As he walked on to the 4th green during the first round of the Sanderson Farms Championship, the confusion on M.J. Daffue’s face was readily apparent. He was sure he’d hit a decent shot, yet didn’t see his ball on the putting surface. As his eyes scanned the surrounding area, a volunteer quietly said, “It’s in the hole.”
“Oh, I’m in the hole?”
As he raised his arms in celebration, he probably didn’t have time to realize that his ace was the very first for Titleist’s 2023 Pro V1 and Pro V1x line. While it officially launched a week later at the Shriners Children’s Open, Titleist had quietly allowed Daffue (Pro V1x), Garrick Higgo (Pro V1), and Gary Woodland (Pro V1x), who had been testing prototypes for the last month, to put the new balls in play. A month later, Seamus Power gave the 2023 Pro V1x its first tournament win at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
More importantly to us though, the golfing world at large can begin writing their 2023 Pro V1 story. Titleist believes the newest generation of their flagship line will fit a wider swath of players while providing more distance, more consistent flight, and the same greenside control consumers have come to expect.
Redesigned High Gradient Core
Central (literally and figuratively) to the Titleist 2023 Pro V1 line is their reimagined high gradient core. In the simplest terms, a high gradient core has progressive firmness from the center outwards. Firmest on its outer areas, the core gradually softens on the inside. According to Titleist, the result of this design is faster ball speed and lower spin with long clubs, which they believe will bring more distance and control off the tee.
It should thrill many equipment fanatics to know that Titleist took inspiration from the high gradient cores of their two most popular custom options, Pro V1 Left Dot and Pro V1x Left Dash, when designing their new 2023 line. While many readers may not know much about those two balls, they are slight variations on the 2021 core line, have a strong underground following, and are used by several professionals.
Considering this, and the fact Titleist believes they can fit even more players with their new line, we asked if they expected any of their Tour staff to migrate from these custom options to either the 2023 ProV 1 or Pro V1x.
“Several players have already made the transition and we anticipate some others to follow as the season progresses and they have the opportunity to test and practice with the new models,” said Jeremy Stone. “Among those already making the switch are Keith Mitchell, Ben Taylor and SH Kim (Left Dot to new Pro V1); Vince Whaley (Left Dot to new Pro V1x); Richy Werenski (Left Dash to new Pro V1); and Charley Hoffman (Left Dash to new Pro V1x).”
In addition to the redesigned high gradient core, ProV1x’s inner core was increased in size from 1” to 1.13”. Titleist tells us this change, “works in concert with the high gradient core, as the larger and softer center helps to drive down long game spin and increase stability through the air.”
Titleist says that consumers should expect the same basic attributes from Pro V1 and Pro V1x.
- Pro V1, a three-piece ball, delivers a softer feel and lower, penetrating ball flight with excellent greenside spin.
- Pro V1x, a four-piece ball, will feel firmer and offer higher flight and spin with irons and wedges, while still providing low spin on longer shots.
Titleist says they’ve improved the feel of both balls in 2023, but believes that their customers will find the feel of both balls familiar and pleasing.
Surrounding the newly designed cores of the 2023 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x is a “high-flex casing layer” that works with the core to reduce driver spin, and at the same time interacts with the urethane cover to produce short game spin. The picture above shows the casing as a clear layer directly underneath the cover.
Speaking of the cast thermoset urethane cover, many consumers believe there isn’t another one quite like it on the market. It’s the one part of the ball that everyone can see and feel, and Titleist is quite proud of its formulation and the way its manufactured.
Titleist states, “Two separate components are mixed, and the liquid urethane is cast into Titleist-manufactured cavities which form the appropriate dimple pattern into the cover. The precise timing of the curing process and temperature are integral to the consistency of the urethane and the performance the golfer experiences on the course.”
The company believes their manufacturing process is critical to the consistency and quality of their product and takes immense pride in the fact that its precision tooling is machined and inspected in-house by Titleist employees.
Aerodynamics
Spherically-tiled Tetrahedral Dimple Designs. How’s that for a mouthful?
That’s the technical language Titleist uses for the 388 dimples on Pro V1 and the 348 on Pro V1x. They were designed to give both golf balls “optimized aerodynamics to fly consistent and far”. It is worth mentioning again that Pro V1x is the slightly higher-flying ball of the two, and a big reason for that is its dimple design.
We asked Titlist whether they made changes to the 2023 dimple pattern, and they confirmed they had not. To clarify further, Stone explained:
“Both were first utilized in the previous generation Pro V1 and Pro V1x and carried over for the new 2023 models. As is often the case, one innovation leads to another, and the updated aerodynamics and softer cast urethane cover first introduced in 2021 have allowed for more research into High Gradient core technologies that push the new golf balls forward in both distance and consistency.”
Details
- Available in white or high optic yellow
- White available in numbers 1-4, 5-8, and all the same play numbers 00 or 1-99.
- High optic yellow available in numbers 1-4.
- Price: $54.99/dozen
Man I was excited when I got stocked up on the Left Dot, but these are close to the excitement level to try!
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 11242000, member: 53737″]
You mean between the V1 and V1x? I definitely notice a little different peak height between them on course with mid and long irons. Little more spin and little different aero has the V1x peaking higher. V1 a little flatter flight and comes in at a little different angle for me.
If you mean compared to the prior ones, that’sa little harder to judge. I haven’t really spent time comparing that.
[/QUOTE]
[USER=53737]@OldandStiff[/USER] Yes, I was referring to the 2023 balls. This is the first year I’m considering playing the Pro V1x over the Pro V1 for the extra long game spin and extra height. I peak my 6i at 32 yards with the 2021 Pro V1 but spin seems low at 4900 rpm (off a mat on GC Hawk). The longest iron I carry is a 5i and it peaks at 28 yards with 4500 rpm. I know on course a stock 6i stops pretty acceptably with ’21 Pro V1. I just worry the reduced spin and slightly lower flight on the ‘23 Pro V1 will hinder my stopping power. Any advice?
Going to have to grab a box of those X’s. Nice write-up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]. Pretty hard to believe all this research and tech goes into these balls and the “they’re basically the same” argument still gets thrown around.
[QUOTE=”noodle3872, post: 11244040, member: 56″]
[USER=53737]@OldandStiff[/USER] Yes, I was referring to the 2023 balls. This is the first year I’m considering playing the Pro V1x over the Pro V1 for the extra long game spin and extra height. I peak my 6i at 32 yards with the 2021 Pro V1 but spin seems low at 4900 rpm (off a mat on GC Hawk). The longest iron I carry is a 5i and it peaks at 28 yards with 4500 rpm. I know on course a stock 6i stops pretty acceptably with ’21 Pro V1. I just worry the reduced spin and slightly lower flight on the ‘23 Pro V1 will hinder my stopping power. Any advice?
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The X is worth a try. The Titleist rep kept saying that playing the X is a luxury. It will probably give you a little more height, but most importantly spin.
Great write up [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] . If I had to choose one I’d go with the ProV1. Seems like some solid changes.
I do not spin these as much as a couple others on monitor with wedge shots. I also don’t shred them like those balls though, and I have been zipping these bad boys on course this last week like they laugh at the laws of physics.
It’s tasty.
I bought a box of each model on release day. I have spent 4 hours over 2 sessions at my local indoor golf spot that has GC Hawk. At this point, I’m convinced the biggest change in the 2023 balls is 5i up to driver. Having spent considerable time on Quad or Hawk, I have a pretty good understanding of my numbers. At the top of my bag and I know I could use more spin. I am low spin with driver due to my +4° AOA. I’m finding myself considering gaming the Pro V1x. The extra back spin it gives me in the 5i to driver part of my bag seems to result in a straighter ball flight which is my typical and desired ball flight. The rest of my clubs there’s hardly any difference to speak of. I’m not seeing much peak height difference club to club between the balls either. I really want to test outdoors but Mother Nature has other ideas.
[QUOTE=”noodle3872, post: 11261984, member: 56″]
I bought a box of each model on release day. I have spent 4 hours over 2 sessions at my local indoor golf spot that has GC Hawk. At this point, I’m convinced the biggest change in the 2023 balls is 5i up to driver. Having spent considerable time on Quad or Hawk, I have a pretty good understanding of my numbers. At the top of my bag and I know I could use more spin. I am low spin with driver due to my +4° AOA. I’m finding myself considering gaming the Pro V1x. The extra back spin it gives me in the 5i to driver part of my bag seems to result in a straighter ball flight which is my typical and desired ball flight. The rest of my clubs there’s hardly any difference to speak of. I’m not seeing much peak height difference club to club between the balls either. I really want to test outdoors but Mother Nature has other ideas.
[/QUOTE]
Golf is weird. My biggest difference is in my scoring clubs with the X. Let’s be friends.
[QUOTE=”noodle3872, post: 11261984, member: 56″]
I bought a box of each model on release day. I have spent 4 hours over 2 sessions at my local indoor golf spot that has GC Hawk. At this point, I’m convinced the biggest change in the 2023 balls is 5i up to driver. Having spent considerable time on Quad or Hawk, I have a pretty good understanding of my numbers. At the top of my bag and I know I could use more spin. I am low spin with driver due to my +4° AOA. I’m finding myself considering gaming the Pro V1x. The extra back spin it gives me in the 5i to driver part of my bag seems to result in a straighter ball flight which is my typical and desired ball flight. The rest of my clubs there’s hardly any difference to speak of. I’m not seeing much peak height difference club to club between the balls either. I really want to test outdoors but Mother Nature has other ideas.
[/QUOTE]
The X is my friend in the long stuff too. And my peaks are pretty similar on foresight, but I do notice differences when the aero packages do their thing on course.
I’m probably splitting hairs when I look at my 5i and 6i numbers with the new balls. Is there going to be a real world difference when the balls (on well struck shots) peak around 100 feet and spin within a couple hundred rpm of each other? I think the answer is “probably not”. But, and this is the big tipping point for me; those extra rpm of the X ball make driver mishits less punished when I get out on the toe a bit. Off the toe, spin with the X hasn’t dropped below 1800 rpm. With the Pro V1 it gets down to 1600 rpm which is scary! I don’t know if the extra spin makes the spin axis tilt effect less pronounce but I’m seeing straighter ball flights with the X.
[QUOTE=”noodle3872, post: 11263963, member: 56″]
I’m probably splitting hairs when I look at my 5i and 6i numbers with the new balls. Is there going to be a real world difference when the balls (on well struck shots) peak around 100 feet and spin within a couple hundred rpm of each other? I think the answer is “probably not”. But, and this is the big tipping point for me; those extra rpm of the X ball make driver mishits less punished when I get out on the toe a bit. Off the toe, spin with the X hasn’t dropped below 1800 rpm. With the Pro V1 it gets down to 1600 rpm which is scary! I don’t know if the extra spin makes the spin axis tilt effect less pronounce but I’m seeing straighter ball flights with the X.
[/QUOTE]
Good info. I kinda hate the feel at times, but the X seems to really work well for me throughout the bag. I’d love to find something similar that was a little less firm.
[USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] I feel the same way about the firmness of the X ball. The more I hit it the less clicky it seems to be. Plus I’m testing indoors. [ATTACH type=”full”]9153881[/ATTACH]
[MEDIA=twitter]1619640733035819009[/MEDIA]
Homa’s driver trajectory was really something else.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11264750, member: 1193″]
Homa’s driver trajectory was really something else.
[/QUOTE]
It was sexy. Crazy to see 250’s carry with 170’s and change ball speed but he was all about finding the fairway as quickly as possible.
That tempo though… ?
I had a couple gift cards from Christmas for Golf Town burning a hole on the fridge door so I turned them into 2 dozen 2023 Pro V1x with my custom number. [ATTACH type=”full”]9155873[/ATTACH]
I’m starting to hoard the new X
[QUOTE=”AnthonyC, post: 11288070, member: 53038″]
I’m starting to hoard the new X
[/QUOTE]
Haha Worried they’re going to run out?
Played the new X on Saturday in some…..less than ideal conditions. Super windy and super wet. The ball cut through the wind pretty well. It almost mirrored how I can hit the AVX through the wind.
On Sunday, I was playing very poorly, but I was getting high flight and incredibly spinny shots with all my clubs. Had plenty of roll out on the driver though. There were a few long irons that hit and stuck on the greens. I have to get used to this ball around the greens; I need to be more aggressive with my pitch and chip shots. It checks fast, which will allow me to play a shot closer to the hole.
I did mess around with the ProV1 on a couple drives and short irons. Does exactly what it says it will do.
Since the Club Champion and Titleist Ball fitting, I have been using the ProV1x. I hit a ProV with driver off the tee yesterday, and fell about 25 yards short of the X distance. It’s amazing how much I need spin to hit the ball farther. Get fit!
Patiently waiting for my B3GOF balls to show up, but so far I’m loving the X. Really consistent results off the tee, and my fitter was right on the money about seeing better results with irons. My height with the driver has never looked better.
[QUOTE=”AnthonyC, post: 11465766, member: 53038″]
Since the Club Champion and Titleist Ball fitting, I have been using the ProV1x. I hit a ProV with driver off the tee yesterday, and fell about 25 yards short of the X distance. It’s amazing how much I need spin to hit the ball farther. Get fit!
[/QUOTE]
Have wanted to get this done. I’ve looked but don’t see CC advertising ball fittings on their site. Where did you get it done?
[QUOTE=”AnthonyC, post: 11465766, member: 53038″]
Since the Club Champion and Titleist Ball fitting, I have been using the ProV1x. I hit a ProV with driver off the tee yesterday, and fell about 25 yards short of the X distance. It’s amazing how much I need spin to hit the ball farther. Get fit!
[/QUOTE]
I shot one under over the weekend with the new X. It fits me as well as anything I have tried.
Haven’t even put any of the V in the bag yet. Excited to compare to the left dot!
[QUOTE=”jbb2388, post: 11465863, member: 67726″]
Have wanted to get this done. I’ve looked but don’t see CC advertising ball fittings on their site. Where did you get it done?
[/QUOTE]
It’s not something they are totally into yet, but will add it in to a regular fitting.
Played my regular X on Monday, but in yellow for the first time. It was cool, didn’t mess with my brain at all haha. Idk that I’ll keep it yellow, but it’s fun for now.
Had a really interesting thing the last 2 rounds I played. I used Srixon Z-Star XV last year and really enjoyed it but was not seeing green side spin I wanted so I went with a ProV1X this winter and have been playing them all spring. I went back to the Z-Star XV last Friday and was hitting all my good drives about 225-230 which felt a little short for me lately. Went back to ProV1X this morning and was right back to 235-240 this morning. I’m a little curious what makes the ProV1X longer for me as the XV seems to fly a little higher. The ProV1X also demolished the XV on the form fast greens we have had around here. Not surprised there as a ProV1X is the best short game ball IMO. I just didn’t expect it to be 10ish yards longer than another premium ball for me and my club head speed. Need to go get on a launch monitor and see what the mechanics are there.
Fun with the V1x today. Hadn’t played it in a bit but still a really good match for me. Love the crack off the tee, great match with my irons, and it has to be most durable premium ball out there. Dang things are practically kevlar coated, which is handy when you have soft areas mixed with ones that were lost to our storms and are pretty bare. Good stuff. Curious how it’ll be paired with my new Cobra clubs.
Played another round in with the X and love how it reacts around the greens. Durability seems to be holding up better than others I’ve played this year which is a treat.
[QUOTE=”McLovin, post: 11956764, member: 23812″]
i ran out of my stock of csx and have been too lazy to get to the store for a reload. i’ve been using shag balls, but also bought some sleeves at courses to test during rounds. pv1x has been pretty outstanding. long off the tee, excellent spin on approaches and around greens, and i really enjoyed the feel off the putter. the durability really stood out to me, too. i had one greenside bunker shot and nipped it pretty well: not a blemish on the ball. as much as i hate the price, i think this will be my ball going forward.
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I think that I literally can play either the CSX or the PV1X and not see any difference in my scores. I also have played the Z Star XV quite a bit this year and would throw it in the same batch. I know that the Z Star XV spins less than the other two, but my short game is not good enough to really see a difference, as long as the ball is a Tour level ball. My game is mostly about trying to hit a good drive into the fairway and hitting the green. For each round, I am pretty much a par golfer on the 10 to 12 holes per round when I do that. I might have a three putt, but I also might have a birdie or two. The rest of my holes, I probably get up and down about 35 or 40% of the time.
Adding that all up, it gives me my 77 or 78 that I usually shoot, along with those lower scores that keep me at around a 5 index. So, when it is all said and done, I need a Tour level ball that is long within the realm of Tour level balls. I like both the PV1X and the CSX for my needs. I definitely like PV1X more than PV1.
Played V1x consistently this year and then -V1x at the end of the season, and both were excellent performers. Have to say I prefer left dash, just seems to explode off the face and go for forever, but my wallet doesn’t enjoy them so much :ROFLMAO: