Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x (2009) Review

Pros

• Great spin
• Increased durability
• Accurate

Cons

• Harder feel
• Cost

There is probably no need to re-hash here why Titleist has introduced the 2009 models of their fabulously successful Pro V1 and Pro V1x models. You can read this if you're interested in the why. Instead, here follows a tale of four golfers of varying skill levels and their reactions when they had a chance to try both the new-for-2009 Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls.

The scene is a well-manicured course in Northern California. Poa annua greens provide the rolling surfaces. We pick up the action at the "19th Hole."

• Handicap: 8
• Average driver: 250+ yards
• 150-yard club: 8-iron
• Regular ball: Callaway iX
• 6-foot-4, stocky build

Pro: "Durability is much better than the 2008 Pro V1 and x and other brands' high-end balls."

Con: "Covers are harder than the past models and their competitors. The Pro V1x felt more like the HP Tour than a 4-piece urethane ball. I preferred the feel of the Pro V1. It was firm, but not hard or 'clicky'."

Overall Opinion
Pro V1: Firm feel, constant spin and accuracy. Distance is more than adequate. Real nice overall ball. Great feel off the putter! Might not be the best in every category, but ranks high across the board. Preferred it over the Pro V1x.

Pro V1x: Longer distance. Harder feel, almost like a surlyn cover ball. Adequate spin. Could stop it quickly on the green.

• Handicap: 12
• Average drive: 225 yards
• 150-yard club: 6-iron
• Regular ball: Titleist Pro V1 (2008 model)
• 6-foot, thin, athletic build

Overall Opinion
Pro V1: Medium feel, constant spin and accuracy. Firmer than previous Pro V1 but not hard. Distance is similar to the 2008, maybe a few yards longer. Great overall ball. Excels around the green! Preferred it over the Pro V1x. "My favorite ball."

Pro V1x: Shorter distance. Had a hard time compressing it. Harder feel, not enough spin.

• Handicap: 18
• Average drive: 270 yards
• 150-yard club: 8-iron
• Regular ball: Maxfli Noodle
• Former minor-league baseball player; tall, athletic, strong

Overall Opinion
Pro V1: Too soft feel, too much spin into the green. Distance is OK. Not a bad overall ball, but not his preferred.

Pro V1x: Longer distance. Firmer feel, decent spin. His preferred ball. But he will probably not buy either - too expensive for him.

• Handicap: 15
• Average drive: 240 yards
• 150-yard club: 7-iron
• Regular ball: Srixon TriSpeed
• Short, stocky, strong

Overall Opinion
Pro V1: Soft feel, perfect amount of spin into the green. Distance good. Excellent overall ball.

Pro V1x: Similar distance. Firmer feel, decent spin. Not much different than the playing characteristics of other premium balls. He will probably not buy either - too expensive for him.

Summing Up
The new version of each model has great control, good spin (maybe too much for some) and durability. The downside is that the new models feel harder than previous versions. And, depending on your need to feel something softer off the driver, irons or putter, there are alternatives, although none with the thoroughbred reputations of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x.