Equipment
Titleist’s new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls
Titleist’s 2015 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are designed to give golfers all the performance they’re used to from the company’s flagship golf ball brand, but a new cover adds a softer feel, more short-game spin and better durability.
Michael Mahoney, director of golf ball marketing for Titleist, said the improvements to the 2015 golf balls were possible because of the company’s shift to a new cover formulation and paint system in 2013, which was the last time Titleist upgraded the Pro V1 and Pro V1X.
[quote_box_center]“The most efficient path to short game spin control is through cover,” Mahoney says. “The little chip shots, the 20-yard pitch shots, those types of shots are really cover-based events only. If you can focus your material science there, you’re going to get the best performance in short game spin.” [/quote_box_center]
Theoretically, a softer cover should make a golf ball more durable, as forces from the club are distributed across a wider portion of the cover at impact. The increased softness also creates a slightly softer feel, and comes with an added performance benefit. The softer, thermoset urethane cover does a better job of gripping a clubface’s grooves, creating more short game spin.
Still, Titleist spent months testing the balls with its Tour Staff to see if there were any durability issues or performance drop offs.
Sixty percent of the players perceived the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x as having better spin and control around the greens, Mahoney said. More important was an overall consensus that new cover did not compromise performance on shots away from the green or the balls’ durability.
[quote_box_center]“This one’s better for me because that softer cover around the greens allows me to have more spin control and softer feel, without jeopardizing any distance or spin with the long clubs,” said Jordan Spieth, who used the ball for his wins at the 2014 Australian Open and Hero World Challenge. “It’s still long off the tee with more control around the greens,”[/quote_box_center]
Under the cover, the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls use the same constructions as Titleist’s previous generation.
The Pro V1x ($47.99) is a four-piece golf ball with a dual core that offers a slightly higher trajectory than Pro V1.
Notable Pro V1x users: Adam Scott, Jimmy Walker, Hunter Mahan, Ian Poulter and Zach Johnson.
The Pro V1 ($47.99) is a three-piece golf ball that offers a flatter trajectory and a softer feel.
Notable Pro V1 users: Jason Dufner, Joost Luiten, John Senden, Jonas Blixt, Tim Clark, Brendon de Jonge and John Huh.
The Pro V1 and Pro V1x will be in stores Jan. 30, 2015.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
RBC Heritage Tour Report: More minis, course-specific setups, Spider & GTS launches
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
Best fairway woods of 2026: The most versatile fairway woods + the most forgiving fairway woods
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
The 24 players who can win the Masters
Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB: 2026 Masters
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
J.J. Spaun’s winning WITB: 2026 Valero Texas Open
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Driver: Ping G440 Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft:...
WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2021 Truist Championship
Rory McIlroy’s victory at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship 2021 (now the Truist Championship) marked a significant return to form,...
Collin Morikawa WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Tour (14 degrees) Shaft:...
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
-
Equipment1 week agoWhat’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
-
Equipment2 weeks agoCadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
-
Whats in the Bag3 days ago
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
-
Whats in the Bag1 week agoCameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
-
Whats in the Bag3 weeks agoNelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
-
Tour Photo Galleries2 weeks agoPhotos from the 2026 Cadillac Championship
Vinny d
Jun 6, 2015 at 3:18 pm
I don’t think the new prov1 is as durable as last years version. They almost don’t even last a full round without getting beat up. Anyone else experiencing this?
Andy Mira
Jan 26, 2015 at 10:19 pm
Just wondering which version of the ProV1 is longer with a 105 mph swing speed? I have seen articles that say the ProV1x should only be used by folks with a swing speed of 115-120mph to get the most distance…a little confused at this point.
MM
Jan 25, 2015 at 8:10 pm
Dont rip me apart on this but…. from a think I read a couple days ago the players (pga) didn’t want much change “why change something that works” I guess ya its a revision. but a little bit more spin and penetrating through the wind a bit more! little additives but its a pretty good ball!
Keep it in the short grass!
Progolfer
Jan 25, 2015 at 6:12 pm
Sorry, that was in response to “yaisaidit”.
Progolfer
Jan 25, 2015 at 6:11 pm
Yes. Because the V1 is softer than the V1x, the grooves will grab the ball more and the ball will spend more time on the club face. Because it spends more time on the club face, it will follow the club head’s path slightly longer than the X (the club head moves more horizontally than vertically) and start lower, then spin upward in the air. That’s why some people actually hit the V1 longer than the V1x– they get more penetrating trajectories and good spin numbers. I would say the vast majority of Tour players use the Pro V1 more than the X for that reason, and they get more spin around the greens.
Mark
Jan 24, 2015 at 5:38 am
If only the non US price was $48….discount price in UK at least 15-20% more than that…and they wonder why people are switching to Z-stars en masse…
golferjack
Jan 23, 2015 at 3:51 am
Titleist have just revised the same ball again, will probably still get a prize for “Innovation”.
They will still be number one on all of the tours worldwide due to their tour policy and lots of amateurs will buy the ball due to this fact. The Pro V1 and V1x are certainly good golf balls but look for example at the offerings from Callaway, Bridgestone and Srixon in the last few years. The Pro V1 and V1x is probably not the best ball for lots of amateurs anyway, especially when one take Price/ Performance into account. Titleist is riding on it’s Name and Reputation but the competitors are passing them by in the real world.
Johnny Miller
Jan 23, 2015 at 12:49 am
Save this article golfwrx and publish it again in two years
-Titleist R&D
T-MAC
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:50 pm
I use to play nothing but Titleist ProV’s. Then they started having durability issues a few years back and I went to the Bridgestone B330S. I still buy a dozen new ProV’s when they come out every year to see if I will like them better than the Bridgestones but so far the B330S has beaten the Titleist’s every year. It’s longer off the tee, better feel and spin around the greens, and VERY durable. We’ll see what happens in this years contest when I buy the new ProV’s and put them against the Bridgestones, but I’m not holding my breath that I’ll be kicking the B330s out of my bag. IMO Titleist is falling behind other companies and getting by on advertising and name recognition only. That won’t last forever.
Busterpar
Jan 22, 2015 at 6:29 pm
No thanks. I’ll keep my extra 20 yards with Srixon, and they also DON’T turn off white after 3 holes. Improve the ball, not the hype and marketing.
slider
Jan 22, 2015 at 7:08 pm
wrong again bud
Johnny Miller
Jan 23, 2015 at 12:55 am
listen to the man busterpar. he’s an expert on your game and what golf ball you should play.
yaisaidit
Jan 22, 2015 at 2:48 pm
wait pro v1x has a higher trajectory than pro v1? so confused.
WarrenPeace
Jan 22, 2015 at 11:56 am
I tested the new Prov1 last fall and found it to be actually too soft for my liking- I tested it in a tournament and just didn’t care for it at all except chipping- even on the greens, it felt mushy and too soft off the face. I much preferred the Prov1x in the new prototype ball as it feels more like the older Prov1’s around the green but with better launch and less spin off the driver- a great combination. The older Prov1x, IMO was a little firm around the greens and felt heavy compared to the old Prov1 (hard to stop)- not really great for feel around the greens. It also dropped and lost trajectory on colder days- much like the TM TP5 did but super LONG on HOT days. When they are available, I will be buying the New Prov1X as it is a really nice feeling all around durable ball now. For now- I’ll stick with the older Prov1’s until they are gone.
Mike Oxbig
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:45 am
NEW eh? REVISiON is more like it. There were grumblings that the previous models just FELL out of the sky. There was an article about the complaint/comparison.
Zak
Jan 22, 2015 at 1:38 am
3-piece ball? More of the same from Titleist. They need to progress the ProV1 instead of keeping it (essentially) the exact same. There’s a reason that 99.9% of tour players that use Titleist balls play the ProV1x (4-piece ball).
I agree that if only 60% of tour players could tell the difference (only slightly over half), then the vast majority of amateurs won’t tell the difference at all. Titliest isn’t moving forward like other companies (like Nike with RZN, Bridgestone with dual dimple, Srixon spin skin, etc). If you don’t start moving forward you will be left behind.
Zra
Jan 22, 2015 at 12:09 am
so out of 10 people, six found that the new Pro Vs are better but the other four didn’t?
simon
Jan 21, 2015 at 9:02 pm
60 percent of the worlds best golfers noticed a difference…cool.. so that would make 99 percent of the amateurs wouldn t notice anything at all .the good news is now you can buy last years stock cheaper .
YJ
Jan 21, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Under “Notable Pro V1x users” you include Ping staffer Hunter Mahan but not Ping staffer and 2 time Masters champion Bubba Watson? Not Henrik Stenson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, or Lee Westwood?
Derehk
Jan 21, 2015 at 4:36 pm
“Sixty percent of the players perceived the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x as having better spin and control around the greens”
Did the other 40 percent perceived the new balls as having less spin and control around the greens or just the same? Could you please ask Mr. Mahoney that question, thanks.
austin
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:07 pm
These are the real deal only ball I play
Chomper
Jan 21, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Speaking on the opportunity to test this ball (ProV1) back in the fall when the prototypes were out. Overall the ball is VERY similar to the prior ProV1. And to me, this is a GREAT thing. I did notice the sound off the putter and chip shots to be MUCH softer. Numbers are numbers, but I could see myself transitioning from the old to the new ProV1 without any worries. However, I still have about 4 dozen from the end of 2014 that I will use before buy any new ones.
Golfraven
Jan 21, 2015 at 1:41 pm
ok, ok I buy it. Newer, better – hope those will not fly towards the water.
Fuzzy bear
Jan 21, 2015 at 12:00 pm
“Sixty percent of the players perceived the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x as having better spin and control around the greens”
so most likely that number is 56-57% Under whelming even at 60%. You would think they would reference launch monitor #’s in the article
Scooter McGavin
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Because it would perform the same. Titleist just makes some phony story up about something they improved. With the last release, it was that the ball was more “durable”. It’s the same ball. Of course, to their credit, why would they change it? People love the ProV1 and are willing to pay a lot of money for them. It’s in their best interest to keep the ball the same and keep raking in the money.