Ball tested: Top-Flite D2+ Straight
Category: Value/Recreational/Distance
Feel: Firm
Tested for golfers with average driving distance of: 125 yards or less (carry + roll) / 126 to 195 yards (carry + roll) / 196 to 245 (carry + roll)
Specs: Construction – Two-piece; Cover – Ionomer; Core – Polybutadiene; Dimples / Pattern – 332 in “Dimple in Dimple” design
Compression: Mid
Price as tested (new): $15.99 per package of 15
Ball notes: Until someone develops a ball that is all things to all golfers, equipment companies will continue offering products that promise good all-around performance with one or two standout features. Hence, the Top-Flite D2+ lineup of three models: Distance, Feel and Straight.
You can read our reviews of the first two here: D2+ Distance and D2+ Feel.
Now for the D2+ Straight. Its construction is basically a cross between its model mates, with a core that’s softer than Distance, firmer than that of Feel; the same goes for the Straight model’s cover.
Is there a whit of difference between the D2+ Straight and its siblings? Inquiring minds want to know…
On the clubface: If you guessed that the Straight version is a little softer than the Distance model, but not quite as soft as the D2+ Feel, give yourself a pat on the back. Comparing it against outside competition in the “value/distance” category, Straight scores high marks. There’s a bit of give off the driver, a smooth “click” with the irons and just a hint of “thump” when putting.
Off the tee: We’ll give the nod in accuracy to the D2+ Straight, but only by a fraction. Sidespin seemed just a touch dialed down from what we noted in testing the Distance and Feel models. Fact is, all three balls fly pretty straight. We also found this ball comparable to its counterparts for total distance.
From the fairway / rough: The D2+ Straight stood out in this category. We were smitten with the ball’s piercing flight and near absence of curvature with hybrids and mid-irons. Short-iron shots landed softly and, though there wasn’t a lot of spin, typically stopped within a couple yards of their pitch marks. Just make sure your alignment is on – the D2+ Straight is going where you aim it.
Around the green: Nothing special, but not bad, either. With clean, sharp grooves, you can get a little action on mid-length pitches and bunker shots. Just don’t get too aggressive thinking the D2+ Straight will stick like a dart; some roll-out is inevitable. Fortunately, its consistency makes adjusting easy.
Bottom line: A better all-around ball than the D2+ Distance, the Straight model comes up just short of the Feel version in our estimation. We’d recommend it to golfers in dire need of accuracy help who prefer not to sacrifice any length off the tee; in fact, you may even pick a few yards with the Top Flite D2+ Straight.
Golf Ball Videos:
– Compression Video
– Spin Video
– Dimples Video
– Golf Ball Brands Video
– Titleist Video
– Understanding Spin Video
Categories Explained:
Value/Recreational/Distance – Designed for mid- to high-handicap golfers with swing speeds below 90 mph; typically feature two-piece construction and firm covers; promote greater distance over high spin rates. Examples: Pinnacle Gold, Slazenger RAW Distance
Premium – Designed for low- to mid-handicap golfers with swing speeds of 90-99 mph; typically feature multi-layer construction and medium-soft covers; happy medium between Value/Recreational and Tour categories for distance and spin qualities. Examples: Titleist NXT Tour, Callaway HEX Diablo
Tour/Advanced/Performance – Designed for low-handicap and professional golfers with swing speeds in excess of 100 mph; typically feature multi-layer construction and soft covers; promote greater spin rates and enhanced feel over distance. Examples: Titleist ProV1, Bridgestone Tour B330
