Deciding whether to use the TaylorMade TP5 or TP5x is among the toughest choices a golfer must make when choosing a premium golf ball. Both golf balls are equipped with advanced technology and made with tour golf in mind. However, they serve different playing styles.
While many golfers think there are few differences between them, the truth is that shot shape, feel, spin rate and trajectory can vary greatly, depending on the golf ball chosen.
In this comparison, we will take a detailed look at everything regarding TP5 vs TP5x, including construction, feel, spin rates, performance in windy conditions, distance, performance on short shots, and recommended users.
About the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Golf Balls
The TP5 and TP5x golf balls have similar properties and construction, but differ in feel, spin rates, ball flights and overall performance. By knowing these differences, golfers can choose the right golf ball that corresponds to their swing and playing style.
Quick Overview: TP5 vs TP5x
| Feature | TP5 | TP5x |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Softer | Firmer |
| Ball Flight | Mid | Higher |
| Driver Spin | Lower | Lower-mid |
| Iron Spin | High | Higher |
| Greenside Spin | Excellent | Excellent+ |
| Compression | Lower | Higher |
| Construction | 5-piece | 5-piece |
| Best For | Feel & control | Speed & distance |
In general terms:
- The TP5X is a faster, firmer and higher launching golf ball;
- The TP5 is a softer golf ball that provides better feel and shot-making.
TP5 vs TP5x : Construction, Core and Design
Both golf balls consist of five layers, a Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, High Flex Material (HFM), and a dual spin urethane cover. However, the TP5 has a lower compression, approximately 87, while TP5X has a firmer core with higher compression, approximately 97. As a result, the TP5 is softer and easily deformed under the impact while TP5X provides a faster reaction off the clubface.
TP5 vs TP5x: Feel and Compression Rate
Many golfers claim that the TP5 feels much softer under chipping, putting and wedge shots as they get a muted “thud” feeling while playing with it, unlike the TP5x that provides firmer and audible “tock” response on impact. Comparing to other balls, the feel of the TP5 is similar to the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, while TP5x has a response similar to the Pro V1x ball.
TP5 vs TP5x: Long and Driver Game Performance
Using the TP5x, a golf ball goes faster off the tee as it produces higher ball speed with the lower spin rate during the long shots. As a result, players can achieve longer distances with this golf ball, especially those with driver swing speed above 100 mph. On the contrary, TP5 creates slightly higher spin rates with long irons and hybrids that help stop the ball more quickly but make the shot fly lower, leading to slightly decreased distance. The independent testing shows that TP5x reaches an average of 264 yards while the TP5 flies for 261 yards, which confirms the TP5x distance advantage.
TP5 vs TP5x: Ball Flight and Trajectory
Due to higher spin rate and lower ball speed produced by TP5, the golf ball is characterized by a lower launch that results in a penetration flight with lower angle and distance. On the contrary, TP5x produces a higher and deeper ball flight that leads to the steeper flight path with higher landing angle and lesser distance rolled on the fairway. Moreover, both golf balls are equipped with improved Tour Flight Dimple Pattern that makes the ball fly farther.
TP5 vs TP5x: Spin Rates
When talking about greenside spin rates, the TP5 outperforms TP5x as it allows getting a wedge spin rate that ranges from 200 to 400 RPM higher than that produced by TP5x, thus allowing stopping on the firm green. However, the TP5x also has great Drop-and-Stop performance as it allows golfers achieving slightly lower short-game spin rates. In general, it is useful for those who prefer higher distances rather than maximum greenside spin.
On iron shots, the TP5x also provides slightly lower spin rates, thus minimizing ballooning and decreasing sensitivity to the wind. On the other hand, the TP5 offers a bit higher spin rate that helps controlling shot trajectory.
TP5 vs TP5x: Putting Feel
As already mentioned, both golf balls have similar soft urethane cover. However, due to the softer feel of TP5, golfers get a more muted impact noise than when hitting TP5x. Thus, it can influence the golfer’s confidence during long putts as they may get more feedback from TP5x due to more high-pitched sound.
TP5 vs TP5x Player Profile and Recommendations
TP5: This golf ball fits well golfers with moderate swing speeds, ranging from 85 to 105 mph, who prefer a soft feel, high greenside spin, shot-shaping ability, and penetrative flight.
TP5x: It is ideal for faster swingers who want to achieve maximum distance and higher ball launch due to faster driver speeds, around 100 mph.
Hybrid: Some golfers also opt for combining these golf balls in a bag, using TP5 for windy conditions and TP5X for long holes.
Recent Updates (2024 – 2026)
According to the updates released in 2024, both golf balls have been equipped with a softer urethane cover for better durability, while the dimple pattern has been optimized to increase spin rates, ranging from 100 to 200 RPM of TP5 and 300 to 400 RPM for TP5x. Moreover, in 2026 TaylorMade’s head-to-head test confirmed that TP5x was able to create higher ball speeds and launch rates, while TP5 could provide excellent wedge spin and soft feel.
Conclusion
Both TP5 and TP5X are perfect golf balls, but fit different golfers. If you need a golf ball that has soft feel, high greenside spin, and penetrative trajectory, go for TP5, and vice versa.
FAQs (TP5 vs TP5x)
Q1: In what ways does TP5 differ from TP5x regarding compression?
While the TP5 has relatively low compression (≈ 87), the TP5x has high compression (≈ 97) and is therefore a harder ball. As a result, the TP5 deforms more easily when hit and provides slower ball reaction.
Q2: Which one travels farther and reaches higher ball speeds on average?
From independent tests, it can be observed that the TP5x provides more distance in the game as it averages 264 yards, compared to 261 yards in the TP5.
Q3: Which one gives higher wedge (short-game) spin rate?
The TP5 has a slightly higher spin rate in the wedge shot, which means it is likely to produce an additional 200-400 RPM of spin compared to TP5x.
Q4: Is there a better choice for playing in windy weather?
The TP5 has better penetration and holds a straighter flight path when played under windy conditions as compared to the TP5x, which launches higher off the tee and reacts to the winds.
Q5: Can you play with two types of balls at once?
Some players find themselves alternating TP5 and TP5x during games depending on the situation. For example, in windy conditions and when a more controlled shot is needed, it might be best to play TP5, while for a long hole, the TP5x could come in handy.
Also, Read: Pro V1 vs Pro V1x | Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
