The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the best-selling premium golf balls in the world, and the question of which one to play comes up constantly. Both are exceptional balls. Both cost the same. Both play on tour.
But they are genuinely different balls — and the right choice depends on your swing and your game. Here’s the full breakdown.
The Short Answer
- Pro V1: Lower flight, lower spin off driver, penetrating trajectory, slightly softer feel
- Pro V1x: Higher flight, more spin (especially on irons), firmer feel, higher launch
If you want to hit it lower and softer, play the Pro V1. If you want more height and stopping power on irons, play the Pro V1x. If you have no idea which you want — read on.
Construction: What’s Actually Different
| Feature | Pro V1 | Pro V1x |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 3-piece | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane | Urethane |
| Compression | ~87 | ~100 |
| Launch | Low-mid | High |
| Driver spin | Low-mid | Mid-high |
| Iron spin | Mid | High |
| Feel | Soft | Firmer |
| Price | ~$55/dozen | ~$55/dozen |
Flight and Trajectory
The most noticeable difference between the two balls is flight. The Pro V1 has a penetrating, mid-low trajectory that cuts through wind and tends to run out a bit on landing. The Pro V1x launches higher and lands steeper — it stops faster but flies noticeably higher in the air.
In windy conditions: The Pro V1’s lower flight is an advantage. It’s harder to push around.
On firm, fast courses: The Pro V1x’s steeper landing angle helps the ball stop on firm greens.
On soft courses: Less difference — both will stop reasonably well.
Feel
The Pro V1 is widely considered slightly softer feeling, particularly off the putter. Both balls are soft by any standard — they’re both urethane — but the lower compression Pro V1 gives a touch more “thud” at impact.
The Pro V1x feels slightly firmer and crisper. Many players prefer this feedback, especially if they like a more pronounced click off the putter. Neither ball is “hard” — the difference is subtle but real and noticeable over a full round.
Which Pros Play What (And Why It May Not Matter to You)
Historically, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and many tour pros have played the Pro V1. Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and others favor the Pro V1x. Tour player preference tends to follow swing characteristics — high-speed iron players often want the extra height and spin of the x.
For recreational golfers, this is interesting context but not particularly instructive. Your swing is not Scottie Scheffler’s swing.
How to Choose Between Them
Play the Pro V1 if:
- You prefer a softer, lower-feeling ball
- You play in windy conditions frequently
- Your ball flight is already high and you don’t need more height
- You prefer a lower, more boring trajectory
- Your driver spin is already high and you want to reduce it
Play the Pro V1x if:
- You want more height on iron shots
- You struggle to get the ball up and stopping on greens
- You prefer a firmer, crisper feel
- You have a naturally lower, penetrating ball flight and want more height
- Your driver spin is naturally low and you need more to keep the ball in the air
The Best Way to Decide: Just Try Both
Buy a sleeve of each. Play the front 9 with one, the back 9 with the other. Pay attention to:
- How your driver shots fly and land
- How your iron shots behave on the green
- How each ball feels off the putter
- Which one you feel more comfortable and confident with
Most golfers develop a clear preference within a round. And if you genuinely can’t tell the difference? Play whichever is on sale.
The Bottom Line
Both balls are outstanding. The Pro V1 is better for lower, more penetrating shots and slightly softer feel. The Pro V1x is better for high launch, extra iron spin, and players who want a crisper feel.
For most recreational golfers who are just entering the premium ball market: start with the Pro V1. It’s the more versatile of the two for the widest range of swing types. But try both — you might surprise yourself.
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