TaylorMade TP5 vs Tour Response: Which Golf Ball Should YouPlay?
The TaylorMade TP5 and Tour Response might carry the same logo, but they are not designed to do exactly the same job.
The TP5 sits at the premium end of TaylorMade's golf-ball range. Tour Response offers urethane-covered performance at a more accessible level. Tour Response Stripe adds one of the most distinctive putting-alignment designs in golf.
So do you actually need the TP5, or is Tour Response the smarter choice?
TP5 vs Tour Response: The Quick Answer
Choose the TP5 if you want TaylorMade's flagship premium performance, five-layer construction and maximum emphasis on all-round tour-level performance. Shop TP5 here
Choose Tour Response if you want a softer, urethane-covered TaylorMade ball with excellent all-round performance but do not necessarily need the flagship model.
Choose Tour Response Stripe if you also want a highly visible 360-degree alignment aid. Shop Tour Response here
Feature | ||
Position | Flagship premium | Premium/value |
Construction | 5-layer | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane | Urethane |
Feel | Soft premium | Soft |
Alignment versions | Pix / Stripe options available | Tour Response Stripe |
Main appeal | Maximum premium performance | Urethane performance and value |
What Is the TaylorMade TP5?
The TP5 is one of TaylorMade's flagship golf balls. Unlike most competitors, TaylorMade uses a five-layer construction. The idea is to create different performance characteristics through different parts of the golf ball, helping it respond appropriately to everything from a driver to a short greenside shot.
What Is TaylorMade Tour Response?
Tour Response sits below TP5 in TaylorMade's range but has one particularly important feature: a cast urethane cover. This creates an interesting middle ground for golfers who want premium feel and short-game performance without automatically stepping up to the flagship model.
What Is Tour Response Stripe?
Tour Response Stripe takes the underlying Tour Response ball and adds a bold alignment design around its circumference. When the ball rolls end-over-end, the stripe provides visual feedback and a much larger alignment reference than a traditional small side stamp.
Is TP5 Better Than Tour Response?
Technically, TP5 sits higher in TaylorMade's range. But that does not automatically mean it is the better ball for you. If Tour Response gives you the flight, feel and short-game control you need, paying more for TP5 will not necessarily lower your scores.
Which Is Better Around the Greens?
Both use urethane covers. TP5 is TaylorMade's flagship tour product, but Tour Response can still provide the softer feel and greenside response many club golfers are looking for. Test both from the distances and lies you actually face on the course.
Which Is Better for Mid Handicappers?
Tour Response is particularly interesting for mid-handicap players because many golfers at this level are developing better short games but do not necessarily need to buy the most expensive ball available. That does not mean mid handicappers should not play TP5; it simply means Tour Response deserves to be tested
alongside it.
TP5 vs Tour Response for Value
This is where Tour Response makes its strongest argument. Even before looking at used golf balls, it is positioned as a less expensive route into TaylorMade's urethane range. Buying it used can make that difference even more significant.
Why Used TaylorMade Golf Balls Make the Comparison Easier
Instead of buying a new dozen of TP5 and another new dozen of Tour Response just to find out which you prefer, buying used reduces the cost of that test. At ReUse Golf Balls, we stock used TaylorMade TP5 golf balls as well as Tour Response and Tour Response Stripe golf balls.
Our Verdict
Choose TP5 if you want TaylorMade's flagship five-layer premium ball and are not primarily making the decision on price. Choose Tour Response if you want a soft, urethane-covered ball and strong value matters. Choose Tour Response Stripe if you also want a large visual alignment aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tour Response as good as TP5?
They are designed for different positions in TaylorMade's range. TP5 is the flagship premium model, while Tour Response offers urethane-covered performance at a more accessible level.
What is the difference between TP5 and Tour Response?
One of the clearest differences is construction. TP5 uses five layers, whereas Tour Response uses a three-piece construction. Both use urethane covers.
Is Tour Response good for mid handicappers?
Yes. Its combination of soft feel, urethane cover and value makes it an attractive option for many mid-handicap golfers.
Should I buy TP5 or Tour Response?
Choose based on performance rather than the label. If you want TaylorMade's flagship ball, start with TP5. If value and urethane feel are priorities, Tour Response deserves serious consideration.
Comments