Simply in time for fall golf season, Vice Golf is tapping into Bavarian custom with its newest restricted version launch: the Vice Professional PROST Version golf balls. As a result of nothing says “four-putt for double-bogey” fairly like celebrating with a hearty German toast.
The PROST assortment is available in two distinct flavors that might make any beer competition proud. The “Character” version options playful beer-themed graphics scattered throughout an off-white base, whereas the “Beer Gold” mannequin sports activities a complicated gold and white design accented with delicate hints of Vice’s signature drip sample. Each preserve the efficiency specs of Vice’s widespread Professional mannequin – a three-piece, solid urethane development with 90 compression that balances distance and spin.
“PROST!” isn’t simply advertising and marketing converse right here. It’s correct German for “cheers!” – the normal toast you’d hear echoing throughout Munich’s beer gardens throughout Oktoberfest. Vice defines it completely: “A German toast meaning cheers! Typically shouted with a clink of a Maß (colloquially referred to as a stein) at Bavarian beer festivals in September.”
For these retaining rating at residence, a Maß is that huge one-liter beer mug that requires two fingers to carry correctly – very similar to the dedication wanted to play Vice’s restricted version patterns critically.
The restricted version nature means these gained’t stick round lengthy, very similar to “each good night time” in line with Vice’s cheeky advertising and marketing copy. Good cash says they’ll disappear almost as quick as free beer at a golf match.
The worth actuality test
Now for the unhealthy information. Sharp-eyed shoppers would possibly discover that Vice’s pricing has crept upward not too long ago. The corporate’s urethane fashions now retail for $40 per dozen, in comparison with $34.99 retail pricing we noticed in 2020. That’s a notable bounce of roughly 14% over the previous few years.
Whereas Vice hasn’t explicitly cited tariffs as the rationale for value will increase, the timing coincides with broader considerations about commerce coverage affecting golf tools prices. As an organization that sources 100% of its completed golf balls from Taiwan via manufacturing associate Foremost, Vice faces better publicity to worldwide commerce tensions.
In contrast to golf ball giants Titleist, Callaway, and Bridgestone – who manufacture their urethane fashions domestically in Massachusetts and Georgia – Vice’s direct-to-consumer mannequin depends completely on importing completed merchandise. Taiwan at present faces proposed tariffs of 32 % beneath latest commerce bulletins, which might considerably influence firms like Vice that don’t have home manufacturing options.
Even firms with home ball manufacturing like Titleist and Callaway aren’t fully insulated, as tariffs can have an effect on uncooked supplies and parts. However Vice’s full reliance on Taiwanese manufacturing places it in a very weak place in comparison with opponents with USA-based services. For what it’s value, Maxfli, OnCore, PXG, Kirkland, and numerous others discover themselves in comparable conditions.
The underside line
The PROST Restricted Version represents Vice doing what it does greatest – creating buzz-worthy, limited-time designs that get golf balls seen. Whether or not you’re drawn to the Character version’s playful beer graphics or want the extra refined Beer Gold colorway, each supply the efficiency traits which have made Vice a authentic participant within the premium ball class.
Simply don’t anticipate the pricing to return to these sub-$33 bulk ranges anytime quickly. Between inflation, provide chain pressures, and potential tariff publicity, the times of low cost urethane golf balls could also be going the way in which of $2 beer on the flip.
Prost to that actuality test.
Each PROST Version fashions can be found now immediately from Vice Golf. A “Bavarian Bundle” possibility that includes one dozen of every design can also be obtainable for many who can’t select between beer-themed whimsy and complicated gold styling.
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