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Callaway Supersoft vs TaylorMade Distance+
The Callaway Supersoft and TaylorMade Distance+ are both affordable 2-piece balls, but opposite in design: the Supersoft's ultra-low compression (~38-45) and hybrid cover favour soft feel and easy launch at moderate swing speeds, while the Distance+'s 77-compression core and ionomer cover prioritise maximum carry and durability for faster swings.
Both balls sit at roughly the same price point and both are 2-piece constructions, but the difference in compression ratio alone changes which player gets the best performance from each. Compression measures how much the ball deforms at impact: a lower number means the ball compresses more easily, which helps a slower swing speed generate distance, while a higher compression favours faster swings that would 'mush' a softer ball's core and lose energy.
The Supersoft's compression rating of roughly 38-45 makes it one of the softest balls on the market. That means a player with a moderate swing speed (under 90 mph with the driver) still gets a lively, efficient strike — the ball springs off the face rather than feeling dead. The hybrid cover contributes to the soft feel while providing durability, but the trade-off is lower spin, which means less stopping power on approach shots and a ball that runs out more on the green.
The Distance+'s 77-compression core sits in the mid-range — harder than the Supersoft but still well within range for most amateur swing speeds. Its ionomer cover is firmer and more durable than a hybrid cover, designed to produce lower spin off the driver for a penetrating, rolling ball flight that maximises total distance. The trade-off is feel: at impact and around the green, the Distance+ transmits more vibration through the club than the Supersoft, which some players describe as 'clicky' or firm.
Side by side with the same swing, the Supersoft launches slightly higher and lands softer, while the Distance+ produces a lower, more penetrating trajectory with more roll-out. Neither is faster or longer for every player — the right choice depends almost entirely on whether your swing speed is low enough to benefit from the Supersoft's easy compression, or high enough that the Distance+'s firmer core gives you the control and carry you need.
| Callaway Supersoft 2025 | TaylorMade Distance+ | |
|---|---|---|
| weight | 0.135 kg (pack) | 0.135 kg (pack) |
| material | Hybrid cover | Ionomer |
| € | budget | budget |
Callaway Supersoft 2025
- weight
- 0.135 kg (pack)
- material
- Hybrid cover
ballbudget
TaylorMade Distance+
- weight
- 0.135 kg (pack)
- material
- Ionomer
ballbudget
Choose the Callaway Supersoft if your driver swing speed is under 90 mph, you prioritise soft feel, or you're new to golf and want a ball that forgives mishits. Choose the TaylorMade Distance+ if you have a moderate-to-fast swing speed (90+ mph), you want maximum carry and roll-out distance, or you lose balls often and want a durable cover that survives a full round without scuffing.
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FAQ
Is the Supersoft's lower compression always better for slower swings?
Generally yes — a low-compression ball like the Supersoft deforms more at impact, which converts more of the swing energy into ball speed even at lower clubhead speeds. A harder ball at the same slow swing speed would simply feel dead and travel shorter. The exception is a player whose swing speed is already high enough to compress a firmer ball fully — at that point, the Distance+'s firmer core can actually deliver more energy return.
Which ball spins more around the green?
Neither generates high spin compared to a urethane-covered tour ball — both are 2-piece distance-oriented designs. Between them, the Supersoft's hybrid cover offers slightly more greenside friction than the Distance+'s ionomer cover, but the difference is modest. If greenside spin is your priority, neither of these is the right category — you'd want to look at a urethane ball like the Titleist Pro V1 instead.
Does the Distance+ feel noticeably harder off the putter face?
Yes — the Supersoft feels noticeably softer off the putter, with a duller 'thud' sound and less vibration through the hands. The Distance+ produces a more solid 'click', which some players actually prefer for feedback on centre strikes. It's a matter of personal feel rather than a performance difference that affects putts holed.
Which ball is better for a beginner?
The Callaway Supersoft — its low compression makes mishits more playable, and the soft feel is more forgiving across the whole set. A beginner typically doesn't generate enough swing speed to benefit from the Distance+'s firmer construction, and the Supersoft's higher launch helps get the ball airborne more easily from the fairway.
Are both balls legal for tournament play?
Yes — both conform to R&A and USGA rules. Neither has any non-conforming feature, and both are widely used in amateur competitions. They're not 'tour-level' balls (neither has a urethane cover), but they're regulation-legal in every amateur event that doesn't restrict the type of ball used.
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