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The 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are noticeably softer than the previous version. Excellent short game spin with measurably more in the Pro V1x. Slightly lower spin in the long game.
Introduction
Right on schedule, 2023 has delivered new versions of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x. After being tested by Titleist’s extensive Tour staff, these new versions are ready to take the mantle as the #1 ball in golf.
As an inquisitive golfer, you’re asking yourself, “Is there anything that’s actually new besides the design on the box?” As the person who answers such questions, I can tell you there are.
Feel
The most noticeable difference between the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls and their 2021 versions [review HERE] is the feel.
On the green, both versions are significantly softer feeling and quieter. While the Pro V1 and Pro V1x still have their distinct characteristics, I think the 2023 versions are as close as they’ve ever been. The Pro V1 is still softer and heavier on the club face. In contrast, the Pro V1x has a more crisp impact sound and a slightly firmer feel.
When hitting wedge and iron shots, the differences from 2021 to 2023 are apparent, too. I think the change from 2021 to 2023 is larger in the Pro V1x. To me, this new version is much quieter and softer feeling. The Pro V1 and Pro V1x are still easily distinguished from one another on wedge shots.
In closing, it should be noted that these “significant” feel differences should be taken in context. We are not talking about the difference between a Tour ball and a range rock. These are big differences relative to the normally small changes from one generation to the next. It would not surprise me if the average golfer, out on the course, did not notice the difference.
Short Game
Let’s start by comparing the Pro V1 to the Pro V1x. There is a common misunderstanding that the Pro V1 is the higher spinning ball, but this is not the case. Titleist promotes the Pro V1 as having “High” short game spin with the Pro V1x being “Higher.”
In my short game testing, I found there to be a measurable gap in spin between the two balls. From short pitches to full wedge swings, the gap was as large as 10%. On average, the divide was closer to 6% or 7%, but the Pro V1x seemed to have a few hundred RPM in reserve in for those perfectly struck shots. Both are well within the normal range for Tour-style golf balls, but if you want every last RPM, opt for the Pro V1x.
Long Game
In the short game, neither the Pro V1 nor Pro V1x changed much from their previous incarnation. The focus, instead, was on dropping some spin in the long game. Titleist achieved this with the use of a “high gradient core” (a dual core in the Pro V1x).
In my testing, I saw slightly lower spin from both models throughout the long game. The gap was not very large – a couple hundred RPM at most – but no one should expect a radical change to the #1 ball in golf. It’s also worth noting that I’m a low spin player, so higher spin golfers may see a larger difference from the previous generation.
Finally, there is a difference in the dimple pattern of the two balls. The Titleist Pro V1 uses a “spherically-tiled 388 tetrahedral dimple design”. In contrast, the Pro V1x uses 348 dimples. Per Titleist, this difference helps the Pro V1 to achieve a penetrating flight and the Pro V1x to fly higher. As my testing was conducted indoors, I was not able to observe these flight differences.
Conclusion
The 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x are noticeably different from their predecessors. That said, longtime fans won’t find a thing to complain about. These balls continue to set the standard for Tour-caliber performance while providing better feel than ever before.
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Matt Saternus
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What was durability (easy to scuff) like compared to previous models?
Alex,
I didn’t see any scuffing in my testing, which included wedge shots with a brand new wedge.
Best,
Matt
I just played 18 holes with the new ProV1 – was in bunker 3 times. Held up really well. I play off 6 and shot 6 over – so it was a regular round.
Except for the increase in price!
How does the lower spin compare to the Pro V1x Dash Left?
Tom,
Neither ball is as low spin as the Left Dash.
Best,
Matt
Currently playing the 2021 Pro V1, I need a slow spinning ball with the driver, but I wouldn’t complain about a slight higher trajectory in the irons.
Did the new 2023 V1 launch slightly higher than 2021? I’m torn between the new V1x especially if it’s got slightly less spin than it’s 2021 model.
I didn’t find a significant difference in launch.
Best,
Matt
Which one was longer with the driver?
For me, there’s not a significant difference. Higher spin players will probably be slightly longer with the Pro V1.
-Matt
I found the Pro Vl harder than the previous ball. My 3 wood barley got airborne off the deck and went into the lake. I tried to hit a soft wedge from 125 yards and it felt like a stone and came up 10 yards short. 5 holes and 4 over. I changed balls on the sixth hole and even the players I was playing with noticed a difference in how much higher I hit the Driver and how much better my iron play was to the green. I played the next 13 holes 4 under par. The pro VX not much different. I will try the ball again because I don’t have any idea of where to go next.
Hi Matt…..I have a few dozen of both 2021 Pro V1s and Pro V1xs. I bought them (May, 2021) and then got injured so they have been sitting in my office closest at home in the boxes (very little light). I have been told that I should continue to play the 2021s instead of buying the new 2023s because the difference is very little. I am a 7hcp. Would you agree? Also, if playing in the wind, do you recommend the Pro V1 and for regular days, the Pro V1x if feel is ok with each?
David,
I think that for anyone outside of the professional ranks, the differences are small to the point of probably being irrelevant.
Best,
Matt
What is the compression of the 2023 ProV1 vs ProV1X?
The durability of the 2023 ProV1/X appears to be better I’ve found. I’ve switched between the V1 and V1X many times over the years, and I’ve definitely noticed the V1x definitely feels harder – similar to the TP5x than ever with the 2023 release. The V1x is just a tad bit too firm and clicky feeling for me. I’m really enjoying the V1 this season. Flushing my irons and full swing wedges feels too good to try anything different. My ball flight with the V1 is exactly where I want it to be as well. But there is a massive problem with the price of these balls. $60+ for 12 balls is robbery. Truly. I refuse to buy more than a dozen a year. There’s no denying that Titleist rapes the avid golfers like myself who also have to survive on a $60,000 annual salary. It would be nice if they ran more or better sales. The vast majority of us golfers are not millionaires or even making 6-digit salaries.