Sandwedge

I had an interesting experience today at the course. I am driving the ball 280 yard consistantly. I count the yardadge very closely. I have been using srixon and titleist balls. I played a friends Nike soft feel ball and couldn't believe how much yardadge I seemed to loose on the drives. I lost almost 20-25 yards at least maybe more. My driver is a 10.5 loft and I am about to get the same one in a 9.5 loft to gain more distance - in which case it might be worth the soft feeling balls for green play - but do you guys have this same experience with softer balls?? I know for my game - I would rather garuntee most of my second shots to be an approach shot - rather then a third shot being the approach just cuz I like a softer ball - I wont be switching anytime soon but curious what you all think??