Srixon Soft Feel Vs. Taylormade TP5X Golf Balls Comparison Overview
Getting better at golf is something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there is the elation and satisfaction of knowing that your efforts are paying off.
On the other hand, you need to start scrutinizing your gear ever more carefully.
In fact, the scrutiny doesn’t end. The more you progress the more you have to consider if your gear is holding you back.
To that end we have prepared a comparison article that will help you decide what kind of golf balls you should be using.
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls Overview
With the Srixon Soft Feel golf balls, you get a distance ball that doesn’t quite feel like a distance ball.
Off the face, the Srixon Soft Feel balls have a firmer feel than your average distance ball. They sport a compression rating of 71 so that certainly has something to do with it.
They also have a 2-piece design that features a gradient core that gets firmer towards the surface.
Still, the spin rate off the tee with these balls is exceptional. Long-game spin is almost non-existent with these balls so they yield impressive driver distance.
We were averaging about 264 yards with the Srixon Soft Feel balls with an average club head speed of 93 MPH.
However, these balls lack a urethane cover that we prefer for pretty much any class of ball. Instead, the Srixon Soft Feel balls have an ionomer cover that mutes a lot of the feel on short approaches and chips.
Taylormade TP5X Golf Balls Overview
The TP5X balls feature an impressive 5-layer design which imparts incredible spin control in the short-game.
It should be noted that the Srixon Soft Feel balls performed almost as well off the tee as these more expensive balls.
The Taylormade TP5X balls were producing driver distances of about 270 yards with the average club head speed being 95 MPH.
But spin off the deck and roll control on the green is where the TP5X’s leave the Srixon Soft Feel balls in the dust.
The combination of a cast urethane core and cover with a 5-piece design offers superior short iron spin.
The Taylormade TP5X balls were a dream on short approaches and with the putter. They will definitely benefit both mid and low handicap players while high handicappers will benefit from the distance of the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
Srixon Soft Feel Quick Facts
Compression: 60
Cover Material: Ionomer
How Many Pieces: 2
Core Material: Gradational core
Dimple Type: 338 Speed Dimple Pattern
Spin Level: Low long-game spin
Best Suited for: High handicappers looking for more distance off the tee
Taylormade TP5X Quick Facts
Compression: 90
Cover Material: Urethane
How Many Pieces: 5-Piece
Core Material: Urethane
Dimple Type: 322
Spin Level: High
Best Suited for: Low to mid handicappers
Performance Off the Tee
The Srixon Soft Feel balls performed very well off the tee, yielding our testers an average drive length of about 250 yards.
Performance from the Rough
This is where we were pleasantly surprised with the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
They have an impressive launch angle even if you aren’t really that great at being angle to work the ball.
This helps not only in the rough; but when you need to maximize carry distance and get over hazards and trees.
Performance from the Fairway
Again, the easy launch of these balls will be a great asset with your mid-irons off the deck.
Don’t expect a lot of spin from your shorter irons though.
Performance Off the Tee
The compression of these balls is significantly lower than the Titleist Pro V1X balls.
The core is also made of urethane which gives these balls a softer feel from the tee. This is good news for slower swing speed players but the faster swingers in our party were getting better distance with the Titleist Pro V1X balls.
Performance from the Rough
The Taylormade TP5X balls yield excellent launch even from the rough.
The soft urethane cover makes it easy to scoop the ball up and work it as needed so that you land optimally on the fairway.
Performance from the Fairway
With the longer irons and hybrids we were getting a bit more spin than expected from a tour-grade ball – great for long par 5’s but not so great on shorter approaches.
Srixon Soft Feel Selling Points
- Substantial feel
- Still pretty soft
- Great for high handicappers
- Good launch angles
- Very affordable
- Good ball speed
Srixon Soft Feel Cons
- Low short game spin
- Not great for faster swing speed players
- Not very durable
- Lacking help with roll
Taylormade TP5X Selling Points
- More affordable
- Softer feel
- Excellent launch
- Urethane cover
- Urethane core
- Tour-grade
Taylormade TP5X Cons
- Not as long
- Sometimes uncontrollable launch
- HIgher fairway spin
- Lesser short-game feel
Who are the Srixon Soft Feel Balls for?
These balls will work great for any high handicapper who wants to balance out the softness of their balls but still prioritize driver distance.
We really liked the fact that the Srixon Soft Feel balls were soft without feeling insubstantial. There is some concern about their durability; but that’s to be expected from a distance ball at this price point.
How are they with Short Irons?
While they are certainly lacking side spin and overall short-game control, the high launch will definitely be an advantage with your short irons and your wedges.
It’s easy to pop ‘em high and hang on to fast greens.
On the Green
You kind of have to strike them harder than you normally would with other balls to get the roll you need on longer putts.
Overall Rating: 93/100
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Who are the Taylormade TP5X Balls for?
If you want an overall softer feel with tour-grade performance, then the Taylormade TPX5 balls would be a better fit for you.
The Taylormade TPX5 balls have a compression that is more congenial to the rest of us mortals. If you are swinging around 92 MPH, then these balls will fit you better than the Titleist Pro V1X balls.
How are They With Short Irons?
If you can typically work the ball the way you want to with short irons, the Taylormade TPX5 balls should feel pretty good to you. They yield moderate side spin with the short irons and launch high so you can shape short approaches pretty much however you want.
On the Green
The soft urethane gives you excellent control on fast, firm greens.
Overall Rating: 93/100
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