At a glance
How they score across the board
Head to head
Scored on the same standard
| Titleist Pro V1 | Titleist Pro V1x | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Flight | 8.5 | 9.1 |
| Distance | 8.7 | 8.9 |
| Consistency | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| Greenside spin | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Overall | 9.0 | 9.0 |
The full comparison
Titleist Pro V1 vs Titleist Pro V1x in depth
The Titleist Pro V1 vs Pro V1x question is the most common decision in premium golf, because these two tour golf balls cost the same and both perform at the very top. The difference is not quality, it is feel and flight: the Pro V1 is softer and lower-flying, the Pro V1x is firmer, higher-flying and spinnier on scoring shots. This comparison breaks down how the Pro V1 and Pro V1x differ and which one fits your game.
Construction and feel
The core difference starts inside. The Titleist Pro V1 is a three-piece golf ball with a single core, while the Pro V1x is a four-piece ball with a dual core and an extra mantle layer. That extra layer is what gives the Pro V1x its higher flight and extra iron spin. In feel, the Pro V1 is the softer of the two, around 87 compression, with a gentle, muted response off the putter and wedges. The Pro V1x is firmer, around 97 compression, with a more clicky, higher-pitched strike that many faster and better players prefer.
Flight and distance
The Pro V1 flies on a mid, slightly lower and more penetrating trajectory, while the Pro V1x launches higher. For average and fast swing speeds there is effectively no difference in total distance, so distance should not drive the choice. Slower swing speeds might squeeze an extra yard or two from the softer Pro V1 core. The real question off the tee is trajectory: choose the Pro V1 for a lower, wind-cheating flight, or the Pro V1x if you want the ball to climb and land steeply.
Iron and short game spin
The extra layer in the Pro V1x adds spin where it matters for scoring. It launches iron shots higher and spins them more, and in the short game the Pro V1x produces roughly 260 to 400 rpm more spin on pitch shots, which gives it more bite on approach shots and from tight lies. The Pro V1 still has elite greenside spin, just a touch less than the Pro V1x, so if stopping the ball quickly is your priority the Pro V1x has the edge.
Pro V1 vs Pro V1x at a glance
| Titleist Pro V1 | Titleist Pro V1x | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 3-piece | 4-piece, dual core |
| Compression | Around 87, soft | Around 97, firm |
| Feel | Softer | Firmer |
| Flight | Mid, penetrating | Higher |
| Iron and pitch spin | High | Higher (260 to 400 rpm more) |
| Best for | Soft feel, lower flight | High flight, more spin |
Which should you play?
Play the Titleist Pro V1 if you want a softer feel, a lower and more penetrating flight, and the easiest all-round performance, which suits the majority of golfers. Play the Pro V1x if you want a firmer feel, a higher ball flight and more spin on your irons and wedges, especially if you swing faster or like to attack pins. Neither is better overall; they are two flavours of the same elite tour golf ball, so the right pick is the one that matches the feel and flight you want. Read our full Pro V1 review and Pro V1x review for the detail on each.
How to decide
The surest way to settle the Pro V1 vs Pro V1x choice is to test both, ideally in a Titleist ball fitting or at least a sleeve of each around the greens. Hit chips, pitches and putts with both golf balls and note which feel you trust, then check trajectory off the driver and irons. Feel is personal and no chart can decide it for you, so once you find the ball you commit to, stick with it every round for consistent distances.
Which should you buy?
Verdict
Buy the Titleist Pro V1 if
- Softer feel off the face
- Lower, penetrating flight that holds up in wind
- Excellent greenside control
Buy the Titleist Pro V1x if
- Higher, more towering flight
- Most iron and wedge spin in the Pro V1 family
- Firmer, responsive feel
The bottom line
Our call
Level on our standard
Both land at 9.0, so the right pick is about fit: Titleist Pro V1 suits soft feel, all-round, while Titleist Pro V1x is the one for faster swings, more spin.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x?
The Titleist Pro V1 is a three-piece golf ball that is softer with a lower, more penetrating flight, while the Pro V1x is a four-piece, dual-core ball that is firmer with a higher flight and more spin on iron and pitch shots. Both are elite tour balls at the same price.
Is the Pro V1 or Pro V1x softer?
The Pro V1 is softer, at around 87 compression, with a gentler feel off the putter and wedges. The Pro V1x is firmer, at around 97 compression, with a more clicky, higher-pitched strike that faster players often prefer.
Does the Pro V1x spin more than the Pro V1?
Yes, slightly. The Pro V1x launches irons higher and produces roughly 260 to 400 rpm more spin on pitch shots, giving it a little more bite on approaches and from tight lies. The Pro V1 still has elite greenside spin, just marginally less.
Which is longer, the Pro V1 or Pro V1x?
For average and fast swing speeds there is effectively no distance difference between the two. Slower swings might get an extra yard or two from the softer Pro V1 core, so distance should not be the deciding factor.
Does the Pro V1x fly higher than the Pro V1?
Yes. The Pro V1x launches higher thanks to its dual-core, four-piece construction, while the Pro V1 flies on a mid, slightly lower and more penetrating trajectory that copes better in the wind.
Should a slower swing speed play the Pro V1 or Pro V1x?
Slower swings often suit the softer Pro V1, which can give a yard or two more and a softer feel. That said, both balls perform across a wide range of swing speeds, so feel and flight preference should guide the choice.
Which do the pros play, Pro V1 or Pro V1x?
Both are among the most-played balls on the PGA Tour, and the split is roughly even. Players choose based on the flight and spin they want, with higher-swing-speed players often favouring the higher-flying, spinnier Pro V1x.
Is the Pro V1x worth it over the Pro V1?
Neither is worth more than the other; they cost the same and both are elite. The Pro V1x is worth choosing if you want a firmer feel, higher flight and more spin, while the Pro V1 is the pick for soft feel and a lower flight.
How do I choose between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x?
Test both, ideally in a ball fitting or with a sleeve of each around the greens. Compare feel on chips and putts and trajectory off the tee and irons, then play the one you trust most. Feel is personal, so it is the best tie-breaker.
Can I use the Pro V1 and Pro V1x together?
It is best to pick one and play it consistently, because the two differ in feel, flight and spin, which affects your distances. Switching between them round to round makes it harder to dial in your yardages, so commit to the one that fits your game.
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