How does the 2024 TaylorMade TP5x golf ball perform?
TaylorMade has seriously invested in its golf ball offerings in the last few years. The 2024 versions of its TP5 and TP5x golf balls are set to be its best yet. So what’s new, and how do they perform?
NCG SUMMARY
I’m not sure I have seen such impressive speed gains from any other product this year. It is amazing how TaylorMade have managed this while also making the golf ball feel softer. Outside of distance, increased height and spin were huge bonuses for more control into the greens. I really loved testing this golf ball and can’t wait to get it in play more this season.
PROS
- More distance
- Extra spin
- Higher ball flight
CONS
First Impressions
It can sometimes be hard to get excited about a new golf ball; after all, it is still the same shape and size and, ultimately, round and white. Well, for the most part, that is, we all know TaylorMade love a patterned golf ball. Firstly, let’s start with the white TP5x. I really like the new sidestamp. It is much cleaner than the previous version, and I think the square, sharper lines are easier for you to align. The Pix design has also been updated for 2024. The new model features a longer centreline and additional colour contrast, offering golfers easier alignment and more precise feedback on the green. I think this makes a lot of sense, and I like the fact the centre orange pattern is wider, as it gives you more visual feedback on the roll of the golf ball when putting. I also like how easy it is to identify my golf ball when using the Pix pattern!
NCG Verdict
I initially tested this out in South Carolina on a TaylorMade media trip with Mike Fox, the Senior Category Director of Golf Balls for TaylorMade. We did the TaylorMade 5×5 challenge, which involved hitting five balls with both the old and new TP5x golf balls with my 5-iron and comparing the results. The results turned out to be jaw-dropping, one of my biggest distance gains of the off-season. My ball speed jumped seven miles an hour, which is unheard of! I gained nine yards in carry distance, which gave me eleven extra yards on my total distance. Those are some impressive gains, especially with an iron. What was equally impressive was that my dispersion stayed tight, and I actually gained 500 rpm of spin, which will definitely help with consistency when going into greens. The Speed Wrapped Core has allowed TaylorMade to build a golf ball that feels softer yet goes faster, the perfect combination that has seemed elusive for all major brands. Generally, a softer feel means less speed, and a firmer feel means more speed, but new materials have allowed TaylorMade to get around this. Since my testing in America, I have taken the ball out on the golf course and have been really happy with how it performs through the bag. It balances fast speed with driver and long irons but also gives me enough control via height and spin. I also really love the new softer feel, especially around the greens. This is a fantastic all-around golf ball, and I will be carrying it for the season ahead!
TaylorMade TP5x golf ball review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £44.99 (white/yellow) £47.99 (Pix)
More information: TaylorMade Website
