Vice Pro vs Pro Plus Golf Balls: Performance Comparison

Vice is one of the new players on the golf ball market, offering high performance at a great price point. When it comes to their premium golf balls, it is the Vice Pro vs Vice Pro Plus. Understanding the nuances of these two balls is critical for your game. We break down the construction, feel, and swing speed adaptability of these two balls in our comparison. If you’re considering adding a Vice ball your bag, ensure you pocket the golf ball that enhances your performance. So, do Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade etc need to worry about their dominance of the premium market of golf balls? Let’s find out.

Quick Comparison: Vice Pro vs Pro Plus

Decoding the Differences: Vice Pro vs Vice Pro Plus

When it comes to Vice Pro vs Pro Plus, the distinctions lie in their construction. Their compression, feel, and performance across different swing speeds is determined by their build. These differences are not merely superficial but have significant implications on gameplay. In the hands of the wrong player, the Pro Plus will feel very hard and difficult to control. In the hands of the right player it’s very responsive and workable.

The Vice Pro is designed with a 3-piece construction for a stable trajectory, suited for golfers with fast swing speeds. The Pro provides a softer feel and all round performance with a mid-launch trajectory. With a compression rating of 90, the Vice Pro is more suitable for a wider range of swing speeds.

The Vice Pro Plus is a 4-piece construction optimized for speed, lower trajectory, and fast swing speeds over 105 mph. With a very high compression rating of 100 the Pro Plus is firmly in the high category. The Pro Plus provides high spin and workability with irons and wedges. The higher spin can create a little bit of havoc, as we’ll discuss in detail later in the review.

Vice golf balls offer competitive distance, control, and spin with different club engagements and conditions. They offer cost-effective performance comparable to premium brands, with savings up to 50%, especially through bulk buys. This is mostly because you buy direct from Vice, rather than through a middle-man retailer.

Construction Contrast

Examining the Vice Pro, its 3-piece construction plays a crucial part in maintaining a stable trajectory. The Pro performs admirably around the course with good consistency.

The Pro Plus’ fast ball speed and low trajectory is a blend that can significantly influence gameplay. The first thing you notice with this ball is it’s firmer feel and piercing flight. It’s like a low flying guided missile. Such subtle differences in construction play a significant role in their respective ball flight characteristics and overall performance on the golf course.

Feel Factor

Regarding feel, although both Vice Pro and Vice Pro Plus provide a high-end touch, that’s where their similarities stop. Each delivers a unique tactile sensation that could tilt the scales for many golfers.

The Vice Pro Plus stands out with its noticeably firmer feel and a louder sound upon impact. In contrast, the Vice Pro seems to stay on the club face longer with a quieter and softer touch. When a solid strike is made, the Vice Pro Plus feels like a catapult, giving a sense of strong compression. Off-center hits with the Pro Plus are less forgiving and concerning for those without a premium swing control.

For me, the feel of the Vice Pro is the better of the two balls. This is coming from someone who prefers a soft feel ball. However, it feels slightly firmer than a Titleist Pro V1 which is the benchmark in this category.

Swing Speed Suitability

Another pivotal variable that differs among golfers and can significantly influence the golf ball’s performance is swing speed. The Vice Pro Plus is optimized for golfers with driver swing speeds over 105 mph. To ensure better ball compression and performance of this ball you need to swing fast. Really fast!

On the other hand, golfers with driver swing speeds ranging from 95 to 110 mph are best suited to the Vice Pro. This ball is designed for optimal carry distance off the tee for such swing speeds.

So, whether you’re a player with a swing speed over 105 mph, or less, Vice has got you covered.

Trajectory and Distance Dynamics

In my experience, both the Vice Pro and Pro Plus offer a little less distance off the tee compared to their premium rivals. The differences are not huge though, only about 10-15 yards less on the drive. However, they make up for it with high spin rates with irons and wedge shots.

When directly comparing the Vice Pro vs Pro Plus, the Plus edges it slightly. It’s ability to create high ball speed gives it a 5-10 yard advantage over the Vice Pro. However, this is leveled out if you do not have the swing speed to engage the Pro Plus efficiently.

Flight Path Findings

Regarding flight path, the Vice Pro Plus charts a distinct course compared to its counterpart. It exhibits a lower flight trajectory and roll out on the fairway. It has higher long game spin than the Vice Pro which appeals to golfers looking for more control and precision in their shots. I myself, found it difficult to hit fairways regularly with this ball. Controlling its sidespin was difficult and with the increased roll out it continued to roll off into the rough.

In contrast, the Vice Pro’s 3-piece design offers a more stable, mid-launch flight characteristic, catering to golfers who prefer such a flight path. The Vice Pro has a little more forgiveness and consistency. If woods and long iron consistency is not your strong suit I’d lean more towards the Vice Pro.

Vice Pro vs Pro Plus: Spin Control Showdown

Spin control is a major element that affects a golfer’s control and precision from tee shots to the short game.

In the head-to-head battle the Pro Plus has higher spin rates across all types of shots. This is especially noticeable when using a wedge within 50 yards of the green. Having said that though, the spin rates of the Pro are very good too. The Pro is more balanced and less responsive than the Pro Plus.

Tee Box Twist

When it comes to driver spin control, the Vice Pro Plus has low to medium spin, allowing for shot shaping. Its 4-piece construction, with its extra layer, helps in producing more responsive spin rates compared to the 3-piece Vice Pro.

In contrast, the Vice Pro offers less driver spin than the Pro Plus and many competitors. It is an ideal option for golfers who need a balance of forgiveness and control.

Iron Impact

Both Vice Pro and Pro Plus golf balls show consistent results with iron shots and are competitive with other Tour-level balls. However, the Vice Pro Plus provides an increased spin with irons in comparison to the Vice Pro.

Both balls give great control and stopping power on the greens. The Pro Plus bites a little harder when it lands, just as you’d expect from the higher spin rates.

The Vice Pro has a higher ball flight which is very helpful for producing a wider range of trajectories. You can easily lift it up and over obstacles if needed.

Short Game Spin

Taking the game closer to the green, the Vice Pro golf ball is designed with a 318-dimple pattern and a thinner cover in its newer generation to produce increased greenside spin. However, in head-to-head testing, the Vice Pro golf ball demonstrated a slightly lower wedge spin compared to the Vice Pro Plus, with differences under 5%.

Against a leading competitor, the Pro V1x, the Vice Pro Plus showed marginally lower spin around the greens. Spin control on the greens with the Vice Pro Plus is sufficient to play competitively, as seen in testing. This shows how golf ball construction and cover directly impact the amount of spin a player can generate around the greens, which is crucial for the short game.

The Price Point Perspective

While performance is crucial, price holds equal importance for many golfers. Vice Pro Plus golf balls provide similar performance to Titleist Pro V1x but at a lower cost. Savings can be as high as 50%. The cost of Vice Pro Plus golf balls has increased over the years, yet they remain substantially less expensive compared to premium options from Titleist, Callaway and TaylorMade.

The Vice Pro and Vice Pro Plus are the same price.

Bulk Buying Benefits

The Vice Pro Plus golf balls are sold directly to the consumer. This facilitates a tiered pricing structure that becomes more cost-effective with larger quantities purchased. Purchasing Vice golf balls in bulk can lead to significant savings, with a discount of approximately 25% on a single dozen and nearly 50% when buying five or more dozens.

The performance-to-price ratio of Vice golf balls becomes increasingly advantageous for consumers who opt for bulk buying options. Buying Vice golf balls in larger quantities is an economically savvy choice, offering a substantial discount and reinforcing the value proposition of the brand.

Personalization and Aesthetic Appeal

Vice offer comprehensive personalization options like adding text, logos, or photos. Personalization can be applied to one or both sides of the golf balls starting from orders of a dozen, with the Vice Golf team providing an optional logo check.

Moreover, the premium golf balls come in standard and special limited edition colors, catering to golfers who seek a vibrant presence on the course with two golf balls. Vice balls certainly are the trendy option out on the golf course.

Customization Capabilities

To customize golf balls, Vice Golf offers a variety of options including:

• Text in multiple colors
• Over 100 ready-made logos
• Unique drip patterns
• The option to upload personal photos or logos

Vice Golf employs a sophisticated inkjet printing process that guarantees high-quality logos, color stability, and print durability. Golfers can personalize their Vice Pro or Vice Pro Plus golf balls with these options.

The customization service offers:

• Ease of use with no setup fees
• A minimum order starting from just one dozen balls
• Options for single or double-sided printing
• Fast shipping within 10-21 business days

This makes it easy for golfers to add a personal touch to their golf balls, whether it’s for personal use or as a unique gift for a fellow golfer.

Color Choices

Vice Pro and Vice Pro Plus golf balls come with a plethora of color options, satisfying golfers who prefer a vibrant look on the course. The Vice Pro Plus enhances visibility with its Neon Red and Neon Lime colors, along with the classic white.

The Vice Pro offers an even broader spectrum of colors, including:

• white
• neon red
• neon lime
• the unique grey color known as ‘Shade’

These color options not only add a dash of personality to your golf game but also cater to practical considerations such as visibility on the course.

As well as solid color options, Vice also offer a range of patterns which will definitely not appeal to some golfers. However, if you like a patterned golf ball, Vice offer some of the most out there options available on the market.

The Verdict from Amateurs and Teaching Professionals

Vice golf balls are recognized for their exceptional performance and popularity among golf enthusiasts. This recognition, is testament to their development over the years. Vice certainly has cemented themselves as a serious player in the golf ball market. Their Pro and Pro Plus models offer extremely good value.

We are yet to see a Vice ball being used at the Tour-level. However, there is no doubt that these balls produce Tour-level performance.

So, should you trade in your Pro V1 for a Vice Pro? Well, they are certainly worth a try. The more established brands and models such as the Pro V1, Chrome Tour and TP5 have far more research and development behind them. You do notice a certain level of refinement that Vice needs to catch up, but, for many it is a negligible gap. Especially when considering the price and value proposition of the Vice Pro and Pro Plus.

Maximizing Your Golf Ball Game

When choosing a Vice ball, golfers must take their typical swing speed and style of play into account. To ascertain the best fit between the Vice Pro and Vice Pro Plus golf balls for their swing, golfers can use a swing speed monitor, consult a golf club fitter, or try them out in a simulator.

Testing the golf ball’s feel, especially on and around the green, is crucial in determining which ball aligns with the golfer’s personal preferences for game feel and control.

Customized ball alignment aids on golf balls, like those provided by Vice Golf, can significantly improve a golfer’s shot alignment and visual representation, leading to more precise aiming and a square club face setup.

Summary: Vice Pro vs Pro Plus Golf Balls

We’ve covered it all in our comprehensive comparison of Vice Pro vs Vice Pro Plus golf balls. From construction, to feel, swing speed suitability, trajectory, distance dynamics and spin control, we’ve covered it all. Vice is a market leader when considering the price point, personalization and aesthetic appeal. Both options offer unique advantages, and the choice ultimately boils down to your personal preference and playing style. Vice delivers on both performance and value, elevating your game to new heights.