Goldsmith and others also sell Logo overruns that can save you some $$.  I link both Solo and NXTs but when I can afford them I go for the ProV series.  While is seems to true the balls travel same distances off the tee, there is a big jump in how well the ProV series flys on approach shots and stick.  For chipping they are equally impressive.  I shoot mid 80 to low 90 now (getting up there) but can really tell when I am playing. Pro VI verses some other ball 

As said above, if you're patient and look around, you can find good deals on Pro V1s.  Usually a couple of times a year Titleist will have a promotion that gives you a good price if you buy a few dozen, stores will typically have them on sale once or twice a year, and then there is always the "used" route.  I've never personally ordered any used balls, but I intend to get a couple dozen this winter.  If they aren't up to the standards I want, they will be my practice balls.  When you consider they are about half the price, it seems worth the risk.

The number of dimples, as well as the sizes of them vary with every new iteration of the golf ball. The absolute number used to be the "marketing gimick" for some ball manufactures. Titleist on the other hand spends a lot of time and money looking at the aerodynamic effect of the size, shape, location and number of dimples on the ball.

The difference you felt between the balls is quite normal. The NXT Tour S, while a very good ball, is not the same as a Pro V1. The Pro V1 will spin and feel the softest coming off the club. The NXT Tour S will wear a bit better. Both balls are pretty much the same as far as distance goes. I remember seeing a study that showed when using the same club and clubhead speed (ie: a mechanical hitting machine that doesn't have very much swing to swing variance) there was only 2-3 yards difference between the balls off the driver.

there are deals to be had out there for the Pro V1, you just need to look around a bit.

Did they happen to test the DT solo in that test? I have ruled out the NXT tour s completely now pretty much but would be curious on the distance difference between the solo and prov1?

For ProV1 or ProV1X, you can try Wal Mart for the refurbished balls. The price for them are $21.95 for the ProV1X and $24.95 for the ProV1's per dozen. Might give them a try. I received a dozen of ProV1's as a gift and played them and found them to be just as equal as a new ProV1.

David

Lex,

I too have been looking for the right ball over the last year and have picked the SoLo as my ball of choice.  I have hit the ProV1 and ProV1x and have found them to feel harder, and I like soft.  I am not really into having a high spinning ball as I don't like spinning the ball backwards off of the green. Plus, as a senior, my budget is somewhat restricted, so spending $45+ per dozen is more than I want.  I have also hit both of the NXTs and found them to feel hard also.  Besides, according to the Titleist site the SoLo has the lowest spin off of the driver which helps in both distance and accuracy.  The SoLo also has about the same spin as the NXTs off of the wedges, so they should be pretty good on the shorter clubs.  I have been using the SoLos for the last 6 months and found them to be almost perfect for my game.  They go straight, they stop pretty quickly on the greens, they work well for my chipping and putting game, and they are SOFT.  Besides they only cost $20 per dozen, which allows me more money to buy more Titleist clubs. BTW, I had my first ever hole in one this past June after 53 years of trying using a SoLo so guess which ball I will stay with as long as they make them (HINT,HINT to Mike, Cameron, and Cathi).  Fairways and greens.

  Mark F

Congrats on your, hopefully, first of many holes-inone!  Still looking for my first.