Expert Review: Wilson 2022 Duo Soft Optix Golf Balls
All photos courtesy of Jonathan Belanger
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf balls, which I purchased with my own money in April of 2023.
My take
The Wilson Duo Soft Optix golf balls are great for golfers with a slower swing speed and who want to get the most distance out of their swing. The low spin and high launch combined with the softness of the Duo Soft Optix maximizes distance at a great price and provides lots of color options.
About the golf ball I own
- Model: 2022 Duo Soft Optix
- Color: Orange
About me
- Average score: 94
- Handicap: 21
- Experience: 4 years of golf
- Right/Left-handed: Right-handed
- Typical shot shape: Fade
- Typical trajectory: Medium
- Club swing speed: 110mph w/driver
Test conditions
- When I bought this: April 2023
- Days tested: 5
- Where I’ve used it: Wendell CC, putting greens, practice putting area at home
- Weather and wind conditions: Around 60° most days, breezy and sunny
- Turf conditions: Soft
- Green speeds: Fast
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a softer golf ball that I would use during the winter. I also wanted a golf ball that stood out and wasn’t too expensive.
Why I chose this golf ball
I bought this golf ball for a few reasons. I really liked the price. If I lose one in the woods or under leaves in the fall/winter, I won’t be too upset about it. I also liked the range of colors available; there are a handful to choose from. I didn’t really look at alternatives because of the price.
What I love about it
- Feel: I love the feel of soft golf balls, and these feel amazing. Any club I use provides a nice feeling off the face.
- Durability: The ball is pretty durable. The matte finish doesn’t wear off, and it has done pretty well out of the bunkers.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Distance: These aren’t the longest golf balls out there for my swing speed and in warmer weather.
- Green Spin: This ball is designed to be lower spinning with its lower compression, and it impacts the spin around the greens. My chips run out more than I would like most of the time.
- Color: Some color options make it harder to find. If someone uses green or yellow, it might be tough to see their ball. I found an orange ball pretty easy to spot in the spring, but I can imagine it would be harder to find in the fall.
Best shot with this golf ball
The best shot I had with this golf ball was actually a mishit. It was a par 3 with the green behind a pond. I chunked my iron and looked down in disgust, knowing it wouldn’t get anywhere near the green. Lucky for me, the ball landed in the fairway and rolled….and rolled…and rolled not only onto the green but four feet from the hole for birdie. I looked at my wife in disbelief and celebrated on the tee box.
Value for the money vs. other options
The Duo Soft Optix is one of the best soft golf balls on the market for the price. Choosing the color is also nice for people looking for more personalization. The Vice Pro Soft or the TaylorMade Soft Response might be golf balls to compare if someone is looking for a more premium soft golf ball, but those are more expensive than the Duo Soft Optix and don’t have as many color options either.
Final verdict
The Duo Soft Optix golf ball is a great option for golfers with slower swing speeds who want a good-performing golf ball at an unbeatable price. It is also good for a ball to use in winter for golfers who like to brave the elements, and there are several color options to suit everyone.