[DavePelz4]

Notable Observations

Initial player testing indicates that the Penta TP exhibited more spin off the 6-iron and sand wedge while slightly less spin off the driver when compared to the TaylorMade TP Red LDP at the relatively higher ball speeds in the range of 140-155 mph.

In 6-iron testing, the spin rate of the Penta TP was approximately 200 RPM’s more than the TaylorMade TP Red LDP. In comparison to other soft cover “Tour” balls the Penta TP performs in the same general spin range for a 6-iron as the Titleist Pro V1 and Nike One Tour. In sand wedge testing, the Penta TP generated approximately 500 RPM’s more of spin than the TP Red LDP. This finding indicates a spin rate similar to the Titleist Pro V1 and slightly less spin than the Nike One Tour, which places it in the group of the highest spinning balls we have tested to date.

Initial bench testing indicates that the Penta TP has a compression range of 98-100 compression points which is similar to the 2009 Titleist Pro V1 compression as posted in the comprehensive compression and cover hardness schedules of GolfBallSelector.com. This is approximately 7% higher than the TaylorMade TP Red LDP and 4% lower than the Srixon Z-Star X, meaning it is an above average compression ball by comparison to most golf balls, and similar to other “Tour” balls. However, with the new 5-piece construction of the Penta TP, such comparative evaluations of compression using these few measurements are limited. Additional bench testing measuring cover hardness revealed that the Penta TP exhibited similar cover hardness to the 2009 Titleist Pro V1 but was 5% softer than the TaylorMade TP Red LDP.

We found the durability to be similar to other premium golf balls. We subjected the Penta TP to approximately 60 strikes in our testing.

[Johnny]

I can concur it's spinny.. I might use it with the new groove irons, but I'm torn with it on the driver. I tried it only when I was playing an R9 which I spun too much anyways, I still have a couple somewhere in the depths of my bag that I need to try with the FT9TA. Love the ball on the green though..soft soft soft...shreds very easy with my wedges, like every other tour ball.

[Johnny]

In my mini review of the penta on this website I posted pics of my penta after one round. 3 full SW/LW shots did some significant damage, but I've gotten used to that playing my Nike VR wedges.

[DavePelz4]

Here's the link to the full review...with pics...hopefully.

http://www.golfballtest.org/?p=502

[Harry Longshanks]

What were they hitting it with, a red sharpie?

Quote

[DavePelz4]

Harry Longshanks, on Nov 6 2009, 10:34 PM, said:

What were they hitting it with, a red sharpie?

Quote

Since I'm not familiar with this area of the game...is that what happens when you hit the ball in the center of the club face?

I've played 36 with a Bridgestone 330 RX and it it looks brand new compared to this.

[toms]

Takes 5 layers to do the work of 3? TaylorMade at it again.

[TMBob]

Harry Longshanks, on Nov 6 2009, 06:34 PM, said:

What were they hitting it with, a red sharpie?

Quote

Ball looks like it was tested in a net for many shots to me.......I just got some and the weather is not going to allow for much testing let alone testing it in fall/winter conditions.

TMBob

[Harry Longshanks]

TMBob, on Nov 6 2009, 08:25 PM, said:

Harry Longshanks, on Nov 6 2009, 06:34 PM, said:

What were they hitting it with, a red sharpie?

Quote

Ball looks like it was tested in a net for many shots to me.......I just got some and the weather is not going to allow for much testing let alone testing it in fall/winter conditions.

TMBob

A net would leave that red residue? (Or am I misunderstanding what you mean?)

[west coast duffer]

So basiclly it's very similar to a prov1.

[Johnny]

Harry Longshanks, on Nov 6 2009, 08:31 PM, said:

TMBob, on Nov 6 2009, 08:25 PM, said:

Harry Longshanks, on Nov 6 2009, 06:34 PM, said:

What were they hitting it with, a red sharpie?

Quote

Ball looks like it was tested in a net for many shots to me.......I just got some and the weather is not going to allow for much testing let alone testing it in fall/winter conditions.

TMBob

A net would leave that red residue? (Or am I misunderstanding what you mean?)

The net was either really dusty/dirty or made with a rough material that basically sanded the ball down while it spun in the net at impact. That ball looks like dump.

[dwmiller19]

toms, on Nov 6 2009, 09:50 PM, said:

Takes 5 layers to do the work of 3? TaylorMade at it again.

That is too funny. I definitely want to try this ball out, but I fear it may be slightly over-engineered, and therefore end up costing me more than it is worth.

[Harry Longshanks]

Huh. I'm not seeing the abrasions. To me it look like they hit it with a club that had red ink on it until the raised portions were dulled with red ink residue. Because where the light hits it, you can still see the sheen. And there are no cuts or heavy scuffs like when a wedge takes a bite out of a soft-covered ball. Plus, check out that one completely pink dimple on the left side. And there is a green dimple on the lower left. Smudging from sharpie markings for the Trackman?

But I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert.

[toms]

Easter egg testing. Poor absorption properties - too many layers.

[Harry Longshanks]

toms, on Nov 6 2009, 09:20 PM, said:

Easter egg testing. Poor absorption properties - too many layers.

So you've tried it? I didn't think they were available yet?