taylormade tour response swing speed

TaylorMade Tour Response Review – Worth The Price?

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini's father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

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In my honest review of the TaylorMade Tour Response golf balls, I’ll share why these affordable, urethane golf balls suit mid-handicappers.

In my experience, the Tour Responses borrow multiple features from the famed TP5 and TP5x . However, they’re a better fit for moderate swing speeds.

After reading my feedback, you’ll know if upgrading to the all-around Tour Response is beneficial for your game. The fast-rebounding, high-spinning golf ball is attractive to most golfers, and this post reveals whether they’re worth spending your hard-earned money on.

Why listen to us? Our team has tested dozens and dozens of the top balls on the market (you can read in-depth review of each here ). We keep detailed notes and findings about each one to come up with our recommendations for you.

Table of Contents

Overall Score: 8.8/10

Three-piece ball, ultra low compression hi-spring core, speedmantle high flex material (hfm), soft tough urethane, tour flight dimple pattern, compression, compressible, low driver spin, driver ball speed, aerodynamics, price for a urethane ball, clicky acoustics, distracting alignment aid, overall rating and thoughts.

After completing my review of the TaylorMade Tour Response, I’m in awe of these golf balls. It’s not often that a moderate swing speed player like myself can enjoy the luxuries of consistently launching a multi-layer urethane golf ball.

I enjoyed its low long-game spin and rapid ball speed, combined with aerodynamic dimples to enhance carry and total distance. It further impressed me around the green when its Soft Tough Urethane cover bit into my grooves and produced sublime spin for greater short-game control.

Despite the positives, I’ll acknowledge that the Tour Response golf balls are pricey relative to other mid-range balls. However, compared to urethane-covered products like the Pro V1 and TaylorMade TP5, it’s affordable and worth the price if you desire long-game distance and short-game spin.

TaylorMade compiled 3 layers to craft the Tour Response for optimal long-game distance without impacting greenside spin. I found the  Ultra Low Compression core did a wealth of heavy lifting to maximize rebound and ball speed while minimizing driver spin.

The second layer is a High Flex Material Speed Mantle. It enhances energy transfer off the clubface on high-impact strikes, accelerating ball speed and containing spin for a powerful launch. A Soft Tough Urethane cover completes the design, promoting enhanced feel, control, and spin around the green.

My moderate swing speed enjoyed every strike on the Tour Response, owing to its Hi-Spring Core. It boosted my energy transfer on long shots, causing the ball to rebound rapidly off the clubface with limited spin and optimal velocity for a high-launching shot.

I felt it provided that extra bit of speed needed to increase my yardage from the tee box. This a trait most medium swing speed mid-handicappers will appreciate.

The HFM Speed Mantle is a firm structure inserted between the core and the Soft Tough Urethane cover. I found the Speedmantle delivers superior energy transfer on high-impact strikes thanks to its high-flex material. It aided the core in preserving ball speed and restricting spin revolutions for increased distance.

I’m always a sucker for a urethane cover, purely for the spin they afford me with my wedges. The downside is their durability, or lack thereof, after a few trips to the bunker. I noticed the firmer urethane cover held well for longer compared to my experience with cast urethane covers.

Durability aside, the cover bit into my wedge grooves and delivered an outstanding spin rate to give me desirable bite around the greens. Although my mid and long iron spin rate was lower than usual, the softer cover propelled my ball to land rapidly on approach.

TaylorMade applied the dimple design from the TP5 to the Tour Response for exceptional aerodynamics on take-off and landing. The Tour Flight Dimple pattern features flat, shallow dimples, which boost airflow, restrict drag, and enhance lift for greater carry distance.

The ball landed softly on approach, raising its shot-stopping profile thanks to its lift enhancement.

A core feature of the Soft Response balls is the Stripe range, built to elevate your alignment off the tee and on the dancefloor. The standard option in the Soft Response range has a lime stripe running around the ball’s perimeter, and a Blue Pink design is ideal for trendsetters.

Traditionalists aren’t forgotten. TaylorMade finished the Tour Response balls in a traditional white coat and a Hi-Visibility yellow. The latter is the easiest of all finishes to follow in the air and locate in the thick rough.

Performance

The Tour Response range aren’t the cheapest golf balls on the market, which is what would stop me from playing them. For context, they’re listed as $7 lower than the recommended retail price of a dozen TP5 balls.

Although I recognize the Tour Response’s affordability compared to other urethane golf balls, they’re pricey for the average golfer. I paid $14 more for a box of Tour Responses compared to the TaylorMade Soft Response balls .

I relished the feel of the Tour Response on all shots, but their softness particularly shone through with my irons, wedges, and putter. The impact was smooth, and the soft ball improved my feedback to identify precisely where the clubface struck the ball on approach and around the green.

The combination of a moderate compression and a Soft Tough Urethane cover were directly responsible for the welcome feel.

In my experience, the Tour Response produced clicky acoustics off the putter face and on wedge shots. This didn’t impact the overall performance of the ball. However, I prefer playing a ball with solid acoustics. It boils down to my preference, and the Tour Response didn’t match it.

My moderate swing speed thrived on long shots with the highly compressible core. The medium compression delivered superb spring off my metal woods and long irons, accelerating ball speed and reducing spin. The result was a consistent driver, fairway woods, and long iron distance.

Despite my successes with the Tour Response, I feel slower swing speeds may still struggle to generate maximum contact with the ball. Instead, I’d be more comfortable with you using the softer, easier, and more strikable Soft Response golf balls.

My ability to induce optimal energy transfer on long shots was rewarded with lower spin levels than my standard results. Although marginally less, I produced 2325 rpm of driver backspin, only 175 rpm lower than my average.

The reduced backspin helped me preserve ball acceleration for a powerful launch, consistent flight, and carry distance. Furthermore, I noticed the lower spin encouraged increased roll upon landing, giving me an extra 10 yards off the tee.

The low-spinning nature of the Tour Response golf balls continued to show as I tested my mid and long irons. For context, my 7-iron metrics showed me producing 80 rpm less than my average, which honestly led to minimal difference in my launch, spin, and distance.

Although I produced less backspin than usual, I found my ball biting rapidly on approach, exhibiting its shot-stopping power.

The wedge spin on the TaylorMade Tour Response is its best asset in my eyes. It’s more affordable than a TP5 but returned an outstanding spin rate on full wedge strikes, chips, flops, and bunker shots.

I notched up 10540 rpm backspin on my full wedge shots, 400 more than I produced with the Soft Response range.

The Soft Tough Urethane gripped into my wedge grooves, elevating friction and allowing me to impart enhanced spin revolutions onto the ball. I found it particularly easy to control on chip, pitch, and flop shots as it afforded me the chance to attack the flag and stop the ball dead near my target.

I was seriously impressed with my driver ball speed, producing 141.8 mph, over 4 mph more than I achieved with the TP5. The highly compressible core and Speedmantle layer exploded my ball off the clubface with limited spin to generate a soaring, powerful launch and ample carry distance.

My rapid ball speed continued into the irons. I clocked 117 mph on 7-iron shots, 1 mph faster than my average. The 117 mph speed also proved four mph faster than my returns with the Soft Response. I enjoyed outstanding carry distance on approach owing to the rapid velocity and lower spin.

I welcomed my distance results off the tee. My optimal distance is owed to the enhanced energy transfer at impact from the compressible core and highly flexible Speedmantle. The ball exploded off the clubface, leading to a lofted launch and satisfactory carry distance.

My ball flew for an average of 267 yards before hitting the deck and rolling a further 10 yards to give me a total of 276 yards. This meant I outdrove the TP5 by an average of 2 yards.

The shot-stopping power of the Tour Response saw my ball lose roll on approach. However, it helped me hold tight greens. I propelled my ball 148 yards in the air, and it only rolled out a further 2 yards after hitting the green. My 150-yard total distance was marginally lengthier than my average, showcasing the consistency of my results.

I appreciated its ability to stop rapidly on approach because it boosted my control and left me within earshot of my target.

A lower spin rate and explosive ball speed collaborated to send my metal woods and iron shots high and long. I felt the ball was a breeze to launch with my moderate swing speed, and there was never doubt over me getting my ball airborne.

I noticed the aerodynamic dimples elevated the ball into the heavens and extended its flight thanks to its lift-efficient design. The consequence of higher flight on my iron shots was rapid bite on the green. However, I still enjoyed adequate roll on tee shots with an average of 10 yards.

What I Like About The TaylorMade Tour Response

I enjoyed the elevated compressibility of the Tour Response, prompting ball acceleration, lower spin, and a high launch. The Hi-Spring core was incredibly responsive off the clubface on metal woods, hybrid, and long iron shots.

Although suited to my medium swing speed, slower swing speed golfers will likely produce better results with the lower compression Soft Response.

I appreciated the Tour Response’s ability to contain driver spin to preserve ball speed. The outcome was a towering launch, prompting ample carry and roll upon landing for an impressive total distance average.

The increased spin delivered by the Tour Response boosted my short-game control and allowed me to attack the flag. The Soft Tough Urethane cover gripped into my wedge grooves and sent the ball spinning off the face to land softly on full shots and after a quick hop on chip and pitches.

Thanks to its high compression core and flexible Speedmantle, the Tour Response provided accelerated ball speed with the big stick. The components maximized my energy transfer at contact, limited spin and preserved pace for a powerful launch and high ball flight.

I approved the aerodynamic Tour Flight Dimple pattern, which resisted drag and boosted lift for optimal carry distance. The higher flight further aided my cause on approach, as it boosted the ball’s shot-stopping power to hold tight greens.

Although the Tour Response isn’t the cheapest ball on the market, it’s affordable for a urethane-covered construction. It makes it marginally more affordable for mid-handicappers to acquire and enjoy.

An alternative affordable urethane golf ball to consider is the Cut Blue . As my colleague Brit explains, it doesn’t replace premium urethane golf balls. However, it’s perfect for mid-handicappers seeking tour-like features for the price of a distance ball.

What I Dislike About The TaylorMade Tour Response

The clicky noise off the putter, irons, and wedge face isn’t my preferred sound. I enjoy a solid sound as the ball leaves the clubface. However, this has no bearing on the performance of the golf ball and it didn’t change my overall opinion.

My second criticism applies only to the Stripe Tour Response balls. When my ball was lying on a slope, the angle of the alignment aid was off-putting. Rick Shiels does an excellent job of highlighting this conundrum in the video below:

Effectively, the Stripe would run diagonally to the flag target line, and this feature messed with my head at address and impact.

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Matt Stevens

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TaylorMade Tour Response: The Ultimate Guide for Mid-Handicap Golfers [Data]

The TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball has garnered widespread acclaim as a versatile mid-range option, offering consistent performance at a reasonable price point. Its key strengths lie in heightened ball speeds and precise control around the greens, catering to players with mid-range swing speeds.

This comprehensive review delves into its features, benefits, drawbacks, and overall playability, providing golfers with essential insights for informed decision-making. So let’s check the taylormade tour response golf balls review!

Table of Contents

Design and Functionality:

Tour Response innovative design ethos is evident in the Tour Response golf ball, available in classic white, vibrant yellow, or the distinctive stripe pattern. Beyond aesthetics, the stripe design serves as a dual-purpose alignment aid, facilitating accurate alignment during tee-offs and putts. taylormade tour response review, The ball’s exceptional ball speed off the face and commendable control attributes contribute to its status as an attractive choice for golfers prioritizing distance and precision.

TaylorMade Tour Response swing speed: Performance Across Swing Speeds

• Moderate Swing Speeds: For golfers with moderate swing speeds, the Tour Response ball’s core and mantle work together to generate a high launch with reduced spin. This promotes longer distances off the tee and optimizes carry-on approach shots.
• Higher Swing Speeds: Golfers with higher swing speeds can still benefit from the Tour Response ball’s characteristics. The ball’s urethane cover and sophisticated dimple pattern provide excellent greenside control and spin. This means more stopping power on the greens, allowing for precise shot placement.

Performance and Feel on the Green:

Upon rigorous assessment, the TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball excels in maintaining consistent ball speed, a pivotal factor influencing both distance and control. While its spin capabilities are commendable, Taylor Made tour response may not reach the levels of premium counterparts, particularly for long iron shots. However, the ball’s lower compression requirement enhances its spin potential for mid-swing speed players, striking a harmonious balance between spin and distance.

Tailored for Mid Handicappers: Unlocking Performance for Every Swing

The TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball isn’t just a contender for professionals; it’s also a perfect fit for mid-handicappers aiming to enhance their game. Designed with a balanced blend of distance, control, and feel, the Tour Response offers mid-handicappers the tools they need to elevate their performance on the course.

Its optimal compression dynamics ensure that golfers with mid-range swing speeds can experience the ideal combination of distance and spin, resulting in consistent and accurate shots. Whether you’re striving for longer drives, precision approach shots, or confident putting, the Tour Response is a versatile and reliable choice that empowers mid-handicappers to unlock their full potential.

Check this article for the best golf balls for mid handicappers

How many layers are in the TaylorMade Tour response? it is three layers golf ball, How many pieces are in the TaylorMade Tour response? it is a three pieces golf ball with a urethane cover

Taylormade tour response compression and Construction [Insights]

The TaylorMade Tour Response boasts a sophisticated three-piece construction, featuring a 100% cast urethane cover that ensures durability and a soft touch. Its compression rating of 70 strikes an optimal balance between ball speed and control, making it an ideal fit for golfers with mid-range swing speeds. Real-world experiences attest to its impressive distance capabilities with irons and drivers, along with consistent spin control around the greens.

A Comprehensive Verdict: Elevating Mid-Range Play

In conclusion, the TaylorMade Tour Response golf balls embody a fusion of innovation and performance, offering golfers an exceptional mid-range option. Its standout features include increased ball speeds, precise control around the greens, and a soft feel off the putter face. While players with fast swing speeds may find its distance slightly compromised, the Tour Response shines in providing mid-swing speed golfers with a balanced blend of distance, spin, and feel. ( source )

The TaylorMade Tour soft Response golf ball effectively bridges the gap between tour-level quality and affordability, catering to a wide range of golfers seeking consistent and dependable performance. With its fusion of technological advancements, thoughtful design, and player-centric attributes, the Tour Response proves itself as a top-tier contender in the realm of mid-range golf balls. Whether you’re striving for accuracy off the tee or finesse around the green, the Tour Response stands ready to elevate your game and make your golfing experience more rewarding than ever.

What does the TaylorMade Tour response compare to? VICE Golf Pro Soft golf ball, as a similar compression and both suited for mid-handicappers, check this article for a detailed review of VICE Golf Pro Soft golf ball

Stripe Edition: Precision Alignment and Enhanced Feedback

The introduction of the Taylormade Tour Response Stripe model elevates the lineup’s appeal by offering an intriguing alignment feature. Characterized by a distinct lime green band, the Stripe model serves as an alignment aid, particularly beneficial for golfers aiming to enhance putting consistency. Tour Response Stripe, This visual alignment guide contributes to accurate putting alignment and improved roll, bolstering confidence during crucial moments on the green.

The TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE golf ball introduces a new level of visual technology and performance enhancements compared to the original Tour Response model. This advanced golf ball combines the exceptional attributes of the original Tour Response with a distinctive visual feature, offering golfers improved alignment and the same remarkable performance they’ve come to expect.

Key Features of TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE: The TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE retains the core design elements of the original Tour Response while introducing a unique stripe pattern. This alignment aid is designed to assist golfers in achieving more accurate putts and shots, enhancing their overall game.

Comparing TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE with the Original Model:

• Alignment Technology: The standout feature of the STRIPE version is the strategically placed visual stripe pattern. This alignment aid provides golfers with an additional tool to improve shot alignment and accuracy, particularly on the greens.
• Performance: Just like the original Tour Response, the STRIPE model continues to deliver exceptional performance across various aspects of the game. It offers impressive distance, greenside control, and a soft feel off the clubface.
• Construction: Both models share the same multi-layer construction that optimizes energy transfer and maximizes ball speed. The durable urethane cover ensures consistent spin and control, especially on approach shots and around the green.
• Swing Speed: The STRIPE model, like its predecessor, caters to a wide range of swing speeds. It maintains the balance of distance and control for golfers with moderate to higher swing speeds.
• Value: While the STRIPE version may come at a slightly higher price point due to its added alignment technology, the value it offers in terms of improved shot accuracy and overall performance can be well worth the investment.

verdict TaylorMade Tour Response vs TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe

The TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE golf ball builds upon the success of the original Tour Response by introducing a visually enhanced alignment feature. While maintaining the core attributes of distance, control, and feel, the STRIPE model provides golfers with an extra tool to improve shot alignment and consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking enhanced visual feedback or a golfer looking for reliable performance, the TaylorMade Tour Response STRIPE offers a compelling option that combines technology and playability to elevate your game.

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Taylormade Tour Response Review – Incredible Feel

I put the new Taylormade Tour Response to the test – This ball feels great! And compared to my experience with Taylormade’s first version, the 2022 Tour Response ball gets significantly more spin around the greens.

I’ve hit thousands of golf balls in the simulator, and I recently compared the Tour Response to the TP5 and ProV1. After getting data from the GC3 and playing a round on the course, here is a summary of what I found.

The new Tour Response still feels amazing, very soft feel

The Tour Response gets a little less spin than both the TP5 and ProV1 around the greens

The Tour Response performs extremely similar to the TP5 and ProV1 with Mid-irons and driver

The Tour Response Stripe is nice to putt, but can be odd out on the fairway

Taylormade Tour Response Golf Ball Review

Taylormade released the initial version of the Tour Response in January 2020. Taylormade attempted to put a “tour” level ball into the hands of the everyday golfer.

The design has changed a bit, the 2022 Tour Response has incorporated the same tour flight dimple pattern you’ll find on their premium ball, the TP5. Taylormade claims this has added “next-level aerodynamics…promoting maximum carry distances”.

I put the Taylormade Tour Response head-to-head with the TP5 and ProV1 . Based on the numbers, they do perform very well. They have a softer feel than both the TP5 and ProV1. In terms of distance performance off the tee and on approach shots, they perform nearly identical.

Around the greens, you’ll lose just a little bit of spin with the Tour Response compared to the TP5 and ProV1, but it’s not much of a difference. I noticed the difference in the numbers on the launch monitor, but couldn’t tell out on the course.

If you opt for the Tour Response Stripe model, I liked it for putting . It made it very easy to line up. Most balls with a single line are really hard to get lined up perfectly. This one felt much easier to line up. I didn’t care for it though when hitting it from the fairway . If you are playing it down, the stripe isn’t so subtle and is seldom aligned the way you’d want it.

You’ll have to decide whether it would be a distraction for you or not.

Quick Facts

The Taylormade Tour Response golf balls are made with 3-piece construction and a single piece 100% urethane cover. They are rated by the USGA as low spin with a driver and high spin with short irons. They have a 322 “Tour Flight” dimple pattern and a very soft feel.

You can get the Taylormade Tour Response golf ball in white or yellow. You can choose the Tour Response stripe model, they are available in green or light blue. You can also opt for a multi-color pack which comes with 3 balls each that are green, red, blue, and burgundy.

They are currently rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon from about 1,800 reviews. From those reviews, it is very clear customers appreciate the feel and overall quality of the Tour Response.

Performance:

• Good Distance off the Tee and throughout the bag
• Good greenside spin
• Stripe option can be nice for putting
• You won’t get quite as much spin as other premium golf balls

Who Should Use the Taylormade Tour Response Golf Balls

Due to its higher price point, I would only recommend this golf ball for players with a mid handicap or better. Even mid-handicappers may want to consider other options, however. The Tour Response is on the edge of being considered a “premium ball”, and it is priced accordingly.

It is slightly less expensive than other premium balls, but priced higher than other balls in the mid-range that perform just as well.

Related – Best golf balls for Mid Handicappers

If you are skilled enough to produce spin around the greens and you’re looking for a ball that feels great, I’d say go for it!

I would recommend this ball for players with any swing speed. My testing shows this ball performs well at any swing speed.

The Taylormade Tour Response is featured in my post on the Best Golf Balls for Distance

Taylormade Tour Response vs. TP5 & ProV1

The Tour Response really separates itself with its soft feel. Both the TP5 and ProV1 are considered soft feel golf balls, but compared to the Tour Response, they feel a bit firm.

Highlights of My Best Tee Shots With The Tour Response

This was one of my better tee shots with the Tour Response. 166mph ball speed with a 115mph swing speed and 299 yards carry, I’ll take it all day long on the golf course.

When I took the Tour Speed out to the golf course, I also hit some pretty long drives off the tee. On a short par 4, about 320 yards, I ended up going over the green with roll. I did have a little wind to my back, so that helped a bit, but it was the longest ball I’ve ever hit on that particular hole.

Final Thoughts

The Taylormade Tour Response is one the best feeling golf balls I’ve tested. I was first introduced to them after winning a long drive hole at a local scramble, they were part of the prize pack.

I thought they felt great back then, and my recent testing confirms that. I am not sure I would call them a “Tour ball”, I think any Pro playing a Taylormade golf ball will still opt for the TP5 or TP5x. That being said, for weekend and casual golfers, they will perform well and feel great.

I think they could be priced $5 – $10 cheaper, but if you are partial to Taylormade, it is a great option for a slight discount on the premium end.

Good luck on the golf course, and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out or post them below in the comments.

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TaylorMade Tour Response, Soft Response golf balls: What you need to know

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: TaylorMade again targets average golfers with its latest updates to the Tour Response and Soft Response balls. The three-piece Tour Response incorporates the new dimple pattern and cast urethane cover of its tour-played TP5 balls for better flight and higher spin, but it features a softer compression aimed at non-tour-level swings. The low-compression Soft Response, which is a three-piece ball with an ionomer cover, enhances distance and softer feel with its firm mantle beneath a softer but durable cover.

PRICE: Tour Response and Tour Response Stripe, which features a wide aiming line along the circumference of the ball, $40 per dozen. Soft Response, $30 per dozen.

THE DEEP DIVE: Among the endless cycle of deficiencies average golfers face when comparing themselves to tour players is, of course, speed. Speed, or more specifically the lack of it, is a particular problem when it comes to the golf ball because while speed keys distance, it is fundamentally difficult to maximize speed in a golf ball that’s designed for players whose lack of speed leads them to gravitate toward a golf ball with a lower compression.

TaylorMade’s new Tour Response and Soft Response balls, updated for 2022, are going after that need to enhance speed for average golfers by focusing on the smallest and even sometimes unseen elements of the construction of the ball. In simple terms, the Tour Response offers tour-ball-like spin and control through its cast urethane cover with distance-enhancing elements in its dimple pattern, mantle layer and core, while the Soft Response uses the unseen mantle layer in its three-piece construction to energize the company’s softest ball with more resilience for better distance.

The second-generation Tour Response features a 70 compression, among the softest of balls with a multilayer urethane construction. That normally makes it harder for the ball to maximize speed because it lacks the resiliency at impact of a firmer compression ball like those seen in the company’s TP5 and TP5x balls. But the Tour Response borrows the speed-enhancing effects of those ball’s mantle layer to inject more energy into its softer compression.

Called “SpeedMantle,” this element works with the core more efficiently due to a higher flex modulus than previous mantle layers designed for both its predecessor and similar average player “tour” balls like the company’s Project (a) , said Ben Raymond, senior golf ball engineer at TaylorMade. “Aside from being a higher flex modulus, this is also a more resilient material so it retains energy better after impact for higher ball speeds,” he said.

What makes the Tour Response even more effective at giving average golfers the distance their lack of speed can’t naturally provide them is its cover. Specifically, it uses the same sort of dimple design found on the TP5 and TP5x balls . Rather than the typical spherical shaped depressions in the cover, the Tour Response uses a dimple that’s flatter, shallower but with steeper sides. That creates the same volume for better air flow but yields better performance at a broader range of speeds, Raymond said. The key was looking at how the ball moves through the air at everything from 60 miles per hour to north of 160 miles per hour.

“Aero is really all about optimizing lift and drag, and the volume and the depth of your dimple shape are really the main influencers of lift and drag,” he said. “With our spherical dimple before, when you’re changing volume, you’re changing depth and you’re also impacting lift and drag in the same way. So being able to decouple the volume and the depth allowed us to decouple lift and drag and really optimize for each stage of the ball flight.

“When we test this we look at 24 different conditions of speed and spin. When you’re looking at aero you still have to account not just for the initial velocity but the entire range of velocities throughout flight. That’s what we mean when we talk about optimizing lift and drag. It’s not just for one speed, it’s for the entire range of speeds that ball may experience.”

Raymond said while previous patterns were very good with the high speeds right off the face of a tour player’s driver, it’s later, when the ball is moving at the same speed for all players, that the new dimple is most beneficial. “The 'a-ha' moment came when we learned that when the ball peaks in flight and starts to descend there’s an opportunity to manipulate drag and lift in that part of the flight, too,” he said. “We could elevate lift to keep that ball in the air longer.”

That dimple pattern might be noticeable to the average player’s eye, but even more distinct is a version of the Tour Response called Tour Reponse Stripe. It features a wider alignment band in optic yellow that wraps around the entire ball. At 22 millimeters wide it’s more than half the ball’s total surface area.

“This is exciting for us because it gave us a whole new opportunity of creativity around a golf ball,” said Joshua Dipert, director of golf ball research and development. “The fact is you can pick up your ball and align it two or three times every hole, so why wouldn’t we give you some type of feedback or design some way to make that easier or beneficial?

“What we found was this design element not only was more accurate to align, it was quicker too.”

Another kind of quicker was behind the thinking of the Soft Response, which uses an ionomer cover like those found on many low-compression distance balls. The Soft Response features a three-piece construction that allows the ball’s overall softer compression to get distance from a firmer mantle layer between the cover and core, this despite the Soft Response’s 50 compression rating, which is ten points lower than its previous version.

“With the softer two-piece ball you can get your speed through a firmer cover, but we’re able to use a faster, more resilient mantle layer to bump the speed up and still use a softer cover to maintain that feel, and get some better spin around the green as well,” Raymond said. He added that the company’s improved manufacturing processes and equipment allowed them to mix the firmer mantle with the softer elements “to maintain speed at a softer feel.”

The Tour Response (white and yellow) and Tour Response Stripe will retail for $40 per dozen. The Soft Response (white and yellow) will run $30 per dozen.

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TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball Review – Tour-Level Performance And Affordable Price

January 7, 2024

In our TaylorMade Tour Response review, we explore the design, performance, and durability of this 3-piece golf ball. Discover its tour-level performance, soft feel, distance consistency, and affordable price.

Design and Construction

3-piece construction.

The design and construction of a golf ball play a crucial role in its performance on the course. One key aspect of the design is the number of pieces the ball is made up of. In this case, the golf ball in question features a 3-piece construction. This means that it consists of three layers – the core, mantle, and cover. Each layer has its own specific purpose and contributes to the overall of the ball.

The core of the golf ball is typically made of a high-energy material that provides the initial velocity and distance off the tee. It is designed to enhance the ball’s resilience and maximize its energy transfer upon impact. The mantle layer, on the other hand, helps to control the spin and provide consistency in ball flight. It acts as a barrier between the core and the cover, ensuring that the energy generated by the core is efficiently transferred to the cover.

Finally, the outermost layer of the golf ball is the cover. This is the part of the ball that comes into direct contact with the clubface. The cover is crucial for providing the desired feel and control to the golfer. In the case of this particular golf ball, the cover is designed to offer a soft feel, allowing for enhanced feedback and control during shots. The combination of the 3-piece construction and the soft cover contributes to the overall performance of the ball, providing golfers with a great combination of distance, control, and feel.

When it comes to golf balls, the feel is an important factor that can greatly impact a golfer’s performance. The feel of a golf ball refers to the sensations experienced by the golfer upon impact with the clubface. A soft feel is often preferred by golfers as it provides a more responsive and comfortable experience.

In the case of this golf ball, the soft feel is achieved through the use of advanced materials and construction techniques. The soft cover, mentioned earlier, plays a significant role in delivering the desired feel. The cover material is carefully selected to provide optimal softness without compromising durability . This allows golfers to have a heightened sense of control and feedback when striking the ball.

The soft feel of this golf ball also contributes to its overall performance. It allows for better shot shaping capabilities, as the golfer can more easily manipulate the ball flight. Additionally, the soft feel enhances the golfer’s ability to generate spin, providing them with the necessary control around the greens. Whether it’s a delicate chip shot or a precise approach, the soft feel of this golf ball ensures that golfers can execute their shots with confidence and precision.

Durable cover

Durability is a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating the quality of a golf ball. Golf balls are subjected to various forces and conditions during play, and a durable cover is essential to ensure that the ball can withstand the rigors of the game without compromising its performance.

The cover of this golf ball is specifically designed to be highly durable. It is engineered using cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques that enhance its resistance to scuffs and scratches. This means that the ball can maintain its performance characteristics even after multiple rounds of play.

The durability of the cover also contributes to the longevity of the golf ball. A long-lasting cover ensures that the ball remains in good condition for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only saves golfers money but also allows them to focus on their game without worrying about the condition of their equipment.

In summary, the design and construction of this golf ball are optimized to provide golfers with a superior performance on the course. The 3-piece construction, with its core, mantle, and cover, offers a great combination of distance, control, and feel. The soft feel of the ball enhances the golfer’s overall experience, providing them with a responsive and comfortable feel upon impact. Additionally, the durable cover ensures that the ball can withstand the demands of the game and maintain its performance characteristics over time.

Performance

When it comes to golf balls, performance is key. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you want a ball that will help you achieve your best game. In this section, we will explore the performance features of our golf balls, focusing on distance, control, and spin.

One of the most important aspects of a ‘s performance is its ability to provide distance off the tee. Our golf balls are designed with a focus on maximizing distance, helping you hit longer and straighter shots. The three-piece construction of our balls allows for optimal energy transfer from the clubface to the ball, resulting in increased ball speed and greater distance.

But it’s not just about raw power. Our golf balls also offer excellent control, allowing you to shape your shots and navigate the course with precision. The soft feel of the ball at impact gives you the confidence to swing freely and generate maximum distance without sacrificing control .

Control is another crucial factor in golf ball performance. Our golf balls are engineered to provide exceptional control, giving you the ability to shape your shots and navigate the course with accuracy. The durable cover of our balls ensures that they maintain their performance and feel throughout the round, even after multiple shots.

With our golf balls, you can expect a consistent and predictable ball flight, allowing you to plan your shots and execute them with confidence. The responsive off the clubface gives you instant feedback on your swing, helping you make adjustments and improve your game.

Spin is a vital component of any golfer’s arsenal. Our golf balls are designed to provide optimal spin control, allowing you to stop the ball on the green and attack pin positions. The three-piece construction of our balls enables you to generate the spin you need for precise approach shots and delicate shots around the green.

The soft feel of our golf balls at impact gives you the feedback necessary to control your spin and achieve the desired trajectory. Whether you’re playing in calm conditions or facing strong winds, our golf balls will help you maintain control and maximize your performance.

In summary, our golf balls excel in performance, particularly in the areas of distance, control, and spin. With their three-piece construction, soft feel, and durable cover, they offer the perfect balance of power and precision. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your game or a seasoned pro seeking a competitive edge, our golf balls will deliver the performance you need to succeed on the course.

Feel and Feedback

When it comes to the feel and feedback of a golf ball, three important aspects come into play: responsiveness off the clubface, solid impact feel, and consistent ball flight. These factors contribute to the overall experience and performance of the ball, making it crucial for golfers to find a ball that meets their expectations in these areas.

Responsive off the clubface

One of the key elements that golfers look for in a golf ball is its responsiveness off the clubface. This refers to how the ball reacts and interacts with the club at impact. A highly responsive ball will provide golfers with a satisfying sensation of connection and feedback when they strike the ball. It allows them to feel the transfer of energy from their swing to the ball, resulting in a more engaged and confident shot.

Golf balls that are designed to be responsive off the clubface often feature advanced technologies and materials. These innovations help optimize the ball’s compression and rebound characteristics, ensuring that it springs off the clubface with maximum velocity and efficiency. As a result, golfers can experience enhanced distance and control, leading to improved overall performance on the course.

Solid impact feel

The impact feel of a golf ball is another crucial factor that contributes to the overall experience for golfers. When a golfer strikes the ball, they expect a solid and satisfying sensation that confirms they have made a good contact. This solid impact feel can provide golfers with a sense of confidence and reassurance in their swing.

Golf balls with a solid impact feel are designed to minimize vibrations and provide a crisp, clean sensation upon impact. They are engineered to absorb and dissipate energy efficiently, reducing any unwanted feedback or harshness that can negatively affect the golfer’s experience. A solid impact feel not only enhances the golfer’s enjoyment but also allows for better shot control and consistency.

Consistent ball flight

Consistency in ball flight is a crucial aspect that golfers consider when evaluating a golf ball’s feel and feedback. Golfers rely on a predictable and repeatable ball flight to plan their shots and execute their strategies effectively. A ball that delivers consistent ball flight allows golfers to trust their swing and make precise adjustments as needed.

Golf balls that offer consistent ball flight are designed to minimize deviations and maintain stability throughout their trajectory. They are engineered to have a balanced combination of spin, launch angle, and aerodynamics, ensuring that each shot behaves consistently and according to the golfer’s intentions. This consistency not only provides golfers with greater control but also helps them build confidence in their game.

Consistency

Distance consistency.

When it comes to golf, consistency is key. One of the most important aspects of a golf ball is its ability to consistently provide the same distance off the tee. This ensures that golfers can confidently choose a club and expect the ball to travel a specific distance every time.

With our golf ball, you can trust in its distance consistency. Our engineers have carefully crafted a design that optimizes energy transfer from the clubface to the ball, resulting in consistent ball speeds and distances. Whether you’re hitting a driver or a wedge, you can rely on our golf ball to deliver the same distance time after time.

Accuracy consistency

In addition to distance consistency, accuracy is equally important for golfers of all skill levels. Our golf ball has been engineered to provide exceptional accuracy, allowing you to hit your shots with confidence and precision.

The advanced construction of our golf ball ensures that it maintains its intended flight path, even in challenging conditions. Whether you’re facing a strong crosswind or trying to shape your shot around a tree, our golf ball will help you maintain accuracy and control.

Shot shaping capabilities

For golfers who like to shape their shots, our golf ball offers exceptional shot shaping capabilities . Whether you need to hit a fade or a draw, our golf ball responds to your swing and allows you to manipulate the flight of the ball.

The design and construction of our golf ball promote a high level of workability, giving you the ability to control the shape of your shots. With practice and skill, you can utilize our golf ball to execute a wide range of shot shapes, adding versatility to your game.

When it comes to golf balls, is an important factor to consider. After all, golf is a game that can be tough on equipment, especially if you’re playing on a challenging course or have a powerful swing. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a golf ball that can withstand the rigors of the game, and the product we’re going to discuss excels in this area.

Long-lasting cover

One of the key aspects of durability in a golf ball is the longevity of its cover. A golf ball with a cover that wears out quickly not only affects its performance but also leads to frequent replacements, which can become costly over time. Fortunately, the golf ball we’re focusing on has a long-lasting cover that can stand up to the demands of the game.

The cover of this golf ball is specifically designed to be durable, ensuring that it can endure countless swings and impacts without showing signs of wear. Whether you’re hitting off the tee, chipping onto the green, or putting for birdie, this golf ball’s cover remains intact, providing consistent performance throughout your round.

Resistant to scuffs and scratches

In addition to its long-lasting cover, this golf ball is also highly resistant to scuffs and scratches. Golf courses can be filled with hazards such as trees, roughs, and even cart paths, all of which can cause damage to your golf ball. However, with this particular ball, you can rest assured that it will maintain its integrity, even when faced with these obstacles.

The advanced technology used in the construction of this golf ball’s cover ensures that it can resist scuffs and scratches, allowing it to retain its original performance characteristics. This means that even if your shot veers off-course and lands in the rough or hits a tree, your golf ball won’t suffer any visible damage that could impact its flight or control.

When it comes to durability, this golf ball truly stands out from the competition. Its long-lasting cover and resistance to scuffs and scratches make it an excellent choice for golfers who want a ball that can handle the demands of the game without compromising on performance. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned player with a powerful swing, this golf ball is built to last.

So, if you’re tired of constantly replacing golf balls or dealing with the frustration of scuffed and scratched covers, it’s time to make the switch to this durable option. You’ll not only save money in the long run but also enjoy consistent performance round after round. Don’t settle for anything less than a golf ball that can keep up with your game – choose durability, choose this golf ball.

• Have you ever had a golf ball that lost its cover after just a few rounds?
• How frustrating is it to see scuffs and scratches on your golf ball, knowing it can affect your game?
• Imagine playing a round without worrying about damaging your golf ball – how much more enjoyable would that be?

Remember, the key to a successful game is having the right equipment, and durability is an essential factor to consider when selecting a golf ball. With its long-lasting cover and resistance to scuffs and scratches, this golf ball ensures that you can focus on your game without any distractions. It’s time to experience the benefits of a durable golf ball and elevate your performance on the course.

Price and Value

When it comes to golf balls, finding the perfect balance between price and performance can be a challenge. You want a ball that delivers exceptional results without breaking the bank. Fortunately, our golf balls offer an affordable price point without compromising on quality.

Affordable price point

One of the key advantages of our golf balls is their affordable price point. We understand that golf can be an expensive sport, and investing in premium equipment and accessories can quickly add up. That’s why we’ve carefully priced our golf balls to ensure that they are accessible to golfers of all budgets.

By offering a cost-effective option, we aim to make it easier for both beginners and seasoned golfers to enjoy the game without worrying about the financial burden. Our golf balls provide excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of higher-priced alternatives.

Comparable performance to higher-priced balls

Despite their affordable price point, our golf balls deliver performance that rivals higher-priced options. We have invested in advanced technology and design to ensure that our golf balls meet the standards of even the most discerning golfers.

With a focus on distance, control, and spin, our golf balls are designed to enhance your game and help you achieve your best performance on the course. We understand that every golfer has unique preferences and playing styles, which is why our golf balls offer versatility and adaptability to suit a wide range of players.

To demonstrate the performance of our golf balls, we conducted extensive testing and gathered feedback from both amateur golfers and tour players. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with golfers praising the distance consistency, accuracy, and shot shaping capabilities of our balls.

In fact, our golf balls have been endorsed by tour players who have experienced firsthand the exceptional performance they offer. These professionals rely on our golf balls to deliver optimal performance, especially in windy conditions where spin control is crucial.

When comparing our golf balls to higher-priced alternatives, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the similarities in performance . Our commitment to providing value for money means that you can enjoy the benefits of premium golf balls without the hefty price tag.

Player Reviews

Positive feedback from amateur golfers.

Amateur golfers have been raving about this golf ball for its outstanding performance on the course. Many have praised its exceptional distance, control, and spin capabilities, all of which contribute to improved overall play. With its three-piece construction, the ball offers a soft feel that allows for better control and a more responsive off the clubface. Golfers have reported solid impact feel and consistent ball flight, making it easier to shape shots and achieve desired results.

One of the key aspects that amateur golfers appreciate about this golf ball is its consistency. Whether it’s distance consistency or accuracy consistency, this ball delivers. Golfers have noticed a remarkable improvement in their distance off the tee, with the ball consistently traveling long distances with every swing. The accuracy of the ball is also highly commendable, allowing golfers to hit their targets with precision and confidence. With its shot shaping capabilities, this golf ball enables golfers to manipulate their shots and achieve the desired trajectory.

In terms of durability, this golf ball stands out from the competition. Its long-lasting cover ensures that it can withstand the rigors of multiple rounds without showing signs of wear and tear. Golfers have also noted that the ball is resistant to scuffs and scratches, maintaining its pristine appearance even after numerous shots. This durability factor adds value to the overall package, as golfers can rely on the ball to perform consistently round after round.

Tour player feedback and endorsement

Not only have amateur golfers praised this golf ball, but it has also received positive feedback from tour players. These professionals rely on the ball’s tour-level performance to enhance their game in various conditions. Designed specifically for high swing speeds, this golf ball delivers optimal performance even in windy conditions. Its ability to maintain stability and control in challenging weather situations has impressed many tour players.

Another aspect that tour players appreciate is the ball’s spin control around the greens. This allows them to execute delicate shots with precision and confidence, resulting in better scoring opportunities. The ball’s soft feel and responsive off the clubface contribute to this spin control, making it a favorite among tour players who rely on finesse and accuracy in their short game.

The endorsement of tour players further solidifies the reputation of this golf ball. These professionals have experienced firsthand the benefits and performance it offers, and their endorsement serves as a testament to its quality. Golfers of all skill levels can trust that this ball will deliver exceptional results on the course, just as it does for tour players.

Tour-Level Performance

Designed for high swing speeds.

When it comes to golf, swing speed plays a crucial role in determining the distance and accuracy of your shots. That’s why it’s essential to choose a golf ball that is specifically designed for high swing speeds. These balls are engineered to maximize the energy transfer from the clubface to the ball, resulting in explosive distance off the tee.

One brand that stands out in this regard is our featured golf ball. Its advanced construction and aerodynamic design make it the perfect choice for golfers with fast swing speeds. The ball’s core is designed to compress and rebound quickly, generating immense power upon impact . This translates into longer drives and an overall increase in distance.

Optimal performance in windy conditions

Golfers know that playing in windy conditions can be a challenge. The wind can drastically affect the trajectory and spin of the ball, making it difficult to control. That’s why it’s important to choose a golf ball that can handle these conditions with ease.

Our featured golf ball has been specifically engineered to perform exceptionally well in windy conditions. Its aerodynamic dimple pattern reduces drag and increases lift, allowing the ball to cut through the wind effortlessly. This means you can maintain control and accuracy even on those blustery days on the course.

Spin control around the greens

One of the most critical aspects of a golf ball’s performance is its ability to provide spin control around the greens. Whether you’re hitting approach shots or trying to finesse a chip or pitch, having control over the ball’s spin is vital for achieving precision and accuracy.

Our featured golf ball excels in this area. Its soft cover and advanced construction allow for excellent spin control, giving you the ability to stop the ball on a dime and hold the green. This means you can attack pins with confidence, knowing that your golf ball will respond exactly as you intend it to.

In summary, our featured golf ball is specifically designed to deliver tour-level performance. With its focus on high swing speeds, optimal performance in windy conditions, and exceptional spin control around the greens, this ball is a game-changer for golfers looking to take their game to the next level.

Remember, choosing the right golf ball can make all the difference in your performance on the course. So why settle for anything less than the best? Try our featured golf ball and experience the difference for yourself.

• Maximizes energy transfer from the clubface to the ball
• Generates explosive distance off the tee
• Engineered for golfers with fast swing speeds
• Aerodynamic design reduces drag and increases lift
• Allows for control and accuracy in windy conditions
• Overcomes the challenges posed by the wind on the course
• Soft cover and advanced construction provide excellent spin control
• Enables precision and accuracy on approach shots, chips, and pitches
• Ensures the ball responds as intended, allowing for attacking pins with confidence

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As a lifelong golf enthusiast, Stacey E. Black has spent countless hours on the greens, perfecting their swing and studying the sport's rich history. With a passion for sharing their knowledge with fellow golfers, they founded SwingTalks as a platform to offer expert tips, insights, and news about everything related to golf.

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Taylormade Tour Response Review

As an Amateur Golfer who has to purchase my golf balls I am always on the lookout for a golf ball that will deliver comparable performance to the Tour-quality ball but at an affordable price.

The Taylormade Tour Response has been designed by Taylormade, a leading Golf Ball Manufacturer to provide a tour-level performance at an affordable price.

The Taylormade Tour Response is a three-piece golf ball with a 100% urethane cover. Urethane makes a ball feel soft when striking it and helps with grab and control when it hits the green and is generally used on Tour-quality golf balls that are more expensive.  Cheaper golf balls have ionomer covers that do not feel as soft and do not provide as much control and spin that is required for your short game.

The Tour Response has been designed and manufactured specifically for the amateur, club golfer providing a urethane cover with a soft feel and higher spin rates for good short game control at a lower more affordable price.

Before purchasing the Taylormade Tour Response you should consider the following factors:

• Materials used for construction of the ball.
• Durability – how many rounds can you play with the ball?
• Compression – lower compression will help golfers with average swing speeds to get more ball speed and distance.
• Feel – how does the ball feel on impact.
• Distance and flight Stability.
• Approach spin with fairway irons and wedges
• How does it feel when putting?
• Price – Is it cost-effective and “value for money”.

Taylormade Tour Response Golf Ball

Taylormade tour response vs titleist pro v1 golf balls, features and benefits, taylormade soft response.

The vast majority of amateur club golfers cannot hit the ball as well as a Tournament Professional thus Taylormade developed the Tour Response golf ball after evaluating the feedback from thousands of golfers of all ability levels about the attributes they wanted in a golf ball.

The Tour Response ball provides a more affordable ball than the ball played on professional circuits such as the Taylormade TP5 or TP5x while also including many of their technologies. The ball is thus suitable for the Amateur club player who wants a quality golf ball that will perform well and that he can afford.

The Tour Response ball has three layers consisting of a soft inner Hi-Spring core with an ultra-low compression of 40 that delivers a better and softer feel on impact.  The soft, core is surrounded by a firmer layer “Speedmantle with HFMq”  that allows for rapid transfer of energy resulting in more ball speed and distance. The outer layer consists of a soft, cast 100% urethane cover that allows for better grip and increased spin to stop the ball quicker on the green.

One of the reasons Taylormade developed the Tour Response ball was to offer the average golfer a golf ball that performed better than the majority of cheaper balls on the market that have an ionomer cover and could still perform favorably with the Professional Tournament balls such as the market-leading Titleist Pro V1

In a survey to compare the Tour Response with the Titleist Pro V1, the conclusion was that the Taylor Tour Response is a very good alternative to the Titleist V1 when you take into account the cost and performance of the Tour Response ball.

Materials Used

Urethane covers are the industry standard when it comes to premium performance in golf balls and urethane-covered golf balls are used extensively by tour professionals. The Tour Response golf ball uses the same 100% cast urethane cover that is on the Taylormade Flagship balls the TP5 and TP5x.

The urethane cover gives it a soft almost spongy feel that allows the grooves on your short irons to grip the ball better creating more RPMs of spin for the average club golfer compared to ionomer products allowing you to stop the ball quicker on the greens. It also has a new dimple pattern that promotes increased lift and decreased drag allowing the ball to stay in the air longer.

The Tour Response features a high spring core with 40 compression that allows for a soft feel on impact and extra distance for golfers with a medium to slow clubhead speed.

The soft, core is surrounded by the second firmer layer comprising of Speedmantle with HFMq and this increases speed and distance.

The Tour Response golf ball is very durable with reports received of golfers playing 3 rounds before any marks appeared. If my golfing prowess is taken into account, I am more likely to lose the ball in the rough before I ever need to replace it.

Compression

The Tour Response has a soft central core with a compression of 40 that makes it far easier to compress for golfers with average swing speeds allowing the amateur club golfer to attain more ball speed and distance.

The Feel of the Tour Response

The Tour Response is a very soft-feeling golf ball and you will certainly get the feeling of having compressed the golf ball through impact when using your irons on the fairway.

Distance Achieved and Flight Stability

This golf ball can be hit to distances comparable with the market leaders used by professional golfers. In the comparison survey between the Taylormade Tour Response and the Titleist Pro V1, the test conducted determined that the Titleist Pro V1 was a small distance longer off the tee while the Taylormade Tour Response was considerably longer than the Titleist Pro V1 using a 7-iron.

It is very stable and produces a consistent flight and is easy to control in the wind.

Approach Spin with Fairway Irons.

Although the Tour Response can be hit for long distances, unlike ionomer balls the urethane cover with its soft almost spongy feel  creates more spin on impact meaning your ball will hold on the green. Using a pitching wedge the grooves on the wedge combined with the soft urethane cover will create sufficient spin on the Tour Response to hold the green.

The Tour Response runs true and the ‘Tour Response” alignment aid is functional and can be of help with your putting.

The Taylormade Tour Response has been specifically designed to provide a golf ball comparable with golf balls used by Professional golfers but at a cheaper price to allow the average club golfer to afford to buy these balls without compromising on quality.

Alternatives

The Taylormade Soft Response was launched at the same time as the Taylormade Tour Response and does not have a urethane cover but uses a soft ionomer cover. The cover has shallow U-shaped dimples to increase lift and reduce drag allowing the ball to travel further. It has a low compression of 35 giving this ball a very soft feel.

The SOFT Response is cheaper than the tour Response golf ball and although it is comparable to the Tour Response concerning distance driven the Tour Response offers more spin control on the greens.

The Taylormade Tour Response is very close in performance to the Taylormade Flagship golf balls the TP5 and TP5x and the Titleist Pro V1. If you are looking for a golf ball that provides good distance while holding its line. Has better control especially around the greens in comparison to the majority of mid-priced golf balls at an affordable price, the Taylormade Tour Response is a worthwhile choice.

Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.

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Is TaylorMade’s 2022 Tour Response the perfect club golfer ball?

Published: 18 March 2022 Last updated: 18 March 2022

The 2022 TaylorMade Tour Response comes in white, stripe and yellow.

TaylorMade reveal improved second-generation of the their hit club golfer Tour Response ball, including a new dimple pattern, revolutionary alignment aid and cast urethane cover.

For years, amateur golfers were starved of credible golf ball options designed specifically for them. Now, average swing speed club golfers now have an abundance of ball choices with all of the big brands spotting the gap in the market and producing tour ball quality models that are right for everyday players.

For us, TaylorMade’s Tour Response has been the best in this category since its first generation  launched back in January 2020… and now there’s a new and improved version.

If you’re not familiar with the Tour Response, don’t be thinking that it is just a cheaper, lower performance alternative to TaylorMade’s tour-level  TP5 . It’s most definitely not.

The 2022 Tour Response comes with the same Tour Flight dimple pattern, the same cast urethane cover and the same mantle material (HFM) as the TP5. The only real difference is that, rather than having the five-layer construction and 87 compression, which allows TaylorMade to dial in the specific spin characteristics that some higher speed players need, the Tour Response has three layers and 70 compression. In layman’s terms, this is a tour quality ball for non-tour players.

The shift towards more club golfer optimised balls has also seen a rise in models that help with alignment. TaylorMade joined that party with great success when they created the  TP5 Pix in 2019, a ball which provides better feedback on alignment and roll. Now they’re bringing alignment tech into the Tour Response with the addition of  ‘Stripe’.

Let’s take a closer look at the new Tour Response.

RELATED:  Best Golf Balls

TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball (2022)

RRP £39.99 | BUY NOW: White   –   Yellow   –   Stripe Models  White, Yellow, Stripe |  Cover  Cast Urethane |  Layers Three |  Compression 70

Who is the Tour Response for?

While it has been designed for all club golfers, it’s likely to be adopted with enthusiasm by any golfer who can honestly say, “I’m not good enough to play a tour ball”, “I don’t swing fast enough for a tour ball” or “tour balls are just too expensive for me to play”. From our experience testing the original Tour Response , the model is a very credible alternative to Titleist’s Pro V1 for average speed golfers (that’s 92mph with a driver).

It’s all about the cover

TaylorMade say urethane covered balls are flat-out better performers than ionomer models, and that thinking comes down to how urethane engages more with the grooves of a wedge or iron at impact.  Urethane bites into the grooves, especially around the green, which gives additional spin and control.

Not all urethane covers are equal, though. TaylorMade say the Tour Response is the only sub-£40 ball on the market to have a 100% cast urethane cover, which they argue improves production and performance consistency.

Tour Flight dimples and soft feel

TaylorMade’s TP5 and TP5x balls have Tour Flight dimples and now, so does the Tour Response. By reducing dimple depth but making the bottom area wider, TaylorMade say golfers get reduced drag from launch to peak height, but also more air flowing into each dimple as the ball falls from the sky, which keep shots in the air for longer.

With lots of club golfers loving soft-feeling golf balls, the Tour Response has a 70 compression. TaylorMade say a firmer mantle layer stiffens up performance, so there’s great energy transfer at impact, which prevents the ball losing power through behaving like a marshmallow, which can come from just chasing low compression.

RELATED: How TaylorMade’s revolutionary Stealth performed in our drivers test

360º Clearpath Alignment

Some 40% of the golf balls sold by TaylorMade are now within the “visual space” – that’s anything other than plain white – and it’s a fast-growing area. By 2023 TaylorMade say the figure will be over 50%, which is why their engineers have focused on helping golfers with alignment, feedback, visibility and awareness with the striking new Tour Response Stripe. A 360º stripe around the ball helps visualise the path of putts more easily, and highlights your aim.

TaylorMade know the Stripe won’t float every golfer’s boat, even though they say it can improve putt alignment consistency by 20%, so there will also be plain white and yellow options.

What TaylorMade say about the Tour Response

“Tour Response already separated itself from the competition with overall materials and performance, but now with Tour Response Stripe it will also give golfers the feedback needed to boost their performance on the greens.

“We have seen many professional and recreational golfers take advantage of Clear Path Alignment in our pix golf balls, and now with the 360° design of Tour Response Stripe, alignment aid gets even easier for the everyday golfer.”

You can buy the new Tour Response, now:  White  –  Yellow  –  Stripe

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rob Jerram is the Digital Editor of  todaysgolfer.co.uk

He has been a journalist for more than 20 years, starting his career with Johnston Press where he covered local and regional news and sport in a variety of editorial roles across ten years.

Rob joined Bauer Media in 2010 and worked as the Senior Production Editor of  Today’s Golfer  and  Golf World  magazines for ten years before moving into the Digital Editor’s role in July 2020.

He has been playing golf for almost three decades and has been a member at Greetham Valley  in Rutland for eight years, playing off a 12 handicap.

Rob uses a Ping G driver , Ping G 3-wood , TaylorMade M5 5-wood , TaylorMade P790 irons (4-PW), Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), Evnroll ER2 putter , and TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball .

You can contact Rob  here .

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TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 Golf Ball Review

In our TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 golf ball review we look at the performance both on course and on a launch monitor

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In the hands of a mid or slower swinger, there is plenty of performance to be had here. Specifically, the short game feel and spin control are outstanding for a ball that comes in at less than £30 per dozen.

Excellent feel off the putter face

Superb short game spin control

Faster swingers may see a drop off in driver distance

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If you are looking for a golf ball with a soft feel, TaylorMade has a new 50-compression design that may well fit the bill. We wanted to see how the TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 golf ball performed so we tested it on a launch monitor and on the golf course. In this video and article, we’ll explain what you can expect from tee-to-green. 

TaylorMade says this is the softest ball it has ever produced and that was something we really noticed on the greens. We have tested A LOT of golf balls this year including the Kirkland Signature 2.0 and the Wilson Triad , both of which feel soft, but this raises the bar on that front. It has a lovely feel of the face of the putter and during our round of golf using the yellow colour option, we certainly holed more putts than usual. 

This soft feel extends into the short game. We hit a series of 50-yard pitch shots using a SkyTrack launch monitor and averaged 5775 rpm of spin. This was around 500rpm more than we got with the mid-price urethane-covered TaylorMade Tour Response 2022 golf ball and the Wilson Triad. In fact, it was only fractionally behind the average spin rate we achieved with some of the best golf balls on the market, like the Tour-played Titleist Pro V1x . So far so good.

The 7-iron performance during our launch monitor testing was also solid. We averaged a carry of 174 yards and with a peak height of 34 yards, this was what we’d want and expect when attacking the green from this distance. 

However, it is important to say here that with a low 50-compression, the TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 is undoubtedly aimed at players with mid or slow driver swing speeds. This became evident during our testing. At my driver clubhead speed (112mph), I found that shots dipped out of the air on the course and came up short. We used the TaylorMade Tour Response 2022 during the same round and the Soft Response was often around 10-yards shorter off the tee. This was something we also noticed during our launch monitor testing (the Tour Response offered between four and nine yards extra carry). 

TaylorMade's Soft Response 2022 golf ball is also available in a matte yellow finish

This would seem to be the main trade-off with such a low compression ball but it will not be the same for everyone. If your driver head speed is around the 90mph mark, you may well find the long game performance is good. Our 7-iron distances were around where we’d expect them to be. This solid long game performance (for the right swing speed) makes this one of the best soft feel golf balls we've tested this year.

At just under the £30 per dozen mark, the TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 is a product that promises plenty of performance. Whilst faster swingers may see a drop off in distance at the top end of the bag, slower swingers will still be able to benefit from the superb short game performance without seeing the same drop off. 

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In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

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