Titleist: Pro V1 vs Pro V1x
Experience
When we set out to create a new Pro V1, expectations from players and our own Research and Development team are really high. In fact, they couldn’t be higher. Pro V1 is the greatest combination of speed, spin, and feel in the game.
Titleist Pro V1 was originally launched in 2000, so we’re leveraging 25 years of prototypes, 25 years of player tests and 25 years of patented technology. Every innovation makes the next innovation possible. No one else has this competitive advantage.
Where did we start? We started with the players.
We challenged them to give us the most specific ways we could improve performance. We spent countless hours together on the range and followed them in practice rounds, all with one question in mind, “How could we make your golf ball better?” The feedback was clear. Players wanted more spin on scoring shots. But there was a catch, more short game spin wouldn’t be worth it, if it meant giving up control throughout the bag or distance off the tee.
Iteration
In golf ball design, separating short game performance from long game performance is no easy task. In the case of the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x, we experimented with hundreds of prototypes. In our laboratories we constructed the best of those prototypes and put them to the test with our robots in Titleist Performance Centers in Massachusetts and California. We then took the best of the best prototypes back to the players and confirmed we had delivered on the optimal spin and control they we’re asking for. And one of those prototypes also delivered more speed.
Have you ever looked at the sidestamp on your Pro V1 and wondered,
“Why do golf balls even have sidestamps?”
“Why do they keep changing?”
“How do they decide on a design?”
Why do golf balls have sidestamps?
In competition, a sidestamp serves two purposes. First, the USGA requires that for a golf ball to be eligible to play in competition it must appear on the conforming golf ball list. And to appear on the conforming list, a golf ball must have a unique sidestamp. Secondly, a sidestamp can help players identify their golf ball model during a round.
Do sidestamps serve other purposes?
For Titleist, sidestamps distinguish between generations of the same model. That’s why, going back to the first Pro V1 in 2000, every new generation of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x features a new sidestamp.
How does Titleist design Pro V1 sidestamps?
The Titleist Pro V1 sidestamp design process starts and ends with the golfer. Since we know that many players use it to line up a putt or to place their ball on the tee a specific way, we start by going to tour players to hear what they’d do to the current sidestamp to improve its form and function. We ask questions like, “What can help you play better?” and “What do you like?”. This is a unique process where we can tap into the thousands of players around the world who play a Titleist golf ball in professional competition. We send them an email survey, and it’s really fun to see who responds and what they like. Yes, there are major champions, FedExCup Champions and more who help decide on the Pro V1 Sidestamp.
We let those survey results guide the next step, which is our creative team narrowing down to a few top prototype designs. Then we’ll send those prototype designs down the street to Ball Plant 3 to print those sidestamps on Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The next step is to take the prototype designs on tour. They’ll appear in the locker rooms and on ranges at a few events. Players have the chance to look at them, roll some putts, and validate which sidestamp is ultimately the most preferred design.
How are today’s sidestamps different than ones from the past?
Looking back at Pro V1 sidestamps, you’ll notice the 2000 Sidestamp didn’t include a line, it was Pro V1 in text. In 2007, we introduced Alignment Integrated Marking, where we placed a black line next to the Pro V1 text. Since then, we’ve been refining those AIM designs, along with our printing technologies in our Titleist owned and operated ball plants. We invest in design, and we invest in the precision application of ink, as well as the thickness and length of the line.
What has the feedback been from tour players on the 25 Pro V1 sidestamp?
Internally, we called the 25 sidestamp “chiseled wings”, because if you look there are matching angled tips on each end. We actually used those wings to inspire the 25 Pro V1 mark you’re seeing on tour players hats this season. The “chiseled wings” is exactly what players are looking for: it’s sharp and clean for those who use it to align their golf ball in competition, and for players who simply use it to identify their model, it looks super cool and modern.
Which is softer?
Pro V1 is the softer of the two golf balls. What is unique about feel is that it’s so linked to player perception. Do you primarily “feel” the golf ball off the putter or with wedges? Or is this a full swing “feel”? There is no right or wrong, but simply your preference. Adding more detail to the simple answer above, Pro V1 has a softer overall compression, but the same casing and cast urethane cover. While Pro V1x has a firmer overall compression coming from the dual core construction. We use these construction types to create unique performance characteristics. The result is Pro V1 is a solid core construction with softer overall compression and a soft urethane cover. While Pro V1x is a dual core construction, with a firmer overall compression and a soft urethane cover.
Which goes farther?
A properly fit Titleist golf ball will always maximize a player’s distance potential. If a tour player showed up on the truck with no equipment our first step would be to fit this player for a set of irons and wedges. Then we would fit this player for their golf ball. We would finalize the fitting with a driver, because we can optimize the driver and overall distance with any of our golf balls. An example of this is recent tour winner Jake Knapp. Jake plays •Pro V1. He is a high-speed player, with plenty of spin, so his golf ball of choice helps him control spin and optimize distance. When Jake tests Pro V1x, it doesn’t fly as far, his Pro V1 is several yards longer than when he tests Pro V1x. Justin Thomas, on the other hand, plays Pro V1x to help maximize his spin and control. He is the opposite. When he hits Pro V1, it flies a few yards shorter than his Pro V1x. The longest Titleist golf ball is the one that has been fit to a player’s unique swing needs.
Do they have different spin rates off the driver?
Pro V1 and Pro V1x have very little difference off the tee. Some players may see Pro V1x with just a bit more spin, but it’s easiest to think about Pro V1 and Pro V1x with similar performance off the tee, and Pro V1x separating with more spin with irons and wedges.
Which is the most durable?
Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x share the same soft, urethane cover. We expect the two golf balls will have similar durability.
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