It's here.. the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 model and the Pro V1x model. As we know every 2 years on odd numbered years, Titleist releases the next generation of their popular Pro V1 and V1x ball.
Before going any further, just like the 2019 and 2021 model changes, it's IMPORTANT to note that in 2023 the overall difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x is largely the same. The Pro V1x will spin more, have a higher launch angle and firmer feel. The Pro V1 will have a softer feel, moderate spin and lower launch compared to the Pro V1x. So if you play the Pro V1x today, you'll still play the Pro V1x in the 2023 model.
TL;DR Major change is the high gradient core, soft at the center and progressively firmer as it moved outwards. Intended to reduce spin and increase distance. Retail price increased to $55. Will the average golfer notice any difference? Probably not, save yourself a buck and buy used Pro V1's from us.
So what's changed and what's staying the same? Let's dive in...
Whenever Titleist does the model year refresh they focus on a particular aspect of the ball or theme. 2019 was all about distance. 2021 was the much hyped makeover from cover to core. This year's changes are focused on the high gradient core.
Yep, Titleist added a high gradient core to the 2023 Pro V1 model. Marketing speak aside, what is a high gradient core and why should I care?
The idea is pretty simple. The core is softest at the center and gets gradually firmer as you move outward. Put another way, the core will have increasing levels of stiffness that radiate from the inner core to the outermost layer. Keep in mind that the Pro V1 is a 3 piece single core ball and the Pro V1x is 4 piece dual core ball. So what this change does is make the Pro V1 perform closer to a dual core ball like the Pro V1x. This change has been made to the inner core of the Pro V1x as well resulting in greater spin separation. The size of the Pro V1x inner core has been increased by 44% as a result of having the new high gradient core.
The new cores take inspiration from popular CPOs (Custom Performance Options) - Pro V1 Left Dot and Pro V1x Left Dash - both of which feature high gradient cores and are the choice of several players on professional tours.
That's all fascinating, but what does that mean to you the golfer? According to Titleist, lower spin off the tee, hybrids and long irons giving you more distance. Titleist also claims more consistency, but we feel that's more a function of your swing than anything on the ball. As far as the short game goes, the Titleist 2023 Pro V1/V1x models will have the same feel and spin profile of the 2021 models.
The new 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x will be available globally on January 25th, 2023. Yellow variant will be available starting February 17th.
For the first time in awhile, we are seeing an increase in the retail price to $55. If you are not playing on the PGA Tour (or LIV Tour), we suggest doing yourself a favor and getting the 2021 model from us for almost half the price. That said, we still need some of you to buy the new ball so we can retrieve it from the water hazard that you just teed off into. In general, we should be getting the 2023 model towards the fall since it takes awhile for them to be retrieved in large enough quantities and make it back to us. So stay tuned and join the waitlist to grab them as soon as they are available.
Looking at the arrow design, you can identify Pro V's by model year going back to when it was first introduced in 2001. Here's the arrow design for the Titleist 2023 model year. As we know, the color of the number can help you identify the Pro V1 (black) vs the Pro V1x (red).
You may notice on some used golf ball websites you will see products such as the Pro V1 2020 and Pro V1 2022 listed. These models DO NOT EXIST. We don't know why some retailers do this, but we can only assume either the lack of knowledge or to mislead customers into believing that somehow the Pro V1 2022 (which does not exist) is newer/better than the Pro V1 2021 (the actual model). As we alluded to earlier, Titleist releases a new model every two years on odd numbered years. Titleist blogged about this in a post titled Exploring the Titleist Pro V1 archive, which details the complete history of the Pro V1 since its launch in 2000.
In short, pretty much everything else!
The high flex casing layer that was changed in 2021, the urethane cover and dimple pattern (388-dimple design on the Pro V1 and a 348-dimple design on Pro V1x) all remain largely unchanged.
As we mentioned at the start, the overall difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x has not changed, meaning if you play the Pro V1x today, you'll still play the Titleist Pro V1x 2023 model.
This is the process that Titleist uses to test and validate the latest generation of the Pro V line with the best golfers in the world prior to it being generally available.
Final prototypes for the 2023 Pro V1 and Pro V1x models were seeded on the PGA Tour in late September 2022. More than 45 players have teed up the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x models on the PGA TOUR since their introduction – including Will Zalatoris who put new Pro V1x immediately in play to begin 2023 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, his first start on the PGA TOUR since his win at last year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship. Sungjae Im and Viktor Hovland joined Zalatoris in teeing up 2023 Pro V1x at Kapalua.
Learn more about the Tour Validation for the 2023 model year...
We mention this just for educational purposes and to help you better understand the Titleist R&D process. What's good for Will Zalatoris is good for me you might say, but NO. Just because professional golfers play or endorse a ball, doesn't necessarily mean it is the best ball for you. Undoubtedly, Titleist makes high quality balls both from an innovation and manufacturing process standpoint. But you owe it to yourself to cut through the noise and pick the best ball for your best on your game.
Since 2017, we have covered extensively in our blog how each generation of the popular Pro V line has been improved and upgraded over the prior generations. See below for our previous blogs going into detail on the 2021, 2019 and 2017 models.
If you get it as a Christmas or birthday gift, ABSOLUTELY!
If you aren't playing on the PGA Tour (or maybe even if you are) we think you'll do just fine with the 2021 model (or the 2019 model year or even the older models).
Our opinion is biased, we don't think you should pay $55/dozen for golf balls, so our recommendation is to always buy used Pro V1's. You'll enjoy the game more since you don't have to worry about losing $4 in the water or in the woods as you get ready to tee off. The Titleist Pro V1 2023 should be in stock for us in the late summer or early fall. Stay tuned and join the waitlist (click the product below and you can enter your email) to be notified as soon as they are available.
Click here to check out our full range Pro V1 and Pro V1x used golf balls.
Let us know if you have any questions. Have you played the new 2023 ball? We'd love to hear what you think. Let us know in the comments.
Every 2 years on odd numbered years, Titleist releases a new model of the popular Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The Pro V1 introduced back in 2000 and Pro V1x in 2003 was a game changer. Since then with every model, incremental improvements have been made. For the 2021 Pro V1 however, Titleist has changed every aspect of the ball from cover to core. That's a bold statement to make! Let's dive into the details.
BUT first, let's clarify that the overall difference between the Pro V1 and Pro V1x is largely the same. The Pro V1x will spin more, have a higher launch angle and firmer feel. The Pro V1 will have a softer feel, moderate spin and lower launch compared to the Pro V1x. So if you play the Pro V1x today, you'll still play the Pro V1x in the 2021 model.
For the 2019 iteration Titleist put extra emphasis on distance. For 2021 they have not called out any particular area, but, as mentioned above, they have made the most significant improvement to the ball since it's original launch, which is intended to translate into total performance improvements and consistency for every shot.
You may or may not care about the intricacies of golf ball construction, so we've tried to simplify the changes by breaking it down into what most golfers care about - feel, spin and distance.
Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x will have a softer feel than the 2019 model. This has been achieved by using a reformulated softer urethane cover. What does this mean to you? More spin for greenside control on finesse shots and short approach shots.
Secondly, the softer cover will provide a more responsive feel for your short game. Now, we understand that this can be highly subjective. As golfers, we focus on our balls, clubs, equipment and technique, but we all know that golf is much a mental game as any. The instant you play the shot, based on the sound and the feel at impact, even before seeing the ball, you know instantly if it was a great shot or if you f*cked up.
Titleist claims the new reformulated cover will give you better feedback and feel. They've also made continued improvement in manufacturing technology and quality to control, so every ball produced will be identical.
It’s not simply a matter of changing the urethane formula. It’s a complex process involving a chemical reaction that has to be performed under very strict conditions. And when you create a new formulation, the viscosity of the material, the gel time, the temperatures required – everything changes. Fortunately, we designed the process and we machine all the tooling ourselves. That level of control allows us to very finely tailor our urethane formulations and consistently achieve the exact hardness we want. That gives us the exact spin and feel that we're looking for on every new Pro V1 and Pro V1x we make.
Mike Madson, Director of Aerodynamics & Research Engineering, Titleist
We touched on spin when we talked about feel, but let's dive in a bit more. More spin isn't always better. Off the tee and with your long irons you want less spin (check our blog on golf ball spin for more details), around the green you generally want more spin, but more than that you want to be in control of how much spin you impart on the ball. That's where multi-layer balls come into the picture.
The 3-piece Pro V1 and 4-piece Pro V1x uses multiple layers to reduce spin off the driver and long irons (inner core and casing layer plays a part here) and increase spin on approach shots (outer cover plays a part here).
If you want to get into the weeds the Team Titleist blog has some good info.
On shots with more lofted clubs like wedges, the cover plays a much larger role than the core and casing layer. By using a softer urethane formulation, the cover flexes on these shots and gives more at impact. More of the cover interacts with the grooves of the club, creating more friction. The more friction you have, the more spin you can generate.
Brian Comeau, Director of Materials Research, Titleist
Yep, distance! We all want more distance so we can drive the green on that par 4 right? Distance was a key focus area in the 2019 model, so how did Titleist improve on this for 2021? By reformulating the casing layer and core, and changing the dimple pattern for the first time since 2011. To keep things simple I'll leave it that, but if you want all the details the Team Titleist blog has it.
The bottom line here is the 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x will be have a fast ball speed and less spin off the longer clubs resulting in more distance.
The new Pro V1 and Pro V1x both utilize a new high flex modulus ionomer material in the casing layer. We first experimented with high flex casings in AVX development. We took that a further step and saw great success when we incorporated HFM into the casing design for the Pro V1x Left Dash ball.
This material is more lively, more resilient than previous Pro V1 formulations and generates faster ball speed. To counterbalance this new, stiffer casing layer, we formulated a completely new, softer core. That allowed us to keep the compression neutral, but the softer core gave us the added benefit of lowering the spin rate off the tee and with long irons. The net result is more speed with less spin – a perfect combination for longer distance where you need it.
Brian Comeau, Director of Materials Research, Titleist
Here's the rundown of the changes made to cover, inner layers and core:
While this year's change is big in terms of Titleist touching every piece of the ball including the dimple pattern, in terms of performance it's not a game changer. Yes, it will be a better ball, but don't expect it to shave 10 strokes off your game. USGA rules force manufacturers to make incremental changes to golf ball design and the fairway of innovation can be a bit narrow.
What else is the same?
The 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x first appeared on the PGA Tour at the 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in October at TPC Summerlin.
During the 2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x seeding process early adopters included Justin Thomas (Pro V1x), Adam Scott (Pro V1x), Tony Finau (Pro V1) and Cameron Smith (Pro V1x) to name a few.
Cameron Smith became first to shoot four rounds in 60s at the Masters using the 2021 Pro V1x.
“When I first tested it, it was a bit hotter off the driver, which was great. The ball flight and windows were great. But the biggest thing that stuck out was the control coming out of the rough and around the greens. I can control my shots – especially those difficult, soft shots – so much better.”
Cameron Smith
Titleist says it's right for everybody. If you aren't playing on the PGA Tour (or maybe even if you are) we think you'll do just fine with the 2017 or 2019 model years or even the older models.
Our opinion is biased, we don't think you should pay $50/dozen for golf balls, so our recommendation is to always buy used Pro V1's. You'll enjoy the game more since you don't have to worry about losing $4 in the water or in the woods as you get ready to tee off.
Updated - June 2021
The new 2021 models started to be available in stores January 2021 and we have managed to snag some premium used 2021 Pro V1s. It's a limited stock for now so grab some now and let us know what you think of the 2021 Pro V1.
We still have plenty of 2017's and 2019's in stock too 🙂
If for some reason you dropped $50 and played a round with the new 2021 Pro V1 or Pro V1x or managed to grab some used 2021 Pro V1s from us, let us know what you think in comments.
Click here for details on the 2021 Pro V1 and to learn more about what changed from 2019.
Note: We've updated our original post on the differences between the 2017 and 2015 Pro V1 to also cover the current generation 2019 model year.
Two words - DISTANCE and DISTANCE!. If there's one thing you remember about the difference in the 2019 line of balls is that Titleist for their latest iteration focused on distance. That's fantastic, so Titleist added distance to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in 2019... what took them so long? Well, we all know that when it comes to golf balls it's always a trade off between distance and short game accuracy, and the Pro V1 arguably is the #1 ball in golf for it's exceptional short game control. So were they able add more distance without compromising on control? Titleist thinks so.
So here's how they say they did it (and by extension where they tweaked things from the 2017 model).
A thinner cover in and of itself does not contribute to speed, but it helps make room for the larger casing layer.
Compared to the 2017 model, the larger casing layer is what Titleist is counting on to add speed.
Titleist added the 2.0 ZG process core to get more speed than the previous design. That just marketing speak for what Titleist claims is their most advanced formulation yet.
Anything Else Changed in 2019?
Not to the core technology of the ball itself, BUT, the following are worth noting:
Before we dive in let's discuss some quick Titleist philosophy.
First, I’d like to make sure that all of our loyal readers understand the Titleist pattern, release, and design of new Pro V1s. Since the Pro V1’s conception in 2000, Titleist has brought enhancements to the market every two years, which personally I like and respect. So many golf companies out there use their “Marketing” division to make us golfers “feel” like every year, technology has advanced SO much that we have to spend thousands of dollars on new equipment just to keep up. Well......not Titleist Pro V1 golf balls which new versions are released every two years.
So how can you tell the difference? For many of you, I’d be willing to bet that you may have never even thought about it or don’t really care (that’s why I’m here for you) which is great. Note: These balls are great every year and you should never worry about a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball that you are playing unless you have a big cart path mark or a slice in the ball (if so we have some great specials going on right now). But for those of you, like me, who love all the nerdy details regarding your golf balls, here is the quick and easy way to identify what version you are playing…. The Pro V1 logo on each ball. Really? Is it that easy? Yes, it is that easy. Titleist is very clever on subtle changes the logo that without reading this blog, you may have never known! But since you are, I have shown you the last three versions (2015, 2017 and 2019).
Comparison of Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x Logo 2015 vs 2017 vs 2019Titleist Pro V1 is their most advanced, best performing golf ball ever. As we all know there are two types of golf balls (for most golfers) Pro V1 / X and ALL OTHER GOLF BALLS… Even if you don’t adhere to that rule you have to admit that Pro V1 is one of the best golf balls on the market.
So what’s different? A LOT according to Titleist. So let’s dive into it.
“The longest golf ball ever” – The 2017 Pro V1 features a re-engineered with a Next Generation 2.0 ZG process core which delivers longer distance on all shots through lower long game spin and faster ball speed while giving the soft feel Pro V1 lovers have come to love and demand. A new spherically tiled 352 tetrahedral dimple design produces penetrating trajectory with even more consistent flight.
Image credit -Titleist.com
Image credit -Titleist.com“Most Consistent Flight Ever” – The 2017/18 Pro V1x featuring a ZG Process Dual Core creates extraordinary distance which is a bit different than Pro V1’s core. The Pro V1x ZG Process Dual Core adds a new spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design that produces a higher trajectory which hold it’s line during heavy winds better than it’s predecessor.
SourceBoth 2017 Pro V1 and Pro V1x Titleist golf balls absolutely continue to deliver great short game scorning performance in most part because of the soft Urethane Elastomer cover system identical on both models is precisely formulated to deliver Drop-and-Stop greenside control with soft feel providing golfers with the performance and confidence to dot hit it closer to the hole. The most fascinating part of this cover is that a chemical reaction that takes place during the casting process which also provides great durability. Many have said that these golf balls will hold up for ALL 18 holes that is….if you don’t hit them in the woods.
These models DO NOT EXIST. As I alluded to earlier, Titleist releases a new model approximately every two years. We've seen some retailers listing 2016 and 2018 balls which is misleading and causes confusion. Titleist blogged about this in a post titled Exploring the Titleist Pro V1 archive, which details the complete history of the Pro V1 since its launch in 2000.
In a previous blog we highlighted the technical differences between the two but here we will mentioned it straight forward in performance.
Pro V1 – flies lower with penetrating trajectory and feels softer
Pro V1x – flies higher, has slightly firmer feel, and spins more on iron shots.
Either Pro V golf ball will give you the best opportunity to shoot the lowest score possible (my opinion) I use the Pro V1x and will continue as I love the greenside control and high trajectory.
Bottom line is that you need to find a ball that you LOVE and have 100% confidence on for every shot. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the enhancements of the new 2017 Pro V1 golf balls and will lower your scores this season!
Has anyone ever heard of Titleist Pro V1 and Titleist Pro V1x golf balls??
Of course you have! If you are reading this blog, I'd be willing to bet that you absolutely have heard of these golf balls and I'd bet even more that you have played with either one of them a few times in your golf career. The bottom line that everyone wants to know, I mean REALLY know, does a Pro V1 ball really make a difference in your golf game. Are these balls really going to help you shave off a few strokes on your next round. The ultimate answer is up to you but I've done some extensive research (and testing) to help you make your decision.
We are going to dive into the attributes that make the Pro V1 different from other golf balls, the difference between Pro V1 and Pro V1x, and finally the enhancements on their most recent release.
Generally made of synthetic rubber which range from 1 layer – 4 layers. A standard driving range ball has only 1 solid layer whereas Titleist Pro V1x has 3 (not including the cover)
Within the inner workings of multi-layer balls you will find a casing layer. This casing layer is usually made up of a synthetic rubber of plastic. Titleist uses an anomeric casing layer to cover their inner core.
The outer cover of the golf ball (what you can visually see) usually made from Surlyn or Urethane materials.
Surlyn is hard and extremely durable which produces less spin and feel but does not scuff very easily (unless of course you hit a tree, cart path, your fellow golfer, etc.)
Urethane is much softer and less durable which will produce more spin and is less durable – after a round of 18 holes you will see minor blemishes or scuffs. (That is if you use the same ball the entire round)
Dimples are actually a very sophisticated part of the ball. They are critical in reducing wind resistance or aerodynamic drag. Less drag means more distance and more birdies. Dimples almost double the distance compared to a smooth golf ball.
Image credit – Titleist.com
Core: The Next Generation 2.0 ZG Process Core contributes to longer distance on all shots through lower spin and faster ball speed
Casing Layer: The thin, responsive ionomeric casing layer enhances speed and controls spin on full shots.
Cover System: The soft Urethane Elastomer cover system helps to deliver Drop-and-Stop greenside control and soft feel with long-lasting durability.
Dimple Design: The new spherically-tiled 352 tetrahedral dimple design provides even more consistent flight.
Image credit - Titleist.com
Core: The ZG Process Dual Core helps deliver extraordinary distance on all shots.
Casing Layer: The thin, responsive ionomeric casing layer enhances speed and controls spin on full shots
Cover System: The soft Urethane Elastomer cover system helps to deliver Drop-and-Stop greenside control and soft feel with long-lasting durability.
Dimple Design: The new spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design provides Pro V1x's most consistent flight ever
For more information http://www.titleist.com/golf-balls/pro-v1-pro-v1x
The CHOICE is YOURS!
Image credit – Titleist.com
Feel, Flight, Long Game Spin, Iron Spin, Short Game Spin – using the chart above you will see the exact differences and if you can make your decision based on those, GREAT! Stop reading and go play some golf!
But if you can't and still need some guidance then keep reading, we're almost there!
How many times have you hit a shot around the green and said to yourself "Wow that long and straight shot that I just hit within 5 feet had a little higher ball flight than I prefer" or after you hit a great drive saying "I wish I would have had a bit more spin on that drive for a couple more yards" or "I just don't feel like I'm getting enough Iron spin lately." You get my point right? These terms are thrown around all the time and many times we think and act like we really know what that means to our scores but actually we don't nor do we really want to go through the painstaking process to find out.
Other than actually playing consistently with either ball, we will try to help you make the decision based on our research and our own opinion. Ultimately you need to decide what is the most important part of a golf ball to you, make a decision, and feel GREAT about it!
Asking yourself a few quick questions may help you make this ever pain-staking decision but as you know golf is a very mental game and if you don't feel emotionally connected to your decision then you will second guess, question, and lose confidence which will ultimately end up with you losing your balls.
(Groovy, neat, slick, trendy, elegant, etc.)
Whether you are standing over the ball ready for your next shot or pulling it out of the ball washer admiring how clean and crisp it now looks. If you happen to slice, hook, or chunk in no way is it YOUR balls fault. Your ball did not fail you, you failed your ball. BUT your awesome ball will be ready and willing to perform on your next shot for sure!
(Yes! different balls FEEL different in your hands)
Remember we talked about being emotionally attached to your golf ball, when you are one with your balls you will play better! You need to FEEL the ball, knowing that it will not let you down. Knowing that smooth Urethane cover will assist you in accomplishing your greatest round yet, dropping birdie after birdie for the course record. (even if you don't achieve the course record, FEELING like you can will help you play better!)
(NO NO don't go spend thousands of dollars figuring out your speed)
Swing speed is a big indicator of what ball composition is best for you. Swing speed is talked about all the time but many times not understood. I actually don't like the term "swing speed" because it makes golfers FEEL like they need to SWING harder to get a higher swing speed when actually they need swing the CORRECT way to accomplish this. (Don't worry I'll elaborate in painstaking detail in a later blog) but for now let's think about it like this.....
How far do you hit your driver?
1-250 yards you have a slow to modest swing speed
250+ yards you have a moderate to fast swing speed
It's that easy, as many of us don't have time to waste on a monitor or in a simulator and quite frankly don't want to spend the time or money on dialing into this. So thinking about it in those terms will help as much as we need it to.
(Remember emotions control this game)
If you get mad losing a ball because of your financial investment in that ball then neither of these balls are for you. The last thing I want is for your financial investment in a ball to overpower your emotions and ruin the ever relaxing round that you have anticipated and looked forward to all week!
Our brains control everything our body does whether consciously or subconsciously, don't get fooled by marketing or what you want to be next year. Control the golfer you are right now and own it. Does a golf ball matter, yes I think we've established that but owning your game now will allow you to shoot lower scores and your ball of choice will be right there with you!
Comment below and let me know your thoughts. Which ball do you prefer? Pro V1 or Pro V1x?
