32 replies to this topic

[dolleris]

3jackanono, on Jun 27 2005, 11:47 PM, said:

My review of the 2005 Black Max:

Summary: After few failed attempts in recents years, Taylormade has a ball that can compete at the premium ball level.  Not since the A10 has Maxfli produced a ball for better players.

Off the Driver: Will not astonish you with distance.  I found this ball to be 5 and sometimes 10 yards shorter than the B330 but comparable to the ProVx.  Feels good off the big dog, slightly higher in ball flight than the X due to a modest increase in RPM's.  Positioned between the ProV and the ProVx, you'll find a slightly higher spin rate than the X but less than the ProV.

Off the irons: It starts to shine.  Excellent workability, crisp but definitely not "clicky".  No noticeable distance difference.  Excellent trajectory off of long irons and fairway woods.

Off the wedges: very controllable, don't have to worry about ripping this ball back off the green with a well struck wedge.  Slightly softer than its Titleist counterparts...a few points softer on the Shore D hardness scale so you'll be able to notice the sound and feel difference.

Pitching and chipping:  Heads and shoulders above the B330.  There isn't a shot you can't play and have this ball respond.  Nice check-and-release with a low, crisp 30 yarder and will hit and stop when you break out the 60*.  Not a noticable performance difference with the Titleist balls.

Putting: Probably the best feeling of the premium's I tested.  Soft but not a marshmallow. 

Durability: 10 out a possible 10 in this category.  Very durable, doesn't abraid like the ProV or the X off a well struck wedge.  It will last the entire round without issue.

Value: same price points as its counterparts, which I don't care for.  Maxfli has a good product here and needs to buy a few players with a lower price.  Excellent value when you consider it holds up better but I don't like the $39 price tag.

Appearance: There seems to be more imperfections in the cover of the Titleist balls (little knicks in the paint, small chunks of crap etc).  Couldn't find that in the Black Max.

Overall: worth a look if you are willing to give it an honest shot.  I've played ProVx's exclusively for a number of years and had no problem putting this ball in play at recent tournaments.  If you looking for pure distance out of a premium ball, this is not for you...go Bridgestone (or something else).  If you are looking for something that spins a little more than the X but less than the ProV and want the premium on the short game then this may be your ball.

Brian

Like he said    good review.
This is my new gamer.
Good to see the old Maxfli name on a ball again that truly performs.
Well suited for players like me without obscene ballspeeds and spinrates.
Highspin / speed players may find it spinning too much with the long clubs though.
Soeren

[Chris L The Golf Dude]

3jackanono, on Jun 27 2005, 05:47 PM, said:

My review of the 2005 Black Max:

Summary: After few failed attempts in recents years, Taylormade has a ball that can compete at the premium ball level.  Not since the A10 has Maxfli produced a ball for better players.

Off the Driver: Will not astonish you with distance.  I found this ball to be 5 and sometimes 10 yards shorter than the B330 but comparable to the ProVx.  Feels good off the big dog, slightly higher in ball flight than the X due to a modest increase in RPM's.  Positioned between the ProV and the ProVx, you'll find a slightly higher spin rate than the X but less than the ProV.

Off the irons: It starts to shine.  Excellent workability, crisp but definitely not "clicky".  No noticeable distance difference.  Excellent trajectory off of long irons and fairway woods.

Off the wedges: very controllable, don't have to worry about ripping this ball back off the green with a well struck wedge.  Slightly softer than its Titleist counterparts...a few points softer on the Shore D hardness scale so you'll be able to notice the sound and feel difference.

Pitching and chipping:  Heads and shoulders above the B330.  There isn't a shot you can't play and have this ball respond.  Nice check-and-release with a low, crisp 30 yarder and will hit and stop when you break out the 60*.  Not a noticable performance difference with the Titleist balls.

Putting: Probably the best feeling of the premium's I tested.  Soft but not a marshmallow. 

Durability: 10 out a possible 10 in this category.  Very durable, doesn't abraid like the ProV or the X off a well struck wedge.  It will last the entire round without issue.

Value: same price points as its counterparts, which I don't care for.  Maxfli has a good product here and needs to buy a few players with a lower price.  Excellent value when you consider it holds up better but I don't like the $39 price tag.

Appearance: There seems to be more imperfections in the cover of the Titleist balls (little knicks in the paint, small chunks of crap etc).  Couldn't find that in the Black Max.

Overall: worth a look if you are willing to give it an honest shot.  I've played ProVx's exclusively for a number of years and had no problem putting this ball in play at recent tournaments.  If you looking for pure distance out of a premium ball, this is not for you...go Bridgestone (or something else).  If you are looking for something that spins a little more than the X but less than the ProV and want the premium on the short game then this may be your ball.

Brian

I agree with this....

[alcap26]

Great review!  I afree with everything but I had one issue with the ball and that is why I am not using it anymore.  It spins way to much for me from the 8 iron to Lob wedge on full shots.  With this ball I was backing it off the green even if I flew it past the hole.  If it did not spin as much as it did it would be the ball I would use.  I am trying the Wislon Staff Tx4 now and it seems to spin a little less but will see.

[jmconnel]

I love the  ball and i wish it would get more attention.  We are selling these for $29.99 at our store.  I think it tops the pro v and now its $10 cheaper.  You can't beat that deal.  I believe they are coming out with a softer version of the ball but i really can't see how the ball can get much softer.

[BigBaller]

I throw this ball in the same category as the U-Tri tour and Rev Tour.

All three are great balls -- perhaps not quite as good as the Prov1x, but the difference is very negligible. They won't perform the same for everyone, but they all have the potential to be a gamer for the right golfer.

As I said about the U-Tri, considering the "bang for the buck" the Black Max provides vs. the Prov's, I'll take these every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[balata]

Played the BlackMax for the first time yesterday and was pleasantly surprised.  I have been a ProV1x user for the last 4 years and I may have found a ball I can switch to.
Driver was about the same as a ProV1x, good trajectory, and flew a little straighter.
Irons were 5 yards longer.
No shearing at all, very durable but still with a good feel for chipping and putting.
The best part is you can find them for around $31/dz.

[zeke4351]

I have been buying these for $19.99 a dozen. No way the Prov is twice as good. I will keep my money

[Gxgolfer]

MaxFli®'s Black Max golf ball boasts a Neodymium rubber core that offers a superior combination of high COR and low compression, resulting in high velocity off the clubface, yet soft feel at impact. The firm, thin ionomer mantle offers minimum back-spin and maximum distance, while the ultra-thin cast thermoset urethane cover provides durability. 372 Dual-Radius dimple design promotes a ball flight that results in longer carry and longer roll.

[rama5]

I've been paying a little more than $19 a dozen but still a great ball, feels great off the putter, I too akin this to the precept U tri tours of past with feel, distance and price.  I now have a 3 piece ball for a great price that is helping my game.

[doubleeagle18]

where are Black Max's found for $19???

[jswjr]

The best deals on Black Max I've seen are on ebay for around $22.00..shipped

[pitchmaster1224]

This is by far the best ball I have ever used, and I have been using them since before they came out to retail. I have tried them all, including prov1x and new TM TP Red. They are by far the most bang for your buck! Great off the driver, irons, wedges, putter, u name it. Only thing they may spin a bit too much when the greens are soft, but nothing crazy. If you have not tried them, I suggest you do!

[pitchmaster1224]

I have been using these balls before they even came out to retail, and they are the best balls i have ever tried..including titty's, new TM's, etc. They are dirt cheap for a dozen now, so give 'em a try!

[Flips]

Tried them all over the last 6 months, Prov's, Bridgestone 330's, Hogans, Callaway Tours and I keep going back to the Black Max. All round great ball in terms of performance and value for $

[SplooGe]

Anyone have an idea where these can be found new? They are no longer carried in my area and I miss the consistency I had with them.

[Viking Golfer]

SplooGe, on Feb 26 2007, 08:19 PM, said:

Anyone have an idea where these can be found new? They are no longer carried in my area and I miss the consistency I had with them.

Try the Taylor Made Tp Black. I was also a big fan of the BlackMax, but now the TP Black is my ball of choice - it reminds me a great deal of the BlackMax. Not quite as much spin on wedge shots as the BlackMax, but better distance off the driver - and even better durability because of the thicker mantle on the TP Black.

[Simp]

I tried the TP Black a few weeks ago during our golf trip to Palm Springs and fell in love with it. Very good ball. More than likely my ball of choice this year.

[w7n23j]

Great reviews everyone.  I will try these out on my next round.  For those looking for these balls, try your local Target stores.  My local store carry them and are actually on sale right now.

[SplooGe]

Thanks for the info.  I'll pick up a sleeve before the next round.

[floydrocks]

These are great golf balls.  I find them to work extrememly well in windy conditions when you are hitting numerous knockdown shots.  I normally play the Nike ONE Black (Driver SS 105-107) but will put this ball in play when its windy

[stasek]

For what it's worth, Golfsmith online store is selling the Blackmax practice balls for $13.99/dozen.  Seems like a great bargain (even w/ the regular balls selling for ~$25).  Although I REALLY don't need any more balls (seem to pick up a dozen or so every time I find a good deal on premium, discoutinued balls), I might have to pick up some

[Viking Golfer]

stasek, on Mar 8 2007, 05:12 PM, said:

For what it's worth, Golfsmith online store is selling the Blackmax practice balls for $13.99/dozen.  Seems like a great bargain (even w/ the regular balls selling for ~$25).  Although I REALLY don't need any more balls (seem to pick up a dozen or so every time I find a good deal on premium, discoutinued balls), I might have to pick up some

Thanks for the tip - I might pick up a couple of dozen of these  

[yoonie]

Picking up 4 or 5 dozen of the practice myself.  At 14 bucks each, it's pretty much an unbeatable deal.  Unfortunately, I've never played them myself but the near unanimous good reviews and ridiculous price are putting me at ease.

[blueshabit]

I just finished the last of three dozen of these, which I picked up for 24.00 per at International Golf Discount.  At two bucks a ball, its a good value.

The ball is durable, and I never wedge rashed one, which happens often with Nike One Platinums and Pro V1x's (at least for me). However, whatever stamping they used for the logo is not durable at all, and after very few holes, its marred and looks beat. For me, it was about, say, seven-ten yards shorter than a Pro V1x with the driver and level with the NOP.

Around the green, the ball is very reliable and predictable. Great feel and you get out of it what you're capable of putting into it. I never yanked this ball back off the green and they way it released on chips was consistent. Feels and sounds good off putter.

The reason I won't play the ball anymore is that I live in Oklahoma, where the last ten rounds I've played were in winds 15 to 25mph. Off my irons, the wind ate this ball alive. More affected by the wind than the NOP and significantly more affected than the ProV1x. It could be just my stroke, but if I didn't absolutely pure it, it went up and offline.

[SplooGe]

Are there any differences between the practice and the retail versions?

[stasek]

SplooGe, on Apr 4 2007, 12:42 PM, said:

Are there any differences between the practice and the retail versions?

My quess - other than the single word "PRACTICE" written on it - there are no differences.  After all, the practice balls are permitted in official play (unlike x-outs).
Oh, by the way - I just got my first ever hole-in-one using one of them

[LONG&STR8]

w7n23j, on Mar 1 2007, 10:49 AM, said:

Great reviews everyone.  I will try these out on my next round.  For those looking for these balls, try your local Target stores.  My local store carry them and are actually on sale right now.

Thanks for this info. I picked up 5 boxes at target at $29, pretty much the same price as fleabay with shipping for brand new. Because they don't scuff as much as other balls these 5 boxes should last me quite a while. Same performance and feel, to me, as other top 3 piece balls.

[cubfanbob]

Golfsmith now has the practice version of the Black Max for $10.97/dozen on their web site.  Free shipping if you pick it up at your local Golfsmith store.