While the standard TP5 is the headline act, the TP5x has always been the family powerhouse, typically boasting a few extra yards from the tee. For 2026, TaylorMade claims to have made the TP5x its ‘lowest spinning, fastest five-layer tour ball’ by utilising a new dimple design and microcoating process - a layer of paint thinner than a human hair (yes, you read that right) to eliminate inconsistent paint building up in the dimples.
A re-engineered Speed Gradient has been implemented using stiffer mantle layers to maximise energy transfer at impact, in an attempt to make this ball longer than not just the previous TP5x but any ball they have ever made and compete with some of the best golf balls on the market.
I think TaylorMade leads the market in visual tech and the TP5x shines with the new stripe design featuring 360° Tour ClearPath Alignment. This was the model I tested, although there are still Pix, White, and Yellow options for those who prefer more colour or a classic design.
The original stripe was never anything I was interested in, as I have always adopted an ‘aim small, miss small’ philosophy when putting, opting for a thin, drawn-on line. However, the much slimmer 360° ClearPath alignment Stripe design available on both the 2026 TP5 and TP5x is something that I could be persuaded to use.
I could see how this line would be beneficial when putting or even when being specific as to the start line when teeing the ball up. While it took me at least 9 holes for this not to look too busy on my eyes, I found the performance dot amidst the line to be a nice focus point when standing over a putt.
My testing began on a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, where I confirmed the ‘fastest to date’ claims. The TP5x is very different in feel from its sibling, prioritising raw speed and a piercing trajectory, while offering a firmer feel from the clubface.
The driver numbers were impressive if you tend to play your golf by the coast or in windy conditions, but for those who play softer courses that don’t offer much run, then I would sway you towards the TP5.
I produced an average ball speed of 168.3 mph, marginally faster than the standard TP5, while launching at 13° with an ultra-low spin rate of 2018 rpm. This created a powerful, penetrating flight (peak height 110ft) that carried 302 yards with massive rollout potential if used on the right golf course. If you struggle with ballooning drives, this flat, forward-driving trajectory is exactly what you need and could add some serious yardage to your drives.
Like the TP5, the TP5x produced an incredibly consistent flight when out on the golf course, and I didn’t see any wild or out-of-character shots that I sometimes saw with the previous generation - a sign the new micropainting production process wasn’t suffering from any teething problems.
This low-spin DNA carried into the irons, where with my 7-iron, I saw an average of 179 yards carry and 5660 rpm of spin. The flight was solid (118ft peak height), but the low spin and shallower descent had me questioning whether or not I could use this ball, particularly when the golf courses firm up in the middle of the summer. If you suffer from a ballooning ball flight with your irons, I’d put my money on this ball helping fix that problem.
Around the green, the trade-off for that speed is a slightly firmer feel and at least from my testing, a slight drop in spin. On a 50-yard pitch, the TP5x launched higher (29.6°) but spun less than the TP5 at 6774 rpm. While there is still control on offer, the TP5x doesn’t provide the same check as its sibling, releasing just a little more after landing.
The 2026 TP5x is a premium golf ball that will suit some golfers who have speed to burn and want to lower their ball flight, but I would imagine the wide majority of golfers would be much better suited in the TP5. The data highlights a clear distinction - it launches lower and spins less, and while it is the perfect switch for players looking to squeeze every yard out of their swing, this does come at a little cost with a wedge in hand.
The TaylorMade TP5x and TP5x Stripe balls are available now and with an RRP of $57/£47 per dozen.
