Most manufactures say that X-outs have minor blems, but USGA says they are non conforming therefore are not to be used in Tournaments played under USGA rules.

I might be wrong, but I believe that they are the ones that don't pass the inspection after they are made.

Not tournament legal, generally don't meet factory standards (usually cosmetic blemishes), but will work as well as first quality balls for practice and non-tournament play.

no they are not tournament legal but the only differentce there is most of the time is the stamping is not up to snuff for them. but if you like them keep on buying them and use them for practice rounds and keep all of your non x-outs for tournaments

no they are not tournament legal but the only differentce there is most of the time is the stamping is not up to snuff for them. but if you like them keep on buying them and use them for practice rounds and keep all of your non x-outs for tournaments

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Thats what I was planning on doing if the x-outs werent legal... thanks for everyones input!

Spencer B, keep in mind the prov's are  considered conforming balls.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the posts. Here is a little more detail around this topic. Hope it helps clarify and answer any questions.

Cheers!

Mike

What is the difference between Pro V1 Practice and Pro V1 X-out golf balls?

The Acushnet Company invests significant time and effort to ensure that our products are Best-in-Class in terms of quality, performance and consistency. As such, in the rare event one of our products fails to meet USGA requirements for size, weight, velocity or any other conformance criteria we destroy rather than market such products.

As such, only products that are of a minimal defect are available for purchase. These products are available in two offerings:

1. Pro V1 Practice golf balls are conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. Pro V1 Practice golf balls do not have any construction or performance deficiencies.

2. Pro V1 X-Out golf balls are also conforming products. However, they usually have a cosmetic blemish and/or occasionally have a minor physical defect that should not significantly affect its performance. More often than not, the physical condition causing the ball to be stamped as an X-Out is so minute that it is not recognizable by the player.

Both products may be used in the casual round of golf including those with scores posted for handicaps, and most competitions, with the possible exception of high level competitions invoking the Local Rule requiring balls to be on the List of Conforming Golf Balls. Please refer to the USGA Official Rules on the subject listed below for your reference:

Q: May I use a ball stamped with "Practice" or "X-Out" to play a round of golf?

A: Our present policy provides that if the List of Conforming Golf Balls or the One Ball Condition is in effect, a practice or logo ball may be used provided the other markings on the ball (i.e., pole and seam) correspond exactly to a ball listing on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls. Balls labeled with ''PRACTICE'' or a circled ''P'', are essentially treated as a logo ball (such as a Mickey Mouse emblem). A player's name stamped on the ball is also acceptable. However, the original ball markings (i.e., pole and seam markings) must be readable in order for a Rules Official to determine whether that ball is on the List of Conforming Golf Balls. X-Out balls are not permitted to be used in any competition in which the List of Conforming Golf Balls or the One Ball Condition is in effect. However, if neither of these Conditions are in effect, X-Out balls may be used because all balls are presumed to conform unless they have been tested and found not to conform or are obviously non-conforming (e.g., too small or too heavy). (See Decisions 5-1/4 and US/5-1/101).

As a result of the potential for an X-Out to be non-conforming if tested, we do not recommend using this model during tournament play.

Mike, thank you for the more detailed info on practice and X-out balls.

Thanks for the clarification Mike! 

I'm glad you asked the question, because I've had the same question myself. Since I don't play in a lot of tournaments, I might pick up a dozen next time I'm at Golfsmith.

Spencer B, my previous post should have read that Prov's marked as practice balls, are considered as conforming balls.