NEW 2017 Titleist ProV1 vs ProV1x Golf Ball

2017 Titleist ProV1 vs ProV1x Golf Ball

02/23/2017

There are more differences between the new 2017 Titleist Pro V1 and the Pro V1x than a black number or a red number on the ball’s cover, but choosing which one is best for you will take a little analysis of your usual ball flight and short game style.

The new Pro V1s (the black numbered balls) have 352 dimples arrayed in a tetrahedral pattern that fully covers the ball. The new Pro V1x (red numbers) have 324 dimples that cover more of the ball’s surface than previous generations of the X.

The differences continue beneath the balls’ dimpled surfaces. The Pro V1 features a lower-spinning core that will impart less spin on drives and shots hit with longer clubs. (There shouldn’t be much noticeable difference between new and old Pro V1s on shots hit by 6-iron through wedge.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJGgSmOWAuQ

What Brought About the Changes

The Pro V1x hasn’t changed what’s under the hood but that new dimple coverage should give more consistent ball flight according to Titleist engineers. The Pro V1x remains a dual-core ball with a cast-urethane cover; the V is a three-piece ball with a newly updated solid rubber core and a cast-urethane cover like the X-model, only differently dimpled.

Pro golfers who (are paid to) play Titleist balls seem about equally divided among who plays a V and who uses an X. Pro V1 users include Rickie Fowler, Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott and Paul Casey. Among the Pro V1x users are Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Jimmy Walker and Louis Oosthuizen.

As for what the good amateur player should expect when using the balls, Titleist says that both brands should be equally long when hit with the big stick but the Pro V1x should generally fly higher and carry farther, while the Pro V1 will have a lower trajectory and more run. (Of course these differences may vary slightly for individual golfers based on their swings and the loft they carry on their drivers.)

The Pro V1x is a higher compression ball than the Pro V1 by about 10 points so around the greens you might notice a softer feel and sound to the V than the X when struck by a wedge or putter.

Research and Cost

You can research the balls online and find several videos where analysts compare the two brands. But truthfully, by far the best method for deciding which of the two balls is best for you (assuming you play the Titleist Pro V-series) is to buy a sleeve of each and test them yourself.

If you do this, try a couple dozen chips and putts from various spots on the practice green. If you really want unbiased testing, put a dab of White-Out over the numbers on one side of the ball.  That way you won’t know if you’re using the V or the X. Then, on an empty hole or two some weekday afternoon, hit drives with both balls. Then get in some long-irons and approach shots to see if you can tell a difference and which ball you prefer.

Price won’t be a factor between which Titleist Pro V1 ball you choose. In fact, both the Pro V1 (bronze & black packaging) and the Pro V1x (in a silver & black box) cost a smidge under $50 for a dozen at most retailers. Getting a three ball sleeve will set you back between $12 and $15 in most pro shops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5TIsCx9gkw

What Do You Think?

Do you have some Titleist ProV1 or Titleist ProV1x golf balls?  What do you think?  We want to hear from you.  Drop us a comment below and let us know!