ClubTest First Look: TaylorMade’s 2021 TP5 and TP5X golf balls
TaylorMade's TP5 line consists of three different options (TP5, TP5 Hi-Visibility Yellow and TP5 Pix).
TaylorMade
The introduction of TaylorMade’s high-flex material (HFM) turned into a ball speed boon for the 2019 TP5 and TP5X golf balls. Sandwiching the resin material between the soft cover and three-piece core allowed designers to increase the spring coefficient for more ball speed. Upwards of 1 mile per hour, to be exact.
Ball speed is a good thing when you’re seeking more distance. Just ask TaylorMade staffers Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, who offered insights and feedback during the creation of the 2021 five-piece TP5 and TP5X golf balls that feature a new dimple design geared to produce optimized launch conditions and, you guessed it, added distance.
The Tour Flight dimple pattern found on both balls is shallower in depth with steeper walls to reduce drag during ascent, and then maintain lift on the descent.
“[The dimple design] allows us to maintain lift to overall increase carry,” said Mike Fox, TaylorMade’s category director, golf ball and accessories. “Our prototype results have yielded over a mile-an-hour more ball speed, at peak height, and five yards of additional carry.”
McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood, among others, have all transitioned into the new TP5X since it was introduced and cited the ball’s stability in the wind as a chief reason for the seamless switch.
“It’s one thing to test a new ball, it’s another to put it in play during competition with confidence and ease,” said Keith Sbarbaro, TaylorMade’s VP of Tour Operations. “The fact that Rory, Rickie, Wolff, Collin and Tommy all switched into the new ball for their first event of the year speaks volumes.”
While both golf balls feature the redesigned dimple pattern, the overall constructions have been tweaked slightly. The TP5 now includes a larger reactive core for more speed while still maintaining the soft feel and high greenside spin from the previous iteration.
The urethane cover on the TP5X was softened to improve groove interaction at impact and greenside feel. However, even with the cover modifications, TP5X still offers a firmer feel and launches higher with more speed when compared to its TP5 counterpart.
The core is made up of three elements including a low-compression inner core, outer core and mantle layer that become progressively stiffer as they move away from the inner core. The unique core design works in harmony with the HFM to reduce drag and enhance carry distance.
In addition to the standard white version, 2021 TP5 and TP5X will be sold in a Pix option with the ClearPath alignment system, and a high-visibility yellow urethane cover that provides improved durability.
TaylorMade’s white TP5 and TP5X will be available March 5th for $48 per dozen. The TP5/TP5X Pix ($50 per dozen) and TP5/TP5X Yellow ($48 per dozen) are slated to be released April 9.
Want to overhaul your own bag for 2021? Visit the expert fitters at our sister company, True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.
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