J13's WITB: Update- FUJIKURA AXIOM

[PureDivots]

I just checked a couple Z star XV I have and they all have that same consistent wear line were it looks like it is following the seam. Major problem. 

[J13]

13 minutes ago, DaltonSTL said:

I just checked a couple Z star XV I have and they all have that same consistent wear line were it looks like it is following the seam. Major problem. 

 

 

It's unfortunate, my bigger concern is if this is happening to the cover I can't imagine the QC inside the ball is much better.

[PureDivots]

1 minute ago, J13 said:

 

 

It's unfortunate, my bigger concern is if this is happening to the cover I can't imagine the QC inside the ball is much better.

Very well could just be a design flaw, what turned me off the balls though was the how white they are. I prefer the duller urethane look that most other tour balls have. If you end up with the Bstone ball I might have to give them a look. 

[storm319]

7 hours ago, J13 said:

 

 

It's unfortunate, my bigger concern is if this is happening to the cover I can't imagine the QC inside the ball is much better.

The dual core design of the XV would be more concerning to me (I haven’t considered any dual cores in years due to the potential of the inner core being off-centered).

[bcflyguy1]

Any standout negatives or positives with the CSX, or was it just kind of meh? Thanks!

[J13]

16 hours ago, storm319 said:

The dual core design of the XV would be more concerning to me (I haven’t considered any dual cores in years due to the potential of the inner core being off-centered).

 

 

Agree on the dual core.  Seems those balls have the most issues.  Smaller the core the biggest risk of problems

 

15 hours ago, bcflyguy1 said:

Any standout negatives or positives with the CSX, or was it just kind of meh? Thanks!

 

CSX performed well it just wasn't as good the Bridgestone Tour b X for me.  The tour b x felt a little firmer (which i like) and spun a little less on iron shots, especially short irons.  If I wanted a softer feeling "X" ball with a little more spin then CSX would have won.

 

[J13]

BALL TEST WINNER:  

 

 

In the end, both the Bridgestone Tour B X and Taylormade TP5X are great balls.  The Tour BX is a little better in the durability department but the TP5X is a little better in the wind for me.  I could honestly play either ball and be happy but i'm going to give the nod to the TP5X and see how it goes.  The other contributing factor is price.  I can get the TP5X for about $5 cheaper per dozen so why not save some cash.  

 

If price was the same - I'd still pick the TP5X as it performed great in all area's and for whatever reason I seem to hole more putts with it.  It's weird and 100% in my head but i'm a golfer and we are all crazy ?

 

 

What i've learned:

There are a lot of great golf balls on the market.  In all honesty, I could have played most of the balls I tested and been just fine. It also opened my eyes to SNELL, which is easily the best value out there.  It's truly a tour level ball that performs.

 

 

Onto the next test: Coming this week 

 

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by J13

[FAbb]

I've been playing the Pro V1 for the past two seasons, but am going to dust off the dozen TP5X I received as a gift last xmas for some testing.

 

I don't have any factual basis for this, but I inherently have more trust in the quality control and consistency of the V1.  Not just that I trust Titleist manufacturing more, but also that it's a simpler design (3-piece vs. 5-piece).  In reality, I'm sure they're both fine.  Some of the best players in the world are playing TM balls.

 

I'd be interested to hear if you have any feedback in the performance department, between the two balls.  Since they were in different groups for your testing, there's not as much sense of the two head-to-head.

[J13]

45 minutes ago, FAbb said:

I've been playing the Pro V1 for the past two seasons, but am going to dust off the dozen TP5X I received as a gift last xmas for some testing.

 

I don't have any factual basis for this, but I inherently have more trust in the quality control and consistency of the V1.  Not just that I trust Titleist manufacturing more, but also that it's a simpler design (3-piece vs. 5-piece).  In reality, I'm sure they're both fine.  Some of the best players in the world are playing TM balls.

 

I'd be interested to hear if you have any feedback in the performance department, between the two balls.  Since they were in different groups for your testing, there's not as much sense of the two head-to-head.

 

 

Titleist is no doubt the leader in QC but if you notice which balls have had issues it's the small dual core balls like Chrome Soft and more recently Srixon XV.  It seems like when you try to have that nickel sized core you run into problems having it centered.  TM has very thin layers with one large core so not as much room for the issue.  

 

Comparing Prov1 to TP5X

Distance - TP5X is longer (mainly due to spin)

Spin Irons and woods - TP5X is lower

Spin around green - Prov1 is higher

Trajectory - TP5X is higher

FEEL - Prov1 feels a little softer to me

 

My needs : I spin the ball so i want spin reduction in a premium urethane ball.  I do not want to spin balls back 15ft as I don't play that way.  I want 1 hop and stop type performance.  I naturally hit a high ball with spin so I'm looking for something to reduce that while still maintaining spin around the green on chips and pitches.  Prov1 is a great ball though, just not as good for me as the two that made it to the finals.  

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by J13

[MattM97]

Sad to see the durability issues with Srixon, I usually stock up on their off season deals, don't notice the seam issues maybe I'm not paying enough attention or the ball doesn't last long enough for me to notice.

 

But I do like the TP5X and Tour BX and just wished the price was a little better on both. But like you said a lot of really good balls out there. 

[J13]

6 hours ago, MattM97 said:

Sad to see the durability issues with Srixon, I usually stock up on their off season deals, don't notice the seam issues maybe I'm not paying enough attention or the ball doesn't last long enough for me to notice.

 

But I do like the TP5X and Tour BX and just wished the price was a little better on both. But like you said a lot of really good balls out there. 

 

 

I agree.  Problem is when the cover doesn't hold up the value disappears.  I sincerely hope they fix the issue.

[Qwiklap]

On 9/18/2020 at 2:36 PM, J13 said:

 

 

Agree. Srixon has a major problem and it's been going on for too long.  

 

I am currently using this ball -- and I see this with balls in my SIM that see tons of hits (and eventually the cover comes off), but never on the course.

 

Have you contacted the manufacturer?  I would think Srixon would try to address the issue where there is such seam failure. 

[Bobbo03]

16 hours ago, J13 said:

My needs : I spin the ball so i want spin reduction in a premium urethane ball.  I do not want to spin balls back 15ft as I don't play that way.  I want 1 hop and stop type performance.  I naturally hit a high ball with spin so I'm looking for something to reduce that while still maintaining spin around the green on chips and pitches.  Prov1 is a great ball though, just not as good for me as the two that made it to the finals.  

 

 

Ever tried the AVX? 2020 version supposed to have increased short game spin as well.

Pretty much battleing the same factors as you, keeping spin and flight down with irons & full swing wedges. Really liked the long game characteristics in the first iteration of the AVX back in 2018 when I first tested it. However in some short game situations the performance was lacking too much compared to the V1x at the time, which prevented a ball change. Haven't tried the 2020 yet.

[Bunkersarebigcups]

Funny that Bridgestone is more expensive. Over here in Europe (in Austria and Germany at least) the Bridgestone Tour B series is at the lower end of the spectrum. I just bought 5 dozen B XS's for 38€ each whereas Pro V is at 52€ and TP5 and 5x are at ~45€. So the Bridgestone is cheaper than Snell and about the price of the Vice Golf Balls over here. Easy choice then

[bcflyguy1]

6 hours ago, Bobbo03 said:

 

Ever tried the AVX? 2020 version supposed to have increased short game spin as well.

Pretty much battleing the same factors as you, keeping spin and flight down with irons & full swing wedges. Really liked the long game characteristics in the first iteration of the AVX back in 2018 when I first tested it. However in some short game situations the performance was lacking too much compared to the V1x at the time, which prevented a ball change. Haven't tried the 2020 yet.

Not to speak for J, but he's mentioned liking to play balls on the firmer end of the feel spectrum. That's decidedly not the AVX.

[bcflyguy1]

11 hours ago, Qwiklap said:

 

I am currently using this ball -- and I see this with balls in my SIM that see tons of hits (and eventually the cover comes off), but never on the course.

 

Have you contacted the manufacturer?  I would think Srixon would try to address the issue where there is such seam failure. 

A few replies back J mentions that he did contact Srixon about it and they offered to send him some replacement balls but he declined as any balls they could send will still have this issue.

[J13]

bcflyguy is correct.  AVX is not my speed but the left dash would be if it were not a boutique ball.   

 

As for Srixon, I spoke to them (after many attempts) and told them about the issue and their response was to offer me free balls (which i declined and instead told them to give whatever they were going to send me to a first tee program).  Pretty lazy response if you ask me and it was disappointing.  I hope they fix the issue but i'm not holding my breathe.

 

14 hours ago, Bunkersarebigcups said:

Funny that Bridgestone is more expensive. Over here in Europe (in Austria and Germany at least) the Bridgestone Tour B series is at the lower end of the spectrum. I just bought 5 dozen B XS's for 38€ each whereas Pro V is at 52€ and TP5 and 5x are at ~45€. So the Bridgestone is cheaper than Snell and about the price of the Vice Golf Balls over here. Easy choice then

 

 

That's pretty wild. I wonder why Bstone is less expensive there.

[Bunkersarebigcups]

5 hours ago, J13 said:

bcflyguy is correct.  AVX is not my speed but the left dash would be if it were not a boutique ball.   

 

As for Srixon, I spoke to them (after many attempts) and told them about the issue and their response was to offer me free balls (which i declined and instead told them to give whatever they were going to send me to a first tee program).  Pretty lazy response if you ask me and it was disappointing.  I hope they fix the issue but i'm not holding my breathe.

 

 

 

That's pretty wild. I wonder why Bstone is less expensive there.

 

I agree. Pretty wild and makes little to no sense to me. Maybe it was a special offer or something but it definetely has always been cheaper than TP5, Pro V and most other OEM urethane balls

Edited September 23, 2020 by Bunkersarebigcups

[storm319]

@J13 here is a decent deal if you don’t mind practice stamps:

 

https://www.golfdiscount.com/catalog/product/view/id/186606/s/taylormade-tp5x-practice-bagged-golf-balls/?___store=default&refSrc=194358&nosto=nosto-page-product2

[J13]

10 hours ago, storm319 said:

@J13 here is a decent deal if you don’t mind practice stamps:

 

https://www.golfdiscount.com/catalog/product/view/id/186606/s/taylormade-tp5x-practice-bagged-golf-balls/?___store=default&refSrc=194358&nosto=nosto-page-product2

 

 

Appreciate the heads up but what are practice balls for TM?  These fail inspection at the plant and just get turned into "practice" balls?

[bcflyguy1]

28 minutes ago, J13 said:

 

 

Appreciate the heads up but what are practice balls for TM?  These fail inspection at the plant and just get turned into "practice" balls?

I know for other brands like Titleist and Callaway that "Practice" balls fail retail QC testing for a stamping defect but are perfectly functional in regard to performance. I'd imagine that's the case for TM as well, but can't confirm to certainty.

[PureDivots]

2 minutes ago, bcflyguy1 said:

I know for other brands like Titleist and Callaway that "Practice" balls fail retail QC testing for a stamping defect but are perfectly functional in regard to performance. I'd imagine that's the case for TM as well, but can't confirm to certainty.

I have bought and played these before and had no issues with them. 

[storm319]

1 hour ago, J13 said:

 

 

Appreciate the heads up but what are practice balls for TM?  These fail inspection at the plant and just get turned into "practice" balls?

 

Appears that TM has the same approach as Titleist.

 

https://www.taylormadegolf.com/TP5%2FTP5x-Practice-Balls/DW-WZ962.html?lang=default

 

"TP5/TP5x Practice balls are USGA conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. The golf balls all have “Practice” stamped on the side but do not have any construction or performance deficiencies."

 

 

[J13]

4 hours ago, storm319 said:

 

Appears that TM has the same approach as Titleist.

 

https://www.taylormadegolf.com/TP5%2FTP5x-Practice-Balls/DW-WZ962.html?lang=default

 

"TP5/TP5x Practice balls are USGA conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. The golf balls all have “Practice” stamped on the side but do not have any construction or performance deficiencies."

 

 

 

 

Gotcha thanks.  Might be great for when i practice on course and lose a bunch of balls which ultimately always happens.

[J13]

Batters up: New Test

 

@Fujikura Golf Ventus Black 10TX hybrid shaft 

 

Already have 2 rounds in and 3 practice sessions.  My hybrid of choice is Callaway Mav Pro which is like a 5w/2iron distance wise for me.

 

Stay tuned....

 

 

 

Edited September 25, 2020 by J13

[Bunkersarebigcups]

5 hours ago, J13 said:

Batters up: New Test

 

@Fujikura Golf Ventus Black 10TX hybrid shaft 

 

Already have 2 rounds in and 3 practice sessions.  My hybrid of choice is Callaway Mav Pro which is like a 5w/2iron distance wise for me.

 

Stay tuned....

 

 

 

Mavrik Pro is such a great shape! 

[J13]

6 hours ago, Bunkersarebigcups said:

Mavrik Pro is such a great shape! 

 

It really is.  I tried the SIM hybrid which spun less but dispersion and overall control was so much better with the Mavrik Pro. 

[bcflyguy1]

I remember going a bit cross-eyed looking at Mav Pro's more rounded shape at address the first time as I've always enjoyed Apex/Adams hybrid shape, but the consistent performance of Mav Pro is very impressive.

[J13]

24 minutes ago, bcflyguy1 said:

I remember going a bit cross-eyed looking at Mav Pro's more rounded shape at address the first time as I've always enjoyed Apex/Adams hybrid shape, but the consistent performance of Mav Pro is very impressive.

 

Yeah the more rounded shape is usually not something i go for but I love the way the face looks at address.  Very confidence inspiring for me.  I had the EVEN Roll black hybrid shaft in it and although it performed ok it had some issues with high and spinny shots.  I"m hoping the Fuji Ventus Black can be the answer

[bryanwmilburn]

Dang I thought I was the only one with the seam issue on the XV! I picked up 4 dozen during their sale this year. I play yellow balls and after probably 1/2 round if I’m lucky it looks like a raised ring goes around the equator of the ball all the way around. I pitch it at that point bc that HAS to impact performance in the air. Good to know I’m not the only one with the issue. I’ve played Snell the last 3 years and only picked those Srixons up bc they were $20/dozen and I’ve never heard any complaints about them. I will not buy any more and will happily go back to the MTBX.