Maximum distance or more spin? There’s something for everyone in the new TaylorMade TP5 range

The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x were first launched in 2017 as the industry’s first five-layer golf balls. Since then they have seen a huge surge in popularity on tour thanks to the likes of Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods putting them in play on a week-to-week basis.

Now they are back with the updated 2021 model. So what’s changed?

• More from TaylorMade: SIM2 driver
• More from TaylorMade: SIM2 fairway woods
• More from TaylorMade: SIM2 irons

TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x 2021: The Line-up

Now before we get into the new technology I want to make sure you know which ball in the TP5 line-up is right for your game. So I asked Mike Fox, category director of golf ball and accessories at TaylorMade, to give you some insight.

“The first thing I talk about is priority,” he explained. “Are you looking for a golf ball that maximises distance, or one that’s a little more focused around control around the green or spin around the green?

“TP5x is designed to be our longest and fastest product, and TP5 is designed to be our second longest and fastest product, but with more spin from inside 100 yards.

“Typically the TP5 is going to spin a touch more across the board than TP5x – maybe 100rpm more driver spin, a few hundred more iron spin, and about 1,000rpm more wedge spin.

“So if you’re someone that’s looking for a lower spin product TP5x is the golf ball. For someone who’s looking for a higher spin product across the board then TP5 is your product.”

When you’re next in your pro shop wondering which one to buy, there’s even a handy guide on the back of the box.

Right, let’s get into the geeky stuff.

TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x 2021: The technology

The big change this year is the new tour flight dimple pattern designed to reduce drag and add distance.

Here’s a little diagram comparing it to the 2019 models:

This is a result of the ‘dual-radius’ shape which means the depth and volume of the dimples are different changing how the air flows around the golf ball.

In the TP5 we see a new larger core that is more reactive. This means we get more ball speed without losing any of the spin we have seen before.

This still has the softest feel in the range and has more greenside spin and lower launch than the TP5x.

New changes in the TP5x include a slightly softer cover which grips grooves on wedges better for extra spin and lower launch. As Mike says, this is still the longest, fastest ball in the TaylorMade line-up.

Anything else?

The TP5 and TP5x will also be available in Rickie Fowler’s preferred Pix offering.

He is not the only tour star putting this in play, Matthew Wolff made the switch last year and saw nearly half a stroke improvement on his putting inside six feet helping him rise from 44th to 14th in the world rankings.

The whole idea behind this design is to improve your aim. The ball features 12 strategically placed multi-coloured graphics which frame a centre pathway.

This clear path channel doesn’t just help with alignment. A well struck putt that gets the ball rolling end over end will allow you to see continuous lines form from the orange clusters.

Meanwhile the yellow offering is back and it’s very interesting as they have changed the way it is coloured for 2021. Previously there was just a yellow paint on the surface of the ball, but now the urethane layer is also yellow. This not only adds durability but also makes it brighter for maximised visibility. 

How do they perform? Stay tuned to the NCG YouTube channel and I’ll be putting them to the test very soon.

TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x 2021: The details

Available: March 12, 2021

RRP: £49.99 per dozen

More info: TaylorMade website

If you’re after more equipment content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and if you have any questions about anything gear related, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.

Subscribe to NCG

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Newsletter