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Everyone has a different style of golf ball they like to use. Whether it’s feel, spin, or distance that you look for, you'll always find something that suits you. That's especially true with the latest line of TaylorMade golf balls.
TaylorMade's new offering in the TP5 range is definitely something you should consider if you’re looking for a premium golf ball that delivers, great feel, distance and spin. The TP5 and TP5x differ, with different spin and ball flight characteristics, so we put them head to head to see how different they are and see which one you should be putting on your tee in 2024.
PROS
- New Speed Wrapped Core delivers impressive performance
- Great feel and high in greenside spin
- Lower spin with driver for longer drives. We all want that, don't we?
CONS
- None
With the latest addition of an all-new Speed Wrapped Core this is TaylorMade’s softest feeling TP5 ball to date. The new Speed Wrapped Core plays a big part in the overall sound, feel and performance in this premium golf ball.
This ball offers a noticeably softer feel around the greens, perfect for those delicate chip shots. If you are more of a feel player, this ball is going to suit you, as it's made with a focus on generating spin and being easy to control, providing responsive and precise control. When moving in to the big stick, it will also lower driver spin more than the prior generation and maintain the same level of spin control around the green.
Who doesn’t want longer drives and better control?
PROS
- New Speed Wrapped Core delivers incredibly fast ball speeds
- Low spin off the tee and with longer irons for longer distances
- High spin control around the greens
CONS
- None
If you’re looking for speed and distances, the new TP5x also features the new Speed Wrapped Core which has helped create TaylorMade’s fastest TP5x ball.
This ball has been hugely popular on tour and for good reason. The distance, the speed and consistency on this ball definitely stands out. This design prioritises ball speed, making it the ideal choice for golfers seeking increased velocity off the clubface. The new TP5x also sees a reduction in driver and long iron spin, with a focus on distance with great spin and control around the greens. The TP5x also has less spin on drives and long iron shots in addition to a flatter trajectory.
Expect faster, longer and straighter shots.
Conclusion - Which TaylorMade ball should you buy in 2024?
These are both excellent golf balls and although they're from the same family, you can expect different kinds of performance from them.
TaylorMade say you’ll be half a club longer with the TP5x and from our testing, we see that to be true. This ball is fast off the clubface, but the amount of control you have with a higher launch and flatter flight is brilliant. Expect longer drives and more control on those longer irons and with the soft feel and high green side spin on your wedges I can see why the Rory McIlroy is amongst loads of professionals using this ball.
If you’re all about touch and feel the TP5 is softer and is not as firm as the TP5x. If you are more of a feel player from around the greens you will be able to maximise spin with the TP5. It’s soft, higher in spin than the TP5x and with a lower launch window that delivers great distance and speed of the tee.
If you have a club head speed that’s 110mph or more and want to see faster speeds and longer distances then the TP5x is definitely going to be for you. The TP5 is perfect for the majority of players who want a softer feeling ball for high spin and control around the greens. If you want to throw alignment and visuals into the mix each ball comes in the Pix pattern which is a great visual for spin and roll around the greens. As played by Tommy Fleetwod you will be able to hit better putts with it’s alignment benefits and it is available in both the TP5 and TP5x options.
While you’re here, you should really subscribe to the bunkered YouTube channel where you’ll see the latest gear in action.
More from TaylorMade
• TaylorMade launch junior golf clubs with a difference
• How does the TaylorMade BRNR Mini driver compare to the Qi10?
• How is a golf ball made? We visited TaylorMade’s factory to find out
• The technology behind the TaylorMade Qi irons
How we picked
Performance Consistency
We meticulously evaluated each piece of equipment's performance across a number of variables.
Forgiveness and Playability
With golf clubs, our assessment always considered the versatility and forgiveness levels, especially on off-centre strikes.
Innovative Technology
We scrutinise the incorporation of innovative technology in each piece of equipment we review.
Customisation
We consider factors like adjustable features and customisation options available to the buyer.
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
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