Noticeable difference w/ ProV1's..

[rmgators]

I picked up some used ProV1's from a poster here in the Marketplace just to see if I could notice a difference in performance. I've always just used whatever I can get my hands on cheaply. Figured for $40/dozen the ProV1's must do something magical, and in fact they do!

I've always been able to stick short iron shots but the ball has always ended up just beyond my pitch mark. With the ProV1's, the ball was ending up short of the pitchmark - finally some backspin action on the greens! I think I could actually hear the ball spinning as it came off my irons, something I never noticed with other/generic balls. It took a few holes for me to get used to the ball checking faster on pitch shots, but overall I was impressed. Unfortunately, this won't be good for the wallet

[aquacooled]

the old saying you get what you pay for is true.. and another saying is what good is a hobby if it doesnt take all your time and money??

[Puttin4Bird]

The hardest part for me is when I'm not playing a Pro V1 I always end up forgetting to compensate for the lack of spin/check the Pro V1 offers and go too agressively ending up a lot further from the hole.

But I too just recently got some Pro V1's from a member of The Sand Trap's forum so that helps the wallet situation a bit.

[warbirdlover]

I just started playing Callaway HX Tour premium balls and found the same thing. They make a difference!!

[SubPar]

When I played the ProV1s I bought the "practice" balls. They are only suffering slight cosmetic imperfections, most of which you will never see. They conform to performance specs and all that, and I got them for around $28-$30 a dozen.

[ragontona]

When I played the ProV1s I bought the "practice" balls. They are only suffering slight cosmetic imperfections, most of which you will never see. They conform to performance specs and all that, and I got them for around $28-$30 a dozen.

Though keep in mind that the "PRACTICE" Pro V1's are not approved for play in USGA events.

[SubPar]

Though keep in mind that the "PRACTICE" Pro V1's are not approved for play in USGA events.

If I were playing in a USGA event , I would probably spring for nice new balls. But I have read and heard the opposite about the ProV1 PRACTICE balls. I'm not sure how to find out, but I have heard that those balls have strictly cosmetic blemishes and conform in every way to USGA specs. I don't believe Titleist would put a ProV1 of inferior construction on the shelf.

[ragontona]

If I were playing in a USGA event , I would probably spring for nice new balls. But I have read and heard the opposite about the ProV1 PRACTICE balls. I'm not sure how to find out, but I have heard that those balls have strictly cosmetic blemishes and conform in every way to USGA specs. I don't believe Titleist would put a ProV1 of inferior construction on the shelf.

You may be right. I may be thinking of X-Outs.

Update: Found the USGA ruling here . You are correct. I was thinking X-Outs.

[SubPar]

Detailed reply about Practice balls and X-outs from Acushnet (Titleist)

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Thank you for your inquiry regarding the differences between Titleist Pro
V1 Practice and Pro V1 X-Out golf balls.

The Acushnet Company invests significant time and effort to ensure that our products are Best-in-Class in terms of quality, performance and consistency. As such, in the rare event one of our products fails to meet USGA requirements for size, weight, velocity or any other conformance criteria we destroy rather than market such products.

As such, only products that are of a minimal defect are available for purchase. These products are available in two offerings:

1. Pro V1 Practice golf balls are conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. Pro
V1 Practice golf balls do not have any construction or performance deficiencies.

2. Pro V1 X-Out golf balls are also conforming products. However, they usually have a cosmetic blemish and/or occasionally have a minor physical defect that should not significantly affect its performance. More often than not, the physical condition causing the ball to be stamped as an X-Out is so minute that it is not recognizable by the player.

Both products may be used in the casual round of golf including those with scores posted for handicaps, and most competitions, with the possible exception of high level competitions invoking the Local Rule requiring balls to be on the List of Conforming Golf Balls.

Please refer to the USGA Official Rules on the subject listed below for your reference:

Q: May I use a ball stamped with "Practice" or "X-Out" to play a round of golf?

A: Our present policy provides that if the List of Conforming Golf Balls or the One Ball Condition is in effect, a practice or logo ball may be used provided the other markings on the ball (i.e., pole and seam) correspond exactly to a ball listing on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls. Balls labeled with ''PRACTICE'' or a circled ''P'', are essentially treated as a logo ball (such as a Mickey Mouse emblem). A player's name stamped on the ball is also acceptable. However, the original ball markings (i.e., pole and seam markings) must be readable in order for a Rules Official to determine whether that ball is on the List of Conforming Golf Balls. X-Out balls are not permitted to be used in any competition in which the List of Conforming Golf Balls or the One Ball Condition is in effect. However, if neither of these Conditions are in effect, X-Out balls may be used because all balls are presumed to conform unless they have been tested and found not to conform or are obviously non-conforming (e.g., too small or too heavy). (See Decisions 5-1/4 and US/5-1/101).

As a result of the potential for an X-Out to be non-conforming if tested, we do not recommend using this model during tournament play.

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