TaylorMade TP5 Vs TP5X Golf Balls [Data & Testing]

If you’ve ever wondered if there is a noticeable difference between the TP5 and TP5x we’re about to find out

The TaylorMade Tp5 and TP5x are two tour-level five-piece golf balls. If you are thinking it’s time to change up the golf ball you are playing with, this guide will help you understand if the TP5, TP5 x (or neither) will work for your game. We tested the TP5 and TP5x with a TrackMan launch monitor. However, we also took the golf balls out on the course to see how they performed side by side. We will also share with you alternative golf balls if you want to test out others.

At A Glance

The TP5 and TP5x are both five-piece golf balls with a soft cast urethane cover. The TP5 is considered the high spin ball and the TP5x is the low spin ball.

Off The Tee

When comparing the TP5 and TP5x from the tee the results match what TaylorMade suggest with their promise – the TP5x created a lower spin profile, and as a result, slightly more roll and overall distance compared to the Taylormade TP5.

TalylorMade suggests a higher launch with the TP5x, we didn’t measure this directly, but our aggregated data showed a slightly lower peak height for the TP5x, probably due to the lower backspin rate.

If you are after a low spin off the tee and more roll, the TP5x is well worth considering if you are playing with a standard TP5 or Pro V1 golf ball.

We’re not talking life-changing changes, but certainly noticeable changes over a round of hitting 14 drives.

Wedge Shots

TaylorMade have built the TP5 and TP5x to both have shot-stopping performance into the green, with the TP5 offering the max amount of spin, and the TP5x offering slightly lower levels of spin..

Our wedge testing from 125 yards, again backed up TaylorMade’s claims. The TP5 had, on average, 200 more RPM of back spin and a slightly steeper descent angle, another factor that helps your wedge shots to stop.

What does this mean for you?

Both these golf balls offer lots of spin and there appears to be a noticeable enough difference between these two to decide if you want max spin, or a ball that won’t spin and check up as much as you hit approach shots into the green.

If you play on super soft green, where wedge shots rip backwards, the TP5x will certainly go some way to slowing down this issue. If you are like most golfers and want more backspin, the TP5 is the best option for you.

Inside 50 Yards And Around The Green

Inside 50 yards, the launch monitor testing isn’t quite as valuable. We took the Tp5 and TP5x out on the course for this.

Both golf balls can spin.

We noticed that out of the rough and from difficult lies, the TP5 may do a little bit of a better job stopping where you want it to. The TP5x is still a premium tour-level ball, and the ball performs as you would expect it to from inside 50 yards. It still has plenty of grab and the ability to stop after a well-executed chip or pitch.

I would recommend golfers who have a hard time stopping a shorter shot near the hole to go with the TP5; it will be easier to control.

Feel

The TaylorMade TP5 is noticeably softer than the TP5x. If you are a fan of the Pro V1, you will like how the TP5 feels. When it comes off the clubface, it is much softer and gives you the feeling that you are compressing it.

With the TP5x, the sound and feel is more firm. With both of these golf balls having five layers, a slightly firmer feel is expected. However, the TP5 is noticeably softer coming off the clubface.

Value

The TP5 and TP5x golf balls have the same pricing. They are usually a few dollars cheaper than something like the Pro V1 and are more likely to go on sale. When you consider the technology that was included in the five-piece golf ball, the price point is quite good.

These aren’t a massive saving on a Pro V1, but their performance certainly matches the Pro V1s, and the TP5 and TP5x allow you to tweak the spin levels you are looking for.

It’s worth noting that when we tested the golf ball on the course, the covers were durable enough to last for a few rounds of golf, similar to the Pro V1 range.

Golf Insider Verdict

After testing the TP5 and TP5x on the golf course, we could clearly distinguish the difference in the amount of spin these golf balls can get from the tee box. Around the greens, the TP5 has a slight edge if you are looking for more spin.

This decision to play the TP5 vs. TP5x depends on what you seek. If you want the longest ball off the tee, and want less spin into the greens – got for the TP5x. If you want the highest spinning ball around the greens – go for the TP5.

Alternatives To Consider

Consider these alternatives if the TaylorMade TP5 or TP5x are not a good match for your game.

• TaylorMade Tour Response: lower spinning, lower priced alternative. If you want an excellent all-around 3 piece golf ball, the Tour Response is a good choice; don’t expect as much spin around the greens.
• Pro V1: similar to the TP5, the Pro V1 has a little more distance (a few yards) and spin that is easier to control. When it comes to greenside spin out of a tough lie, the TP5 will have the advantage.
• Pro V1x: similar to the TP5x, the Pro V1x has a slightly softer feel than the TP5x and similar spin around the greens and from the tee. Pro V1x is more money but gives you a few extra yards off the tee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better, TP5 or TP5x?

The TP5 is better for golfers who need to generate spin, hit higher shots, and stop the ball on the greens. The TP5x is for golfers who generate enough spin and want an impressive feel, long distance, and control.

Do any pros use TP5x?

Several TaylorMade professionals use the TP5x, including Harry Higgs, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, and Dustin Johnson.

Is TP5 softer than Pro V1?

The TP5 and the Pro V1 have a similar feel; both are softer than the TP5x and the Pro V1x.

Does TP5x spin less?

The TP5x spins less than the TaylorMade TP5. However, this is still a premium golf ball that does spin quite a bit around the greens. For higher swing speed players and those who know how to generate spin, it’s not hard to get the TaylorMade TP5x to stop.

Happy golfing.