The modern day golf market is flooded with golf balls all promising different things for different abilities of golfers. Some are extremely expensive, some, not so much. The new Titleist TruFeel falls into the latter category and is therefore a refreshing option in a market that only seems to be getting more and more expensive.
The Titleist TruFeel is said to be Titleist’s ‘softest-feeling golf ball’ and replaces the previous DT TruSoft. However, I think the point to make here is that it has a very competitive RRP of £23 for a dozen – which means in a couple of months' time you’ll be able to get in your local pro shop for £20. To put that in perspective, the RRP for a dozen new Titleist Pro V1 balls is around £52. Big difference.
This may confuse some golfers (myself included). Although the TruFeel isn't a rival to the Pro V1, how can there be that much difference in price from the well-renowned, industry-leading Titleist Pro V1 premium golf ball to another soft-feeling, high-performance golf ball? Time to find out.
What's It All About?
The new TruFeel is all about offering golfers who prefer a very soft feel, but still want longer distance and maximum control in the short-game, a new and affordable option. All whilst being safe in the knowledge that you're getting premium quality from the best in the business. Surely that’s what every golfer wants, right?
To achieve this, Titleist has combined three new innovations building on the DT TruSoft.
Firstly, the TruFeel features a new TruTouch core which is a fast, low-spinning and low-compression core. This is said to help golfers who are looking for that extra help in the distance department basically get more carry through the air on longer shots with metalwoods or long irons.
Secondly, long game distance improvements are said to then be enhanced by a new dimple pattern on the cover of the ball. Titleist call this TruFit aerodynamics, and it features a symmetrically optimised pattern that's said to provide golfers with a longer flight. More carry = more distance.
Finally, a proprietary new TruFlex cover on the ball offers control for the short-game, around the green meaning golfers still get some serious greenside spin when the want it.
On top of the improvements with the ball technology itself, Titleist have also added a completely new sidestamp on the TruFeel, which is a first for the manufacturer. Having spoken to Titleist themselves on this as to how the alignment aid was developed and why in 2019 they have finally decided to put this alignment line on a golf ball, I was told the new sidestamp was the most popular choice available through the ‘My Titleist’ customiser option on the Titleist website. A number of different customisation options were made available in February 2018 and Titleist have basically picked the most popular one.
I have to say this makes perfect sense. Give the people what they want!
Titleist Says...
Michael Mahoney, Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball Marketing commented:
“In this category, we continue to see competitive products that sacrifice distance or short-game spin in order to gain a softer feel. TruFeel strikes the perfect balance of extremely soft feel and all-around performance. Our engineers have advanced TruFeel’s low compression technology to add speed and distance in the long game while preserving the feel that golfers tell us they love – and the playability on every shot that makes this ball a Titleist.”
The Test
To really see and feel the difference between one golf ball and the next, you have to be quite thorough when it comes to testing it.
Firstly I took to the golf course at Bramall Park Golf Club and played 18 holes. Here I was looking at how the ball performed around the greens in various different on-course scenarios that you can't recreate in a simulator like pitching out of rough and hitting from a bunker. I was also interested in the ball flight off the tee with when hitting driver.
I then headed indoors to the Range in Manchester where I compared the TruFeel ball to the latest Pro V1 directly in two different scenarios: 100 yard shots with a 50 degree wedge, and full shots with a 6 iron.
Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball Review
In terms of appearance, the TruFeel ball has a different finish to the Pro V1 golf ball. It has a shinier look and therefore looks slightly bigger for it. This will give golfers confidence without them even knowing it.
This means on those high pressure tee shots and long irons shots for example, higher handicapped golfers will just feel that little bit more at ease.
To be honest, the alignment aid wasn't to my taste. In years gone by I have flirted with using my own alignment aid but decided against using one long term as I felt it just gave me one too many things to think about when standing over the golf ball - particularly when putting. I'm a firm believer in keeping things as simple as possible when it comes to the short game.
When compared to other golf ball offerings with alignment aids, for example the Callaway ERC Soft ball, which features Triple Track Technology I just struggled to believe how it could really help you hole more putts. I found it more of a personalised design feature than an actual alignment aid. Which I suppose in essence, is exactly how the idea was conceived - based on the feedback and result of the 'My Titleist' ball customiser.
On top of this, when you're not putting, you could be looking down on ball that's pointing straight out of bounds. Hardly the confidence booster amateur golfers need... However, it could be argued that with the driver, where you can place the ball however you want - the alignment will in fact help golfers. I definitely think the benefits of the alignment aid are to be had off the tee here and not on the greens.
I was impressed by the feel of the golf ball at impact. With the driver, it felt solid and sounded good. There wasn't too much difference to the premium Pro V1 it has to be said. The sound and feel off longer irons shots and tee shots was impressive - straight away it was evident how soft this ball really is.
When I conducted my testing on-course, I had to take into account the conditions I was playing in too. The course was damp due to some overnight rain so spin and stopping power was to be expected. However, still in these conditions I would have expected more spin on approach shots.
As you can clearly see, I generated around 400 rpm more spin when hitting full 6 iron shots at around 165 yards in distance.
Another thing I found which may entice some golfers to the TruFeel is that I averaged 3 yards extra distance when hitting my 6 iron when compared to the Pro V1. I averaged 162 yards from five shots when using he Pro V1 but 165 yards with the TruFeel, which to be honest I expected. This may seem like a small gain but with a six iron, it's almost half a club extra.
The slightly higher flight with the driver wasn't really for me either. As a taller golfer who struggles with trajectory off the tee at times and keeping the ball down, the yard extra in peak height was only exaggerated further out on the course when I was hitting drivers.
If you're looking for a ball that carries slightly further in the mid-irons and slightly higher off the tee the TruFeel could be a great option. However, be aware this is not necessarily the case with the driver. Higher swing speeds players will struggle with the TruFeel ballooning a little - especially if you really went after it off the tee and upped the clubhead speed further.
Hitting 100 yard shots with a brand-new 50 degree TaylorMade MG2 wedge, I actually managed to generate more spin than with the TruFeel than I did with the Pro V1. This to be fair from 100 yards with a clubhead speed of around 80 mph is to be expected. It's in the shorter pitches and chips around the green where players who play a lot of spin in mind will miss it using the TruFeel.
I enjoyed using the yellow golf ball and whilst playing in wintery conditions on a leaf littered golf course, there no doubt it has it's benefits at certain times. Titleist are also bringing out the TruFeel in a very eye-catching matte red colourway, which i have to be honest I'm sceptical about but we will have to wait and see...
Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball Verdict
A lot of golfers will see benefits from using the TruFeel ball. Unfortunately, I am looking for a softer feeling cover for usage around the greens and a ball that doesn't fly as high.
At an extremely competitive price point however, I'm impressed with the Titleist TruFeel. Although the alignment aid may not be for everyone, it clearly is a popular choice amongst Titleist loyalists.
I believe this will be a great ball for a lot of golfers throughout the winter months. People looking for a slightly cheaper, more durable ball offering slightly more distance on iron shots whilst still generating a decent amount of spin at a cheaper price.
Pros
- Very competitive price point
- Distance to be gained using this ball on irons shots
- Cover is durable and will last
- Performed well compared to Pro V1 whilst being £30 cheaper
Cons
- Alignment aid won't be for everybody and may put some golfers off
- Hard to generate spin on shorter chips and pitches around the green
- Peak height with the driver may be higher than what a lot of golfers are looking for.
