ProV1 versus ProV1x: Which is right for you?

Do you know the difference between a Pro V1 and Pro V1X? What about the left dash model?

If you’re like most golfers you probably don’t and that’s understandable. While Titleist no doubt is the number one ball in golf, they made changes to their signature golf ball line in 2017 without telling the golf population.

For example, one has a higher ball flight while the other has more spin. Needless to say, to play your best you need the right equipment and golf ball. Otherwise, you might lose out on distance, spin, and/or a combination of the two. 

Today, we’ll review each of their characteristics so you can make sure you’re playing the right golf ball for your swing. Plus, they have tons of other balls in their lineup including the AVX and Pro V1 left dot which might be even better for your game.

Titleist Pro V1 vs. Pro V1X 

So, what is the difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1X? 

Let’s rewind to the year 2000 – when Tiger Woods was dominating the golf world. That year at the Invensys Classic of Las Vegas Titleist rolled out their new revolutionary ball. An astounding 47 players in the field made the switch, including the eventual winner of the tournament – Billy Andrade.

In 2003, the second version – the Pro V1X was released. As stated on the PGA Tour’s website, “Originally, when Pro V1x was introduced, it was introduced to be a lower-spinning but higher-flying golf ball (than the Pro V1).”

It continued like that for another 14 years.

But in 2017 they switched the features of the two golf balls. The Pro V1X became the higher spinning and higher flight golf ball. While the Pro V1 took over as the lower spin option.

Unfortunately, a lot of everyday golfers didn’t get the memo and there’s been a good amount of confusion. We’ll clear that up today so you can buy with confidence!

Key Takeaways 

• Titleist golf ball users tend to take the game seriously and generally more skilled golfers.
• Titleist offers three Pro V1 golf balls including the Pro V1, Pro V1X, and Pro V1x left dash. 
• Despite being great golf balls, the Pro V1 series are not cheap.

Keep reading to learn more about the “number one ball in golf” now.

Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

According to Titleist the original Pro V1 is the most played ball in golf. 

Some of the best players to use these golf balls include Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Tony Finau, Jessica Korda, and many others. 

Here’s how Titleist described it, “Pro V1 has a softer feel, less spin and flatter trajectory than Pro V1x, which makes it the preferred model for players who like exceptionally long distance, the ability to flight shots, and score with precision and touch.”

The Pro V1 has a mid-flight trajectory, more short game spin, and overall, very soft feel around the greens. 

Here’s the “player profile” for who will benefit most from this ball:

• Low long game spin.
• More feel than the Pro V1X due to the softer construction. 
• Players who want to flight the ball down more with a penetrating ball flight. Due to the mid-flight aerodynamics, this ball can help add distance off the tee and more consistent spin on approach shots. 
• Less spin from close range. If you have too much spin in your mid to short irons, this ball can help as it spins less than the Pro V1X. 

These golf balls are available in white or yellow.  You can pick up a dozen at virtually any Pro Shop or online here, here, or here.

Titleist Pro V1X Golf Ball

The Pro V1X is a variation of the original and also one of the most popular balls in golf.

Some of the best players to use these golf balls include Danielle Kang, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick, and many others. 

Here’s how Titleist described it, “Pro V1x is the optimal premium performance choice for players looking for maximum distance, who need higher flight and more stopping power. Pro V1x is most frequently recommended for players with launch conditions that are naturally low in height and low in spin.”

The Pro V1X has a high-flight trajectory, the most short game spin, and a firmer feel around the greens. 

Here’s the “player profile” for who will benefit most from this ball:

• Firmer feel on every shot from tee to green. 
• Players who want a higher ball flight as it flies higher than the Pro V1. If you’re a naturally low ball player, this ball can help which tends to increase total distance. 
• Very high short game spin from close range. The soft cast urethane cover works in conjunction with the casing layer for the most spin possible. 

These golf balls are available in white or yellow. You can order online here, here, or here.

Titleist Pro V1 Left Dash Golf Ball 

Additionally, there is a third option alongside the main two golf balls that have dominated the market for years. The left-dash model which seems to be a combination of the two original designs.

As Titleist said, “Titleist® Pro V1x Left Dash golf balls are designed for players seeking a high flight similar to Pro V1x with dramatically lower full swing spin and firmer feel.”

This ball has a large dual-core for more speed and lower spin.

Some of the benefits include:

• Amazing short game control. 
• More distance with consistent ball flight.
• More penetrating ball flight than the Pro V1X.
• Less full swing spin than the Pro V1X and a firmer feel. 

These premium golf balls are only available in white.  These can be pretty hard to find but you can order online here or here.

Alternate Pick: Titleist AVX Golf Ball 

The fourth popular option from Titleist is the AVX which is a great choice for a lot of amateur golfers. While they’re the same prices as the Pro V1 series, they have a very different design. 

Here’s how Titleist described it, “The Titleist AVX golf ball is for golfers looking to level up their game with advanced technology that delivers low flight, low iron spin for longer distance, incredibly soft feel and excellent greenside spin and control.” 

The new core is made for high speed and conversely, more distance.

Some of the benefits include: 

• Softer feel.
• Longer distance.
• Good amount of greenside spin. 
• Much less long game and iron spin (which equals more distance). 

This ball is available in white or yellow. Read our full review of the AVX here.

Testing Titleist Balls

If you’re not sure what you need from a ball, I suggest grabbing a few of each and going to the golf course. Hit them both on tee shots, irons, and shots around the green to find which one works out for you.

When you compare two balls side by side on the course, it makes it much more effective. You can learn if you need a more penetrating trajectory or a higher launch. Try to play 9 holes hitting both balls for every shot to see which one feels and performs better.

Other Titleist Golf Balls

Not sure if these are right for your game?

Check out the other options from Titleist that are cheaper and made for the everyday golfer:

• TruFeel: This ball provides feel and distance at a fraction of the price of a Pro V1.
• Tour Soft: This ball provides longer distance off the tee, soft feel, and a large fast core. It’s cheaper than a Pro V1 and available in more colors too.
• Tour Speed: This ball provides long distance, a penetrating ball flight on longer shots, and soft feel around the greens.
• Velocity: This ball is all about distance and has very low long game spin and provides high flight for all shots. Available in white, green, red, and blue.

FAQs About Titleist Golf Balls

Do you have more questions about different golf balls from Titleist? If so, keep scrolling through the FAQs to find the answers to buy with confidence. 

Does a Pro V1 or Pro V1X go farther?

It depends on the player as some will benefit more from a Pro V1 or Pro V1X. If you want a higher flight and lower long game spin, opt for the Pro V1X. If you want a lower ball flight and less long game spin, opt for the original Titleist Pro V1.

When did they switch Pro V1 and Pro V1X? 

In 2017, Titleist flip-flopped which ball has a higher trajectory and more spin. But a lot of players didn’t know about the changes.

As Fredrick Waddell mentioned in the same PGA Tour article mentioned above, “What happened over time is our technology developed on our Pro V1 and Pro V1x. We really were able to take spin out of the iron game in Pro V1 in that solid-core, three-piece construction.”

Is Pro V1 or Pro V1X better for slower swing speeds?

Both golf balls are designed for faster swinging golfers – which is why they’re the number one ball on the PGA Tour. Slower swinging players will do better with the AVX, Velocity, or Tour Speed.

Does Titleist V1X have more spin? 

Yes, in terms of short game performance, the Pro V1X golf balls have a higher spin rate around the greens.

Does the Pro V1 spin more than the Pro V1X?

The Pro V1X actually has the most iron spin, followed by the Pro V1. Then it’s the left dash and the AVX has the least amount of iron spin. 

Which Titleist golf ball goes the highest?

If you want maximum driver peak height the Pro V1X is the best choice. Then the left dash Pro V1X, then Pro V1, and the AVX has the lowest height. 

How do I know what golf ball to use?

If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to use a golf ball selector tool so you can compare different balls. Each golf manufacturer has one online to make it easier to buy with confidence after answering a few basic questions. 

Additionally, knowing your swing speed is also very helpful so you can find a ball with optimal spin rates for your swing speed. To learn your speed make sure to check out our favorite launch monitors here. They’re a great way to manage different parts of your game and practice with purpose. 

My Experience With Titleist Balls

Playing the right golf ball will make a big difference in your game. If you switch balls mid-round it will likely impact distance and/or spin. 

I suggest finding the right ball for your game and sticking with it. While it’s okay to test out different balls when a new one comes out, don’t switch if it’s not 100% helping your game. 

I am currently playing the ProV1x Left Dash and its combination has helped me pick up some significant distance off the tee. But it’s important to test as that might not be the case for you.

Also, make sure to read up each year when golf manufacturers make updates. As mentioned above, the Pro V1 balls changed a few years ago and many players didn’t know (myself included).

I generally hit the ball lower so I enjoy the Pro V1X not to mention the short game control it provides. I’ve tested out the competition – including the TaylorMade TP5, Bridgestone, and Callaway Chrome Soft – but haven’t found them better than Titleist.

Remember, golf is a hard enough game so make sure to control what you can for more consistent scores. 

Final Thoughts on Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1X

Both golf balls are great for drivers, iron shots, and feel around the greens. But there are some big differences as mentioned above.

The Titleist Pro V1 has:

• Softer feel.
• Mid-ball flight.
• Mid long-game spin.
• High short game spin.

While the Pro V1X has:

• Higher ball flight.
• Much firmer feel.
• Even more short game spin.
• The most amount of long game spin.

While the left dash is an even different model with low long game spin and high flight. Needless to say, it’s important to find the right golf ball for your swing.

Use a golf ball selector tool and/or test them out in practice to find the best one for your game. Want to learn more about golf balls?

Check out these articles:

• Used vs. New Golf Balls
• How to Stop Losing Golf Balls