Selecting the best golf ball is an extremely challenging task and the decision on which one to play is often dictated by the golfers’ sponsor or budget. However, within the TaylorMade premium range, there is a choice of TP5 vs TP5x golf balls.
This is common as most brands like Titleist (Pro V1/ Pro V1x) and Srixon (Z-star / Z-star x) offer the two options in their premium ranges.
At first glance, the TP5 and TP5x look identical but if you delve deeper you will find the differences that are essentially in the cover and the inner core.
I will explore and present the facts in this piece that will enable you to choose whether you should use TP5 or TP5X golf balls.
A change in the 2021 version saw the dimple design on both balls evolve. This new dimple design changes the relationship between dimple volume and depth leading to lower drag while optimizing the lift that keeps the ball airborne for longer.
📢 Need To Know: To get the maximum out of each ball the ideal swing speed is different. TP5 can be used successfully by golfers with a driver swing speed between 100 and 110 MPH while TP5x is more suitable for golfers with a swing speed of 110 + MPH.
TaylorMade Tp5 Vs Tp5x Golf Balls Features:
TP5 / TP5x golf balls were released by TaylorMade in 2016 and have been popular ever since to such an extent that 6% of PGA Tour players use TaylorMade’s TP5x while 2% use the TP5.
Features that can be found in both balls include:
- Identical in appearance
- Five-layer construction
- High Flex Modulus (HFM) material
- Tri-Fast core (progressive compression)
- Speed layer system
- Dual-spin soft cast urethane cover
- 322 seamless dimple pattern
- Available in yellow and white color options
5-Layer Construction
TaylorMade TP5/TP5x is one of the very few 5-layered golf balls available today.
There are three core layers forming the Tri-fast Core that reduces drag and increase launch.
Two Dual-Spin outer layers cover the triple-core. This reduces spin in the long game without sacrificing control in the short game and putting.
High Flex Modulus material
In 2019 TaylorMade introduced a 30% increase in the strength of the fourth layer introducing High Flex Modulus (HFM) material that delivers maximum speed at impact.
The HFM functions like a tightly wound spring to absorb energy that rebounds at contact for faster speed and longer distances.
Tri-fast core
TaylorMade’s Tri-Fast Core consists of an extremely low compression inner core stiffening progressively towards the outer core and mantle.
The compression of the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x balls is different.
TP5 has an inner core with a compression rate of 16 that increases up to 87 in the outer core.
TP5x has an inner core with a compression rate of 25 that increases to 97 in the outer core.
📢 Need To Know: Progressive stiffening provides energy transfer from the clubhead to the core causing the core to rebound and deliver phenomenal distance.
New Speed-Layer System
The combination of the Tri-fast core and HFM fourth layer produces TaylorMade’s speed-layer system to generate tons of energy at impact. This makes the ball more controllable in windy conditions while the additional spin provides better control with your scoring irons.
Dual-spin urethane cover
TP5/TP5x golf balls come with a urethane outer cover containing 322 seamless dimple designs to generate more distance.
Which ball is longer TP5 or TP5x?
Although the two balls are identical in appearance, some inherent technical differences provide different ball flight and control.
The aerodynamics of the dimple design favors the TP5x to generate longer shots off the tee, especially off the driver’s face.
Tp5 vs Tp5x: Key Differences
TP5 and TP5x golf balls deliver different results due to the variation in core stiffness and thickness of the outer urethane cover having a significant impact on the ball flight and spin rate.
The TP5 golf ball has a soft cast urethane cover, and the TP5X has a slightly stiffer cast urethane cover.
TP5 has a .040″ soft cast urethane cover and a core compression rating of 87 while TP5X has a .020″ cast urethane cover with a core compression rating of 97.
How To Choose Between TP5 and TP5x: What Type of Golfer Is Suitable to Each Ball?
TP5 and TP5x golf balls offer complete performance on every shot.
Each ball provides distinctive characteristics to deliver the best performance for every golfer.
The amount of spin is one of the major differences between the two balls.
Most spin is produced off the softer TP5 producing the best performance around the greens.
Lower spin off the TP5x produces more ball speed and longer distance.
📢 Need To Know: Golfers that prioritize their short game will benefit more from using the TP5 while golfers that prioritize distance will prefer the TP5x.
Who uses The TP5 TP5x On the Pro Tour?
The most used golf balls on PGA Tour are headed by Titleist Pro V1/Pro V1x (69%), followed by Callaway Chrome Soft X (13%), and TaylorMade TP5/TP5x (9%).
PGA Tour pros that use TaylorMade TP5 include Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa while TP5x is in play with Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Norlander, Rory McIlroy, Harry Higgs, and Tommy Fleetwood.
FAQs
Is TP5 or TP5x better for slower swing speed?
The TaylorMade TP5 golf ball is better suited for slower swing speeds compared to the TP5x due to its softer feel and lower compression, which can help generate more distance, control, and spin for players with slower swing speeds. The TP5x, on the other hand, is designed for higher swing speeds and offers more ball speed and less spin-off the driver.
Is TP5 better than TP5x in the wind?
Both TP5 and TP5x perform well in the wind, but TP5x is slightly more stable and better suited for windy conditions due to its firmer construction, lower spin, and more penetrating ball flight. However, the choice ultimately depends on the golfer’s individual swing and personal preference.
