Does the name Noodle ring a bell for any of the older golf fans? Yes, the Noodle golf balls are still in production, and it seems they are here to stay!
Previously, the Noodle golf balls were manufactured by the parent company Maxfli but were later sold to DICK’s sporting goods. Later, TaylorMade obtainedownership of the Noodle golf balls and has been manufacturing them since then. You can easily find them stocked at Walmart, but are they reliable products? Continue reading to find out.
TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft Golf Balls Review
The TaylorMade Noodle Long & Softare designed to provide a soft feel and maximize range, just like the name suggests. The exclusive 342 aerodynamic dimple pattern enables it to soar through the air giving the ball a greater, more precise flight. These babies also feature an advanced 34 compression core which is extremely soft and will provide unmatched distance and feel. Let’s dive into the specifics.
TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft Specifics
- Construction: two-piece
- Material: Surlyn
- Dimples: 342 dimples
The Noodle is great for those mediocre golfers who just play over the weekend or the high handicappers; if you don’t smash the ball straight, you will get better outcomes. The reason why the Noodle is ideal for this is that it is created to provide the players more distance. It is also fairly cheaper than most other golf balls on the market. The TaylorMade Noodle Long & Short is best if you are a beginner or you only play a few times a year. It performs best for players with intermediate swing speeds of 80 – 90 mph.
The ball has an ultra-soft feel due to its core 34 compression center. The core is also designed with impact propulsion technology which releases the ball with full power and high ball speeds. The inter-linked material structure combined with an anti-sheer coating provides excellent durability to the ball. The Noodle Long & Soft features more dimples than the usual amount, which reduces air resistance and extends the range of golf shots.
Distance
If you have trouble compressing the ball or you have a tendency to swing or sidespin the ball, then the Noodle Long & Soft will provide you with a longer range than a Titleist or another brand. It’s a great ball when you first start to play golf.
Since the Noodle golf ball doesn’t need to be compressed, it flies further and with greater accuracy as compared to other golf balls. If you hit the ball completely straight, you might be surprised at how much range it can pick up.
The range is not as high as a Pro V1; however, it certainly helps in covering extra greens. While there are several balls better than the Noodle, it still provides a pretty decent game and value for money.
Forgiveness
The reason why the Noodle Long & Soft is so great is that it’s extremely forgiving. A Noodle can last you an entire game; while it may not improve your swing or hook, it will yield great outcomes since it is a softer ball.
They are extremely reasonable and help with a good game. You won’t feel bad about losing a few in the bushes and landing some of them in the water.
Although the drives and shots might not be the same as playing with a tour-grade ball, it is still compatible with those high-end golf balls.
The Noodle does lack a little bit around the greens. Short pitches and chip shots are where it consistently fails. This is when you have lesser control and precision over the ball with a lesser spin than you could probably get with a tour-grade ball.
If you are a better player, these are the areas you will want to play with a more expensive ball since your performance will be affected.
Pros and Cons of the Noodle Long & Soft
Pros
- The pricing is unbeatable
- Higher handicaps benefit greatly from distances
- They compress easily
- Tough Iothane shield
- Provides a consistent long game
- A decent spin onthe green
Cons
- Unsuitable for golfers with quick swings
- It can’t compete with tour-grade balls
- Lesser precision and control
- The feel is not as satisfactory
Alternatives
Competition in the distance golf market is fairly high, with the Noodle Long & Short competing with several high-end and tour-grade balls. Following are a few alternatives:
Callaway Supersoft
The softest ball in the golf ball market is the Callaway Supersoft which features a 2-piece construction similar to the Noodle and a Trionomer cover with 332 hexagonal dimples. It has a similar compression rate of 38, which is close to the Noodle, and has additional polymers for durability.
The Callaway Supersoft was created for medium handicappers who swing at 90 mph or less.
Srixon Soft Feel
Golfers greatly praise the Srixon Soft Feel for the uncompromised distance it offers, along with a softer feel and precision around the greens. It has a straightforward dual-piece construction along with a core compression of 60. It has 338 dimples that provide excellent precision, good trajectory, and control around the greens.
The Srixon Soft Feel is a strong rival of the Noodle golf balls since it works for a larger spectrum of golfers and works for both low handicappers and beginners alike.
Our Final Thoughts
The TaylorMade Noodle Long and Softis a great option if you frequently waste three to six balls each round. They are not only extremely affordable, but they also provide good value for money, especially considering they are manufactured by TaylorMade at their factory in Korea.
They are plainly designed for slower swingers due to their low core compression, yet they are also incredibly forgiving and responsive. The Noodle Long & Soft is a ball that will soar far and quickly off the tee while also allowing some spin on the greens.
These balls are fantastic for amateurs and beginners because of their low price, and if you play golf with the Noodle Long & Soft, you won’t have to worry as much about dropping a few balls. If you merely want to practice and get better at golf, they offer good value for the money and are among the best TaylorMade golf balls available.
