Taylormade TP5X £49.99 doz

THE TECH

Five layers make the TP5X the most complete tour ball ever, says Taylormade. A three-piece core has a progressive compression for maximum energy transfer and a two-piece cover for maximum feel and spin. A 90 compression means the TP5X feels firmer than the TP5; it also launches higher and spins a bit less with the irons.

OUR VERDICT

Taylormade have pulled off a masterstroke with the TP5 and TP5X, as they’ve simplified the choice between them to a level clubgolfers can harness. They say to make your selection based on the feel you desire. If you like softer go for TP5; if you prefer firmer go TP5X. It’s no secret the majority of Taylormade’s tour staff (including world No.1 Jason Day and Dustin Johnson) have gone TP5X, which can be explained by them wanting to be as far down the fairway as possible. As high swing speed players they generate lots of spin anyway so they don’t necessarily need a ball to generate spin for them. For our test pro the TP5X performed brilliantly, delivering his longest average driver carry distance, with very low spin. 6-iron performance was similarly strong, with only the TP5 going further, and wedge spin was first class, even though supposedly the x is a firmer golf ball.