Titleist Improves Prov1 for 2023
Improved feel and control around the greens are the first things you notice about the latest generation of the Titleist Prov1 and Prov1x golf balls that have just hit retail after several months of testing with the company’s PGA Tour staff.
As the most played ball in the professional ranks, the Prov1 and Prov1x are continually being upgraded with the latest technology by Titleist engineers-- who have once again created a better-performing core formulation that is noticeable not only around the green but in the long game as well with increased length.
“For a Titleist golf ball to be new, it must be better,” said Frederick Waddell, Director of Golf Ball Product Management. “For us to call it a new Pro V1, it needs to be demonstrably better than the prior generation. We go through a rigorous testing and validation process to ensure the performance improvements developed by our worldclass R&D team are recognized by the golfer when they put it in play and experience the product.”
The new Pro V1 and Pro V1x are engineered with high-gradient core designs that deliver lower long game spin for increased distance and a more consistent flight – helping golfers hit the ball longer and straighter while maintaining the “Drop-and-stop” greenside control to aid the short game.
The new high-gradient construction of these balls feature progressive firmness levels that lower long game spin without sacrificing short game spin. High-gradient core technology-combined with the continued advancement of Titleist’s strict manufacturing process--produces more consistent spin and speed performance for even tighter dispersion, noted the company.
“We’re looking for consistency in every element of golf ball construction, from the aerodynamics down to the core,” added Mike Madson, Senior Director Golf Ball Research and Engineering. “We always want the ball flying in the same window regardless of how it’s oriented--and we want the ball to produce consistent launch, spin
and speed on every shot. Consistency means when a golfer tees up a Pro V1 or Pro V1x, every properly executed shot they make is going to deliver the performance they expect and the performance they trust.”
Both golf balls feature significant innovations to improve on-course performance in addition to the new high gradient core design. The all-new, reimagined core in the new Pro V1 and the dual core Pro V1x are built to be firmer on the outside and progressively softer on the inside, which promotes fast speeds and low long game spin.
The new cores take inspiration from popular CPOS (Custom Performance Options) - Pro V1 Left Dot and Pro V1x Left Dash-- both of which feature high gradient cores and are the choice of several players on professional tours.
There has been a change in the 2023 Pro V1x dual core design, with the inner core increasing center volume by 44%, from 1” to 1.13” in size. This works in concert with the high gradient, as the larger and softer center helps to drive down long game spin and increase stability through the air.
The speed amplifying high-flex casing layers on both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x interact with the high gradient cores to further neutralize excess spin while combining with the soft cast urethane cover to provide improved greenside spin and control—and better stopping power.
The cast thermoset Urethane covers on the Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls utilize a proprietary thermoset process. 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.
With a 388-dimple design on the Pro V1 and a 348-dimple design on Pro V1x, both golf balls have optimized aerodynamics to fly consistent and far. The Pro V1x’s dimple pattern allows the ball to launch and fly in a slightly higher window than the Pro V1.
As in the past, the difference between the two models of the Prov1 is to customize the ball for the player’s type of game. Pro V1 is the best ball for players seeking very low long game spin, more distance, penetrating and consistent flight, and drop-and-stop greenside control, all of which complements Pro V1’s very soft feel, which is improved in the new edition.
Pro V1x is the best choice for golfers seeking higher flight and more spin, with a slightly firmer feel compared to Pro V1. Titleist has done a good job of making this ball feel even softer in the newest version and more like the Prov1. This can be a real advantage to players wanting to retain the feel yet get a higher ball flight and more spin for their long game—which can create more distance for many players.
As noted by PGA Tour star Will Zalatoris: “The golf ball is the engine of everything I do equipment wise,” he noted. “So, the big thing that I look for whenever I’m testing balls, is ‘Does it do exactly what I think it’s going to do? The dependability is obviously something that all the players who play the ball, that’s the number one thing that we absolutely love. And so, when I switched to the (2023 Pro V1x), the big thing I saw was it had the exact same reactions around the greens, I actually gained a little bit of distance with the driver, but it was actually better through the wind. For me to be able to put the exact same swing on a golf ball and gain just that much more, that adds up a lot throughout a season.”
For more information: www.titleist.com