6 Best Vice Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers 2026

Explosive distance meets elite spin control in the Vice Pro Golf Balls (Generation 2), making them a game-changer for mid handicappers who want tour-level performance without the premium price tag. With a 3-piece urethane cover and high-speed energy core, these balls deliver long, low-spinning drives while still offering crisp feedback and bite around the greens—a rare combo in this class. Mid-handicap players with medium swing speeds will especially appreciate how the ball balances forgiveness and finesse, solving the all-too-common struggle of choosing between distance and short-game responsiveness.

On the course, the Vice Pro shines in real-world conditions: the 318 dimple design stabilizes flight even in gusty winds, ensuring consistent carry and predictable drop. Off the driver, you’ll notice penetrating launch angles and reduced sidespin, helping keep shots in play. Around the green, the soft urethane cover bites quickly, enabling controlled flop shots and crisp pitch-and-stops—a luxury most mid-tier balls can’t match. That said, while it performs admirably in wind, it doesn’t quite match the spin separation of 4-piece models under full wedge load, where the extra mantle layer makes a noticeable difference.

Compared to the Vice Pro Plus, the Pro sits as a more accessible, balanced option—less spin-focused but easier to compress for average swing speeds. It’s also a smarter pick than the budget Vice Drive if you’re willing to invest in better feel and greenside control without chasing maximum distance at the expense of short-game finesse. For mid handicappers looking to bridge the gap between performance and playability, the Vice Pro offers a compelling mix of tour-inspired tech and real-world usability—outpacing many competitors in both consistency and value.

The Lime/Black Drip edition of the Vice Pro isn’t just eye-catching—it’s a short-game assassin built for mid handicappers who want maximum wedge spin and buttery feel without sacrificing driver performance. With an extra-thin 3-piece urethane cover, this ball delivers exceptional friction on partial shots, helping you stop the ball dead on firm greens. The closed alignment line is a subtle but game-changing upgrade, offering crisper visual targeting on putts and approach shots—perfect for players refining their aim under pressure.

In testing, the Pro Drip proved its worth around the green: flop shots grabbed quickly, and chip-and-runs had predictable release, thanks to consistent spin decay. Off the tee, it holds its own with solid ball speed and moderate spin, keeping drives straight and stable for medium swing speeds. The durable urethane holds up well over 18 holes, though aggressive players may notice minor scuffing after repeated bunker use. While it doesn’t match the deep-layer spin separation of a 4-piece ball, it outperforms most 3-piece rivals when finesse is key.

When stacked against the standard Vice Pro, the Drip version trades a bit of raw distance for enhanced short-game feedback and alignment precision—a worthwhile trade for mid handicappers focused on scoring over bombing drives. It’s also a more targeted upgrade than the flashy Vice Tracer, which prioritizes shot analysis over pure spin. For players who miss greens often but want to save par with precision, the Pro Drip delivers pro-level short-game tools in a stylish, confidence-inspiring package—elevating control without complexity.

Don’t let the budget-friendly tag fool you—the Vice Drive 2025 is a distance monster engineered to help mid handicappers shave strokes through consistency and visibility. Built with a 2-layer Surlyn cover and 312 dimple pattern, this ball minimizes spin off the driver for long, straight flights that stay online even on mishits. The bold yellow color enhances visibility in flight and on the fairway, making it easier to track shots and find lost balls—especially helpful in low-light rounds or dense rough.

On the course, the Drive lives up to its name: low spin means fewer hooks and slices, and the Surlyn cover resists scuffing even after bunker blasts or cart-path brushes. It’s not designed for tour-level spin, so don’t expect the ball to bite aggressively on full wedges—but for mid handicappers who prioritize clean contact and consistency over finesse, that’s a feature, not a flaw. Putts roll predictably, and the tapered alignment aid actually helps with setup, though it’s not as precise as the closed lines on higher-end Vice models.

Compared to the Vice Pro, the Drive sacrifices greenside control and soft feel for durability and distance—a fair trade for higher-handicap players still building swing consistency. It’s also a smarter long-term buy than pricier models if you tend to lose balls frequently. For mid handicappers seeking a no-frills, high-visibility ball that rewards clean strikes and reduces penalties, the Vice Drive 2025 delivers exceptional value without pretending to be something it’s not—a true workhorse for the weekend warrior.

The Pro Plus Drip Edition is Vice’s precision weapon—a 4-piece tour-tier ball fine-tuned for mid handicappers ready to tighten their dispersion and command every shot. With advanced dual mantle technology and a reactiv core, this ball delivers explosive ball speed off the driver while maintaining exceptional spin separation between long irons and wedges. The ultra-soft urethane cover provides luxurious feedback, making it easier to sense face angle and strike quality—a game-changer for players refining their short game.

In real-world testing, the Pro Plus excels in shot shaping and control: long irons fly high with predictable descent, and wedge shots stop on a dime, even from 100 yards out. The scratch-resistant cover holds up well over multiple rounds, a rarity in soft urethane balls. Wind resistance is impressive thanks to optimized aerodynamics, though the higher spin can exaggerate misses if your swing is inconsistent. Players with slower tempos may struggle to fully compress the core, limiting the low-end benefits.

Stacked against the Vice Pro, the Pro Plus is the clear upgrade for better players—offering more spin, better layering, and superior control at the cost of a steeper compression demand. It’s also more refined than the Tracer, which trades some feel for visual feedback. For low-to-mid handicappers with consistent swings who want tour-level performance without the name-brand markup, the Pro Plus is a precision instrument—delivering elite spin, distance, and durability in one slick, drip-painted package.

The Vice Tracer Pro isn’t just a golf ball—it’s a real-time coaching tool that gives instant visual feedback on every shot, making it a secret weapon for mid handicappers looking to diagnose swing flaws. The bold cross-hatch and parallel tracer lines reveal face angle and spin axis on putts and full shots, so off-center hits or open/closed faces are immediately obvious. With a 3-piece urethane cover, it still delivers soft feel and solid greenside spin, blending performance with education in a way few balls dare to attempt.

On the course, the Tracer shines during practice rounds: putts show smooth roll on center strikes and twisted paths on mishits, helping you correct alignment and strike consistency. Full shots reveal spin patterns in flight, letting you tweak swing path or clubface control over time. The urethane cover provides confident short-game feel, though it’s slightly less sticky than the Pro Drip under full wedge. Wind performance is solid, but the visual design can be distracting for players who prefer a clean ball look.

Compared to the standard Vice Pro, the Tracer trades aesthetic minimalism for actionable data—ideal for players serious about improvement. It’s also more functional than the Drive, offering better feedback and spin despite a higher price. For mid handicappers focused on skill development, the Tracer Pro delivers unmatched shot analysis in a performance-ready package—turning every round into a lesson without sacrificing playability.

Tailored for moderate swing speeds, the Vice Pro Air 2025 is a forgiving distance ball that helps mid handicappers launch higher, spin less, and carry farther—without sacrificing all feel. Its 3-layer design with cast urethane cover strikes a rare balance: softer compression for easier launch and lower spin off the driver, resulting in longer carry and rollout on well-struck shots. The 318 dimple pattern enhances lift, making it ideal for players who struggle to get the ball airborne consistently.

On the course, the Pro Air performs best in mid-iron to driver scenarios, where its high-launch, low-spin profile helps reduce sidespin and keep shots on target. Around the green, the urethane cover still provides decent feedback and moderate spin, though it doesn’t bite as aggressively as the Pro or Pro Plus. The tapered alignment aid is useful for setup, but lacks the precision of closed lines on other Vice models. It’s not built for wind-penetration like the standard Pro, so blustery days can expose its higher flight.

When compared to the Vice Drive, the Pro Air offers softer feel and better short-game response despite a higher price—making it the better upgrade for players who’ve outgrown basic 2-piece balls. Against the Pro, it’s easier to compress but less controlled—a trade-off that favors accessibility. For mid handicappers with moderate swings seeking longer distance and better launch without losing all greenside finesse, the Pro Air is a smart transitional ball—bridging the gap between distance and feel with quiet confidence.