With the $2.8 billion golf gear industry, you should be able to find a reasonably priced golf ball that is consistent and jumps off the clubhead. The price of new golf balls usually tells us a lot about the performance of the golf ball. However, there are only a handful of the “top brands” to choose from and many others that are not considered “top brands.” This is why it is essential to get an honest review of a relatively new line of golf balls like the Vice brand.
Are Vice golf balls any good? The best part about Vice golf balls is their consistency, the price point compared to “top brands” like the universally loved V1, their ability to be finessed with spin, and a good feel off of the clubface.
The golf world is full of history and superstitions. Newer is not always supposedly better. However, when a product like the Vice golf ball comes along, it might be a good idea to stop and look thoroughly. On the surface, the Vice golf ball is ordinary and shouldn’t be in the same league as “top brands” like Bridgestone, Top-Flite, or even Titleist. But, Vice balls are shown to perform at or nearly as well as the most expensive golf balls in the game and at a price that is unbeatable. Don’t believe us? Check out the research for yourself!
How Does The Brand Of Golf Balls Affect Your Golf Game?
The design of golf balls has come a long way in recent years. The top brands cost a premium price for a box but claim the best performance. There are several ways that the type of ball you use can affect your game. According to a Golf Week article, these things include distance, control, compromise, core considerations, and the constraints placed on balls by the USGA.
Control Of The Golf Ball Shot
Some balls are harder than others. If a ball is softer, it is made for increased control of the spin. Spinning the golf ball allows better maneuverability while approaching the green and off of the rough. The pattern of the dimples that cover the ball will also limit what is called drag. Drag can bring a ball down, so the dimples allow the ball to fly in the air longer. Control is an aspect of golf balls for more experienced amateur golfers.
Distance Of The Golf Ball Shot
On the other side are golf balls that feel harder. These harder feeling golf balls are built for range and have a slower spin rate. The material of the outer part of the ball is harder, and you can feel it off the clubface. According to the sporting goods company Dick’s Sporting Goods, these harder materials may be surlyn instead of the softer, more controllable urethane. Although they travel further, harder distance balls are more challenging to control. This is especially true when shooting approach shots at and around the green.
Compromise For Golf Balls
Historically, golfers had to make a compromise between control from softer golf balls and distance from harder golf balls. However, that is not necessarily the case today. The technology of golf balls has allowed for the hybrid of manufacturing to create the compromise ball, which allows for control and distance at the same time. This is the best of both worlds!
Core For Golf Balls
The center of the golf ball is generally made to be softer so that there is a higher amount of energy transfer upon hitting the ball. However, some golfer with more reliable and faster swings may want a firmer core. The core of a golf ball should depend on the way you swing. Slower and softer swings may need that extra help form a soft core.
Limitations Put On Golf Balls By The USGA
According to the Equipment Standards of the USGA, golf balls are limited by size, weight, speed, and the average distance they can be hit. The tests done by the USGA are current and reflect the products on the market today. These tests look at the average speed and distance of hit balls after hundreds of test shots with different clubs.
How Does Vice Compare To Top Brands Of Golf Balls?
The best golf ball that the company Vice makes is the Vice Pro Plus. When compared to the Pro V1X from Titleist, there are many things to like about Vice. Titleist is one of the best of the top brands for golf balls, so this comparison is really looking at the high marks that golf balls can have. If you compare them side by side, both the Vice Pro Plus and the Titleist V1X are some real surprises concerning their ability to fitness spin shots, the consistency of length and straightness, and the feel off the clubface.
After researching several studies and looking through dozens of personal reviews done anonymously by avid golfers, we were able to come up with this comparison of Vice Pro Plus versus Titleist V1X.
Consistency Of Drive Length And Accuracy Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X
The distance of a shot off the tee or with an iron can set up your whole approach to a hole. The length of a shot can be just as important as how consistently you can hit the ball straight. On average, a Vice ball with its higher spin rate is a little less predictable than the Titleist V1X but may deliver about 5 yards average longer drives in the air.
However, the Titleist V1X has a lower spin rate and further roll upon impact after the drive. Vice Pro Plus is also a bit more unstable as far as consistency with its high spin rate than the Titleist V1X.
The “Feel” Off The Club Face Shot: Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X
One of the most critical performance aspects for a golf ball is the general way that it feels when it comes off of the clubface. The feel of these two balls is very similar, with the Vice Pro Plus ball is made with urethane coating and a softer core than the Titleist V1X, which explains why it feels a bit more “springy.” A slower swinging player should choose Vice over the Titleist for the feel of the power of their swing. However, the high spin rate makes the Vice ball a little harder to control.
Finesse Or “Spin-Control” Shot: Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X
The ability to spin the ball is supposed to give your game a better backspin and allow you to stick shots “like velcro” on the green. Having said that, the soft touch and springy feel of Vice Pro Plus golf balls outperform the Titleist V1X in this category. The high spin rate of the Vice golf ball creates great backspin and is a must-use if you play a solid approach game or want some help with yours.
Final Takeaways On Performance Between Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X Golf Balls
Titleist V1X golf balls have been the top golf balls in the game for years, and for a good reason. Titleist V1X are professional quality balls that are made for harder and faster swings. They also travel further on the bounce than Vice Pro Plus balls.
However, the vice balls are springy and more comfortable to hit a far distance. They also have a higher spin rate and make the approach and backspin shots easier. Overall, the performance of Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X golf balls are even when using these different categories as a comparison.
The Cost Comparison Between Vice Pro Plus Vs. Titleist V1X Golf Balls
Since the performance of the Vice Pro Plus and the Titleist V1X are so similar, it may be essential to compare prices. Sure, if you are a harder swinging player looking for more control and don’t need the added spin rate or springy distance of the Vice, you may want to choose the Titleist V1X. However, when considering the price point, there is really only one option.
What Is The Price Of A Box Of Vice Pro Plus vs. Titleist V1X Golf Balls on Amazon?
According to current sales of boxes of golf balls on Amazon at the time of this article, Vice Pro Plus is a better value than Titleist V1X. The box of Vice Pro Plus golf balls on Amazon is currently just under $35. Compare this to the price of a box of Titleist V1X golf balls on Amazon for a cost of about $48.
Price Comparison Takeaways: Vice Pro Plus V. Titleist V1X
The price difference between these two is vast. With a savings of more than $10 per box on Vice Pro Plus, you can get a very comparable golf ball to The Titleist V1X, which claims to be “The #1 Ball In Golf”. Or the beginning or novice player, the cheaper option is always better. Since the Vice Pro Plus performs well (and sometimes even better) than the more expensive Titleist V1X, the choice is clear to get a box of Vice!
Accolades For Vice Pro Plus Golf Balls
According to Vice’s own website, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball was recently recognized as a Gold ball for 2019 on the Golf Digest Hot List. In the Golf Digest review, the Vice Pro Plus received five-star ratings for its performance and innovation(mostly for the design for a backspin. The feel of the ball also received four and a half stars out of five.
Golf Digest Accolades For Vice Pro Plus
Overall, Golf Digest praised the four-piece design of the Vice Pro Plus golf ball because it is made with higher compression for a springy feel and increases ball speed, even for moderate swing speed. The innovative design of the core that enhances backspin was noticed by most of the people we researched who tried to ball out.
How Does The Vice Pro Plus Act Like A “Velcro” To The Green?
The Vice Pro Plus is known for its lower spin rate. However, the coating on the ball is incredibly soft, giving the golfer the ability to generate an enormous amount of backspin. This makes it an excellent ball for an approach shot towards the green. Being able to create backspin makes the ball stick in place as it hits, acting like velcro to the green. But, how does it stick shots like this? Well, it is all because of its innovative cover design of urethane, which is soft and “sticky.”
Cover Design Of The Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball
The cover of Vice Pro Plus balls is different from the other balls that the Vice company produces. This outer layer is soft and comfortable to manipulate for a sticky feel that has been described as a “green velcro” by those who rate the ball used. Urethane is used on the outer part of the ball to create this sticky approach that beginner golfers and intermediate golfers will love for its forgiving nature when close to the pin.
Is The Vice Pro Plus Ball Durable?
The dimples on a golf ball provide more surface area to protect the ball and give it durability. The Vice Pro Plus golf ball has the most dimples of any of their golf balls at 336. They are compared to the V1X with its 328 dimples. Not a lot of difference, but the performance and price make it a clear choice for durability.
How Does Vice Make A High-Performance Ball With Durability And Finesse?
Vice is a newer company when it comes to the market of golf gear, but it has already cornered a specific part of the market. One of the revolutionary things they have done is engineered a cheaper and better ball that performs just at or even slightly better than top brand balls. This can be thanks to the incredibly soft, cast urethane cover with S2TG technology that produces an extra soft feel and high spin rates.
What Is S2TG Technology In The Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball?
THe S2TG technology is Vice’s claim to fame and the big reason b=why the Vice Pro Plus performs so well for a less expensive golf ball. The structure of the ball is cast in urethane that is exceptionally soft yet durable because of its “macromolecular” structure. Basically, there are two layers above the core and a layer of urethane for a sticky approach and feel to this ball, giving it four total layers. These two layers in the middle add power and springy feel for a low flying and straight shot.
Conclusion
In the end, you can see that although the Titleist V1X outperforms on roll and spin rate, the Vice ball is a little bit more sticky on the green, travels further in the air, and is much cheaper by the dozen than the Titleist. If the price is no option, I may still say choose the Vice Pro Plus.
The only drawback to the Vice Pro Plus is that it can be hard to control on harder swinging shots. If you swing faster and harder than the average golfer, you may want to consider the Titleist V1X. If you want to save some money and play an average game, Vice Pro Plus is the golf ball for you!
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