40 replies to this topic

[GooseHook]

Since it came out, I've been pretty faithful to the original Penta TP.  It was (and is) soft off the putter, performs admirably around the greens, and flies well off the driver for me.  I accumulated a bunch during the 3-for-2 deals last year, and on my last trip to the shop, figured I'd pick up a sleeve to see what was up with the new TP5.  After two rounds with this sleeve, I've decided it's really not worth the coin.

Why? Durability.  Total dealbreaker.

It's a good ball, don't get me wrong.  It's clearly lower spin off the driver than the original, and it felt great off the putter. But, all three of these balls had durability issues.  Worn paint on the "Penta" logo, scuff marks considerable deeper than what my wedges typically leave.  Tuesday I played my front nine with two balls for comparison, and with the same shots and turf conditions, my Bridgestone still looked fresh after the trial.  No trees or cart paths were harmed during this comparison.

TL; DR: The original Penta is cheaper and last longer than the TP5, and I've seen better durability from other balls at the premium price point.

[LeftyBomber88]

Glad i decided not to shell out for them. I still have a dozen iZ before i switch to the new Black but i was considering putting TP5 to the test. After reading this I'll pass.

[suwdawg]

I didnt like the original penta because of that think I'll pass as well. I am however curious of the tp3.

Thx.

Edited by suwdawg, 15 March 2012 - 02:08 PM.

[moonshine]

LeftyBomber88, on 15 March 2012 - 01:39 PM, said:

Glad i decided not to shell out for them. I still have a dozen iZ before i switch to the new Black but i was considering putting TP5 to the test. After reading this I'll pass.

Man, the new black hex is so good it's just about worth what they cost...and I never pay full boat for balls.

[Tuba]

Just picked up a couple dozen of last year's "practice" Pentas at GG for $20 ea.  Nice.

[RMS29]

Just played 27 holes with the TP Red LDP...it is the still the best ball ever made.  The TP5 will have a lot of work to do to be better than this ball.

[OrangeCrush]

Talking to a local Pro and asked him his results of switching from the Penta TP to the TP5.  Found the TP Red LDP was better off the driver but the TP was better 150yds and in.  He has numerous rounds under his belt with the TP5 and said it's everything he liked in the TP Red and the Penta combined.

[GooseHook]

Well, I'm glad I only bought a sleeve to try them. I'll stick with my Bridgestones!

I can't justify spending $50 unless the ball can look decent after a round.

[Toddo64]

I have tried both the TP5 and TP3 and have had no durablity issues, even with hitting trees, etc.  The covers are much better than the former Penta ball.  I am very impressed with the TP3 and it has become my gamer, at least until warmer weather when I can compare it to the TP5.  I also want to try the new NXT Tour and the Bridgestone B330 RX.

[anth]

Goosehook, which Bridgestones?

I love Bridgestones but stopped using the RX because of durability issues.  Granted that may have been the older version.  Are the current models of Bridgestones more durable than previous ones?

Edited by anth, 15 March 2012 - 07:28 PM.

[GooseHook]

anth, on 15 March 2012 - 07:28 PM, said:

Goosehook, which Bridgestones?

I love Bridgestones but stopped using the RX because of durability issues.  Granted that may have been the older version.  Are the current models of Bridgestones more durable than previous ones?

I'm using the 2011 330-s. It may be the perfect ball for my game.

Maybe the softer RX isn't as durable? They hould have the same cover though..

[puttingmatt]

RMS29, on 15 March 2012 - 07:14 PM, said:

Just played 27 holes with the TP Red LDP...it is the still the best ball ever made.  The TP5 will have a lot of work to do to be better than this ball.

  +1 , I hope TM sees this post !!!  When you have a winner,
why change it , or stop making it !!!

[Tread]

Is the durability still better than a ProV1x?

[bcasey3]

i bought TP's last year when a local ProGolf Discount was going out of business, it was 36 balls for $50.  Seemed like a steal for a quality ball, but like the original poster said, after every wedge shot I feel like the ball is scuffed pretty significantly, gotta fix the durability issue, was hoping they would this year, but I guess not

Edited by bcasey3, 16 March 2012 - 09:51 PM.

[RMS29]

Played today with the new Penta TP5 (and recently played with the old TP Red LDP)...so hopefully I'll provide insight for the old TP Red LDP fans...here is my review:

Around the green it is extremely soft, which will be really nice in the summer when the greens are rock hard.  Definitely as good as the original Penta around the green...maybe even a touch too soft, but I was playing on very soft greens, so take that with a grain of salt.  Probably a little better than the old TP Red LDP in this category.  

On iron shots, the ball performed very well, but did not hold greens as well as I had hoped.  This seemed like a contradiction to me based on how soft it was around the green.  Ball flight was fairly low, which is a good sign that Taylormade has listened to its customers and created a lower flight ball.  Not as low at the TP Red LDP, but definitely an improvement.

Off the tee, the TP5 peformed very well.  It definitely spins less than the original Penta (probably somewhere between the original Penta and the TP Red LDP.  It has a mid-to-low launch and gives decent distance off of tee...definitely better than the original Penta.  I hate balls that overspin off the tee, and this ball worked well for me.  

Off the putter, this ball performed very well.  I would say that this is one of the TP5's strengths.  The ball felt great and did not shoot off of the club.

Overall, this is the a nice improvement over the original Penta.  I would highly recommend this ball and should be a nice replacement for the devoted TP Red LDP'ers.  

[darnoldil]

It should also be noted that durability for golf balls can be affected by at least three parameters, the first is the attack angle of the persons swing, the second is the groove configuration of the irons/wedges, and the third parameter is the condition of the grooves (how worn are they).  Players that have or keep fairly new clubs are more likely to see greater consistency in how their swing and club makeup (shaft and head/groove) affect durability than players such as myself that only replace their wedges/irons every 3-5 years.  Players that used pre-owned clubs, especially if they only only replace them every 2-4 years, may see even less of an issue with durability.  Of course the angle of attack into the ball and the force (whether through increased torque or ss) will also increase the affects of wear on a golf ball.  All of this is to simply offer some boundaries to why some people experience high rates of wear to a particular golf ball and others do not; it is something to consider and keep in mind when selecting a golf ball based upon durability measures.  

     For me, the strategy that I use is that I test a sleeve of balls for the performance characteristics that I am looking for.  Once I decide to give the ball a chance at being my gamer I go out and buy a few dozen from the retail store.  After I have bought a few dozen I then go to LostGolfBalls.com or another quality used golf ball site and stock up on another 5 dozen of that particular ball in used format for my typical rounds.  The only problem with this strategy is when a new model comes out it can take a couple of months before you can get the new model in used form but other than that caveat the strategy works well and controls costs.  Typically I don't have to worry about getting a used ball stock for everyday play because I normally don't change balls until mid-season after I have gotten a chance to see where I could use some help and have then collected a bunch of data on what's out there that could fill the need. The strategy also makes it less painful to switch over to a new model because I simply use the former model used balls for balls striking practice out at the local parks or for new courses that I haven't played.

Edited by darnoldil, 19 March 2012 - 08:48 AM.

[bushy007]

GooseHook, on 15 March 2012 - 08:44 AM, said:

Since it came out, I've been pretty faithful to the original Penta TP.  It was (and is) soft off the putter, performs admirably around the greens, and flies well off the driver for me.  I accumulated a bunch during the 3-for-2 deals last year, and on my last trip to the shop, figured I'd pick up a sleeve to see what was up with the new TP5.  After two rounds with this sleeve, I've decided it's really not worth the coin.

Why? Durability.  Total dealbreaker.

It's a good ball, don't get me wrong.  It's clearly lower spin off the driver than the original, and it felt great off the putter. But, all three of these balls had durability issues.  Worn paint on the "Penta" logo, scuff marks considerable deeper than what my wedges typically leave.  Tuesday I played my front nine with two balls for comparison, and with the same shots and turf conditions, my Bridgestone still looked fresh after the trial.  No trees or cart paths were harmed during this comparison.

TL; DR: The original Penta is cheaper and last longer than the TP5, and I've seen better durability from other balls at the premium price point.

Dont be so quick, i almost was. First time I used one i hit it through some light trees from a blind shot and when I got to the green there was a tiny stick poking out of the cover... It was 4 holes old... not impressed. Been trying the Nike 20XI-X and loved it but for sakes sake I decided on the weekend to try the TP5 agin...I mean i have a sleeve and Im more inclined to give it a second shot.. The ball has 18 holes on it and not a scratch, I literally cant tell it from the brand new ball I have left over. That has never happened EVER before. The only way you can tell is my green sharpie dot under the name.. I'm playing new irons too with fresh sharp grooves that have been eating up the range balls during practice but seriously not a scratch.

Main reason I wanted to try again was because its so soft, I love it and its the one thing the 20XI-X doesnt have. But I had a hard time convincing myself that the durability wasnt going to be an issue. Another benefit is I can get the tp5's for $37 but the Nikes are $57. It might take a few rounds to fully see if they arent in fact durable as a water balloon but theyll at least get the chance..

[bushy007]

Heres a photo of what I was talking about.... Pick which ball is brand new never been hit and which one has 18 holes on it?????







The other thing is the only cleaning the ball got was between holes or when it had mud on it on the green.

[2659edward]

I have played the TP Red, Penta TP, and now the Penta TP5. I think the TP5 has better durability than the original Penta and is longer of the tee. I like the improvements.

[Scott@84]

IMO the TP5 is a much better ball then the Penta and I loved the Penta.

[G-Bone]

Agreed!  The TP5 fixed exactly what I didn't like about the original.  It has increased distance off the tee with lower driver spin as well... Therefore, it's in the bag!

[cap217]

I am still using the original TP REDs...  I must be missing out on distance and spin>

[G-Bone]

cap217, on 24 March 2012 - 08:49 PM, said:

I am still using the original TP REDs...  I must be missing out on distance and spin>

I never had an issue with TP Red, my driver issues were with the original Penta.

[Jack Pearsall]

Maybe these balls were designed for those of us who strike the ball in a less abusive way, like Hogan and Snead.

[pdaero]

Has anyone compared these to ProV1Xs? I'm still interested in trying it. I got the free 2-sleeve Pentas last year from TM, and at times it was perfect except for when I swung a little more aggressively - it spun too much.

[G-Bone]

pdaero, on 27 March 2012 - 11:49 PM, said:

Has anyone compared these to ProV1Xs? I'm still interested in trying it. I got the free 2-sleeve Pentas last year from TM, and at times it was perfect except for when I swung a little more aggressively - it spun too much.

For me, on the course and on Trackman, TP5 spent less than V1x from tee through full wedge shots. Yet on partial wedge shots, low zippers, and bunker shots (anywhere the shot didn't compress the ball much) the TP5 spun more than V1x. These characteristics make the new Penta TP5 ideal for me game.

[Irons Pro]

I am in the same exact boat with you on the durability issue! If you really enjoyed the performance, try out the Callaway Tour i(z). It is almost exactly like the TP5, except maybe a little softer feel, and it definitely lasts longer. I played a whole round with one Tour i(z) and it had absolutely no marks on it, other than a little smear of the dot I made on it with my sharpie, and that was just because I hit the ball there, so it smeared it. I have also played with the TP3, and those seemed to stand up a little better than the TP5 for some reason. But if you aren't convinced on playing anymore Pentas, really do try the Tour i(z).

[2659edward]

bcasey3, on 16 March 2012 - 09:50 PM, said:

i bought TP's last year when a local ProGolf Discount was going out of business, it was 36 balls for $50.  Seemed like a steal for a quality ball, but like the original poster said, after every wedge shot I feel like the ball is scuffed pretty significantly, gotta fix the durability issue, was hoping they would this year, but I guess not

I would have to ask what wedges do you use? Conforming or non?

[Tread]

I finally got my hands on these and have been playing with them for a week. Compared to the old Penta I am getting more distance with my driver. I seem to be getting more roll. With everything else though I can't tell a difference.

I feel like I'm playing a different ball then a lot of you. The Penta is not my first choice when it comes to premium golf balls but it's the most durable premium ball that I have ever played. This new version has been just as durable for me.

[Go_Blue!]

Irons Pro, on 29 March 2012 - 12:09 AM, said:

I am in the same exact boat with you on the durability issue! If you really enjoyed the performance, try out the Callaway Tour i(z). It is almost exactly like the TP5, except maybe a little softer feel, and it definitely lasts longer. I played a whole round with one Tour i(z) and it had absolutely no marks on it, other than a little smear of the dot I made on it with my sharpie, and that was just because I hit the ball there, so it smeared it. I have also played with the TP3, and those seemed to stand up a little better than the TP5 for some reason. But if you aren't convinced on playing anymore Pentas, really do try the Tour i(z).

I love Callaway balls as much as the next person but i would not say that the iZ is softer than any Taylormade ball. The iZ is one of the firmest balls out there imo. The new line of balls have a much nicer feel, especially the chrome.