Penta TP 3

I have seen some folks discussing this ball, which I just tried for 9 holes yesterday. I play to a 7 handicap and hit the driver at 90-95 m.p.h. Previously I have used the Pro V1 and V1x on windy days. The Pro V1 has been the main ball, and I've not liked its susceptibility to wind and tendency to short, sometimes "wiggly" distances/ball flight off drives.

Some initial thoughts on the Penta TP 3:

1. Higher trajectory than Pro V1 (the main ball I played) -- on irons and woods. Higher, but boring. I like a lower trajectory, actually, but so far it's not so different that I can object so much. Sometimes distance was better -- mostly was the same.

2. Not so much "wiggling around" with this ball, though. Travels straight.

3. I use an older set of '80s Hagen blades ("The Haig" w/Fujikura graphite shafts), and the ball appears to like them. More aggressive checking up on greens than Pro V1. That resulted in at least one birdie I think would have been harder to make with the bouncier Pro V1.

4. Jury is still out on Ping G10 driver. I think I'm going to tee it down a bit -- which I've been doing more often lately. One time I did that, it went pretty far -- 15 yards or so further than my usual "nailed" drive on this particular hole. Another time, nice flight but more Pro V1 distance.

5. Unlike other balls I've tried in this search (such as Hex Chrome and FG Tour), not a marshmallow off the putter. In fact, was maybe a little too lively in that regard, until I calibrated a bit. Was cautious on 15-20-foot putts, though, as a result. That said, I am more comfortable with this firmer feel off the putter and feel like I'm dialing it in.

6. Didn't do that much chipping, but when I did it was responsive/dependable, and I saw nothing unusual about it. Actually, almost holed out a chip on the 9th hole -- off to side of cup less than two inches.

6. I'm going to keep trying this ball because of its persistence through any breeze or wind and because it is more helpfully "active" -- as in checking up -- on the greens with irons. I believe it is superior to the Pro V1 in each area. Solid putting is similar to Pro V1 -- though lacking some of the "resonance" of that ball, if that makes any sense. Not enough difference to quibble, though. Will experiment more with the driver and see what can happen. In addition to uncertainty about the distance still -- as in I haven't hit enough yet -- I am wondering about workability. I think I can work my drives with this ball, though, and maybe without some of the over-reactions that happen with the Pro V1, especially with wind. Will see.

So, there's some thoughts on this relatively new ball. If anyone thinks of something to say in response, please have at it! I would enjoy learning from others' experiences.

Thanks to all.

HydePark

Nice review!

I'm gaming the TP5 this year and love it. The greens at my home course are still rock hard this early in the year, so I needed some extra bite this weekend. I replaced the TP5 with the TP3 and like magic... More bite! For the most part the TP3 would have too much spin for my game, but this early in the year and firm greens it's perfect.

I like the option of two balls that are similar enough I can bounce back and forth based on course conditions, and the TP3 and TP5 seem to fit that bill well.

I recently started playing the TP3. Previously played ProV1 and ProV1X (depending on temperature). I've noticed the TP3 is definately longer than the ProV1, spins just as good, is more durable, and feels better. It's also almost $15 less per dozen. I'm sold. A small annoyance is the TP3 still has a seam which is somewhat rare these days. Great ball though.

Nice Review, definitely going to pick up a box of these and give them a go!

I started out the year using the TP5 and was very impressed until one of the pros at my course told me to try the TP3. All I can say is WOW! It holds a straight line, checks up well on the green and feels very good off the putter. It has become the ball of choice, though I will also use the TP5 on occassion when the weather stays warm.

The Pro at our club gave me a sleeve of the TP3 to try. He asked for my feedback especially around the greens. Well off the tee they are long. Plenty of bite from 100-150yrds but from 50 in they were not as responsive as ProV. Obvious I know but for me that is were shots are saved most times. If you are seeking quality feel with added length off the tee then grab the TP3. But if you are already long off the tee Id go with the TP5 or ProV

Great Info, guys. I have played the TP Red, TP Black, Penta and now the TP5. I will say that with all of the positives of the TP 3 I will pick up a doz and have a go.

How does this compare to the "older" TP Red and Black?, which one would it be more comparable with?. Still have fond memories of the TP Black

So you guys think the TP3 spins more than the TP5?? all around or just coming into the green or chipping and pitching? I'm using 20xi-x and TP5 atm. Still deciding for the season.

[quote name='craz-e' timestamp='1334054276' post='4691380']
How does this compare to the "older" TP Red and Black?, which one would it be more comparable with?. Still have fond memories of the TP Black
[/quote]

I have played the Black for the last couple of years. The Tp3 is closer to the Black. It has the same high trajectory, but it has a much softer feel, spins considerably less off the tee, and a little less around the greens.

[quote name='bushy007' timestamp='1334056944' post='4691450']
So you guys think the TP3 spins more than the TP5?? all around or just coming into the green or chipping and pitching? I'm using 20xi-x and TP5 atm. Still deciding for the season.
[/quote]

According to Taylormade, the TP3 spins more than the TP5 with the long and mid irons. There is a good comparison on GolfSpy.com that also finds the TP3 to spin more off the driver. They both spin pretty well around the green.

SDL

[quote name='SDL' timestamp='1334065684' post='4692058']
[quote name='bushy007' timestamp='1334056944' post='4691450']
So you guys think the TP3 spins more than the TP5?? all around or just coming into the green or chipping and pitching? I'm using 20xi-x and TP5 atm. Still deciding for the season.
[/quote]

According to Taylormade, the TP3 spins more than the TP5 with the long and mid irons. There is a good comparison on GolfSpy.com that also finds the TP3 to spin more off the driver. They both spin pretty well around the green.

SDL
[/quote]

Agreed. I find the TP3 to spin more on mid irons and long irons. I've played them a bit this year is our greens are still firm from the winter.

[quote name='bushy007' timestamp='1334056944' post='4691450']
So you guys think the TP3 spins more than the TP5?? all around or just coming into the green or chipping and pitching? I'm using 20xi-x and TP5 atm. Still deciding for the season.
[/quote]

Yeah it does. There was a post on here months ago that stated.

If you already are a high spin player play the TP5.
If you need a little more spin play the TP3.