What golf ball is better? The Prov1 or the Prov1x?
I set out to test and compare the Prov1 vs Prov1x. Are you ready for a deep dive with plenty of data to consider?
The areas I was really intrigued by included:
- Prov1 vs Prov1x Distance with the Driver
- Prov1 vs Prov1x Spin Rate with the Driver
- Prov1 vs Prov1x Ball Speed with the Driver
- Prov 1 vs Prov1x Score Comparison
Since 2003, there seems to be much confusion between the two and what really sets them apart. So, I decided to do my own testing in my golf simulator setup and by playing several rounds with each golf ball. I hope to find the golf ball best for my game to help others with some key information.
Process: I played 5 rounds with the Prov1 and 5 rounds with the Prov1x. All rounds were played at the same golf course. I also played back to back rounds on my Skytrak Golf Simulator setup at Pebble Beach on the back 9. During the simulator rounds I tracked distance, ball spin, spin rate, and launch angle with every shot.
About Me: I am currently playing right around scratch. My current swing speed averages between 105-110 mph with the driver.
What We Know About the Prov1 and Prov1x
The golf balls have been around since 2003. There have been changes to the golf balls in 2017, 2019 and 2021. The spin rates have changed slightly, but both are supposed to be low spinning golf balls. Which one spins more is up for debate. The Prov1x was originally lower spinning and is now the higher spinning ball.
Prov1 Features:
- Soft Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover System
- High-flex Casing Layer
- 2.0 ZG Process Core
- Spherically-Tiled 388 Tetrahedral Dimple Design
Prov1x Features:
- Soft Cast Urethane Elastomer Cover System
- Fast Casing Layer
- 2.0 ZG Process Dual Core
- Spherically-Tiled 348 Tetrahedral Dimple Design
Source: Titleist Prov1 and Prov1x website
Difference Between Prov1 and Prov1x
Prov1 vs Prov1x Comparison Chart
| Prov1 | Feature | Prov1x |
| Softer | Feel | Soft |
| Mid | Flight | High |
| Low | Long Game Spin | Low |
| Less | Iron Spin | More |
| High | Short Game Spin | Higher |
Pros of the Titleist Prov1
- A low spinning golf ball with plenty of soft feel around the greens.
- Provides lower spin rates on the irons for those that are too steep or produce too much spin at times.
- Great for the golfer who wants a mid to lower ball flight with the driver.
Pros of the Titleist Prov1x
- Great for the golfer that needs a touch more spin and struggles to produce enough spin at times.
- Provides a higher launching ball flight with the longer clubs in the bag.
- Still considered a low spinning golf ball that will produce quality distance and fell.
- Has a more firm feel and more crack with the driver.
What’s Better Prov1 or Prov1x: My Test and Comparison
Outdoor Rounds: Prov1 and Prov1x – Comparing Score
Process for Part 1: I played a total of 10 rounds over a one month period of time at the same golf course. I collected score to compare the outcomes and what matters most with both golf balls.
Note: I took notes of my own after each round.
Course: All Rounds were played on a Par 71 6300 Yard Course with a 72.1 Rating and 128 Slope
| Prov1 Scores | Round # | Prov1x Scores |
| 74 | 1 | 70 |
| 71 | 2 | 75 |
| 69 | 3 | 70 |
| 72 | 4 | 71 |
| 71 | 5 | 72 |
| 71.4 | Averages | 71.6 |
Conclusion: I scored very similarly with both the Prov1 and Prov1x. I didn’t find a major difference purely from the score so I decided to dive further to look at distance, ball speed, spin rate and launch angle. I used a launch monitor to provide these numbers.
Process for Part 2: I played back to back rounds on the Back 9 at Pebble Beach on my Golf Simulator setup on the The Golf Club (TGC) software. These rounds were played on the same day as 18 consecutive holes
Note: Shot by Shot Data Collection on distance, ball speed, spin rate, launch angle and score.
Course: Pebble Beach on TGC Software – 7011 yards 72 par
Simulator Rounds: Prov1 and Prov1x – Comparing Distance, Ball Speed, Spin Rate, Launch Angle
Prov1 Round – Hole by Hole
Hole 10: 459 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 270 | 151 | 1989 | 13 |
| 2 | 6 Iron | 188 | 123 | 5407 | 18 |
Hole 11: 392 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 258 | 152 | 2379 | 12 |
| 2 | P | 133 | 104 | 7708 | 26 |
Hole 12: 204 Yards, Par 3 (Score 3)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | 5 | 204 | 128 | 4187 | 15 |
| 2 | LW | 31 | 38 | 3470 | 36 |
Hole 13: 442 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 280 | 157 | 2021 | 12 |
| 2 | 8 | 169 | 118 | 6172 | 21 |
Hole 14: 566 Yards, Par 5 (Score 5)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 268 | 153 | 3410 | 16 |
| 2 | 3 wood | 226 | 148 | 2916 | 9 |
| 3 | LW | 58 | 55 | 6482 | 31 |
Hole 15: 396 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 270 | 158 | 1942 | 9 |
| 2 | P | 119 | 96 | 6062 | 24 |
| 3 | LW | 12 | 20 | 1237 | 32 |
Hole 16: 407 Yards, Par 4 (Score 3 – Birdie)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 278 | 150 | 2007 | 12 |
| 2 | P | 135 | 98 | 7069 | 26 |
Hole 17: 193 Yards, Par 3 (Score 3)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | 5 | 193 | 125 | 5368 | 18 |
| 2 | LW (sand) | 11 | 25 | 2475 | 34 |
Hole 18: 517 Yards, Par 5 (Score 5)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 264 | 153 | 2029 | 12 |
| 2 | 3 wood | 209 (rough) | 138 | 4084 | 11 |
| 3 | LW | 49 | 51 | 7065 | 31 |
Prov 1 Scorecard including Score, Putts, Fairway and GIR
| Hole | Par | Score | Putts | Fairway | GIR |
| 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 11 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 12 | 3 | 3 | 1 | NA | N |
| 13 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 14 | 5 | 5 | 2 | N | Y |
| 15 | 4 | 4 | 1 | Y | N |
| 16 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Y | Y |
| 17 | 3 | 3 | 1 | NA | N |
| 18 | 5 | 5 | 2 | Y | Y |
| Totals | 36 | 35 (1 Under) | 14 | 6/7 | 6/9 |
Prov1x Round – Hole by Hole
Hole 10: 459 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 277 | 153 | 3267 | 14 |
| 2 | 6 Iron | 192 | 125 | 5309 | 18 |
Hole 11: 392 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 261 | 153 | 2500 | 13 |
| 2 | P | 134 | 103 | 7479 | 26 |
Hole 12: 204 Yards, Par 3 (Score 3)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | 5 | 203 | 130 | 4826 | 17 |
| 2 | LW | 25 | 34 | 4956 | 32 |
Hole 13: 442 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 287 | 157 | 2738 | 10 |
| 2 | 8 | 162 | 116 | 6376 | 21 |
Hole 14: 566 Yards, Par 5 (Score 5)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 291 | 161 | 2365 | 11 |
| 2 | 3 wood | 237 | 147 | 2946 | 14 |
| 3 | LW | 66 | 61 | 7617 | 29 |
Hole 15: 396 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 288 | 156 | 2203 | 12 |
| 2 | SW | 108 | 84 | 9137 | 30 |
Hole 16: 407 Yards, Par 4 (Score 4)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 290 | 154 | 2264 | 12 |
| 2 | P | 126 | 90 | 6259 | 23 |
Hole 17: 193 Yards, Par 3 (Score 3)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | 5 | 200 | 124 | 4653 | 17 |
Hole 18: 517 Yards, Par 5 (Score 5)
| Shot | Club | Total Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate | Launch Angle |
| 1 | Driver | 260 | 157 | 1864 | 9 |
| 2 | 3 wood | 226 (rough) | 143 | 2704 | 11 |
| 3 | LW | 53 | 55 | 7010 | 30 |
Prov1x Scorecard including Score, Putts, Fairway and GIR
| Hole | Par | Score | Putts | Fairway | GIR |
| 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 11 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 12 | 3 | 3 | 1 | NA | N |
| 13 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 14 | 5 | 5 | 2 | N | Y |
| 15 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 16 | 4 | 4 | 2 | Y | Y |
| 17 | 3 | 3 | 2 | NA | Y |
| 18 | 5 | 5 | 2 | Y | Y |
| Totals | 36 | 36 | 17 | 6/7 | 8/9 |
Prov1 vs Prov1x Distance
I found the Prov1x to be the longer golf ball during my round at Pebble Beach. I averaged 279 with the Prov1x vs 270 with the Prov1. I had a ball speed average of 156 with the Prov1x and 153 with Prov1. My spin rate was also slightly higher with the Prov1x at 2457 vs 2254 with the Prov1.
Prov1 vs Prov1x Spin Rate
Generally speaking, the Prov1x is suppose to provide a slightly higher spin rate. I found this to be accurate with my driver. The Prov1x spin rate was 2457, while it was slightly lower with the Prov1 at 2254.
Prov1 vs Prov1x Distance, Ball Speed and Spin Rate Chart
Prov1 Chart With Driver
| Hole | Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate |
| 10 | 270 | 151 | 1989 |
| 11 | 258 | 152 | 2379 |
| 13 | 280 | 157 | 2021 |
| 14 | 268 | 153 | 3410 |
| 15 | 270 | 158 | 1942 |
| 16 | 278 | 150 | 2007 |
| 18 | 264 | 153 | 2029 |
| Totals | 1888 | 1074 | 15777 |
| Averages | 270 | 153 | 2254 |
Prov1x Chart With Driver
| Hole | Distance | Ball Speed | Spin Rate |
| 10 | 277 | 153 | 3267 |
| 11 | 261 | 153 | 2500 |
| 13 | 287 | 157 | 2738 |
| 14 | 291 | 161 | 2365 |
| 15 | 288 | 156 | 2203 |
| 16 | 290 | 154 | 2264 |
| 18 | 260 | 157 | 1864 |
| Totals | 1954 | 1091 | 17201 |
| Averages | 279 | 156 | 2457 |
Prov1 vs Prov1x for Low Handicap Golfer
Based on the results with the extra 10 yards and 3mph of ball speed, I would recommend the Prov1x to the low handicap golfer that has a similar swing speed or higher. The one exception is if a golfer has a steep angle of attack and creates too much spin already, I would recommend the Prov1.
Prov1 vs Prov1x for Mid Handicap Golfer
I would base this more on swing speed. If your swing speed is above 105mph and you do not create excess spin, the Prov1x might provide a bit of extra distance based on an increase in ball speed and some additional spin to ensure you maximize your carry.
Prov1 vs Prov1x for High Handicap Golfer
Once again, I would default to swing speed and current spin rate as the main measurements to determine what golf ball is best for your game. If you create excess spin from a bad angle of attack, I would go with the Prov1 if your swing speed is 105mph or higher with the driver. If you have the right swing speed and do not create excess spin, the Prov1x would be the recommendation!
Prov1 vs Prov1x Summary
For the past 3 season I have played the Prov1 as my primary golf ball. Moving forward, I have purchased two dozen of the Prov1x golf balls and plan on putting them in play and using them on a simulator to become comfortable with how it reacts with my irons. I love the reaction with the driver and the hard clicking like sound that is provided when a driver is really struck well. This sound might be a turn off to some golfers, but I enjoyed it. It felt and sounded powerful.
I am also going to continue to test the driver ball speed and spin rate to ensure I have the best golf ball for my game. Most golfers should consider an affordable launch monitor to test out different golf balls and equipment for their game. We are fortunate to have such great information at our fingertips and to be able to test on our own. The results of the Prov1x caught me a bit by surprise, but it is great to have the data to make decisions.