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hands39 got a reaction from Shrek74 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Been on summer holiday back to Canada for a month and just got back to Belgium. Played another round with the Vice Pro Plus after a bunch of rounds playing other balls. Observations:
- durability is comparable to AVX I had been playing in Canada. I would say the Pro Plus is average durability.
- Approach spin I love. Been getting more spin on wedges than the other balls I had been playing (AVX, TruFeel, Kirkland). Highlight of the last round was a low flighted partial 52 from 100 yards that was hit and stop. Made me temporarily forget the brutal round I was having.
- Distance is king. I'm probably a half club longer with this ball and getting similar stopping power on approach to other balls I played this summer.
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hands39 got a reaction from Shrek74 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
That's huge! Selling a bit more expensive than a single box online but probably a wash with no shipping fees. Great opportunity to try a ball or model from Vice.
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hands39 got a reaction from Rob Person in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Been on summer holiday back to Canada for a month and just got back to Belgium. Played another round with the Vice Pro Plus after a bunch of rounds playing other balls. Observations:
- durability is comparable to AVX I had been playing in Canada. I would say the Pro Plus is average durability.
- Approach spin I love. Been getting more spin on wedges than the other balls I had been playing (AVX, TruFeel, Kirkland). Highlight of the last round was a low flighted partial 52 from 100 yards that was hit and stop. Made me temporarily forget the brutal round I was having.
- Distance is king. I'm probably a half club longer with this ball and getting similar stopping power on approach to other balls I played this summer.
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hands39 reacted to Shrek74 in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
I actually have a write up on my computer for having my own golf shop (pipe dream), where I'd specialize in DTC brands as well as the lesser known OEM's (Mizuno, Wilson, Miura, etc). A guy can dream. 🙂
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hands39 reacted to Mr. Mushball in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Yes, it almost seems as though there is a business opportunity to start a chain of DTC specialized fitters.
Nothing close to me here either. PXG has a mobile fitter here in the area, but they didn't have a full set of shaft options to try out. Would be nice to not be brand specific for heads also.
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hands39 got a reaction from William P in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Been loving reading all the reviews. I’m a big New Level fan, currently gaming 902-PDs and loving them.
Only wish I have, which is for all DTC brands, is to be close enough to a fitter that has them to be fit for the best shaft combination. I got fit in a New Level recommended comparable club to get my shaft but wonder if it would still be the shaft if I was able to be fit with the New Level head.
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hands39 got a reaction from GolfZeal in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Been loving reading all the reviews. I’m a big New Level fan, currently gaming 902-PDs and loving them.
Only wish I have, which is for all DTC brands, is to be close enough to a fitter that has them to be fit for the best shaft combination. I got fit in a New Level recommended comparable club to get my shaft but wonder if it would still be the shaft if I was able to be fit with the New Level head.
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hands39 got a reaction from cksurfdude in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Been loving reading all the reviews. I’m a big New Level fan, currently gaming 902-PDs and loving them.
Only wish I have, which is for all DTC brands, is to be close enough to a fitter that has them to be fit for the best shaft combination. I got fit in a New Level recommended comparable club to get my shaft but wonder if it would still be the shaft if I was able to be fit with the New Level head.
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hands39 got a reaction from Josh Ross in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Been loving reading all the reviews. I’m a big New Level fan, currently gaming 902-PDs and loving them.
Only wish I have, which is for all DTC brands, is to be close enough to a fitter that has them to be fit for the best shaft combination. I got fit in a New Level recommended comparable club to get my shaft but wonder if it would still be the shaft if I was able to be fit with the New Level head.
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hands39 got a reaction from Mr. Mushball in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
Been loving reading all the reviews. I’m a big New Level fan, currently gaming 902-PDs and loving them.
Only wish I have, which is for all DTC brands, is to be close enough to a fitter that has them to be fit for the best shaft combination. I got fit in a New Level recommended comparable club to get my shaft but wonder if it would still be the shaft if I was able to be fit with the New Level head.
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hands39 reacted to CSiders12 in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
I was blessed to receive these beauties in the mail and boy oh boy was I not disappointed! When receiving the New Level 480-TC irons, they came in a white box with the New Level Golf logo on it, but nothing too fancy or over the top. the box was well secured with plenty of tape and a lot of paper wrapping on the inside of the box. When opening the box, I was greeted with "Welcome to the New Level team... #LevelUp" with two stickers repping the company. I absolutely love that little added detail.
The packaging was more than sufficient to keep the clubs secure and safe through the shipping process which makes me comfortable about buying from them in the future, knowing that the product will arrive in good condition. When taking out the paper wrapping, I took each club out and each club had its own head cover. Although I will never use those and quickly disposed of them, I appreciated them being on the clubs during the shipping process as it ensured a safe delivery.
When taking the iron covers off, I was greeted with these beauties...... Drumroll please \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
I am stoked to go out and hit the range with these beauties! I actually am about to head out there now, so I will have updates soon!
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hands39 reacted to ClarkWGriswoldIII in New Level 480 Irons - 2024 Forum Review
The 480 DBs arrived in a relatively basic box. The box folds out to a “Welcome to the New Level” message with the words “Level Up” just below in a separate panel. The primary packing material is paper and the clubs are very well secured in the box with the paper.
T
The heads a wrapped in plastic and have labels indicting the weight in grams. The club heads are also in very nice padded head covers for extra protection.
Upon unwrapping the clubs from the paper, head covers and plastic, the quality of the fit and finish of the clubs really stands out. I inspected all of the clubs very closely and there’s nothing poorly finished or misaligned on the entire set. The paint fills are perfect. The Lampkin Crossline grips with the New Level label are well-aligned with the heads. I closely went through the clubs with a fine toothed come and could not find a scratch or flaw.
Per the New Level website, “New Level irons are crafted from the highest quality carbon steel and built by highly trained master builders. We firmly believe that a built iron should maintain the same quality as the highly engineered head; this is why we never skip a step in our build process.” From my perspective, they live up to this statement with a quality build, at least visually.
I’ll get them on a simulator and the course soon and will update as I go.
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hands39 got a reaction from Lefty11 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Been on summer holiday back to Canada for a month and just got back to Belgium. Played another round with the Vice Pro Plus after a bunch of rounds playing other balls. Observations:
- durability is comparable to AVX I had been playing in Canada. I would say the Pro Plus is average durability.
- Approach spin I love. Been getting more spin on wedges than the other balls I had been playing (AVX, TruFeel, Kirkland). Highlight of the last round was a low flighted partial 52 from 100 yards that was hit and stop. Made me temporarily forget the brutal round I was having.
- Distance is king. I'm probably a half club longer with this ball and getting similar stopping power on approach to other balls I played this summer.
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hands39 got a reaction from Lefty11 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
That's huge! Selling a bit more expensive than a single box online but probably a wash with no shipping fees. Great opportunity to try a ball or model from Vice.
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hands39 reacted to Green4Spinach in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
I agree @chisag. My experience of testing the Vice Drive has started me on a whole new journey of seeking out a new ball - something I did not know was even a thing a few months ago. Some of you may not have noticed that I started a thread dubbed Short-listing a Non-Tour Urethane, which clearly used the 2023 Ball Test as my kick-off point. You can see it for yourself here: https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/66181-short-listing-a-non-tour-urethane-ball/
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hands39 reacted to Lefty11 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Looks like Vice heard me! They’re now selling their line of balls at Golf Town here in Canada. Well done, Vice!
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hands39 got a reaction from Jesper2712 in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Hey MGS Forum!
I’m thrilled to be selected for this review, especially for the Vice Pro Plus golf balls. I've almost bought Vice balls a few times but always hesitated. Now, I finally get to see if that hesitation was justified.
About Me
I grew up in Canada, playing hockey in winter and casually golfing in summer. I had a junior membership at a nearby course during middle school and kept up a casual love affair with golf through high school and university, usually playing about 10 rounds each summer with friends and family.
My Career and Golf Journey
I’m a high school science teacher working in international schools, teaching expat children who can't attend the local system. This career has taken me and my golf bag to Kuwait, China, and now Belgium. In Kuwait, I played once a month in a teacher's league. China introduced me to screen golf due to the high cost and inaccessibility of grass golf. There, I played in a weekly Friday night league with equal focus of fun/beers and golf.
Now in Belgium, I’ve returned to traditional golf and joined the IGC league based out of Brussels. This league provides me with a Federation card and more flexibility than joining a single course. I’m also the golf coach at my school, which has me on the course four times a week during the spring and driving the van around Europe for competitions in places like Frankfurt, Paris, and Munich.
My Game
I’m aiming to play more competitive golf this year and am focused on improving my game through purposeful practice. Using Roundabout Golf to track my stats, I’ve identified approach and short game as areas needing the most improvement.
Testing Plan
I’ll be testing the Vice Pro Plus balls through a combination of on-course play, short game practice, and a detailed wedge matrix. This is the perfect opportunity for me to update my wedge matrix/chart and gather quality data supported by Trackman.
Comparison
Currently, I play with either Wilson Triad or Bridgestone BX balls. I’ll be directly comparing the Vice Pro Plus against these. I've been able to get my current balls at the same price point as the Vice Pro Plus, thanks to the 5 dozen discount, so this will be a fair comparison in terms of cost.
I've asked for a dozen of the blue and orange speckle pattern balls along with white. I'm curious as to how the design might change visibility on the course and also the durability of the cover.
Why I’m Excited
I'm really excited to test a product that has consistently done well in various reviews and tests. The price point is also very appealing; I don't want to spend a fortune on golf balls, but I’ve been searching for one that performs well at a reasonable cost. The Vice Pro Plus seems to fit this bill perfectly.
Key Performance Factors
Durability: I’m curious to see how well these balls hold up over multiple rounds.
Consistency: Consistent performance is crucial for my game. This will be about distance, dispersion and spin rate in a simulator.
Performance: I’m looking for solid performance in terms of distance and control. A little extra distance would be a great bonus.
Expectations
For the Vice Pro Plus balls to earn a permanent spot in my bag, they need to offer reasonable durability and match or exceed the performance of my current gamers (Wilson Triad and Bridgestone BX).
Preconceived Notions
I’ve heard a lot about Vice balls being high quality at a lower price point, which is why I’m so interested in this review. I’ve always been curious if the hype matches reality.
Goals
My goal is to find a ball that performs exceptionally well without breaking the bank. If the Vice Pro Plus can deliver in terms of durability, consistency, and overall performance, I’ll happily make the switch.
UNBOXING tl;dr
Looks premium and the Drip option brings some heat.
Unboxing Post
REVIEW
First Impressions: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (10 out of 10)
When I unboxed the Vice Pro Plus golf balls, the premium packaging immediately caught my eye. The sleek box with a subtle sheen and texture felt top-notch. Opening it had just the right amount of anticipation, and the well-designed sleeves held the balls securely. The branding is bold which to me, matches the Vice brand. The all black design probably doesn’t jump out if on a shelf, but if ordered in the DTC model, they look great unboxing.
The solid white balls are brilliantly white, with clean black logos and markings that look professional. The purple and orange paint drip versions are especially cool, each with unique speckling patterns, it will be interesting to see visibility on the course.
The balls have a slightly tacky feel, suggesting a high-quality cover that grips well. Vice claims these balls are designed for high ball speeds and ultimate control, with a firm feel perfect for higher swing speeds. The 4 layer design aims to maximize distance while offering great control around the greens.
In simple terms, Vice is offering a golf ball that promises long drives and precise short game control. The firm feel is meant to give fast swingers solid feedback for better control. That will be what I am trying to identify compared to my current gamer, however it feels like this is what most golf balls in this category claim.
I am giving them a 10 as they match my expectations of what a ProV1x or similar ball would give as a first impression.
Aesthetics 8/10
The Vice Pro Plus golf balls come in premium packaging with a sleek design. The solid white balls are brilliantly white with clean black logos, while the vibrant purple and orange paint drip versions have unique patterns. The alignment aid is well-designed with tapered ends and the model name written inside the line, aiding in visualizing smooth strokes.
IMG_3415 2.mov Durability: Short term, they showed minimal scuffing after hitting the cart path and trees. Full wedge and iron shots left no noticeable marks. Long term, they resisted wear better than Maxfli or Wilson balls. However, the paint drip style makes it harder to see scuffs and dirt, which can impact performance by not accurately assessing the ball’s condition.
You can see in the photo scuffing after a short game practice. The practice consisted of 10-20 yard chips, mix of low spinners and high soft ones. I was using 4 balls and hit each maybe 20 times. Depending on your level of play, this ball might not be usable in competition after about 20 iron/wedge shots.
Unique Details: The dimple pattern is traditional, and the alignment aid with tapered ends is a standout feature. The feel is slightly tacky, providing a secure grip.
Sound and Feel:
Driver: Firm, crisp sound.
Wedges/Irons: Firmness helps feel like energy is transferred to the ball.
Putter: Slight click sound with a face insert putter, better feel than softer balls, less "mush" off the face.
The cover feels firm yet playable. Compared to other balls, it balances firmness and responsiveness well.
2 points are docked due to the lack of durability being easily able to be seen on the paint drip style.
The Numbers: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (16 out of 20)
As mentioned, I headed to an indoor facility equipped with a TrackMan IO to compare the Vice Pro Plus to my usual gamer ball Tour BX. I spent the time working on a wedge matrix and a direct 7 iron comparison.
7-Iron Comparison: On well-struck shots, the Vice Pro Plus flew a bit lower but had comparable spin, height, and smash factor to my gamer ball, despite Vice marketing high spin. The average distance was a couple of yards shorter, but the dispersion was tighter, leading to more consistent shots.
Wedge Shots: For 3/4 52-degree shots, the Vice Pro Plus had typical values but showed slightly higher dispersion, a trend seen across all my wedges. This might affect short game precision slightly, which is something to watch.
On Course Driving Data: On course, my average driving distance increased by 15 yards over three rounds with the Vice Pro Plus compared to four rounds before. My strokes gained with the driver decreased from -0.39 to -0.5 vs pro, indicating worse performance off the tee due to increased dispersion potentially.
Short Game: My short game strokes gained improved by 0.42 strokes with the Vice Pro Plus, although this improvement might also be due to recent technical practice.
Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus performs well, particularly with tighter dispersion on irons and increased driving distance. The wedge dispersion was a bit higher, and the paint drip design makes it harder to assess durability, which could affect performance. Overall, it's a solid ball, living up to most of its claims, but the spin data was not significantly different from my gamer ball.
Docking of 4 points for the following reasons:
High dispersion in data in a controlled environment with wedges Decrease in distance with 7-iron with a key claim of the ball of increasing distance SG Driving decrease, even with the substantial distance increase On The Course: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (17 out of 20)
Off the Tee
Suddenly, I’ve turned into a beast off the tee. The ball has a ridiculously great flat flight. In two different rounds, I hit multiple drives that picked up strokes gained compared to pros, which is not usually my norm. If I were evaluating this ball based only on tee shot performance, it would definitely be in my bag today. All of my playing partners have been commenting on my increased distance off the tee, and since I haven’t played with the same partners while testing this ball, the consistency of their observations must mean something. Longest drive with Vice was 30 yards longer than my the longest drive in my previous four round prior to testing Vice. Granted there are lots of factors that tie into this but as mentioned in my data section, distance is up on average.
Approach
Approach play with the top end of my bag was solid, but I struggled to hit greens with 6-PW. I believe this was more about my own performance than the ball, as my misses weren't consistent. On a side note, I’ve had some frustrating range sessions trying to sort this out but feel I’ve made a small breakthrough recently.
Short Game
Around the green, the Vice Pro Plus performed well. I was impressed with the consistent roll on bump and run shots, which I relied on frequently. Bunker play was particularly satisfying, offering a good mix of chunk-and-run shots and tight spinners. The ball reacted predictably, and I found myself surprising even myself with some of the bunker shots I pulled off.
Putting
No major complaints here. The sound was fine, and the feel was solid. Distance control took some practice, likely due to playing different courses with varying green speeds. The alignment aid was helpful, and I had no issues once adjusted.
Key Points
Drives went further but with a bit more fade. Well-hit balls were monsters compared to my current gamer, and poor hits were comparable. Ball flight was consistent in wind, performing predictably even in windy Belgium conditions. Around the green, bump and run shots were reliable, and bunker play was surprisingly consistent with good control. Putting distance control required practice, but overall performance was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus offers excellent distance and predictability off the tee and in windy conditions. However, inconsistencies around the green and during approach shots in the wind reduce its overall score. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it's a strong contender for those prioritizing long game performance.
The Good, the Bad, the In-between (19/20)
I've been thoroughly impressed with the consistency and premium feel of these golf balls. Not only do they perform well, but they also have a sleek, high-quality look that stands out. Other golfers have complimented them, and the unique paint drip makes identifying my ball a breeze. The pricing model is fantastic—you get a premium-performing ball at a non-premium price. While I can find premium balls on sale for cheaper, the uncertainty of always getting that price makes it hard to commit. Knowing Vice Pro Plus will consistently be more cost-effective is a significant advantage.
On the downside, I haven't encountered any major issues, though they can feel a bit floaty in the wind—something to note if you play in windy conditions like I do in Belgium. The online fitting tool could use some work, as it seemed to prioritize certain areas over others, which may not suit everyone's needs.
Play It or Trade It
Given the choice, I would definitely play the Vice Pro Plus in a big tournament or money game, with the caveat of opting for a solid colour or white instead of the paint drip. In fact, I put it in play for one round of my club championships and was impressed with its performance. The price is fantastic, offering premium performance at a great value. While I'm a big fan of the ball and the value it provides, I'd still like to compare it with the Vice Pro to determine which suits my game best. This ball is ideal for golfers looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who appreciate high-quality at a fair price. For me, it's a solid contender, though the final choice might depend on a head-to-head comparison with its sibling.
TL;DR
In a nutshell, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball has impressed me with its premium feel and consistent performance at a great price point. Unboxing these balls felt special, and their clean, sleek design stood out immediately. On the course, they delivered excellent distance off the tee and predictable performance even in windy conditions, which is crucial for my play in Belgium. The unique paint drip design made my ball easy to identify, although I’d opt for the solid colours for serious games. Despite minor issues like a slightly floaty feel in the wind and an online fitting tool that could be improved, the value this ball offers is undeniable. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality ball that doesn’t compromise on performance. After putting it to the test in my club championships, I’m eager to see how it stacks up against the Vice Pro, but for now, the Vice Pro Plus is a strong contender in my golf bag.
Pros
Does have great short game spin as advertised Data supports this is a long ball of the tee, with no real distance change with irons Consistent performance Cons
Does not penetrate through wind in my experience Average durability -
hands39 got a reaction from chisag in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Hey MGS Forum!
I’m thrilled to be selected for this review, especially for the Vice Pro Plus golf balls. I've almost bought Vice balls a few times but always hesitated. Now, I finally get to see if that hesitation was justified.
About Me
I grew up in Canada, playing hockey in winter and casually golfing in summer. I had a junior membership at a nearby course during middle school and kept up a casual love affair with golf through high school and university, usually playing about 10 rounds each summer with friends and family.
My Career and Golf Journey
I’m a high school science teacher working in international schools, teaching expat children who can't attend the local system. This career has taken me and my golf bag to Kuwait, China, and now Belgium. In Kuwait, I played once a month in a teacher's league. China introduced me to screen golf due to the high cost and inaccessibility of grass golf. There, I played in a weekly Friday night league with equal focus of fun/beers and golf.
Now in Belgium, I’ve returned to traditional golf and joined the IGC league based out of Brussels. This league provides me with a Federation card and more flexibility than joining a single course. I’m also the golf coach at my school, which has me on the course four times a week during the spring and driving the van around Europe for competitions in places like Frankfurt, Paris, and Munich.
My Game
I’m aiming to play more competitive golf this year and am focused on improving my game through purposeful practice. Using Roundabout Golf to track my stats, I’ve identified approach and short game as areas needing the most improvement.
Testing Plan
I’ll be testing the Vice Pro Plus balls through a combination of on-course play, short game practice, and a detailed wedge matrix. This is the perfect opportunity for me to update my wedge matrix/chart and gather quality data supported by Trackman.
Comparison
Currently, I play with either Wilson Triad or Bridgestone BX balls. I’ll be directly comparing the Vice Pro Plus against these. I've been able to get my current balls at the same price point as the Vice Pro Plus, thanks to the 5 dozen discount, so this will be a fair comparison in terms of cost.
I've asked for a dozen of the blue and orange speckle pattern balls along with white. I'm curious as to how the design might change visibility on the course and also the durability of the cover.
Why I’m Excited
I'm really excited to test a product that has consistently done well in various reviews and tests. The price point is also very appealing; I don't want to spend a fortune on golf balls, but I’ve been searching for one that performs well at a reasonable cost. The Vice Pro Plus seems to fit this bill perfectly.
Key Performance Factors
Durability: I’m curious to see how well these balls hold up over multiple rounds.
Consistency: Consistent performance is crucial for my game. This will be about distance, dispersion and spin rate in a simulator.
Performance: I’m looking for solid performance in terms of distance and control. A little extra distance would be a great bonus.
Expectations
For the Vice Pro Plus balls to earn a permanent spot in my bag, they need to offer reasonable durability and match or exceed the performance of my current gamers (Wilson Triad and Bridgestone BX).
Preconceived Notions
I’ve heard a lot about Vice balls being high quality at a lower price point, which is why I’m so interested in this review. I’ve always been curious if the hype matches reality.
Goals
My goal is to find a ball that performs exceptionally well without breaking the bank. If the Vice Pro Plus can deliver in terms of durability, consistency, and overall performance, I’ll happily make the switch.
UNBOXING tl;dr
Looks premium and the Drip option brings some heat.
Unboxing Post
REVIEW
First Impressions: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (10 out of 10)
When I unboxed the Vice Pro Plus golf balls, the premium packaging immediately caught my eye. The sleek box with a subtle sheen and texture felt top-notch. Opening it had just the right amount of anticipation, and the well-designed sleeves held the balls securely. The branding is bold which to me, matches the Vice brand. The all black design probably doesn’t jump out if on a shelf, but if ordered in the DTC model, they look great unboxing.
The solid white balls are brilliantly white, with clean black logos and markings that look professional. The purple and orange paint drip versions are especially cool, each with unique speckling patterns, it will be interesting to see visibility on the course.
The balls have a slightly tacky feel, suggesting a high-quality cover that grips well. Vice claims these balls are designed for high ball speeds and ultimate control, with a firm feel perfect for higher swing speeds. The 4 layer design aims to maximize distance while offering great control around the greens.
In simple terms, Vice is offering a golf ball that promises long drives and precise short game control. The firm feel is meant to give fast swingers solid feedback for better control. That will be what I am trying to identify compared to my current gamer, however it feels like this is what most golf balls in this category claim.
I am giving them a 10 as they match my expectations of what a ProV1x or similar ball would give as a first impression.
Aesthetics 8/10
The Vice Pro Plus golf balls come in premium packaging with a sleek design. The solid white balls are brilliantly white with clean black logos, while the vibrant purple and orange paint drip versions have unique patterns. The alignment aid is well-designed with tapered ends and the model name written inside the line, aiding in visualizing smooth strokes.
IMG_3415 2.mov Durability: Short term, they showed minimal scuffing after hitting the cart path and trees. Full wedge and iron shots left no noticeable marks. Long term, they resisted wear better than Maxfli or Wilson balls. However, the paint drip style makes it harder to see scuffs and dirt, which can impact performance by not accurately assessing the ball’s condition.
You can see in the photo scuffing after a short game practice. The practice consisted of 10-20 yard chips, mix of low spinners and high soft ones. I was using 4 balls and hit each maybe 20 times. Depending on your level of play, this ball might not be usable in competition after about 20 iron/wedge shots.
Unique Details: The dimple pattern is traditional, and the alignment aid with tapered ends is a standout feature. The feel is slightly tacky, providing a secure grip.
Sound and Feel:
Driver: Firm, crisp sound.
Wedges/Irons: Firmness helps feel like energy is transferred to the ball.
Putter: Slight click sound with a face insert putter, better feel than softer balls, less "mush" off the face.
The cover feels firm yet playable. Compared to other balls, it balances firmness and responsiveness well.
2 points are docked due to the lack of durability being easily able to be seen on the paint drip style.
The Numbers: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (16 out of 20)
As mentioned, I headed to an indoor facility equipped with a TrackMan IO to compare the Vice Pro Plus to my usual gamer ball Tour BX. I spent the time working on a wedge matrix and a direct 7 iron comparison.
7-Iron Comparison: On well-struck shots, the Vice Pro Plus flew a bit lower but had comparable spin, height, and smash factor to my gamer ball, despite Vice marketing high spin. The average distance was a couple of yards shorter, but the dispersion was tighter, leading to more consistent shots.
Wedge Shots: For 3/4 52-degree shots, the Vice Pro Plus had typical values but showed slightly higher dispersion, a trend seen across all my wedges. This might affect short game precision slightly, which is something to watch.
On Course Driving Data: On course, my average driving distance increased by 15 yards over three rounds with the Vice Pro Plus compared to four rounds before. My strokes gained with the driver decreased from -0.39 to -0.5 vs pro, indicating worse performance off the tee due to increased dispersion potentially.
Short Game: My short game strokes gained improved by 0.42 strokes with the Vice Pro Plus, although this improvement might also be due to recent technical practice.
Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus performs well, particularly with tighter dispersion on irons and increased driving distance. The wedge dispersion was a bit higher, and the paint drip design makes it harder to assess durability, which could affect performance. Overall, it's a solid ball, living up to most of its claims, but the spin data was not significantly different from my gamer ball.
Docking of 4 points for the following reasons:
High dispersion in data in a controlled environment with wedges Decrease in distance with 7-iron with a key claim of the ball of increasing distance SG Driving decrease, even with the substantial distance increase On The Course: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (17 out of 20)
Off the Tee
Suddenly, I’ve turned into a beast off the tee. The ball has a ridiculously great flat flight. In two different rounds, I hit multiple drives that picked up strokes gained compared to pros, which is not usually my norm. If I were evaluating this ball based only on tee shot performance, it would definitely be in my bag today. All of my playing partners have been commenting on my increased distance off the tee, and since I haven’t played with the same partners while testing this ball, the consistency of their observations must mean something. Longest drive with Vice was 30 yards longer than my the longest drive in my previous four round prior to testing Vice. Granted there are lots of factors that tie into this but as mentioned in my data section, distance is up on average.
Approach
Approach play with the top end of my bag was solid, but I struggled to hit greens with 6-PW. I believe this was more about my own performance than the ball, as my misses weren't consistent. On a side note, I’ve had some frustrating range sessions trying to sort this out but feel I’ve made a small breakthrough recently.
Short Game
Around the green, the Vice Pro Plus performed well. I was impressed with the consistent roll on bump and run shots, which I relied on frequently. Bunker play was particularly satisfying, offering a good mix of chunk-and-run shots and tight spinners. The ball reacted predictably, and I found myself surprising even myself with some of the bunker shots I pulled off.
Putting
No major complaints here. The sound was fine, and the feel was solid. Distance control took some practice, likely due to playing different courses with varying green speeds. The alignment aid was helpful, and I had no issues once adjusted.
Key Points
Drives went further but with a bit more fade. Well-hit balls were monsters compared to my current gamer, and poor hits were comparable. Ball flight was consistent in wind, performing predictably even in windy Belgium conditions. Around the green, bump and run shots were reliable, and bunker play was surprisingly consistent with good control. Putting distance control required practice, but overall performance was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus offers excellent distance and predictability off the tee and in windy conditions. However, inconsistencies around the green and during approach shots in the wind reduce its overall score. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it's a strong contender for those prioritizing long game performance.
The Good, the Bad, the In-between (19/20)
I've been thoroughly impressed with the consistency and premium feel of these golf balls. Not only do they perform well, but they also have a sleek, high-quality look that stands out. Other golfers have complimented them, and the unique paint drip makes identifying my ball a breeze. The pricing model is fantastic—you get a premium-performing ball at a non-premium price. While I can find premium balls on sale for cheaper, the uncertainty of always getting that price makes it hard to commit. Knowing Vice Pro Plus will consistently be more cost-effective is a significant advantage.
On the downside, I haven't encountered any major issues, though they can feel a bit floaty in the wind—something to note if you play in windy conditions like I do in Belgium. The online fitting tool could use some work, as it seemed to prioritize certain areas over others, which may not suit everyone's needs.
Play It or Trade It
Given the choice, I would definitely play the Vice Pro Plus in a big tournament or money game, with the caveat of opting for a solid colour or white instead of the paint drip. In fact, I put it in play for one round of my club championships and was impressed with its performance. The price is fantastic, offering premium performance at a great value. While I'm a big fan of the ball and the value it provides, I'd still like to compare it with the Vice Pro to determine which suits my game best. This ball is ideal for golfers looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who appreciate high-quality at a fair price. For me, it's a solid contender, though the final choice might depend on a head-to-head comparison with its sibling.
TL;DR
In a nutshell, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball has impressed me with its premium feel and consistent performance at a great price point. Unboxing these balls felt special, and their clean, sleek design stood out immediately. On the course, they delivered excellent distance off the tee and predictable performance even in windy conditions, which is crucial for my play in Belgium. The unique paint drip design made my ball easy to identify, although I’d opt for the solid colours for serious games. Despite minor issues like a slightly floaty feel in the wind and an online fitting tool that could be improved, the value this ball offers is undeniable. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality ball that doesn’t compromise on performance. After putting it to the test in my club championships, I’m eager to see how it stacks up against the Vice Pro, but for now, the Vice Pro Plus is a strong contender in my golf bag.
Pros
Does have great short game spin as advertised Data supports this is a long ball of the tee, with no real distance change with irons Consistent performance Cons
Does not penetrate through wind in my experience Average durability -
hands39 got a reaction from William P in 2024 Season Goals - What Say You?
My goal this year is to play more competition golf. Recently joined the National Federation of the country I live in to be able to play competition golf, so step 1 complete.
This is more for me to try something new as a golfer that I haven't done since being a JR golfer. All of the competitions will be with handicap so hopefully I can be in the mindset of playing myself and the course and not worry about the golfer beside me.
With coaching the HS team, I am able to get on the course to hit balls multiple times a week but don't have time to grind out a full practice session too often. So the game is holding currently not really improving.
-
hands39 got a reaction from jbern in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Hey MGS Forum!
I’m thrilled to be selected for this review, especially for the Vice Pro Plus golf balls. I've almost bought Vice balls a few times but always hesitated. Now, I finally get to see if that hesitation was justified.
About Me
I grew up in Canada, playing hockey in winter and casually golfing in summer. I had a junior membership at a nearby course during middle school and kept up a casual love affair with golf through high school and university, usually playing about 10 rounds each summer with friends and family.
My Career and Golf Journey
I’m a high school science teacher working in international schools, teaching expat children who can't attend the local system. This career has taken me and my golf bag to Kuwait, China, and now Belgium. In Kuwait, I played once a month in a teacher's league. China introduced me to screen golf due to the high cost and inaccessibility of grass golf. There, I played in a weekly Friday night league with equal focus of fun/beers and golf.
Now in Belgium, I’ve returned to traditional golf and joined the IGC league based out of Brussels. This league provides me with a Federation card and more flexibility than joining a single course. I’m also the golf coach at my school, which has me on the course four times a week during the spring and driving the van around Europe for competitions in places like Frankfurt, Paris, and Munich.
My Game
I’m aiming to play more competitive golf this year and am focused on improving my game through purposeful practice. Using Roundabout Golf to track my stats, I’ve identified approach and short game as areas needing the most improvement.
Testing Plan
I’ll be testing the Vice Pro Plus balls through a combination of on-course play, short game practice, and a detailed wedge matrix. This is the perfect opportunity for me to update my wedge matrix/chart and gather quality data supported by Trackman.
Comparison
Currently, I play with either Wilson Triad or Bridgestone BX balls. I’ll be directly comparing the Vice Pro Plus against these. I've been able to get my current balls at the same price point as the Vice Pro Plus, thanks to the 5 dozen discount, so this will be a fair comparison in terms of cost.
I've asked for a dozen of the blue and orange speckle pattern balls along with white. I'm curious as to how the design might change visibility on the course and also the durability of the cover.
Why I’m Excited
I'm really excited to test a product that has consistently done well in various reviews and tests. The price point is also very appealing; I don't want to spend a fortune on golf balls, but I’ve been searching for one that performs well at a reasonable cost. The Vice Pro Plus seems to fit this bill perfectly.
Key Performance Factors
Durability: I’m curious to see how well these balls hold up over multiple rounds.
Consistency: Consistent performance is crucial for my game. This will be about distance, dispersion and spin rate in a simulator.
Performance: I’m looking for solid performance in terms of distance and control. A little extra distance would be a great bonus.
Expectations
For the Vice Pro Plus balls to earn a permanent spot in my bag, they need to offer reasonable durability and match or exceed the performance of my current gamers (Wilson Triad and Bridgestone BX).
Preconceived Notions
I’ve heard a lot about Vice balls being high quality at a lower price point, which is why I’m so interested in this review. I’ve always been curious if the hype matches reality.
Goals
My goal is to find a ball that performs exceptionally well without breaking the bank. If the Vice Pro Plus can deliver in terms of durability, consistency, and overall performance, I’ll happily make the switch.
UNBOXING tl;dr
Looks premium and the Drip option brings some heat.
Unboxing Post
REVIEW
First Impressions: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (10 out of 10)
When I unboxed the Vice Pro Plus golf balls, the premium packaging immediately caught my eye. The sleek box with a subtle sheen and texture felt top-notch. Opening it had just the right amount of anticipation, and the well-designed sleeves held the balls securely. The branding is bold which to me, matches the Vice brand. The all black design probably doesn’t jump out if on a shelf, but if ordered in the DTC model, they look great unboxing.
The solid white balls are brilliantly white, with clean black logos and markings that look professional. The purple and orange paint drip versions are especially cool, each with unique speckling patterns, it will be interesting to see visibility on the course.
The balls have a slightly tacky feel, suggesting a high-quality cover that grips well. Vice claims these balls are designed for high ball speeds and ultimate control, with a firm feel perfect for higher swing speeds. The 4 layer design aims to maximize distance while offering great control around the greens.
In simple terms, Vice is offering a golf ball that promises long drives and precise short game control. The firm feel is meant to give fast swingers solid feedback for better control. That will be what I am trying to identify compared to my current gamer, however it feels like this is what most golf balls in this category claim.
I am giving them a 10 as they match my expectations of what a ProV1x or similar ball would give as a first impression.
Aesthetics 8/10
The Vice Pro Plus golf balls come in premium packaging with a sleek design. The solid white balls are brilliantly white with clean black logos, while the vibrant purple and orange paint drip versions have unique patterns. The alignment aid is well-designed with tapered ends and the model name written inside the line, aiding in visualizing smooth strokes.
IMG_3415 2.mov Durability: Short term, they showed minimal scuffing after hitting the cart path and trees. Full wedge and iron shots left no noticeable marks. Long term, they resisted wear better than Maxfli or Wilson balls. However, the paint drip style makes it harder to see scuffs and dirt, which can impact performance by not accurately assessing the ball’s condition.
You can see in the photo scuffing after a short game practice. The practice consisted of 10-20 yard chips, mix of low spinners and high soft ones. I was using 4 balls and hit each maybe 20 times. Depending on your level of play, this ball might not be usable in competition after about 20 iron/wedge shots.
Unique Details: The dimple pattern is traditional, and the alignment aid with tapered ends is a standout feature. The feel is slightly tacky, providing a secure grip.
Sound and Feel:
Driver: Firm, crisp sound.
Wedges/Irons: Firmness helps feel like energy is transferred to the ball.
Putter: Slight click sound with a face insert putter, better feel than softer balls, less "mush" off the face.
The cover feels firm yet playable. Compared to other balls, it balances firmness and responsiveness well.
2 points are docked due to the lack of durability being easily able to be seen on the paint drip style.
The Numbers: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (16 out of 20)
As mentioned, I headed to an indoor facility equipped with a TrackMan IO to compare the Vice Pro Plus to my usual gamer ball Tour BX. I spent the time working on a wedge matrix and a direct 7 iron comparison.
7-Iron Comparison: On well-struck shots, the Vice Pro Plus flew a bit lower but had comparable spin, height, and smash factor to my gamer ball, despite Vice marketing high spin. The average distance was a couple of yards shorter, but the dispersion was tighter, leading to more consistent shots.
Wedge Shots: For 3/4 52-degree shots, the Vice Pro Plus had typical values but showed slightly higher dispersion, a trend seen across all my wedges. This might affect short game precision slightly, which is something to watch.
On Course Driving Data: On course, my average driving distance increased by 15 yards over three rounds with the Vice Pro Plus compared to four rounds before. My strokes gained with the driver decreased from -0.39 to -0.5 vs pro, indicating worse performance off the tee due to increased dispersion potentially.
Short Game: My short game strokes gained improved by 0.42 strokes with the Vice Pro Plus, although this improvement might also be due to recent technical practice.
Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus performs well, particularly with tighter dispersion on irons and increased driving distance. The wedge dispersion was a bit higher, and the paint drip design makes it harder to assess durability, which could affect performance. Overall, it's a solid ball, living up to most of its claims, but the spin data was not significantly different from my gamer ball.
Docking of 4 points for the following reasons:
High dispersion in data in a controlled environment with wedges Decrease in distance with 7-iron with a key claim of the ball of increasing distance SG Driving decrease, even with the substantial distance increase On The Course: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (17 out of 20)
Off the Tee
Suddenly, I’ve turned into a beast off the tee. The ball has a ridiculously great flat flight. In two different rounds, I hit multiple drives that picked up strokes gained compared to pros, which is not usually my norm. If I were evaluating this ball based only on tee shot performance, it would definitely be in my bag today. All of my playing partners have been commenting on my increased distance off the tee, and since I haven’t played with the same partners while testing this ball, the consistency of their observations must mean something. Longest drive with Vice was 30 yards longer than my the longest drive in my previous four round prior to testing Vice. Granted there are lots of factors that tie into this but as mentioned in my data section, distance is up on average.
Approach
Approach play with the top end of my bag was solid, but I struggled to hit greens with 6-PW. I believe this was more about my own performance than the ball, as my misses weren't consistent. On a side note, I’ve had some frustrating range sessions trying to sort this out but feel I’ve made a small breakthrough recently.
Short Game
Around the green, the Vice Pro Plus performed well. I was impressed with the consistent roll on bump and run shots, which I relied on frequently. Bunker play was particularly satisfying, offering a good mix of chunk-and-run shots and tight spinners. The ball reacted predictably, and I found myself surprising even myself with some of the bunker shots I pulled off.
Putting
No major complaints here. The sound was fine, and the feel was solid. Distance control took some practice, likely due to playing different courses with varying green speeds. The alignment aid was helpful, and I had no issues once adjusted.
Key Points
Drives went further but with a bit more fade. Well-hit balls were monsters compared to my current gamer, and poor hits were comparable. Ball flight was consistent in wind, performing predictably even in windy Belgium conditions. Around the green, bump and run shots were reliable, and bunker play was surprisingly consistent with good control. Putting distance control required practice, but overall performance was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus offers excellent distance and predictability off the tee and in windy conditions. However, inconsistencies around the green and during approach shots in the wind reduce its overall score. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it's a strong contender for those prioritizing long game performance.
The Good, the Bad, the In-between (19/20)
I've been thoroughly impressed with the consistency and premium feel of these golf balls. Not only do they perform well, but they also have a sleek, high-quality look that stands out. Other golfers have complimented them, and the unique paint drip makes identifying my ball a breeze. The pricing model is fantastic—you get a premium-performing ball at a non-premium price. While I can find premium balls on sale for cheaper, the uncertainty of always getting that price makes it hard to commit. Knowing Vice Pro Plus will consistently be more cost-effective is a significant advantage.
On the downside, I haven't encountered any major issues, though they can feel a bit floaty in the wind—something to note if you play in windy conditions like I do in Belgium. The online fitting tool could use some work, as it seemed to prioritize certain areas over others, which may not suit everyone's needs.
Play It or Trade It
Given the choice, I would definitely play the Vice Pro Plus in a big tournament or money game, with the caveat of opting for a solid colour or white instead of the paint drip. In fact, I put it in play for one round of my club championships and was impressed with its performance. The price is fantastic, offering premium performance at a great value. While I'm a big fan of the ball and the value it provides, I'd still like to compare it with the Vice Pro to determine which suits my game best. This ball is ideal for golfers looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who appreciate high-quality at a fair price. For me, it's a solid contender, though the final choice might depend on a head-to-head comparison with its sibling.
TL;DR
In a nutshell, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball has impressed me with its premium feel and consistent performance at a great price point. Unboxing these balls felt special, and their clean, sleek design stood out immediately. On the course, they delivered excellent distance off the tee and predictable performance even in windy conditions, which is crucial for my play in Belgium. The unique paint drip design made my ball easy to identify, although I’d opt for the solid colours for serious games. Despite minor issues like a slightly floaty feel in the wind and an online fitting tool that could be improved, the value this ball offers is undeniable. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality ball that doesn’t compromise on performance. After putting it to the test in my club championships, I’m eager to see how it stacks up against the Vice Pro, but for now, the Vice Pro Plus is a strong contender in my golf bag.
Pros
Does have great short game spin as advertised Data supports this is a long ball of the tee, with no real distance change with irons Consistent performance Cons
Does not penetrate through wind in my experience Average durability -
hands39 got a reaction from TheSudds in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Hey MGS Forum!
I’m thrilled to be selected for this review, especially for the Vice Pro Plus golf balls. I've almost bought Vice balls a few times but always hesitated. Now, I finally get to see if that hesitation was justified.
About Me
I grew up in Canada, playing hockey in winter and casually golfing in summer. I had a junior membership at a nearby course during middle school and kept up a casual love affair with golf through high school and university, usually playing about 10 rounds each summer with friends and family.
My Career and Golf Journey
I’m a high school science teacher working in international schools, teaching expat children who can't attend the local system. This career has taken me and my golf bag to Kuwait, China, and now Belgium. In Kuwait, I played once a month in a teacher's league. China introduced me to screen golf due to the high cost and inaccessibility of grass golf. There, I played in a weekly Friday night league with equal focus of fun/beers and golf.
Now in Belgium, I’ve returned to traditional golf and joined the IGC league based out of Brussels. This league provides me with a Federation card and more flexibility than joining a single course. I’m also the golf coach at my school, which has me on the course four times a week during the spring and driving the van around Europe for competitions in places like Frankfurt, Paris, and Munich.
My Game
I’m aiming to play more competitive golf this year and am focused on improving my game through purposeful practice. Using Roundabout Golf to track my stats, I’ve identified approach and short game as areas needing the most improvement.
Testing Plan
I’ll be testing the Vice Pro Plus balls through a combination of on-course play, short game practice, and a detailed wedge matrix. This is the perfect opportunity for me to update my wedge matrix/chart and gather quality data supported by Trackman.
Comparison
Currently, I play with either Wilson Triad or Bridgestone BX balls. I’ll be directly comparing the Vice Pro Plus against these. I've been able to get my current balls at the same price point as the Vice Pro Plus, thanks to the 5 dozen discount, so this will be a fair comparison in terms of cost.
I've asked for a dozen of the blue and orange speckle pattern balls along with white. I'm curious as to how the design might change visibility on the course and also the durability of the cover.
Why I’m Excited
I'm really excited to test a product that has consistently done well in various reviews and tests. The price point is also very appealing; I don't want to spend a fortune on golf balls, but I’ve been searching for one that performs well at a reasonable cost. The Vice Pro Plus seems to fit this bill perfectly.
Key Performance Factors
Durability: I’m curious to see how well these balls hold up over multiple rounds.
Consistency: Consistent performance is crucial for my game. This will be about distance, dispersion and spin rate in a simulator.
Performance: I’m looking for solid performance in terms of distance and control. A little extra distance would be a great bonus.
Expectations
For the Vice Pro Plus balls to earn a permanent spot in my bag, they need to offer reasonable durability and match or exceed the performance of my current gamers (Wilson Triad and Bridgestone BX).
Preconceived Notions
I’ve heard a lot about Vice balls being high quality at a lower price point, which is why I’m so interested in this review. I’ve always been curious if the hype matches reality.
Goals
My goal is to find a ball that performs exceptionally well without breaking the bank. If the Vice Pro Plus can deliver in terms of durability, consistency, and overall performance, I’ll happily make the switch.
UNBOXING tl;dr
Looks premium and the Drip option brings some heat.
Unboxing Post
REVIEW
First Impressions: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (10 out of 10)
When I unboxed the Vice Pro Plus golf balls, the premium packaging immediately caught my eye. The sleek box with a subtle sheen and texture felt top-notch. Opening it had just the right amount of anticipation, and the well-designed sleeves held the balls securely. The branding is bold which to me, matches the Vice brand. The all black design probably doesn’t jump out if on a shelf, but if ordered in the DTC model, they look great unboxing.
The solid white balls are brilliantly white, with clean black logos and markings that look professional. The purple and orange paint drip versions are especially cool, each with unique speckling patterns, it will be interesting to see visibility on the course.
The balls have a slightly tacky feel, suggesting a high-quality cover that grips well. Vice claims these balls are designed for high ball speeds and ultimate control, with a firm feel perfect for higher swing speeds. The 4 layer design aims to maximize distance while offering great control around the greens.
In simple terms, Vice is offering a golf ball that promises long drives and precise short game control. The firm feel is meant to give fast swingers solid feedback for better control. That will be what I am trying to identify compared to my current gamer, however it feels like this is what most golf balls in this category claim.
I am giving them a 10 as they match my expectations of what a ProV1x or similar ball would give as a first impression.
Aesthetics 8/10
The Vice Pro Plus golf balls come in premium packaging with a sleek design. The solid white balls are brilliantly white with clean black logos, while the vibrant purple and orange paint drip versions have unique patterns. The alignment aid is well-designed with tapered ends and the model name written inside the line, aiding in visualizing smooth strokes.
IMG_3415 2.mov Durability: Short term, they showed minimal scuffing after hitting the cart path and trees. Full wedge and iron shots left no noticeable marks. Long term, they resisted wear better than Maxfli or Wilson balls. However, the paint drip style makes it harder to see scuffs and dirt, which can impact performance by not accurately assessing the ball’s condition.
You can see in the photo scuffing after a short game practice. The practice consisted of 10-20 yard chips, mix of low spinners and high soft ones. I was using 4 balls and hit each maybe 20 times. Depending on your level of play, this ball might not be usable in competition after about 20 iron/wedge shots.
Unique Details: The dimple pattern is traditional, and the alignment aid with tapered ends is a standout feature. The feel is slightly tacky, providing a secure grip.
Sound and Feel:
Driver: Firm, crisp sound.
Wedges/Irons: Firmness helps feel like energy is transferred to the ball.
Putter: Slight click sound with a face insert putter, better feel than softer balls, less "mush" off the face.
The cover feels firm yet playable. Compared to other balls, it balances firmness and responsiveness well.
2 points are docked due to the lack of durability being easily able to be seen on the paint drip style.
The Numbers: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (16 out of 20)
As mentioned, I headed to an indoor facility equipped with a TrackMan IO to compare the Vice Pro Plus to my usual gamer ball Tour BX. I spent the time working on a wedge matrix and a direct 7 iron comparison.
7-Iron Comparison: On well-struck shots, the Vice Pro Plus flew a bit lower but had comparable spin, height, and smash factor to my gamer ball, despite Vice marketing high spin. The average distance was a couple of yards shorter, but the dispersion was tighter, leading to more consistent shots.
Wedge Shots: For 3/4 52-degree shots, the Vice Pro Plus had typical values but showed slightly higher dispersion, a trend seen across all my wedges. This might affect short game precision slightly, which is something to watch.
On Course Driving Data: On course, my average driving distance increased by 15 yards over three rounds with the Vice Pro Plus compared to four rounds before. My strokes gained with the driver decreased from -0.39 to -0.5 vs pro, indicating worse performance off the tee due to increased dispersion potentially.
Short Game: My short game strokes gained improved by 0.42 strokes with the Vice Pro Plus, although this improvement might also be due to recent technical practice.
Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus performs well, particularly with tighter dispersion on irons and increased driving distance. The wedge dispersion was a bit higher, and the paint drip design makes it harder to assess durability, which could affect performance. Overall, it's a solid ball, living up to most of its claims, but the spin data was not significantly different from my gamer ball.
Docking of 4 points for the following reasons:
High dispersion in data in a controlled environment with wedges Decrease in distance with 7-iron with a key claim of the ball of increasing distance SG Driving decrease, even with the substantial distance increase On The Course: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (17 out of 20)
Off the Tee
Suddenly, I’ve turned into a beast off the tee. The ball has a ridiculously great flat flight. In two different rounds, I hit multiple drives that picked up strokes gained compared to pros, which is not usually my norm. If I were evaluating this ball based only on tee shot performance, it would definitely be in my bag today. All of my playing partners have been commenting on my increased distance off the tee, and since I haven’t played with the same partners while testing this ball, the consistency of their observations must mean something. Longest drive with Vice was 30 yards longer than my the longest drive in my previous four round prior to testing Vice. Granted there are lots of factors that tie into this but as mentioned in my data section, distance is up on average.
Approach
Approach play with the top end of my bag was solid, but I struggled to hit greens with 6-PW. I believe this was more about my own performance than the ball, as my misses weren't consistent. On a side note, I’ve had some frustrating range sessions trying to sort this out but feel I’ve made a small breakthrough recently.
Short Game
Around the green, the Vice Pro Plus performed well. I was impressed with the consistent roll on bump and run shots, which I relied on frequently. Bunker play was particularly satisfying, offering a good mix of chunk-and-run shots and tight spinners. The ball reacted predictably, and I found myself surprising even myself with some of the bunker shots I pulled off.
Putting
No major complaints here. The sound was fine, and the feel was solid. Distance control took some practice, likely due to playing different courses with varying green speeds. The alignment aid was helpful, and I had no issues once adjusted.
Key Points
Drives went further but with a bit more fade. Well-hit balls were monsters compared to my current gamer, and poor hits were comparable. Ball flight was consistent in wind, performing predictably even in windy Belgium conditions. Around the green, bump and run shots were reliable, and bunker play was surprisingly consistent with good control. Putting distance control required practice, but overall performance was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus offers excellent distance and predictability off the tee and in windy conditions. However, inconsistencies around the green and during approach shots in the wind reduce its overall score. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it's a strong contender for those prioritizing long game performance.
The Good, the Bad, the In-between (19/20)
I've been thoroughly impressed with the consistency and premium feel of these golf balls. Not only do they perform well, but they also have a sleek, high-quality look that stands out. Other golfers have complimented them, and the unique paint drip makes identifying my ball a breeze. The pricing model is fantastic—you get a premium-performing ball at a non-premium price. While I can find premium balls on sale for cheaper, the uncertainty of always getting that price makes it hard to commit. Knowing Vice Pro Plus will consistently be more cost-effective is a significant advantage.
On the downside, I haven't encountered any major issues, though they can feel a bit floaty in the wind—something to note if you play in windy conditions like I do in Belgium. The online fitting tool could use some work, as it seemed to prioritize certain areas over others, which may not suit everyone's needs.
Play It or Trade It
Given the choice, I would definitely play the Vice Pro Plus in a big tournament or money game, with the caveat of opting for a solid colour or white instead of the paint drip. In fact, I put it in play for one round of my club championships and was impressed with its performance. The price is fantastic, offering premium performance at a great value. While I'm a big fan of the ball and the value it provides, I'd still like to compare it with the Vice Pro to determine which suits my game best. This ball is ideal for golfers looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who appreciate high-quality at a fair price. For me, it's a solid contender, though the final choice might depend on a head-to-head comparison with its sibling.
TL;DR
In a nutshell, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball has impressed me with its premium feel and consistent performance at a great price point. Unboxing these balls felt special, and their clean, sleek design stood out immediately. On the course, they delivered excellent distance off the tee and predictable performance even in windy conditions, which is crucial for my play in Belgium. The unique paint drip design made my ball easy to identify, although I’d opt for the solid colours for serious games. Despite minor issues like a slightly floaty feel in the wind and an online fitting tool that could be improved, the value this ball offers is undeniable. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality ball that doesn’t compromise on performance. After putting it to the test in my club championships, I’m eager to see how it stacks up against the Vice Pro, but for now, the Vice Pro Plus is a strong contender in my golf bag.
Pros
Does have great short game spin as advertised Data supports this is a long ball of the tee, with no real distance change with irons Consistent performance Cons
Does not penetrate through wind in my experience Average durability -
-
hands39 got a reaction from puffler in Vice Golf Balls - 2024 Forum Review
Hey MGS Forum!
I’m thrilled to be selected for this review, especially for the Vice Pro Plus golf balls. I've almost bought Vice balls a few times but always hesitated. Now, I finally get to see if that hesitation was justified.
About Me
I grew up in Canada, playing hockey in winter and casually golfing in summer. I had a junior membership at a nearby course during middle school and kept up a casual love affair with golf through high school and university, usually playing about 10 rounds each summer with friends and family.
My Career and Golf Journey
I’m a high school science teacher working in international schools, teaching expat children who can't attend the local system. This career has taken me and my golf bag to Kuwait, China, and now Belgium. In Kuwait, I played once a month in a teacher's league. China introduced me to screen golf due to the high cost and inaccessibility of grass golf. There, I played in a weekly Friday night league with equal focus of fun/beers and golf.
Now in Belgium, I’ve returned to traditional golf and joined the IGC league based out of Brussels. This league provides me with a Federation card and more flexibility than joining a single course. I’m also the golf coach at my school, which has me on the course four times a week during the spring and driving the van around Europe for competitions in places like Frankfurt, Paris, and Munich.
My Game
I’m aiming to play more competitive golf this year and am focused on improving my game through purposeful practice. Using Roundabout Golf to track my stats, I’ve identified approach and short game as areas needing the most improvement.
Testing Plan
I’ll be testing the Vice Pro Plus balls through a combination of on-course play, short game practice, and a detailed wedge matrix. This is the perfect opportunity for me to update my wedge matrix/chart and gather quality data supported by Trackman.
Comparison
Currently, I play with either Wilson Triad or Bridgestone BX balls. I’ll be directly comparing the Vice Pro Plus against these. I've been able to get my current balls at the same price point as the Vice Pro Plus, thanks to the 5 dozen discount, so this will be a fair comparison in terms of cost.
I've asked for a dozen of the blue and orange speckle pattern balls along with white. I'm curious as to how the design might change visibility on the course and also the durability of the cover.
Why I’m Excited
I'm really excited to test a product that has consistently done well in various reviews and tests. The price point is also very appealing; I don't want to spend a fortune on golf balls, but I’ve been searching for one that performs well at a reasonable cost. The Vice Pro Plus seems to fit this bill perfectly.
Key Performance Factors
Durability: I’m curious to see how well these balls hold up over multiple rounds.
Consistency: Consistent performance is crucial for my game. This will be about distance, dispersion and spin rate in a simulator.
Performance: I’m looking for solid performance in terms of distance and control. A little extra distance would be a great bonus.
Expectations
For the Vice Pro Plus balls to earn a permanent spot in my bag, they need to offer reasonable durability and match or exceed the performance of my current gamers (Wilson Triad and Bridgestone BX).
Preconceived Notions
I’ve heard a lot about Vice balls being high quality at a lower price point, which is why I’m so interested in this review. I’ve always been curious if the hype matches reality.
Goals
My goal is to find a ball that performs exceptionally well without breaking the bank. If the Vice Pro Plus can deliver in terms of durability, consistency, and overall performance, I’ll happily make the switch.
UNBOXING tl;dr
Looks premium and the Drip option brings some heat.
Unboxing Post
REVIEW
First Impressions: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (10 out of 10)
When I unboxed the Vice Pro Plus golf balls, the premium packaging immediately caught my eye. The sleek box with a subtle sheen and texture felt top-notch. Opening it had just the right amount of anticipation, and the well-designed sleeves held the balls securely. The branding is bold which to me, matches the Vice brand. The all black design probably doesn’t jump out if on a shelf, but if ordered in the DTC model, they look great unboxing.
The solid white balls are brilliantly white, with clean black logos and markings that look professional. The purple and orange paint drip versions are especially cool, each with unique speckling patterns, it will be interesting to see visibility on the course.
The balls have a slightly tacky feel, suggesting a high-quality cover that grips well. Vice claims these balls are designed for high ball speeds and ultimate control, with a firm feel perfect for higher swing speeds. The 4 layer design aims to maximize distance while offering great control around the greens.
In simple terms, Vice is offering a golf ball that promises long drives and precise short game control. The firm feel is meant to give fast swingers solid feedback for better control. That will be what I am trying to identify compared to my current gamer, however it feels like this is what most golf balls in this category claim.
I am giving them a 10 as they match my expectations of what a ProV1x or similar ball would give as a first impression.
Aesthetics 8/10
The Vice Pro Plus golf balls come in premium packaging with a sleek design. The solid white balls are brilliantly white with clean black logos, while the vibrant purple and orange paint drip versions have unique patterns. The alignment aid is well-designed with tapered ends and the model name written inside the line, aiding in visualizing smooth strokes.
IMG_3415 2.mov Durability: Short term, they showed minimal scuffing after hitting the cart path and trees. Full wedge and iron shots left no noticeable marks. Long term, they resisted wear better than Maxfli or Wilson balls. However, the paint drip style makes it harder to see scuffs and dirt, which can impact performance by not accurately assessing the ball’s condition.
You can see in the photo scuffing after a short game practice. The practice consisted of 10-20 yard chips, mix of low spinners and high soft ones. I was using 4 balls and hit each maybe 20 times. Depending on your level of play, this ball might not be usable in competition after about 20 iron/wedge shots.
Unique Details: The dimple pattern is traditional, and the alignment aid with tapered ends is a standout feature. The feel is slightly tacky, providing a secure grip.
Sound and Feel:
Driver: Firm, crisp sound.
Wedges/Irons: Firmness helps feel like energy is transferred to the ball.
Putter: Slight click sound with a face insert putter, better feel than softer balls, less "mush" off the face.
The cover feels firm yet playable. Compared to other balls, it balances firmness and responsiveness well.
2 points are docked due to the lack of durability being easily able to be seen on the paint drip style.
The Numbers: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (16 out of 20)
As mentioned, I headed to an indoor facility equipped with a TrackMan IO to compare the Vice Pro Plus to my usual gamer ball Tour BX. I spent the time working on a wedge matrix and a direct 7 iron comparison.
7-Iron Comparison: On well-struck shots, the Vice Pro Plus flew a bit lower but had comparable spin, height, and smash factor to my gamer ball, despite Vice marketing high spin. The average distance was a couple of yards shorter, but the dispersion was tighter, leading to more consistent shots.
Wedge Shots: For 3/4 52-degree shots, the Vice Pro Plus had typical values but showed slightly higher dispersion, a trend seen across all my wedges. This might affect short game precision slightly, which is something to watch.
On Course Driving Data: On course, my average driving distance increased by 15 yards over three rounds with the Vice Pro Plus compared to four rounds before. My strokes gained with the driver decreased from -0.39 to -0.5 vs pro, indicating worse performance off the tee due to increased dispersion potentially.
Short Game: My short game strokes gained improved by 0.42 strokes with the Vice Pro Plus, although this improvement might also be due to recent technical practice.
Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus performs well, particularly with tighter dispersion on irons and increased driving distance. The wedge dispersion was a bit higher, and the paint drip design makes it harder to assess durability, which could affect performance. Overall, it's a solid ball, living up to most of its claims, but the spin data was not significantly different from my gamer ball.
Docking of 4 points for the following reasons:
High dispersion in data in a controlled environment with wedges Decrease in distance with 7-iron with a key claim of the ball of increasing distance SG Driving decrease, even with the substantial distance increase On The Course: Vice Pro Plus Golf Ball (17 out of 20)
Off the Tee
Suddenly, I’ve turned into a beast off the tee. The ball has a ridiculously great flat flight. In two different rounds, I hit multiple drives that picked up strokes gained compared to pros, which is not usually my norm. If I were evaluating this ball based only on tee shot performance, it would definitely be in my bag today. All of my playing partners have been commenting on my increased distance off the tee, and since I haven’t played with the same partners while testing this ball, the consistency of their observations must mean something. Longest drive with Vice was 30 yards longer than my the longest drive in my previous four round prior to testing Vice. Granted there are lots of factors that tie into this but as mentioned in my data section, distance is up on average.
Approach
Approach play with the top end of my bag was solid, but I struggled to hit greens with 6-PW. I believe this was more about my own performance than the ball, as my misses weren't consistent. On a side note, I’ve had some frustrating range sessions trying to sort this out but feel I’ve made a small breakthrough recently.
Short Game
Around the green, the Vice Pro Plus performed well. I was impressed with the consistent roll on bump and run shots, which I relied on frequently. Bunker play was particularly satisfying, offering a good mix of chunk-and-run shots and tight spinners. The ball reacted predictably, and I found myself surprising even myself with some of the bunker shots I pulled off.
Putting
No major complaints here. The sound was fine, and the feel was solid. Distance control took some practice, likely due to playing different courses with varying green speeds. The alignment aid was helpful, and I had no issues once adjusted.
Key Points
Drives went further but with a bit more fade. Well-hit balls were monsters compared to my current gamer, and poor hits were comparable. Ball flight was consistent in wind, performing predictably even in windy Belgium conditions. Around the green, bump and run shots were reliable, and bunker play was surprisingly consistent with good control. Putting distance control required practice, but overall performance was satisfactory. Conclusion: The Vice Pro Plus offers excellent distance and predictability off the tee and in windy conditions. However, inconsistencies around the green and during approach shots in the wind reduce its overall score. While it may not be perfect for every situation, it's a strong contender for those prioritizing long game performance.
The Good, the Bad, the In-between (19/20)
I've been thoroughly impressed with the consistency and premium feel of these golf balls. Not only do they perform well, but they also have a sleek, high-quality look that stands out. Other golfers have complimented them, and the unique paint drip makes identifying my ball a breeze. The pricing model is fantastic—you get a premium-performing ball at a non-premium price. While I can find premium balls on sale for cheaper, the uncertainty of always getting that price makes it hard to commit. Knowing Vice Pro Plus will consistently be more cost-effective is a significant advantage.
On the downside, I haven't encountered any major issues, though they can feel a bit floaty in the wind—something to note if you play in windy conditions like I do in Belgium. The online fitting tool could use some work, as it seemed to prioritize certain areas over others, which may not suit everyone's needs.
Play It or Trade It
Given the choice, I would definitely play the Vice Pro Plus in a big tournament or money game, with the caveat of opting for a solid colour or white instead of the paint drip. In fact, I put it in play for one round of my club championships and was impressed with its performance. The price is fantastic, offering premium performance at a great value. While I'm a big fan of the ball and the value it provides, I'd still like to compare it with the Vice Pro to determine which suits my game best. This ball is ideal for golfers looking for consistent performance without breaking the bank, particularly those who appreciate high-quality at a fair price. For me, it's a solid contender, though the final choice might depend on a head-to-head comparison with its sibling.
TL;DR
In a nutshell, the Vice Pro Plus golf ball has impressed me with its premium feel and consistent performance at a great price point. Unboxing these balls felt special, and their clean, sleek design stood out immediately. On the course, they delivered excellent distance off the tee and predictable performance even in windy conditions, which is crucial for my play in Belgium. The unique paint drip design made my ball easy to identify, although I’d opt for the solid colours for serious games. Despite minor issues like a slightly floaty feel in the wind and an online fitting tool that could be improved, the value this ball offers is undeniable. It’s ideal for golfers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality ball that doesn’t compromise on performance. After putting it to the test in my club championships, I’m eager to see how it stacks up against the Vice Pro, but for now, the Vice Pro Plus is a strong contender in my golf bag.
Pros
Does have great short game spin as advertised Data supports this is a long ball of the tee, with no real distance change with irons Consistent performance Cons
Does not penetrate through wind in my experience Average durability -