Taylormade Penta TP Golf Ball Review
Posted on August 19, 2009 by Josh B
To develop the concept for their newest golf ball, Taylormade Golf spent a lot of time on tour asking questions. What do players like about the ball the play? What do they dislike? The answers to all of the questions inspired them to create their newest ball, Penta TP. This golf ball took three years to develop as their R&D team carefully experimented with different mantle materials, compositions and thicknesses until the ideal combination was defined. Extensive computer modeling, prototype creation, robot testing and player testing went into creating what they believe is the finest all-around performing golf ball of its kind, a ball that delivers outstanding performance on every key type of shot a golfer has to hit while also delivering tremendously soft and responsive feel off everything from driver to putter.
When myself and the rest of the equipment testers here at The Hackers Paradise learned that Taylormade Golf was putting together a 5 piece golf ball we were a little unsure of how it would work with amateur golfers. The two biggest questions coming up from us and our readers were the same. “Could an average player compress the the ball enough to have the golf ball work for them and with five layers in each ball, what kind of durability would these have?”. Hopefully by the time this review is complete we will have answers to those questions.
THP was the first website to have a hands on look at the new Taylormade Penta golf balls with our unboxing last week for our forum members, and we even had a giveaway to our forum members to try these balls out to get feedback from all different types of players. By doing so, we hope it can add a value to our readers to be able to identify with a certain player and see different opinions on this golf ball. Only at The Hackers Paradise will you find not only a review, but opinions from readers not associated with us or the equipment companies reviewing equipment given to them by a site before the product even hits the street.
Obviously the biggest news about the Taylormade Penta TP golf ball is that it is the first tour ball constructed of five solid layers. The five layers of Penta TP include the core, inner mantle, middle mantle, outer mantle and cover.
From Taylormade:
Layer 1 – Cover
The soft Urethane Cover promotes a higher than average spin-rate on the all-important partial wedge shots required in the scoring zone, within 100 yards of the flag. These are the types of shots where many current tour balls fail to deliver the goods because they launch too high and don’t spin enough. Instead, most tour pros want a ball that launches lower and spins enough to stop fast after one or two bounces, which gives them maximum control over these types of shots. Penta TP’s soft, durable Urethane Cover has the necessary characteristics to deliver that coveted combination of lower launch angle and higher spin-rate, while also providing soft tour feel.
Layer 2 – Outer Mantle
The firm and fast Outer Mantle promotes optimum spin off the short-irons to stop the ball quick without sucking it off the front of the green or drawing it back too far from the hole. The Outer Mantle is the fastest mantle in the ball; because it’s positioned just beneath the cover it’s easily compressed by slower swingers (ball speeds 120 mph and below), helping them to generate higher ball speed for increased distance.
Layer 3 – Middle Mantle
The semi-firm and fast Middle Mantle, which surrounds the Inner Mantle promotes mid-launch and mid-spin off the middle irons. Mid-launch promotes control; mid-spin keeps the ball from up-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target. The Middle mantle consists of a fast material, allowing medium-slow swingers (who average from 120 to 140 mph in ball speed) to generate more ball speed and distance, as they will compress only the two outermost mantles underneath the cover.
Layer 4 – Inner Mantle
The soft, fast Inner Mantle, which surrounds the core, promotes soft feel, high launch and low spin off the long-irons for exceptional distance and high, soft-landing flight that helps the ball sit quickly on the green. Because the Inner Mantle consists of a fast material, it helps players who average from 140 to 160 mph in ball speed to generate more ball speed and distance, because although they don’t swing fast enough to activate the core, they are able to activate the three layers between the core and cover including the inner mantle, which is the deepest of the three.
Layer 5 – Core
The extremely soft, low-compression core is the most critical layer to promoting high launch and low spin off the driver, which are well known to be the launch conditions that promote maximum carry and distance. Despite being soft and low-compression, Penta TP’s Core is still very fast, which allows players who generate fast ball speed — in the 140 to 180 mph range — to generate more ball speed. Which means that long-hitters who play a tour ball will likely be longer with Penta TP.
First Impressions/Practice Green
We received a few boxes of the Taylormade Penta and my first reaction was that the box itself is very cool. I would love to see the company use a box like this to draw attention to the product, but the packaging and holding the golf balls in place could be an issue if they used these. Each box came with a few golf balls in it, so we contacted a few of our testers and immediately went over to the practice green for some early short game testing. Four of us were each armed with 3 Penta TP balls each. We started with pitch shots, then moved on to chipping, and finally putting.
Chris M- 2 Handicap – “The ball reminds me a little of the TP Black around the greens. Super spinny and may even be spinnier than the black. Solid feel for putting and I like the simplified graphics. It also does not have that shiny coat that many of the new balls have and I was glad to see that. Overall I liked them a lot.”
Travis J – 3 Handicap – “Super soft but I had no durability issues or cuts from chipping. The true test will be on the course later. The ball checks really nicely. It was not clicky at all when putting either. While I used the word ‘Penta’ as a putting alignment aid, I would have liked to have seen some sort of arrows. I have it programmed in my head that I need them now.”
Josh B – 6 Handicap – “The spin took me a little to get used to. The ball was checking and it reminded me of the old balata balls with the check up and stop so much. On the putting green I really liked the feel of them. Good roll and really soft off the putter face. I also loved the simplified graphics.”
Tim O – 12 Handicap – “Around the green I am not as sure as the others as to what I am looking for. They spun like crazy on chips and it took me a few swings to get used to it compared to the Pro V1x that I have been playing. I would have liked the little arrows on them for putting, but that is easy to fix. The only way to describe the feel is really soft off my wedge.
On the Course
With the initial short game practicing out of the way, the four of us headed to the course for the first of 6 rounds of golf together over 3 days. Here are our initial reactions grouped together.
Distance & Tee Shots – The two low handicap players in our group found 8-10 yards of distance increase between the Taylormade Penta TP and their current ball the Titleist Pro V1x. Both thought the ball had a great trajectory and loved it off the tee. Myself and the mid-handicap player found no distance increase in the ball, however we did not notice a decrease at all. One thing all four of us were nervous about going in was the ball flight off the tee and if we would see an increase in hooks or slices. We can happily report back that those that play a cut or fade had it stay that way and those that played a draw never had it turn into a hook. It seemed as though there was no increase in side spin for any of us.
Approach Shots – All four of the golfers felt as though the ball really shined here. The low handicap players once again found themselves saying distance was great. Even saying that on long approaches, they could change clubs. But the real key for most of us here was that because of the increase in sticking ability we were getting, we were able to hit a much larger variety of shots into each green without the fear of the ball not stopping.
Greenside – We spoke in depth about this above and I will add that on the course, we all had our initial thoughts confirmed. The ball stops on a dime and is about as spinny as anything we have tried over the last few years. Our lowest handicap player put it this way. “It is like you taking what I love about the ProV1x and adding in some Taylormade TP Black and some Srixon Z-Star”.
Putting – Three of us loved it on the putting green and one of us did not. On the green it gives you a super smooth roll with a great soft feel. Nobody had any issues with it really and we all liked the simplified graphics that are on the ball. However one of the testers really missed his arrows for an alignment aid. For those that do not like that clicky sound that you get with some balls out there right now, you have no worries, as the sound of these is extremely pure.
Durability - I played the same ball for 18 holes. (lucky I know) None of us had any real issues with durability, however all four of us noted that they were not as durable as a few of the other premium balls out there. They will get scraped with large grooves in wedges, but no major cuts or anything such as that.
Overall
As many of our readers know, I was not a huge fan of the Taylormade TP Red or the TP Black. I loved certain things about each one and had trouble with some of the aspects that each ball had. Working with the Penta TP has changed my view of the Taylormade golf balls. It seems to this reviewer like they took the good from each one in the series and put them together to eliminate the guess work on which one to play. All four of our testers came away extremely impressed with the playability of the ball and every one of the players that got to test the ball thus far, look forward to the release. Tour validation has already been apparent as some players put these in their bag for the week of a major and that has to say something about their belief in the product. In the end, the Penta TP was able to answer our questions and all of our testers gave it high marks. Upon release I think it is something for each and every person that is looking for the highest level of golf ball to try out.
Stay tuned to our forum for the next seven days as our three lucky testers post their feedback and answer questions on their testing of the Penta TP as well. Only at the site For consumers, By consumers can you find info on the products before release and even get them in your hands to try out once in a while.
Look for the Taylormade Penta TP golf ball in warmer climates around or a little before 12/1/09 and hitting the rest of the country in the Spring. We urge everybody that is looking for a tour level golf ball to give these a shot. For more information on all the products that Taylormade Golf has out, check out their website at www.taylormadegolf.com.
Till Next Time
Josh B.
Comments (45)
I loved this review! Great coverage of this golf ball.
Very thorough as to be expected. I also cannot wait for the readers thoughts as well. Great article.
Great review guys!
I’ll be testing this ball soon and I can’t wait. I switched from the V1x a while ago to the Z-Star X, so this ball may be the one I’ve been looking for ever since I was forced to give up playing my beloved Titleist Tour Prestige of the early 2000s.
Looks like this ball is squarely aimed at the better player looking for more spin in response to the groove change, without sacrificing distance.
I have been a taylormade user for about 6 years now and really never cared for their balls. This could possibly change that.
Thanks for the review. Your earlier review of the Bridgestone balls got me to try them and I found I liked the E6, so after reading this, I will definitely be trying these. I liked the ProV1’s I was playing and these sound even better.
I play the tp blacks and like them but they do balloon off the tee a little bit. These may be perfect. Best review i have read to date on a golf ball.
Anxious to give em a rip, play TP Red’s now & then, sounds like the “par”fect ball…
Wow. Great stuff. I don’t understand why golfers dont take TaylorMade seriously in the ball category. They have the best R&D in the industry including the executive from Titleist who created the ProV1. Their metalwoods are far and away the best on the market, their iron business is about to surpass Callaway for No. 1. On those three reasons alone, consumers should try TaylorMade balls. I have been playing the Reds and can’t wait to try the Pentas. Thanks for the review.
really good information in this. i was very curious about distance and durability and both seem to be answered. the guy that said its a cross between the prov 1x and the srixon makes me want to try these in a hurry.
I have a complete callaway bag, but cannot stand there golf balls. The sound irritates me. So I have been playing pro v1s and just lose a little distance. These may be what I am looking for. I will check out the forum for more details from the other testers.
Great review, Although i would have loved to see a picture posted in this review of this ball after you used it for 18 holes.
It seems like these do have a lot of the properties of a cross between the prov1 and the prov1x. Could be what I am looking for.
very interesting. I wonder why no companies have produced a 5 piece before this.
Well-written thorough review. I don’t think I can play a high-spin ball just yet, but the Pentas look like a winner for those who hit them straighter than I do.
great review
Awesome review… I played the Pro V1X up until switching to the Srixon Z-Star X at the beginning of this year. I was never a TM ball guy until I got 2 dozen free when I had a mix up on my R9 order… I found more distance overall (I think because the spin is less and I’m a high ball hitter), but I miss my extra spin around the greens (like the Srixons). This could be the COMPLETE ball that finally makes me happy! Can’t wait to try them, so if any of you testers are looking for a place to get rid of any TM Pentas… send ‘em my way!!
Great review. I can hardly wait for the release of this product. I’ve switched products several times lately and sounds like this could be what I’ve been seaching for. I’ve never been much of a bump and run type player, so the spin should keep me close, but driver and long iorn shots intrigue me. Seems like a lot to ask for this ball not to create to mush spin from the tee.
Looking at my bag you would think I was all TM, but so far their ball is not there. The Red was almost there, hope this changes things.
Great stuff and you beat everybody else.
Nice review. Interesting little ball, but too much $$ for me.
I gave the TM Blacks & Reds a good try recently but found they cut up too much. I’d be interested in how the Penta P looked after a solid round.
Good review I’m like Fred Walker Quote;interested in how the Penta P looked after a solid round.
To the gentleman commenting on Black going straight into orbit off the tee…I just could not believe it when I tried it! I’m anxious to try these, however not a fan of the existing line. B’stone tour balls much much better alternative to V1 and so are Callys!
when can i purchase these online. and can i purchase some from this website?
These will be available 12/1 at retail stores and online. Our website does not sell products.
You can read many more topics about the Penta and more in our forum.
Outstanding review, as always.
Maxfli made most of my favorite balls of all time: Black Max, M3, A10, and the old DDH Balata and the Master (dating myself here, I know
Now that TaylorMade sold off the name and Maxfli is a Dick’s house brand, I’ve been waiting for TaylorMade to step up and make a ball worthy of that heritage. It sounds like this may be it.
Best of luck as always; sorry I don’t have time to hang out in the forums these days.
Great review
I was intrigued by the PENTA TP logo on some taylor made player’s hats and i decided to do some research. This review is excellent! My golf ball now is good but not cut resistant. Im strongly considering a switch to the Penta Tp when they come out in stores.
Thanks for a great review!!
great looking balls, but 9 bucks a ball is kinda crazy..
mmoon, they are not $9 a ball. They are the same price as just about every other premium ball out there.
1ST TIME ON YOUR WEBSITE AND FOUND IT TO BE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF INFORMATION!
i have allways been a T.M. player and love their equipment. i played the maxfli noodle for years and since have played many different balls looking for the feel and spin i would like to have. I tried the T.M. black and was not happy but with the reviews and postings this new ball is getting it sounds like the perfect ball for me and my game i look forward to trying them out.
[...] to maintain high spin without losing distance. Taylor Made has responded with the new five piece Penta golf ball. Now it seems like Callaway has answered with the new Tour i(s) [...]
Great review for a great ball. I was lucky enough to get to try this ball a few weeks ago and I have to say it is one of the best balls I have ever played. I didn’t notice any loss of distance that you normally have with a softer feeling ball and I loved it around the greens. That was always my biggest qualm with the tp red balls was their hard feel for putting. This ball will definitely be the ball I choose to play come next year.
Hi to you lucky US citizens
As an unfortunate brit who has to wait an extra 2-3 months before we can get our hands on these, could anyone tell me where, in the sunshine states that I could purchase online and that will ship to the UK ?
Regards
Carl
I was curious to see if the seam is still going to be in the new ball?? I recently switched to the seamless b330-s and liked the ball flight. Just curious
[...] excited to see if this ball can live up to the hype. Positive reviews have come in already through The Hackers Paradise Blog and [...]
I just picked up a dozen of these. Played 1 ball for 18 holes and absolutely loved them. I have the XForged wedges with the MD grooves on my 60 and 64 degree and tear balls up (Callaway Tour iX, Maxfli C3 Black, B330, etc…) and this TM held up impressively. No big “peel backs” to speak of and could have kept playing that same ball for more holes. Great distance control with all irons and did what I wanted them to do around the greens and putting. Ball flight was good with no ballooning off driver (Ping i15 8 degree UST Mamiya X flex.) One downfall…they are the most expensive balls on the market today at $45.99 a dozen, but that’s not too much to ask for for 12+ rounds of golf!
Hi Guys,
Have just played the Penta for the first time this weekend. A gift from the local Taylormade Rep. I am a Total Taylormade fanatic playing off scratch and using all the latest R9 Driver, 3 Wood, Rescue and Burner Irons.
The NEW PENTA was an absolute incredible experience, gaining at least 20metres with the Driver and what a great ball flight. The iron shots were just as long as normal BUT I was able to fly the ball directly to the pin as the ball stopped very quickly with both short and long irons.The BIG difference was the very short lob shot around the green which again stopped quite quickly compared to the TP RED The pitch and run shot across the green came off the club very softly but ran out very nicely as did the putts. Cant put my finger on it but achieved very accurate length of putts that felt very soft off the putter face.
Cant wait for the ball to be released here in New Zealand as it surpasses my last two being the TaylorMade Red and the ProV1X
Enjoy !!!!!!!
Where do I buy them for $45.99 dozen?
Hi Guys,
My golf instructor told me about the Penta balls because I complaining about my Bridgestone 330s always gets cuts with my first wedge shot. But I liked the 330s balls.
I played the Penta ball for the first time last weekend in California and I am hooked. I loved this ball.
I did have an increase in distance over my 330s with my driver and irons and after 18 holes of playing the same ball, I had no wedge cuts. I tried ProVI’s and they also cut from my wedge shots. The Penta also had the same spin as my 330s.
I have no doubt this ball will overtake the ProV1 as the top ball played.
I played some of these on the weekend – I’m still a bit rough, so I lost some.
I felt the ball was lighter than my v1x, they felt a bit tinnier off my rapture driver. I was concerned that my vokey’s had no impact on the ball, so I felt it was a harder skin. I have a dozen, so I’ll be playing them again this weekend, perhaps I’ll have a better game with my irons to test them.
i went to a local proshop who had the bridge stone fitting chalenge and was fitted to the b330-s ball it’s great of the tee and brilliant off the irons but i still felt that i could get more spin around the greens. that was my major purpose in getting the penta tp. well i played today and well never switch to another ball. i learned to play a new shot with the penta tp from 30 yards and in. it looked like i put a piece of twin around the ball and on the second pulled the strings to take it’s leg out. a great imporvment from the bridge stone. on the tee the ball went 10 yards farther on average and iron shots were about 5 yards farther. but what i would say is the most impressing thing is the flight it goes very high while having a non balloning look still penetrated. overall the ball is amazing can’t wait for taylormade to make a 6 layer ball as if 5 isn’t enough.
Played with the Penta yesterday. I am a nine handicap and always play the Prov1x. I am not that long off of the tee and played the ball in the rain with wet conditions. The ball performed great. The only difference that I could tell from the Prov is the feel off of the putter. Also it did not spin as back as the Prov1x. That is a good thing in that for me, it hits an only backs Hobart few feet. Ball flight is better that Prov1x on mid irons in that it is a more pentrating ball flight.
It putts great and it doesn’t give you that pop off of the putter head if that is what you like. You will notice a difference in the sound of the ball hitting the bottom of the cup.
I can’t wai to play I this summer and on a dry day. Great ball and I would encourage you to give it a try.
Played the back nine at Rio Secco in Las Vegas yesterday with the Penta. I have been a ProV1 player since they stopped making Precept EV extra spins seven or eight years ago. I have tried a lot of other products but always immediately went back to the proV1. Playing the Penta was a feeling that I have not had in several years. The ball was soft, spinnable, controllable, and long. I did not score well but that certainly wasnt the ball. I will be buying a dozen before next weekend. It changed the game for me.
Ken-3 handicap-Las Vegas.
^^^^forgot to mention^^^^
I did play two of the three balls during the nine. After 14 I had to go to the second ball because of scuffs an damage to the cover. Of course I put two in the desert and therefore had to 80 yard wedges into the green looking for close par putts. between the rocks and the grooves on my 54 i went through that ball and wasnt going to get nine more out of the other.
Probably not enough to know how durable the ball is off a nine hole review but it did catch my attention.
^^^^forgot to mention^^^^
I did play two of the three balls during the nine. After 14 I had to go to the second ball because of scuffs an damage to the cover. Of course I put two in the desert and therefore had to 80 yard wedges into the green looking for close par putts. between the rocks and the grooves on my 54 i went through that ball and wasnt going to get nine more out of the other.
Probably not enough to know how durable the ball is off a nine hole review but it did catch my attention.
Ken-3 handicap-Las Vegas