- Maxfli has released new Tour, TourX and TourS golf balls.
- Tour S is new to the Maxfli Tour family of golf balls.
- MSRP is $39.99/dozen.
When you have a good thing going, sometimes the greatest challenge is finding small areas of improvement without changing too much. Or as my dad used to remind me, “Hey, it’d be great if you didn’t screw this up.”
That’s essentially the situation Maxfli faces with the 2023 line of its Tour golf balls.
The outgoing 2021 Maxfli Tour and Tour X balls were, by any measure, class-leading. Both the Maxfli Tour and Tour X received high marks in our Ball Lab and gained a lot of traction with consumers who wanted a high-quality cast-urethane ball without the top-shelf price tag.
Based on our comprehensive Ball Lab testing, Maxfli garnered the “Best DTC Brand Quality” award as well.
The takeaway for golfers should be that in a market that is increasingly flooded with direct-to-consumer options, Maxfli has earned its place at the front of that line. However, because we haven’t thoroughly tested the 2023 offerings, it would be premature to make any claims regarding the performance or production consistency of this line. That said, I fully expect Maxfli to maintain its position.
So, what did Maxfli change for 2023? Nothing major. A nip here and a tuck there with one new addition, the low-compression Maxfli Tour S.
2023 Maxfli Tour
Bisection showing core, mantle and cover
The 2021 Maxfli Tour belongs in the conversation with the leading direct-to-consumer balls on the market. Moreover, it’s fair to suggest that Maxfli produces some of the most consistent balls on the market without a Titleist logo.
The Maxfli Tour is a three-piece (core, mantel, cover) ball with mid-flight and mid-spin characteristics. In terms of compression, preliminary samples of the Maxfli Tour average 91 which basically matches the previous version. For the sake of comparison, that’s similar to Kirkland Performance+ V2 and a few points firmer than the 2023 Titleist Pro V1.
Citing Maxfli’s internal testing, the new 2023 Tour ball is slightly faster (1.1 mph) off the driver with negligible change in spin (+19.4 rpm). This results in 1.2 more yards of total driver distance.
Regarding irons, Maxfli states that the 2023 Tour ball is, again, a bit faster (0.6 mph) with less spin and 2.7 yards of increased carry. I wouldn’t expect major fluctuations in sand-wedge data and that’s certainly the case here. Results between the two generations are within any reasonable amount of statistical noise.
2023 Maxfli Tour X
bisection of golf ball showing core, dual-mantle and urethane cover
The 2021 version scored 91/100 in Ball Lab and, to date, is likely the best-value four-piece ball on the market. Given that Maxfli is sticking with a dual-mantle (as opposed to dual-core) construction in the 2023 Tour X, there’s nothing on paper that suggests this iteration shouldn’t once again be in that conversation.
Anecdotally, our DMs and social media mentions suggest plenty of golfers seem eager to see how it fares in the MyGolfSpy Ball Lab. TBD on all of that.
In terms of compression, preliminary samples measured a tick over 100. That’s just a couple of points firmer than the previous model but it will likely prove to be among the firmest balls in our database, alongside balls like the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash, Callaway Chrome Soft X LS and Wilson Staff Model.
Compared to the Maxfli Tour, the Tour X is slightly higher-spinning with a higher overall trajectory. The challenge Maxfli’s ball development team faced with the 2023 Tour X is one faced by the rest of the industry as well. Chiefly, “Can we get a little more distance without sacrificing any greenside spin?”
Again, based on Maxfli’s internal tests, the data shows the updated Tour X is 1 mph faster off the driver versus the 2021 Tour X with marginally more greenside spin. It’s not a performance difference that golfers will likely notice but that’s sort of the point. The task wasn’t to formulate an entirely new ball—just to take a small step forward or even sideways. Just not backwards.
2023 Maxfli Tour S
bisection showing core, mantle and urethane cover
Like the 2023 Maxfli Tour, the Tour S features three-piece construction with a thin urethane cover. And as most reasonable consumers would imagine, the “S” does indicate “soft” or low-compression characteristics.
If you’ve followed the ball space for any period, you know that “soft” balls can be a conundrum. We’re not going to go all the way down that rabbit hole today. But most golfers will be better off with soft and supple gloves or shoes, just not balls.
The quick version goes something like this: Core compression is the primary driver of ball speed. As such, softer, low-compression, balls include a bit of a speed, and therefore distance, penalty off the tee. Some will argue that because low-compression balls also spin less off mid-irons, golfers can recoup any lost distance off the tee on the second shot (assuming it’s a typical par-4). There’s more nuance we could discuss but it’s a topic for a different day.
That being said, with a compression around 80 on our gauges, the suggestion is that the Maxfli Tour S isn’t going all in on soft. Similar compression balls include the 2021 Srixon Z-Star, OnCore Vero X1 and the 2022 Bridgestone Tour B RX.
Ultimately, there is a segment of golfers who a) want a Tour-level ball and b) need a lower trajectory and crazy low spin. It’s for those golfers that Maxfli developed the 2023 Tour S. If you’re looking for a reasonably close comparison, the Titleist AVX is likely the nearest comp.
Final Thoughts
Tour CG alignment stamp
All Maxfli Tour series balls are manufactured by Foremost in Taiwan. In addition, Foremost produces balls for Vice, Wilson and OnCore. Of the Asian factories, Foremost and Nassau tend to be the most reputable, though TaylorMade acquired Nassau Golf Co. Ltd. in late 2021. That leaves Foremost (which also has a relationship with TaylorMade) as the only third-party option currently churning out balls with cast-urethane covers.
Cast-urethane supporters (Titleist, TaylorMade, Snell) will tell you this formulation is more durable and feels better than injection-molded covers. Manufacturers on the other side of the fence will tell you the same.
What makes the Maxfli Tour series different from other Foremost balls is that, other than the cover, much of the core and mantle technology is specific to Maxfli. But the real kicker is Maxfli’s proprietary CG balancing technology. It’s an extra step in the quality-control process where each ball is examined and oriented so that the side stamp aligns with the axis along which the ball is perfectly balanced. Moreover, CG balancing won’t do much for a poorly constructed ball. Beyond that, it gives Maxfli a key differentiating feature and a talking point that other DTC brands lack.
bisection showing internal components of 2023 Maxfl Tour, Tour X, and Tour S golf balls
Pricing and Availability
Maxfli Tour series balls are $39.99 per dozen (or 2 dozen for $70) and available at Golf Galaxy and DICK’S Sporting Goods
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Don Hackett
1 week agoHas the Maxfli Tour Yellow ball been discontinued?
Brent
2 weeks agoWhat caught my attention was the driver testing conducted last year. For medium swing speeds (90-100 mph), Maxfli Tour CG finished 1st. Interesting given that PRO V1x Left Dash placed 1st for both high swing speeds and low swing speeds. I gave them a try the 2nd half of the season and was very pleased.
Ron Vaive
2 weeks agoI played the Maxfli Tours the last 2 years and loved them. I always wait for MGS to give us a deal code to help with the costs. Any chance that might happen soon?
Luis
2 weeks agoDick’s regularly sends out cupons that can be up to 25 usd in discounts plus whatever sale they got going on. i bought 4 dz for 99 all in. not bad for a premium ball
Terry
2 weeks agoJust played a S with the Tour S this weekend and really like the ball. It is a little firmer than I expected with the Soft in the name but actually picked up a few yards with the driver. Will continue to compare with the OnCore Elixir as that has been my go to ball for the last 2 years.
John O
3 weeks agoCan you guys say one way or another at this point if you know there will or won’t be a yellow ball offering for these?
John O
3 weeks agoSaw the answer on the AskMyGolfspy article. Thanks.
TR1PTIK
3 weeks agoTested the Tour and Tour X after I ran out of Snells and settled on the Tour then purchased 4 dozen of the 2023 model just the other week. I figured even though it might have changed from the ’21 model that it wouldn’t have been much given the success it’s had. Seems like I was fairly accurate in my assumption. Looking forward to Ball Lab.
Steve S
3 weeks agoReally like the Maxfli Tours but probably won’t by the ’22 or ’23 versions this year. I bought so many of the ’21 version I probably won’t run out!
Scott
3 weeks agoLOVE the Maxfli Tour balls. My biggest frustration is that DSG/GG isn’t discounting the 2021 model. In fact, they increased the price from $35/dozen to $40/dozen and $105 to $115 for the big box, the opposite of what they did going from 2019 to 2021. It makes me question how much different this 2023 version is from the 2021.
John O
3 weeks agoI saw the 2021 Tours at Going Going Gone for $30 a dozen last week. White only.
Jason S
3 weeks agoI need to give that Tour S ball a test. I really need to get my driver spin down and this may be a very helpful option. I love the Tour and Tour X balls already, so I’m hoping for more of the same for 2023.
Gerry H
22 hours agoJason S. I had same issue, Driver spin was off the charts and zero roll out. I played the Tour for a year or so and then played the Tour S starting last month (3 rounds in now). I have to say that my driving average is up, a lot. I use Arccos and my average distance off of the tee was 228-238. I have now hit 6 drives over 258 and a few in the 260 range. Average will take a while to increase but I’m probably looking at 245.
Chris
3 weeks agoI’m kind of bummed they went to a single alignment mark. I feel like the triple lines on the previous version have really helped my tee and putting alignment.
Brent Ross
6 days agoI agree with you on the alignment. I prefer it to all other alignment versions on other balls. Maybe they will bring it back (please)
Chris
3 weeks agoFingers crossed for a yellow ball. I’m playing the 2021 Tour in yellow and have just over a dozen left so I’m good for a bit but would love to see the whole line in yellow. I may need some new glasses or lasik if I have to switch back to white, or just plan on losing a few in the deep grass which would be less expensive.
DaveyD
3 weeks agoMaxfli balls are excellent. I used the TourX exclusively during my winter golf trip. Great, predictable results. I’ve also used the Oncore VeroX1 last year; another terrific ball. Too bad neither of these balls are available in Canada without a hefty shipping premium.
I am also looking forward to the new Snell golf balls to be released early April.
Andy
3 weeks agoYou have the previous compression on the Maxfli Tour’s slightly wrong. You said this new version in preliminary testing is around 91, which is basically the same as the previous ball, but the previous ball according to your data was 84. Small difference but there’s a noticeable change in firmness going from the Tour to the Tour X.
Chris Nickel
3 weeks agoPerhaps splitting hairs here, Andy, but it is why we said “basically” and given that we don’t have a comprehensive test report yet, the numbers are preliminary.
And no one is disputing the feel difference between the Tour and Tour X as it’s likely that there will be a 10 compression point difference between the two once all is said and done.
Andy
3 weeks agoGot it.
Everardo keeme
3 weeks agoBeen happy with the 2021 Tour X, after reviews here, a recommendation from Ballnamic, and finally when they offered a 48-pack for just over $100 around the holidays.
My only wishes are a yellow and being able to add a logo to the ball
Brian
3 weeks agoThey lost me when they increased the price to $40 a dozen. I’ll go back to Snell or Vice.
Andy
3 weeks agoOnly a matter of time until Snell and Vice increase price. That’s how it works.
Chris Nickel
3 weeks agoJust for clarity, Vice is $40/doz for a single dozen as well, with volume discounts which can reduce it to $30/doz.
Maxfli is $40 doz. for a single dozen with volume discounts which reduce it to $35/doz
Brian
3 weeks agoBe that as it may, I’d rather support a small business than DSG, all thing being equal.
PeterD
3 weeks agoAgreed. What a great deal it was until they made this list. I was buying 2 dozen for $50 deals all the time. I think they were even 2 for $40 one year… but no more, no more. since word is out that these are good bals.
Colby
2 weeks agoCheck the DSG website and you can buy 4 for $120. I also use an online coupon each time making it even cheaper.
Ron Vaive
2 weeks agoWhere do you get the onlink coupon?
Steve S.
3 weeks agoBelieve Dicks still has the sale going on for these balls, which gives a discount if you buy 2 or more dozen. But hurry, as their going fast. Can’t wait to see the results from Tony and the ball lab on the 2023 version.
Hacker Bill
3 weeks agoPlus free shipping. My frustration with Vice and Snell is they are out of stock a lot too.
Steven Fultz
3 weeks agoWill any of the models be available in yellow?
MarkM
3 weeks agoI’ve been playing the Maxfli Tour X since your last ball test and am sold on their quality, performance and the occasional sales which gets them down to $30/doz. For me, they are comparable to the TM TP5X & Bridgestone Tour BX.
Now that a new model is out, I’ll be looking for the 2021s to go on sale even more!
Hung yen Sung
3 weeks agowondering how the PXG ball compares to the Maxfli? They are both 40 per box
Jacob
3 weeks agoThe PXG balls have largely been a massive flop. Fans will buy them for the name, but I haven’t seen a positive review for them at the $40 price point yet. Then again, nearly every ball manufacturer has performed and been inconsistent the first year of release.
Hacker Bill
3 weeks agoI’ve been using the Maxfli Tour for several years. I constantly test other balls but keep going back to the Maxfli. I play 3 times a week, I’m 60 years old with 85 swing speed driver and a tendency to trajectory lower shots with my driver. The Maxfli Tour feels good both off the driver and off the irons. It has great stopping power on the greens and I think it has one of the most durable covers out there (better then the ProV’s). I should probably be using the Maxfli Tour X because of my tendency to hit lower drive shots but the Tour X really does feel hard to me (it is a personal problem and not a ball problem). I probably will try the Tour S just to see how it feels because I’m stupid like that. I imagine it will have a Chrome Soft feel to it which I really like feel wise the best. But in the end I know I’ll end up back at the Maxfli Tour.
Bob
3 weeks agoThanks to the attention Maxfli has gotten,they jacked the price up from $30.99 to $39.99. I loved it at 30.99 but not at 39.99. Good ball but won’t pay $40/dz when I can get OnCore for much less and get same results.
Chris Nickel
3 weeks agoDepends which OnCore ball you want. Elixer is cheaper, but the apples/apples comparison is VeroX2, which is $50/doz.
So, to be fair, OnCore is more expensive than Maxfli when comparing the two most similar balls.
bob
3 weeks agoLove the Maxfli X ball. I would love to see Maxfli sponsor a PGA or LIV guy and watch them win a tournament. See that closeup on the green as the Maxfli logo rotates before dropping in for a birdie.
Chris Nickel
3 weeks agoYeah, wouldn’t that be wild!
I know Fred Funk is playing the Tour S on PGA Tour Champions…not sure beyond that
Robert
3 weeks agoI purchased the Max*Fli 2023 and was disappointed that the new ball was marked with only the single line . I loved the dual track above and below that marking on the 2022 version specifically for putting alignment. I returned 2023 and got the 2022 version. Even if the balls are marginally better, the effect of making 2 or 3 more putts per round is a significant vote for the ’22 model.
Pat Driscoll
3 weeks agoHow is the Maxfli ball considered DTC? Direct to Dicks and then to the consumer, aren’t they?
Tony Covey
3 weeks agoDTC in the ball space isn’t cut and dry.
The Maxlfi sold directly to the consumer by a single exclusive retailer. Effectively, it’s a Dick’s ball sold exclusively through Dick’s owned locations.
In that respect, Maxfli better fits the DTC label than Snell, OnCore, or Vice. All of those are available directly from the manufacturer’s website as well as places like Amazon, Golfballs.com, and even Target.
Chris Nickel
3 weeks agoBy the letter of the law, I hear ya.
And DTC is an evolving space that probably requires an updated definition. But, b/c Maxfli is only available via DICK’S/Golf Galaxy and not green grass accounts or other retail outlets, if we’re separating balls into two camps (DTC and non-DTC), Maxfli fits best in the latter.
Jon
3 weeks agoDicks owns Maxfli along with Golf Galaxy; that’s how you get DTC by keeping most of the profit compared to 3rd party sellers i.e., Taylormade/Callaway. It would be the same if Vice all of a sudden had a bunch of stores to purchase their products.
Thomas A
3 weeks agoBecause it’s Dick’s brand, they don’t use a middleman to sell the ball.
Pat Driscoll
3 weeks agoDTC is fuzzy. I can buy Titleist directly from their website and Vice golf balls at Target.
Adam
3 weeks agoI saw these a few weeks ago in my local Dicks and saw the new “S” version and picked up a box. I enjoyed the Maxfli Tour as I thought it was very comparable to a ProV1. I was quite surprised I thought “S” was a lot firmer than I expected and it held up nice and preformed very well. One note that I may add that I didn’t see in your overview, is that Maxfli finally reduced the size of the seam on the new version, it looks much better.
John J.
3 weeks agoI’ve been comparing the Tour S with the 2023 Chrome Soft both indoor and outdoors and I can’t see much difference in performance. Durability seems to be excellent as it is with the Tour. Right now, I’m leaning towards replacing the CS with the Tour S because it may suit my personal swing metrics a little better. It does feel just slightly firmer than the CS, but with the putter I couldn’t tell the difference at all. Another few rounds once I get out door with the Tour S just to confirm my previous results and it will be my 2023 ball.
Cliff
3 weeks agoAlso can buy two for $70 or 4 for $120.
Jason S
3 weeks agoThey were 4/$105 just a couple months ago. Even the 2021 version is the 4/$120 now, which doesn’t make any sense. But the new ones at that price ($30/dzn) is a good deal for the performance you get.
John P.
3 weeks agoI play the Maxfli Tour Yellow all the time. Love it! A quality ball at a good price.
Will they be releasing the 2023 ball in yellow?
snapjack
3 weeks agoI’m wondering the same thing, I don’t see it offered. They’re yellow is great, very visible.
JW
3 weeks agoI game the 2021 Tour X mainly based on MGS’ findings. Very consistent, reliable and fairly easy to control given good ball striking. Great ball – especially for the price. I hope that the new versions are the same or improvements upon the former.
Troy
3 weeks agoFound one of the Maxfli Tour X CG golf balls last weekend and played it the final six holes and had excellent results with it. That led me to buy a dozen and played once with it since and again had excellent results. I’ve been playing the Callaway CS X and LS for the past two years and the Maxfli ball appears to be every bit as good for $10 less per dozen.