Cfhandyman

Excellent and thorough review. Nice round and pictures. Well done.

Very nice review. Nice addition with video clip

Very nice review

Outdoor on course testing The goal was to determine playability, feel, distance (carry and total) as well as spin, height, land angle and overall performance on course and indoors using Trackman data. How does the measured data relate to on course performance and observation, aka the eyeball test. Outdoor testing was done on course comparing the prototype AVX ball (white) with one of my reference balls, the Srixon Z star XV (yellow) to avoid any confusion. Balls will be hit side by side to get a sense of distance, trajectory (height and direction), feel, greenside performance, putting and durability over 18 holes. Given that it’s November and it was a cool 6* C (42* F) outside and windy day (10-15 mph) in the greater Toronto area, not that many people out on the course so I was able to hit the balls side by side. It became immediately apparent that the the test AVX ball is very different from what I normally use, it took me a few holes to get used to it. Quality and durability: The quality and construction of the test ball are excellent and looks similar to a ProV1 and is made in the same ball plant 3. In terms of quality assurance and control, Titleist is one of the best if not the best in the business as per MyGolfSpy ball tests. After 1 round the ball and cover held up reasonably well, except for 1 scuff mark a result for hitting the cart path. Distance: For the most part and in my hands, I found the test AVX test ball to be longer (off the tee and in the fairway) an average of 1-10 yards longer. The trajectory is lower than my Srixon and had more of a penetrating ball flight. Spin is definitely less and the ball is very straight in flight. Basically it goes exactly where you are aimed. Flight and trajectory: The AVX test balls definitely spins less and has a lower trajectory or more penetrating ball flight versus the on course comparator Srixon Z star XV and was on average 1-10 yards longer. I suspect that because of the lower spin combined with lower trajectory, it actually resulted in less carry, but a longer runout. On soft fairways (think Florida), you wouldn’t see as much run out and the ball would be probably shorter. Due to its less spin and more penetrating trajectory it works very well in windy conditions and was usually longer than my comparator. Given that I was playing in windy conditions (10-15 mph), this also may explain why the test AVX was longer than the higher trajectory, higher spinning Srixon Z star XV. Irons (5-9): On average it was longer than the Srixon anywhere from 1-10 yards. When you hit it well, it seems to fly off the face of the club, almost like a rocket (hot). On a number of occasions, I hit a rocket only to see the ball fly the green or land and then roll to the back of the green or worse off the back. I.e. it came in hot and low, most likely a function of decreased spin, lower height and land angle. This was more notable on the mid to long irons (5-9). It definitely took some getting used to. If you get decent height on it, it will bounce and stop quickly, but with a little more roll out than the higher spinning Srixon Wedges (PW, 49*, 54*, 59*): on full and partial wedge shots provided you have enough height, the ball stopped relatively quickly but had a little more roll out than the higher spinning Srixon ball. However, on flighted wedges, the test ball had a tendency to come in low and hot and would often roll to the back of the green or off the green, catching me by surprise. Wedges and Chipping/around the green: bump and runs and little chip shots worked well. With full wedge ball flight was lower with less spin. Quite often, it would bounce and then stop reasonably quickly, but with very little backspin. Putting: Relatively soft of the face of the putter and rolled straight and true. Good distance control. Not that much different than the Srixon. Made birdies with both balls. Overall initial impressions based on, on course play: The AVX test ball is low spinning and has a lower trajectory flight as advertised. When you hit the ball well, it has a tendency to come flying (hot) off the clubface. In my hands, for an average swing speed player (6 iron clubhead speed, 78-80 mph, 90-95 mph with driver), it was slightly longer, on average of 1-10 yards. The test ball has a relatively soft feel and rolls true on the greens. This ball is very different from what I am used to. I liked the length off the tee, as well as with irons. It became more problematic around the greens as I prefer more spin and control, so initially not sure if I could game this ball on a regular basis. One of the conundrums is that several of the better and longer MGS players testing the ball, found it significantly shorter than their gamers. I would think for high swing speed players and a low compression ball would not be a good mix unless they had excessive spin. Also, for high swing speed players (> 105 mph driver clubhead speed) with low to adequate spin, the reduction in spin with this test ball (e.g < 1800 rpm on driver) plus low compression, might result in the ball being “knuckly” in the air and coming up short than their reference ball. This may explain some of the discrepancies seen as some have found it longer, others shorter. I will need to verify the results indoors in a controlled setting to determine clubhead speed, ball speed, smash, spin, height, land angle, carry and total distance, etc. I will also test with a slow swing speed player (my wife), although she doesn’t know it yet. Who is this ball for based on outdoor testing: Pending further testing, it appears Ideal for the player who is looking for distance and/or needs less spin. If you like to keep the ball straight, this is a ball for you. Mind you given the price, I probably would put the ProV1x or ProV1 in the bag first. Indoor testing protocol and results to follow.

Nice overview and review

I would like to sincerely thank MyGolfSpy and Titleist for the opportunity to participate and test. Since we are testing a new prototype AVX ball, I thought I would share some background information to help others. According to Titleist, features of the AVX ball include: a) A new high speed core formulation, with a spherically tiled 348 cantenary dimple design to deliver a more consistent flight and longer distance (Reference: Titleist.com, Golfalot.com) b) high flex casing layer to generate high speed and low long game spin with a softer cast urethane elastomer cover system allowing for increased greenside spin to provide more precise control on shots into the green. The combination of these factors are to deliver an incredibly soft and responsive feel for every shot throughout the bag in the form of longer distance, excellent greenside spin and control, a softer feel and very low long game spin and iron control (reference: Titleist.com, MyGolfSpy.com) So what is Titleist trying to do with the AVX (Alternative to V and X) golf ball. Is it a low compression version of the ProV1 with low spin or something else. It is a premium 3 piece golf ball with a cast urethane cover produced at Plant 3, as is the ProV1 in New Bedford, Mass. If it’s a low spin ProV1, bump up the compression a touch and call it a ProV1 low spin (i.e. low launch, low spin). They would definitely sell more. Does it live up to its marketing? What does the real world experience of the average to good golfer show. How does it perform on course, is it a long low spin, low trajectory ball that has good greenside spin and control? How durable is it? Is it for moderate swing speeds or high swing speed players with excessive spin. My Indoor and outdoor testing protocols to follow. Tester (who am I): I’m a 65 year old male, 6.5 handicap playing an average of 100 rounds per year with 400 rounds on Arccos. I am driven by the need to learn and improve. I am data driven and analytical. I didn’t play for 10+ years and only got back into golf 5 years ago. I was inspired by a friend who once said, golf is the only game you can play for 30 years and never improve. When I thought about it, it is rather true, so I was determined to do it right the second time around. Hence lessons, fitted equipment and diligent practice. I was inspired again when I went to Tour Experience Golf (TXG) 5 years ago and came out not only with expertly fitted and built clubs, but many new friends. I now go on a yearly basis to tweak my setup. In a previous life, I worked many years in organ donation and transplantation and then switched to working in Rare Diseases first with Wyeth and then Pfizer. I am now retired and golf, pickleball and my two huskies are my day jobs. With respect to my game, I tend to be somewhat steep with a slight out to in swing with an average driver clubhead speed of 90-95 mph. I tend to prefer medium to firm compression balls with a slightly softer feel on the putter face. I have been fitted for golf balls several times at TXG, however, now that they are Club Champion Canada they no longer offer the service. My last golf ball fitting was this year with Ping’s Ballnamic (ballfitting.com) which based on my data, recommended Titleist ProV1x, Callaway Chrome soft X LS, Bridgestone tour B X, Callaway Chrome soft X and then Srixon Z star XV. I tend to play a variety of my fitted balls depending on when they go on sale. Thanks for your patience and understanding as this is a rather lengthy post.

Hallelujah, the Titleist AVX test balls have arrived. How do I know they’re AVX. Because that’s what Titleist indicated on the shipping and customs label. Now based on previous AVX balls, we are most likely dealing with an updated ball that is low in compression (77), low in spin, lower in trajectory with a softer core. This may explain some of the results seen by other testers. I will share my testing criteria and initial thoughts later. See below

While, I await for the balls to arrive as I live in Canada. Are we all testing the same prototype ball or are the random. Based on the information from ZoonORama, it appears the test ball in question, is an updated AVX. See attached for reference

Congratulations to a well selected group of testers. Now the fun begins. I look forward to your thoughts and comments especially if you find it helps your golf swing (and how it does) as well as key learnings. Good luck

Date 11/06/2023 Course Name Dragons Fire Gross Score 78 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 6 Net Score to Par 1 Net Score 73 Net Birdies or better 0 Longest Drive 234 Always a bonus to still be able to play in November. Home course now closed but a few still open. Not the greatest round and greens a lot slower than I’m used to. Missed numerous birdie opportunities by constantly coming up short. Oh well, at least I’m still playing outdoors.

Look forward to testing once I receive the balls

Date 10/30/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Hoot course Gross Score 73 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 1 Net Score to Par -4 Net Score 68 Net Birdies or better 3 Longest Drive 229 SIM Round Probably the last round this year outdoors, before I move indoors. Weather cool, (6-9* C or 42-45*F), windy, yet sunny. Played really well with 3 quick birdies. Short game and putter saved me numerous times and finished 1 over and one of my best rounds this year, so very pleased. A few days earlier on the same course, my putter or maybe I should say operator went missing in action and shot 82

Thank you for the birthday wishes and going to start it off well today by playing golf on one of my favourite courses.

Date 10/23/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Hoot course Gross Score 73 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 1 Net Score to Par -4 Net Score 68 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 228 Beautiful fall day, sunny and temperatures in the low 50’s (12* C). Hardly anyone there in the afternoon so my wife and I were able to finish the round in 3 hours. As a result got into a very nice rhythm. Nothing spectacular, just a very solid and enjoyable round, 1 birdie, 15 pars and 2 bogies. Lots of good scrambling with short game and putter saving me on numerous holes. Even better, my wife shot an 83, one off her low round of the year.

Date 10/16/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 77 Course Handicap 6 Gross Strokes over/under par 6 Net Score to Par 0 Net Score 71 Net Birdies or better 2 Longest Drive 242 Only a few more weeks till the club closes for the season. Tale of 2 nines. Front nine, somewhat ugly with 5 bogies. Back nine, 2 birdies and one over.

Date 10/09/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 73 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 2 Net Score to Par -3 Net Score 68 Net Birdies or better 3 Longest Drive 232 Really good round. Putter (27 putts) and short game working very well. Only a few more weeks left until it becomes too cold to golf.

Congratulations to the testers. These are great gloves that work very well in wet conditions with respect to fit, feel, touch and performance. They also work very well when the weather turns cold and you need gloves (35-40* F). Look forward to your thoughts and conclusions.

Date 10/02/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Hoot course Gross Score 74 Course Handicap 6 Gross Strokes over/under par 2 Net Score to Par -4 Net Score 68 Net Birdies or better 3 Longest Drive 254 MyGolfSpy Virtual Tour Match Play Driver (85% fairway) and putter (29 putts with 3 birdies) both working well. Great weather for October and very pleased with my round.

Date 09/25/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 75 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 4 Net Score to Par -1 Net Score 70 Net Birdies or better 2 Longest Drive 244 VCT Match Play Overall, good round. Short game and putting saved me again.

Date 09/18/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 75 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 4 Net Score to Par -1 Net Score 70 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 244 VCT Match Play Very windy day and it’s definitely fall weather. Excellent putting (28 putts) and good short game saved me again.

Congratulations to the testers. May you enjoy playing in the rain and staying dry. No rain in the forecast, the garden hose will be a good substitute. Have fun.

Date 09/11/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 75 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 4 Net Score to Par -1 Net Score 70 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 263 VCT Match Play Good, consistent round with 13 pars and 1 birdie. Short game and putting (27 putts) saved me.

Date 09/04/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Hoot course Gross Score 80 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 8 Net Score to Par 3 Net Score 75 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 236 VCT Match Play Score A meh round, other than driving and hitting the fairway consistently

Congratulations to the well chosen testers. We look forward to the results and comments. Specifically, how much it will increase your swing speed and is it sustainable

Date 08/28/2023 Course Name TPC Toronto - Heathlands course Gross Score 78 Course Handicap 7 Gross Strokes over/under par 7 Net Score to Par 0 Net Score 71 Net Birdies or better 1 Longest Drive 240 VCT Match Play Score As an experiment, moved one tee block back to 6,400 + yards to give my long irons a test. First nine holes, drove well and was one over at the turn largely due to short game and one putts bailing me out. Back nine, driver said sayonara and it became a bogey fest. All in all, a very respectable 7 over despite scrambling all the way.