TaylorMade TP5 vs. Kirkland Signature: Is The Difference Worth $38?

We tested both balls using our standardized golf ball testing protocol on the SkyTrak ST Max launch monitor.

Because we use human swings, not robots, our data reflects the performance differences you can actually expect to see on the course, not microscopic variances under perfect conditions. We use strict benchmarks for swing speed, shot quality, and delivery dynamics to keep results as consistent as possible.

Individual results will vary, but the patterns we see across dozens of shots are meaningful.

Learn more about how we test golf balls and see the complete list of every golf ball we've tested. You can also check out our complete TaylorMade TP5 test data here and our Kirkland Signature test data here.

Distance:

• TP5: About 9 yards longer with driver in our test; among the longest balls overall
• K-Sig: Below-average distance and worse accuracy performances make up the biggest performance gap between the two balls

Stopping Power:

• TP5: A little less spin and slightly shallower descent angle led to about 1 more yard of roll out compared to K-Sig in our test
• K-Sig: Slightly more spin and steeper descent angle assist stopping power

Short Game:

• K-Sig: Its 8.9 wedge control score edges TP5, though that discrepancy is likely indistinguishable on the course for most players
• TP5: Competitive, but for the price difference, we would have liked to see a convincing advantage 

Value:

• K-Sig: One of the best value balls in the entire test; hard to argue with $19 if you can live with sacrifices off the tee; Best pricing through Costco only available to members
• TP5: Mid-pack value score; you're paying a premium for the all-around performance and brand recognition

Ball Flight Comparison

TP5's distance dominance is only part of its advantage off the tee. It also held an edge in our accuracy test. 

TP5 finished an average of 5.5 yards offline with 158.5 RPM of sidespin in our accuracy test. Although K-Sig’s 3.5 yards offline kept it closer to the center, the 280 RPM of sidespin was among the highest in our test, a red flag that indicates it can stray quickly when your face-to-path dynamics don’t match up.

Choose TP5 If:

You want the best all-around performer and distance is a priority. TP5 posted one of the highest distance scores in our entire 43-ball test, added better driver accuracy, without giving up noticeable ground in short game performance. 

At $57 a dozen, it's priced at the top of the market, but its performance justifies the price for discerning players.

Choose K-Sig If:

You want the better value. At $19 per dozen (roughly $0.79 per ball), K-Sig's is one of the best value balls in our test. It matches TP5's stopping power, edges it out in wedge control, but gives up meaningful distance off the tee. 

If you lose balls regularly, play for enjoyment rather than performance optimization, or just want to see what all the Kirkland hype is about, the K-Sig experience is worth the price.

TP5 is the better overall performer. It won in distance, ball speed, and driver accuracy. For a serious golfer focused on squeezing every yard and maintaining reliable accuracy, the performance upgrade is an advantage.

But the $38-per-dozen gap is impossible to ignore. K-Sig matching TP5 in stopping power and outperforming it from 50 yards isn't a gimmick. If you're wondering if K-Sig holds up against premium tour balls, the answer is: more than you'd expect, but with sacrifices off the tee.