Forum Member Review: Vice Golf Balls

Vice Golf, a German direct-to-consumer brand, is known for its high-quality, affordable and colorful golf balls. The 2024 Vice Golf ball lineup includes updated versions of their popular models and a new model: Vice Pro Plus, Vice Pro, Vice Pro Air, Vice Tour and Vice Drive. The MyGolfSpy Forum organized a full lineup testing opportunity which involved 10 testers who evaluated these new offerings from Vice. Each selected member would test a specific golf ball, meaning we would have two testers for each model of Vice golf ball. 

Key highlights

Vice Pro Plus: High spin rates, excellent distance, above-average durable cover. Best for high swing speeds and those seeking performance and value.  Vice Pro: Superior control and feel, especially in the short game. High spin rates and improved durability. Vice Pro Air: Stable in windy conditions, balanced spin and consistent performance. Impressive soft feel. A great addition to the Vice lineup.  Vice Tour: Consistent and reliable for mid-handicap players. Balanced performance and great value for a non-urethane cover golf ball. Vice Drive: Durable and forgiving, ideal for beginners and high-handicap players. Emphasizes value and longevity.

Continue reading for a full breakdown of all the new Vice golf balls. 

First impressions

The initial impressions of the testers highlighted significant improvements in the design and feel of the 2024 Vice Golf balls. The new finishes and sleek designs were particularly well received. The Pro and Pro Plus models retained their premium look while the Pro Air introduced an aesthetic that stood out. The packaging also impressed the testers with its high-quality, professional appearance that hinted at the premium performance of the balls inside.

What testers said: Spin

Vice Pro Plus

The Pro Plus model exhibited high spin rates, especially with short irons and wedges. This increased spin translated to better control and stopping power on the greens, making it an excellent choice for approach shots. Our high swing speed tester storm319 found the Pro Plus allowed him to impart significant backspin, enhancing his ability to hold the ball on the green. Tester hands39 noted, “The higher apex and spin were noticeable with my longer irons.”

Vice Pro

The Pro model offered even higher spin rates than the Pro Plus which was evident in approach shots and around the greens. This model provided excellent control, allowing players to execute precise shots with confidence. The high spin rates made the Pro ideal for players who prioritize accuracy and control over sheer distance. Tester 3putt4double said, “The spin rates with wedges were excellent, providing great stopping power.”

Vice Pro Air

The Pro Air balanced spin rates, providing consistent performance in both the short and long games. This model was particularly noted for its predictability and ease of control, making it suitable for players looking for a reliable ball that performs well in various conditions. Lefty11 commented “The Pro Air offered stability in the wind, which was a pleasant surprise.”

Vice Tour

The Vice Tour delivered moderate spin rates, making it a balanced choice for a wide range of players. Both TheSudds and Dukhook52 appreciated its reliable performance across different shots, providing consistent spin that was easy to control. This made the Tour model an excellent option for mid-handicap players looking for versatility. TheSudds observed, “The Tour’s spin rates were just right for maintaining control without sacrificing distance.”

Vice Drive

The Vice Drive exhibited lower spin rates, which contributed to its distance-oriented performance. This model was noted for its ability to reduce side spin, resulting in straighter shots for our testers. This characteristic made it particularly suitable for beginners and high-handicap players who benefit from minimizing hooks and slices. Green4Spinach mentioned, “The Drive model’s low spin was great for keeping my shots straighter.”

What testers said: Performance off the tee

Vice Pro Plus

Off the tee, the Pro Plus delivered impressive distance, similar to the previous version but with a higher apex and improved spin control. Once again, this model was particularly effective for players with higher swing speeds, offering a blend of distance and control that helped them achieve longer, straighter drives. Storm319 noted, “The Pro Plus offered excellent distance and a consistent ball flight, even in windy conditions.” Testers noted an increase in ball speed, contributing to longer drives. This combination of high launch and low spin helped testers achieve optimal drives, maximizing their potential off the tee.

Vice Pro

The Pro model, while having higher spin rates, still performed admirably off the tee. It provided a good balance of distance and control, making it a versatile choice for players who need both aspects in their game. The Pro’s consistent flight and reliable distance gave players confidence when teeing off. Tester 3putt4double mentioned, “The Pro gave me confidence off the tee with its consistent flight and good distance.” It provided consistent flights, which helped players maintain accuracy and achieve reliable results on the course.

Vice Pro Air

The Pro Air excelled in windy conditions, maintaining stability and holding its line well. This model provided reliable distance and a predictable trajectory, making it a great choice for players who often contend with variable weather conditions. Tester Skrizan noted, “The Pro Air was stable off the tee, especially in windy conditions.” The Pro Air felt stable with the driver, especially in windy conditions, helping maintain consistent flight.

Vice Tour

The Vice Tour performed consistently off the tee, offering a balanced combination of distance and control. It was particularly appreciated by mid-handicap players who needed a reliable and versatile ball. TheSudds remarked, “The Vice Tour gave me reliable distance and control off the tee and with my driver.”

Vice Drive

The Vice Drive excelled off the tee for our testers. This made it an ideal choice for beginners and high-handicap players who struggle with hooks and slices. The Drive also provided good distance when used with a driver, thanks to its lower spin rates. Both testers said they were able to find more fairways, which was a big boost to their confidence. 

What testers said: Short game and feel

Vice Pro Plus

Around the greens, the Pro Plus model offered excellent feel and control. Testers found it easy to predict how the ball would react on pitches and chips, thanks to its higher spin rates and responsive feel. Hands39 noted, “The feel was soft yet responsive, making it easy to execute delicate shots.”

Vice Pro

The Pro model’s higher spin rates gave players confidence in their short game. It was easy to stop the ball quickly, allowing for precise control on chips and pitches. The Pro’s soft feel and excellent feedback made it a preferred choice for players focusing on their short game. 3putt4double remarked, “The Pro’s higher spin rates gave me confidence around the greens.”

Vice Pro Air

The Pro Air had a unique feel, softer than expected but still very responsive. It provided a balanced performance in the short game, making it versatile for various shots around the green. Testers appreciated the Pro Air’s predictability and ease of control. Lefty11 said, “The feel off the putter was soft yet responsive, which gave me confidence on the greens.”

Vice Tour

The Vice Tour offered a consistent and reliable feel in the short game for a non-urethane ball. Testers appreciated its balanced spin rates, which allowed for controlled chips and pitches. The Tour’s predictable performance made it a dependable choice for our mid-handicap testers. Both testers agreed that, while not the softest feel or highest-spinning, the predictable nature allowed them to adjust and make plenty of shots in and around the greens.

Vice Drive

The Vice Drive, while not as soft as the other models, provided adequate feel for our beginner and high-handicap testers. Its lower spin rates made it easier to control on the greens with bump and runs, helping players improve their short-game consistency. One tester mentioned, “The Drive model was durable and provided good distance, though it lacked the soft feel around the greens.”

What testers said: Durability

Vice Pro Plus

Testers rated the durability of the Pro Plus model as average to above-average, noting that the cover held up well overall. This feedback makes the Pro Plus a reliable choice for players looking to invest in a high-performance ball that lasts, which was a change as the prior model had concerns surrounding its durability. Storm319 noted, “The cover held up exceptionally well, even after multiple rounds.”

Vice Pro

The Pro model also exhibited excellent durability, maintaining its performance and appearance after several rounds. The cover resisted scuffs and cuts effectively, ensuring that the ball remained in good condition throughout its use. 3putt4double noted, “The Pro held up well, maintaining its performance and appearance after several rounds of use in varied conditions. This was a nice change from the prior model.”

Vice Pro Air

Being the newest model, there was no preconceived notion of durability and, based on our testers’ feedback, there were no real concerns over how the Vice Pro Air would hold up in this area. Lefty11 commented, “The Pro Air showed minimal wear, even after a few rounds.”

Vice Tour

The Vice Tour was praised for its durability with testers noting that it maintained its performance and appearance over multiple rounds. This added even more value to the Tour model making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for mid-handicap players. 

Vice Drive

The Vice Drive excelled in durability, even if our testers lost their fair share along the way. Its robust cover resisted wear and tear effectively. Mulligan09 observed, “The Drive model was exceptionally durable and provided good distance, though it lacked the soft feel around the greens.”

Affordability and value

Overall, Vice balls provide high performance and durability at a cost-effective price. With discounts for bulk orders and a multitude of colors as well as personalization, the testers praised the value of this entire lineup. From the single-digit handicaps to the beginner golfers who tested these golf balls, all suggested they would be looking to go back to play Vice golf balls because of their price and performance. 

Summary

Vice Pro Plus

The only four-piece urethane-covered golf ball offered by Vice was found to be best for players with high swing speeds seeking distance and control. It provided high spin rates and solid durability, making it a top choice in performance and value.

Grades: 90 and 85/100

Vice Pro

A three-piece urethane-covered option from Vice was found to be Ideal for players who prioritize control and feel, especially in the short game. It offers higher spin rates with excellent stopping power for mid swing speed golfers.

Grades: 92 and 90/100

Vice Pro Air

As the new entry for Vice, this three-piece urethane golf ball was found to be suited for those who play in windy conditions, providing stability, feel and balanced overall performance. Testers found that swing speeds across the spectrum could fit into this model.

Grades: 92 and 90/100

Vice Tour

A versatile option for mid-handicap players, the Tour is a three-piece non-urethane covered golf ball offering consistent performance and balanced feel. As a cheaper option, there are some trade-offs compared to premium golf balls at higher prices, but still offer value for those looking at spending less. 

Grade: 81 and 75/100

Vice Drive

The only two-piece golf ball offered by Vice, it is another non-urethane covered golf ball. Testers said it would be best for beginners and high-handicap players because of its durability and forgiveness. Their price and value is hard to beat, especially for those who lose a lot of golf balls.

Grades: 91 and 87/100

Final verdict

Overall, Vice Golf has delivered a solid lineup in 2024, making these balls worthy of consideration for golfers of all skill levels. The improvements in design, spin rates, distance and durability have made the 2024 Vice Golf balls a competitive option. 

For players seeking high performance at an affordable price, the Vice Pro Plus, Pro and Pro Air models stand out. The Vice Tour and Drive models provide excellent value for those looking for consistent and durable options at near rock-bottom prices. For more detailed reviews and individual tester feedback, visit the MyGolfSpy forum review.

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