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Titleist 2017 Pro V1, Pro V1x golf balls remove the “distance question”

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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_ProV1_ProV1x_1 copy (1)

  • 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.

2017_ProV1_ProV1x_Sidestamp

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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36 Comments

36 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 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…

  4. 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.

  5. JuNiOR

    Jan 29, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    I wonder if they will go for $30.00 for 2 dozen?????

  6. JuNiOR

    Jan 29, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    I’ll stick with the other brand at Costco for $30.00 for 2 dozen 😉

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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…

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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

  14. The dude

    Jan 25, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    Keep em guessing Titleist…..keep em guessing….

  15. 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

  16. 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…

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. jgpl001

    Jan 25, 2017 at 10:09 am

    I assume they have lowered the compression of the ProV1 ?

  21. 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? 😛

  22. 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.

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Whats in the Bag

Chesson Hadley WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70 TX

3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T200 (3), Titleist 620 CB (4, 5), Titleist 620 MB (6-PW)
Shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 105 X (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-PW)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60-K)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball
Grip: Odyssey

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Check out more in-hand photos Chesson Hadley’s clubs here.

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Whats in the Bag

Gary Woodland WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Cobra Darkspeed X (8 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 70 M5

  • The white circle that appears at the top of the face a removable sticker that’s used for launch monitor tracking, and Woodland removes it for competition!

3-wood: Cobra Darkspeed X (14 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

7-wood: Cobra LTDx LS prototype (20 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

Irons: Wilson Staff (18 degrees), Cobra King MB (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X

Wedges: Cobra SB (48), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-14F), Cobra King (60)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X (48 degrees), KBS Tour V-Ten 125

Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0P

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

See more in-hand photos of Gary Woodland’s WITB in the forums.

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Equipment

Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron

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As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)

What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!

 

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I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…

To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”

On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.

Here’s what he had to say:

You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?

MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.

And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.

When did it come back in the bag?

MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.

What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?

MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?

Do you remember how much you paid for it?

MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.

The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?

MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.

It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?

MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.

What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?

MT: Like high 170’s.

Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.

MT: Yeah. The butter knife.

Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons? 

MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.

How far do you carry that? 

MT: Like 235.

A good little wind club, I’m sure.

MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.

I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man. 

MT: Absolutely.

To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.

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