While the ProV1 and ProV1x are the flagship golf balls in the Titleist lineup, there are numerous secondary offerings that are more cost effective, while maintaining a lot of the benefits of a high quality golf ball. For 2016, Titleist includes the NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity, and a new look at the DT lineup with DT TruSoft. For the purpose of this review, the Velocity and DT TruSoft will be highlighted.
The Velocity as explained by Titleist: The Titleist Velocity golf ball delivers fast initial ball speed on all full swing shots for explosive distance while providing playable feel in the short game. The exclusive LSX core produces high initial ball speed for more power off the tee and shorter approach shots into the green. The advanced spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design delivers a more penetrating trajectory with a shallower angle of descent for even more roll.
With the expectations provided by Titleist, it was not surprising to experience effective results off the tee with the Velocity. The ball performed fairly similar to some of the lower spin tour models, without excessive spin or flaring on poor strikes especially when utilizing the driver or woods. This performance was maintained through a majority of the clubs in the bag, with somewhat diminishing results as the swing speed and ball speed reduced.
The secondary advantage to the Velocity is the highly durable cover system. During the testing experience, numerous rounds could be played with the same ball without any major imperfections, cuts, or elements that would reduce the aerodynamic quality of the ball. In many situations, covers that are highly durable lack genuine responsiveness, but there remains quality feedback and mashable contact quality on the lower lofted clubs when striking the Velocity.
Despite the excellent distance retention and cover durability, the cost of the profile seems to be in the greenside spin between full swing wedges and closing in on the green from there. Numerous situation where premium offerings would introduce spin on green contact, the Velocity seemed to lack that genuine ‘bite’ and would carry on or bounce further than anticipated.
The DT TruSoft as explained by Titleist: New Titleist DT TruSoft golf balls provide exceptionally soft feel on every shot. Titleist R&D engineered a new core and cover formulation that delivers very low spin in the long game for impressive distance along with short game playability. DT TruSoft technology results in the best combination of very soft compression feel and the consistent performance you expect from Titleist.
One of the lower price point Titleist golf ball options, the DT TruSoft introduces a nice balance of feel due to the low compression, but also reduced spin in the longer clubs without compromising greenside responsiveness. The goal for Titleist is to provide a golf ball with exceptionally soft feedback without the diminishing returns of balls lunging forward upon green contact, and they have certainly closed the gap with the latest DT offering.
Similar to the Velocity, the cover wear is on the higher end of expectations. The DT TruSoft can be played easily for a round or longer without any unusual cuts or gouges that would negatively impact playability, which really adds to the overall value of the ball.
Being the lowest compression Titleist golf ball available, it came at little surprise to prefer the DT TruSoft around the greens, especially when putting. There is a nice contact sensation that extends from putter to driver, and reacts well with contact quality. This introduces a slight reduction in total driver distance as compared to the velocity, but slightly improved greenside reaction to make for a very well rounded option.
Around the green, the DT TruSoft handles some of the expectations of different spin based golf shots, however it still does not measure against the NXT or ProV1 offerings, which should come at little surprise considering the limited spin on full swings as the golfer heads toward driver.
The DT TruSoft and Velocity are two excellent bargain golf ball offerings provided by Titleist for 2016, with various elements that make them stand out against each other and their competition. They fit well amongst the other offerings from Titleist, and help to guarantee golfers are getting exactly the kind of golf ball they need to succeed. For more information on the DT TruSoft or Velocity, go to www.Titleist.com.
