Swing speed, spin rate, and feel preference. If you aren’t getting the driver up to at least 105+ mph then the TP5x might actually cost you yardage so go with the TP5. If you have the swing speed for them both, then grab a box of both and get on a launch monitor or take them out to your local course and see which one plays better for you. Significant shifts in compression from one generation to the next are rare so it’s noteworthy when it happens. To give you a frame of reference, the compression change from the 2019 TP5x to the new model is roughly the same as the difference between a Pro V1x and the standard Pro V1.

The compression delta across the sample was nine points. That’s one point better than the current database average. Wedge shots (about 80 yards with a 54-degree wedge) saw about the same difference in spin as the 7 iron. From driver through to putter, the soft cover felt great and meant that, even when using it for the first time, making the adjustment from another brand was seamless. Ball Flight Assuming the difference I found was accurate, your iron shots may be slightly longer with the TP5x, but not by much. The higher launch angle will help you use trajectory to stop on faster greens compared to the TP5’s lower launch.

TaylorMade Golf Balls

Simply put, the new ball is appreciably softer. Anecdotally, it’s a bit shorter (though it’s by no measure a short ball). We suspect it spins more around the green and certainly feels a bit softer.

The Taylormade TP5 ball is a great alternative for those of you that like to play the ProV1. It is certainly a premium golf ball and in the same class as the more popular ProV1. With a lower compression than the TP5x, you can get great performance out of this ball with a driver swing speed around 100-110. Your results may vary and keep in mind that less spin may mean more distance off the driver but can also mean less ability to stop a long iron on the green. So balance your options and use the ball that matches your game. FeelI didn’t see that much of a difference in spin with the 7 iron shots (only about 400 rpm). This could be a result of variation in my swings but I wouldn’t expect to see a major difference in performance on most iron shots. In general, teh TP5 spins a little more than the TP5. This is likely due to the softer compression (and slightly softer cover when it comes to short game shots). The lower launch angle serves to prevent the higher spin rate from causing the ball to balloon up in the air.