Only played 1 round with the platinum. Can't compare it to last years, but It's a great ball. Wish i could afford em full-time, but when half your drives go into the woods.. Reminds me of the Hx-hot and the Bridgestone ball. My first shot ever with this ball landed right next to the pin and barely moved from the massive dent it left in the green (a rarity for me). Its got a soft feel, but still carries quite a ways with the driver. The ball seems heavier than most, evident while putting and driving.