The Bargain Pro V1

[KJano05]

The Bargain Pro V1: A Comparison of the Titleist Pro V1, TaylorMade TP5, and Vice Pro Plus

After playing numerous rounds and testing these balls on a launch monitor, I’ve developed a strong preference for the Vice Pro Plus. Here’s how it stacks up against the Titleist Pro V1 and TaylorMade TP5 in various aspects of performance.

Driver Performance:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 8.5/10
The Pro V1 offers a solid performance off the tee with a consistent mid-launch. On average, I carried it about 280 yards, which is respectable, but not the longest in this group. It’s reliable, but for pure distance, it doesn’t quite match up to the others.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 9/10
The TP5 provided slightly better distance than the Pro V1, with an average carry of 282 yards. The higher launch helps in soft conditions but can be a bit more affected by wind. Still, it’s a solid performer, offering good distance without sacrificing too much control.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 9.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus was the best performer off the tee, consistently delivering a piercing ball flight that cut through the wind. I averaged 287 yards, making it the longest of the three. The lower launch and optimal spin rates helped maximize distance, particularly with my 115 mph swing speed.

Spin & Control:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 9.5/10
The Pro V1 remains the gold standard for spin and control, especially around the greens. It’s incredibly reliable for those delicate shots where you need the ball to stop on a dime. The soft feel and consistent spin make it a favorite for precision shots.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 9/10
The TP5 is a close contender, offering excellent spin, particularly on wedge shots. Its slightly firmer feel provides good feedback, which I found beneficial for controlling spin on full swings. It’s a strong performer but just a touch behind the Pro V1 in the short game.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 8.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus offers good spin but not as much as the Pro V1 or TP5. For me, this actually works in my favor, especially on approach shots, where I don’t want to come up short of the hole. It’s a bit firmer, which helps in maintaining control without over-spinning the ball.

Feel & Softness:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 9.5/10
The Pro V1 is the softest and feels fantastic, especially on chips and putts. The buttery feel off the clubface is unmatched, making it a joy to use around the greens.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 8.5/10
The TP5 is slightly firmer but still offers a good level of softness. It’s particularly effective in windy conditions where a firmer ball can offer more control. However, it doesn’t have the same soft, premium feel as the Pro V1.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 8.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus is the firmest of the three, which provides great feedback, especially on longer shots. While it’s not as soft as the Pro V1, it still offers a decent feel on putts and chips, making it a well-rounded option for those who prefer a bit more firmness.

Durability:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 9/10
The Pro V1 is highly durable, resisting scuffs and maintaining performance even after several rounds. It’s built to last, which is essential for maintaining consistent performance.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 9/10
The TP5 matches the Pro V1 in durability. It holds up well under various conditions and remains reliable over multiple rounds, making it a great option for players who want a ball that lasts.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 9/10
The Vice Pro Plus is nearly identical in durability to the Pro V1 and TP5. Despite being more affordable, it holds up impressively well, with minimal scuffing and consistent performance over time.

Aesthetics:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 8.5/10
The Pro V1 has a classic, clean look that’s always appealing. It’s a timeless design that looks great in any golfer’s bag, but it doesn’t stand out as much as some of the newer designs on the market.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 8.5/10
The TP5 also has a sleek design, with a modern aesthetic that appeals to many players. It’s visually appealing, but like the Pro V1, it’s more about function than flash.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 9.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus takes the crown for aesthetics. The design is bold and unique, with eye-catching color options that stand out on the course. It’s not just about looks, though—the design also aids in alignment, making it as functional as it is stylish.

Price & Value:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 8/10
The Pro V1 is a premium ball with a price tag to match. It’s worth the investment if you prioritize feel and control, but it’s the most expensive of the three, which might be a consideration for some golfers.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 8.5/10
The TP5 offers slightly better value than the Pro V1, delivering premium performance at a slightly lower price. It’s a good middle ground for those looking for high performance without the highest cost.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 9.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus is hands down the best value for money. It delivers top-tier performance, particularly for players with higher swing speeds, at a fraction of the cost of the other two. If you’re looking for a premium ball without the premium price, the Vice Pro Plus is the way to go.

Overall Experience:

    •    Titleist Pro V1: 9/10
The Pro V1 is an outstanding all-around ball, ideal for players who prioritize feel and control. It’s the best choice for precision shots and short game finesse, making it a top pick for many golfers.
    •    TaylorMade TP5: 9/10
The TP5 is versatile, performing well in a variety of conditions. Its slightly firmer feel and excellent distance make it a strong contender, especially if you need more control in windy conditions.
    •    Vice Pro Plus: 9.5/10
The Vice Pro Plus is my favorite of the three. It delivered the longest distance, a piercing ball flight that handled wind well, and performed great on the greens. The value for money is unbeatable, making it my go-to ball for most rounds.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Definitely love the vice pro plus as well.

Thanks for the writeup!

[Havocguns]

This is a great write up. Thank you for the in-depth review. I haven't tried the Vice yet but have been thinking about it!

[KK44]

Great write up! Thanks for doing this. I hadn't considered the Vice ball before but may have to check them out. 

Was green side spin noticeably lower with the Vice though? That would be my only hang up.

[Prodigal Duffer]

I'm with you on the Vice. Great performing ball at a much friendlier price.

Now, if someone were to gift you a box of any of the three balls, would you still pick the Vice?

[KJano05]

@Prodigal Duffer Yes! At this point I’m so used to playing the Vice that I wouldn’t want to change. It feels weird playing other brand balls (I also really like the TP5) 

[KJano05]

@KK44 Not significantly slower, it’s still grips pretty well. I think I would be able to provide a better response depending on the type of shots you hit around the green and the amount of spin you like to play. 

[KJano05]

@Havocguns  I would definitely give it a try!  If you do, let me know what you think! 

[KJano05]

@GolfSpy_APH Thank you! Do you have a favorite ball design? I like the black and green drip! 

[GolfSpy_APH]

6 minutes ago, KJano05 said:

@GolfSpy_APH Thank you! Do you have a favorite ball design? I like the black and green drip! 

Blue and Orange drip!

[KJano05]

1 minute ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Blue and Orange drip!

I hope the bring out some new drip color combos! 

[GolfSpy_APH]

6 minutes ago, KJano05 said:

@GolfSpy_APH Thank you! Do you have a favorite ball design? I like the black and green drip! 

Blue and Orange drip!

[RyanGi]

I’m a big fan of Vice as well! I go for a lower compression ball, but they’re still a great value ball regardless of the one you choose!

[tony@CIC]

Big Vice fan as well - great performance at a reasonable price and I love the visibility of the neon green balls. I do have a slightly "picky" recommendation for them - go back to the 2020 alignment stripe vs the 2024 one. 

[RyanGi]

I play the neon balls as well. Some folks talk crap about them but they’re way easier to find when I hit them into the rough…I guess the naysayers hit straighter shots than I do!

[Rob Person]

Fantastic write up and summary!  

I've spent the better part of a year deciding which ball I do or don't prefer. 

This definitely helps!

You didn't mention compression ratings,  do they all have the same ratings?

[RyanGi]

Each of their models has its own compression rating. You can easily look them up here on the ball reviews, and it’s nice to be able to compare them against other apps you might be more familiar with. For me, compression is probably the single biggest determinant for how the ball is going to play…at least for urethane jacketed balls. 

[Coulter]

For an even better deal give the Maxfli tour lineup a try. I have come to love the Maxfli tour x and prefer it over any other ball.

[Josh Parker]

Great write up. Great ball. So many "budget" friendly brands that are awesome. 

[Pobrien13662]

Great review! I have been going back and forth between the Chrome Soft and ProV1 as a 19.2 handicap but I struggle because I am still pretty inconsistent. This is super helpful and will definitely give Vice a chance!

[KJano05]

One thing everyone should keep in mind is that if you’re playing a tour level ball (pro v1, TP5, Callaway Tour, ect) you should have the swing speed to match. If you don’t have a swing speed of 105mph+ you should get a softer ball - you will gain distance. Just make sure it has a urethane cover. (There are some really good value options). 
 

tour level ball with slower swing speed will actually hurt your distance with driver and off the tee 

Edited September 8 by KJano05

[RetiredBoomer]

2 minutes ago, KJano05 said:

One thing everyone should keep in mind is that if you’re playing a tour level ball (pro v1, TP5, Callaway Tour, ect) you should have the swing sweep to ma

 

I like the Pro V1x custom ball # option.
I'm just accustomed to looking at that ball # 79 and my printed name..

Otherwise, I'd probably play whatever's on sale at Dick's.

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, KJano05 said:

 If you don’t have a swing speed of 105mph+ you should get a softer ball - you will gain distance.

Not necessarily true; from the MGS 2023 ball test and 85 MPH swing speed: 

Even at relatively slow speeds, higher-compression offerings produced the longest driver distances under the conditions tested.

https://mygolfspy.com/buyers-guides/golf-balls/2023-golf-ball-test/

Edited September 8 by cnosil

[RyanGi]

I think the conditions of those test play heavily into it. Someone who hits a ball consistently, and with a higher club head speed, is probably a more experienced golfer…or an robot…and is going to see the longest yardage. 

Edited September 8 by RyanGi

[cnosil]

5 minutes ago, RyanGi said:

I think the conditions of those test play heavily into it. Someone who hits a ball consistently, and with a higher club head speed, is probably a more experienced golfer…or an robot…and is going to see the longest yardage. 

The MGS ball test is done by a robot.    Still softer compression does not mean longer distance for slow swing speed players.  Hit the ball off center and you will lose ball speed; higher compression doesn't mean lose more ball speed.

[ktgolfs]

@KJano05Have you also tried/tested the Vice Pro?