Titleist has long been an absolute powerhouse when it comes to golf balls, and their two top balls are the Pro V1 and the Pro V1x. Out of the top 10 players in the world, 5 of them play 1 of these 2 balls. That said, these Titleist balls are great for amateurs and pros alike.
The type of golf ball you use can have a profound impact on the way your round goes; the right ball will give you longer, straighter shots that have optimal spin around the green.
Let’s take a closer look at the performance differences between the Titleist Pro V1 VS the Pro V1x to determine which you should play for your game.
Titleist Pro V1 Overview
The Pro V1 was first introduced in 2000 and quickly became one of the most revolutionary balls in golf. In the 20 years that have followed, it is now the number 1 ball in golf. Prior to the Pro V1, there were no golf balls on the market that provided exceptional distance, and scoring capabilities around the greens.
The Pro V1 is one of the longest golf balls on the market today, with very low long game spin. The ball features full game performance from tee to green, with very soft feel and high spin rates around the greens, with Drop and Stop short game control. The Pro V1 is a 3-piece ball that produces a mid-level flight.
A few PGA players who play the Pro V1 are Tony Finau, Webb Simpson, Adam Scott and Gary Woodland.
Titleist Pro V1x Overview
The Pro V1x was introduced to the market in 2003, 3 years after the original Pro V1. It was introduced to the market to fly higher and spin less than the Pro V1. The Pro V1x has recently been redesigned for more distinction between the Pro V1 and the Pro V1x. Recent changes have made the ball travel faster, with a higher trajectory.
The Pro V1x is made with a 4-piece construction and fewer dimples than the Pro V1, giving this ball a higher spin rate than the Pro V1. This is particularly noticeable on your approach shots and short-game shots, with the ball being slightly less soft. The Pro V1x flies significantly higher off an iron thanks to the higher spin rate, and also features Titleist’s trademark Drop-and-Stop short game control.
The Pro V1x will fly a bit higher than the Pro V1 and will achieve peak height farther downrange, allowing for a better carry distance, a steeper angle for the descent, and less roll after landing. The Pro V1x golf ball has a slightly firmer feel than Pro V1.
Pro V1 vs. Pro V1x Golf Balls: Key Differences
There are a few differences between these 2 golf balls, and the way you like to play will determine which is best for you. Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are useful for most golfers out there- whether you’re a low or high handicapper, having one of these golf balls in your bag will give you more control over your game.
Spin
The Pro V1x has a higher spin rate than the Pro V1, both off an iron and around the green, however around the green both balls have relatively high spin rates. Neither ball offers a lot of side spin during a drive, so both of them should fly pretty straight off the tee. If you prefer higher spin rates, the Pro V1x wins in that category.
Feel
While there are many benefits to playing one of these 2 tour performance golf balls, the feel of the Pro V1 and the Pro V1x is undeniable. Feel comes into play for mid and low handicappers on their iron and wedge shots, each of these balls delivers a premium quality feel, especially around the green and with a wedge in hand.
The Pro V1 has a softer feel, while the Pro V1x is slightly harder. If you like a softer golf ball, the Pro V1 wins this one.
As far as feel is concerned, these are the 2 best balls on the market.
Trajectory
The Pro V1 has a mid range flight trajectory, while the Pro V1x has a slightly higher trajectory. A higher trajectory will generally benefit a high handicap player more; the high trajectory makes the ball fly further and travel a few more yards. Each of these balls delivers a penetrating ball flight, however if you play in windier conditions then you may want to go with the lower flying Pro V1.
Price
Both balls are on the high end of the market in price. Usually, they are exactly the same in price; they’re both exceptionally high quality golf balls, and ultimately there is no difference in cost between the 2. Expect to pay between $45 and $50 per dozen of these balls, and yes, they’re worth the price.
Which ball should I play?
Frankly, it’s like choosing between a Ferrari and an Lamborghini. These are 2 of the best balls on the market, and they both perform pretty similarly. The main difference is trajectory; If you’d like to have an approach with more spin from a steeper angle, then the Pro V1x is your bet. Alternatively, if you want a lower trajectory and more feel, your go-to should be the Pro V1.
Not sure what you want? Try both! Field test them for a few rounds, and see what plays best for your game.
Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x Alternatives
Maybe you’ve decided that $45-50 is a bit steep for you, or you just want to go for a different ball; here are a couple more options you can take a look at that deliver the highest level performance!
Bridgestone Tour B X/XS
Bridgestone has always produced quality golf balls, and their premium golf ball lineup is used by some of the best golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods. The Tour B X lineup has a few different variations, and offers a little more customization than the 2 options offered with the Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The Bridgestone Tour B X and the Tour B XS are meant for players who have a faster swing speed. The Bridgestone Tour B RX and B RXS are generally for higher handicappers and players with a swing speed of below 105 MPH on their drives.
These Bridgestone balls all deliver tour level performance with exceptional feel around the greens. If you want more customization based on spin, swing speed etc, Bridgestone’s Tour B series is a great option.
Callaway Chrome Soft/X
The Callaway Chrome Soft family is another extremely popular lineup on the market, and these are 2 more premium golf balls that appeal to a wide range of players. The Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X have a few key differences in them, similarly to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x.
These are 2 of our favorite balls on the market; if you’d like a more complete look at these golf balls, check out our full Chrome Soft VS Chrome Soft X comparison here.
TaylorMade TP5/X
This is our 3rd and final favorite alternative to Titleist’s Pro V series. TaylorMade’s TP5 and TP5x golf balls are used by a few of the best golfers on tour, notably including Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. These golf balls are TaylorMade’s answer to the Pro V, and give Titleist as serious run for their money. These are the 2 top performing tour level golf balls that TaylorMade produces.
Want a better look at these 2 golf balls? Here’s our full comparison between the TP5 and the TP5x.
Wrapping up
There isn’t a bad choice when it comes to playing the Pro V1 lineup. Determining whether you should play with the Pro V1 or the Pro V1x will be completely up to what you want from your game. My advice is to try each ball out and see what works. For me, I play with the Pro V1x, as I like the trajectory and height that the ball delivers while in flight.
If you’d like to see a more comprehensive review of golf balls, we have another great guide here.
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check out more posts like our golf glove guide!
