The Complete Guide to the Softest Golf Balls for Distance, Feel and Forgiveness
Choosing the right golf ball can have a significant impact on your performance, and for many golfers, feel is one of the most important factors. If you’re researching the softest golf balls on the market, you may also find our comprehensive best golf balls guide helpful for comparing all types of golf balls across different categories and playing styles.
Soft feel golf balls have become increasingly popular among recreational golfers because they offer:
- Improved feel off the clubface
- Greater comfort on full shots
- Enhanced putting feedback
- Increased forgiveness
- Excellent performance for slower swing speeds
However, not all soft golf balls are created equal.
Some are designed primarily for distance, while others focus on feel, greenside control, or all-around performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- What makes a golf ball feel soft
- The benefits of soft feel golf balls
- The best soft feel golf balls currently available
- Which balls suit different swing speeds
- Which balls suit different handicap levels
- How to choose the right soft golf ball for your game
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which soft feel golf ball is best suited to your swing speed, handicap and playing style.
What Is a Soft Feel Golf Ball?
A soft feel golf ball typically has a lower compression rating than a firmer tour-level golf ball.
Compression measures how much a golf ball deforms at impact.
Generally speaking:
| Compression Rating | Feel |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | Very Soft |
| 50-70 | Soft |
| 70-90 | Medium |
| 90+ | Firm |
Golf balls with lower compression ratings tend to:
- Feel softer at impact
- Compress more easily
- Launch higher
- Produce lower driver spin
- Suit slower and moderate swing speeds
Why Golfers Choose Soft Feel Golf Balls
Soft golf balls appeal to a wide range of players.
Softer Feel at Impact
Many golfers simply prefer the sensation of a softer golf ball.
Benefits include:
- More comfortable feel
- Reduced harshness
- Better feedback on putts
Improved Distance for Slower Swing Speeds
Golfers with slower swing speeds often struggle to fully compress firmer tour golf balls.
A softer ball can help generate:
- More ball speed
- Higher launch
- Increased carry distance
Increased Forgiveness
Most soft golf balls feature low-spin designs that help reduce:
- Slices
- Hooks
- Side spin
This often leads to straighter shots and more consistency.
Better Performance in Cold Weather
Golf balls naturally become firmer in colder temperatures.
Soft golf balls tend to maintain better feel and performance during winter golf.
Who Should Use a Soft Feel Golf Ball?
Soft golf balls are particularly beneficial for:
✅ Beginners
✅ Seniors
✅ High handicappers
✅ Moderate swing speed golfers
✅ Golfers seeking maximum comfort and feel
However, many low handicappers also use softer premium golf balls that combine soft feel with tour-level performance.
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
1. Callaway Supersoft
Best Overall Soft Feel Golf Ball
The Callaway Supersoft is one of the most popular golf balls in the world and has earned a reputation for exceptional softness and forgiveness.
Key Features
- Ultra-low compression
- Soft feel
- Low driver spin
- Excellent forgiveness
Best For
- Beginners
- Seniors
- High handicappers
- Swing speeds under 95 MPH
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating |
| Feel | 10/10 |
| Forgiveness | 10/10 |
| Distance | 9/10 |
| Value | 9/10 |
2. Srixon Soft Feel
Best Value Soft Feel Golf Ball
The Srixon Soft Feel combines excellent distance with a soft feel and impressive durability.
Key Features
- FastLayer Core
- Soft compression
- Excellent value
Best For
- Recreational golfers
- Moderate swing speeds
- Mid handicappers
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating |
| Feel | 9/10 |
| Distance | 9/10 |
| Value | 10/10 |
3. Wilson Duo Soft
Softest Golf Ball Available
Wilson markets the Duo Soft as one of the softest golf balls in golf.
Key Features
- Extremely low compression
- Softest feel available
- Easy launch
Best For
- Slow swing speeds
- Seniors
- Beginners
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating |
| Feel | 10/10 |
| Forgiveness | 9/10 |
| Distance | 8.5/10 |
4. TaylorMade Soft Response
Best Soft Feel Golf Ball for Mid Handicappers
The Soft Response delivers a blend of soft feel and strong all-around performance.
Key Features
- Low compression core
- Excellent balance of distance and feel
- Consistent ball flight
Best For
- Mid handicappers
- Moderate swing speeds
5. Bridgestone e6
Best Soft Feel Golf Ball for Straight Shots
The Bridgestone e6 is designed to reduce side spin and increase accuracy.
Key Features
- Low spin
- Soft feel
- Forgiving flight
Best For
- Golfers who fight slices
- High handicappers
6. Vice Pro Air
Best Premium Soft Feel Golf Ball
The Vice Pro Air combines premium urethane construction with softer compression characteristics.
Key Features
- Urethane cover
- Soft feel
- Excellent distance
Best For
- Mid handicappers
- Moderate swing speeds
- Golfers wanting premium performance
7. Callaway Chrome Soft
Best Premium Soft Feel Tour Ball
The Chrome Soft is one of the most versatile premium golf balls available.
Key Features
- Tour-level performance
- Soft feel
- Excellent greenside control
Best For
- Mid and low handicappers
- Swing speeds 85-105 MPH
Comparison Table: Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
| Golf Ball | Feel | Distance | Forgiveness | Spin | Best Swing Speed |
| Callaway Supersoft | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | Moderate | Under 95 MPH |
| Srixon Soft Feel | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | Moderate | Under 95 MPH |
| Wilson Duo Soft | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | Low | Under 85 MPH |
| TaylorMade Soft Response | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | Moderate | 80-95 MPH |
| Bridgestone e6 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | Low | Under 95 MPH |
| Vice Pro Air | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | Mid | 80-100 MPH |
| Chrome Soft | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | High | 85-105 MPH |
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls by Swing Speed
Under 80 MPH
Recommended:
- Wilson Duo Soft
- Callaway Supersoft
- Srixon Soft Feel
These balls compress easily and help maximise carry distance.
80-90 MPH
Recommended:
- Callaway Supersoft
- Vice Pro Air
- TaylorMade Soft Response
90-100 MPH
Recommended:
- Chrome Soft
- Vice Pro Air
- Soft Response
100+ MPH
Recommended:
- Chrome Soft
- Vice Pro
- Srixon Z-Star
At higher swing speeds, golfers often benefit from premium soft-feeling tour balls rather than ultra-low-compression models.
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls by Handicap
Beginners
Recommended:
- Callaway Supersoft
- Wilson Duo Soft
- Bridgestone e6
These balls prioritise forgiveness and ease of use.
High Handicappers
Recommended:
- Supersoft
- Srixon Soft Feel
- Vice Pro Air
Mid Handicappers
Recommended:
- Chrome Soft
- Vice Pro Air
- TaylorMade Soft Response
Low Handicappers
Recommended:
- Chrome Soft
- Vice Pro
- Srixon Z-Star
These balls provide soft feel while maintaining high levels of spin and control.
Soft Feel vs Firm Golf Balls
| Feature | Soft Golf Balls | Firm Golf Balls |
| Feel | Softer | Firmer |
| Launch | Higher | Lower |
| Forgiveness | Higher | Moderate |
| Driver Spin | Lower | Higher |
| Greenside Spin | Moderate-High | High |
| Best For | Slow-Moderate Speeds | Fast Speeds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Soft Golf Balls Go Further?
For slower and moderate swing speeds, softer golf balls often produce more distance because they are easier to compress.
Are Soft Golf Balls Better for Seniors?
In many cases, yes.
Soft golf balls can help seniors generate:
- More ball speed
- Higher launch
- Greater carry distance
What Is the Softest Golf Ball Available?
The Wilson Duo Soft is widely regarded as one of the softest golf balls currently available.
Do Professional Golfers Use Soft Golf Balls?
Many professionals use golf balls that feel soft, such as the Pro V1 or Chrome Soft, but these are still premium tour balls with advanced multi-layer construction.
Final Verdict
The best soft feel golf ball depends on your swing speed, handicap and priorities.
Best Overall
🏆 Callaway Supersoft
Best Value
🏆 Srixon Soft Feel
Softest Feel
🏆 Wilson Duo Soft
Best Premium Option
🏆 Callaway Chrome Soft
Best for Distance
🏆 Vice Pro Air
Best for Slice Reduction
🏆 Bridgestone e6
For most recreational golfers, a soft feel golf ball can improve confidence, increase forgiveness and make the game more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for straighter shots or an experienced player seeking enhanced feel, there is a soft golf ball designed to suit your game.
To discover the ideal golf ball for your swing speed and playing style, visit the right golf ball or try our golf ball selector app for personalised recommendations.