After years of disrupting the golf ball market with their direct-to-consumer mannequin, Vice Golf is making its first foray into the metalwoods area. Out there for pre-order now, the “VG” assortment consists of two driver fashions, a fairway wooden and hybrid. The gathering is unified by light-weight designs and Vice’s characteristically daring aesthetics.
The drivers: Pace and magnificence
Vice is launching with two distinct driver options at totally different worth factors and efficiency profiles.
VGD01+ driver
Positioned as their premium providing, the VGD01+ is constructed for gamers looking for a penetrating flight with maximum rollout. Its language means that that is Vice’s equal of a “Plus” or “LS” (Low Spin) mannequin present in different producers’ lineups.
The motive force, like the whole lot else within the lineup, options what Vice calls “Triple Alignment Expertise.” That seems to be “Vice-speak” for a sequence of visible cues to assist with alignment, though it’s notable that the final cue comes by the use of the yet-to-be-released Vice Tracer Ball (the corporate’s tackle a striped design).
The standout visible function is the “LASER GRID” face design, a milled sample with an empty heart part to border the ball. It’s greater than somewhat paying homage to COBRA’s Infinity Face however with Vice’s distinctive (and probably seizure-inducing) twist.
The Vice VGD01+ driver incorporates a carbon crown insert with a glance much like Callaway’s cast composite paired with a Vice brand/alignment support on the crown.
The face incorporates a sequence of GPS coordinates which land us someplace in Munich, Germany. Little doubt a nod to the corporate’s German origins.
Enjoyable function or not, suffice it to say that, visually, there’s loads happening right here.
The Vice VGD01+ driver is offered in nine- and 10.5-degree lofts. Two levels of adjustability come by the use of an adjustable hosel.
The inventory shafts embody “made for” choices from Aldila (Whiz) and the UST LIN Q.
Retail worth is $399.
VGD01 driver
Vice’s different driver mannequin is available in $100 cheaper than the Plus version, changing the LASER GRID face with what’s referred to as “LASER TRACE”—an unmilled face design with a extra easy look, although nonetheless that includes a outstanding “V” brand that’s not possible to overlook (see final photograph in story).
Whereas nonetheless light-weight to create what Vice calls “easy velocity,” the Plus-less VGD01 provides draw bias to assist common golfers preventing a slice. Vice says the design is constructed from 15 years of insights from actual golfer knowledge, presumably collected by HIO Labs.
Out there in 10.5- and 12.5-degree lofts, the Vice VGD01 driver is focused towards mid- to high-handicappers looking for forgiveness and slice correction.
Fairways and hybrids: Finishing the set
VGF01 fairway woods
The Vice VGF01 fairway wood story largely mirrors that of the usual driver. It provides a light-weight design paired with draw bias to assist struggle slice tendencies. Vice claims an “elevated sweetspot for extra forgiveness” though they don’t specify their benchmark for comparability.
The VGF01 fairway woods function a particular form with what I’d describe as scooped toe and a crown that seems to slope aggressively from its peak to the forefront.
In keeping with Vice, these non-adjustable fairways intention to “flip second photographs into scoring alternatives.”
The Vice VGF01 is offered in 3-wood (15°), 5-wood (18°) and 7-wood (21°) choices.
The inventory shaft is the Aldila Whiz in 40, 55 or 65 grams.
Retail worth is $229.
VGH01 hybrids
Marketed as “versatile” and “excessive launching” with a “precision milled face,” the Vice VGH01 hybrids are designed to be simple to hit from any lie. Like the opposite Vice metalwoods choices, they function draw bias to assist scale back a slice.
Out there in 3 (19°), 4 (22°) and 5 (25°) choices, these hybrids assist spherical out the metalwood lineup.
Vice’s market strategy
True to their golf ball enterprise mannequin, Vice is emphasizing worth with their membership choices, positioning them at worth factors beneath established OEMs. At $299 and $399 for drivers, they’re asking customers to think about whether or not they need the newest from Vice or an older mannequin from practically everybody else.
To assist make your determination a bit simpler, Vice is providing as much as 25 p.c off when sure greenback thresholds are met. Including a driver and a hybrid to my cart acquired me the low cost though there’s some textual content suggesting the low cost isn’t supposed to use to golf equipment or limited-edition golf balls.
Strive it … however no guarantees.
It’s additionally value mentioning that Vice is utilizing the phrase “pre-tariff pricing” of their social media advertising and marketing for the brand new woods. That actually suggests the potential for worth will increase sooner or later because of import tariffs. Whether or not that’s attempting to incentivize by means of concern or the fact of what’s to come back, I can’t say with any confidence.
What I do know is that tariffs are a rising concern throughout the tools business and are having a rising affect on launch planning.
The Vice means
For a model that constructed its popularity on premium golf balls at disruptive costs, this metalwood launch represents a big growth of its footprint within the golf tools area. Whether or not their success in balls will translate to golf equipment stays to be seen (opinions on the corporate’s different membership choices are combined), however Vice is clearly betting that their daring aesthetics and worth proposition will win over golfers searching for one thing totally different than what is obtainable by the established manufacturers.
Availability
Vice VG sequence metalwoods are anticipated to start transport in mid-Might. The whole lot within the lineup is roofed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no actual threat right here.
Should you hate it, ship it again.
Vice VG lineup is offered for pre-order now. For extra data or to order yours, go to ViceGolf.com.
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