Are you searching for a golf ball that can elevate your performance without breaking the bank? In a market dominated by major brands, smaller companies are stepping up to offer quality alternatives. Forte Golf, an Australian brand, is one such contender, gaining attention for its performance-driven golf balls. In this review, we’ll dive deep into a comparison of two of Forte’s popular models: the Tour Performance and the Apex. We’ll analyze their features, on-course performance, and feel to help you decide which Forte golf ball might be the perfect fit for your game.
For many golfers, the quest for the ideal golf ball can be overwhelming. With countless options available, each promising superior distance, spin, and control, making the right choice can feel like navigating a minefield. However, the emergence of brands like Forte demonstrates that exceptional golf ball technology isn’t exclusive to the industry giants. Just as Costco’s K-Sig ball proved that quality can be accessible, Forte is challenging the status quo by delivering high-performance golf balls at competitive prices, primarily in Australia but with growing global interest.
This comparative review is designed to provide you with an in-depth look at the Forte Tour Performance and Apex golf balls. While lacking sophisticated Trackman data, this hands-on evaluation is grounded in real-world, on-course experience, focusing on practical performance metrics that matter to everyday golfers. Having played countless rounds at my home course, I have a keen sense of ball distance, green-side behavior, and overall feel. This review leverages this experiential knowledge to offer a relatable and insightful comparison of these two Forte golf ball models. Let’s explore how they stack up against each other and against established industry benchmarks.
Forte Tour Performance S Golf Ball: A Detailed Review
The Forte Tour Performance S is positioned as Forte’s second-tier premium offering, a three-piece ball engineered with a cast Urethane cover. Priced at $48.99 (AUS), it aims to deliver tour-level performance at a more accessible price point.
In terms of distance, the Tour Performance S holds its own against comparable golf balls in its category. Off the tee, it delivers consistent distance, matching my typical drive lengths without any noticeable difference in feel or sound at impact. It’s a ball that inspires confidence from the tee box, providing reliable distance that you can depend on round after round.
Moving to iron play and wedge shots, the Forte Tour Performance truly shines. It provides commendable spin and control, allowing for precise shot-making into the greens. Even with a less-than-tour-caliber wedge game, I found this ball highly responsive around the green, offering the necessary check and control for confident approach shots and delicate chips.
However, where the Tour Performance S truly distinguishes itself is on the putting green. For many golfers, the feel and sound of a ball off the putter face are paramount, and the Forte Tour Performance excels in this area. It offers a remarkably soft feel and a muted sound at impact, reminiscent of the beloved Titleist Pro V1 in terms of softness. This provides exceptional feedback and control on the greens, enhancing putting confidence and precision.
Durability is another strong suit of the Forte Tour Performance. These balls prove to be resilient, withstanding multiple rounds without significant wear and tear. Even after cart path encounters, the Tour Performance maintains its integrity. While the bright white finish may slightly fade over time, the ball’s overall durability is impressive, ensuring longevity and value.
One minor drawback is the absence of a conventional alignment line. The Tour Performance S logo, spanning two lines, isn’t ideal for golfers who prefer to line up their putts using a ball marking. However, this is easily remedied with a simple Sharpie line for those who prioritize alignment aids.
Forte Apex Golf Ball: Exploring 6-Piece Performance
Stepping up as Forte’s flagship golf ball, the Apex comes with a price tag of $66.99 (AUS) and boasts a unique six-piece construction. The complexity of multi-layer golf balls often raises questions: Does more layers equate to better performance? Forte’s design philosophy behind the Apex is to strategically layer materials to optimize different aspects of the game, aiming for a harmonious blend of distance and control.
During extensive on-course testing, alternating between the Apex and Tour Performance, the Apex demonstrated a marginal distance advantage over the Tour Performance. While not a dramatic difference, the Apex consistently flew slightly further off the tee. However, in terms of spin control around the greens, the difference between the two balls was less pronounced, possibly requiring a more refined, tour-level short game to discern significant variations in spin performance.
The most significant divergence between the Apex and Tour Performance lies in their feel, particularly noticeable in sound and firmness. Dropping both balls on a hard surface immediately reveals the Apex’s firmer composition and a distinctively harder sound. This firmer feel translates to putting as well. Unlike the softer feel of the Tour Performance on the green, the Apex produces a “click” sound and a more responsive, springy sensation off the putter face. Putting feel is subjective, and while some golfers might prefer the firmer feedback of the Apex, personally, the softer feel of the Tour Performance is more appealing and provides a more controlled putting experience.
Comparing Forte Golf Balls: Which Model Suits Your Game?
Forte Golf recognizes that selecting the right golf ball is a personal decision, deeply intertwined with individual swing characteristics and preferences. To aid golfers in this selection process, Forte offers an online fitting questionnaire on their website. This tool is designed to analyze your game and recommend the Forte ball best suited to your swing speed and playing style.
It’s a common misconception that tour-level golf balls are universally superior. However, these balls are engineered for swing speeds exceeding 120 mph. The reality is that the majority of amateur golfers swing at speeds below 100 mph, meaning that tour balls may not be optimized for their game. Choosing a ball that matches your swing speed is crucial for maximizing performance and distance.
In my own experience, after testing both the Tour Performance and Apex extensively, I utilized the Forte fitting questionnaire. Interestingly, the results aligned perfectly with my personal preference: the Forte Tour Performance was recommended for my game. This validated my subjective preference for the Tour Performance, despite its lower price point compared to the Apex, highlighting the efficacy of Forte’s product development and fitting process.
Conclusion: Finding Your Forte Fit
While Forte golf balls may not yet be a household name in the US market, for golfers in Australia and beyond, they represent a compelling option. As a point of comparison, my usual golf ball of choice is the Bridgestone Tour B330 RX. The Forte Tour Performance closely mirrors the Bridgestone in terms of distance and feel, making it a seamless transition and a worthy contender even for serious rounds of golf. The feel around the greens and the reliable distance are particularly commendable.
While the Apex offers a slight edge in distance, its firmer feel, especially on the greens, may not appeal to all golfers. Ultimately, the best approach is to leverage Forte’s online fitting guide to determine which ball aligns best with your game. Exploring Forte golf balls is a worthwhile venture, potentially uncovering a high-performance option that enhances your play and provides excellent value.
To explore the full range of Forte golf balls and utilize their fitting tool, visit Forte Golf.
