The good and the bad
Verdict at a glance
What we rate
- Higher trajectory
- More total distance at speed thanks to lower spin
- Firmer, responsive feel
- Five-layer tour construction
What gives us pause
- Firmer feel is not for everyone
- Less greenside spin than the TP5
The TaylorMade TP5x is the firmer, higher-flying and faster of TaylorMade's two flagship tour golf balls, built for players who want distance and a high launch from a five-layer tour golf ball. It is the natural rival to the Titleist Pro V1x, and the choice for faster swings who want tour-level greenside control without giving up speed. This review covers how the TaylorMade TP5x is built, how it performs from tee to green, and who should play it.
What the TaylorMade TP5x is built for
The TP5x is aimed at the golfer who wants a higher ball flight, more distance and a firmer feel than the TP5, while keeping the short-game control of a soft urethane golf ball. It is fast off the driver and long with the irons, with a penetrating flight that holds up well in the wind, which makes it a strong fit for players with speed to spare.
Like the TP5, TaylorMade updates the TP5x on a regular cycle, and the current new model keeps the five-layer formula while overhauling the core for more speed. It uses TaylorMade's largest-ever tour core paired with an aggressive tour urethane cover to hold onto greenside spin despite the firmer, faster character.
Construction: the five-layer golf ball
The TaylorMade TP5x is one of the only tour golf balls with a five-layer construction: a core, three progressively firmer inner layers and a cast urethane cover. Each layer activates at a different swing speed, so the golf ball can be low spinning and fast off the driver yet still spin high off a wedge, which is how it combines distance with control.
The soft tour urethane cover grips the grooves for greenside spin and a controlled feel, the same class of cover the best players in the world rely on to stop the ball by the flag. Against the TP5 the difference is in the firmer inner layers and higher-launching design, not the cover.
TaylorMade TP5x at a glance
| Spec | TaylorMade TP5x |
|---|---|
| Construction | 5-layer |
| Cover | Cast tour urethane |
| Feel | Firm |
| Compression | Around 90, firm |
| Trajectory / spin | High flight, lower long-game spin |
| Typical price | Around 50 dollars per dozen |
Feel
The TaylorMade TP5x feels firmer than the TP5, with a more clicky, higher-pitched response off the face, though it is not as firm as it once was. Faster and better players often prefer that crisp strike on full shots. Around the greens it still feels controlled rather than hard, so short-game touch remains, just less soft than the TP5 on delicate chips and putts.
Off the tee: flight and distance
Off the driver the TP5x flies higher than the TP5 and is one of the faster premium golf balls, carrying further with both driver and irons. The higher launch combined with lower long-game spin turns speed into carry efficiently, and testers report a tighter shot area, so it is both long and stable. That penetrating, higher flight is a real advantage for players who want distance and a steeper landing.
Into and around the green
The TP5x produces slightly less short-game spin than the softer TP5, but it still delivers high greenside spin for a firmer golf ball, so approach shots stop and chips bite. For a fast-swinging player, the trade of a little wedge spin for more speed, height and a tighter dispersion is often worth it, and the urethane cover keeps the short game sharp.
Performance and testing
In independent robot and launch-monitor testing the TaylorMade TP5x posts among the fastest ball-speed numbers in the tour class, with a higher flight, lower driver spin and strong iron carry. Reviewers and data agree it is longer and higher-launching than the TP5 while holding on to competitive greenside spin. As an all-round performer it is one of the best golf balls for a player who wants tour speed and a high, stopping flight, and it features near the top of every equipment test.
Compared with the previous model, the current TaylorMade TP5x is a little faster on average, and it is also offered in a Stripe alignment version to help golfers line up putts. Across the market it remains one of the fastest tour balls reviewers test, and on the course that speed shows up as extra carry off the tee.
Durability
As with any soft urethane tour golf ball, the TP5x cover will scuff over time under heavy wedge play, though its firmer construction tends to wear a touch better than the softer TP5. In normal play a ball will last a round or more, but retire a scuffed ball rather than play it, since a worn cover costs you greenside spin.
How the TP5x compares
The TaylorMade TP5x's main rivals are the Titleist Pro V1x, the Callaway Chrome Tour X and its own softer sibling the TP5. Against the Pro V1x the TP5x offers a similar high, fast flight with competitive greenside spin, often at a slightly lower price. All are excellent high-flight tour golf balls, so the choice comes down to feel and trajectory, which is why testing a sleeve of each is worthwhile.
TP5x or TP5?
Play the TP5x if you swing faster, want a higher flight and more distance, and prefer a firmer feel. Play the TP5 if you want a softer feel and the most short-game spin and control. Both are five-layer tour golf balls, so the choice is about feel, flight and speed rather than performance tier.
Who should play the TaylorMade TP5x
The TP5x suits faster swingers and players who want a high-flying, fast tour golf ball with a firmer feel, especially those who value distance and a stable flight in the wind. At around 50 dollars a dozen it is a premium purchase, best justified when you can use the speed and keep the ball in play.
Verdict
The TaylorMade TP5x is one of the best high-flight, high-speed tour golf balls in the game, with a five-layer construction that combines distance and a towering flight with genuine greenside control. If you want Pro V1x-style performance with tour speed and a firmer feel, and you swing fast enough to use the extra launch, the TP5x is an excellent pick.
FAQ
Is the TaylorMade TP5x worth it?
For a faster swing that wants a higher flight and more distance, yes. It is a top-tier tour ball with strong speed and good greenside control. The premium price of around 50 dollars a dozen is the main thing to weigh, and slower swings may prefer the softer TP5.
What compression is the TP5x?
The TP5x has a compression of around 97, which makes it one of the firmer premium balls. That is noticeably firmer than the TP5 at around 85.
TP5x or TP5, which should I play?
Choose the TP5x for a higher flight, more distance and a firmer feel, which suits faster swings above roughly 100 mph. Choose the TP5 for a softer feel, a slightly lower flight and the highest greenside spin of the pair.
What swing speed is the TP5x for?
TaylorMade positions the TP5x for swing speeds above roughly 100 mph. At those speeds the firmer feel and higher launch turn into distance. Slower swings often get more from the softer TP5.
What is the TP5x made of?
It is a five-layer ball: a three-layer Tri-Fast Core tuned firmer than the TP5, and a two-part Dual-Spin cover with a soft cast urethane outer over a firm inner cover for greenside spin.
Does the TP5x spin less than the TP5?
Slightly less on short shots, because it is firmer, but it is still a high-spinning tour ball around the greens thanks to the urethane cover. Off the tee both balls keep long-game spin low for distance.
How much does the TP5x cost?
A dozen typically costs around 50 dollars at recommended retail, the same premium price as the TP5.
Does the TP5x fly higher than the TP5?
Yes. Its firmer build and dimple design give it a higher, more towering flight than the lower-flighting TP5, which is part of why it suits faster swings.
How many layers does the TP5x have?
Five, the same as the TP5. Three make up the Tri-Fast Core and two make up the Dual-Spin cover, but the TP5x tunes those layers firmer for more speed and a higher flight.
Is the TP5x firmer than the TP5?
Yes. At around 97 compression the TP5x is clearly firmer than the TP5 at around 85, and it gives a more solid, energetic feel off the face.
How durable is the TP5x?
Good for a urethane tour ball. The cover will scuff over time, but a single ball will comfortably last a full round and usually several. You are more likely to lose it than to wear it out.
Is the TP5x a good ball for a fast swing speed?
Yes, it is built for exactly that. Above roughly 100 mph its firm feel, high flight and low long-game spin make it one of the best distance-focused tour balls available.