I’ve had the opportunity to test countless golf balls over the years. When PXG announced their re-entry into the premium golf ball market with the Xtreme Tour and Xtreme Tour X, I was eager to put them through their paces. Today, I’m focusing on the PXG Xtreme Tour X, the higher-flying, spin-friendly option of the two. Let’s dive into how it performs and whether it deserves a spot in your bag for the 2024 season.
First Impressions and Design
Right out of the box, the Xtreme Tour X catches your eye. The pristine white finish is noticeably brighter than many competitors – a small detail, but one that matters when you’re staring down at your ball for 18 holes. For those who prefer a splash of color, there’s also a vibrant yellow option available.
What really impressed me was the alignment aid. As someone who religiously uses the line on the ball for putting, I found the bold black line incredibly helpful. But PXG didn’t stop there – they added a perpendicular finer line that’s a game-changer for leading edge alignment. It’s these small innovations that can make a big difference on the greens.
Construction and Technology
The Xtreme Tour X boasts a three-piece construction:
- A polybutadiene core engineered for high-speed performance
- A firm ionomer mantle layer designed to maximize ball speeds, especially with longer clubs
- A soft urethane cover to optimize spin, feel, and control
This combination aims to deliver the holy grail of golf ball performance: distance off the tee and control around the greens.
Performance Breakdown
Feel and Durability
I’ll be honest – the Xtreme Tour X feels noticeably firmer than my current gamer, the TaylorMade TP5x. This firmer feel might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t let it fool you. Despite the firm feel, the ball delivers excellent spin around the greens.
Durability is a strong point for the Xtreme Tour X. Even after subjecting it to lengthy short game practice sessions, the cover held up impressively well. This is a ball that can go the distance, both literally and in terms of longevity.
Ball Speed and Distance
Here’s where the Xtreme Tour X really shines. In my testing, I saw a significant uptick in ball speed compared to my current gamer. It even edged out its sibling, the standard Xtreme Tour, consistently through the bag. This translated to impressive carry numbers, especially considering it’s a premium ball offering plenty of spin.
Spin and Height
Compared to the standard Xtreme Tour, the X model did live up to its billing as the higher-spinning option, but the difference was subtler than I expected. I saw an increase in spin, but it was generally in the range of 150 rpm or less throughout the bag. Similarly, peak heights increased, but only by a few feet – a difference so small you’d need a launch monitor to detect it.
As a naturally high-spin player, I found myself slightly preferring the standard Xtreme Tour. However, the differences were minimal, and players looking for that extra bit of spin and height might find the X model more to their liking.
Value Proposition
At $49.99/£44.99 per dozen, the Xtreme Tour X is competitively priced in the premium ball market. It’s not a budget option, but it’s offering performance that can compete with balls at higher price points.
The Verdict
PXG has made a strong re-entry into the premium ball market with the Xtreme Tour family. The Xtreme Tour X, in particular, offers an impressive combination of distance and spin that will appeal to a wide range of players.
While the firmer feel might not be for everyone, the performance benefits are hard to ignore. The exceptional ball speed, combined with good spin around the greens and excellent durability, make this a ball worth considering.
If you’re in the market for a new ball this season and looking to potentially gain some distance without sacrificing control, the PXG Xtreme Tour X absolutely deserves a spot on your test list. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the dark horse can surprise you – PXG might not be the first name you think of for golf balls, but they’ve produced a contender that can hang with the best of them.
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 testing, I can confidently say that PXG has a winner on their hands with the Xtreme Tour X. Give it a try – you might just find your new favorite ball for 2024.
FAQ
Q1: How does the PXG Xtreme Tour X compare to other premium golf balls?
A: The PXG Xtreme Tour X holds its own against other premium balls in terms of performance. It offers excellent ball speed and distance, comparable to top-tier balls from major brands. The spin rates and control around the greens are also competitive. The main difference you might notice is in the feel, as the Xtreme Tour X is on the firmer side compared to some other premium options.
Q2: Is the PXG Xtreme Tour X suitable for high handicappers?
A: While the Xtreme Tour X 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 more 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 differences are in spin and trajectory. The Xtreme Tour X is designed to produce slightly higher spin rates and a higher ball flight compared to the standard Xtreme Tour. In my testing, these differences were subtle but noticeable with launch monitor data.
Q4: How durable is the PXG Xtreme Tour X?
A: The durability of the Xtreme Tour X is impressive. Even after extensive short game practice and full rounds, the cover 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 X help me gain distance?
A: Based on my testing, the Xtreme Tour X has the potential to increase ball speed and, consequently, distance for many players. However, the actual distance gains will vary depending on your swing characteristics and how the ball compares to your current gamer.
Q6: Is the PXG Xtreme Tour X good for putting?
A: The Xtreme Tour X performs well on the greens. The alignment aid is particularly helpful for those who like to use a line when putting. The firmer feel might take some getting used to if you’re coming from a softer ball, but it provides good feedback and roll.
Q7: What type of player would benefit most from the PXG Xtreme Tour X?
A: The Xtreme Tour X is best suited for skilled players who generate moderate to high swing speeds and prefer a firmer feel. It’s ideal for those looking to maximize distance off the tee without sacrificing too much control around the greens.
Q8: How does the price of the PXG Xtreme Tour X compare to other premium balls?
A: At $49.99/£44.99 per dozen, the PXG Xtreme Tour X 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.