Don't let anyone tell you that playing with the right equipment doesn't make a difference in your game, because it does. Getting a set of affordable custom-fit clubs was the key for me in finally getting my index down into single digits ... along with a few lessons and some serious work, of course.

Similarly, the difference between playing a professional ball like the Titleist ProV1 and a low-cost, low-quality alternative adds up to anywhere from 1-2 strokes per round, if not more.

If playing your absolute best and posting the scores to show for it isn't worth paying a few extra dollars to you, then fine. But it is to me, even if these days I'm lucky to play once every couple weeks or so.

The real decision is whether to choose the softer, more forgiving ProV1 or the longer, less workable ProV1x. Both are professional quality ... which one is right for you depends on your game and preferences.

Although I'm past 50 years of age, height and distance have never been a problem. I've never been one to rip it 300 yards, but am consistantly in the 250-275 range when I hit it on the screws. Over the years I've learned the lesson of the "drive for show, putt for dough" mantra. Course management and short game are the secrets to going low.

Which is why I prefer the ProV1. It's plenty long for me, but the real deciding factor is the soft feel off the putter and around the green. It does spin -- in fact the first time I played it I spun back and off the green when landing pin high twice on the front nine. So it may take some getting used to at first.

The ProV1x is a fine ball if you need the extra distance. But after playing the ProV1 it does feel a little on the hard side, especially with the flat stick.

Look, 90 percent of the pros wouldn't be playing these balls if they didn't deliver for them week in and week out, and in various playing conditions. So the next morning you're handing over the credit card for green fees and a cart, toss a sleeve of both the ProV1 and ProV1x on the counter and judge for yourself.

What do you have to lose besides a few strokes (and a few extra dollars)?

Fairways and greens, my friends. 5 stars

I'm not exactly a scratch golfer, but my equipment is more geared toward a scratch rather than a golfer of the handicap I actually am. That's because I'm seeking to become scratch, and don't want to be dependent upon any what I call "crutch" equipment, but want my improvement to be skill based.

I've found the ball, at least for me, is the golfer's most important piece of equipment. I also chuckle at guys that will drop $400 on a driver, a club they probably can't hit very well, but will nickle and dime for whatever balls they can get away with buying. Yes, I realize balls have to be replaced much more often than clubs, but saving a few dollars isn't worth the trouble. And you can buy x-outs and practice Pro-V1 balls that are exactly the same as in the new box, except for cosmetic stuff.

I started out playing with Top Flight, as those were about the cheapest. They might as well be rocks. I then started experimenting with premium balls in the logo overrun bins. There I found Maxfli Revolution, which are (or were) really good balls. After reading other reviews, I started using Precept Lady (yes, guy's, that's right -- its a good ball for you), and liked those balls as they were compared to Pro V1. Finally, I tried the Titleist and have no plans on changing until they stop making them. Unless I hit something that I like better.

The Maxflis had much better spin than the ladys. Now the Titleist balls have better spin and better distance than the lady ball. Not as much spin as the Maxflis, which is helpful around the green, but better for me off the tee and in the fairway.

Pick up a box of X-outs and try them. 5 stars

These balls will aways be the best of the best if you can afford them. I usually can't. 5 stars

All there products are truely overpriced and substandard. I used the product as well and know for a fact that these balls suck. They only work if you have a perfect swing and super exellent control. [...] If your wondering what ball to buy instead try a sack of rejects or used used. Fyi Rejects only have distorted logos and Every golf ball only has a hundred hits in them, but the used ones have about 60-70 left. So if you insist on this type of ball used ones are the ones to get. 1 star

As a...well, a high handicapper, my golf game has never been such that a slight variation in equipment, especially balls, will make or break a round for me (I usually break the round myself). But I love to hit these balls, and play them whenever I find them. I especially like the Pro V1x, which really helps my distance off the tee. It's difficult to explain, but these balls just FEEL good when you hit them--the ball often seems to float off the club and absolutely soar. I don't buy these balls, and have found many cheaper balls which suit my purposes just fine most of the time, but on a hole with little danger of losing a ball in a water hazard or something similar there's nothing I like better than teeing up a Pro V1. 5 stars