- +Your swing speed is under 100 mph
- +You prefer a softer feel off the putter
- +You play in windy conditions regularly
- +You want a lower, more controlled trajectory
- +You are a feel-first golfer
- +Your swing speed is consistently above 100 mph
- +You want maximum carry distance
- +You prefer a firmer, crisper feel
- +You want a higher ball flight
- +You play on courses that reward carry over roll
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Pro V1 | Pro V1x |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | 90 | 100 |
| Construction | 3-piece | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane | Urethane |
| Dimple Count | 352 | 328 |
| Feel | Soft | Firm |
| Driver Trajectory | Mid | High |
| Driver Spin | Low | Low-Mid |
| Wedge Spin | Very High | Very High |
| Price (2026) | ~$54/dozen | ~$54/dozen |
Head to Head
Feel
Edge: Pro V1Pro V1
The Pro V1 is the softer of the two. At compression 90, it deforms slightly more at impact, which produces a softer, more muted sensation off every club in the bag. Tour players and amateurs who prioritize feedback off the putter describe it as the more pleasant ball to putt with. If feel is your primary criterion, the Pro V1 wins.
Pro V1x
The Pro V1x is noticeably firmer at compression 100. Off the putter, some players describe it as a crisper, more direct response, while others find it too hard. It is a matter of preference, but objectively, the V1x requires more force to compress and that translates to a firmer feel on all shots.
Distance and Trajectory
Edge: Pro V1x (for 100+ mph), Pro V1 (for under 100 mph)Pro V1
The Pro V1 produces a mid launch and lower spin off the driver. For most swing speeds, this results in a penetrating, controlled flight that holds its line in the wind. Players with swing speeds between 85-100 mph typically find the V1 launches optimally for their speed.
Pro V1x
The V1x produces a higher launch angle and slightly more driver spin. For fast swingers above 100 mph, this higher launch translates to more carry distance. The extra layer in the 4-piece construction gives it more speed through the ball at high swing speeds. Faster is genuinely further with the V1x.
Short Game
Edge: Tie (slight V1 edge on slow chip shots)Pro V1
Both balls use Titleist's urethane elastomer cover and both generate exceptional short-game spin. The Pro V1 produces slightly more spin on partial wedge shots because the softer compression allows the cover to grab the grooves more easily at lower swing speeds. For most golfers, the short-game performance difference is negligible.
Pro V1x
The V1x generates equally impressive greenside spin. On full wedge shots from 100 yards, both balls perform at essentially the same level. The difference only shows up on low, slow chip shots where the softer V1 cover grips more. If you're hitting 80% wedge shots from inside 100 yards, both balls are equal.
Wind Performance
Edge: Pro V1Pro V1
The lower, more penetrating trajectory of the Pro V1 makes it a better option in windy conditions. The mid-flight, reduced spin profile holds its line into a headwind and doesn't balloon in a tailwind. Many tour players switch to the V1 during wind events specifically for this reason.
Pro V1x
The higher trajectory of the V1x is more vulnerable to wind. In calm conditions, this doesn't matter. On a breezy links course or open parkland layout, the V1x can sail and lose distance into the wind. If you play in consistently windy conditions, this is worth considering.
Our Verdict
For the vast majority of golfers, including most mid-handicappers and even some low handicappers, the Pro V1 is the better choice. The softer compression is more forgiving on off-center hits, the lower trajectory is more useful in variable conditions, and the feel off the putter is preferred by most golfers who get the chance to compare both.
The Pro V1x makes genuine sense for golfers who consistently swing above 100 mph and want to maximize carry distance. It is also worth trying if you prefer a firmer feel or play on courses where high carry is rewarded. But many golfers choose the V1x because they think a firmer, higher-spinning ball sounds more impressive. That logic tends not to hold up when you actually compare distance numbers.
Not Ready for the Pro V1 Price?
At $54 a dozen, the Pro V1 and V1x are among the most expensive golf balls available. If you're looking for similar performance at a lower price, these alternatives are worth serious consideration:
Maxfli Tour / Tour X
~$39/dzIndependent testing shows near-identical performance to the Pro V1 and V1x respectively. PGA Tour win already on record. The most compelling value in golf balls.
Srixon Z-Star / Z-Star XV
~$45/dzTour-level urethane ball from a legitimate tour brand, $9 cheaper per dozen than a Pro V1. Exceptional greenside spin from the Spin Skin coating.
TaylorMade Tour Response
~$36/dzReal urethane cover at a significant discount. Short-game performance is genuinely close to tour-ball standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mid-handicapper tell the difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x?
Off the tee and from the fairway, probably not in any meaningful way. Around the greens, a skilled short-game player can feel the difference in the way they respond on chip shots and putts. For the average mid-handicapper, the swing speed rule (under 100 mph = V1) is the most reliable guide.
Do any tour players switch between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x?
Yes, some do. It's relatively rare but some players carry one for normal conditions and switch depending on course type, weather, or tournament location. Justin Thomas famously played the V1x for most of his career before switching to the V1.
Is the Pro V1 or Pro V1x better in cold weather?
The Pro V1. Cold temperatures firm up golf balls, making the already-firm V1x feel hard and reducing its ability to compress properly. The softer V1 handles cold conditions better. In below-50 degree weather, a softer ball is always the better call.
How often should you change your Pro V1?
Titleist recommends changing the Pro V1 after 9 holes of competitive play, though casual golfers can easily get a full 18 from a ball that hasn't been significantly scuffed or damaged. Check the cover after each round. A urethane ball that's visibly cut or cracked should be replaced.