Vice Golf, once a small discount direct-to-consumer ball company, has now evolved into an edgy lifestyle brand with a global presence. The company has recently launched its newest collection of golf balls, which includes three new multilayer cast-urethane-cover models and two ionomer-cover models. The urethane-cover models, Pro, Pro Plus, and Pro Air, are priced at $40 per dozen, while the non-urethane models, Tour and Drive, are priced at $28 and $18 per dozen, respectively.
The Vice Pro balls cater to various player-feel preferences and speed needs, all sharing the short-game benefits of a cast-urethane cover. The manufacturing process results in stronger polymer chains for increased performance and durability. Each of the three balls represents different compression ratings, with the Pro Plus targeting higher swing speeds, the Pro Air aimed at maximizing distance and higher launch for moderate swing speeds, and the Pro being a balanced performer across all elements.
In terms of speed, the ionomer balls in the Vice line, Tour and Drive, prioritize ball speed with different approaches. The Tour uses a higher-compression core and a highly resilient intermediate mantle layer to reduce spin and increase distance. Its softer cover aids in producing more short-game spin. The Drive, a two-piece design, features a heavier, high-compression core design to provide energy for distance and help slower swing speeds achieve an optimal launch angle.
Vice has partnered with HIO Labs, Europe’s largest fitting center, to improve its online ball-fitting algorithms. This partnership will provide a broader data set for the algorithms to work with, utilizing research from fittings over the last 15 years. The new online tool, set to debut later this year, will better align a golfer’s performance characteristics with the attributes of a particular ball, enhancing the fitting process for players.
Overall, Vice Golf’s new collection of golf balls offers a range of options for players of different skill levels and swing speeds. The cast-urethane-cover models provide superior feel and ball control, while the ionomer-cover models prioritize ball speed and distance. With the addition of a new ball-fitting app on its website, Vice continues to innovate and provide golfers with the tools they need to optimize their performance on the course.
