Our 2025 robot test puts direct-to-consumer golf balls to the test, uncovering which models offer real value – and which don’t.
DTC golf balls have grown massively in popularity in recent years, and it’s not just because of their price. Some of them perform as well as, if not better than, the best golf balls in the game.
However, that’s not to say that every DTC ball is worth the money or your attention.
In our 2025 robot test, we tested 11 DTC golf balls to find out which models are a hit and which are a miss.
How we tested the golf balls
We tested 62 different golf balls on a $100,000 robot – including 11 DTC models. This machine delivers exactly the same strike every time, which means the only variable in our test was the ball itself.
We tested every ball across five different shot types to get a complete picture of how the balls stacked up:
114mph driver – PGA Tour average
93mph driver – LPGA Tour and typical male club golfer
78mph driver – average female club golfer
7-iron – 80mph, which is club golfer average
56° wedge – hitting a 40-yard pitch shot
Now, let’s get into the numbers…
We’ll break down the results into driver performance, irons, and wedges.
Driver – 78mph swing speed
Ranked by carry distance
Golf ballCarry distance (yds)Carry distance rankBall speed (mph)Ball speed rankSeed SD-02162.43rd113.43rdSeed SD-X1161.113th113.116thVice Tour160.820th113.020thVice Pro160.726th113.115thSeed SD-01160.727th112.932ndKirkland Signature V3.0160.529th112.835thVice Pro Plus160.531st112.930thVice Drive160.436th113.027thVice Pro Air160.340th112.836thSeed SD-15158.954th112.057thSeed SD-05157.960th111.759th
The Seed SD-05 and SD-15 were noticeably slower and shorter than the other nine DTC balls for golfers with slow swing speeds. The SD-05 was 4.5 yards (2.77%) shorter than the longest ball at this speed, while the SD-15 gave up 3.5 yards.
The Seed SD-02 is the fastest and longest golf ball at this driver swing speed, 1.1 yards clear of the second-longest.
Aside from those, there was only 0.6mph in ball speed and 0.8 yards in carry distance between the other eight balls tested.
Driver – 93mph swing speed
Ranked by carry distance
Golf ballCarry distance (yds)Carry distance rankBall speed (mph)Ball speed rankSeed SD-02209.77th134.27thVice Pro208.620th133.623rdVice Tour208.324th133.435thVice Pro Plus208.228th133.721stSeed SD-X1208.031st133.722ndKirkland Signature V3.0208.032nd133.624thSeed SD-01207.933rd133.530thVice Drive207.736th132.945thVice Pro Air206.941st132.747thSeed SD-15204.058th131.758thSeed SD-05203.160th131.757th
The SD-02 continues its dominance as the best DTC golf ball, being the fastest and longest for golfers with average swing speeds.
Unfortunately, it’s the same result for the SD-05 and SD-15, bringing up the rear as the shortest and slowest DTC golf balls for average swing speeds.
The SD-05 is 6.6 yards shorter than the Seed SD-02, while the SD-15 is 5.7 yards shorter. Both are 2.5mph slower than the fastest ball at this swing speed.
Driver – 114mph swing speed
Ranked by carry distance
Golf ballCarry distance (yds)Carry distance rankBall speed (mph)Ball speed rankSeed SD-02272.88th163.813thVice Pro Plus271.915th163.812thVice Tour271.417th163.321stKirkland Signature V3.0271.020th163.518thSeed SD-X1270.526th163.322ndVice Pro269.830th163.125thSeed SD-01268.639th162.633rdVice Drive268.542nd162.039thVice Pro Air267.449th161.547thSeed SD-05263.658th160.450thSeed SD-15263.559th159.655th
It’s another sorry sight for the SD-05 and SD-15 as they finish as the shortest and slowest DTC models out of all 11. Both models are nearly 10 yards shorter and over 3mph slower for fast swing speeds than the longest and fastest models.
The SD-02 is once again the longest, but it’s beaten by the Vice Pro Plus for ball speed, albeit by less than 0.1mph.
The SD-05 and SD-15 are detached from the pack by nearly four yards, while the difference between the the other nine models is just over five yards. Still a considerable difference, and enough to make you think twice about which DTC model you want to use, but a real sign that neither the SD-05 nor the SD-15 are built for driver distance.
Irons
Ranked by descent angle
Golf ballCarry distance (yds)Carry distance rankBackspin (rpm)Backspin rankDescent angle (°)Descent angle rankCarry distance consistency rankVice Pro Plus155.252nd4,80711th45.113th16thSeed SD-01157.619th4,52330th45.118th26thSeed SD-02158.75th4,39739th45.021st10thKirkland Signature V3.0154.355th4,8617th45.023rd61stVice Pro156.927th4,45235th44.931st1stSeed SD-X1157.620th4,41838th44.834th33rdVice Drive158.110th4,31945th44.738th58thVice Pro Air157.024th4,36542nd44.744th15thVice Tour158.111th4,21650th44.646th22ndSeed SD-15157.618th4,17052nd44.648th12thSeed SD-05154.258th4,61923rd44.649th20th
There’s isn’t one particulaly dominant DTC golf ball when it comes to approach play; the SD-02 produces the longest distance, the Kirkland Signature V3.0 generates the highest-spin, the Pro Plus lands with the steepest descent angle, and the Vice Pro delivers the best carry distance consistency.
The Vice Pro Plus just beats the SD-02 and Pro into first place for approach play performance out of the 11 DTC golf balls, but all three are very close, when you factor in the scoring elements (descent angle and carry distance consistency).
Wedges
Ranked by backspin
Golf ballBackspin (rpm)Backspin rankVice Pro Plus6,0905thKirkland Signature V3.06,0507thVice Tour5,96714thSeed SD-015,86723rdSeed SD-025,84525thSeed SD-X15,78229thVice Pro5,70831stSeed SD-155,66735thSeed SD-055,61840thVice Drive5,49252ndVice Pro Air5,37156th
The Vice Pro Plus was the highest-spinning golf ball when it came to short shots – and ranked 5th of all 62 balls tested.
The Kirkland Signature V3.0 was close behind and the only other DTC model to deliver more than 6,000rpm.
After producing the third-lowest spin with the 7-iron shot, the Vice Tour shot back up the rankings to finish third with 5,967rpm.
The top three has been somewhat shaken up with the 40-yard pitch, as the SD-02 drops out and it’s replaced by the Signature V3.0. The SD-02 hasn’t dropped far, it’s fifth out of the 11 DTC models with 5,845rpm. However, it’s the same four models at the bottom once again.
The four lowest-spinning DTC models were the SD-15, SD-05, Vice Drive, and Vice Pro Air. The Pro Air was the lowest-spinning DTC golf ball – 56th overall out of the 62 – generating only 5,371rpm. The Drive wasn’t much higher (5,492rpm), but there is quite a jump to the SD-05 and SD-15, of nearly 300rpm from the Pro Air.
Which DTC golf balls are worth your money?
The SD-02 is the overall best DTC golf ball, and it’s a model for everyone to consider.
The Vice Pro Plus and Kirkland Signature V3.0 are both higher-spinning models, perfect if you struggle to generate spin, or if you want to add spin to your game.
The Vice Pro is a very consistent golf ball that you can trust if you want to increase your green in regulation percentage. And, the Vice Tour is strong off the tee and with its short game perfomance.
The Seed SD-01, SD-X1, and SD-15 are all worth your consideration, but it’s difficult to advocate for the SD-01 and SD-X1 too much when they’re the same price as the SD-02, which performs better. The main differences between the three premium Seed models are with flight and feel – areas more specific to each golfer, and not areas a robot can comment on.
The SD-15 is a very good cheap option, and definitely the best two-piece DTC golf ball, but it’s only worth considering if you’re looking for a budget-friendly model. However, I would recommend golfers with fast swing speeds to avoid the SD-15 if distance is a priority.
It is worth noting that only four DTC golf balls finished with an overall ranking in the bottom half of the test, so the overall performance of DTC balls was solid.
The best DTC golf ball
Best Seed golf ball
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Amazing versatile golf ball that works for a wide range of golfersGood distance off the teeIncredible value for money Cons A lower ball flight compared to other X-model golf balls Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 272.8 | Driver 93mph – 209.7 | Driver 78mph – 162.4 | 7-iron – 158.7 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 163.8 | Driver 93mph – 134.2 | Driver 78mph – 113.4 | 7-iron – 109.5 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,688 | Driver 93mph – 2,718 | Driver 78mph – 2,484 | 7-iron – 4,397 | Pitch – 5,845 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 11 | Driver 93mph – 12.8 | Driver 78mph – 14 | 7-iron – 21.3 | Pitch – 30.9 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37 | Driver 93mph – 32.5 | Driver 78mph – 27.8 | 7-iron – 45 | Pitch – 36.4 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 32.1 | Driver 93mph – 22.7 | Driver 78mph – 15.9 | 7-iron – 30 | Pitch – 7 Compression (psi) 104 High energy rubber coreUltra thin DuPont Surlyn mantleDuPont HPF inner coverSoft cast urethane cover336 dimples4-Piece constructionAvailable in white only
Vice’s fastest and longest golf ball
Best Vice golf ball
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Solid performance from tee to greenBrilliant value for a premium productA versatile model that works for ranging swing speeds Cons A slightly muted feeling and limited feedback Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 271.9 | Driver 93mph – 208.2 | Driver 78mph – 160.5 | 7-iron – 155.2 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 163.6 | Driver 93mph – 133.7 | Driver 78mph – 114.3 | 7-iron – 112.9 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,780 | Driver 93mph – 2,848 | Driver 78mph – 2,643 | 7-iron – 4,807 | Pitch – 6,090 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 10.9 | Driver 93mph – 12.7 | Driver 78mph – 13.7 | 7-iron – 20.8 | Pitch – 30.3 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37.4 | Driver 93mph – 33 | Driver 78mph – 27.8 | 7-iron – 45.1 | Pitch – 35.4 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 32.2 | Driver 93mph – 22.8 | Driver 78mph – 15.6 | 7-iron – 29.4 | Pitch – 6.6 Compression (psi) 116 Ultra thin cast urethane coverVersatile magnesium ionomer outer mantleSurlyn grade inner mantleLightweight speed core336 dimples4-Piece constructionAvailable in white and limeAlternative models include Drip, Shade, and Tracer
The No.1 golf ball for carry distance consistency
Best three-piece Vice golf ball
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Great value for moneyCompetitive distance at varying swing speedsConsistent carry distance Cons Limited feedback from every shot Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 269.8 | Driver 93mph – 208.6 | Driver 78mph – 160.7 | 7-iron – 156.9 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 163.1 | Driver 93mph – 133.6 | Driver 78mph – 113.1 | 7-iron – 108.8 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,829 | Driver 93mph – 2,759 | Driver 78mph – 2,499 | 7-iron – 4,452 | Pitch – 5,708 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 10.8 | Driver 93mph – 12.9 | Driver 78mph – 13.8 | 7-iron – 21.3 | Pitch – 30.9 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37.4 | Driver 93mph – 32.8 | Driver 78mph – 27.3 | 7-iron – 44.9 | Pitch – 36.4 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 31.9 | Driver 93mph – 22.8 | Driver 78mph – 15.4 | 7-iron – 29.6 | Pitch – 7 Compression (psi) 106 Ultra-thin cast urethane coverSurlyn grade mantleSize-optimised High Energy Speed Core (HESC)318 dimples3-Piece constructionAvailable in white and limeAlternative models include Drip, Shade, and Tracer
At the other end of the rankings, the SD-05 is well worth avoiding. There is no reason anyone should choose the SD-05 over the SD-02, especially considering both balls are the same price.
The Vice golf balls to steer clear of are the Pro Air, because it’s the same price as the Pro Plus and Pro and there are no performance benefits, the Drive, because it’s only fractionally cheaper than the Vice Tour and Seed SD-15 but overall it’s not as high-performing.
Yes, the three DTC golf balls I’ve suggested you avoid are cheaper than competitors golf balls of a similar nature, but that doesn’t make them good value. A golf ball only has value if it can perform.
