TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x: What's the Difference?

The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x are two of the most popular premium golf balls on the market, but what's actually the difference between them?

Both are five-layer Tour golf balls designed to offer a combination of distance, spin and control. However, there are some important differences in feel, spin and flight that can make one better suited to your game than the other. Find out more about our Taylormade products here

TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x: The Quick Answer

TP5 - softer feel, more spin with wedges and irons.

TP5x - firmer feel, lower long-game spin and designed for maximum speed.

Both are premium Tour-level balls, so there isn't necessarily a 'better' option. It's about finding the one that suits your game.

	TP5	TP5x
Feel	Softer	Slightly firmer
Long-game spin	More iron spin	Lower driver and iron spin
Short game	Highest wedge spin of the two	High wedge spin
Flight	Penetrating	Speed-focused
Best suited to	Feel and control	Speed and lower-game spin

What Is the TaylorMade TP5?

The TP5 is TaylorMade's softer Tour ball.

It uses a five-layer construction with a cast urethane cover and is designed to combine strong ball speed with a softer feel and plenty of control around the greens.

The TP5 generally produces more iron and wedge spin than the TP5x, which can make it particularly appealing to golfers who prioritise control with their approach shots and short game.

The current TP5 also produces a penetrating flight designed to perform consistently in windy conditions. Shop the TP5 here

What Is the TaylorMade TP5x?

The TP5x is the faster and slightly firmer option in the family.

TaylorMade describes the TP5x as its fastest, lowest-spinning five-layer Tour ball. It is designed to reduce spin at the top end of the bag while still providing plenty of control around the greens through its urethane cover.

That combination makes the TP5x particularly attractive to golfers looking to maximise ball speed and control excessive driver spin. Shop the TP5x here

TP5 vs TP5x: Feel

This is one of the easiest differences to notice.

The TP5 feels softer, particularly with wedges and the putter.

The TP5x feels slightly firmer and more solid.

Feel is extremely personal, so neither is automatically better. Some golfers love the softer sensation of the TP5, while others prefer the slightly more responsive feel of the TP5x.

Which Spins More?

This depends on the club you're hitting.

The TP5 is designed to produce more spin through the irons and the highest wedge spin of the two.

The TP5x, meanwhile, is designed to reduce driver and iron spin while still generating high levels of wedge spin.

If you're looking for maximum short-game spin and a softer feel, we'd lean towards the TP5.

If you're trying to keep long-game spin down while maintaining Tour-level greenside control, we'd look at the TP5x.

Which Goes Further?

For most amateur golfers, the difference in distance is unlikely to be enormous.

However, the TP5x is engineered to maximise ball speed and reduce spin at the top end of the bag, making it the more distance-focused of the two.

Your own launch conditions matter far more than the name on the ball, though. A golfer who produces better launch and spin numbers with the TP5 could easily hit it further than the TP5x.

TaylorMade TP5 or TaylorMade TP5x: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the TaylorMade TP5 if you:

● Prefer a softer-feeling golf ball

● Want more iron and wedge spin

● Prioritise short-game control

● Prefer a softer feel off the putter

Choose the TaylorMade TP5x if you:

● Prefer a slightly firmer feel

● Want maximum ball speed

● Produce too much driver spin

● Want lower long-game spin without sacrificing greenside control

If you're still unsure, one of the best things you can do is play a few rounds with each.

Golf ball fitting isn't just for Tour professionals. Trying both balls with your own driver, irons and wedges is the easiest way to discover which performs better for your game.

And buying ReUsed golf balls makes testing different premium models considerably more affordable than buying a brand-new box every time.

To see a comparison of the TP5 to a different model, Tour Response, see here