At a glance
How they score across the board
Head to head
Scored on the same standard
| TaylorMade TP5 | TaylorMade TP5x | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Flight | 8.4 | 9.0 |
| Distance | 8.5 | 8.9 |
| Consistency | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Greenside spin | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Overall | 8.8 | 8.8 |
The full comparison
TaylorMade TP5 vs TaylorMade TP5x in depth
The TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x question comes down to feel, flight and swing speed, because these two five-layer tour golf balls sit at the same price and both perform at the top. The TP5 is softer with more short-game spin, while the TP5x is firmer, flies higher and offers more speed and distance. This comparison breaks down how the TP5 and TP5x differ and which one fits your game.
Construction and feel
Both are five-layer golf balls with a cast urethane cover, so the construction is similar; the difference is in the firmness. The TaylorMade TP5 has a softer cover and core, around 85 compression, giving a soft, muted feel that shines on chips and putts. The TP5x has a slightly stiffer cover, around 97 compression, with a firmer, more clicky strike that faster and better players often prefer. If soft feel matters most to you, the TP5 is the one; if you like a crisp, firm strike, lean TP5x.
Flight and distance
The TP5 produces a mid-high ball flight, while the TP5x launches higher. The TP5x's firmer construction allows more speed, a higher trajectory and less long-game spin, which for faster swings turns into a more powerful flight and a little more distance. For most recreational golfers the distance difference is small, so trajectory is the better guide: choose the TP5 for a versatile mid-high flight, or the TP5x if you want the ball to climb and carry.
Spin and the short game
The TP5 is the spinnier of the two around the greens, producing more spin on partial shots and more consistent stopping power, which suits golfers who want control into greens rather than maximum rollout. The TP5x spins a little less through the bag, trading some greenside bite for speed and height. Both have elite short-game control from their urethane covers, but if you score with your wedges, the TP5 has the edge.
TP5 vs TP5x at a glance
| TaylorMade TP5 | TaylorMade TP5x | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 5-layer | 5-layer |
| Compression | Around 85, soft | Around 97, firm |
| Feel | Softer | Firmer |
| Flight | Mid-high | Higher |
| Short-game spin | More | Slightly less |
| Best for | Soft feel, control, most golfers | Fast swings, height, distance |
Which should you play?
Play the TaylorMade TP5 if you want a softer feel, more short-game spin and a versatile mid-high flight, which makes it the better match for the majority of recreational golfers and anyone who scores with their wedges. Play the TP5x if you swing faster, generally above 100 mph, and want the extra launch height, speed and distance. Swing speed is the biggest single factor: slower swings usually suit the TP5, faster swings the TP5x. Read our full TP5 review and TP5x review for the detail on each golf ball.
How to decide
The best way to settle the TP5 vs TP5x choice is to test both, ideally with a launch monitor to see your carry and spin, plus a sleeve of each around the greens. Compare feel on chips and putts, then check trajectory and carry off the driver and irons. Feel is personal, so trust the ball you commit to, and once you choose, play it every round for consistent distances.
Which should you buy?
Verdict
Buy the TaylorMade TP5 if
- Softer feel off the face
- More spin and stopping power into greens
- Five-layer tour construction
Buy the TaylorMade TP5x if
- Higher trajectory
- More total distance at speed thanks to lower spin
- Firmer, responsive feel
The bottom line
Our call
Level on our standard
Both land at 8.8, so the right pick is about fit: TaylorMade TP5 suits soft feel, more spin, while TaylorMade TP5x is the one for faster swings, distance.
FAQ
What is the difference between the TP5 and TP5x?
Both are five-layer tour golf balls, but the TaylorMade TP5 is softer, around 85 compression, with more short-game spin and a mid-high flight, while the TP5x is firmer, around 97 compression, with a higher launch, more speed and slightly less spin.
Is the TP5 or TP5x softer?
The TP5 is softer, with a compression around 85 and a soft cast urethane cover that feels muted on chips and putts. The TP5x has a stiffer cover, around 97 compression, and a firmer, more clicky strike.
Which is longer, the TP5 or TP5x?
The TP5x tends to be slightly longer for faster swings, because its firmer construction produces more speed, a higher launch and less long-game spin. For most recreational golfers the distance difference is small.
Does the TP5 spin more than the TP5x?
Yes, around the greens. The TP5 produces more spin on partial shots and more consistent stopping power, which suits golfers who want control into greens. The TP5x trades a little greenside spin for speed and height.
Which fly higher, the TP5 or TP5x?
The TP5x launches higher, thanks to its firmer construction, while the TP5 flies on a versatile mid-high trajectory. Faster swings often use the TP5x's extra height to maximise carry.
Should a fast swing speed play the TP5 or TP5x?
Golfers with swing speeds consistently above 100 mph usually benefit from the TP5x, which offers the extra launch height and speed to maximise carry. Slower swings often prefer the softer, spinnier TP5.
Which TaylorMade ball is better for most golfers?
For the majority of recreational golfers the TP5 is the better all-round choice, because its softer compression is more forgiving, its mid-high flight works in a wide range of conditions and its short-game feel is exceptional.
Do the TP5 and TP5x cost the same?
Yes, the TP5 and TP5x are priced the same, so cost is not a factor in the decision. The choice is purely about the feel, flight and spin you want, guided largely by your swing speed.
How do I choose between the TP5 and TP5x?
Test both, ideally on a launch monitor for carry and spin plus a sleeve of each around the greens. Compare feel on short shots and trajectory off the tee, then play the one you trust. Swing speed is the biggest guide, with faster swings suiting the TP5x.
Can I switch between the TP5 and TP5x?
It is best to pick one and play it consistently, since the two differ in feel, flight and spin, which changes your distances. Switching round to round makes it harder to dial in your yardages, so commit to the one that fits your game.
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