Titleist Golf Balls: How to Choose

Published on 08/12/2023 · 12 min readFigure out how to choose the perfect Titleist golf ball for your game. Pro-level performance to budget options explained by a seasoned golf expert!
David Miller, Golf Expert
By Golf Expert David Miller

Philadelphia Cricket Club, Photo by Leslie Miller

TL;DR: Choosing a Titleist golf ball depends on your skill level, swing speed, budget, and preferences for feel and control. Titleist offers a range of options, which can all help lower scores. Their balls range from the premium Pro V1 and Pro V1x for advanced players, to the AVX for low-spin and high-speed, Tour Soft for a softer feel, and Velocity for maximum distance.

My name is David Miller, and I’ve been a Curated Golf Expert for over five years now. Throughout my almost six years of competitive golf in high school and college, I’ve played many different golf balls. When I didn’t have as much money, I played with used or “cheap” balls, but now that I’ve graduated and play in more competitive events, I’ve started using the same ball in every round. You may have guessed it—I play a Titleist ProV1. Throughout my hundreds of rounds of golf, I’ve come to the realization that while these are not budget golf balls, they’re worth every penny. Take a deep dive with me to see if the ProV1, or another Titleist model, fits your golf game the best!

Why Titleist?

Philadelphia Cricket Club. Photo by Leslie Miller

Titleist, founded in 1932 and headquartered in Massachusetts, is a renowned golf brand, known especially for its high-quality golf balls. Its name, derived from the word "titlist," signifies a title holder or champion in sports. The brand first brought the Pro V1 balls to the market in 2000, cementing its status as a leader in the industry. Golfers choose Titleist for their exceptional performance, innovative design, and consistency. The brand's commitment to improving players' games—whether they’re amateur or professional—makes it a trusted choice among golf enthusiasts worldwide.

What to Consider When Buying Titleist Golf Balls

1. What’s Your Skill Level?

Understanding your skill level is crucial when selecting a golf ball. Higher-skilled golfers may prefer Titleist's tour models like the Pro V1 or Pro V1x that offer advanced control and spin. On the other hand, beginners or intermediate players might opt for models such as the Velocity, which focus on distance and durability.

2. What’s Your Typical Swing Speed?

Swing speed significantly affects how a golf ball performs. For instance, players with high-swing speeds might benefit from balls like the Pro V1x that offer low-spin off the driver, but high-spin for short-game control. Conversely, golfers with slower swing speeds might consider balls like the AVX that optimize for low-spin and increased distance.

3. What Are Your Feel and Control Preferences?

Preferences regarding feel (how the ball feels off the clubface) and control (how the ball behaves on greenside shots) differ among players. If you value a soft feel and greater control, models like the Tour Soft could be ideal. However, if you are looking for maximum distance and durability, you might consider the Velocity.

4. What’s Your Budget? How Much Should Titleist Golf Balls Cost?

Titleist golf balls come in a variety of price points. The tour-level Pro V1 and Pro V1x typically fall in the higher range at around $50 per dozen, due to their premium performance features. Mid-range balls like the Tour Soft or AVX often cost around $35-$45 per dozen, offering a balance of performance and value. More affordable options like the TruFeel or Velocity are typically around $25 per dozen, providing good quality for those on a tighter budget. The price point you choose should reflect your budget and the importance you place on certain features.

What Are the Different Types of Titleist Golf Balls?

Let’s delve into the Titleist golf ball series and see which of their characteristics are suited for your game. A fun bonus is that almost all of these balls have multiple color options.

1. Pro V1 Series

The Pro V1 series, which includes the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, is Titleist’ flagship line of golf balls, which is used by many top professional players and designed to offer the ultimate in performance. The Pro V1 provides a penetrating trajectory with a softer feel, while the Pro V1x delivers a higher flight and more spin. The penetrating trajectory of the Pro V1 creates exceptional distance through lower long-game spin. While the Pro V1 still has excellent greenside spin, the slightly different urethane cover changes the aerodynamics to create a higher launch and more spin.

Benefits:

  • Preferred by many professionals due to high-performance
  • Excellent balance of distance, spin, and control
  • Pro V1 offers a soft feel; Pro V1x provides high-trajectory

Keep in Mind:

  • Slightly higher price point may be prohibitive for some
  • Not as durable as some other models

2. AVX Series

The AVX series is designed for golfers seeking a premium ball that’s low-spin, high-speed, and has a soft feel. The AVX uses breakthrough core, cover, and aerodynamic technology to deliver advanced performance for different player types.

Benefits:

  • Soft feel for superior comfort
  • Large core for longer distance
  • Enhanced short-game control

Keep in Mind:

  • May not be ideal for players seeking high-spin control
  • Slightly less green-side control than Pro V1 series

3. Tour Soft Series

Titleist's Tour Soft series offers a golf ball designed for golfers seeking a soft feel without compromising distance. It delivers a responsive soft feel with larger cores and ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover technology, for advanced short-game control.

Benefits:

  • Soft feel for superior comfort
  • Large core for longer distance
  • Enhanced short-game control

Keep in Mind:

  • May not be ideal for players seeking maximum distance
  • Not as high-performing in windy conditions

4. Velocity Series

The Velocity series is aimed (pun intended) at golfers who prioritize distance above all else. It offers a high-speed LSX core and NaZ+ cover technology for extremely fast ball speeds and lower spin.

Benefits:

  • Excellent choice for greater distance
  • Durable cover for longer lifespan
  • Lower price point than premium options

Keep in Mind:

  • Not as much spin or control as tour models ProV1 or ProV1x
  • Slightly firmer feel may not appeal to all golfers

5. TruFeel Series

Titleist's TruFeel is the softest Titleist golf ball, providing excellent distance with a softer feel. It's designed for golfers who want a ball that provides consistent distance and ultra-soft feel.

Benefits:

  • Very soft feel for comfort
  • Consistent, reliable distance
  • Most affordable Titleist option

Keep in Mind:

  • Limited spin control compared to other models
  • May not perform as well for high-speed swingers

Features to Look for When Buying Titleist Golf Balls

The Links at Stono Ferry Golf Club. Photo by Leslie Miller

When selecting Titleist golf balls, consider these unique features and technologies:

  • Multi-Component Technology: Titleist golf balls, especially those in the premium range like the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, use a multi-component design. This includes a high-performance urethane elastomer cover, a highly-responsive ionomeric casing layer, a speed-enhancing, spin-optimizing ionomeric inner layer, and a soft center. This layered construction optimizes distance, spin control, and durability, and it's the key reason these balls are preferred by pros and serious golfers.
  • Reformulated 2.0 ZG Process Core: Featured in the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, this reformulated core delivers longer distance on all shots, through lower long-game spin and faster ball speed, while maintaining a soft feel and short-game performance characteristics.
  • Spherically-Tiled Tetrahedral Dimple Design: All Titleist golf balls, from the Pro V1 to the TruFeel, feature a unique dimple design. This spherically-tiled tetrahedral design ensures that the ball cuts through the wind efficiently, enhancing distance and maintaining a steady flight path.
  • 4CE Grafted Cover Technology: Found in the Tour Soft golf balls, this cover technology delivers advanced short-game control and a supremely-soft feel. The Tour Soft is a great ball if you're looking for superior comfort without compromising distance.
  • NaZ+ Cover: This technology is unique to Velocity golf balls, meant to deliver extremely fast ball speeds and lower spin on long-game shots for impressive distance. If you're someone who prioritizes distance above all else, the Velocity is a solid choice.
  • TruFlex Cover: This TruFeel series technology gives the ball a very soft feel—excellent for players who prefer comfort and reliable distance. If you enjoy a leisurely round and want a ball that feels great on every shot, TruFeel should be your go-to.
  • High-Speed LSX Core: Featured in the Velocity line, this core technology provides extremely fast ball speeds and low-long-game spin to maximize distance. It's another reason why the Velocity is for distance seekers.

Remember, the choice ultimately comes down to your playing style, preferences, and the conditions you usually play in. Read on for some of the ball recommendations I give to different kinds of players, and hopefully you find one you resonate with!

How to Choose the Right Titleist Golf Balls for You

Jacob

Needs: Jacob is the classic weekend warrior—he doesn’t have much time to play except for the weekend, but he really enjoys the game when he gets out. Jacob plays about 20 rounds a year, and is looking for something on the cheaper side. He doesn’t need anything pro-level, and he also tends to lose a couple of balls per round.

Features to look for: Jacob is looking for a ball that gives him a lot of distance and durability. He wants to hit the ball far when he’s out with his friends, and he loves to outdrive his buddies.

Products to consider:

  • Titleist Velocity: This is my number one pick for Jacob due to its price range and features. Jacob is looking to hit the ball far, and this is a slightly harder golf ball, which means it’ll have a slightly harder cover to help hit the ball farther. Also, the Velocity is on the cheaper side, which should work for Jacob’s budget.
  • Titleist TruFeel: While this isn’t exactly a ball for distance chasers, it’s one of the cheapest balls in Titleist’s lineup, so I’d have Jacob try this ball because he may really like it! This ball is slightly on the softer side, so Jacob may get more spin with more touch around the greens. At this price point, it’s definitely a ball to look into.
  • Titleist Tour Soft: If Jacob started playing more golf and ended up liking the TruFeel, this is the final ball I’d recommend. It’s slightly more expensive than the TruFeel, while still being in the budget price range. It’s also a bit softer, so it’s a great pick if Jacob decided he needed more touch around the greens.

Peter

Needs: Peter is looking for a golf ball that’s the full package. Peter is a mid-handicapper and shoots mid-80s the majority of his rounds. He isn’t necessarily looking to spend top-dollar on a golf ball, but he does care about top-notch performance.

Features to look for: Peter has a tremendous short-game; however, this is because he plays golf balls that are soft. They help with his feel, and because of this, he’s able to out-chip the majority of players in his group.

Products to consider:

  • Titleist Tour Soft: Since Peter is looking to purchase a soft ball, the Tour Soft is most likely the one he should pick up. It’ll feel great around the greens and provide all the short-game help he needs. This ball is slightly cheaper than an option like the Pro V1, but it still has a very responsive feel.
  • Titleist Pro V1: If Peter was certain he wanted a premium golf ball, the Pro V1 is the option I’d suggest for him. While it’s slightly more expensive than the Tour Soft, it’s even softer and provides some features the Tour Soft doesn’t offer. This golf ball is Titleist’s peak and a great premium option for Peter.
  • Titleist TruFeel: This ball is the cheapest in the Titleist line; however, it’s still a soft golf ball that can give Peter what he needs around the greens. When Peter is warming up in the beginning of the season and may be worried about losing golf balls, this could be the perfect choice for him!

Josh

Needs: Josh is a big-time tournament player. He needs the-best-of-the-best and is always looking to improve his game. He needs unrivaled consistency, as well as tour performance, in order to give himself the edge on the course.

Features to look for: Josh should look for a ball that’s top-tier, as he’s a high-spin player that swings with faster clubhead speeds. He needs to decide if he cares more about added spin, or great feel around the greens, in order to improve his short-game.

Products to consider:

  • Titleist Pro V1: This is the top ball I’d recommend for Josh. Given that Josh has no problem spinning his wedges or hitting the ball high enough, I think he’d prefer the Pro V1. While the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are both incredible options, it comes down to whether he needs the added height and spin. Josh does not necessarily need those benefits, so he should probably choose the V1.
  • Titleist Pro V1x: While I chiefly recommend the V1, more experienced players should still decide what works best for their game. For example, course conditions are constantly changing, and sometimes what looks best on paper doesn’t always work the best on course. Because of this, I’d also have Josh try out the V1x, as it’ll give his shot a high-launch, and spin the ball a little more.

Next Steps for Choosing the Right Titleist Golf Ball for You

Simply stated, Titleist makes some of the best golf balls in the world, and they’re widely ranked as such. Their golf balls produce a consistent flight with more than enough greenside spin, and they have a wide array of options that can fit anyone's needs. In fact, whether you’re looking for a cheap ball that goes far, or something new for tournaments that flies high and stops fast, Titleist has you covered. Despite having played many different brands of golf balls, I find myself constantly coming back to the Titleist Pro V1—as it’s premium, consistent, and everything I’ve ever wanted in a golf ball. I encourage you to try out as many golf balls as you can and see what works best for you! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me or another Curated Golf Expert.

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

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