Every golfer loves the sensation of purely striking a golf ball. But let's be honest: not all of us possess the 115-mph swing speed required to properly compress a tour-level golf ball. For a significant portion of amateur golfers, playing a firm, high-compression ball is a recipe for lost distance and a harsh, stinging sensation on off-center hits.
Enter the Maxfli SoftFli Matte Golf Balls.
Priced at an incredibly approachable $26.09, this golf ball is designed specifically for those who prioritize a butter-soft feel and need a bit of help keeping the ball straight. Today, we are putting Maxfli's softest golf ball to the test to see if its performance matches its bold claims, and whether it truly deserves a spot in your bag.
Key Features & Technology
Maxfli hasn't just slapped a "soft" label on a standard ball; they have completely engineered the SoftFli from the inside out to cater to a specific type of player.
Ultra-Low 35 Compression Core
To put things into perspective, the traditional Maxfli Revolution sits at an 85 compression rating. A typical tour ball hovers around 90-100. The Maxfli SoftFli features a staggering 35 compression rating. This makes it one of the absolute softest golf balls on the market today. This ultra-low compression allows golfers with slower swing speeds to fully compress the ball at impact, transferring maximum energy and generating better distance than they would with a harder ball.
Reformulated Core Construction
Often, making a golf ball incredibly soft results in a "mushy" feel that severely hampers ball speed. Maxfli combated this by reformulating the core construction. The updated design maintains a faster ball speed off the clubface while keeping the spin rate exceptionally low.
332 Dimple Pattern
Aerodynamics play a massive role in how a golf ball performs once it leaves the clubface. The SoftFli boasts a high-surface coverage 332 dimple pattern. This specific dimple geometry is engineered to produce consistent flight characteristics across all swing speeds, ensuring that your ball cuts through the wind reliably and maintains a stable, predictable trajectory.
High-Visibility Matte Cover
There is something undeniably cool about a matte golf ball. Beyond the modern aesthetic, the matte cover coloration on the SoftFli significantly enhances visibility. Whether it's tracking the ball against a cloudy sky or spotting it nestled in the rough, the non-reflective surface makes it pop. Furthermore, matte finishes have been shown to reduce glare on bright, sunny days, which mitigates eye strain over a four-hour round.
Performance on the Course
We took the Maxfli SoftFli to the course to see how it handles real-world conditions, from the tee box to the green.
Distance
Off the tee, the performance is heavily dependent on your swing speed. If you are a player swinging a driver like the TaylorMade Golf SIM2 MAX Driver at around 85 mph or lower, you are going to see a noticeable jump in distance. The low compression allows you to harness the trampoline effect of the clubface optimally. However, players with swing speeds over 100 mph might actually lose a few yards, as they can "over-compress" the 35-compression core, leading to a loss of energy transfer.
Forgiveness
Where the SoftFli truly shines is in its forgiveness. Because the core is formulated to produce low spin off the driver and long irons, it drastically reduces the lateral spin that causes slices and snap-hooks. If you struggle with a nasty slice, switching to a low-spin ball like the SoftFli can help tighten your dispersion. It won't cure a fundamentally bad swing, but it will certainly keep you in the short grass more often.
Short Game Control
When it comes to chipping and pitching, the SoftFli behaves predictably. While you won't get the aggressive one-hop-and-stop checking power of a urethane-covered tour ball, the soft cover provides enough friction for a standard bump-and-run approach. You'll need to play for a bit more rollout, but the muted feel off wedges provides excellent distance control feedback. The matte finish also has an interesting side effect around the greens; the slightly tacky nature of the paint seems to interact well with the grooves of wedges on partial shots, offering just a hint more grab than a standard glossy ionomer cover.
Feel and Sound
Sound and feel are inextricably linked in golf, and the SoftFli proves this point brilliantly. When you strike it pure with an iron, the auditory feedback is a muted, deep thwack rather than a high-pitched click, with virtually no vibration traveling up the shaft. Around the greens, the ball feels like a marshmallow off the putter face. If you use a firmer putter, such as the Cobra Golf Classic Blade Putter, the SoftFli pairs perfectly, muting the impact into a satisfying, soft "thud."
"The Maxfli SoftFli is a revelation for winter golf. When temperatures drop and regular balls feel like hitting rocks, the 35 compression core keeps every shot feeling buttery smooth."
Specs
Here is a quick breakdown of the technical specifications for the Maxfli SoftFli:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $26.09 |
| Compression | 35 (Ultra-Low) |
| Construction | 2-Piece |
| Cover Material | Ionomer |
| Dimple Count | 332 |
| Finish | Matte |
| Best For | Slow to Moderate Swing Speeds |
Comparisons & Alternatives
While the Maxfli SoftFli is a fantastic golf ball, it's always smart to weigh your options. If you are shopping in the mid-$20 price range for a soft, distance-oriented golf ball, another highly recommended alternative is the Mizuno 2024 RB 566.
The Mizuno 2024 RB 566 Golf Balls feature a unique micro-dimple design that helps prolong the ball's flight, making it a great alternative if your primary goal is maximizing carry distance and hangtime. However, the Maxfli SoftFli still wins out on pure "softness" due to its 35 compression rating, whereas the Mizuno is slightly firmer.
Additionally, if you are revamping your game for comfort and consistency, upgrading your footwear is just as important as your golf ball. Consider pairing your new setup with the incredibly comfortable Puma Men's Fusion Crush Sport Golf Shoe to keep your feet as happy as your scorecard.
Who Should Buy This?
The Maxfli SoftFli Matte is not a one-size-fits-all golf ball. It is specifically tailored for:
- Senior Golfers: As swing speeds naturally slow down, a low compression ball is absolutely essential to maintain distance and launch height.
- Beginners and High Handicappers: The low-spin profile reduces hooks and slices, while the soft feel builds confidence around the greens.
- Cold Weather Golfers: Cold temperatures make golf balls firmer. Swapping to a 35-compression ball in the winter prevents the dreaded sensation of hitting a stone.
- Players on a Budget: At just over $26, you get premium feel and excellent visibility without the tour-ball price tag.
On the flip side, low-handicap players or those with high swing speeds should look elsewhere. The ionomer cover does not provide the check-and-stop greenside spin of a urethane ball, and the 35 compression core will ultimately cost fast swingers valuable distance and control off the tee.
Final Verdict
Maxfli has knocked it out of the park with the SoftFli Matte Golf Balls. By committing fully to an ultra-low 35 compression core, they have created a product that perfectly serves its target demographic. It delivers exactly what it promises: exceptionally soft feel, straighter ball flights, and excellent visibility, all wrapped up in a highly affordable package.
If you are tired of losing expensive tour balls and want a golf ball that actually complements a moderate swing speed, the Maxfli SoftFli deserves a permanent spot in your golf bag.
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