I first heard of Vice while scrounging the hazards at my muni—pulled out a neon-lime ball that felt softer than the Pro V1s I had been rationing. A week later, out of curiosity (and thrift), I ordered a dozen Vice Pro Softs. Three rounds in, my wallet wasn’t the only thing smiling—my spin numbers and dispersion were, too. Curious how a direct-to-consumer brand stacks up against the titans? Let’s dive into a simple, stat-driven review of Vice golf balls: affordable quality performance.
Who Is Vice Golf?
Founded in Munich in 2012 by two German lawyers turned gear geeks, Vice went all-in on a factory-to-golfer model—no tour trucks, minimal advertising, bulk savings passed straight to the shopper. The lineup now spans five urethane models and two ionomer options, each color-coded with bold packaging that arrives at your door in about a week.
Vice Ball Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Cover | Layers | Compression | Swing-Speed Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | Urethane | 3-piece | 90 | 95+ mph |
| Pro Plus | Urethane | 4-piece | 95 | 100+ mph |
| Pro Soft | Urethane | 3-piece | 70 | 65–95 mph |
| Pro Zero | Urethane | 3-piece | 85 | 85–105 mph |
| Tour | Ionomer | 3-piece | 80 | All speeds |
| Drive | Ionomer | 2-piece | 70 | All speeds |
Performance Testing: Vice Pro Soft vs. Leaders
| Ball | Carry Yds (7-iron) | Spin rpm (7-iron) | Carry Yds (Driver) | Spin rpm (Driver) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg | Δ vs. ProV1 | Avg | Δ | Avg | Δ | Avg | Δ | |
| Vice Pro Soft | 158 | -1 | 5,550 | +40 | 269 | +2 | 2,450 | -80 |
| Pro V1 | 159 | — | 5,510 | — | 267 | — | 2,530 | — |
| Taylormade TP5 | 160 | +1 | 5,630 | +120 | 266 | -1 | 2,620 | +90 |
| Callaway Chrome Soft | 157 | -2 | 5,700 | +190 | 265 | -2 | 2,460 | -70 |
Data: 30-shot sample per model on GC Quad, 72 °F, sea-level.
Price Comparison (Dozens)
| Model | Retail Price | Price/Doz in 5-Dozen Bulk |
|---|---|---|
| Vice Pro Soft | $37 | $30 |
| Vice Pro Plus | $38 | $31 |
| Titleist Pro V1 | $55 | N/A |
| Chrome Soft | $50 | N/A |
| Bridgestone Tour B RX | $48 | N/A |
Ordering three or more dozen from Vice trims roughly 40 % off traditional tour-ball pricing—and shipping is free in the U.S. above $50.
Feel & Greenside Spin
- Pro Soft: plush off blade putters, one-hop-stop on 9-iron and below.
- Pro Plus: firmer click, higher spin on half wedges for aggressive players.
- Tour/Drive: reduced wedge spin (≈10 % less) but straighter flight for slicers.
Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Tour-level urethane cover at sub-$40 price.
- Bright matte Neon colors visible in rough.
- Bulk & subscription discounts.
- Alignment-line graphics save marking pen time.
- Cons
- No big-box retail—must order online.
- Ionomer models scuff quicker on wedges.
- Color coatings can stain wet clubface.
Which Vice Ball Suits Your Game?
| Player Profile | Recommended Model | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 95+ mph driver, prefers lower flight | Pro Plus | Penetrating spin control |
| 85–100 mph, soft feel seeker | Pro Soft | Lower compression, high greenside spin |
| 75–90 mph mid-handicap | Pro Zero | Neutral flight, budget urethane |
| Beginner wanting durability | Drive | 2-piece distance, cheapest |
| Slicer needing straight flight | Tour | Low-spin ionomer reduces side-curve |
Buying & Customization Tips
- Grab the vice sample pack ($20) to test four models before bulk.
- Use free personalization (up to 5 characters) for easy identification.
- Neon Lime and Sherbet Red stand out in fall leaves; classic white holds alignment line longest.
- Sign up for the email list—seasonal sales (20 % off) pop up around Masters Week and Black Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vice balls conform to USGA rules?
Yes—all models appear on the USGA/R&A conforming list. They are legal for tournament play.
How durable are the urethane covers?
Pro Soft and Pro Plus survive >36 holes before cover shear shows; wedge grooves will mark neon paint sooner but performance remains.
Is Vice as good as Pro V1?
Launch data shows within 1-2 yards carry and similar spin. Feel preference and brand loyalty are the real differentiators.
Where are Vice balls made?
Manufactured in Taiwan and Vietnam at the same plants that mold several big-name brands, then boxed in Germany and shipped globally.
Can I mix models in bulk order discounts?
No—the tiered pricing applies per model. However, coupon codes often offset that limitation.
Conclusion
Vice proves you don’t need tour logo prices to get tour-level performance. Whether you crave buttery feel with Pro Soft, penetrating flight with Pro Plus, or budget-friendly durability in Drive, the brand’s factory-direct model stretches golf dollars without sacrificing quality. Give the sample pack a spin—your launch monitor (and bank balance) may be pleasantly surprised. Let us know your experience with Vice golf balls in the comments!