Confusion over Taylormade TP Golf Balls

[Wilf]

Hi,

This has probably been covered but I am seeking clarity over the performance of the new versions of the TP Red and Black.

I use last years TP Red and the HX Tour 56 before that so use the Pro V1 equivalent. I generate quite a bit of sidespin (fighting 20 years of playing off and cover drives on a Saturday afternoon)off the driver so need a low spinning ball but need a soft highest spinning ball off the irons.

When attempted to get an answer from places like AG or Direct Golf etc they manage to contradict themselves depending on who you talk to. One guy even tried to say that both balls were the same characteristics as the Pro V1 so it didn't matter which I picked.

Has anyone played these two and if so which spins most around the greens? I assume both are low spin off the driver just different launch characteristics

Thanks

 

[GB72]

I may be wrong but I always thought that the TP Black was the lower spinning, slightly harder variant along the lines of the Nike one Black or the Pro V1x whilst the Red was the softer, higher spinning ball in line with a Nike One Platinum or Pro V1

 

[Wilf]

This was certainly true for the original models but the taylormade technical stuff seems to imply the two balls have switched characteristics for the 2008 versions.

They state that the red is now even softer but has controlled spin while the Black is softer than the original Black and is high spinning.

When I tried the original black I found it very difficult to spin and a bit of a rock, so do the changes mean the Black spins more than original Black but still not as much as the Red.

Suppose the easy answer is buy and try both but wanted to avoid this as my experience in comparing V1 to V1x or HX Tour to Tour 56 was that the v1x HX Tour were a waste of money for me as it only took a couple of holes to work out which performance I prefer / worked best for me. Hence I have had 3 v1x's,3 Hx Tours and 2Tp Blacks in my bag for the last 18 months gathering dust.

 

[clubchamp07]

Wilf, you seem to get alot of spin, no matter what ball you use. Have you found a ball that goes straight?
May I ask what your handicap is?

 

[clubchamp07]

Forget that question Wilf I see your handicap is 23. I play of a bit lower handicap and I dont worry as much about spin as you seem to do. Whenever you find a golf ball that goes straight with every shot will you let me know please.

 

[TonyN]

have you considered AD333's (sorry guys)

 

[Wilf]

HCP is currently 23 (was getting to 15ish until shattered knee last year reduced ability to swing / walk the course for a while).
The side spin is a swing issue which I am aware of (and working on), the fade (being polite) only really surfaces when I really go after a drive or don't concentrate, wrist break very early, shoulders don't turn as much as they should resulting in open club face at contact and the odd swear word as the ball drifts lazily away to the right etc.

I realsie the ball probably doesn't equal the hcp but it a consistent feel and response I like, I can be aggressive with chip and runs because I know how the red reacts on the first bounce and I can throw 8 - wedges at a pin and know it'll bounce and stop. And it seems to fight my sidespin quite well compared to some without being a rock.

 

[theeaglehunter]

my handicap is very similar to you and I would never buy premium balls. I just do not see the benefit with my level of skill. Plus with the odd eratic drive etc which seems to occur every so often at my standard of play, it could be quite costly! Just my opinion though. If you can afford the better balls than go for it, but often the spin difference from players like me is so minute it is pointless. I do however accept that you can play with more confidence from a softer, more reactive ball when chipping so it may be worth the purchase. I personally use middle of the range balls: good for keeping it straight, and responsive enough around the green. Try the AD333s, ot Titleist PTS, even the Callaway Warbird is worth a try.

 

[Nico]

My hcap is also a lot lower but I would say take a look at Titleist NXT ,Srixon AD333 or even Pinnacle exception.

I like the feel of all these.

 

[thecraw]

I believe that the TP Black is now the greatest spinning ball.

 

[Wilf]

Thanks all very helpful, I will try the Black and if i don't like them will try the alternatives suggested.

 

[Parmo]

I have the same problem fella, I really have to slow my swing down not to create sidespin, I use AD333s and maybe these are the problem or not but it would be great to have a ball that creates less than the AD333s.

The Srixon Distance balls have less spin, but are harder than the AD333s, they are in line with Nike Power Distance, Callaway Warbird, Pinnacle Gold, Precept D Force.

The AD333 is a medium ball I find.

Newly developed soft Pana-Tetra® blended cover for a higher launch angle and low spin for straighter shots with long carry

On par with:-
Titleist NXT Tour
Titleist PTS Solo
Titleist DT
Callaway Blue

Srixon Trispeed:-

Highly resilient, advanced aerodynamics for greater carry and distance.

Superb soft feel on all shots from tee to green.

A multi-layer ball that goes a long way, feels great, but doesn't require tour swing speeds and won't break the bank.

On par with:-

Titleist NXT
Callaway HX Hot
Bridgestone E6
Nike Ignite

 

[viscount17]

I have been recommended to try the NXT Extreme (don't have any charts, Parmo).

It is stated to be 'designed for golfers of all levels seeking extreme distance without sacrificing soft feel and greenside playability'

I haven't tried it yet, but I will on Friday.