Today, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of the Vice Drive golf ball. This ball has made waves in the golfing community, particularly among high-handicappers and beginners looking for maximum distance off the tee. Let’s dive into what makes the Vice Drive unique and whether it might be the right choice for your game.
The Vice Drive at a Glance
The Vice Drive is designed with one primary goal in mind: to help golfers achieve maximum distance off the tee. It’s a 2-piece ball with a durable Surlyn cover and an extra-large, high-energy core. This construction is aimed at providing explosive distance while maintaining durability for extended play.
Who Is It For?
The Vice Drive is best suited for:
- High-handicap players and beginners.
- Golfers who prioritize distance over spin and control.
- Players who struggle with slice or hook and need help straightening their shots.
- Golfers looking for a durable, cost-effective ball for practice or casual rounds.
- Those who frequently play in windy conditions.
Key Features
2-Piece Construction:
The Vice Drive features a simple yet effective 2-piece construction. This design is common among distance-focused golf balls and consists of a large core surrounded by a durable cover.
Extra-Large, High-Energy Core:
The heart of the Vice Drive is its oversized core. This component is engineered to transfer as much energy as possible from your swing to the ball, resulting in impressive distance gains, especially off the tee.
Durable Surlyn Cover:
The Surlyn cover on the Vice Drive serves two primary purposes. First, it contributes to the ball’s low spin characteristics, which can help reduce slice and hook spin for straighter shots. Second, it provides excellent durability, allowing the ball to withstand the rigors of multiple rounds without significant wear and tear.
312 Dimple Pattern:
The Vice Drive features a 312 dimple pattern designed to enhance the ball’s aerodynamics. This pattern helps the ball achieve an optimal flight trajectory, maximizing carry distance and providing stability in various wind conditions.
Performance Analysis
Off the Tee:
The Vice Drive truly shines when it comes to distance off the tee. In my testing, I consistently saw impressive carry distances, often outperforming more expensive balls in this category. The low spin characteristics of the ball contribute to a penetrating ball flight that can be particularly beneficial in windy conditions.
The firm feel of the Vice Drive might take some getting used to, especially if you’re accustomed to softer tour-level balls. However, this firmness translates to a satisfying “click” at impact and provides instant feedback on the quality of your strike.
Fairway Woods and Long Irons:
The distance benefits of the Vice Drive extend to fairway wood and long iron shots as well. The low spin properties help maintain a strong ball flight, which can be especially useful on long par 5s or when you need to reach a par 4 in two.
Approach Shots:
When it comes to approach shots, the Vice Drive’s performance reflects its design priorities. While it maintains good distance control, the low spin characteristics mean you won’t get the same level of stopping power on the greens that you might expect from a tour-level ball.
For high handicappers, this can actually be beneficial. The reduced spin can help mitigate the effects of mishits, potentially keeping your approach shots closer to your target line.
Around the Green:
The area where the Vice Drive’s distance-focused design becomes most apparent is in the short game. The firm cover and low spin properties mean you won’t get the same level of control and feel around the greens as you would with a softer, tour-level ball.
For players who struggle with consistency in their short game, this might not be a significant drawback. The reduced spin can lead to more predictable chip and pitch shots, which can be beneficial for improving your scores.
Putting:
On the putting green, the Vice Drive’s firm feel provides good feedback on the quality of your stroke. While you won’t experience the buttery soft feel of some premium balls, the consistency of the Vice Drive can help you develop a reliable putting stroke.
Weather and Course Conditions
Windy Conditions:
The Vice Drive’s low spin properties make it an excellent choice for playing in windy conditions. The penetrating ball flight cuts through the wind effectively, helping to maintain distance and accuracy when the breeze picks up.
Firm Fairways:
On courses with firm fairways, the Vice Drive really comes into its own. The low spin off the tee combined with firm conditions can lead to impressive total distances as the ball bounds down the fairway.
Soft Conditions:
In softer conditions, the Vice Drive still performs admirably off the tee and on long shots. However, the lack of spin can be more noticeable on approach shots, as the ball may not check up as quickly on softer greens.
Durability:
One of the standout features of the Vice Drive is its durability. The Surlyn cover is highly resistant to cuts and scuffs, meaning you can expect to get multiple rounds out of a single ball without significant degradation in performance or appearance.
Price and Value:
Vice Golf has made a name for itself by offering quality golf balls at competitive prices, and the Vice Drive is no exception. When purchased in bulk, these balls offer exceptional value, especially considering their performance and durability.
How Does It Compare to Other Vice Golf Balls?
While the Vice Drive focuses primarily on distance, Vice Golf offers a range of balls to suit different player types and preferences. Here’s how it compares to some other options in the Vice lineup:
Vice Pro:
The Vice Pro is designed for players seeking a balance of distance and control. It offers more greenside spin than the Drive, making it suitable for lower handicap players who need more versatility in their short game.
Vice Pro Plus:
The Pro Plus is Vice’s offering for players with higher swing speeds who want maximum distance without sacrificing too much control. It offers excellent performance off the tee and in windy conditions but provides more greenside control than the Drive.
Vice Pro Soft:
For players who prefer a softer feel, the Pro Soft offers a lower compression than the Drive. This can be beneficial for players with slower swing speeds who struggle to compress firmer balls effectively.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional distance off the tee.
- Low spin for straighter shots.
- Excellent performance in windy conditions.
- Very durable.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- Limited spin and control around the greens.
- Firm feel may not suit all players’ preferences,
- Not ideal for players seeking maximum short game performance,
Conclusion
The Vice Drive is a solid performer in the distance golf ball category. It delivers on its promise of exceptional length off the tee and maintains good performance throughout the bag. While it may not offer the greenside control of more expensive, tour-level balls, its benefits in terms of distance and straight flight can be game-changing for many high-handicap players.
The ball’s durability and attractive price point make it an excellent choice for golfers who tend to lose a few balls each round or those looking to stock up for practice sessions. If you’re a player who prioritizes distance and straightness over short game finesse, the Vice Drive could be the perfect ball to help you lower your scores and enjoy your time on the course even more.
Remember, though, that no golf ball is one-size-fits-all. While the Vice Drive has a lot to offer, it’s always worth trying out a few options to see what works best for your game. After all, the best golf ball for you is the one that helps you play your best golf and have the most fun on the course.
