The golf ball is the only piece of equipment with which you play every shot in every round, so it is important to find the best golf balls that are right for your game.
In terms of brands, users are spoilt for choice and, if you were to list golf ball manufacturers, TaylorMade would, likely, be near the top of that list, with the brand producing an array of different models and types of golf balls.
As we know, many top pros play the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x models, which rank amongst the best premium golf balls money can buy, whilst their other models are included in the distance and best value categories.
Below, we have taken a look at their range of golf balls and listed which models will likely suit your game. If, however, you prefer a different brand to TaylorMade, then be sure to take a look at our best Titleist golf balls, best Callaway golf balls and best Bridgestone golf balls guides.
The Quick List
One of the best value golf balls on the market, the RBZ Soft is a great distance option, with the penetrating ball flight helping those who are searching for a superb long game golf ball
The Stripe stands out via its handy alignment aid, which works well for both putting and off the tee. Importantly, it has good greenside control and is another great value option.
Like the Stripe, TaylorMade has introduced another interesting design to its golf ball range, with the SpeedSoft providing an extremely soft feel and solid all-round performance.
Used by the professionals, the TP5x has increased its ball speed numbers and yardages, with stability in windy conditions, arguably, the best on the market.
TaylorMade's TP5 still provides an incredible amount of greenside spin and control, with the soft feel and durability a real standout in the premium golf ball sector.
The Soft Response stands out in the short game sector, as the soft feel off the face makes way for copious amounts of greenside control with wedges.
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Along with its strong, penetrating ball flight, the Tour Response also has excellent short game capabilities and is a great all-rounder at a price that won't break the bank.
There's a lot to love about the Distance+, with the durability a particular stand out. Although it doesn't have as much spin as other models, the long game performance can rival the premium golf balls.
Aimed at those with slow to moderate swing speeds, we found the Kalea to be a confidence-boosting option that was very easy to get in the air.
Best TaylorMade Golf Balls
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Best value
The RBZ Soft is designed to provide great performance that won't break the bank and, in terms of the long game, the RBZ Soft really stood out. To begin with, there was a penetrating ball flight that, even in windy conditions, didn't seem to deviate, whilst the distance was more than sufficient.
Performing well on both tee shots and iron shots, the react core and low compression of the ball meant there was also a decent amount of run-out but, in terms of short game control, this is where the RBZ Soft suffered compared to premium models. Certainly, there was some grip and spin, but not as much as the more expensive golf balls.
Overall, there's a lot to like about the RBZ Soft and, personally, we believe it's amongst the best golf balls for high handicappers, due to the fact the cover is very strong. In testing, despite striking trees and branches, there were no visible cuts or scratches to the surface.
- Read our full TaylorMade RBZ Soft 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best for alignment
When it comes to starting new trends, TaylorMade is at the forefront with the Tour Response Stripe being a prime example. As you can tell, the main feature of this ball is the band that wraps around it, which is designed to assist golfers in aligning their ball on the greens and tee.
Admittedly, the inclusion of a big colorful stripe on the ball might not suit everyone's eye, but we found that it did play its purpose when it came to lining up putts. What's more, the feedback of the ball was instantaneous and really narrowed in the focus on the ball and the putter face.
Performance-wise, there was plenty of short game control on chip and pitch shots, with the distance also very solid. In regards to the long game department, there was a firm feel, which will divide opinion, but overall we were impressed with the all-round playability of the Stripe.
- Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe Review
Best colors
Like the Stripe, the SpeedSoft Ink has an interesting pattern that continues the theme of TaylorMade introducing different prints to the golf balls. To begin with, it features a really distinct visual design, with splashes of color splattered on the golf ball undoubtedly enhancing the visibility when searching for it in the rough.
The performance is not just cosmetic either. The SpeedSoft Ink is labeled as a mid-launching ball but, in testing, we actually got it to spin and climb a little higher than we expected, which is good for those players who struggle to do so. Additionally, the SpeedSoft Ink golf balls have a compression delta below 50, hence why they felt extremely soft off the face at impact.
Obviously, the Ink design will divide many but, if you want a very good performing golf ball that won't break the bank, the SpeedSoft is a viable option. Also, it is available in white or yellow so, if the Ink isn't for you, then you can always opt for the traditional look.
- Read our full TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink Golf Ball Review
Best Tour model
As mentioned, the TP5 and TP5x rank amongst the best premium golf balls on the market and, in their newest iterations, both the TP5x and TP5 have got even better, with the performance off the charts good.
To begin with, TaylorMade has introduced a new ‘Speed Wrapped Core’ which, in testing, gave a softer feel at impact. By doing so, TaylorMade claims it has allowed the TP5x to be made harder and faster without compromising feel or acoustics. Striking the ball, we completely agree with their claims, as it provided incredible performance.
Another stand-out aspect was the durability. Hitting plenty of wedges into the greens, the cover was not scratched or marked by the grooves and, aesthetically, TaylorMade has added a new MySymbol collection to it, which allows you to customise your TP5x with a number of logo options.
- Read our full TaylorMade TP5x Golf Ball review
TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball
Like the TP5x, TaylorMade have introduced a new core to the TP5, with the material that makes up the core altered to a lower density acoustic material that sounds and feels softer than before.
Aesthetically, the TP5 follows the same pattern as the TP5x, in the sense that there are Pix options and, performance-wise, there isn't a huge amount to separate the two. In testing, we were getting a few mph more out of the TP5x, but the TP5 still provided plenty of distance and consistency.
Where the TP5 did perform well, though, came in and around the greens. Striking a number of chips and pitch shots, we found the feel to be 'marshmallow soft' and the ball felt like it rolled up the grooves and produced incredible amounts of spin. One last point to mention is the durability which, once again, was exceptional.
- Read our full TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball Review
Best mid-price
TaylorMade claim the Soft Response is the softest ball they have ever produced and, in testing, we noticed this instantly, as the feel off the putter face was superb. Along with the putter, the short game was a real standout, with there being plenty of spin on chips and pitch shots.
Moving away from the short game aspect, the Soft Response will suit those with slower swing speeds, as the ball felt very easy to get airborne. The Soft Response is a very low compression golf ball and, in our spin numbers, we noticed an increase when striking it off the tee and with the high-irons.
With an RRP of less than $30, there is excellent value to be had and, when striking the ball, we were instantly able to deduce that the Soft Response is amongst the best soft feel golf balls money can buy.
- Read our full TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 Golf Ball Review
TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball
A very good all-rounder, the Tour Response provided impressive short game control when striking pitch and chip shots around the green. What's more, because the Tour Response features in a striped design, it can help with alignment when on the putting green.
In testing, we did find a slight drop in distance compared to the premium golf balls but, given that this model comes in fractionally less than the premium models, it's something that we would expect.
Crucially, though, there wasn't a significant drop off in ball speed and the feel off the face was extremely solid. This is thanks, in part, to the urethane cover, which you can also find on the TP5 and TP5x, with the strength of flight and distance impressive for a relatively low-compression ball.
- Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best for distance
The Distance+ offers a high velocity performance to provide more distance on all shots. Thanks to a REACT Speed Core and high speed, but low drag, aerodynamics, we could feel the speed off the face.
Throughout, we found there to be great feedback through the bag with this ball and it comes with a good alignment aid that helps with lining up putts and tee shots. Also, because of the plus alignment aid, it gave us good feedback on putts, as we could see if the ball was rolling end over end.
Another great all-rounder from TaylorMade, the Distance+ is very durable and, using the same ball for 18 holes in testing, we found there to be limited wear and tear. Overall, we would put this as one of the best golf balls for beginners, due to the fact it provided plenty of distance and durability.
- Read our full TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball Review
Best women's
The slower you swing a club, the more compression you need and the Kalea ball has a soft 60 compression that works very well off the tee. Like other models on this list, TaylorMade’s REACT technology is present and its engineers have allowed the Kalea to compress off the clubface faster and higher to maximise distance.
Available in numerous colorways, there should be something for everyone and, in testing, we found there to be plenty of fire power off the face, as well as a pleasant sound and a high-launching, penetrating ball flight.
Ranked amongst the best women’s golf balls on the market, the Kalea is a great value offering that will help those players who struggle to get the ball airborne. Admittedly, the distance wasn't the longest but, thanks to the added spin, it can get the shot in the air with ease.
- Read our full TaylorMade Kalea Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
Our team at Golf Monthly play a lot of golf and we always play in different conditions this puts us at a great advantage to test balls rigorously and really get the pros and cons down the a tee. We have golfers of all abilities giving us a broad spectrum of knowledge and understanding so we can cover more aspects in our testing. This means people who maybe have slower swing speeds can test the balls made for them and the big hitters can test the others, this gives us more insight and allows us to pass more valuable info onto you when it comes to purchasing balls.
We test balls out on the course and on putting greens using them over numerous rounds and hours to make sure we get all the data we need. We also make sure to test them for all types of shots, bunkers, chips, driving and long irons etc. This gives us more data and a understanding of where the balls shine and where they don't perform as well. We also like to state that no manufacturer can buy a good review, we will give our honest opinion whether good or bad, to make sure you can make informed decisions.
How to choose golf balls
Soft or firm?
The best premium golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Try both from various distances to find your preference.
Cover material
Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.
Long game or short game?
Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel? Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.
Price
No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend. Additionally another tip we have when it comes to golf balls is to practice with the same golf ball you play in competition because it will improve feel for a more reliable short game.
FAQs
Are TaylorMade golf balls good?
The simple answer here is yes. At the top end of the spectrum, TaylorMade golf balls are used by some of the world's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa. Then the brand also makes models for every type of player, as well as every level. Importantly, whatever you are after from your golf ball, TaylorMade will offer a high-quality model.
If you found this guide on the best TaylorMade golf balls informative, don't forget to look at the specific golf balls section of the Golf Monthly website.
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