Equipment
Titleist 2017 Pro V1, Pro V1x golf balls remove the “distance question”
You may have always considered yourself either a Pro V1 or a Pro V1x player, but things have changed with golf’s best selling line of golf balls. Regardless of what Titleist golf ball you’ve been playing, the company wants you to test both of its new premium golf balls in 2017.
“As we’ve told the pros, while you may consider yourself a ‘V’ or an ‘X’ player, we think this is a great time for you to reevaluate both Pro V1 and Pro V1x to see which 2017 model is the best fit for your game,” said Bill Morgan, Senior Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball R&D.
The 2017 Pro V1 is the most changed of the company’s new premium balls. It’s designed to fly “significantly longer” than previous Pro V1 models, and “as long as the Pro V1x,” says Michael Mahoney, Vice President of Titleist’s Golf Ball marketing.
“Historically, the perception has been that the Pro V1 is [higher-spinning than the Pro V1x] from tee to green,” Mahoney said. “Now it’s the opposite of that.”
Titleist attributes the change in performance to the Pro V1’s Next Generation ZG Process Core, which offers longer distance through lower long-game spin and faster ball speeds.
“We’ve taken the distance question off the table for golfers when deciding between [the Pro V1 and Pro V1x],” Mahoney said. “We want golfers to decide based on feel and flight characteristics.”
2017 Pro V1 vs. 2017 Pro V1x
- 2017 Pro V1: Lower Spinning, Lower Trajectory, Softer Feel
- 2017 Pro V1x: Higher Spinning, Higher Trajectory, Firmer Feel
The benefits of the 2017 Pro V1 were obvious to PGA Tour player Jason Kokrak, who ranked No. 6 in driving distance on the PGA Tour in 2016 using the company’s Pro V1x golf ball. He’s also a highly effective driver of the golf ball, ranking No. 8 in the Tour’s Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee statistic.
In testing the 2017 golf balls, Kokrak found that he could hit the new Pro V1 as far the Pro V1x, Mahoney said. He preferred the Pro V1’s softer feel around the greens, however, because he thought it could help him improve his short-game touch. So he ended up making the switch to Pro V1.
Like Kokrak, most golfers should experience a softer feel from the Pro V1, as its compression is about 10 points lower than the Pro V1x (90 vs. 100 on Titleist’s compression-measuring machines). They should also expect the 2017 Pro V1 to fly on a slightly lower trajectory than the Pro V1x.
The design of the 2017 Pro V1x, the most played golf ball on the PGA Tour in 2016, is unchanged on the inside. On the outside, the new ball offers an improved placement of its 328 dimples that now cover a larger portion of the surface (the Pro V1, with 352 dimples, also has an improved dimple design). The benefit is a more stable and consistent flight, Mahoney said.
Long-time Pro V1x player Jordan Spieth said he quickly noticed the benefit the new model.
“I put new Pro V1x in play in Australia and in the first week we won,” Spieth said. “What I noticed immediately was the improved flight. It held its line in the crosswinds better.”
With the new Pro V1x, golfers can expect a higher trajectory. The ball will also feel slightly firmer and produce more iron spin.
In total, more than 100 players worldwide are now using the new golf balls: Adam Scott (Pro V1), Jimmy Walker (Pro V1x), Kevin Kisner (Pro V1), Webb Simpson (Pro V1), Charley Hoffmann (Pro V1) Ian Poulter (Pro V1x), Thongchai Jaidee (Pro V1x) and of course, Rory McIlroy (Pro V1x).
Both the 2017 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls ($47.99) will be stores Jan. 25, 2017.
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- Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: TPT Driver 15 Lo
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (21 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80 X
Irons: Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3, 4), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-10S, 60-04T), Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack (56-10 MID, 52-10 MID)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X Seven
Putter: TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Spider Limited
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X (with Mindset)
Check out more in-hand photos of Jason Day’s WITB here.
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- Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 9 X
Irons: Titleist 718 TMB (2), Titleist T200 (2), Titleist T100 (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour Hybrid 105 X (2), KBS Tour 130 X
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S, 60-08M, 60-04T), WedgeWorks Proto (60-10V)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Ludvig Aberg’s clubs in the forums.
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We have seen a few new mini drivers from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade being tested out on tour recently. Now, Callaway looks to be jumping into the mix at the RBC Heritage. We spotted Christian Bezuidenhout testing out a new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver on the range. We don’t have any details yet but the club clearly states “mini driver” on it, and the “340” could easily refer to how many CCs the head is.
What we do know is that this mini driver has a very similar design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood. The sole looks to be made from steel or titanium, not forged carbon like the Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. It has weights up near the face and at the back of the club. Callaway’s OptiFit hosel is also present on this driver to allow loft and lie adjustments, and if you look closely on the face, you can make out the “Ai Smart Face” text at bottom center. The crown looks to have the familiar carbon fiber weave and Ai Smoke logos we have seen on the current clubs.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke DUW
The other Callaway prototype that was spotted looked to be a little more of a traditional fairway wood — but with non-traditional weight placements on it. Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke DUW looks to have four adjustable weights on it — two on the sole, one on the hosel, and one on the toe. This hosel isn’t adjustable, and I would assume that is to save some weight from creating spots for the movable weights.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but the face looks to be a touch deeper than the traditional Triple Diamond fairways. This deeper face could be where the “DUW” name comes from. With three weights all pushed forward near the face this DUW has to be a very low spinning and launching head. The sole is made from metal and similar in design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway woods as is the carbon crown.
- Check out more of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...
Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
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David Montgomery
Feb 10, 2017 at 6:41 pm
I’d be interested to test these out myself. I have always geared towards the X model but it sounds like I could benefit from the new and improved V model.
Jason R
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:15 pm
If your a high launch guy like me lower launch is a benefit…I hit the ball high with a lot of spin so can lose distance. I switched from 913D2 to 915D3 with the same shaft and noticed a distance improvement as the D3 spun lower and launched slightly lower as per trackman numbers…same principle would apply to the ball I would think
Jason R
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:07 pm
If you are like me, you have a high launch and tend to generate a lot of spin…this translates to less distance…
For example, I used to play 913D2 but was noticing that my ball would take off hot and high off the face but quickly plateau and almost “balloon” and drop straight to the ground. I went and got fitted by Titleist when the 915s came out and the fitting put me into relatively the same shaft but the lower spinning D3 model…instantly gained 15-20 yards on the trackman with launch angle around the same but spin rates hugely reduced. Dispersion was relatively unchanged since I hit my driver relatively straight but in my case a lower spinning ball with a lower launch angle might be worth a try…
Jarod O'Neil
Jan 31, 2017 at 1:02 am
Ha.. These balls are rubbish. I hit the new TaylorMade TP5x the other day and Titleist have a looong way to go to catch these. Picked up 22 yards on my 5 iron and around the greens were amazing. So soft off the putter and great spin off my wedges
antonio
Feb 23, 2017 at 4:46 am
With so many excelent premium balls in the market, the best one is the one that better suits your game in terms of performance, ball flight, feel, etc. Having said that now you can either weak up- your dream about the 22 yds is over- or work hard on your swing to make it a bit more consistent.
JuNiOR
Jan 29, 2017 at 2:56 pm
I wonder if they will go for $30.00 for 2 dozen?????
JuNiOR
Jan 29, 2017 at 2:55 pm
I’ll stick with the other brand at Costco for $30.00 for 2 dozen 😉
Dr J
Jan 29, 2017 at 8:51 am
Nike RZN Black every bit as good as ProV1’s. I bought as many as I could at $25/dozen once Nike dropped out of equip biz. Funny how Rory thought so too by asking Nike to save him over 1000 Nike RZN balls for future play. That is, until Titleist obviously dropped a cash filled briefcase on him.
Mark
Jan 28, 2017 at 3:54 am
Dear Titleist. Please explain your pricing policy. Golf is struggling globally so you increase the price of your Vokey wedges by 25% in one go and now the new V1s are up 10%. Callaway and Srixon says thanks btw. UK price…discounted….$55. Ouch.
Craig Allison
Jan 30, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Not titleist’ fault that our exchange rate has dropped so much.
Dollar has gone up 22% against sterling recently. That’s more than the price increase we are paying in stores because retailers are trying to take as much of the hit as they can.
Drivers will be nearer £500 than £350 now too for the same reasons.
B Moore
Jan 27, 2017 at 9:41 am
This is all great news.
I am sure that all of you are as thrilled as I am that the Pro V1x finally has “improved placement of its 328 dimples”. I don’t know how many times last year I witnessed a perfectly competent golfer suddenly lose his confidence and end up shooting a horrible round once he took notice of the fact that his prestigiously personalized pro-v’s dimples were not properly placed.
Of course, I always tried to assure them that it probably didn’t amount to a hill of beans given the current atmospheric conditions they were playing in, but none of them could seem to overcome such a shocking realization.
I’m sure all of you are also as thrilled as I am that “this is a great time for you to reevaluate both Pro V1 and Pro V1x to see which 2017 model is the best fit for your game”. I would recommend that everyone purchase six to ten dozen of each model and keep a personalized ball performance journal because as you know, “In total, more than 100 players worldwide are now using the new golf balls: Adam Scott (Pro V1), Jimmy Walker (Pro V1x), Kevin Kisner (Pro V1), Webb Simpson (Pro V1), Charley Hoffmann (Pro V1) Ian Poulter (Pro V1x), Thongchai Jaidee (Pro V1x) and of course, Rory McIlroy (Pro V1x)” and that is a whole hell of a lot of pro golfer’s that each and every one of you have to chip in to support.
Oh, and buy a matching cap and towel while you’re at it.
LD
Jan 27, 2017 at 12:20 pm
A++++++ Would read again.
Jason R
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Sounds like TaylorMade’s marketing campaign…
biglou11
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:25 pm
I’m so confused now. I used to prefer the ProV1, then the ProV1X. Maybe I’ll just have to try the Snell “My Tour Ball” afterall…
Tom54
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:15 pm
I have used pro v1 and pro v1x for years and like many golfers can’t really tell much difference with each new model. When the ball debuted in 2000 that’s when it was a ball that was unlike any other. Always preferred the v1x. Seems like they are trying to confuse us.
The dude
Jan 26, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Curious….what’s your hndcp?…..I’m surprised not everyone sees the V as being a bit softer. I ask because if your a high hndcp….it likely doesn’t matter since you rarely hit it solid and on target.
BM
Jan 26, 2017 at 9:31 pm
I don’t believe I have seen one post from you that wasn’t an insult. We know what your handicap is. Tactfulness.
MHB
Jan 25, 2017 at 6:48 pm
The article seems to be more or less Titleist marketing. If these new balls are better than the previous version why not try it and tell us. Otherwise we can read the manufacturers marketing notes.
David
Jan 25, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Received a sleeve of Test balls from Titleist R&D. They were the new prov1 x and it was noticeably firmer with every single club. No distance gains in my opinion. I’ll be trying the new prov1 or loading up on 2015 prov1x’s. I believe that new ball is meant for higher swing speeds than what I generate.
John kuczeski
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:04 pm
How did you know if it was the new x ball? I also was sent balls to test but they didn’t indicate which ball it was. If I had to guess I would say mine were the Pro V1. I was driving the ball about 10 yards further all day then the previous Pro V.
MM
Jan 26, 2017 at 5:51 am
I love the smell of astro-turfing in the morning.
Buckeye330
Jan 27, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Good question – balls with red numbers are the ProV1x and black numbered balls are the ProV1
KK
Jan 25, 2017 at 7:36 pm
IMO most golfers, even those with 10 or 20 handicaps, can tell the difference in softness between a Pro V1 and V1X when compared head to head.
biglou11
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:20 pm
Any ball Bubba hits goes farther
The dude
Jan 25, 2017 at 2:36 pm
Keep em guessing Titleist…..keep em guessing….
Keith
Jan 25, 2017 at 11:56 am
Where do you sign up to receive free test sleeves to compare. Sounds like another marketing scheme
Jordan
Jan 25, 2017 at 11:47 am
So if I can decide between the 2017 Pro V1s with 90 compression, and 2017 Pro V1x’s with 100… I think i’ll just go buy a bunch of 2015 Pro V1x’s at 95…
Lee
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:51 am
Yawn the bi-annual how much greater the new Pro V1 is, all pretty irrelevant when 95% of golfers can’t get it to perform anyway and couldn’t tell you the difference between any of the previous models.
I’m on of them by the way.
matt_bear
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:18 am
What is Titleist’s obsession with wanting to convert V1x users to V1? The 2015 V1x was the best model to date because they made it a little bit softer. They’re now reversing course and going firmer? As a means to convert to regular?
Nath
Jan 27, 2017 at 4:47 am
Right on! Couldnt agree more
Chip
Jan 30, 2017 at 9:34 am
It’s because the ProV1 is their flagship ball.They want the masses to all play it. More and more players are going to the V1x.
Dr Troy
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:09 am
Should be interesting to say the least. Guess I will have to compare models on TM to see the real story here.
jgpl001
Jan 25, 2017 at 10:09 am
I assume they have lowered the compression of the ProV1 ?
chinchbugs
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:32 am
So they changed the name of the X to be Regular and the Regular to be X? Is Scotty Cameron doing their marketing now? 😛
Hmm
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:59 am
No because the X is still firmer.
Seb
Jan 25, 2017 at 9:24 am
I got some test balls from Titleist in December and I was surprised that V1 was lower spinning with the driver on skytrak and flight scope. I guess I’ll be playing Pro V1 this summer.