Taylormade TP5 and TP5x are some of the best golf balls currently available on the market. Some of the world’s best players including Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy both play with the TP5x and TP5 respectively.
TP5 vs TP5x – what are the differences and which TaylorMade golf ball is better? They’re quite similar but the TP5 features a lower compression design than the TP5x and it promotes a workable mid ball flight. The high compression TP5x in comparison promotes a piercing high ball flight. Continue reading this in-depth review to see how they compare in terms of distance, swing speed, feel, putting, short game and iron play.
TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x: Quick Comparison
TP5
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TP5x
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Who should play with the Taylormade TP5?
The TP5 with its mid compression of 85 is ideal for players with an average swing speed (80-90 mph) that are looking for and can benefit from the performance of a premium golf ball.
The TP5 promotes a workable mid ball flight, if you are a player that enjoys to shape the ball on demand then look no further than the TP5.
TP5 Review
Pros
- The TP5 delivers maximum distance as a result of a greater rebound effect and optimized spin rates
- The TP5 has a mid compression of 85, players with average swing speeds will be able to get maximum performance out of the TP5
- The mid compression TP5 delivers added wedge spin to ensure exceptional short game control
- The TP5 delivers a workable mid trajectory ball flight
- The TP5 features a durable cover system that will last for 18+ holes
- The 5 piece construction of the TP5 is packed with technology to ensure that it is one of the most advanced golf balls on the market
Cons
- The TP5 carries an above average premium price tag
- The mid compression TP5 is is best suited towards players with average swing speeds, players with an above average swing speed will gain more by opting for the high compression TP5x instead.
Review
The TaylorMade TP5 is currently one of the best golf balls on the market. The 5 piece construction of the TP5 is an advanced design that offers both exceptional distance and greenside control.
Distance is optimized in the design of the TP5 through the following design features: a Tri-Fast Core that delivers maximum carry distance and low drag, and the use of Taylormade’s new speed layer system.
The new speed layer system consists out of four increasingly stiff layers that produce added ball speeds. The TP5 offers more than just distance, it also offers exceptional greenside control and feel.
The Dual-Spin Cover of the TP5 is exceptionally durable and it also ultra soft feel from tee to green.
The 85 compression of the TP5 is a mid compression, thus players with average swing speeds will be able to maximize performance when playing with the TP5. It is difficult to say something bad about the TP5 besides its high retail value.
Who should play with the TP5x?
The TP5x features an above average compression. Players with above average swing speeds (90 mph+) will benefit most by playing with the TP5x, slow swinging players won’t be able to compress it with ease which in return won’t maximize performance.
The TP5x promotes a piercing high ball flight, fast swinging players that are seeking extra height throughout the bag will benefit by playing with the TP5x.
TaylorMade TP5x Review
Pros
- The 2019 TP5x is one of the longest golf balls on the market for 2019
- The TP5x design optimizes spin rates, the result is maximized distance
- The TP5x golf ball is best suited for players with above average swing speeds due to its high compression
- The TP5x features an advanced 5 piece design. The Tri Fast Core of the TP5x is the distance producing layer, the core design maximizes carry and limits drag to deliver unprecedented distance
- The Dual-Spin cover of the TP5x isn’t just extremely durable, it also offers exceptional soft feel especially around the greens
- The 2019 TP5x features TaylorMade’s new speed layer system. The speed layer system is made up out of 4 layers with increasing stiffness which produce enhanced ball speeds, added control in windy conditions and greenside spin.
- A new material called HFM (high flex material) is utilized in the design of the TP5x, this material enhances the rebound effect which maximizes distance
Cons
- The TP5x does come with a premium price tag
- The TP5x isn’t recommended to players with below average swing speeds due to its high compression
Review
Dustin Johnson added the TP5x golf ball to his bag when it was still in the testing phase in 2018 and he hasn’t looked back since.
Dustin has played some exceptional golf in the beginning months of 2019 and the TP5x has definitely contributed towards this. The TP5x is renowned for its distance, but it is a premium golf ball that performs on all levels. The TP5x design maximizes distance with the help of its Tri Fast Core, the use of HFM and a new speed layer system.
The TP5x delivers in terms of distance, but it also offers exceptional greenside feel and control. The TP5x does come at a price, but fast swinging players will definitely benefit by adding a sleeve of TP5x golf balls to their bag for their next round.
Difference Between TP5 and TaylorMade TP5x
TP5 vs TP5x Driver Spin (Distance)
Both the TP5 and TP5x features the same design characteristics that maximize distance through the optimization of spin rates.
Driver spin rate differences will depend on the swing speed of the player hitting the golf ball, if the players swing speed is lower than the compression number of the golf ball then spin rates won’t be optimized and distance will be lost.
TP5 vs TP5x Compression
Compression is one of the few differences between the 2019 TP5 and TP5x golf balls. The TP5 has the lowest compression between these two golf balls. The compression of the TP5 is 85 and the compression of the TP5x is much higher at 97.
The TP5 is thus better for players with an average swing speed, players with an above average swing speed will benefit more by playing with the TP5x instead.
TP5 vs TP5x Swing Speed
Swing speed and golf ball compression is directly correlated. High compression golf balls are designed for fast swinging players and vice versa.
Players with average swing speeds will be able to maximize the performance of the TP5, a faster swing speed will be required to maximize the performance of the TP5x. Make sure you know what your average driver swing speed is when shopping for golf balls.
Durability and Feel
Both the TP5 and TP5x feature Taylormade’s Dual-Spin Cover system. This soft-tough cast urethane cover is extremely durable and it also offers exceptional soft feel from tee to green.
Taylormade TP5 vs TP5x Difference
The TP5 and TP5x are very similar in terms of design, both feature a 5 piece construction and both golf balls feature Taylormade’s new speed layer system with a Tri-Fast Core and Dual Spin Cover system.
The difference between these two golf balls exist in terms of compression and ball flight. The TP5 has a mid compression of 85, in comparison the compression of the TP5x is 97.
The other difference between these two golf balls are in terms of ball flight. The TP5 promotes a workable mid height ball flight, in comparison the TP5 promotes a more piercing high ball flight.
Driving
Both the TP5 and TP5x golf balls are designed to promote exceptional distance. This added distance is achieved as a result of high balls speeds, optimized spin rates, maximized carry distances and limited drag during flight.
Adequate compression of the golf ball is required in order to maximize distance. Players with average swing speeds will get the most distance out of the mid-compression TP5, in comparison players with above average swing speeds will gain maximum distance by playing with the high compression TP5x.
Irons
Ball flight is the biggest difference between the TP5 and TP5x in terms of iron play. Skilled players that enjoy shaping the golf ball on demand will enjoy the workable mid trajectory ball flight of the TP5.
If a high penetrating ball flight is what you prefer with your irons then the TP5x will be best suited for your game.
Short Game
Both the TP5 and TP5x feature a Dual-Spin cover system, this durable cover system delivers exceptional greenside spin. Both of these golf balls will deliver very similar short game results due to their similar designs. The only difference being that the ultra low 16 compression inner core of the TP5 will give it a slightly softer feel around the greens.
Putting
The TP5 and TP5x golf balls feature very similar design features. Both will deliver similar results on the putting green, the high compression TP5x will feel slightly firmer at impact than the mid compression TP5.
The difference will be minimal and majority of golfers won’t be able to tell the difference.
2019 TP5 vs. 2017 TP5
The 2017 and 2019 TP5 models feature very similar designs, but there are a few small differences between these two respective models. The new TP5 delivers higher ball speeds with the driver but spin and launch numbers are the same.
The 2019 TP5 offers more spin with irons and wedges, this ensures the workability of this golf ball. Both golf balls feature the same compression.
2019 TP5x vs. 2017 TP5x
The 2019 TP5x is faster than the 2017 model, this added speed results in added distance. Launch and spin numbers have remained consistent. Spin rates with irons and wedges are also unchanged between the two models, the only difference being that the 2019 TP5x offers more spin than the 2017 model from 30 yards and in.
The 2019 TP5x features a slightly firmer compression, this added firmness will be evident at impact on both long game and short game shots.
Conclusion
Should I play TP5 or TP5?
The winner in this head to head matchup is without a doubt TaylorMade. Both of these golf balls feature exceptional designs that promote maximum distance without compromising on greenside control and feel.
After thoroughly reviewing both the Taylormade TP5 and TP5x the only difference between these two golf balls is their compression and ball flight.
When comparing these two golf balls in order to determine which one you want to add to your golf bag make sure to do so by playing with the model that matches your swing speed in terms of compression.
Both the TP5 and TP5x retail at an above-average price, but the performance of these two golf balls will make it worth the spend.