COST: $76.95.

TESTED BY: Jimmy Emanuel, Golf Australia Deputy Editor (GA Handicap 9.4).

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Reviewing the two new models began where I typically start most golf ball testing, on the green, and completely unsurprisingly I enjoyed the feel of both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x off the putter face.

The Pro V1 remains the softer of the two, while the new Pro V1x is certainly closer in feel and softer than previous iterations. This feel difference remained throughout the bag all the way to driver, the change in the Pro V1x a welcome one for me.

Performance wise, both balls impressed as one would expect of Titleist’s flagship models. Plenty of spin around the greens and when hitting wedges was again no surprise and very similar between the two models, the main differences in performance coming for me through the middle of the bag.

HOW THEY PERFORMED: Testing the two models across a number of occasions, I was suitably impressed and definitely agree with Titleist that these are an improvement on the 2019 models.

Both balls were exceptionally consistent, even if my golf wasn’t, and the performance variations were minor for me, but noticeable enough to certainly understand how different golfers would do better with one or the other.

The soft feel of the Pro V1 is certainly a standout, but the biggest improvement when it comes to feel in my opinion is in the Pro V1x. I typically fall right between these two models in terms of preferences in performance characteristics, and the Pro V1x feeling softer than previous models and slightly closer to the Pro V1 made it a great option for me, as the added spin and higher flight are things I enjoy.

The flight difference between the two wasn’t dramatically significant for me, however the Pro V1 did seem to come out a little lower off the tee, but the added spin Titleist engineered into the Pro V1x worked for me and my longest drives came with the firmer model.

Pro V1x spinning more was most evident through my irons during testing, with a ball flight fitting my eye better and resulting in more workability. Around the greens there was very little difference, both models providing a great deal of stopping power and predictably so, making judging shots a very easy task.

Perhaps the most significant change to the new models is the first new dimple pattern in a long time, and although I didn’t get the chance to play in very strong winds during my testing both models performed well. And despite spinning slightly more, the Pro V1x wasn’t noticeably worse.

Given the standing of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in the game, I fully expected to like both models and perhaps struggle to find a major difference between them. However, the slight modifications to the Pro V1x, mainly feel, confirmed it as the model for me, although I would happily play the Pro V1 at the drop of a hat.

From spin around the greens, long game performance and feel, the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x are exceptional in every area as one would expect from Titleist’s premium models. The differences between the two might not sound much when picking one or the other, but the latest versions make this an easier choice for mine. And once again reinforce the importance of a golf ball fitting.

TITLEIST SAYS: Increasing performance through every single layer of the golf ball, the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x models are designed for longer distance, even more greenside spin and control and softer feel – with the unmatched ball-to-ball consistency and quality that golfers expect from Titleist.

2021 Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the result of new core, casing layer, cover and aerodynamic technologies – including proprietary 388 (Pro V1) and 348 (Pro V1x) dimple designs optimised for extraordinary distance and consistent flight – that combine to make the most trusted and best performing golf balls in the game even better.

Both new 2021 models deliver longer distance, increased ‘Drop-and-Stop’ greenside control, softer feel and long-lasting durability – while maintaining their differences in flight, feel and spin:

New Pro V1 offers the greatest combination of speed, spin and feel in the game, providing the best fit for the majority of golfers. Pro V1 flies lower than Pro V1x with a penetrating trajectory and has a very soft feel.

New Pro V1x has a fast, high flight and delivers spin when and where a golfer wants it. Pro V1x is designed for players who want a higher trajectory and increased spin relative to Pro V1, with a slightly firmer feel.

For more information, visit the website www.titleist.com.au