I LOVE It But 1 Problem! Taylormade Speedsoft INK Ball Review

I LOVE It But 1 Problem! Taylormade Speedsoft INK Ball Review

I recently posted a photo of the Taylormade SpeedSoft Ink golf ball, and the messages came flooding in:
“Can you review it?”
Especially from junior golfers. So, I took it out early doors up with the greenkeepers at Bondhay Golf Club to give it a full on-course review.

Let’s test how this funky ball performs in terms of feel, spin, durability, and value.

📺 Watch the Full Review on YouTube

💥 First Impressions: Bright, Bold, and Built for Fun

Taylormade are no strangers to creative design (remember the TP5 Pix?). But with SpeedSoft Ink, they’ve turned it up a notch.

It’s got:

  • Bold splashes of blue, pink, green and more

  • A loud, artsy vibe that’ll definitely divide opinions

  • Clear appeal to the younger market — which is a big positive in growing the game

It’s a 2-piece ionomer-covered ball, so not urethane like a tour-level ball, which impacts spin (more on that later).

🧈 Putting Feel: Ultra Soft with One Visual Drawback

I’m normally a TP5x gamer, so I’m used to a firmer feel. But from the first few putts, I could feel how incredibly soft the SpeedSoft Ink is. If you prefer a buttery soft ball off the putter, you’ll enjoy this.

👁️ A Small Issue with the Design:

If you’re someone who likes using an alignment line for putting, the funky splatter design might distract your eye or make it tricky to aim cleanly. There’s a lot going on visually.

⛳ Chipping & Spin Test: Feels Good, Spins Less

Out on the short game area, the ball felt great on basic chips — soft, responsive, and easy to control.

But let’s get into the numbers…

📉 Studio Test Results:

  • 100-yard wedge shot with my TP5x: ~10,200 RPM

  • Same shot with SpeedSoft Ink: ~6,000 RPM

  • Launch: a few degrees higher with the Ink

That’s a significant drop in spin, likely due to the ionomer cover. However, it wasn’t disastrous in real-world chipping. You can still get decent check if you strike it clean.

🏹 60-Yard Pitch Test: Launches High, Stops Decent

I took it out for a 60-yard pitch test and found:

  • It launched around 30°, a few degrees higher than the TP5x

  • Not quite as much grab or zip, but still stopped fine via trajectory

  • Slightly shorter carry (around 5 yards less)

👟 Verdict on Wedge Play:

You can play with this ball around the greens — just don’t expect razor-sharp spin. That said, the extra launch might benefit juniors or slower swing speeds who struggle getting the ball airborne.

🪓 Mid-Iron Performance: Surprisingly Close to Premium

Let’s talk 7-iron stats from the studio:

Metric TP5x SpeedSoft Ink
Spin 6,800 RPM 6,700 RPM
Carry 191 yards 186 yards

✅ Only a slight dip in carry and ball speed
✅ Spin numbers held up well in the mid-irons
This was the most encouraging result — it shows the ball performs well through the bag, especially from mid-irons upward.

🚀 Driver Numbers: Mid-Priced, Mid-Spin, Decent Speed

I know you love the driver stats, so here’s what I found:

  • Clubhead Speed: 124 mph

  • Ball Speed: ~170 mph

  • Spin Rate: ~2,200 RPM

  • Smash Factor: 1.38

For a mid-price ball, that’s very respectable. You’ll lose a few mph of ball speed vs. a tour ball, but not enough to kill your game. Great option for casual rounds or winter golf.

🧪 Durability Test: Survived the Bunker Beating

I always finish with a durability test — 10 shots from wet bunker sand.
Here’s how it held up:

  • Just a tiny scuff mark

  • Otherwise, no real signs of damage

  • Passed the durability test with flying colours (despite not being urethane-covered)

🎯 Final Verdict: A Fun, Forgiving Ball with One Flaw

👍 What I Love:

  • Super soft feel off all clubs

  • Launches high — great for juniors or slower swingers

  • Durable and funky-looking

  • Performs solidly through mid and long irons

  • Fairly priced at around half the price of premium balls

👎 What Holds It Back:

  • Big drop in spin on 80–120 yard wedge shots

  • Not great if you rely on wedge spin to stop the ball

  • Loud design might not suit alignment-focused players

🧒 Best Suited For:

  • Junior golfers or slower swing speeds

  • Players who like a soft feel and high launch

  • Golfers looking for a budget-friendly, fun, durable ball

  • Casual rounds or practice where you don’t need premium spin

🏁 Final Take:

“I actually love this ball... BUT I wouldn’t game it myself.”

If most of your scoring shots are inside 120 yards, and you rely on spin control, this might not be your gamer. But if you’re just looking for something fun, playable, and forgiving, this ball does the job — with flair!

 

💬 What Do You Think?

Have you tried the Taylormade SpeedSoft Ink? Love the design or think it’s too much? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social.

News