Titleist has long been at the forefront of golf ball engineering, employing a relentless pursuit to improve their products and give golfers an advantage over every shot. Providing perennial Tour favourites in the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, Titleist’s latest model, the new AVX, literally the “Alternative VX,” is for golfers seeking a new path down the fairway. However, adding a new product to the esteemed Titleist ball catalogue is no overnight task.
“We worked through an exhaustive process with our 750,000 Titleist team members and the player feedback and data has been phenomenal,” says Frederick Waddell, Senior Product Manager, Titleist Golf Balls.
So, what differentiates the new generation AVX from the Pro V1 and ProV1x? The AVX delivers the lowest spin rate, lowest ball flight and softest feel, a stellar combination that is made possible by its larger core and thinner, exclusively designed urethane elastomer cover. When added up, the AVX is a testament to Titleist’s renowned R&D and is situated to be among the best balls in the industry.
Let’s take a closer look at the full 2020 golf ball lineup for 2020.
AVX
The AVX is a premium ball that is priced accordingly. So, if you’re having trouble keeping the ball in play you’re going to pay a price, literally. That said, golfers who are serious about their games or are looking to dramatically reduce spin rates won’t mind spending the extra money.
Pro V1 and Pro V1x
The Pro V1 and Pro V1x were in a class of their own until the AVX turned the duo into a triumvirate. But the two most commonly played balls by professionals around the world are by no means being left behind. The Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been given subtle design reconfigurations, including a faster core, larger outer casing layer and a 17% thinner cover. The end result? Two premium balls that are longer, more consistent, and more adaptive to the demands of each shot. The Pro V1 is ideal for those seeking a very soft ball and a flatter trajectory, while the Pro V1x offers a higher trajectory, a little more spin and a firmer feel. When it comes to these two classics, there really is no bad choice.
Who is it for?
A lot of touring professionals, of course, but also any player that is looking use a premium product and reap its benefits. Priced the same as the AVX, the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are on the more premium side, but then again, can you put a price on playing better golf?
Tour Soft
By delivering a product that seamlessly integrates generous distance with responsive feel, Titleist’s new Tour Soft ball removes “compromise” from golfers’ vocabularies. First appearing on the market two years ago, Tour Soft continues to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern game.
“Golfers wanting to play a softer-feeling ball shouldn’t have to sacrifice yards off the tee or control into the green,” says Michael Mahoney, Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. The 2020 Tour Soft comes with Titleist’s largest core to provide optimal feel and a thinner cover for exceptional greenside responsiveness. Once on the green, the new “T” alignment aid helps golfers start their putt on the correct line. With a ball this comprehensively engineered, the only compromise left to negotiate is deciding to play it in white or high-optic yellow.
Who is it for?
Those with slightly slower swing speeds stand to benefit much from Tour Soft’s many distance-enhancing features.
Velocity
Hitting it long gives golfers confidence, and Titleist’s Velocity ball is a great confidence builder. Designed with a larger LSX core, the Velocity is now farther and faster than ever before. A low spin ball that allows golfers to squeeze out every last bit of distance, Velocity is not for the laying-up crowd. In addition to its revamped core, Titleist has also taken a close look at Velocity’s cover and made some subtle, yet important changes. New this year is the 350 octahedral dimple design, focused on providing greater consistency and higher-trajectory ball flights for longer distance and approach shot control. And just in case hitting it further isn’t enough to get your confidence flowing, Velocity now comes in stand-out matte green, pink and orange.
Who is it for?
“This ball is for the golfer that is about distance, low spin, and wants to be out there having fun. It’s for the golfer who wants to express themselves on the course,” says Frederick Waddell, Senior Product Manager, Titleist Golf Balls. If you’re looking to outdrive your buddies, or finally hit that one par-5 in two, this ball has your name on it.
Whether you’re looking to try out something completely new in the AVX, stick with the Pro V models, or play something a little easier on the wallet, Titleist offers one of the most complete lineups in the industry. Shop all Titleist golf balls here.