After a long wait, Snell Golf is back and evolving as we roll into peak golf season for 2023. There is no denying that Snell was one of the Direct to Consumer (DTC) companies who were on the leading edge of the segment for a good while, but the pond has certainly gotten more crowded since that time. As such, it is no surprise that we are seeing the brand once again try to step out and differentiate themselves.
2023 Snell MTB PRIME and MTB PRIME X Golf Balls
The obvious way for the brand to differentiate is to let Dean Snell do his thing, because by now his role in some of the most technologically advanced golf ball designs ever is pretty well known, as is his lengthy list of patents held. With the MTB PRIME and PRIME X designs, it certainly looks, at least on paper, that the man behind the brand has continued to push the performance for value factor with the new designs, but we will get to that.
First things first though, you might have noticed the new branding that Snell is rolling out. Gone is the slightly oversized script font and in its place is a more modern fine-line block letter look. According to the company, this is both to refresh the look as they felt it was time for that, and to open the door to more practical branding on other potential products down the line. It will certainly be interesting to hear what you all think about the new look and whether they stuck the landing or changed for the sake of change.
As for the golf balls, other than the obvious goal of improving performance, the other primary objective according to Snell Golf was to differentiate the MTB from each other a bit more than they were previously. This is something that they received ample feedback from consumers on and also will allow them to have a broader fitting potential than they previously had. Both balls remain 3-piece designs with urethane covers, but the internal aspects are where we see the differences.
The MTB PRIME is focused on achieving a softer feel that many golfers tend to prefer in present day. The creation and implementation of what Snell is calling the “FLEX+” mantle was the key to chasing this performance trait. The MTB PRIME is a softer feel that aims to maintain faster ball speeds with lower tee spin and higher iron spin. They also have utilized a new dimple pattern this time that keeps the trajectory down as well.
On the other side, the MTB PRIME X seeks to control the spin off irons more, which aims it at the stronger player who already tends to spin the ball too much. Part of achieving that is a firmer feel through the “FLEX-“mantle that stiffens things up a bit to keep high ball speed and low spin while, as mentioned, keeping iron spin lower. Because of the lower spinning nature, the MTB PRIME X has a different dimple pattern than its sibling to help get the flight up and maximize distance.
The Details
In case you are wondering, yes, the DTC focus is still very much there for Snell Golf with the two new golf balls. Each will be priced at $32.99 per dozen with a volume based discount possible (5 dozen for $29.99/ea). What do you think about the new design offerings and branding shift from Snell? Does it appeal and hit the mark for you, or leave you longing for the past? Jump into the conversation and let us know in the comments below, or on the THP Community.
