TP5 vs TP5x Golf Ball Comparison: A TaylorMade Choice
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In this article, I am going to share my TP5 vs TP5x golf ball comparison. The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls offer tour quality but with some distinct differences to suit various playing styles and preferences.
For comparative purposes in the premium golf ball range, as a bonus at the end, I will also take a quick look at the contrast between the TaylorMade TP5 and Titleist Pro V1.
Let's jump in!
TP5 vs TP5x Price Compared
At the time of this article, the TP5 and TP5x could be found for as low as $39.99 at Amazon and Global Golf depending on the color or version, but generally are both priced between $59.99 depending on preference of design, color, and version.
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What are the Key Differences Between TP5 and TP5x?
The main differences between the TP5 and TP5x are in the following areas:
Spin and control
Feel and compression
Ball flight
Distance
How Does the Spin of Differ for TP5 vsTP5x?
Both balls provide quality spin and control, but there are differences.
The TP5 golf ball is considered the softest ball TaylorMade has ever produced, offering the highest amount of spin around the greens.
It is designed to give you better control of your short game shots, making it an excellent choice for players focusing on their scoring shots.
On the other hand, the TP5x golf ball is known for its low spin and longest distance. TaylorMade designed the TP5x to be the lowest spinning ball they've ever produced, allowing you to maximize your distance off the tee.
This low spin rate also results in a lower launch, creating a rainbow-like flight pattern suited for players seeking optimal distance and a firmer feel.
For example, when hitting with a 7-iron, you might observe a spin rate of around 6850 rpm on the TP5, while the TP5x tends to spin less.
This is partly due to TaylorMade's Tour Flight Dimple technology, designed to create a higher launch, less spin, and greater carry distance.
How Does the Compression of TP5 vs TP5x?
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls have distinct compression levels, affecting their feel and performance.
The TP5 has a lower compression rating, which means it is generally softer and provides a more tender feel than its counterpart.
A softer ball is often more forgiving, especially for golfers with moderate swing speeds.
This reduced compression aids in launching the ball higher, delivering a mid-to-high lift and providing additional control around the greens.
With its softer feel, the TP5 tends to generate slightly higher spin off the driver, which can help increase shot-shaping ability.
On the other hand, the TP5x has a higher compression core. As a result, it feels firmer than the TP5 and delivers a lower spin off the driver.
This leads to a more piercing ball flight and added distance, particularly suiting golfers with high swing speeds.
While the firmer feel might be more challenging for players with slower swing speeds, the TP5x provides excellent short game control, allowing players to generate higher spin and accuracy around the greens.
To sum it up:
TP5: Lower compression, softer feel, higher launch, and increased control around the greens.
TP5x: Higher compression, firmer feel, lower spin off the driver, and added distance for higher swing speed players
TP5 vs TP5x Performance
Understanding the performance of TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls and how they will benefit you is parallel with understanding which features of each ball target the strength of your game.
The TP5 golf ball has a larger, more reactive core designed to store and release energy efficiently. The result is faster ball speed and increased distance compared to its predecessor.
With a total compression rating of 87, the TP5 is softer and might be more suitable for players with moderate swing speeds.
The ball also offers a soft feel and high greenside spin, which enhances control around the green.
TP5 vs TP5x Main Features
TP5 | TP5x |
Larger reactive core for increased speed. | 322 dimple pattern for lower launch and less drag. |
Soft feel and high greenside spin. | Tour distance and complete performance. |
Total compression rating around 87. | Total compression rating around 97. |
Who Should Play TP5 vs TP5x?
Both TP5 and TP5x golf balls are designed to cater to a wide range of golfer skill levels. However, some differences between the two models make them suited for different play styles.
The unique 5-layer construction in both models allows for optimal performance from tee to green.
The TP5 golf ball offers superb short game control and excellent low spin with a high-launching ball flight. Its lower compression makes it more suitable for golfers wanting a softer feel and greater control around the greens.
Additionally, the TP5 provides a mid-to-high lift, making it easier for golfers to achieve high launches and achieve optimal carry distance.
On the other hand, the TP5x golf ball is designed for players who prefer a more penetrating ball flight, leading to increased distance off the tee.
It features a higher compression than the TP5, resulting in a firmer feel and potentially more distance for golfers with faster swing speeds.
Golfers seeking a softer feel and greater control around the greens might prefer the TP5, while players looking for a firmer feel and increased distance may find the TP5x a better fit.
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE
(Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Construction and Dimple Pattern Details
TP5 Construction
The TaylorMade TP5 golf ball features a 5-layer construction, providing golfers with a perfect blend of performance and feel.
The key components of the TP5 include a urethane cover, which promotes durability and enhances spin control around the greens. The inner layers work in tandem to increase ball speed and lower driver spin for added distance off the tee.
The TP5 golf ball also utilizes a unique dimple pattern – the tour flight dimple pattern – designed to optimize lift and reduce drag, resulting in a stable and penetrating flight.
TP5X Construction
The TaylorMade TP5x golf ball is constructed with a similar 5-layer design, focused on delivering a balance of tour performance and a firmer feel.
The TP5x incorporates a precise 322 dimple pattern, which creates a more rainbow-like flight.
With this dimple pattern, high-flex material, and cast urethane cover, the TP5x is renowned for its spin rate and highly regarded for its performance in generating backspin on shots around the green.
Ball Speed and Launch
Driver Impact
Regarding driver impact, the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls aim to maximize ball speed and maintain an optimal launch angle.
The TP5x, in particular, offers a higher launch and lower spin, resulting in a more penetrating ball flight. This can benefit players looking to optimize their yardage off the tee.
The TP5 offers a slightly lower launch with more spin, providing greater stability and control.
The rapid ball speed of the TP5x is primarily due to its 5-layer construction and High-Flex Material (HFM) mantle layer, which boosts energy transfer upon impact.
This efficient energy transfer increases overall distance, especially for those with higher swing speeds.
Iron Shots
Both the TP5 and TP5x showcase impressive ball speed and launch angle performance for iron shots.
The TP5 golf ball emphasizes providing excellent control and consistency for your iron play.
This is mainly because of its softer feel, allowing you to shape your shots accurately.
The TP5x, with its firmer feel and higher launch, delivers impressive accuracy and distance when striking irons.
Its low-spin characteristic leads to a flatter ball flight, making it more suitable for players seeking additional carry distance and less influence from the wind.
Feel and Control Differences
On The Green
When comparing the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls on the green, the difference in feel becomes evident.
The TP5 offers a softer feel, giving you more feedback off the clubface. This enhanced feedback can benefit your short game, as it helps you better judge the distance of your shots.
The TP5x has a firmer feel, which might suit golfers who prefer a more solid sensation with their putter strike.
Wedge Shot Outcomes
When it comes to wedge shots, both the TP5 and TP5x excel in different aspects.
The TP5 is known for its low driver spin and impressive greenside control, making it easier to hit accurate shots with your wedges. The ball's softer feel allows for better distance control and a higher spin rate, which can be crucial when attempting delicate shots with your wedges.
In contrast, the TP5x has a higher compression rating of 97, resulting in a firmer feel. While this might provide less feedback than the TP5, it can still result in satisfactory wedge shots.
The TP5x's increased firmness can lead to slightly less greenside control, but it might suit those prioritizing distance over spin.
Regarding spin rate and wedge spin, the TP5 typically generates higher spin rates, particularly on shorter shots.
This characteristic helps you achieve better greenside control, allowing for more precision and accuracy during wedge shots.
However, the TP5x should be considered, as it still provides an adequate wedge spin rate that satisfies many golfers' preferences and requirements.
Ball Flight and Lift
The TP5 is known for its tour flight, featuring a more penetrating ball flight for better control. This is especially useful in windy conditions or when seeking a lower trajectory, allowing you to shape your shots better.
The TP5x offers a higher trajectory, making it more suitable for players looking for maximum distance and carry.
Lift plays a significant role in overall ball flight, determining the height and carry of your shots.
The TP5 provides a balanced combination of lift and control, resulting in a stable and consistent flight. This is particularly beneficial when playing in varying course conditions, as it enables you to maintain a predictable flight and landing.
The TP5x, with its higher trajectory, tends to generate a more significant lift. This is ideal for golfers who desire additional carry in their shots, such as when playing on courses with long carry hazards or elevated greens.
Too much lift can make it challenging to control your shots, so choose a ball that balances lift and control that works best for your game.
TaylorMade TP5 vs Titleist Pro V1
The following specifications will compare the TaylorMade TP5 with the Titleist Pro V1, both in the premium golf ball range:
Construction
The TP5 golf ball features a 5-piece design, while Titleist Pro V1 has a 3-piece construction. This difference in construction may lead to varying spin, control, and distance characteristics.
However, both balls provide consistent performance throughout the game.
Compression
The TP5 compression rating is 85, and Titleist Pro V1 has a slightly higher compression rating of 90.
This indicates that the Pro V1 is a bit firmer compared to TP5. Depending on your preferences and swing speed, you might prefer a softer or firmer ball.
Cover System
Both golf balls use a urethane cover system. TP5 features a soft, tough cast urethane cover system, while the Pro V1 has a thermoset urethane elastomer cover system. The cover system plays a significant role in ball control, particularly around the greens.
Carry Distance and Dimple Pattern
TP5 and Titleist Pro V1 have a similar average carry distance of 265 yards.
The TP5 golf ball has 322 dimples, while the Pro V1 has 352.
Although the difference in dimple count may seem insignificant, it could influence the ball's aerodynamics and stability in various wind conditions.
The TaylorMade TP5 golf ball shares some similarities with the Titleist Pro V1 regarding overall performance.
However, slight differences in construction, compression, cover system, and dimple pattern may influence your choice, depending on your playing style and preferences.
How We Test and Our Methodology
Golferperformance.com is a 100% independent publisher aiming to provide tips to improve your golf game and bring more relatable equipment reviews after first-hand equipment testing.
At Golfer Performance, we personally purchase the products we test, ensuring that our reviews are not influenced by any company or manufacturer. This commitment to independence guarantees the integrity of our opinions and decisions.
After purchasing the products, we conduct hands-on testing in our Trackman studio and/or out on the course to report statistical performance and a first-hand feel for each product.
Jeff K is our resident expert and author. He has 20+ years of experience playing golf and solving swing problems that everyday golfers deal with, bringing his game to mid-handicapper status and shooting scores in the low-to-mid 80s.
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Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.