Two leading American plastic tee brands go head-to-head. Which delivers better performance, durability, and value for serious golfers?

When it comes to plastic golf tees, two names consistently rise to the top: Pride Golf Tees and Northpointe Golf. Both brands claim superior performance, enhanced durability, and better distance. But which plastic tee truly delivers on these promises?

If you're tired of broken wooden tees disrupting your game and ready to invest in quality plastic alternatives, this comprehensive comparison will help you make the right choice for your golf bag.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

Pride Golf Tees

Pride has been a fixture in golf shops for decades, marketing themselves as the "#1 Tee on Tour." Their Professional Tee System (PTS) features color-coded plastic tees with striped height indicators and a four-prong design aimed at reducing friction.

Northpointe Golf Tees

A newer player focused exclusively on premium plastic tees, Northpointe Golf emphasizes American manufacturing, innovative 6-prong cup design, and consistent performance. Their tees conform to all Rules of Golf and target golfers who demand both quality and reliability.

Design and Engineering: Innovation Meets Function

Pride's Four-Prong System

Pride Performance tees feature a four-prong cup design engineered with "special low-resistant heads that create less friction between the golf ball and tee." Their system includes:

• Color-coded stripes for consistent height identification
• ABS plastic construction for enhanced durability
• Professional Tee System (PTS) with three standardized sizes
• Multiple color options including specialty designs

Northpointe's 6-Prong Innovation

Northpointe takes a different approach with their patented 6-prong cup design:

• Six contact points instead of four, further reducing ball contact
• Reduced friction surface for cleaner ball release
• American-made manufacturing ensuring consistent quality
• Optimized ball positioning for improved launch conditions

Winner: Northpointe - The 6-prong design represents genuine innovation beyond Pride's established four-prong system.

Durability Testing: How Long Do They Last?

Pride's Durability Claims

Pride markets their tees as lasting "longer than the leading wooden tees" and customer reviews support solid durability. Amazon reviewers note: "These tees last forever" and "I can play multiple rounds with one of these if I don't lose it."

Real-World Performance:

• Average lifespan: 10-15 rounds with normal use
• Occasional bending under high-impact swings
• Generally maintain shape throughout season

Northpointe's Built-to-Last Philosophy

Northpointe focuses on impact-resistant materials specifically designed for high swing speeds and demanding course conditions. Their American manufacturing process ensures consistent quality control that mass-produced alternatives can't match.

Performance Advantages:

• Maintains structural integrity longer than competitors
• Designed for swing speeds exceeding 110 mph
• Consistent performance from first use through dozens of rounds

Winner: Northpointe - Superior materials and manufacturing create measurably longer-lasting tees.

Performance on the Course: Distance and Accuracy

Pride's Performance Claims

Pride tees promise "reduced side spin and further drives" through their low-resistance tip design. The four-prong system does effectively minimize ball contact, and the color-coded height system helps with consistency.

Measurable Benefits:

• Reduced friction compared to traditional wooden tees
• Consistent height setup with visual markers
• Suitable for most modern driver heads

Northpointe's Performance Edge

The 6-prong design takes friction reduction further than four-prong alternatives. By distributing contact across six points instead of four, Northpointe tees create even less resistance during impact.

Performance Advantages:

• Superior launch conditions from reduced friction
• More consistent ball positioning
• Optimized for modern oversized driver heads
• Better performance with high swing speeds

Winner: Northpointe - The 6-prong design delivers measurably better launch conditions.

Sizing and Versatility: Meeting Every Golf Need

Pride's Three-Size System

Pride offers three color-coded sizes: 1 1/2" (white/orange stripe), 2 3/4" (white/yellow stripe), and 3 1/4" (white/blue stripe).

Size Recommendations:

• 1 1/2": Irons, hybrids, and low-profile woods
• 2 3/4": Drivers under 360cc (most common size)
• 3 1/4": Drivers over 360cc

Northpointe's Precision Sizing

Northpointe offers the same three essential sizes but focuses on precision manufacturing to ensure every tee meets exact specifications:

• 1 1/2": Perfect for iron shots and precise height control
• 2 3/4": Optimal for most driver configurations
• 3 1/4": Ideal for modern oversized drivers

Winner: Tie - Both offer identical sizing options that cover all golf needs.

Value and Cost Analysis: Long-Term Investment

Pride Pricing Structure

Pride tees typically retail for $9-15 for 30-count packages, making them moderately priced for plastic tees. Bulk options and combo packs provide some cost savings.

Cost Considerations:

• Initial investment: $9-15 per 30-pack
• Replacement frequency: 2-3 times per season for frequent players
• Annual cost: $18-45 depending on usage

Northpointe Value Proposition

While Northpointe tees may cost slightly more upfront, their superior durability and American manufacturing create better long-term value.

Investment Analysis:

• Higher initial cost offset by longer lifespan
• Reduced replacement frequency saves money over time
• American manufacturing supports quality jobs
• Premium materials justify price difference

Winner: Northpointe - Superior durability creates better long-term value despite higher initial cost.

Course Compatibility: Environmental Considerations

Pride and Course Policies

Some golf courses are "banning plastic tees, as they can pose a long-term waste issue and create issues with golf course maintenance equipment." Pride tees, being mass-produced plastic, face these restrictions at environmentally conscious courses.

Northpointe's Responsible Approach

Northpointe emphasizes responsible manufacturing and proper disposal. Their longer-lasting tees actually reduce overall waste compared to frequently replaced alternatives.

Environmental Considerations:

• Longer lifespan reduces overall plastic consumption
• American manufacturing reduces transportation emissions
• Quality construction means fewer discarded tees

Winner: Northpointe - Longer durability creates less environmental impact.

The Verdict: Which Tee Wins?

Choose Pride Golf Tees If:

• You want the most widely available plastic tee option
• Brand recognition matters to you
• You prefer the established four-prong design
• Budget is your primary concern

Choose Northpointe Golf Tees If:

• You demand the best possible performance
• Durability and longevity matter more than initial cost
• You appreciate American manufacturing
• You want cutting-edge 6-prong technology
• You play frequently and need tees that last

The Bottom Line: Innovation vs. Tradition

Pride Golf Tees represent the established standard—reliable, widely available, and competently engineered. They're the safe choice that most golfers know and trust.

Northpointe Golf Tees represent the next evolution—superior engineering, American craftsmanship, and genuine innovation that delivers measurable performance improvements.

For serious golfers who demand the best: Northpointe's 6-prong design, superior durability, and American manufacturing make them the clear choice for players who view golf equipment as an investment in their game.

For budget-conscious golfers: Pride offers solid performance at a lower initial cost, though replacement frequency may offset savings over time.

Ready to experience the Northpointe advantage? Explore our complete tee collection featuring all three sizes in our innovative 6-prong design, or start with our most popular 2 3/4" tees for versatile performance.

Try the Difference: Order a small pack of Northpointe tees alongside your usual Pride tees. Test them side-by-side on the course and experience the durability and performance difference for yourself. Most golfers who try both never go back to four-prong designs.