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 may 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 classy gold and white design accented with refined hints of Vice’s signature drip sample. Each preserve the efficiency specs of Vice’s in style Professional mannequin – a three-piece, solid urethane building 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 standard 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 known as a stein) at Bavarian beer festivals in September.”
For these retaining rating at house, a Maß is that large one-liter beer mug that requires two arms to carry correctly – very like the dedication wanted to play Vice’s restricted version patterns severely.
The restricted version nature means these received’t stick round lengthy, very like “each good night time” in response to Vice’s cheeky advertising and marketing copy. Sensible cash says they’ll disappear practically as quick as free beer at a golf match.
The worth actuality test
Now for the dangerous information. Sharp-eyed customers would possibly discover that Vice’s pricing has crept upward just lately. 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 leap of roughly 14% over the previous few years.
Whereas Vice hasn’t explicitly cited tariffs as the explanation for value will increase, the timing coincides with broader considerations about commerce coverage affecting golf gear prices. As an organization that sources 100% of its completed golf balls from Taiwan by means of manufacturing companion Foremost, Vice faces higher 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 fully on importing completed merchandise. Taiwan at present faces proposed tariffs of 32 % underneath current commerce bulletins, which might considerably affect corporations like Vice that don’t have home manufacturing alternate options.
Even corporations with home ball manufacturing like Titleist and Callaway aren’t fully insulated, as tariffs can have an effect on uncooked supplies and elements. However Vice’s full reliance on Taiwanese manufacturing places it in a very susceptible place in comparison with opponents with USA-based services. For what it’s price, Maxfli, OnCore, PXG, Kirkland, and numerous others discover themselves in related 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 observed. Whether or not you’re drawn to the Character version’s playful beer graphics or choose the extra refined Beer Gold colorway, each supply the efficiency traits which have made Vice a reputable participant within the premium ball class.
Simply don’t count on 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 individuals who can’t select between beer-themed whimsy and complicated gold styling.
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