Hi Derek, 

Thanks for the question. 

There are many variables to consider when trying to find the right ball for your game. Feel, control and spin are some of the most important. You are correct that the Pro V1x is designed with less spin than the Pro V1. 

If you currently like the trajectory of your metals and short irons, I would suggest looking at adjusting your mid/long irons. It is an easier fix than changing your golf ball.. 

Have you considered weakening the loft of your mid and long irons? This will help create a higher flight and should not effect distance. 

Let me know if you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. 

Take care, 

Bubba

Bubba, I am curious. How can weakening the loft on the mid/long irons NOT effect distance? When we go from a 54 to 56* SW, we can't hit it as far. Why wouldn't the same hold true for mid irons?

Good question, Gordon. 

When a golfer wants to see a higher ball flight, it is likely due to one, or both, of the following factors.

1) The initial launch angle is too low

2) The overall spin is too low

Both of these issues will cause a loss of distance, especially with clubs towards the top of the bag. Derek mentioned he would like to see his flight come up. The minimal loss of ball speed, if any, that he would see by reducing the loft of his irons would be offset by achieving more optimal launch conditions. He would more likely see a distance increase than a decrease in distance.

The reason many golfers consistently hit a weaker wedge shorter is because many times the launch and spin are already optimal. The only difference between the two clubs would be the loss of ball speed resulting from the weaker loft. 

Hope this clarify's any issues. 

Thanks.

Bubba

Thanks for your comments Bubba.  I appreciate you insights.  I would say that my ball flight is generally lower throughout the bag, but it's acceptable for the short irons and wedges.  And I (surprisingly) don't have issues with launch angle/ball flight with my 3 wood (tee or fairway) or driver. 

I realize that the shaft(s) could be the issue as well, but it's fairly difficult/expensive for me to test various shafts, and I thought that finding a ball that's designed to launch higher and create a higher ball flight would be a more cost effective way to address the issue.

After doing fairly extensive research, I just picked up a dozen of the 2011 Pro V1x from a local retailer that still had some.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 2011 version is designed to launch/fly higher than either the 2009 or the 2013 version; and it should fly higher than any of the Pro V1's.

Thanks.

Hi Derek, 

As I mentioned earlier, the best way to find out which ball is best for you is to try them on the course and do an evaluation. It really is player dependent. As for a shaft change, I would definitely recommend adjusting the lofts before you made a major overhaul. 

Keep us up to date.

Bubba

Bubba, great discussion.  I very much enjoyed listening to your incredible amount of "fitting" knowledge which served you well at Manchester Lane.  Tomorrow I am back at Oceanside TPI and hope to take a couple of these points with long irons to see if it would make a difference with my game.  

Thanks as always for your prompt and interesting posts!

Chris

Anytime, Chris!

Have a great time at TPI and please let us know how the fitting was. 

Take care, 

Bubba