As a 14 handicap golfer I fall right into the heart of the range deemed average (roughly a 10 to 16 handicap).
I’m good enough to want some control on my irons and around the greens, I want a nice feel on the putting surface, but I also need some help from the tee.
The classic ball of choice for me and many like me is the Titleist Pro V1.
There’s one problem with this, of course: Titleist is the top ball for many and it comes at a cost – they’re pricey.
What represents a problem for the other manufacturers also holds potential because while they are up against a monster, if they can produce anything like the same sort of package, the swathes of average golfers will be interested.
Wilson’s competitor is the Triad. It has been given an upgrade for 2025 and I took it out on the course for a test.
Let’s see what I made of it.
What is the tech behind it?
There is a high moment of inertia (MOI) design that maximizes ball speeds while reducing driver spin for enhanced accuracy off the tee.
Meanwhile, the thin, high friction urethane cover delivers control on approach shots.
And there is tri-balanced weighting which means uniform density across all three layers creating a perfect center of gravity for putting.
What does Wilson say about it?
They claim it will complete the ultimate trifecta: find more fairways, hit more greens in regulation and sink more putts.
What’s more, they call it “the world’s most balanced golf ball”.
It’s the award-winning patented Tri-Balanced Construction which backs up this claim and the bang-up-to-date tech guarantees a perfect centre of gravity for the purest roll.
That high MOI maximises ball speed yet the “hit more fairways” claim comes from reduced driver spin.
Meanwhile that thin, high-friction urethane cover allows for great touch and feel on iron shots.
Any more big claims?
Yes. Wilson say there are no heavy spots on the balls which can negatively impact putting.
They add that testing proves the Triad has the longest driver distance and highest iron spin when up against other three-piece urethane balls. With short irons it has the highest average spin rate.
Okay, we take more shots on or near the green so let’s start the review that way – how did the Triad feel on the putt?
Really good. In fact, I didn’t notice any difference from my normal experience with a Pro V1. Lag putting and short putting were the same. Nice feel, nice touch, nice noise.
Matt (left) tests the Wilson Triad ball at Moortown
And around the greens and from bunkers?
Again, no complaints. There was a grip there which allowed me to feel confident in being aggressive.
There were some significant boasts about the iron control – did it live up to them?
Again, there was no sense in which I felt I was losing distance or touch with the irons. I could also shape the ball. I won’t lie – it was a slightly rusty round of golf so sometimes the shaping was not necessarily intended. But when I hit a draw, I got a draw. My best iron shots were absolutely sweet.
And from the tee?
With my best swings I was more than happy. A good shape, a nice flight, possibly lower than I would normally hit. With my less than ideal connection, however, the ball did sometimes seem to do a sort of belly flop.
And what about condition?
This is sometimes something of an underestimated quality. We want balls that last and the good news here is that after giving my new Triad a wallop round a cold course it emerged looking as good as it started.
Conclusion?
To better the Pro V1 would be unexpected. The bar is set high and the Triad felt a touch heavy. But once you factor in the price, the Triad is a great option. I’ll happily keep hitting it and consider the fact that it impressed on a cold, wet day even more of a bonus.
READ MORE: The best new golf balls for 2025
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