TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Balls Review
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5X balls are tour-level golf balls that are designed to enhance all areas of your game. TaylorMade is best known for their popular drivers, like the SIM and SIM Max. In the last few years, they have stepped into the tour-level golf ball sector, in competition with brands like the Titleist ProV1 and Prov1x and Callaway’s Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X.
Features and Performance
TaylorMade was the first manufacturer to offer a five layer ball, with the release of 2010’s Penta. There are three layers in the core and two layers in the cover, which improves compression and offers well rounded performance both off the tee and on the green. Both the TP5 and the TP5x have a piercing ball flight.
The dual spin cover improves the interaction between the ball grooves and the club face. A softer cover improves greenside control. The biggest downside of the TP5 and TP5x is the high price, which you’ll find with all of your tour balls. A dozen TP5 balls go for $39.99 USD.
Which Pros Use TaylorMade Golf Balls?
TaylorMade balls are a popular choice amongst tour professionals. The TP5 is preferred over the TP5x, and there is even a special edition of the TP5 which was specially designed by Rickie Fowler called the TP5 pix. Here is a list of pros that use TaylorMade golf balls:
TP5
- Jason Day
- Collin Morikawa
- John Rahm
- Rory McIlroy
- Charley Hull (LPGA)
TP5 pix (specially designed by Rickie Fowler)
- Rickie Fowler
- Matthew Wolff
- Sung Hyun Park
TP5x
- Dustin Johnson
- Maria Fassi (LPGA)
Improvements to the 2019 TP5/TP5x balls.
TaylorMade first released these balls in 2017 as their first attempt to gain market share of the tour ball market. There were a few issues that arose including balls that were easily scratched, a performance trade-off between distance and greenside control. Both the 2017 and 2019 versions of these balls feature the Tri-fast core to reduce drag.
Some of the improvements in the 2019 release include:
- Softer core to reduce spin
- New “Soft Tough” cover features new paint to reduce scratches
- An improved balance between distance and greenside control
- Higher compression on the TP5x
Golf Ball Compression: TP5 vs. TP5x
The main difference between these golf balls is the level of compression, which affects distance and loft. Compression ratings go from 70-110, with the lower compression rating being better suited to higher handicap golfers.
As compression ratings increase, the ball will require a higher swing speed to be able to compress the ball more.. The tradeoff is that you also get better control. Both of these golf balls are firm. The TP5 has a compression rating of 85, and the TP5x has a compression rating of 97 (a 7 point increase from the 2017 release.)
Is the TP5 or TP5x Right For You?
If you’re an average golfer, the TP5 will help you get more carry with your irons and more distance off the tee. This ball has medium spin and feel (the feel is similar to the Titleist ProV1.) In an independent test, it launched with a driver at an average speed of 144.8 mph. It has a higher spin rate and has a softer feel than the TP5x.
If you have a fast swing speed or tend to spin the ball, the TP5x would be the better choice. It’s also good for the golfer who gets lots of distance (230+ yards) off the tee. This ball has less spin than the TP5. In an independent test, it launched the ball at a speed of 143.9 mph. [same golfalot link as above.] The TP5x has similar performance to the Titleist ProV1x.
Both of these balls are solid contenders compared to the Titleist ProV1 and ProV1x balls. Taylormade has worked out some of the kinks with the 2019 release, and you can get these for about 15% less than the ProV1 and ProV1x balls. These TaylorMade tour balls are definitely worth a try if you’re looking for a high performance ball at a more affordable price.