Noodle golf balls have seen a dramatic rise in popularity over recent years. This is mainly because they are a good alternative to the basic Top Flite XL balls that is stocked at most local pro shop. We decided we should put these balls to the test to find out if the match the hype.
Today, we’ll give a full review of the Noodle Long and Soft Golf balls, focusing on their quality and how well they work for different players.
After reading this review, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not these low-cost, two-piece golf balls with low spin and high launch meet your needs.
Which Company Makes The Noodle Golf Balls?
The Noodle golf balls were designed by the TaylorMade Company, which is based in Carlsbad, California. These balls were previously manufactured in Taiwan. However, after TaylorMade bought Nassau Golf Co. in 2021, the production of Noodle golf balls moved to South Korea.
Features
Two-Piece Design
The Noodle Long and Soft line is made of two parts: an Ultra Soft Compression Core and a strong ionomer cover. The 34 compression core makes it extremely easy to hit. This is due to to the impressive energy transfer, especially during high-impact shots. As a result, the ball bounce quickly off the clubface for excellent distance.
Given the fact that we regularly use a two-piece distance ball, we found the Noodles a little more challenging to control around the green. This is bacause the Noodle has very little spin on the green side, which may impact your short game. But this trait probably won’t stop the normal golfer from trying to be accurate from the tee to the green.
Ultra Soft Compression Core
The best things about the Noodle Long and Soft golf balls are exemplified by the Ultra Soft Compression Core. Because it has a soft core, we were able to get better compression on all of mour shots, which led to more steady ball speed and less spin.
The mix of low spin and faster speeds have the effect of raising the launch angle and keeps the ball airborne for longer. This feature is especially helpful for older players with slower swing speeds because it makes it easy to get the ball off the ground, which helps promote a consistent carry distance both off the tee and on approach shots.
Iothane Cover
The Long and Soft range has a cover made of iothane, which is not a surprise since this is a common material for distance golf balls. The cover is as durable as expected, lasting through an entire round of 18 holes without getting any major scuffs.
Its firmness also increases its value off the clubface by reducing spin and slowing the ball down as little as possible. This gives the ball the best possible launch and distance. But it’s important to note that the low-spin theme of the ionomer cover doesn’t favor short game or approach shots.
This can be hard for golfers with lower handicaps who want to be able to control the ball better on shots near the green. This limitation may not have a big effect on performance, though, for beginners or weekend golfers who are looking for affordability, forgiveness, and distance.
Aerodynamic Design
The aerodynamics of the Noodle golf balls consists of a unique 342 dimple design. Which is a little different from any other ball we’ve tried.
Our experience with the 342 aerodynamic dimples was mixed. They definitely helped in getting off the ground at launch, but they seemed to struggle in the middle of the flight. It seems that some balls didn’t have consistant weight distribution, which made some shots bend in strange directions for no reason.
In windy situations, these dimples also had trouble giving consistent results. Still, despite these problems, the Noodle golf ball did a great job of cutting drag during takeoff, making it easy to get a high trajectory.
Lack Of Color Choice
One bad thing about the Noodle Long and Soft golf balls is that they only come in white. This is fine for some, but it might not be the best for players who have problems with their eyesight. If this is you, you may find it easier to follow a ball that is yellow, red, or orange.
Aid for Alignment
Like most golf balls, the Noodle Long and Soft has a line that helps you figure out if the clubface is square to the goal. But this alignment line isn’t as bold and strong as some. Certainly not when compared to the TaylorMade Distance + golf balls. This can be a negative when working on the mechanics of your swing.
Performance
Price
A dozen Noodle Long and Soft golf balls cost less than half as much as a box of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, which is incredible. This entry-level price is appealing to those who like to save money and also players who tend to lose a lot of balls during a round.
Losing a Noodle golf ball, whether it goes into the water or out of bounds, is much less financially and emotionally damaging than losing a brand-new premium Tour golf ball.
There are not many options on the market that have the same excellent distance and low spin that are equally as affordable as the Noodles.
Feel
As expected, the Noodle distance ball feels firm both off the tee and off the teeth during the standard bite test. The feel from the tee box was a little too hard if we’re being honest. This solid feel could be felt on all clubs except the putter. We much prefer the feel from the putter than any other club as the harshness was far less pronounced.
This hardness might not be to everyone’s taste, but it does help decrease spin and speed up the ball. Ultimately this leads to greater distance and accuracy for those with slower swing speeds.
Given all of this, the compression of this ball is pleasantly surprising and very welcome. The Noodle golf ball’s ability to be compressed improves energy transfer, speeds it up, and reduces spin.
Sound
Another area where these balls fall short is the sound. It sounds like such a shallow thing to complain about but in truth, this can be a big consideration. There is something immensely satisfying with the acoustics of some premium golf balls.
The Noodle Long and Soft golf ball doesn’t sound as good as it could. It makes a noticeable high pitched clicky sound when the clubface hits the ball. Some golfers may like this, but many may not. Some players like this sound, but players with lower handicaps might prefer the “thud” sound that better golf balls make.
Ball Velocity
Thanks to the stiff iothane cover and the Ultra Soft 34 Compression, the Noodle Long and Soft golf balls always achieved a consistent speed. But not only was the ball speed consistent it was also a little quicker with some of the shorter clubs than premium options. For example, using a 5 iron we were able to generate roughly 2-3mph faster speeds compared to the Titleist Velocity.
Even though it might not be the fastest golf ball, the Noodle’s low spin and fast speed help golfers with slower swing speeds hit the ball and get a consistent distance.
Spin
Driver
The Noodle golf balls excelled in driver spin, producing a slightly lower rpm with moderate swing speed. During our testing we found an average difference of about 100 rpm. This reduced spin, coupled with rapid ball speed, contributed to consistently high launches and impressive carry distances.
Irons
However, spin remained in short supply when using irons and wedges due to the high compression core and stiff iothane cover. We were generating significantly less spin with all short clubs from 5 iron down to PW. The lack of spin made it challenging to control chip shots, but the elevated ball flight helped the ball land relatively quickly on approach shots.
Distance
Driver
The Noodle golf ball wasn’t the longest one we’ve ever hit. On average we were losing about 4 or 5 yards from our drives. However, we are all mid–low handicap players with relatively fast swing speeds. Players with slower swing speeds are likely to make small gains in carry distance.
Still, its easy launch and high ball flight gave it a consistent carry distance, which players with slower swing speeds may find especially helpful.
Irons
While we achieved suitable distance with long and mid-iron shots, it’s important to note that the Noodle Long and Soft golf balls are not the absolute longest we’ve experienced. We definitely left some yards on the table due to the higher ball flight and soft landing. Although, this is not always a bad thing depending on the course you’re playing.
However, despite this, slower-swinging beginners or high handicappers may appreciate the consistent launch offered by these golf balls.
Launch and Take Off
The Noodle’s strong iothane cover and low compression core helped to maximize compression and ball speed while reducing spin. These parts helped to improve the takeoff and flight of the ball, which may not be what all golfers want.
Still, they work well for slower swing speeds because they make it easier to get the ball moving and in the right place. Once the ball is in the air, the 342 dimples that help the ball fly faster come into play. It’s important to note that we had a few different experiences in this area. There may be slight differences from ball to ball.
From what we’ve seen in the past, instability in flying is often caused by uneven weight distribution. But this is less of a problem for mid-handicappers and high-handicappers, whose games may already be a bit shaky. Lower handicappers, on the other hand, who need to hit every shot perfectly might not like this part as much.
Noodle Golf Balls – Pros & Cons
What We Liked
Easy Launch: The Noodle Long and Soft golf balls are great at making a smooth start, which helps players with slower swing speeds the most. But it’s important to note that the improved launch can sometimes cause shots to balloon.
Distance: The Noodle is not the longest golf ball, but it is reliable in how far it goes off the tee and on approach shots. This consistency helps players with slower swing speeds who want to hit the ball high and far. The ball’s structure, which can be compressed, transfers energy well and speeds up the ball for strong hits.
Affordability: The Noodle Long and Soft golf balls cost approx. $25 for a dozen or just over $2 per ball. Even though there are cheaper distance models like the Callaway Warbird, this price point is still good for people who want to save money and beginners who tend to lose their balls.
Low Driver Spin: I liked how long game shots had less spin, which can be credited to the fact that the Ultra Soft core was soft and the Iothane cover was stiff. This makes it easy to hit the ball high and far, which is the best way to get it to go as far as possible.
What We Disliked
Low Greenside Spin: The Noodle golf ball’s low greenside spin may be its biggest flaw, since it makes it hard to control chip and pitch shots. But this isn’t as much of a problem for better players who are used to working with backspin.
Clicky Sound: Not everyone likes the sound that wood and iron shots make when they hit something. Some players like the “thud” that expensive golf balls make, but in the end, it all comes down to personal taste.
Lack of Color Options: The Noodle Long and Soft golf balls only come in plain white, which is good for people who like to stick to the classics. But this might not work for golfers who have trouble seeing and need a more noticeable ball in the air and on the ground.
Higher Ball Flight: We liked the launch because it gave much better control and more roll upon landing. But the Noodle golf balls regularly send the ball high in the air. This isn’t the best for faster swings, but it can help golfers with slower swing speeds. Especially those who have trouble getting the ball airborne and travelling far enough.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Noodle golf balls have received rave reviews from golfers around the world. Here are some testimonials from satisfied customers we found on Amazon:
“I love these golf balls and for the price you can’t beat it. I’ve purchased and used many different types of balls, and these are my new go to golf balls.” – Phil
“I’ve been using these for over a year and find them a great value with outstanding performance and durability.” – RRPatton46
“I used these balls during my most recent round of golf, and I like them. They had good action off of the club head, and the distances I hit were at least as good as what I’m used to. The covers resisted collecting smiles when I mishit (which unfortunately, is more often than I’d prefer 🙂 And this is just me, but I thought it was fun that one of the sleeves in this box had balls with zeroes on them – nice. No complaints! 5 stars” – Alan Holyoak
If you are looking for an even more wallet friendly option, check out this excellent offer.
36 recycled noodle balls in mint condition for an exceptional price!
Final Thoughts
In the end, this review shows that you usually get what you pay for. These distance golf balls for beginners have low spin, fast ball speed, and a high launch, which makes them great for some types of players.
Having tried out the latest Noodle golf balls, we believe they are best suited for beginners and older golfers with slow swings. They are easy to start and go the same distance every time, and they cost a fraction of what expensive tour golf balls do.
The Noodle Long and Soft golf balls are a good choice for players who want to save money and play well. But the lack of spin and control around the green may turn off skilled players who put a high value on accuracy.
You May Also Like
