TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x – What's the Difference?
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x are two of TaylorMade's most popular premium golf balls. Both are designed for golfers looking for excellent distance, feel and control, but they have different characteristics that can make one better suited to your game than the other.
So, what's the difference between the TP5 and TP5x, and which one should you play?
TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x – The Main Difference
The simplest way to look at the difference is feel and ball flight.
The TP5 generally offers a softer feel and a slightly lower, more penetrating flight, while the TP5x is designed to produce a higher ball flight and a slightly firmer feel.
Both are premium golf balls capable of excellent distance and greenside performance, so neither is simply “better” than the other.
The best choice depends on your swing and the type of flight you prefer.
TaylorMade TP5
The TaylorMade TP5 is a premium five-layer golf ball designed to provide a combination of distance, feel and control.
It's a great option if you prefer:
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A softer feel
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A more penetrating ball flight
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Excellent greenside control
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A premium all-round golf ball
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A balance between distance and feel
The TP5 can be particularly appealing to golfers who don't want their golf ball to feel too firm off the clubface.
For many golfers, it's an excellent all-round premium ball.
TaylorMade TP5x
The TP5x is designed for golfers who prefer a higher ball flight and a slightly firmer feel.
It's a good option if you want:
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A higher trajectory
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A slightly firmer feel
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Excellent distance
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Strong greenside performance
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A premium golf ball designed for high performance
If you naturally hit the ball relatively low, the TP5x could be worth trying because its flight characteristics may suit your game better.
TP5 vs TP5x – Which Goes Further?
Both the TP5 and TP5x are designed to deliver excellent distance, so choosing between them purely because you think one will automatically go further isn't necessarily the best approach.
Your swing speed, launch conditions, strike and delivery have a much bigger effect on the distance you achieve.
The better question is:
Which ball gives you the flight and feel you prefer?
If you find the TP5 produces the right trajectory and feels better off your clubs, that's likely to be the better ball for you. The same applies to the TP5x.
TP5 vs TP5x Around the Greens
Both golf balls are designed to provide excellent greenside performance.
The TP5's softer feel may appeal to golfers who particularly enjoy a softer sensation around the greens and when putting.
The TP5x offers a slightly firmer feel while still providing the control you'd expect from a premium golf ball.
If you're a golfer who places a lot of importance on short-game feel, trying both can be the best way to decide.
Which Is Better for a Mid or Low Handicapper?
Both the TP5 and TP5x are suitable for experienced golfers.
A mid handicapper shouldn't automatically assume they need the TP5x, while a low handicapper doesn't necessarily have to play the TP5.
Instead, think about your natural ball flight.
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Prefer a softer feel
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Like a penetrating flight
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Want a premium all-round golf ball
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Prefer softer-feeling shots around the greens
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Prefer a higher ball flight
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Like a slightly firmer feel
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Want to increase trajectory
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Prefer the feel of a firmer premium golf ball
Can Beginners Play TP5 or TP5x?
Absolutely.
There's no rule saying that premium golf balls are only for low handicappers.
The bigger consideration for beginners and high handicappers is cost.
If you're likely to lose several golf balls during a round, paying full retail price for TP5 or TP5x can become expensive.
That's where buying second hand TP5 and TP5x golf balls can make a lot of sense.
At The Golf Ball Guys, we stock TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls in different grades, giving you the opportunity to play a premium golf ball for considerably less than buying new.
TP5 vs TP5x – Which Should You Buy?
As a simple guide:
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Prefer a softer feel
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Like a more penetrating flight
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Want a premium all-round golf ball
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Prioritise feel as well as distance
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Prefer a higher ball flight
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Like a slightly firmer feel
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Want more height
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Prefer a firmer sensation off the clubface
Neither is universally better.
The best choice is the one that gives you the flight, feel and performance you prefer.
Save Money on TP5 & TP5x Golf Balls
If you'd like to try both models, buying second hand can be a much cheaper way to compare them.
Rather than paying full price for new premium golf balls, you can buy used TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls in graded conditions and see which model works best for your game.
This can be particularly useful if you're still deciding which ball to commit to.
TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x – The Verdict
The TP5 is the better choice if you prefer a softer feel and more penetrating flight.
The TP5x is better suited to golfers who prefer a higher flight and slightly firmer feel.
Both are excellent premium golf balls, and the difference ultimately comes down to your swing and personal preference.
If you're looking to try either model without paying full retail price, take a look at our second hand TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls at The Golf Ball Guys.
Play a premium golf ball. Spend less. Find your next TP5 or TP5x above.