50 Words or Less
The 2021 version of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x maintain the same outstanding performance of previous generations. Pro V1 feels slightly softer. Slightly higher short game spin in both models.
Check out our review of the 2023 Pro V1 and Pro V1x HERE
Introduction
To say that the Titleist Pro V1 is the #1 ball in golf doesn’t really go far enough. The Pro V1 has been the undisputed king for so long that many people reading this may not know that any other ball was ever #1. But this dynastic success hasn’t kept Titleist from continuing to push the envelope. The latest version features a new core, casing, and cover to push its performance to even higher levels.
Feel
When comparing the 2017 and 2019 versions of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, I came up empty in terms of finding any differences in feel. With the 2021 version, I was more successful, but I’ll start by stressing that these differences are very small. I found them by hitting dozens of putts back and forth with each model. Unless you claim to have Tiger-like feel, I doubt you’ll notice any difference on the course.
With all that said, I think that the 2021 Titleist Pro V1 is slightly softer than the previous version. The overall character is still the same – premium, soft without being mushy – but impact sounds a little quieter and the ball feels like it’s on the face just a little longer.
To me, the new Pro V1x feels identical to the older generation. Comparing the Pro V1 to the Pro V1x, the X is decidedly firmer. Impact with the Pro V1x has a “tock” sound where the Pro V1 is a “thud.”
Short Game
One of the major talking points around the new versions of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x is the new urethane elastomer cover. Titleist states that this is the softest formulation ever used in these balls, and that should lead to more greenside spin.
In my launch monitor testing, I saw both models spinning about 100 RPM more than the previous generation. As always, please keep in mind that I tend to be a low spin player, so you may see larger spin gaps.
Long Game
On the launch monitor, both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x performed very similarly to the previous generation. Given that the 2019 versions were great, this isn’t a complaint whatsoever. I saw the Pro V1x producing slightly higher spin in the irons and the Pro V1 creating a more penetrating flight. Both carried plenty of spin to hold a green.
With the driver, both golf balls produced very high ball speed and consistent launch conditions. Again, the Pro V1x spun a little more, though the gap was only about 200 RPM for me.
The one element that I have not been able to test is the new dimple pattern. Each ball has a new tetrahedral dimple design – 388 on the Pro V1, 348 on the Pro V1x – to improve its aerodynamics. As the weather improves, I’ll be interested to see if there’s a visible difference in the ball flight with this new pattern compared to the older one.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the boring trajectory of the Pro V1 or the higher ball flight of the Pro V1x, you’ll find a little bump in spin around the green with the latest versions. While the #1 ball in golf will continue to be one of the most expensive, knowing that you’ll have the pinnacle of consistency from shot to shot may be worth it for the serious players.
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Matt Saternus
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Thanks, Matt. If you are like me, a bit older with a no doubt slower swing speed than yours, is there a discernable difference between the Pro V1 and the X in this regard? Or to an even greater extent, should a slower swing player play a different Titleist (or other brand) altogether? Thanks, as always.
Steve,
It depends on your ball fitting/selection philosophy. Titleist promotes “Start at the green,” so they’ll say that everyone who wants soft feel and wedge spin should play a Tour ball. Bridgestone starts the fit with the driver, so they focus more on different compressions, it’s why they have 4 Tour-style balls, etc.
Best,
Matt
Matt—thank you for your reviews as always.
Question–I had the opportunity to get a Titleist fitting. I was playing the AVX and after my fitting they recommended the left dash pro v1X.
Have you done a review of the new AVX and the left dash?
Ray,
I reviewed the most recent AVX here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2020-titleist-avx-golf-ball-review/
I have not tested the Left Dash Pro V1.
Best,
Matt
I play left dash Pro V1x after careful research and A LOT of testing. Left Dash is much firmer than AVX. It is firmer than any other ball I’ve tried, frankly, other than perhaps TP5x. I am a high speed, high spin player and needed spin reduction on mid and short irons but wanted to maintain that spin around the greens and on wedges. Left dash does all of that. I found AVX to be significantly shorter on Driver swings, likely due to it’s much lower compression (I usually get 170+ ball speed and was seeing 165 or less with AVX, 172 or more with Left Dash… big difference). Lastly, left dash is the best ball I’ve ever putted with. Standard tour balls are also good, but I find putting with a firmer ball helps me personally. I feel like I don’t have to mash it to get it going, especially on “average” greens I usually play.
Long story short, AVX is low launch, low spin – ProV1 is mid-launch, mid-spin – ProV1x is high-launch, high-spin and Left Dash is High-launch, low-spin. Perfect for me.
Could you test the Snell golf balls ? I play the MTB Black . These are the best golf balls I have ever played. Great feel and distance I’m 70 years old and fine these golf balls perform the best for me .
Dale,
I will reach out to Snell to see if they’re interested in working with us on a review.
-Matt
How is the durability for us ball strikers who, um, catch a few shots thin?
Also, how does this compare to the Snell MTB-black (V1 ) and MTB-X (V1x)?
Thanks
Alex,
The durability is as good as any Tour ball I’ve used.
I haven’t tested the latest Snell balls, so I can’t offer an informed comparison.
Best,
Matt
I have never heard of the left dash. I have a lower flight trajectory and prefer a slightly firmer ball. I am looking for higher ball flight . Iusually play the Chrome Soft x. I play at a resort/club and haven’t seen the Pro V1x dash. (Don’t know where to put the dash)
I’ve been hitting these against each other on a foresight and actually find I hit the pro v1 a little higher with less spin. It’s all very similar. Comes down to feel. I have always played the pro v1 bc of the softness but I really like how the pro v1x feels. Clickier. Reminds me of the NIKE RZN premium balls.
Is there a massive difference between v1 the x and the avx
Simon,
Massive? No, not in my opinion.
-Matt
In your opinion, is the 2021 version of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x improved enough in feel and/or performance to choose it over the 2019 model? I buy my balls used and am trying to decide between the higher cost for 2021 vs 2019 for a bit less. Curious if the improvements are worth the higher price.
Colter,
If you’ve been happy with the 2019 version, I’d probably keep playing it if it will save you a few dollars.
Best,
Matt
Matt, who do you think has it right, Bridgestone or Titleist? Do the softer compression balls really go further with slow swing speeds like mine? Would you say it comes down to whether you want a few extra yards from say a Bridgestone RX or the extra spin around the green from a Prov1x? (And its weird that Couples uses a RXS and Korda a RX when they swing well over 105 mph.
thanks, John
John,
Last question first: I don’t think you’re giving up much/any green side spin with the Bridgestone; their cover is fantastic.
Regarding slower swing speeds, my understanding is that there is some ball speed to be gained from softer compression balls. Whether it makes a meaningful, noticeable difference on the course, I don’t have that data. That does sound like a good Golf Myths Unplugged, though.
Best,
Matt