I got the 3 inch soft, and I really like it, except they sent me the wrong color, so I am still waiting for the replacement. Feels more real than my classic, also a more appropriate weight! The classic, which I have been using for about a year and a half, always seemed a bit too firm and heavy for my tastes, and the balls hung at a weird place on me and would cause chafing at times. Don't know about the 5inch size, but the softness of the material I would say is preferable to the classic. It is the most 'real' feeling packer I have had yet.
Also want to add that I run and swim with this, which is by far more comfortable and less awkward looking in my workout gear than any of the dozens of packers I have tried. Likely due more to the size and shape, but the weight and softness are also a factor.