If there is one universal truth in the game of golf, it is that losing golf balls is an inevitability. Whether you are battling a sharp dogleg, navigating a treacherous water hazard, or simply dealing with a nasty slice, golf balls are going to vanish. Because of this, finding a golf ball that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank is the holy grail for the everyday golfer. Enter the TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls. Priced at an incredibly reasonable $19.97 per dozen, these balls make a bold promise: maximum distance, mid-to-high spin, and a softer feel, all wrapped up in an affordable two-piece construction.
In this comprehensive review, we are going to dive deep into the technology, performance, and overall value of the TaylorMade Distance+. Whether you are looking to restock your bag for a casual weekend round or trying to find a reliable ball that compliments your swing speed, read on to see if this popular offering deserves a spot in your golf bag.
Key Features & Technology
TaylorMade is a titan in the golf industry, known for engineering some of the most advanced equipment on the planet. Even in their budget-friendly categories, they pack in a surprising amount of proprietary technology.
REACT Speed Core
The engine driving the TaylorMade Distance+ is the REACT Speed Core. As the name implies, this core is specifically designed to compress efficiently at impact and spring back with explosive speed. This high-restitution core is what gives the ball its signature high-velocity performance, translating directly into more yards down the fairway. For amateur golfers with average swing speeds, maximizing energy transfer from the clubface to the ball is critical, and the REACT core does exactly that.
Extended Flight Dimple Pattern
Aerodynamics play a massive role in how a golf ball performs, especially when you are battling the elements. The Distance+ features TaylorMade's all-new Extended Flight Dimple Pattern. This low-drag aerodynamic design reduces air resistance and helps the ball fight through headwinds. The result? The ball stays airborne longer, producing a penetrating, mid-launch trajectory that maximizes your carry distance on long drives.
The Plus Alignment Aid
One of the standout visual features of this golf ball is the Plus Alignment Aid stamped directly onto the cover. Putting is all about starting the ball on the correct line, and drawing a line on your ball with a Sharpie can be tedious. The built-in crosshair-style alignment stamp makes it incredibly easy to square up your putter face on the green, or to align your tee shots perfectly down the fairway. It is a small detail, but one that significantly boosts confidence when standing over a crucial putt.
Performance on the Course
Technology and specs are great on paper, but how does the TaylorMade Distance+ actually perform when you step onto the grass? We evaluated this ball across several critical categories.
Distance off the Tee
When paired with a modern, high-forgiveness driver like the TaylorMade Golf SIM2 MAX Driver, the Distance+ truly lives up to its name. Off the tee, this ball is an absolute rocket. The combination of the REACT Speed Core and the aerodynamic dimple pattern results in a piercing ball flight that rolls out beautifully upon landing. If your primary goal is to keep up with your playing partners or gain an extra 10-15 yards off the tee to leave shorter approach shots, this ball delivers in spades.
Forgiveness and Iron Play
Two-piece golf balls with ionomer covers generally offer excellent durability and a tendency to fly straight, which equates to built-in forgiveness. When hitting approach shots with game-improvement irons—such as the Taylormade Golf Qi Max Irons Steel Stiff Mens 4-PW—the Distance+ feels solid and reliable. While it won't offer the extreme workability (fades and draws on command) of a Tour-level ball, its tendency to fly straight is exactly what mid-to-high handicappers need. The mid-launch profile helps golfers get the ball in the air easily, holding greens reasonably well on full iron shots.
Greenside Feel and Sound
The achilles heel of many distance balls is the dreaded "rock" feel around the greens. TaylorMade has worked hard to mitigate this by tuning the Distance+ to offer a "softer feel." While it is noticeably softer than distance balls of the past, it is still an ionomer-covered ball. Off a wedge, it provides a satisfying, audible "click." It generates mid/high spin for its category, meaning it will check up decently well on pitch and chip shots, though you shouldn't expect the drop-and-stop wizardry of a $50 urethane ball. On the putting green, the firmer feedback helps with distance control, and the aforementioned Plus Alignment Aid is a genuine game-changer.
Specs
Here is a quick breakdown of the technical specifications of the TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Construction | 2-Layer (2-Piece) |
| Cover Material | Ionomer |
| Core | REACT Speed Core |
| Launch Profile | Mid-Launch |
| Spin Profile | Mid/High Spin |
| Feel | Softer Feel |
| Target Audience | Men & Women (All Skill Levels) |
| Price per Dozen | $19.97 |
Comparisons / Alternatives
If you are building out your TaylorMade arsenal, the Distance+ golf balls are just one piece of the puzzle. Maximizing your distance requires the right hardware. Below are some phenomenal equipment pairings and alternatives to consider:
Pairing the Distance+ with the SIM2 Max Driver is a recipe for monumental tee shots. The extreme forgiveness of the driver perfectly complements the straight-flying characteristics of the ball.
For your approach play, the Qi Max Irons offer the perimeter weighting and launch characteristics necessary to help the Distance+ stop quickly on the greens.
Looking for something else? If you are a lower handicap player who demands ultimate greenside control and tour-level workability, you might want to look into urethane-covered balls, and perhaps pair them with a player's distance iron like the Srixon ZXi5 Iron Set. And don't forget to look the part while you're bombing drives with the BirdieFinder Two-Tone Mid Cap – Limited Edition.
Who Should Buy This?
So, who is the ideal candidate for the TaylorMade Distance+?
- The Weekend Warrior: If you play golf for fun, enjoy casual rounds with friends, and don't want the stress of losing a $4 golf ball in the woods, this is the perfect ball for you.
- High to Mid Handicappers: Golfers who struggle with distance or need a ball that naturally mitigates extreme side spin will benefit greatly from the 2-piece ionomer construction.
- Budget-Conscious Golfers: At $19.97, you are getting premium brand-name engineering for a fraction of the cost of Tour balls. The value proposition here is simply unbeatable.
- Golfers Struggling with Alignment: If you miss putts because you aren't lined up correctly, the built-in Plus Alignment Aid will provide an immediate and noticeable improvement to your putting routine.
Final Verdict
The TaylorMade Distance+ is a triumph in the value golf ball category. It successfully bridges the gap between raw, explosive distance and playable greenside feel. While scratch golfers and short-game purists might miss the biting spin of a premium urethane cover, the vast majority of amateur golfers will see zero drop-off in their scores—and they will save a considerable amount of money in the process.
TaylorMade has delivered exactly what they promised: a fast, durable, and highly playable golf ball that enhances the performance of everyday players. If you want to transform your game off the tee while keeping your wallet happy, the TaylorMade Distance+ should absolutely be your next purchase.
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