Updated June 20, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls are highlighted by first-rate construction beginning with the multi-layered design that features a proprietary core and cover for remarkable distance and feel on each shot.
For golfers looking to make the jump from a two-piece ball to a more tour-level, multi-piece ball, either of the TP5 vs TP5x golf balls will provide the weekend warrior with an affordable option for improving their game.
We are convinced that the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls can stand toe-to-toe with the best tour-level balls money can buy, although some may feel that they still don’t reach the heights of the Titleist Pro V1, known as the top ball in all of golf.
TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5X
The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls can boost distance and improve spin rate from the fairway and around the green.
The TaylorMade TP5x is more sophisticated, providing the golfer with more compression and better wind control. Perfect for mid-handicappers, looking to make the jump to a tour-level golf ball without the suffocating price tag.
TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball Review
Best Luxury Option for Mid Handicappers
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Pros
- Softer golf ball than TP5x
- Offers low penetrating flight with high spin
- Incredibly fast ball speed for additional distance
Cons
- Not as long as the TP5x
TheTaylorMade TP5 is an outstanding multi-layer golf ball that works well around the greens and offers low spin flight with the driver.
This highly regarded all-around ball is considered by many professionals to be the best golf ball that TaylorMade has ever produced. And, after a few minutes on the course with the TP5, you’ll immediately see the reasons why they feel that way.
The TP5 is powered by the Tri-Fast Core that is wrapped around five stiff layers for exceptional response and feel. Regardless of whether you are putting on the green or hitting a shot with your 5-iron, you’ll feel the softness of the TP5 on the face of the club.
With the driver, the TP5 provides low spin for straighter shots that find the fairway with more regularity. And inside 150 yards, the TP5 offers a high shot arc that softly finds the green with moderate spin that is very controllable for advanced golfers.
A first-rate golf ball worth its accolades, the TP5 stands tall among its elite competitors.
TaylorMade TP5x Golf Ball Review
Best Tour-Level Option for Low Handicappers
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Pros
- Higher ball speed than TP5 for long distance
- Low driver spin minimizes hooks and slices
- High launch delivers steep landing angle with spin
Cons
- Firmer golf ball than the TP5
Key Features
- Tour-level ball that offers exciting length off the tee
- Outstanding greenside control on pitch and chip shots
- Marvelous feel and response at impact on high speed swings
For advanced players, the TaylorMade TP5x is the golf ball to help improve their game.
With piercing ball flight powered by its shallow dimple design, the TP5x utilizes the similar architecture of its brother, the TP5, to deliver distance, forgiveness, and accuracy with confidence.
The TaylorMade TP5x offers the highest ball launch of any ball on the market. With a wedge or low iron in your hand, you’ll find the TP5x is very workable, providing excellent response for hitting high-spin shots closer to the pin.
Between the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls, the TP5x offers more distance and ball speed. If you are struggling to maintain consistent speed off the tee box, this is the ball to boost your length.
Another reason why pros such as Tommy Fleetwood prefer the TP5x over the TP5 is it feels a bit firmer around the greens. With the putter, the firmness of the ball works to the golfer’s advantage as they find more consistency on longer putts with reliable roll and speed.
For golfers that want workability and premium performance, it is hard to beat the dynamic playability of the TaylorMade TP5x.
Alternatives: How Do the TP5 and TP5x Compare to Other Golf Balls
Titleist Pro V1x
Best Golf Ball for Low Handicappers
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Pros
- Tour-level ball that is played by more professional golfers than any other ball on the market today
- Great in windy conditions with low-rising flight path that stays true and doesn’t deviate from intended target
- Excellent stopping power on the greens with the most spin from a tour-level ball
Cons
- Although there are little complaints for the Pro V1 to record, this ball is expensive for golfers looking for a cheaper tour-level golf ball
- As with most tour-level golf balls, the Pro V1 may be too soft for high handicappers
Much like the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls, the Titleist Pro V1 also has a brother ball, the Pro V1x.
The Pro V1 is softer for better feel while providing mid-range ball flight that increases distance while reducing side spin. The V1x delivers higher ball flight than its counterpart with more spin when using irons and wedges.
Although both the TP5 and TP5x are considered to be tour-level golf balls, the Pro V1 and V1x rates higher. The only noticeable difference is the price, because you can expect to spend $10-15 more per dozen for the Titleist model.
Recommended: Titleist Pro V1 vs Pro V1x: What’s the Difference?
Bridgestone Tour B XS
Exceptional Golf Ball for High Handicappers
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Pros
- Gradual Compression core helps golfers increase distance and forgiveness with less side spin
- Quality feel and control around the greens with softer proprietary SlipRes cover
- Dual Dimple technology on cover assists with additional distance with less drag and more efficiency
- Very affordable tour-level ball that provides ridiculous distance and terrific feel
Cons
- Compared to others, the Bridgestone XS fell a bit short in the distance category during our testing
- Some golfers have complained that the cover is too soft, resulting in cuts and gashes when striking objects on course
Made popular by Tiger Woods, the Bridgestone Tour B XS has been tailored for low handicappers who are looking to avoid the higher price tag of the Pro V1 but not sacrifice in the performance department.
The Tour B XS features several unique characteristics that are proprietary to Bridgestone.
The first feature worth highlighting is the gradational core within the B XS. Adding distance and forgiveness while not reducing the ball’s spin rate, the Tour B XS utilizes the core to reduce side spin as it increases the ball’s speed off the club face.
Next, the company’s SlipRes cover adds much-needed feel and control for increased friction that makes it a dream off the face of your wedges for shot-stopping power and increased back spin for ultimate control.
Finally, the Dual Dimple system on the cover of this Bridgestone ball comes equipped with extra distance via enhanced aerodynamics.
Making the ball more efficient, the Dual Dimple reduces drag making the B XS sleeker through wind and other elements that could ultimately affect the flight of the ball.
TP5 vs TP5x Golf Ball Review – Should You Buy It?
Lower Compression, Lower Launch on TaylorMade TP5 golf ball
The TP5 offers the golfer a lower compression, lower launch and higher spin when using a wedge that helps a weekend warrior around the greens.
This tour-level ball is a complete dynamo that will help a golfer from tee to green.
Higher Compression, Higher Launch on TP5x
The TP5x differs from its brother by offering a higher compression and a higher launch for a far more arc-like shot height that helps the ball pierce the wind and land softly on the green.
The ball’s proprietary core delivers incredible spin from the fairway and shot-stopping power once the ball reaches the putting surface.
5-Layer Construction
Both balls are assembled via a five-layer construction that enhances the ball’s speed without affecting the spin performance of either one.
The Tri-Fast Core delivers incredible distance and maximum carry, while also promoting a low drag that helps assist the ball in windy conditions. On the exterior, golfers can expect a soft urethane cover that is very durable and promotes terrific spin.
Final Thoughts: TaylorMade TP5 vs TP5x Review
The TaylorMade TP5 golf ball, in comparison, is an excellent all-around ball that offers long distance off the tee box with a lower launch angle due to the lower compression.
Around the green, the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball provides the golfer with more spin for their wedge shots, making this ball the more advanced of the two when compared to the TP5x.
Whatever your needs may be on the course, the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x are more than equipped to do the job.
With a durable cover that promotes spin and a multi-layered construction that assists in boosting distance, these two balls from TaylorMade certainly will earn a place in your golf bag.