With the Lethal golf ball TaylorMade has finally made a golf ball that we could see good amateurs using.
Whilst the Penta was a decent ball, anecdotal evidence from most amateurs we spoke to was that it did not go as far. We felt this was really because it was primarily designed for Tour players who have a much higher swing speed and can therefore get it up in the air more easily.
With the Lethal golf ball TaylorMade have managed to get a ball that is a bit more playable for those in the 90-100 mph driver swing speed range as the distance is as good as the market leader. TaylorMade say it will carry as far as a ProV1x but with a lower trajectory for more roll. As it feels more like the low flighted ProV1 anyway then that would be fair.
The feel at impact and around the greens was very good indeed and the Lethal was firm, but still gave the right level of spin on the greens. Most of our short iron approaches seemed to come down with a little more action on them than with a ProV. Putting with it was as much fun thanks to the good sound feedback and feel from most types of putter faces.
The 322 dimples are hexagonal and the seam line goes around the ball in the same position on every ball which is one of our personal preferences. As a result of the dimples TaylorMade say that the Lethal is much better in the wind and whilst we weren't able to play in a gale (although I am sure one will be on it's way soon knowing the UK), it did seem much better in a norml breeze and above average in this regard, although probably not the best in town.
Durablility was pretty good as well for a premium ball and the cover maintained its finish well despite a run in with some wedge grooves. Justin Rose actually managed to use just 9 balls all week when he won at the 2012 Turkish Airlines World Golf Final. It's all he had with him!
Overall the Lethal is a very good premium golf ball that is as good as the best in the market. Whether you feel it is better is up to you, but we are happy to make the Lethal the first TaylorMade golf ball to get 5 stars from us.