Equipment
Titleist AVX golf balls passed the test, are now available across the United States
Titleist’s AVX golf balls first came to retail as an experiment in three markets — Arizona, California and Florida — from October 2017 to January 2018. AVX (which stands for “Alternative to the V and X”) are three-piece golf balls made with urethane covers, and they’re made with a softer feel for more distance than the Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.
After proving their worth to consumers, Titleist’s AVX golf balls are now available across the U.S. as of April 23, and they will sell for 47.99 per dozen (the same as Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls) in both white and optic yellow.
According to Michael Mahoney, the Vice President of Golf Ball Marketing for Titleist, the AVX is a member of the Pro V1 family. Here’s a basic understanding of the lineup:
- AVX: Softest, lowest trajectory, lowest spinning, less greenside spin and longest
- Pro V1x: Firmer than the Pro V1, highest spinning and highest trajectory
- Pro V1: Sits between the V1x and the AVX in terms of feel, spin and trajectory, and will appeal to most golfers
Different from the Pro V1 or Pro V1x, the AVX golf balls have a new GRN41 thermoset cast urethane cover to help the golf balls achieve the softer feel. Also, they have high speed, low compression cores, a new high-flex casing layer, and a new dimple design/pattern.
For in-depth tech info on the new AVX golf balls, how they performed in the test markets, and who should play the AVX golf balls, listen to our podcast below with Michael Mahoney, or click here to listen on iTunes.
See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the AVX golf balls
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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 9 x
Irons: Titleist T200 (4, 5), Titleist 620 CB (6-9)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 54-12D, 60)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Putter: Scotty Cameron P5 prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
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- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Ben Kohles WITB 2024 (May)
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)...
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here....
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Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
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Jeff
May 30, 2018 at 4:38 pm
sorry, AVX
Jeff
May 30, 2018 at 4:37 pm
So no one is playing the NVX on PGA Tour?
Ben Jones
May 7, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Give me the original Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear.
punny
May 5, 2018 at 11:30 pm
cool golf ball. Looks like all the tour guys are using it…….NOT!
CAROLINE
May 5, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Golf Digest I read today big article on Vice Golf BALLS…..HALF THE PRICE???? Never paid more then $49 a dozen for one dozen Prov’s..Vice Pro $34.95 if you want the same one dozen..is $34.95 half of $49?? ok buy 5 dozen I get them for $24.95? Never had to buy 5 dozen ProV’s to get the $49 price….
Nigel Kent
Apr 24, 2018 at 10:23 am
News hot off the wires ! T/Made are bringing out a new “S.G.F ” ball . The ” F” stands for “Floats on water” ! Don’t know yet what (or who) the initials “S.G.” stand for at this time .
Wiger Toods
Apr 24, 2018 at 5:19 am
So it’s the e5 at a higher price?
Really wish BS had stuck with a mid-price urethane…
Jamie
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:39 pm
Until 2017, the V1X was higher launch, lower spin than V1. Since 2017, it seems that V1 and V1X may have reversed.
Rich Douglas
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:05 pm
How is this ball materially different from the NXT Tour? It spins less than a ProV1 around the greens. It’s soft. Distance is the same. It’s priced below the ProV1, but it isn’t cheap.
Back to the Snell MTB.
Brian Forrester
Apr 24, 2018 at 10:04 am
I think you’re describing the Tour Soft (2 piece, surlyn cover), which is the equivalent of the NXT. The AVX is a 3-piece urethane ball and is priced the same as the ProV1 series.
youraway
Apr 23, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Played it, liked it for a short while, less green-side spin, and seems to lose distance after a couple rounds. Went back to my favorite, Bridgestone Tour RSX, two dozen for $70 promotional.
Jeff Stanley
Apr 23, 2018 at 7:42 pm
Why is golf equipment getting so expensive? Pretty soon average consumers won’t even be able to afford new equipment. Do Callaway, Ping, TM, Titleist, realize this or just not care? When I was in high school, which granted was 20 years ago, I bought a whole set (3-PW) of brand new Pings for $500. Now days that will buy me a driver and that’s it and you could buy a dozen Titleist tour balata balls new for half what these balls are going for. Way to go OEMs keep up the good work! Lol!
Rich Douglas
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:07 pm
Tell those kids to get off your lawn, too.
Prices reflect what the market will bear. For a less expensive ball that performs better than this one, try Snell, Vice, or any number of other brands.
Jack
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:49 pm
Or mg c4
Tigergor
Apr 24, 2018 at 9:18 am
I think you might find that golf clubs are cheaper, relatively speaking, in relation to earnings than they were 20ish years ago. I remember an article about this not too long ago.
The problem is consumerism and people believing that they need new clubs every season.
Hogan Fan
May 1, 2018 at 6:19 am
Exactly.
UH
Apr 24, 2018 at 11:17 am
Have you not noticed that the iPhone X costs $1000.
Golf clubs are at normal prices.
Look at gas prices. Normal.
Groceries and food – ridiculous. But related to the costs of everything else. This is where we are in the market, currently. Oh yeah, and look at the Stocks.
Jim
Apr 23, 2018 at 4:25 pm
AVX is Titleist’s Chrome Soft at a premium price. It’s a good ball, but not at $47 a dozen. Wait six months and they will be competitively priced, or they won’t sell many.
chris
Apr 24, 2018 at 7:25 am
I work in Florida at a CC and we sell the AVX more than any other ball.
Brian Forrester
Apr 24, 2018 at 10:07 am
A fool and his money are soon parted.
ButchT
May 5, 2018 at 10:09 am
Exactly how does a fool and his money get together in the first place?
Darryl
Jun 7, 2018 at 7:26 am
Inherits it, usually
peter collins
Apr 23, 2018 at 3:15 pm
You went to market getting one thing Wrong….the PRICE.
Shady Sean
Apr 23, 2018 at 3:11 pm
I choose not to subsidize tour player marketing by paying for overpriced golf equipment or attire.
Tony
Apr 23, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Total joke to price these balls like that. I’ll stick with Bridgestone E6 soft at 2 dozen for $50 thank you
~j~
Apr 23, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Shank.
Oh wait, already clicked that.
steve
Apr 23, 2018 at 2:02 pm
A 3-piece ball for $48? Titleist has lost their minds. You can get the same ball for $13 less per dozen. They believe that putting the word “Titleist” makes it worth $13 a dozen…
Titelist has lost its luster anyway. There’s a huge golf ball bubble about to burst….and Titleist is gonna feel the most pain. Absolutely outrageous price.
doug
Apr 23, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Copy that Steve. Usually play the Chrome Soft (and the simple, cheap but delightful SuperSoft in wetter conditions), but tried the new Titleist ‘Tour Soft’ to see what that was all about.
Seriously disappointed by that unit; not as good as the NXT Soft at all.
My word to sum up Titleist balls is ‘coarse’. They may work for the guys and gals who punish them for a living, but for the average Joe…too hard, too harsh, and way too expensive
Jeff Phelps
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Ripped off Callaway dimple pattern!
Jack Nash
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:58 pm
Dimples are still round but outside framing is angular. I can see what you mean though.
Jack Nash
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Basically this whole exercise is for Titleist intro of a high priced Yella Ball. I’ll stick with Chrome Soft Yella thankya
dat
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm
I’ll keep buying used ProVs which “amateur pros” hit in the woods on their first use.
Jeff Stanley
Apr 23, 2018 at 7:32 pm
That’s what I do as well. Just go on eBay and get 100 used for the price of 12 new. Golf equipment in general is getting way too expensive for the average consumer IMO.
James T
May 6, 2018 at 7:50 pm
That’s a good deal if you can stand all the weird and different logos that ruin the look and tidiness of the ball.
Skip
Apr 23, 2018 at 1:38 pm
I play the Pro V1 and have for years but I never buy new golf balls. Am I the only one that buys barely used 5A rated used balls online?
I can get Pro V1’s for around $22/dozen that have been played for maybe 2 or 3 holes.
Lee
Apr 23, 2018 at 12:20 pm
It’s the Tour Prestige a Japanese market ball with price to match. Price performance wise the Srixon QStar/AD333 Tour has it beaten hands down but you pays your money and you takes your choice.
Jp
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:50 am
KSigs! Hope there is no lawsuit against 3piece ksigs!
Bruce
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:25 am
Just what golfers need: another overpriced ball. I’ll stick with the Ksig- 3 layer or 4 layer, and Cut Golf 3 and 4 layer . Great feel at less than half the price.
See my posting on the Ksig 3 layer in forums for more discussion on the 3 layer.
Larry
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:36 am
Cut 3 piece very much like the Kirkland 3 piece, cut 4 piece (my ball) not as good as original Kirkland 4 piece but close enough at $20 a dozen and I still have 5 dozen on hand….
Jeff Martin
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:16 am
Is the compression rating a secret?
DougE
Apr 23, 2018 at 11:09 am
Been playing the AVX since November. Love the ball off the tee and with iron shots. Even more than my Pro V1s, which I have played for many years exclusively. Wish I could play Pro Vs around the greens and AVX from tee to green. Pro V definitely checks more for me on chips and pitchips, but the AVX checks well too. Just not quite as quick to stop. But far better/faster than an NXT. I would put it in the neighborhood of a Snell or Vice tour ball, based on the occasional times I have found one of them and tried it out. I will continue to play both the AVX and Pro V1, deciding before the round based on certain variables, like the speed of the greens, distance of the tees we’re playing, and how much wind there is, among other things. FYI, I have found the AVX to be awesome in wind. I loved the high-optic yellow in the washed-out winter landscape here in Maryland. I’ll probably go back to the white version of the AVX once everything is nice and green again.
Guess now that the AVX is on the market, I will have to start marking my ball now. For the last 6 months, I never found a single one anywhere on the course. That’s gonna change.
Diana Krall
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:58 am
It’s a good ball and completely not worth the price, but what ball is?
Q Star tours, Snell, Kirkland (when you can get them), Vice … all excellent at half to t2/3 the price.
Mike
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:48 am
So, who is this ball for “seekers”? I’m seeking a reason to buy this ball with this BS messaging!
HDTVMAN
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:45 am
Titleist employs an excellent high-priced marketing company to sell you balls that are NO DIFFERENT than other company’s top-line balls at a cheaper price. Sure more pro golfers use Titleist on tour, more than Callaway, but these golfers are being paid hundreds of thousands to play them. Pay me more and I’ll play your ball and clubs, right Sergio?
Fred
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:38 am
Let’s see… same piceas Pro V’s.
In Canada right now they PV’s are “on sale” $3 off…with taxmakres it 72 bucks a doz. Six bucks a ball. No thanks.
I’ll stick with my Q Star Tours that still are 40 bucks a doz here, are a bit softer than PV’s and probably are so close to the AVX in performance for 99 percent of golfers they would be a saw-off.
Doug
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:28 am
higher spinning was the ProV1 until 2017
Stuart Keen
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:22 am
These are awesome golf balls .. I bought a couple of dozen when I went to Florida before Christmas .. I just hope they’ll come to the UK soon!!!
ik_ben_groot
Apr 23, 2018 at 9:16 am
Does it bother anyone else when Titleist says V or X? THEY’RE ALL V’S!
Brian Forrester
Apr 23, 2018 at 9:10 am
$48 per dozen? I’ll stick with Ksigs, Snells, Vice, and MG.
Roy McAvoy
Apr 23, 2018 at 9:07 am
Since when is the V1X higher spinning and higher launching?
Doug
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:20 am
since 2017
alexdub
Apr 23, 2018 at 10:24 am
Since 2003
Dave
Apr 23, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Roy McaVoy. Yes that has been everyone misconception. Ive read this multiple times on titleist launch promos…of irons and wedges the X launches a bit higher and spins a bit more….off the driver i am unsure to be honest..every time i mention this to people they always say im crazy just assuming the x is lower launching and lower spin….
Bill
Apr 23, 2018 at 8:42 pm
I thought the same thing
Way
Apr 23, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Since TM kicked them to the curb