10 Matte Finish Golf Balls That Promise High Performance
The world of golf balls was for many years a largely monochromatic then duochromatic one, possessing a very basic colour palette compared to the world of household paints. How things have changed, for not only do we now have lists of the best yellow golf balls that include some of the best golf balls out there (including the Titleist Pro V1, Srixon Z Star and TaylorMade TP5), but we also now have a whole rainbow of colours at our disposal as well as a choice of finish.
In recent years, the high-sheen or gloss paint finish, which we’d never really questioned, has come to be joined by a growing number of matte-finish golf ball options, including, among others, certain models in the Titleist golf ball range, the Callaway golf ball range, the Srixon golf ball range and the TaylorMade golf ball range.
So, what are the claimed benefits of a matte finish? We’re not sure it’s really so much about benefits as a matter of personal taste, although several of the models below talk about their capacity to reduce glare relative to glossier finishes, helping you to focus and concentrate a little better. Some talk about how their bright colours (most matte-finish balls come in vibrant shades) make them easier to track in flight and to find, but of course, the same could be said of a brightly coloured gloss-finish golf ball!
Wilson Duo Optix
Matte colour options: green, red, yellow
This ball promises more distance and accuracy via its smaller core, while still offering good feel around the greens – noticeably softer than many balls at this price. The matte finish certainly eliminates sun glare, but it does also give the yellow version a slightly disconcerting dimpleless appearance in duller light - a minor issue relative to the performance on offer at this price.
Titleist Velocity
Matte colour options: green, orange and blue (from late 2022); 2020 model was available in matte pink, green and orange
Velocity has long been the distance ball in Titleist’s range, and the latest model, launched in early 2022, features a core that is now a little firmer, which helps to generate more speed on full shots as more energy from impact is retained. It’s designed to fly high too, no bad thing as it’s quite low-spinning, so the higher flight adds a degree of stopping power. The matte versions of the new model won’t arrive until autumn 2022, but you may still be able to get matte versions of the previous Velocity model.
TaylorMade Soft Response
Matte colour options: red, yellow
Soft Response is one of two Response models (Tour Response is the other) sitting beneath the premium TaylorMade TP5 golf ball. It’s designed with moderate swing speeds in mind, offering all-round performance with a softer feel, courtesy of a soft but durable ionomer cover. An Extended Flight Dimple pattern promotes decreased drag and increased lift to keep the ball airborne for longer at lower spin rates.
Callaway Supersoft
Matte colour options: green, pink, red
Callaway’s low-compression Supersoft is the ideal all-round ball for those with average swing speeds. Improvements in the latest model have seen a new hybrid cover (christened a Paraloid Impact Modifier!) that paves the way for added distance and durability without sacrificing feel and short-game control. It’s engineered for a high-launch, low-spin combo in your longer clubs.
Srixon Soft Feel Brite
Matte colour options: red, orange, green
The 12th generation of Srixon’s Soft Feel model features the new Brite version in three matte-finish colours. The ball is designed to help slower-swinging golfers maximise distance without compromising feel. Srixon’s softest ever FastLayer Core is said to snap back into shape more quickly after impact for added ball speed, while reducing long-game sidespin for increased accuracy - an important consideration for many.
Bridgestone e12 Contact
Matte colour options: yellow, red, green
The feel at impact is reasonably soft, especially for a ball that is marketed for its distance gains. Off the tee, e12 Contact is as long as some of the best premium golf balls and launches fairly high, promoting better carry distance. It’s perhaps not as workable as some balls, so if you want to shape shots, it may not be right for you. But for the majority looking to dilute a slice into a fade, it may help a little on that front. It feels genuinely soft and responsive on chips and pitches, with a good level of feel for a mid-price ball.
Seed SD-15 Country Mile Matte Red AF
Matte colour options: red
The Seed SD-15 County Mile is another good-value all-round performer promising a blend of distance, durability and feel, with the emphasis perhaps on distance on account of its low-compression core and surlyn cover. This new matte red version is designed with anti-glare properties and enhanced visibility in mind, especially in dull weather.