Taylormade penta

aster99

Just wondering if many users here have tried out this ball. Have read some good online reviews that suggest it's suitable for all swing speeds, etc. And that most players can get something from it that suits their particular game.
They're expensive though!

Funnily enough it's one ball I've never found while out playing, maybe I'll find a lost one soon and can try it out

Cosmic Penguin

I have played with them and found them great. Others I play with say they are not quite as soft as Pro V's though

Pricey for a high handicapper such as myself so went back to Nike PD Soft.

pinkdoubleeagle

aster99 wrote: »

Just wondering if many users here have tried out this ball. Have read some good online reviews that suggest it's suitable for all swing speeds, etc. And that most players can get something from it that suits their particular game.
They're expensive though!

Funnily enough it's one ball I've never found while out playing, maybe I'll find a lost one soon and can try it out

Switched from the Pro V to these last year and not looked back. Find it more durable and reacts much better around the greens

You are right about the price. Usually get mine from the Pro shop from our 2's competition which eases the pain of forking out €40 quid

WHIP IT!

Lads, dumb question here - which balls spins more, the Prov V1 or the V1x? Using the V1x the last few months and I'm positive it's costing me distance - but I'm playing half decent so can't complain too much.

kermitpwee

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Lads, dumb question here - which balls spins more, the Prov V1 or the V1x? Using the V1x the last few months and I'm positive it's costing me distance - but I'm playing half decent so can't complain too much.

The technical theory is that if you have enough swing speed the x will go a little further. I prefer them over the normal one. I am cutting them up big time though.

WHIP IT!

kermitpwee wrote: »

The technical theory is that if you have enough swing speed the x will go a little further. I prefer them over the normal one. I am cutting them up big time though.

I know it's still a bit soft out at the moment, but I'm getting a lot of drives actually landing and bouncing backwards which I can't really recall happening before. I prob hit my ball a bit too high off the tee and my bad shot would be a high over-cut job.

kermitpwee

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I know it's still a bit soft out at the moment, but I'm getting a lot of drives actually landing and bouncing backwards which I can't really recall happening before. I prob hit my ball a bit too high off the tee and my bad shot would be a high over-cut job.

Its more than likely your swing.

L.O.F.T

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I know it's still a bit soft out at the moment, but I'm getting a lot of drives actually landing and bouncing backwards which I can't really recall happening before. I prob hit my ball a bit too high off the tee and my bad shot would be a high over-cut job.

Its so soft at the moment that most drive's, unless hit low, are jumping back. I've attached a little clip of a drive shot at 10,000 frames per second to show you the spin beginning to be generated at the start of the drive. You can see the ball as it begins to spin.

This time of year you get to see the real big hitters and just how far they carry the ball less roll, there's not too many 280-300 yard claims floating around on the forum / local golf club. It will be summer before those threads show up with claims of 300+ yard drives on hard fairways and warm air.(Yawn)

Cosmic Penguin

I hit a drive 30 yards behind me last summer

hades

Was playing last weekend and arrived on the driveable par 4, 250m, with a slight helping wind ..... i joked with my playing partner we should do a long drive contest. He drove first and hit it 12ft, i followed with 11ft. We nearly collapsed with laughter :P

Mr. Larson

hades wrote: »

Was playing last weekend and arrived on the driveable par 4, 250m, with a slight helping wind ..... i joked with my playing partner we should do a long drive contest. He drove first and hit it 12ft, i followed with 11ft. We nearly collapsed with laughter :P

You should have pulled out the PW to make sure of the victory.

hades

I probably would've knocked that too :eek:

aster99

What's the going rate at present for a dozen pentas? In around the €40-€45 mark I'm presuming.

k.p.h

z stars for 25e in mg's cheapest top performing ball you will get. anyone i'v spoken to that have used the pentas say they are better than v1's.

recently i'v went from random selection ball's with good scores, dozen lost z-stars with ****e scores, not doing to bad again with the rocks. strange really !!

soundsham

penta is a great ball very little difference to prov1x

NoelAPM

Great ball. Even the packaging is better than the pro-v Didn't use them over the winter but looking forward to giving them a proper run this summer.

thewobbler

If I was to hand the overwhelming majority of posters on this thread an unmarked Penta, an unmarked Pro V1 and an unmarked Pinnacle, they would never be able to tell the difference. I was going to add in 4th option too of a stone with dimples in it, but don't want to be too cruel. Emperors New Clothes for most people, and the tailor is getting extremely well paid.

Mr. Larson

thewobbler wrote: »

If I was to hand the overwhelming majority of posters on this thread an unmarked Penta, an unmarked Pro V1 and an unmarked Pinnacle, they would never be able to tell the difference. I was going to add in 4th option too of a stone with dimples in it, but don't want to be too cruel. Emperors New Clothes for most people, and the tailor is getting extremely well paid.

I very much doubt that. 1st 2 maybe yes. But the Pinnacle? You're having a laugh.

WHIP IT!

There is absolutely no doubt that a Pro V1 makes a difference to the short game. Pitching and chipping and putting. No question.

thewobbler

I suppose they could make difference if you've consistent touch, feel, tempo and shotmaking ability in your chipping, pitching and putting. In that case, your need for marginal advantage of equipment starts to kick in. So I'll stand by my 'overwhelming majority' who couldn't tell the difference then.

not yet

thewobbler wrote: »

I suppose they could make difference if you've consistent touch, feel, tempo and shotmaking ability in your chipping, pitching and putting. In that case, your need for marginal advantage of equipment starts to kick in. So I'll stand by my 'overwhelming majority' who couldn't tell the difference then.

Your talking out your cake there buddy.............

Most golfers may not appricate the difference but they sure as hell could tell the difference.

soundsham

thewobbler wrote: »

If I was to hand the overwhelming majority of posters on this thread an unmarked Penta, an unmarked Pro V1 and an unmarked Pinnacle, they would never be able to tell the difference. I was going to add in 4th option too of a stone with dimples in it, but don't want to be too cruel. Emperors New Clothes for most people, and the tailor is getting extremely well paid.

I agree on 1st two but the pinnacle would leave a much larger mark on your forehead due to the force it would be returned to you ......

pinseeker

agree with first 2 but most players surely would know the pinnacle was not premium ball.ive tried the penta a bit a while back and found it very good in all aspects for me except the driver,just seemed to take sidespin a bit more than pro v so still gaming that.z-star is up there also.

Fore Iron

thewobbler wrote: »

If I was to hand the overwhelming majority of posters on this thread an unmarked Penta, an unmarked Pro V1 and an unmarked Pinnacle, they would never be able to tell the difference. I was going to add in 4th option too of a stone with dimples in it, but don't want to be too cruel. Emperors New Clothes for most people, and the tailor is getting extremely well paid.

Actually completely disagree. I could tell the Pro-V with one single, well struck wedge shot. It would show war wounds straight away. The Penta would hardly notice.

As for the Pinnacle - The feel and sound as it leaves the clubface of a forged club would be a dead give away. With the shorter clubs particularly the extra distance and lack of spin would also give it away.

The Penta and the Pro-V perform very similarly. the Penta just lasts about 20 holes longer...!!

Almaviva

Fore Iron wrote: »

Actually completely disagree. I could tell the Pro-V with one single, well struck wedge shot. It would show war wounds straight away.QUOTE]

I could tell the difference even without hitting a wedge shot of any sort. I can tell them at sight by the markings on them.

Anyway, I think the point is not whether you can distinguish them - the non-golfer in the street could tell the difference between a ProV and a Pinnacle simply by the sound boucing it off the footpath - but whether you could distinguish them through your performance with them. Between the ProV and the Penta, probably no one in the world can. Between the Penta or Prov and the Pinnacle, nobody above low single figures can.

But thats the power of marketing - dont worry about real performance, sell the perception of performance. Return on investment can be huge.

pinseeker

But thats the power of marketing - dont worry about real performance, sell the perception of performance. Return on investment can be huge.[/QUOTE]


think real performance is there in bucket loads to be fair.i dont use premium balls cause this pro or that pro uses them.they are better end of.

redhill

aster99 wrote: »

What's the going rate at present for a dozen pentas? In around the €40-€45 mark I'm presuming.

£29.99 at andrewmorrisgolf.com

Like prev posts the penta & pro v are quite similar, I also find the penta is slightly better in wind.

Fore Iron

Almaviva wrote: »

but whether you could distinguish them through your performance with them. Between the ProV and the Penta, probably no one in the world can. Between the Penta or Prov and the Pinnacle, nobody above low single figures can.

But thats the power of marketing - dont worry about real performance, sell the perception of performance. Return on investment can be huge.

I really think you're off the mark there. There is a distinguishable difference even between the Prov1 and ProV1x. The Penta is quite a different ball from either. And unless you are hacking the ball all over the course and never find the centre of the clubface more than once a week, you will see the difference between a premium ball and a hard distance ball if you pay attention....

Almaviva

Fore Iron wrote: »

I really think you're off the mark there. There is a distinguishable difference even between the Prov1 and ProV1x. The Penta is quite a different ball from either. And unless you are hacking the ball all over the course and never find the centre of the clubface more than once a week, you will see the difference between a premium ball and a hard distance ball if you pay attention....

Possibly not expressing my point clearly enough - which is that it is not that you cannot tell the difference between them by paying attention - but that you shouldnt have to pay attention. If the difference was of any importance then you wouldnt have to pay attention at all. Your score would simply be better with one than the other. But since score if not at all affected by which ball you play (much less a ProV1 and a ProV1x), then the distinction between them is of no consequence. But through marketing, the perception is created that it is of consequence - and so people part with their cash for a perceived rather than real benefit.

thewobbler

It would seem that I'm wrong and the only thing a Penta doesn't do is swing the club for you.

It really is amazing that anyone could play off scratch or better before these pinpoint masters of nature came along.

soundsham

ya your right there connooo

Screaminmidget

Fore Iron wrote: »

Actually completely disagree. I could tell the Pro-V with one single, well struck wedge shot. It would show war wounds straight away.

I thought the Pro-v just wore down a small bit, where as the Penta had four or 5 cuts at the point of impact.

GreeBo

Almaviva wrote: »

Possibly not expressing my point clearly enough - which is that it is not that you cannot tell the difference between them by paying attention - but that you shouldnt have to pay attention. If the difference was of any importance then you wouldnt have to pay attention at all. Your score would simply be better with one than the other. But since score if not at all affected by which ball you play (much less a ProV1 and a ProV1x), then the distinction between them is of no consequence. But through marketing, the perception is created that it is of consequence - and so people part with their cash for a perceived rather than real benefit.

I disagree with this. I have to alter my game to play with a Pinnacle Vs a "soft" ball as I cannot play the same shots. There might not be any occasions when this causes a problem, but likewise there may be (short sided flop over a bunker for example) If you dont have the skill to play a flop then it doesnt matter what ball you play.

GreeBo

I get scuffs and "stripes" with the Prov1, just the stripes with the Penta so far

aster99

Bought a few 2nd hand Taylormade pentas off eBay, should arrive before weekend hopefully and I'll give them a go this weekend

mr.mickels

a former scratch player myself, and would agree with what Mr.wobbler says.
Using a higher spin ball is a waste of time for most players, and as for around the green, is it really an advantage to the average to player to stop the ball quicker, just play the shot with the regular ball and allow for a little more roll!!! The modern "hard" balls do stop alot quicker than they did in the mid 90's and they spin more than enough for the vast majority of players

k.p.h

mr.mickels wrote: »

a former scratch player myself, and would agree with what Mr.wobbler says.
Using a higher spin ball is a waste of time for most players, and as for around the green, is it really an advantage to the average to player to stop the ball quicker, just play the shot with the regular ball and allow for a little more roll!!! The modern "hard" balls do stop alot quicker than they did in the mid 90's and they spin more than enough for the vast majority of players

This is wrong to a certain extent Mr.Mickles..! Actually nearly completely wrong but I'l leave a little wiggle room. I believe it's more important for higher handicaps to use decent golf balls (not necessarily expensive premium). When I see some of the lads hitting to flights with ****e putters and wondering why the ball always go's 20ft past the hole I feel compelled to inform them what they are trying to achieve. The golf ball dose not start rolling for 2 or 3 ft at times ... Crazy stuff ..

Also I occasionally hit a low spin pitch (or out of the rough) and top golf balls do sit a lot quicker. I mean its only a couple of feet but as you probably already know the chances of making the putt increase dramatically depending on distance from the hole. Actually come to think about it higher handicaps miss the green more often so probably have more need for a ball that stops quicker from pitch/chips. Quite often their is not a lot of green to work with also.

I think that a decent ball would at least be worth a shot to any handicap. And thats it one shot.Whats it worth to you or anyone in competition even high handicappers. When people are competing no matter what the handicap any edge is important. My recommendation is for every golfer to get a few decent balls(out of a ditch will do) and pull them out on a Sunday when necessary.

Can understand though when you try to validate the cost. They are usually quite expensive so whats one shot worth to someone. Especially when its just a mis struck putt that rolled really true.But really a good golf ball is an advantage(especially fitted) so no point saying its not..!

Currently playing Pentas at the moment. They are holding up pretty well and quite long but are a little lacking in comparison around the green compared to V1's. I must say the Pentas are better off every club other than my wedges and putter.The difference is minimal but noticeable, but they are lasting longer so actually better value and im happy with that anyway

mr.mickels

k.p.h wrote: »

Actually come to think about it higher handicaps miss the green more often so probably have more need for a ball that stops quicker from pitch/chips.

If you imagine the average player can use the extra spin of a Pro V over a regular Titleist to any kind of meaningful advantage then you don't understand much about the average player.

And what I said is not wrong, I became a scratch player without ever using a soft ball, as have thousands more like me. Giving the average player who uses a regular ball, a softer Pro V will not make any difference to his average scoring, will simply mean he needs to adapt to the higher spin ball, it won't knock any shots off his scores, won't improve his short game and will likely mean he misses even more greens in regulation, if that is not the case then he is not the average player

G1032

k.p.h wrote: »

Also I occasionally hit a low spin pitch (or out of the rough) and top golf balls do sit a lot quicker. I mean its only a couple of feet but as you probably already know the chances of making the putt increase dramatically depending on distance from the hole. Actually come to think about it higher handicaps miss the green more often so probably have more need for a ball that stops quicker from pitch/chips. Quite often their is not a lot of green to work with also.

I think that a decent ball would at least be worth a shot to any handicap. And thats it one shot.Whats it worth to you or anyone in competition even high handicappers. When people are competing no matter what the handicap any edge is important. My recommendation is for every golfer to get a few decent balls(out of a ditch will do) and pull them out on a Sunday when necessary.

1.If a golfer can't hit the green with a pitch or a chip, the problem isn't with the ball.

2. How will only playing the decent ball on the Sunday help? Practice with one type during the week, but switch to a softer ball at the weekend?

SEORG

G1032 wrote: »

1.If a golfer can't hit the green with a pitch or a chip, the problem isn't with the ball.

I think he means that they pitch/chip the ball after they miss the green, then they need it to stop.

bustercherry

SEORG wrote: »

I think he means that they pitch/chip the ball after they miss the green, then they need it to stop hasn't a clue.

Fixed that for you

aster99

It's something that's on my mind at moment, I'm playing with the Srixon z star. I love the spin off it particularly around the green. But I feel as though I'm a short hitter and would benefit from more distance. I'd be hitting a 6 iron from 150 yards, maybe a 5 iron a lot of days.

With driver I guess I mite hit it 220 yards. So even 15 yards more in distance would be great for me.

So it's a question of do I want to give up the spin around the green in favour of more distance or continue with the longer 2nd shots into greens

Just wondering what might be the right ball for me. Playing off 9 by the way

aster99

Forgot to mention, I bought some pentas. Lovely ball, but again I'm wondering would I benefit from something that gives more distance

WHIP IT!

aster99 wrote: »

It's something that's on my mind at moment, I'm playing with the Srixon z star. I love the spin off it particularly around the green. But I feel as though I'm a short hitter and would benefit from more distance. I'd be hitting a 6 iron from 150 yards, maybe a 5 iron a lot of days.

With driver I guess I mite hit it 220 yards. So even 15 yards more in distance would be great for me.

So it's a question of do I want to give up the spin around the green in favour of more distance or continue with the longer 2nd shots into greens

Just wondering what might be the right ball for me. Playing off 9 by the way

I've recently gone back to using a hard ball (cheap Nike 'red' distance balls - quite a good ball for the price) as I struggle with accuracy off the tee (15hc). I've found them to be a bit more 'forgiving' off the tee than the Pro Vs but there is a visible difference around the greens that takes some getting used but - you will get used to it.

I've noticed when I push or slightly slice a drive, it's just not going as far right as it had been. On one or two occasions a drive that I thought was heading for trouble has actually held the right edge of the fairway.

Around the greens, they 'feel' very different At first they seem to come off the clubface horribly on wedge shots, they don't have that millisecond where they kinda 'grab' the clubface before heading on their way. And they just boom off the putterface too - which was a bit of a shock to the nerves!

The first couple of rounds I thought 'f*ck this, back to a ProV I go' because what I was saving from the tee was being wasted (and then some) round the greens.

But, I've gotten a little more used to them and adjusted my shots around the green accordingly. The experiment continues and I suppose the real test will be in May, June, July when it's warm, hard and fast out there..

SuprSi

I used one last night for the first time and I have to admit to being impressed. My wedges, since regrooving them, usually tear chunks out of any balls I hit and although there were definitely wear marks, they weren't bad at all. I also bladed a long iron and it didin't even leave a mark! I ended up losing the ball in the end so couldn't say how it would've looked after a full round but it's definitely an improvement on the Titiest.

nocal

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I've recently gone back to using a hard ball (cheap Nike 'red' distance balls - quite a good ball for the price) as I struggle with accuracy off the tee (15hc). I've found them to be a bit more 'forgiving' off the tee than the Pro Vs but there is a visible difference around the greens that takes some getting used but - you will get used to it.

I've noticed when I push or slightly slice a drive, it's just not going as far right as it had been. On one or two occasions a drive that I thought was heading for trouble has actually held the right edge of the fairway.

Around the greens, they 'feel' very different At first they seem to come off the clubface horribly on wedge shots, they don't have that millisecond where they kinda 'grab' the clubface before heading on their way. And they just boom off the putterface too - which was a bit of a shock to the nerves!

The first couple of rounds I thought 'f*ck this, back to a ProV I go' because what I was saving from the tee was being wasted (and then some) round the greens.

But, I've gotten a little more used to them and adjusted my shots around the green accordingly. The experiment continues and I suppose the real test will be in May, June, July when it's warm, hard and fast out there..

I am very interested in hearing how you go with this. Currently also using the Nike Red and used to occasionally use the Titleist NXT. I had begun considering what ball to use for the summer. My dilemma is very much that I still need my tee shots to be as straight as possible due to the odd slice or over-drawn shot but I know that I will only improve when I start saving shots around and on the green.

GreeBo

SuprSi wrote: »

I used one last night for the first time and I have to admit to being impressed. My wedges, since regrooving them, usually tear chunks out of any balls I hit and although there were definitely wear marks, they weren't bad at all. I also bladed a long iron and it didin't even leave a mark! I ended up losing the ball in the end so couldn't say how it would've looked after a full round but it's definitely an improvement on the Titiest.

Im getting more than a round out of the penta which is better than Im getting from a Prov1. Typically any prov1 that I can hang onto for 18 is in the practice bag afterwards. Used the same Penta for 36 holes recently and it was still looking better than a prov1.

That said I can still beard the crap out of them, but I can do that with an NXT Tour also depending the shot.

Mat the trasher

Came across this site a few years ago, supposed to guide you to the right ball based on some imputs from you. didn't try it as there was a subscription. wonder if anyone else has and what did they make of it?

www.golfballselector.com

Without the, "you can't pick a ball on stats etc!!"

Osgoodisgood

GreeBo wrote: »

Im getting more than a round out of the penta which is better than Im getting from a Prov1. Typically any prov1 that I can hang onto for 18 is in the practice bag afterwards. Used the same Penta for 36 holes recently and it was still looking better than a prov1.

That said I can still beard the crap out of them, but I can do that with an NXT Tour also depending the shot.

I use the Penta now having moved from the Prov1 last year. They definitely shred less than the Prov1. I've also noticed less shreding since changing my wedges from my worn out Vokeys to Cleveland CG15s.

thewobbler

Right ball snobs, answer me this.

You're down at the range working on length and line. After every shot, do you think to yourself "that was on the money", or is it a case of "with an Evo, I'd be another 13 yards longer, plus the reduced/enhanced spin means I'd be 3.35 yards left, so that's where I'll aim my next one".

Spoofers.

k.p.h

thewobbler wrote: »

Right ball snobs, answer me this.

You're down at the range working on length and line. After every shot, do you think to yourself "that was on the money", or is it a case of "with an Evo, I'd be another 13 yards longer, plus the reduced/enhanced spin means I'd be 3.35 yards left, so that's where I'll aim my next one".

Spoofers.

Seriously confusing post :rolleyes: most range balls carry about 15% less than any purchased golf ball. So best hit a few from the on course markers or maybe borrow a range finder to find out distances with the ball you play with on course.

Sometimes the balls get out of shape too. I got a whole bucket of them today the seem to promote slices hooks top and general air shots ..