Name: Titleist Pro V1x Ball 2021
Brand: Titleist

(Image credit: Future)

Golf Monthly Verdict

The latest version of the Titleist Pro V1x golf ball is an excellent all-rounder, as you would expect. We were particularly impressed by the improved ball flight in the long game which didn’t come at the cost of any short game control or feel.

Reasons to buy

+
Strong ball flights in the long game, especially noticeable when playing in the wind
+
Good spin control
+
Firm but responsive feel around the green

Reasons to avoid

-
The premium price point will be too much of a stretch for some

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By Neil Tappin

published 17 February 2021

2021 Titleist Pro V1x Ball Review

The 2021 Titleist Pro V1x builds on what was already a top-performing product in the 2019 version. For those golfers not fighting spin in the long game, this model provides excellent consistency and a ball flight that couples distance with control.

The 2021 Pro V1X promises golfers a combination of distance in the long game with high levels control and feel in the short game by building on previous versions of the ball. We wanted to see for ourselves how the performance compared so we tested the 2021 Titleist Pro V1x golf balls on a SkyTrak launch monitor at West Hill Golf Club.

Watch Neil Tappin put the 2021 Titleist Pro V1x ball through its paces

The first thing to note about the latest version of the Pro V1x is the long game spin. In our driver testing, it was spinning 300rpm less on average than the 2019 version. The ball flight however was very similar, probably because the 2021 Pro V1x had a 1˚ higher launch angle. Off the tee, we felt that any distance gains over the previous generation were fairly minimal but that the ball flight was stronger and this was particularly noticeable during our on-course testing.

That the Pro V1x spins more than the 2021 Pro V1 was noticeable off the tee but less so when hitting into the greens. During our 7-iron testing, both models provided consistent flights (the peak height of the Pro V1x was 1 yard higher than the Pro V1) and offered excellent stopping power into the greens.

The Pro V1x has a firmer feel than the Pro V1. However, in our testing we often struggle to pick up on these differences especially on chip and putt shots when the clubhead is moving slowly. Both balls feel good around the greens and for us, the other performance elements were more noticeable.

One of the standout performance benefits of the new Titleist Pro V1x was evident as we tested the balls on a very windy day on the golf course. The strength of the ball flight that we noticed during the launch monitor testing translated into superb performance here. It was clear how much distance we were able to retain when hitting into and in cross winds.

In his current role, Neil is responsible for testing drivers and golf balls. Having been a part of the Golf Monthly team for over 15 years and playing off a handicap of 3, he has the experience to compare performance between models, brands and generations. For 2022 he thinks the main trend in drivers is: "In a word, consistency. Whilst all the brands are talking about ball speed (and the new drivers are certainly long), my biggest finding has been how much more consistent the ball flights are. Mishits don't seem to be causing the same level of drop-off or increase in the spin numbers. This means that more shots seem to be flying the way you want them to!" As far as golf balls are concerned the biggest development is in the, "three piece, non-Tour, urethane-covered section. For regular golfers, these models offer superb performance at both ends of the bag without denting your wallet quite as much as the premium Tour-played options."

Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he is now the brand's Digital Editor and covers everything from Tour player interviews to gear reviews. In his time at Golf Monthly, he has covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSi2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons (4-9): Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X