It appears that new alignment technology is the latest trend in the golf ball market, as TaylorMade are the latest to join the party. First we saw Callaway's Triple Track Technology, and now fellow giants TaylorMade have announced the latest upgrade to their TP5 and TP5x balls with pix technology for the European market.
TaylorMade spent a year working with Rickie Fowler, commonly known as one of the PGA Tour's premier putters, to develop a golf ball which provides visual aid whilst also meeting the performance needs of an elite level golfer.
Fowler's input told TaylorMade that the previous pix model in the US was not useful for those golfers who preferred to draw a line on their golf balls to help with alignment on the green.
As a result, TaylorMade came up with a unique position for the single TaylorMade logo, aligning it with the TP5/TP5x stamp to create a natural path through the centre of the ball.
Twenty multi-colour graphics surround the logo and stamp to form the new ClearPath Alignment. This ClearPath helps not only with alignment, but also provides feed back on the quality of the roll. An end-over-end roll will show the clear area vividly, notifying you that you've struck the putt properly.
Michael Fox, TaylorMade Category Director, Golf Ball & Accessories, commented:
We learned a lot in the development of the first generation of pix, but through our partnership with Rickie Fowler we've learned even more. His vital feedback led directly to the development of the ClearPath Alignment System.
It's not just about unique cool designs that are easier to see, it's now validated at the top of the pyramid with a performance benefit like nothing else out there. It's the ideal combination of style and function.
The TP5 and TP5x models feature a 5-piece construction to enhance ball speed, whilst still providing great all-round performance.
The Speed-Layer System is made up of three increasingly stiff layers, which feature a material called HFM. This is the fastest material ever used by TaylorMade, and is basically a tightly wound string which generates more energy return when compressed, creating more ball speed.
The Tri-Fast Core comprises an extra-large, low-compression inner core (16 compression in TP5 and 25 compression in TP5x), with a stiffer outer core and mantle.
These layers work together to create lower drag and more carry - which TaylorMade says is the reason that these are the 'hottest Tour balls in golf'.
The Dual-Spin Cover has an ultra-soft cast urethane cover, with a 30% more rigid inner cover. This creates a condition which is ideal for greenside control, as the the rigid inner cover forced the soft urethane cover into the wedge grooves to maximise spin.
The TP5 and TP5 pix will be available to purchase on 28th February, at an RRP of £49.99 per dozen.