I’ve had my fair share of experience with various golf balls. When PXG announced their new Xtreme Tour and Xtreme Tour X models for 2024, I was intrigued. Today, I’m putting the standard Xtreme Tour through its paces to see if it has what it takes to compete with the best golf balls of 2024.
First Impressions: Design and Appearance
Right off the bat, the PXG Xtreme Tour makes a striking visual impression. These are arguably some of the whitest golf balls I’ve ever laid eyes on, boasting a glossy, shiny finish that outshines even popular models like the Titleist Pro V1 or the TaylorMade TP5. There’s something about that vivid finish that really appeals to me – it’s a small detail, but one that matters when you’re staring down at your ball for 18 holes.
The alignment aid on the side is a standout feature. As someone who frequently uses the line for putting, especially on shorter putts, I found the bold black line extremely helpful. But PXG didn’t stop there – they added a perpendicular finer line that proved to be an excellent guide for leading-edge alignment. It’s these small innovations that can make a big difference on the greens.
Under the Hood: Construction and Technology
The Xtreme Tour features a three-piece construction:
- A polybutadiene core engineered for high-speed performance
- A firm ionomer mantle layer designed to enhance ball speed and distance off the tee
- A soft urethane cover to provide the necessary spin and control around the greens
This construction aims to deliver a balance of distance off the tee and control in the short game – the holy grail for many golfers.
Performance Breakdown
Feel and Durability
Despite being marketed as the softer option compared to its X counterpart, I found the Xtreme Tour to be slightly firmer than my current gamer, the TaylorMade TP5x. It’s by no means a hard ball, but there’s a noticeable higher-pitched sound, particularly on short wedge shots and chips. Personally, I didn’t mind this feel at all – it still offered great feedback.
What really impressed me was the durability. Even after extensive wedge practice sessions, the ball barely showed any signs of wear. This level of durability is a significant plus, especially for those of us who like to get our money’s worth out of each ball.
Spin and Control
Around the greens, the Xtreme Tour produced ample spin for my game. I felt confident in my ability to control the ball on approach shots and in the short game. The urethane cover clearly does its job in providing the necessary bite on the greens.
Ball Speed and Distance
Here’s where the Xtreme Tour really shined in my testing. Throughout the bag, from wedges to driver, I consistently saw about a 2 mph increase in ball speed compared to my TP5x. This translated to an extra 3-4 yards of carry distance across the board.
What’s particularly impressive is that these distance gains came without sacrificing spin. The spin numbers were very comparable to my current gamer, which means you’re getting extra yards without losing control. That’s a winning combination in my book.
Value Proposition
At $49.99 or £44.99 per dozen, the PXG Xtreme Tour sits in an interesting spot in the market. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s also not the most expensive. In fact, it comes in a bit cheaper than many other tour-played balls. Given the performance I experienced, I’d say it offers excellent value for a premium ball.
The Verdict
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the PXG Xtreme Tour holds its own against the more established names in the premium ball market. It offers a compelling combination of distance, spin, and durability that will appeal to a wide range of players.
If you’re in the market for a new ball this off-season and you’re looking for some extra yards throughout the bag without sacrificing control, the PXG Xtreme Tour should definitely be on your test list. It’s particularly well-suited for players who prefer a slightly firmer feel to their golf ball.
Remember, as with all equipment in golf, personal testing is key. What works for one player might not work for another. But based on my experience, I believe PXG has produced a real contender with the Xtreme Tour. It’s a reminder that sometimes, looking beyond the usual suspects can lead to pleasant surprises in your game.
Remember, the best way to determine if the PXG Xtreme Tour is right for you is to test it yourself under your typical playing conditions. Every golfer’s swing is unique, and what works best for one player may not be ideal for another.
FAQ
Q1: How does the PXG Xtreme Tour compare to other premium golf balls?
A: In my testing, the PXG Xtreme Tour performed comparably to other premium balls from established brands. It offered slightly higher ball speeds and distances than my usual TaylorMade TP5x, with similar spin characteristics. The feel is a bit firmer than some premium balls, but still provides good feedback and control.
Q2: Is the PXG Xtreme Tour suitable for high handicappers?
A: While the Xtreme Tour can be played by golfers of all skill levels, it’s primarily designed for low to mid handicappers who can take advantage of its performance characteristics. High handicappers might benefit from a ball that prioritizes forgiveness and straight flight over maximum distance and spin control.
Q3: What’s the difference between the PXG Xtreme Tour and Xtreme Tour X?
A: The main difference is that the Xtreme Tour is designed to be slightly softer and lower spinning compared to the Xtreme Tour X. The Xtreme Tour aims for maximum distance while still providing good greenside control, while the X model is geared towards players seeking higher spin rates and a higher ball flight.
Q4: How durable is the PXG Xtreme Tour?
A: I found the durability of the Xtreme Tour to be excellent. Even after extensive practice sessions, particularly with wedges, the ball showed minimal signs of wear. It’s certainly on par with, if not better than, many other premium urethane-covered balls in terms of longevity.
Q5: Can the PXG Xtreme Tour help me gain distance?
A: Based on my testing, the Xtreme Tour has the potential to increase ball speed and, consequently, distance for many players. I saw gains of about 3-4 yards throughout my bag compared to my usual ball. However, actual distance gains will vary depending on your swing characteristics.
Q6: How does the PXG Xtreme Tour perform in windy conditions?
A: While I didn’t specifically test in extreme wind conditions, the ball’s mid-range spin characteristics suggest it should perform well in the wind. Its ability to maintain distance without excessive spin should help in keeping the ball flight stable in breezy conditions.
Q7: Is the alignment aid on the PXG Xtreme Tour helpful for putting?
A: Yes, I found the alignment aid to be particularly helpful. The bold black line is great for lining up putts, and the additional perpendicular finer line provides excellent guidance for leading-edge alignment. It’s one of the standout features of this ball.
Q8: How does the price of the PXG Xtreme Tour compare to other premium balls?
A: At $49.99/£44.99 per dozen, the PXG Xtreme Tour is competitively priced in the premium ball market. It’s generally less expensive than some of the top-tier offerings from brands like Titleist or TaylorMade, while offering comparable performance.