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.
The X changes sound interesting. And still sounds pretty cheap. That was surprising. I’ll have to take them out for a spin sometime.
The X sounds like a ball worth trying for my game. I am neutral on the lettering change.
I like the changes I just read about. The new branding looks great and I am excited to try both offerings. Still have a couple of sleeves of MTB Black balls around I can compare them to.
consider me one that thinks they stuck the landing with the new branding
I really like the new branding. The X sounds like a good ball, seems comparable to a lot of the other ones in that space.
Agreed that the new font is a winner. The whole X label is the most confusing aspect of golf balls imo.
Priced right in line with Q-Star Tour.
I’m liking the new branding, and am interested in the changes to the MTB PRIME.
it’s been a bit since a refresh that I kind of forgot about Snell. I’m torn on the new packaging and logo, but I am glad they changed it up as well as the name. Price seems to be pretty good for that DTC ball.
The PRIME seems to be up my alley. These both look interesting to say the least and the price point isn’t too bad at $32.99.
[USER=782]@ddec[/USER] I see where you’re coming from on packaging and the logo. I thought the logo was simple and noticed it immediately. I’m torn on the aiming line though. ?
[QUOTE=”hadi05, post: 11416163, member: 50784″]
[USER=782]@ddec[/USER] I see where you’re coming from on packaging and the logo. I thought the logo was simple and noticed it immediately. I’m torn on the aiming line though. ?
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me personally I’d like it without the two lines
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 11416166, member: 782″]
me personally I’d like it without the two lines
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[media=giphy]EhMBTkzHqufcGdpKHw[/media]
Good article. The Prime is right up my alley. Gonna need a tryout I think.
I like the alignment line, similar to the previous versions of the Maxfli Tour balls, and what attracted me to them. I’m also a big Triple Track fan, so consider that. The logo? Not so sure.
Not sure about these. Seems like the X version is now lower iron spin, maybe some rollout. Different than a ProV1X for sure.
Enjoyed Snell in the past, so may give this new lineup a look. New branding is just ok, I actually liked the old. Price remains really good. Definitely thought it would have been a but higher than where they are at.
I really like the new branding and logo. I played the MTB-X for a while so really looking forward to trying these
As someone looking for iron spin I think I would try the Prime first
Was a big fan of Snell awhile back and was always happy with the product. I do like the old scripting better but willing to give them a try again.
It almost looks like they’ve switched the two balls around from the previous models. The X used to be the higher iron spin.
[IMG]https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1581/6439/files/2019_comparisson-01-01_grande.jpg?v=1550459087[/IMG]
Might have to take the Prime for a test drive.
Like the new font, line, and logo – modern and clean. Not sure about the word “Prime” but I will purchase the ball at that price. Thx.
Always nice to see the DTC space continue to improve. Branding for me is indifferent and will be interesting to hear people’s feedback on this iteration of the ball.
I played Snell for a few years until switching to Bridgestone in 2021. I like the new logo and just pre-ordered the test pack. It will be fun to compare them to my current ball and very soon it looks like we will be starting our MN golf season.
I don’t care for the lines. Reminds me of a range ball. Wonder what plant is makeing this ball?
Very interesting. I loved the original Snell balls so I’ll give these a spin too. Price is right still as well.
The spin profiles are intriguing. Usually the firmer balls spin more and vice versa, so if this Flex Mantle has truly enabled them to flip that script this could be a game changer.
I don’t love the new branding. Looks like a range ball at first glance. I liked the old large script.
New logo made me think of Evolve Golf at first. I like the alignment aid on the side. Price I’d super competitive when everyone else is raising prices.
Not sure about the new logo. Packaging looks ok. I used to use the MTB X, and liked it, so would be interested to try both of these.
[QUOTE=”ArmyGolf, post: 11416257, member: 11776″]
Very interesting. I loved the original Snell balls so I’ll give these a spin too. Price is right still as well.
The spin profiles are intriguing. Usually the firmer balls spin more and vice versa, so if this Flex Mantle has truly enabled them to flip that script this could be a game changer.
I don’t love the new branding. Looks like a range ball at first glance. I liked the old large script.
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I was trying to put a finger on it and I think you nailed it about the looks.
I prefer the older logo. Still have some of the previous model that I play now and then. Glad to see them rolling out a new model.
I’m glad to see they came out with an update, I was always a fan of their offerings. I don’t mind the new scripting on the ball and I think their logo is pretty cool. I’ll have to order a trial pack at some point.
In a world of golf balls priced at $45-55 it’s nice to see another affordable option.
I’ve played the MTB Black for several years now (although in 2022 i had mixed results in obtaining them). I’m going to try and grab a box of the new Snell Prime and Prime X offering and see how they perform. I have positive views on new branding which has me wondering if Snell Golf may be have plans to expand their line to new areas in the future. The alignment lines on any ball aren’t a must have for me but, they seem to be there on many/most balls that interest me so…. i can live with them.
(I had some issues finding the Snell golf balls last year so, at the turn of 2023, I picked up on a sampling of MaxFli Tour and Tour X to start the season. The price isn’t terrible and if performance matches what i’ve read, they should be fine for my game. As they say, i’ve got options.)
A lower spin X ball? That seems so contradictory to everything we know. I thought the MTB ball was ok, not sure I’d be rushing to try this but the price is decent.
As far as the logo and rebranding, it’s a big miss for me.
Does anyone know if Nassau Golf(Korea) is still making these for Snell? I know Taylormade bought Nassau Golf about 18 months ago and the rumor at the time is they would stop making DTC golf balls. I know Dean Snell was the longtime head of the golf ball product category for Taylormade so maybe that relationship is strong enough that they still manufacture for him.
[QUOTE=”tahoebum, post: 11416326, member: 10440″]
Does anyone know if Nassau Golf(Korea) is still making these for Snell? I know Taylormade bought Nassau Golf about 18 months ago and the rumor at the time is they would stop making DTC golf balls. I know Dean Snell was the longtime head of the golf ball product category for Taylormade so maybe that relationship is strong enough that they still manufacture for him.
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Last thing I saw, it was. But, that was a while ago.
The font reminds of Bridgestone. I think the font change is good.
Sounds and looks like a great ball, at an excellent price point.
I wonder if this will be enough for the folks who loved Snell but stopped using them when they ran into supply chain issues will come back into the fold for this new release? :unsure:
I like the new scripting, looks good I’ll be interested in trying both of these. Snell was one of my favorite balls
Branding and packaging seems more “premium” not sure I’m interested in buying them still with other great performing balls out there for similar prices
So….with the competition for the golf ball $$, I am wondering what they really cost to manufacture and bring to market. So many DTCs seem to exist (my meaning here – they are not going out of business – so must be somewhat successful). They don’t have the advertising budget that Titleist, Callaway and TM have (I assume the 3 most popular balls – with the most money spent on advertising). I compound that with the used ball market and the not quite factory second market as well – it’s just got to be incredibly tough to succeed and turn a profit (maybe not?).
Example, I bought 4 dozen (to get free shipping:rolleyes:) Callaway CS and CS X LS practice balls at$15 a dozen about a month ago (already had about 8-10 dozen balls on the shelf). Wish I had bought more!
Anyway, all that chatter aside, great article – look forward to giving Snell balls a try sooner than later.
I use to be a huge Snell supporter. It was all I played. Unfortunately after the golf ball shortage, the value went away.
[QUOTE=”wubears71, post: 11416388, member: 23813″]
I use to be a huge Snell supporter. It was all I played. Unfortunately after the golf ball shortage, the value went away.
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Totally agree!
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] – nice homepage write up.
Any idea if yellow will be offered?
I like the new company branding/logo. The old script they used I was never a fan of. To me it looked dated. The new branding looks more contemperary.
I also like the alignment aid. Most of the time with balls I have to draw a black line on but that one looks large and bold enough to use sans adding a line.
Only downside is normally I am a V1x player as I like the higher flight and spin. It doesn’t seem with the Prime versions I would have an comparable option here.
Why does everything have to be so low spin these days? Not everyone needs low spin…especially us moderate swingers of the club 🙂
[QUOTE=”wubears71, post: 11416388, member: 23813″]
I use to be a huge Snell supporter. It was all I played. Unfortunately after the golf ball shortage, the value went away.
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Knew you were a big Fan.
Hey ! Glad to see you back in the spotlight Dean!
Co- inventor of the ProV1, Penta and Tour Preferred and several more patients in the industry,
Plastics engineer , and from one old hockey player to another he makes excellent stuff.
I tried out his Get Sum 2 ply and 3 ply urethane Red / Black series. l found them to be every bit as good as any ball out there , felt like a TP5’s.
I like your direct to customer model approach , the balls look cleaner more modern and I am sure they will preform and maybe this is the new ProV1’s or TP5. Now I am going to search my closet for the 3-4 boxes of Snells I have stashed away in 2018 ,19
Will order the new ones for sure!.
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 11416419, member: 7797″][USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] – nice homepage write up.
Any idea if yellow will be offered?
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Dean said in the accompanying video that yellow in both balls will be a mid to late summer release.
[URL unfurl=”true”]https://www.snellgolf.com/blogs/news/snell-golf-launches-mtb-prime-mtb-prime-x[/URL]
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 11416423, member: 32688″]
Knew you were a big Fan.
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I really did like the balls. But the big appeal was the pricing for performance. I just looked back and in October 2018 I was paying $22.50/dozen when I bought a multi-pack. Now the cheapest they go for is $30/dozen when buying a multi-pack. I don’t really lose a lot of balls at my course, so there isn’t much of an incentive anymore to buy the DTC balls.
I liked the MTB and MTB-X leaning to MTB more. I look forward to using the MTB Prime now as it sounds like it will have the softer feel I prefer. As far as the rebranding, I get the company is Snell Golf, which may indicate future lines of business other than golf, however putting the word “golf” on a golf ball seems redundant to me. Also, I prefer a single alignment line. Adding 2 more lines doesn’t enhance the feel or give me a better green read, however it isn’t a deal breaker.
Really cool that prices came down $2 to $32.99 from $34.99. I sure didn’t expect that.
I’m not a big fan of the new font, but it isn’t anything that I’d lose sleep over, either. [emoji6] I’ll get around to checking them out, but I’m in no hurry. I still have 4+ dozen new (old version) MTB-X and 1.5 dozen of the new Mizuno RB Tour and X that I’ve yet to try.
I like the “S” part of the logo but I have to say I like the old ball lettering “Snell” better than the newer block style script. The newer one looks kind of “Generic” to me where the old one was unique.
[QUOTE=”russtopher, post: 11416351, member: 14253″]
Sounds and looks like a great ball, at an excellent price point.
I wonder if this will be enough for the folks who loved Snell but stopped using them when they ran into supply chain issues will come back into the fold for this new release? :unsure:
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I was one of them. Not sure if I’ll go back because that made me a bit gun shy.
Happy to see Snell back at it. Excited to try the Prime. Agreed that it is like they switched the Black and MTB.