soft conditions the winter brings on, this may not be needed.

Bridgestone did an excellent job with all 3 of these balls. While I liked the B330s best, I wouldn’t shy away from playing any of these balls.

If you do not feel comfortable with your current ball, or have never been fit for a golf ball, be sure to check out the Bridgestone Golf Challenge.

• Bridgestone Distance e6+ Golf Balls – $24.99
• Bridgestone Distance e5+ Golf Balls – $24.99
• Bridgestone B330S Golf Balls – $39.99
• Search for Bridgestone Balls on eBay

Background

The new Srixon Soft Feel for Ladies brings all of the distance technology that has been the hallmark of Srixon’s success to a golf ball ideally suited for women golfers. Its soft, Energetic Gradient Growth core allows moderate to low swing speed golfers to generate impressive ball velocity with excellent feel. The high resilience of the Rabalon HR® blended cover ensures the great feel without sacrificing distance of the tee.

The new Soft Feel for Ladies is softer, longer and more enjoyable for lady golfers at all levels. And don’t let the color of the box fool you. This ball is a force to be reckoned with.

User Benefits

• Tremendous soft feel for all shots from tee to green
• Exceptional driver distance with good approach iron spin
• Optimum performance for a wide range of golfers including those with low swing speeds

Look, Feel and Performance

My son gave me a box of Srixon Soft Feel for Ladies to try out. Never averse to looking a gift “ball” in the mouth I agreed despite the fact that I’d given away all the other ladies balls I’d been gifted after one round of play. Let me start out by saying I am not the world’s greatest golfer but than I’m not the worst. I have a 16 handicap index, based on play at a par 3 course.

You guessed it; I live in a retirement community.

Generally I find a ball I like and play it until I lose it or it’s so beat up I retire it to the practice net basket. I really can’t talk about spin (backspin I only get by luck), compression or aerodynamics. What I can tell you is that I finally found out what a soft feel ball feels like. It was so sweet it didn’t even seem as though I’d hit it. The directional arrow was especially helpful as I’m always turning a ball around to find something to use that will help me line up. The ball ran true on bump and run chips and landed soft on high lobs….very helpful as I don’t always reach the longer holes. I even noticed a different feel with my putting stroke.

The name is also a help….not too many play this ball so it’s so much easier to identify….now if they’d only put that little guy’s face on it and dust it with a bit of Jim Furyk magic powder.

At the moment, you can get a fleece hat or rain bucket hat from Srixon when you purchase a dozen Srixon Balls. At $19.99 a dozen, the Srixon Ladies Soft Feel Golf Balls are quite a bargain.

The all new Srixon Trispeed brings multilayer performance to a broad audience of golfers. The Trispeed features Srixon’s proprietary soft, Energetic Gradient Growth core which provides highly efficient energy transfer from ball to club for a wide range of swing speeds, along with ideal high launch angle and low spin launch conditions. The mid-layer is made of highly resilient Rabalon® HR blended ionomer for enhanced ball speed. The soft Rabalon blended cover delivers an incredible feel with amazing velocity. Core, Mid and Cover – three layers, each designed for the one thing that directly translates to distance – Speed.

The Srixon Trispeed golf ball provides:

• Greater carry with exceptionally soft feel for players of all swing speeds
• Highly resilient, advanced aerodynamics for greater carry and distance
• Superb soft feel on all shots from tee to green
• High trajectory aerodynamics make it easier to get the ball airborne

Look
The Trispeed is a pretty common looking golf ball. The Srixon logo is quite understated…no..there isn’t a big grinning smile with big teeth on the side. The alignment aid on the Trispeed is simple, and pretty effective. You may still want to draw your own line down the side. I still prefer the alignment aid on the cheap-o Top-Flite D2 balls, everyone should adopt an alignment aid like that!

Not that it matters much once it’s on the course, but the packaging is quite nice as well. To top it off, I’m not sure if this promotion is still going, but if you head over to your local Golfsmith and buy a dozen Srixon balls you’ll get a pretty sharp looking golf towel for free.

Performance and Feel
So, the Trispeed is a low spin, distance ball, essentially. It probably competes with the HX-Hot, NXT, e6 and to a much lesser extent, the Top Flite D2. Having played the D2 (Feel/Distance) and the HX-Hot a lot this summer, I will try to compare the Trispeed performance and feel to those balls.

In the month of July, I posted up a bunch of rounds in the 70s, while playing the D2 Feel and Distance balls (depending on the course/conditions). So I feel as if I have a fair amount of recent experience with those particular balls. Each ball has its merits, but also leaves a little to be desired. I found the Trispeed to be a nice blend of the D2 Distance and Feel. It felt softer than the D2 Soft and seemed to eek out the D2 distance a bit in terms of distance off the tee. A winning combination in my mind. If it had the same price point and the alignment aid, I’d be in ball heaven.

Earlier in the year, I was in love with the Callaway HX Hot. I spent a lot of time working on my 100 yard wedge game with that ball, and grew used to the somewhat harsh feel and lack of spin. I did, however, love how straight it was off the tee, and how far the ball always seemed to go. I never did feel comfortable putting with it though. At some point, I decided the D2 balls were worth a try, and never really looked back to the HX-Hot. Suddenly, the HX-Hot felt very hard compared to the D2 Feel….and well…compared to the Srixon Trispeed, the HX-Hot is a rock.

On the putting green, the Trispeed has decent softness to it. It certainly isn’t the Z-URS or a ProV1, but for a mid priced ball, it is pretty soft. Certainly softer than the HX-Hot or the D2 balls. Same goes for pitches and chips around the green. Hit the Z-URS then the Trispeed, and you will definitely feel the difference…the Z-URS feeling softer and generating more spin. But, you’re also looking at nearly twice the price. Compared to the HX Hot and the D2 balls, I much preferred the Trispeed on and around the greens.

All that being said, unless you’re a consistent ball striker, who keeps the ball very straight off the tee and is precise enough to benefit from a lot of spin around the green, I would stick with the less expensive 3 layer balls (like the Trispeed). You will find your mis hits on the tee fly straighter (the lower spin off the driver) and unless you have perfected your wedge technique, the ball probably won’t spin back any less than the expensive 2 layer balls.

If I had to rank the balls I played the most this summer, and trust me, this is NOT scientific, here would be my list:

Softness/Feel

• Srixon Trispeed
• Top Flite D2 Feel
• Top Flite D2 Distance
• Callaway HX-Hot

Iron Spin

• Srixon Trispeed
• Top-Flite D2 Feel
• Callaway HX-Hot
• Top-Flite D2 Distance

Driver Distance

• HX Hot
• Srixon Trispeed
• Top-Flite D2 Distance
• Top-Flite D2 Feel

Conclusion
With so many people playing Titleist, Callaway and Top-Flite balls, having a Srixon ball is a welcome change. They are very easy to identify, and you generally do not have to worry about anyone playing your ball by mistake. “Oh, that’s Sean’s ball, it’s the Srixon.” Though, given the performance of this ball, and the Z-UR line of balls, I imagine that may be changing. You’ll also find yourself saying ‘Get yo srix-on’ to yourself quite often.

If you’re looking for a nice combination of straight distance off the tee with your driver, and relatively nice feel off your irons and around the green…without breaking the bank…the Srixon Trispeed may be a great option for you. No your wedge won’t suck the ball back 20 feet like a ZUR-S or ProV1, but, with the right grooves (check out my Eidolon Wedge Review) you should be able to get this ball to check and stop pretty easy. You should be able to find the Srixon Trispeed balls for about $20->$25 a dozen at your local golf shop or perhaps slightly less on ebay. Similar in price to that of the Titliest NXT, the Callaway HX-Hot and Bridgestone e6.

Now, I need to get my hands on a set of Srixon i-701 irons!