Titleist Pro V1 vs TaylorMade TP5:
Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
The Titleist Pro V1 wins this matchup.
The Pro V1 wins with superior consistency and the industry's best quality control. The TP5 is a legitimate premium ball that performs within a few percent of the Pro V1 in most areas, but Titleist's manufacturing precision and decade of refinement give the Pro V1 an intangible edge that matters over 18 holes.
Golfers wanting a 5-piece ball with progressive spin performance
Distance & Ball Speed
The TP5's five-layer construction was specifically designed to maximize distance, and it delivers. Off the driver, the TP5 matches or slightly exceeds the Pro V1 by 1-3 yards on average. The five-piece design creates a steep spin gradient — very low spin off the driver, progressively more spin with shorter clubs. The Pro V1's three-piece design achieves similar results through different means, with slightly more driver spin but better consistency.
Forgiveness
The TP5's softer inner layers provide a slightly more forgiving feel on iron shots, absorbing some of the harshness of thin strikes. The Pro V1's firmer core provides more consistent launch conditions across a wider range of swing speeds. For players with inconsistent contact, the Pro V1's consistency edge is more valuable than the TP5's softness.
Feel & Sound
The TP5 has a cast urethane cover that feels slightly firmer off the putter face compared to the Pro V1. Many golfers describe the TP5's feel as 'clickier' on putts and chips, while the Pro V1 is smoother and more muted. This is the single biggest differentiator in a blind test, and it's entirely about preference.
Adjustability
Both balls offer excellent greenside spin. The Pro V1 generates marginally more spin on 30-60 yard pitch shots (by about 200 RPM), while the TP5 spins similarly on full wedge shots. The difference is academic for most amateurs but matters for scratch golfers who rely on precise distance control.
Price & Value
Both retail at $49.99 per dozen, so value comes down to performance per dollar. The Pro V1's slightly better consistency and quality control (Titleist's inspection standards are legendary) mean fewer oddball shots per round. The TP5 occasionally goes on sale through TaylorMade's direct channels, making it the better deal when discounted.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Titleist Pro V1 | TaylorMade TP5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.99 | $49.99 |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| construction | 3-piece | 5-piece |
| cover | Cast urethane | Cast urethane |
| compression | 87 | 85 |
| spin greenside | Very High | High |
| spin driver | Mid | Low |
| feel | Soft | Medium |
| dimples | 388 | 322 |
Pros & Cons
Titleist Pro V1
Pros
- ✓ The gold standard of golf balls
- ✓ #1 ball on every major tour
- ✓ Exceptional greenside spin and control
- ✓ Consistent flight in all conditions
Cons
- ✗ Most expensive ball on market
- ✗ May spin too much for high handicappers
- ✗ Scuffs on cart paths
TaylorMade TP5
Pros
- ✓ 5-piece construction for optimized spin at every club
- ✓ Low driver spin for distance
- ✓ High greenside spin for control
- ✓ Tour-validated performance
Cons
- ✗ Firmer feel than Chrome Soft
- ✗ Less spin than Pro V1 around greens
- ✗ 5-piece design adds cost
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Titleist Pro V1 if...
The Pro V1 is for golfers who value consistency above all else. If you want to know that every ball in the box performs identically, Titleist's quality control is unmatched. It's the safe, proven choice.
Choose the TaylorMade TP5 if...
The TP5 suits golfers who want maximum distance off the tee without sacrificing greenside spin. Its five-layer construction creates an aggressive spin gradient that rewards faster swing speeds. Also a good choice for TaylorMade loyalists who want equipment synergy.
Our Verdict
The Pro V1 wins with superior consistency and the industry's best quality control. The TP5 is a legitimate premium ball that performs within a few percent of the Pro V1 in most areas, but Titleist's manufacturing precision and decade of refinement give the Pro V1 an intangible edge that matters over 18 holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TP5 longer than the Pro V1 off the driver?
Marginally, yes. The TP5's five-layer construction produces slightly lower driver spin, which can add 1-3 yards of carry for swing speeds above 100 mph. For average swing speeds, the difference is within normal ball-to-ball variation.
Which ball spins more around the greens?
The Pro V1 generates slightly more spin on partial wedge shots (30-60 yards). On full wedge shots, the difference is negligible. For most golfers, the greenside spin difference won't be noticeable.
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