Picking the right golf ball is one of the easiest ways to fine-tune your game. Most people play the wrong ball, especially those who game the Titleist AVX.
A lot of people struggle with hooks and slices. Since the AVX is a low-spinning ball, some people think it’ll help them hit the ball straighter. While that could be the case, it’s usually not the best option.
From what I’ve seen, I think the majority of mid-low handicappers would prefer the Pro V1 over the AVX. However, the AVX will be one of the best options for a very specific type of golfer, which we’ll get into next.
You can also see our favorite balls for the average golfer HERE.
Comparison Chart
| Titleist AVX | Titleist Pro V1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | 3 | 3 |
| Cover | Urethane | Urethane |
| Feel | Very Soft | Soft |
| Compression | 77 | 87 |
| Swing Speed | 95+ MPH | 95+ MPH |
| Long Game Spin | Lower | Low |
| Short Game Spin | High | Higher |
| OBG Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Tech
Layers: Both the Titleist AVX and Pro V1 are 3 piece golf balls. This makes them a good choice for golfers who shoot in the 70s and low 80s. They are quite expensive (Titleist always are), which is why they aren’t the best choice for average players.
Generally speaking, 2 and 3 piece balls (budget & tour-value) are designed for mid to high handicaps while 3 and 4 piece balls (premium) are designed for mid to low handicappers. Not all 3 piece balls are created equal, so you need to factor in additional things.
3 piece balls have a thin layer around the core, which is there to add spin. The AVX and Pro V1 will spin more than a 2 piece ball (Titleist Velocity & TruFeel), but they won’t spin as much as a 4 piece ball (Titleist Pro V1x).
Cover: Both the AVX and Pro V1 have a Urethane cover, which is why both of them are considered premium golf balls. This means that they’ll be more expensive, they’ll spin more, and are built for better golfers.
In most cases, “lower-end” balls have an Ionomer or Surlyn cover on them. This material is cheaper, more durable, and spins less. Learn more about the type of covers HERE.
When comparing the AVX to the Pro V1, the difference is how the dimples are designed. The AVX has fewer dimples and the deepness and shape is different. This is how you reduce spin and lower the ball flight.
Compression: The compression rating of the AVX is around 77 while the Pro V1 is around 87. Because of this, these balls are designed for golfers with average to above-average swing speeds (above 95 MPH).
The compression rating is basically how much force it takes to compress the ball. Extremely soft golf balls could have a rating of 35-40 while very firm balls could reach 110.
These balls are somewhere in the middle. These numbers used to be a lot more important than they are today, but that being said, they should still be considered.
The Feel
Both the Titleist AVX and Pro V1 are considered to be “soft” golf balls. Compared to each other, the AVX is going to feel a bit softer because of the lower compression rating.
The way the ball feels doesn’t really have an impact on the performance. It all comes down to what your preference is, soft or firm feeling at impact. You can read our article on soft vs firm balls HERE.
Personally, I prefer a ball that feels a bit softer. I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t like the feel of a super hard golf ball, it almost feels like you’re hitting a rock.
The good news is that the AVX and Pro V1 feel good, both off the tee and around the green. The difference in compression is only 10, so they feel pretty similar.
The Long Game
Both of these balls have similar specs, the differences being compression and dimple design. The Pro V1 is designed for all-around performance while the AVX is built for low spin.
When you have a ball that spins less, you’ll also get lower shots. That could be a good thing, but it could also hurt your game.
I’ll start off by saying, I’m not someone who needs less spin and height. If you are, you’ll get different results than me.
The first difference I noticed was how high each of them flew. The AVX was noticeably lower than the Pro V1. Because of that, I got more distance out of the Pro V1.
Off the tee, it wasn’t that different. Off the fairway (with a fairway wood), I could tell right away.
One thing I noticed (but didn’t expect) was that I hit more fairways and greens with the Pro V1. I actually lost more balls than usual when I was playing the AVX.
So clearly, the AVX wasn’t right for me. In saying that, if you absolutely know you hit the ball too high (and with too much spin), you’ll likely get a lot more distance out of the AVX.
The Short Game
Both of these balls are considered to have high amounts of short-game spin. That being said, the Pro V1 slightly edges out the AVX in terms of spin around the green.
In saying that, I don’t think the average player would notice much of a different on the course. If you’re good with your wedges, both of them will be able to drop and stop.
There isn’t much else I can say here. They both stack up well compared to any other premium ball. I really enjoy how they felt and performed around the greens.
Should You Use The AVX?
After using the AVX for 10+ rounds of golf, it’s not the right ball for me. I just didn’t like how low it flew. I didn’t get as much distance as the Pro V1 and I found it tougher to hit my target.
In saying that, I really liked how it felt and how it performed around the green. Out of all the balls I’ve played, it’s one of my favorites (in these two categories).
And because of that, if you’re a low to mid handicapper who hits the ball too high and with too much backspin, the AVX is one of the best balls out there.
I know a number of people who play the AVX and love it. The reason is that it’s designed for them, so really make sure that you need less spin before you go out and get a box.
Let’s hear from you – Have you used both the Pro V1 and AVX? What did you notice and which one do you prefer? Let us know below.
Best Place To Buy: Check The Price On Amazon
Other Balls To Consider
Even though these golf balls are great picks for a lot of golfers, it doesn’t mean they’ll be perfect for you. If you want to see some of our favorites, check out one of the guides below.
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