Deciding between the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x depends on a player’s preference on the spin, feel, and shot height. The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been the most used golf balls on the PGA Tour for almost 20 years. However, they are two different models that perform differently. So if you want to know which one will suit your game better, keep reading.
It is extremely common in the golf world to be misinformed. The problem is that too much information is available, which makes people think that they are experts in technique and equipment.
This article explains the differences between both balls to help you decide which one is for you and who should use each ball be, and the necessary swing speed you must have.
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Is Pro V1 or Pro V1x Better?
According to Titelists website, the difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x is that the Pro V1 has a soft feel, less iron spin, and a more penetrating ball flight. The Pro V1x should launch higher, feel less smooth and offer more iron spin.
The problem with the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x models is that Titleist tends to change each ball’s performance over the years. For example, from 2003-to 2017, the Pro V1x was a lower-spin ball. In 2017, the design changed, and it became a higher-spin, higher-launch golf ball. Therefore, it’s important to stay updated with golf’s newest developments.
Picking the right ball for your game can make a bigger difference than you think. For some people, choosing the Pro V1x can mean up to an extra 15 yards of carrying with their driver. It can be the difference between spinning the ball off the green or staying on the green for other people. There are several key differences between these two models:
Features of the Pro V1 vs. Pro V1x
- Lower flight with driver and irons.
- Less spin with driver and irons.
- Slightly less spin around the green.
- Softer feel around the green.
Features of the Pro V1x vs. Pro V1
- Higher flight with driver and irons.
- More spin with driver and irons.
- More spin around the green.
- Slightly firmer feel around the green.
Source: PGA Tour website
If you still can’t decide which of these balls might better suit your game, please keep reading.
Buying good equipment is important, but your money will be better spent on quality lessons with a qualified PGA pro. For a complete guide into golf lessons, I suggest you read my guide.
Should I use Pro V1 or Pro V1x?
Choose the Pro V1 if you struggle with a spin for your drivers and irons. Choose Pro V1 X if you want a higher trajectory. The Pro V1 has a softer feel, spins less than the Pro V1x, and a slightly lower ball flight Pro V1x has a firmer feel, spins more than the Pro V1, and somewhat higher ball flight.
Why you should choose to play the Titleist Pro V1:
- If you struggle with too much spin with your driver and irons.
- If you want a penetrating trajectory.
- If you prefer a softer feel around the green with the putter.
- If you already spin the ball enough with edges and the green side.
Besides the difference in performance, it is important to note that the Pro V1 has a softer and “quieter” feel around the green. Therefore, this ball will likely perform better if you play on soft and slow greens.
Why you should choose to play with the Titleist Pro V1X:
- You want a higher trajectory with the driver and irons.
- You want more spin around the greens.
- You want a firmer feel around the green and with your putter.
One of the main differences with the Pro V1x is its very different feel around the green. It’s “harder,” but it also spins more. So if you play on hard and fast greens, this ball will better suit your game.
You might want to play the Pro V1 because you heard that Justin Thomas plays it on TV, and you like his lower trajectory with short irons. However, it is extremely important to note that almost all equipment Tour players use is #1 fitted ultra-specifically for them, and #2 usually Tour versions or prototypes that are not available to the public.
It’s the case with Titleist “Customized for Tour” (CFT) models. Even if a player is playing with a “Pro V1”, it might perform very differently than a Pro V1 bought in the store. So be careful not to make equipment decisions based on the pro’s play. With so many options nowadays, finding the right ball for your game is almost as important as getting fit for clubs.
Curious if you should carry a 5-wood or 3-hybrid on the course? Discover which one is more useful in my helpful article.
What Swing Speed Is Needed for Pro V1x?
The Pro V1X is designed for a golfer with a swing speed of at least 98mph (157kph), higher than 93mph (149kph) for the average male golfer.
Remember, these golf balls are designed with Tour players in mind, NOT weekend golfers. These golf balls have firmer cores that require higher swing speeds to activate.
If you don’t hit them with enough club speed, you won’t be able to “activate” all of the great qualities they are known for. It’s important to measure your club speed and then decide if you will reap the benefits from these premium balls.
50 to 50.5 mphRick’s swing speed averaged between 48 and 50 mph for this test. Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x produced an average ball speed of 50 to 50.5 mph and an average distance of 45 yards. The Pro V1x golf ball spun slightly more, with an average spin rate of 6,751 rpm.
If you have a club speed of 98 mph or higher and struggle with a low trajectory, then the Pro V1x is a great choice because of its slightly higher launch and more spin. You might gain anywhere from 3-15 yards compared to the Pro V1.
Who Should Play Titleist Pro V1?
Players who prefer a lower ball flight without too much backspin and a softer feeling ball, especially when putting, should pick the Pro V1. However, a low-ball hitter will benefit from the Pro V1X.
If you tend to get little or no roll with your drives or tend to spin short irons and wedges off the green, the odds are that you are turning the ball excessively. This excess spins decreases your distance and can be very frustrating. If this sounds like you, you should consider using the Pro V1 over the Pro V1x.
“We don’t like to generalize, but a player like me who’s steep and spinny, I hit a lot of high-spinny shots, the Pro V1 is a great ball for me because it lowers my ball flight; it lowers my spin rate, it gets me into a better window, and I end up hitting my irons a little further than a Pro V1x,” Fredrick Waddell, Senior Manager of Titleist Golf Ball Product Management said.
Fredrick Waddell Senior Management Of Titelist
If you also like a very soft feel when putting and chipping, then the Pro V1 is better.
If you have access to a launch monitor, it would be great to compare both balls and come to a decision. However, since we don’t all have access to one, a simpler option would be to play several rounds with each of the balls and then decide.
As an additional resource, you can go to Titleist’s Golf Ball Fitting resource, where you can schedule a live golf ball fitting with a Titleist representative.
Unhappy you don’t get to the course often? A golfing simulator is a phenomenal way to practice while improving and testing your swing speed. Learn how to build one in my helpful article.