The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x remain the most popular golf balls on professional tours worldwide. Both models share premium construction with urethane covers, but they serve different playing styles. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right ball for your game.
Core Construction Differences
The Pro V1 features a three-piece construction with a solid core design. This creates a softer overall compression that many players prefer for feel. The ball includes 388 dimples and maintains a compression rating between 87-90.
The Pro V1x uses a four-piece construction with a dual core system. This design produces a firmer overall compression, rated between 97-100. The ball has 348 dimples arranged in a different pattern. Both balls share the same cast urethane cover material.
The construction types create distinct performance characteristics. The Pro V1 solid core offers softer compression throughout. The Pro V1x dual core system produces firmer compression while maintaining a soft cover feel.
Feel and Softness Comparison
Pro V1 delivers a softer feel than the Pro V1x. This difference comes from the overall compression rather than the cover material. Both balls use identical soft urethane covers.
Feel perception varies by player. Some golfers focus on feel off the putter face. Others prioritize feel with wedges or during full swings. Neither preference is wrong.
The Pro V1 softer compression suits players who want maximum softness throughout their bag. The Pro V1x firmer compression appeals to those who prefer a slightly more solid impact sensation. Both provide soft cover interaction on short game shots.
Titleist Pro V1
- Pro V1 has a softer feel, less spin and flatter trajectory than Pro V1x, which makes it the preferred model for players who like exceptionally long distance, the ability to flight shots, and score with precision and touch.
- New faster high gradient core delivers more speed and iron and wedge spin for more control
- Low long game spin from a speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
New starting from: 57.99
Go to AmazonDistance Performance Analysis
A properly fit golf ball maximizes distance potential. The answer to which ball goes farther depends on your swing characteristics.
- High spin players often gain distance with Pro V1
- Players needing more spin typically see better results with Pro V1x
- Driver performance shows minimal difference between models
- Ball fitting should happen before driver optimization
- Individual swing characteristics determine the longer ball
Tour player Jake Knapp plays Pro V1 because it controls his naturally high spin. His Pro V1 flies several yards longer than Pro V1x in testing. Justin Thomas plays Pro V1x to maximize his spin and control. His Pro V1x travels farther than Pro V1 for his swing.
Robot testing at 85, 100, and 115 mph swing speeds showed balanced carry distances. The balls produced less than one yard difference across multiple swing speeds. Ball speed readings were nearly identical, with the Pro V1x showing slightly higher speeds at 100 and 115 mph.
The longest ball is the one matched to your swing needs, not necessarily the same model tour players use.
Launch and Trajectory Characteristics
Pro V1x launches higher throughout the entire shot trajectory. This applies to all clubs in your bag. The higher flight comes from both spin characteristics and aerodynamic design.
The Pro V1 produces a more penetrating ball flight. This trajectory tends to produce more roll-out after landing. Players seeking a lower, piercing flight prefer this characteristic.
Launch monitor testing revealed consistent launch angles between both models. Peak height measurements showed minimal variation across different club speeds. The Pro V1x higher flight characteristic was most noticeable with wedges.
Both models maintain stable flight in wind conditions due to their urethane covers and dimple patterns.
Spin Rates With Irons and Wedges
Pro V1x spins more on iron and wedge shots into greens. The spin difference becomes more noticeable as you move from long game to short game.
The spin control comes from layer relationships. A hard layer over a softer layer reduces spin. A softer layer over a firmer layer increases spin. The Pro V1x dual core with soft urethane cover creates more spin than the Pro V1 solid core design.
- Seven-iron testing showed 241 rpm more spin with Pro V1x
- Pitching wedge produced 355 rpm more spin with Pro V1x
- Sand wedge showed higher launch and spin with Pro V1x
- Pro V1 maintained slightly higher ball speed with irons
- Carry distance differences were minimal between models
The Pro V1x higher spin rate creates a steeper descent angle into greens. This helps shots stop quickly on firm surfaces. Players who see too much roll-out benefit from the Pro V1x additional spin.
Pro V1 provides ample spin for control. Players who already spin the ball significantly may prefer the slightly lower spin rates to avoid ballooning shots or excessive spin.
Titleist Pro V1x
- Pro V1x is the optimal premium performance choice for players looking for maximum distance, who need higher flight and more stopping power.
- New faster high gradient dual core produces more speed and iron and wedge spin for more control
- Low long game spin from a speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
New starting from: 57.99
Go to AmazonDriver Spin Comparison
Pro V1 and Pro V1x show very little difference off the tee. Some players may see Pro V1x with slightly more spin, but the gap is minimal.
Both balls perform similarly with driver. The spin rate differences become apparent with shorter clubs. Robot testing confirmed spin rate variances of less than one percent at 100 and 115 mph swing speeds.
At 85 mph swing speed, the Pro V1x produced 100 rpm more backspin than Pro V1. This difference may help slower swing speed players achieve optimal launch conditions.
Driver fitting can optimize distance with either ball. The similar tee performance means your choice should focus on approach shot and short game requirements rather than driving distance alone.
Durability and Cover Performance
Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x share identical soft urethane covers. This material provides the same durability characteristics across both models.
Urethane covers offer superior greenside spin compared to ionomer covers. The material also withstands wedge grooves and maintains performance over multiple rounds.
You can expect similar cover life from both models. Scuff marks and cosmetic wear will appear at comparable rates. The cover will not affect your decision between models.
Both balls maintain consistent performance characteristics throughout their usable life. The urethane material resists hardening in various temperature conditions.
Player Profile and Fitting Guidance
Choose Pro V1 if you generate above-average spin and want a lower, more penetrating trajectory. The softer compression suits players who prioritize feel and want to control excessive spin.
Select Pro V1x if your shots release more than desired after landing. The higher spin rate and steeper descent angle help balls stop quickly. Players seeking maximum spin with irons and wedges benefit from this model.
- Pro V1 appeals to high spin players seeking control
- Pro V1x suits players needing more spin and height
- Both provide excellent short game performance
- Driver performance is nearly identical between models
- Individual testing reveals the best fit for your game
Titleist recommends fitting from the green backward. Start by determining your short game and approach shot needs before considering driver performance. This method ensures you optimize scoring shots first.
Tour statistics show 87 PGA Tour players and 59 LPGA Tour players use Pro V1. The Pro V1x sees use by 106 PGA Tour players and 76 LPGA Tour players. Both models prove effective at the highest level.
Testing Results and Data
Robot testing provides objective performance data without human inconsistency. The controlled environment eliminates weather variables and reveals true ball characteristics.
Driving performance showed percentage differentials of less than one percent across most metrics. Launch properties remained consistent regardless of swing speed. Ball speed differences were minimal.
Approach play revealed the most significant differences. The Pro V1x produced 4.3 percent more spin with seven-iron. Peak height and descent angle stayed similar despite spin differences.
Short game testing confirmed 4.6 percent more spin with Pro V1x using a pitching wedge. The Pro V1x also showed improved accuracy for shorter approach shots in testing, though the Pro V1 demonstrated better overall shot area consistency across all clubs.
Individual player testing may produce different results. Your swing characteristics, attack angle, and club delivery affect ball performance. On-course testing with both models provides the most reliable fitting data for your game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ball should high handicap players use?
Both balls work for various skill levels. High handicap players benefit from the short game control both models provide. Choose based on whether you need more spin (Pro V1x) or prefer softer feel (Pro V1). Your budget matters more than handicap when selecting premium balls.
Can I mix Pro V1 and Pro V1x during a round?
You can legally use different balls during a round. However, consistent performance requires using the same model throughout. The spin and trajectory differences between models affect shot planning and club selection. Stick with one model per round for best results.
How often should I replace these golf balls?
Replace balls when cover damage appears or after significant scuffing. Minor cosmetic marks do not affect performance. Balls hit into water or cart paths may develop internal damage not visible externally. Most players replace balls every few rounds based on condition rather than a set schedule.
Do slower swing speeds benefit from Pro V1x?
Slower swing speeds can benefit from Pro V1x higher spin rates. Testing at 85 mph showed the Pro V1x produced 100 rpm more backspin off the driver. This additional spin may help optimize launch conditions. However, individual fitting remains more important than swing speed alone.
Are the yellow versions identical to white?
Yellow versions have identical construction and performance to white balls. The only difference is the paint color. Choose yellow for better visibility in various conditions. Performance testing shows no measurable differences between color options.
Final Assessment
The Pro V1 and Pro V1x serve different playing styles despite similar construction quality. Pro V1 provides softer feel and slightly lower spin rates. Pro V1x delivers higher spin with irons and wedges plus a higher overall trajectory.
Driver performance shows minimal differences between models. Your choice should focus on approach shots and short game requirements. Players who spin the ball excessively benefit from Pro V1. Those needing more spin and steeper descent angles should select Pro V1x.
Both balls cost the same and offer identical durability. Testing both models on the course provides the most reliable fitting data. Pay attention to how your approach shots land and react on greens. This feedback reveals which model suits your game.