Have you ever hit a shot that felt perfect, only to watch it come up short, fly too high or roll farther than you expected?
Sometimes it’s the swing. Sometimes it could be the ball. For me, figuring out which one is responsible isn’t always easy.
The Pro V1 and Pro V1x are two of the best-known golf balls out there. They look almost identical, but they aren’t designed to perform exactly the same way.
So does it matter which one you play? I think it can. But that doesn’t mean one is automatically better than the other.
What’s the Difference?
Both are premium urethane-covered golf balls designed for distance, control and spin around the greens. The main differences are:
- Pro V1: Generally produces a lower flight, softer feel and less spin on full iron shots.
- Pro V1x: Typically flies higher, feels firmer and produces more spin on iron and wedge shots.
Both offer plenty of short-game control.
Does that mean a golfer with a faster swing should automatically play the Pro V1x? No. Swing speed is only part of the picture.
Maybe you already hit the ball high enough and don’t need additional height. Or maybe you’re looking for more stopping power on your approach shots.
That’s why I think finding the right ball is more important than simply playing what everyone else is using.
What About Reclaimed Balls?
When I sort golf balls, I’m looking at the model and condition. A Preferred Grade Pro V1 and a Preferred Grade Pro V1x can look almost new, but they’re still different golf balls.
And not every ball has to look perfect to be worth playing.
I’ll sometimes tee up a ball with a cosmetic imperfection, especially when there’s a hazard ahead that I have a pretty good chance of finding.
Could damage to a ball affect its performance? Sure. That’s why condition matters and why I separate balls into different grades.
You can read more about that in Rush’s Grading Guide.
Which Would I Choose?
I wouldn’t choose either one simply because it’s a Titleist or because a playing partner likes it.
I would pay attention to how high I’m hitting it, what happens on approach shots, and how it feels around the green.
If you’re undecided, take a look at Rush’s Ball Comparison or try the Ball Fitter.
And if both models are available in Build Your Mix, you can include them in an eligible 12-ball mix and try them yourself.
You might find you prefer one over the other. You might also find the difference isn’t as noticeable as you expected.
Either way, I’d rather find that out by playing golf than just reading what’s printed on the box.