Pro V1 vs Pro V1x: A Comprehensive Golf Ball Analysis

The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the most popular golf balls played on the PGA Tour, as validated by the pros themselves.

In this article, I’ll compare the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, two of the best premium golf balls on the market. By understanding their main differences, you can decide which one is better suited for your swing and preferences.

Pro V1 vs Pro V1x: What’s the Difference?

The Pro V1 offers a more penetrating ball flight, less iron spin, and a softer feel than the Pro V1x. 

The Pro V1x provides a higher ball flight, more spin on longer shots, and a slightly firmer feel than the Pro V1. 

Both balls are excellent choices for golfers who prioritize performance. However, there are factors to consider when deciding which one suits your swing and preferences better. 

How to Choose Between Pro V1 and Pro V1x

There’s no definitive answer to which golf ball is better between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, as it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. However, we can provide some general guidelines to help you narrow down your choice:

• If you prefer a softer feel and a lower ball flight, go for Pro V1.
• If you prefer a firmer feel and a higher ball flight, go for Pro V1x.
• If you want less spin on your iron shots and more control around the greens, go for Pro V1.
• If you want more spin on your longer shots and more distance off the tee, go for Pro V1x.
• If you have a slower swing speed or struggle with distance, go for Pro V1.
• If you have a faster swing speed or need more stability in the wind, go for Pro V1x.

Pros and Cons of Pro V1 and Pro V1x

When deciding between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, it’s essential to consider the performance characteristics of each ball. Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice.

Pro V1

Pros	Cons
Soft Feel and Sound – The Pro V1 is known for its soft feel and muted sound, which many golfers find appealing. This characteristic is a result of its lower compression and thinner cover.	Less Distance off the Tee Than Pro V1x – While the Pro V1 offers impressive distance, it falls short of the Pro V1x in this category. Golfers seeking maximum distance may prefer the Pro V1x.
Low Iron Spin and Penetrating Ball Flight – The Pro V1 has a low iron spin and a penetrating ball flight, making it an excellent choice for those seeking control and consistency in their shots.	Less Spin on Longer Shots Than Pro V1x – The Pro V1’s lower spin rates on longer shots may not suit golfers who prefer more spin for added control.
High Short Game Spin and Control – With its softer cover, the Pro V1 provides exceptional short game spin and control. This feature is particularly beneficial for golfers who rely on finesse around the greens.
Suitable for Slower Swing Speeds and Distance Seekers – The Pro V1’s lower compression makes it suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds, helping them achieve greater distance off the tee.

Pro V1x

Pros	Cons
Firm Feel and Sound – The Pro V1x has a firmer feel and more audible sound on impact, which some golfers find satisfying.	Less Short Game Spin and Control Than Pro V1 – The firmer cover of the Pro V1x results in less spin and control around the greens compared to the Pro V1.
High Iron Spin and Ball Flight – The Pro V1x offers higher iron spin and a higher ball flight than the Pro V1, contributing to its longer carry distances.	Less Suitable for Slower Swing Speeds Than Pro V1 – The Pro V1x’s higher compression may make it less suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds.
More Distance off the Tee Than Pro V1 – The Pro V1x is designed for maximum distance off the tee, making it a popular choice among distance seekers.	Firmer Feel and Sound May Not Appeal to Some Golfers – While some players enjoy the firmer feel and sound of the Pro V1x, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer a softer golf ball.

Construction

To understand the difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, it’s essential to look at their construction. The basic structure of a golf ball affects its flight and spin characteristics. Let’s compare the construction of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in terms of:

Number of layers:

• Pro V1 has three layers.
• Pro V1x has four layers.

Cover material:

• Both have urethane elastomer covers that provide a soft feel and high spin.

Dimple pattern:

• Pro V1 has 388 dimples.
• Pro V1x has 348 dimples.

Dimples affect aerodynamics and trajectory, which impacts how the ball performs in different situations.

Performance

To give you a better understanding of how the two balls perform in various aspects of the game, we’ll compare their performance with the driver, irons, wedges, and putter. We’ll use data from independent tests and reviews to support our claims, such as launch angle, spin rate, carry distance, total distance, and dispersion.

Driver:

• Both balls offer low spin and high speed off the tee.
• Pro V1 has a slightly lower launch angle and less carry distance than Pro V1x.
• Pro V1x has a slightly higher launch angle and more carry distance than Pro V1.
• Both balls have similar total distance and dispersion.

Irons:

• Both balls offer excellent accuracy and consistency with irons.
• Pro V1 has less spin and a more penetrating ball flight than Pro V1x.
• Pro V1x has more spin and a higher ball flight than Pro V1.
• Both balls have similar stopping power on the greens.

Wedges:

• Both balls offer high spin and control around the greens.
• Pro V1 has a softer feel.
• Pro V1x has a firmer feel and has better stopping power for fuller pitch shots due to its increased spin.
• Both have the same short game spin.
• Both balls have similar performance on chips, pitches, and bunker shots.

Putter:

• Both balls offer great feel and feedback on the putter face.
• Pro V1 has a softer feel and sound than Pro V1x.
• Pro V1x has a firmer feel and sound than Pro V1.
• Both balls have similar roll and alignment features.

Feel

Softness: Pro V1 vs. Pro V1x

When it comes to the feel of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, both golf balls are known for their softness. However, the Pro V1 is considered softer than the Pro V1x, thanks to its lower compression and thinner cover. A softer golf ball often provides golfers with better control around the greens, which can lead to more consistent scores.

Sound: Muted vs. Crisp

While both golf balls produce a satisfying sound on impact, the Pro V1 has a more muted sound compared to the Pro V1x. This is due to its softer core and cover, which absorb more of the impact energy. Some golfers prefer a more muted sound, as it can provide a sense of better control and precision during their shots.

Feedback: Short Game Feel

Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x offer good feedback to golfers, but the Pro V1 takes the edge when it comes to short game shots. Its softer cover allows for more feel on delicate shots around the green, helping golfers judge their touch and control with greater accuracy. This enhanced feel can boost a golfer’s confidence and enjoyment on the course.

For example, a golfer using the Pro V1 may feel more in control when chipping from a tight lie, while another golfer may appreciate the feedback provided by the Pro V1x on a long approach shot. Ultimately, the choice between the two balls will come down to personal preference and the golfer’s specific needs on the course.

Durability and Value

Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Their soft urethane covers and firm casing layers protect the balls from scuffs, cuts, and wear, ensuring they maintain their performance over multiple rounds.

As premium golf balls, both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x retail for around $55 per dozen at most retailers. When comparing their price and value to other premium golf balls on the market, they remain competitive choices for serious golfers.

To get more value from these golf balls, consider:

• Buying recycled or refurbished balls online or in stores
• Taking advantage of discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs from Titleist or retailers
• Buying in bulk or choosing personalized/custom options

History and Evolution of Pro V1 and Pro V1x

The Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls have undergone significant improvements since their introduction. Titleist has used feedback from tour players, ball fitters, and consumers to refine the design and performance of these golf balls.

Some notable changes and innovations include:

• The introduction of the Pro V1x in 2003 as a four-piece ball with lower spin and higher flight than the Pro V1
• The switch in 2017 that made the Pro V1 spin less than the Pro V1x throughout the bag
• The new high gradient core technology in 2023 that lowered spin and increased speed for both balls

Wrapping it up

In conclusion, the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are both high-performance options that cater to different preferences and playing styles. As we’ve discussed, both balls are excellent choices for golfers who prioritize performance, but there are factors to consider when deciding which one suits your swing and preferences better.

To help you make the best decision, here are some practical tips on how to test and compare the two balls:

• Try both balls on the course and see how they perform in different situations
• Use a launch monitor or a ball fitting service to measure your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, etc.
• Experiment with different shots and clubs to see how the balls react and feel
• Pay attention to your personal preference and comfort level with each ball

Remember, the best golf ball for you is the one that complements your playing style and delivers the results you’re looking for on the course. So, don’t be afraid to try out different options and find the perfect fit.