Using X-Out Balls

I'm running very low on yellow golf balls and was considering getting some of the yellow X-Out Titleist PTS Roll balls that are available in American Golf for £6.99 a dozen.  Apparently they are X-Out for cosmetic reasons only (incorrect stamping I believe).  I plan to only use these when it's frosty, so for around 2-3 months. 

I know that I can't use them in an official competition (club medals, etc) as they are technically illegal and use results in disqualification, but what's the etiquette about using these in friendlies or non-official comps such as a Golfshake event?  Do you have to declare they are X-Outs before the game starts and be willing to swap for a non X-Out if one of your playing partners isn't happy?  I'd welcome advice on this. 

I believe they ae only Xouts because the manufacturer is not happy with the ball, I very much doubt that they are illegal or they could not be sold in the first place.

As you've said John, I can't see a company like Titleist (with all the legal stuff they've got going on at the moment regarding balls) selling a ball that they know is illegal. 

So as long as an X-Out meets the size, weight, symmetry, etc requirements then it can be used for general play.  In theory, the ball is non-conforming with the standard that the manufacturer has submitted to the R & A, so it does not appear on their List of Conforming Golf Balls.  This is how the committee can declare them unusable balls in comps (Rule 33-1). 

If I've got this right then, I can use these balls for general play and unofficial events with no worry.  I think for etiquette reasons I would be more comfortable if I informed my playing partners of the situation before using them.  Would anyone have a problem if I used one for the Belfry event if it was frosty? 

Intersting, relates to USGA and R&A http://golf.about.com/cs/rulesofgolf/a/faq_xout.htm

'if you are competing in a tournament or at a club where the Conforming Ball condition is in effect, X-Outs are illegal for play'

Question from the USGA ruling site

"Q. 'X-out' is the common name used for a golf ball which a manufacturer considers to be imperfect and has, therefore, crossed out the brand name on the golf ball. What is the status of an 'X-out' ball?

"A. The vast majority of 'X-out' balls are rejected for aesthetic reasons only, i.e., paint or printing errors. In the absence of strong evidence to suggest that an 'X-out' ball does not conform to the Rules, it is permissible for such a ball to be used. However, in a competition where the Committee has adopted the condition that the ball the player uses must be named on the List of Conforming Golf Balls ..., an 'X-out' ball may not be used, even if the ball in question (without the X's) does appear on the List." 

Chris,

I've no problem with you playing with them at the Belfry, they will still make a big splash when they hit the water!!

John.

Cool.  Didn't think there would be an issue and I didn't complain when Darren used one of them the other week!  I've looked into it and apparently they were a batch that was stamped with 'DT' instead of 'PT' in error (or it may be the other way round).  There's a dozen now nestling in the boot of my car.  When the missus found out she just muttered "More f#&*ing balls, you've got a problem you have."

lol

Chris, you know what they say - 'Men and balls' 

She's seen me play so she should know why I need to buy so many!