The Titleist Pro V1 is the benchmark for premium golf balls, dominating both professional and amateur play with its reputation for distance, spin, and feel. However, Snell Golf, founded by Dean Snell—a former Titleist golf ball designer—claims to offer comparable performance at a significantly lower price. With models like the Snell MTB Prime and MTB-X, the question arises: Is the Snell golf ball really as good as the Titleist Pro V1? This review compares the two based on performance, feel, durability, and value, drawing from personal testing as a 10-handicap golfer and insights from independent data.
Performance
The Snell MTB Prime, a three-piece urethane-covered ball with an 80-85 compression, is designed to rival the Pro V1’s balance of distance and control. Off the driver, the MTB Prime delivers low long-game spin for solid distance, averaging around 270 yards in my testing with a 105 mph swing speed. The Pro V1 edged it slightly, averaging 273 yards, likely due to its optimized 388 tetrahedral dimple design, which promotes a stable, mid-trajectory flight. In robot testing, the Pro V1 showed superior consistency at 100 mph driver speeds, but the Snell MTB Prime was nearly identical in distance and spin, making it a strong contender.
With irons, the MTB Prime generates mid-to-high spin, stopping shots reliably on greens. I noticed slightly less spin (about 200 rpm lower with a 7-iron) compared to the Pro V1, which aligns with robot data showing the Pro V1 producing 215 rpm more spin with a 7-iron and 416 rpm more with a wedge. This makes the Pro V1 marginally better for precise approach shots, especially for low handicappers who rely on spin control. However, the difference is subtle and may not be noticeable for most amateurs.
Around the greens, both balls perform exceptionally. The MTB Prime’s cast urethane cover provides ample spin for check shots and lobs, with a soft, responsive feel. The Pro V1 has a slight edge in wedge spin, but in blind testing, I couldn’t consistently distinguish between the two on short-game shots. The Snell MTB-X, a higher-spinning model, offers even closer performance to the Pro V1x but feels firmer, which may not suit players seeking the Pro V1’s softer profile.
Feel
The Pro V1 is renowned for its soft yet responsive feel, particularly off the putter and wedges. The MTB Prime closely matches this, with a soft cover that feels nearly identical on putts and chips. In my testing, the Pro V1 felt fractionally softer—Titleist claims its 2021 urethane cover is their softest ever, boosting greenside spin by about 100 rpm over previous models. The difference is minimal, though, and many golfers, including myself, find the MTB Prime’s feel indistinguishable in practical play. The MTB-X, while excellent, feels slightly firmer, akin to the Pro V1x, which may appeal to players with faster swing speeds.
Durability
Both balls are durable, with urethane covers resisting scuffs and cuts well. After 18 holes, including wedge shots and a few cart-path encounters, neither the MTB Prime nor the Pro V1 showed significant wear. The Snell’s durability matches the Pro V1’s, which is impressive given its lower price point of $32.99 per dozen compared to the Pro V1’s $55. This makes Snell a compelling option for golfers who lose balls frequently.
Value and Competition
The Snell MTB Prime’s biggest advantage is its price—$32.99 per dozen versus $55 for the Pro V1, a 40% savings. Snell also offers volume discounts, dropping to $27.99 for five dozen. In robot tests, the Snell MTB Prime matched the Pro V1 in distance and spin at 100 mph swing speeds, while direct-to-consumer competitors like the Vice Pro outperformed both in consistency for ball speed and carry. The Vice Pro and Seed SD-01 also offer strong performance at lower prices, but Snell’s pedigree, backed by Dean Snell’s design expertise, gives it an edge in trust and tour-level credibility.
The Pro V1’s premium price is partly justified by its tour dominance and R&D investment, but for most golfers, the performance gap is negligible. In MyGolfSpy’s 2019 testing, the Snell MTB-X showed near-identical results to the Pro V1 with short irons, with minimal differences in mid-irons and driver performance. Golfers with swing speeds between 85-120 mph, like those in my testing group, reported no significant performance loss switching to Snell.
Is Snell Really as Good as the Titleist Pro V1?
The Snell MTB Prime is remarkably close to the Titleist Pro V1 in performance, feel, and durability, making it an outstanding alternative for most golfers. The Pro V1 has a slight edge in spin control, particularly with irons and wedges, and marginally better consistency in robot testing, which may matter for tour players or single-digit handicappers. However, for mid-to-high handicappers, the differences are negligible in real-world play. The Snell’s softer feel, comparable spin, and excellent distance make it a near-equal to the Pro V1, especially for swing speeds under 110 mph.
The real differentiator is value. At nearly half the price, the Snell MTB Prime delivers 95-98% of the Pro V1’s performance, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious golfers who refuse to compromise on quality. While the Pro V1 remains the gold standard, Snell’s combination of performance, affordability, and Dean Snell’s design legacy makes it just as good for the vast majority of players.
Conclusion
The Snell MTB Prime is as good as the Titleist Pro V1 for most golfers, offering near-identical distance, spin, and feel at a fraction of the cost. While the Pro V1 excels in tour-level spin and consistency, the Snell matches it closely enough to satisfy amateurs from high to low handicaps. If you’re loyal to the Pro V1’s brand prestige or need every ounce of spin control, stick with Titleist. Otherwise, the Snell MTB Prime is a smart, cost-effective choice that delivers premium performance without breaking the bank.
