REVIEW: TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Golf Balls
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls are two of the most popular golf ball options on the market today. Featuring technology that includes five (!) layers to increase distance and control spin, the TP5 golf ball family performs well with every club in your bag. We recently played a round of golf using both, and our impression was very, very positive.
TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Specifications
Golf balls are the one piece of equipment -- with the exception of tees, of course -- that any player can change the easiest and most often. The sheer volume of golf ball options is staggering, and in a world where the direct-to-consumer model is gaining traction, paying top dollar for a dozen balls is literally a hard sell.
The technology found in the TP5 and TP5x golf balls not only warrant the $45+ price tag, it almost makes them worth a few dollars more.
We're talking about a ball with five layers folks. Three of those layers comprise the Tri-Fast core of each ball, engineered to transfer energy more efficiently to maximize ball speed on full shots. The final two outermost layers assist with spin control, giving you more when you need it and less on shots you'd like to have more run-out.
In a way, the TP5 and TP5x balls are the Swiss-Army knife of golf: multiple uses for almost any playing condition or situation.
Feel and Performance
While both golf balls are designed for distance, the TP5x was a bit longer for me with a higher ball flight off the tee. I found the TP5 to hold greens more often with mid-iron shots, while both options spun nicely on shots 100-yards and in.
Both golf balls felt soft at impact off the tee, which contributed to a solid, powerful sound. This is of course a combined byproduct of the golf club itself, but I loved how these golf balls sounded like I was compressing them on every single shot. You guys know I'm a sucker for aesthetics, and I simply will not use a ball that feels or sounds like I'm hitting a rock.
What was most impressive during my golf round, however, was how well each golf ball performed in thewind. My shots tend to fly at a mid-to-high trajectory, but the TP5 and TP5x both seemed to cut through the wind like no other ball I've tested. This helped with distance on multiple shots into the breeze -- often times 15 yards fartherthan my current gamers.
Anything that can give you confidence staring down a 190-yard carry over water into the wind is a good thing, and I was confident the TP5 could get me home safely.
I did not notice considerable distance gains on calmer holes when compared to my gamers, but spin, feel, and control will be optimal in any playing condition.
Durability and Value
The outer cover of both the TP5 and TP5x feels soft to the touch, which concerned me slightly about durability. I'm not the type of player that's going to scuff up a ball with my wedges, but I am definitely the type of player that might clip a tree branch or cart path during the round.
Overall, both golf balls held up rather well throughout the round, even following a few "adventurous" shots. For example, the TP5 did scuff up slightly after a few bounces on a cart path, but not to the point where the ball was unusable. It still performed great for the remainder of the hole -- and the next when I forgot to take it out of play.
You'll definitely get your money's worth with these golf balls and shouldn't worry about durability. Just keep them on grass and you'll be fine.
Overall Impression
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls are definitely worth the money and deserving of the praise they've received to date. Their performance in the wind was exemplary, easily making them the best performing ball in windy conditions I've ever used.
The performance gap from one urethane golf ball to the next is narrowing. This is a great thing for golfers, but perhaps confusing for players looking to find a difference from one option to the next. Cost differences compound this confusion, often leading players to buy the "cheaper" option and hope for the best.
If you're looking for a ball that will undoubtedly hold up in any playing condition -- and you're willing to spend around $45/dozen -- look no further than the TaylorMade TP5 or TP5x. There is no doubt you'll be pleased with your choice.
