Best Snell Golf Balls

Best Snell Golf Balls

By Paul Liberatore

|

Published:

|

Last Updated:

If you’re serious about your golf game, you’ve probably heard of Snell Golf. Founded by Dean Snell, a guy who helped design some of the most famous golf balls in the world (like the Titleist Pro V1), Snell Golf has made waves by offering high-quality balls at a fraction of the price you’d pay for big-name brands. But with so many options, it can be tricky to figure out which Snell ball is right for you. Let’s break it down.

The Legacy of Dean Snell

Dean Snell isn’t just another name in the golf world. He’s one of the masterminds behind some of the best-performing balls in history. Before starting his own company, he worked at both Titleist and TaylorMade, where he played a key role in developing iconic models like the Pro V1 and TP Red/Black. When he launched Snell Golf, his mission was simple: give golfers tour-level performance without the tour-level price tag.

Why Choose Snell?

Snell’s direct-to-consumer model is what sets them apart. By cutting out the middleman (retail stores), they can offer premium golf balls at prices that won’t make your wallet cry. You’re essentially getting a ball that performs as well as—or better than—balls from brands like Titleist or Callaway, but for a lot less money. And who doesn’t love saving a few bucks while still playing their best?

Best Snell Golf Balls for 2025

Top Pick - Snell MTB Prime 2.0 Golf Balls

The Snell Prime 2.0 Golf Ball is a standout in the two-piece golf ball market, offering a combination of performance and affordability. Designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, particularly those who hit their 7-iron less than 120 yards, the Prime 2.0 is engineered to provide a balance of distance, control, and greenside spin.


One of the key innovations of the Prime 2.0 is its urethane cover, a feature typically reserved for higher-end, multi-layer balls. Urethane covers are known for providing excellent spin and control around the greens, which sets the Prime 2.0 apart from other two-piece balls that usually have firmer ionomer covers. This soft urethane cover enhances feel and short-game performance without sacrificing durability, an issue that plagued previous Snell models.


The ball's core has been optimized to deliver higher launch and more spin, particularly for players with slower swing speeds. At an 80 compression rating, the Prime 2.0 is not classified as low compression but feels softer than its rating suggests due to the urethane cover. This combination allows for improved distance off the tee while maintaining control on approach shots and around the green.


Snell Golf’s direct-to-consumer model also makes Prime 2.0 an attractive option for budget-conscious golfers, offering premium performance at a competitive price point. Overall, the Snell Prime 2.0 is a game-changer in its category, providing high-end features in a two-piece construction that caters to a wide range of amateur golfers looking for both value and performance.


Snell MTB Prime 2.0 Golf Balls  

Best Control - Snell MTB Prime 3.0 Golf Balls

The Snell MTB Prime 3.0 golf ball is part of the Snell Golf lineup, which has gained significant popularity in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market for delivering high-quality performance at a more affordable price point compared to major OEM brands. Snell Golf was founded by Dean Snell, a former designer for Titleist and TaylorMade, and co-inventor of the Pro V1. This pedigree has helped establish trust in the quality of Snell golf balls.


The MTB Prime 3.0 is a three-piece golf ball designed for a wide range of golfers, especially those with moderate swing speeds. It features a mid-80s compression rating, making it softer than its sibling, the MTB Prime 4.0, which has a higher compression suited for faster swing speeds. The MTB Prime 3.0 is engineered to deliver low spin off the driver while maintaining good greenside control and spin, which is critical for short-game performance.


One of the key improvements in the MTB Prime 3.0 over previous models is its enhanced durability. The ball's cover is made from a new XV3 urethane formulation that not only improves its resilience but also enhances performance in windy conditions. Additionally, issues with previous paint systems have been resolved, allowing for better customization and marking with Sharpies.


The ball’s dimple pattern includes 332 dimples optimized for aerodynamic performance, ensuring a stable flight path and consistent trajectory. Overall, the Snell MTB Prime 3.0 offers golfers a well-rounded option that balances distance, feel, and control without the premium price tag typically associated with tour-level golf balls.


Snell MTB Prime 3.0 Golf Balls



Maximum Spin - Snell MTB Prime 4.0 Golf Balls

The Snell MTB Prime 4.0 golf ball is part of Snell Golf's 2024 Prime lineup, designed to cater to mid-to-high swing speed players seeking tour-level performance at an affordable price. This four-piece urethane ball is engineered for maximum distance and control, featuring an ultra-fast core that enhances ball speed while minimizing spin on drivers and fairway woods. This design helps golfers achieve longer distances off the tee and with long irons.


The MTB Prime 4.0 incorporates multiple mantle layers that work together to optimize speed, spin, and flight trajectory. These layers also contribute to higher spin rates with short irons, providing better control for approach shots and around the greens. The ball’s cover is made from Snell's new XV3 urethane formulation, which not only improves durability but also enhances greenside performance by offering excellent control and a slightly firmer feel compared to other models in the Prime series.


One of the key improvements in the Prime 4.0 over previous generations is its enhanced wind performance, making it easier for players to manage their shots in challenging conditions. Additionally, this ball is particularly suited for players who hit their 7-irons over 160 yards, as its higher compression (in the high 80s) ensures that it performs optimally for those with faster swing speeds.


Overall, the Snell MTB Prime 4.0 is designed to deliver a balance of distance, durability, and control, making it a strong contender for golfers looking for premium performance without the premium price tag.

Snell MTB Prime 4.0 Golf Balls

Higher Compression - Snell MTB Prime X Golf Balls

The Snell MTB Prime X golf balls are part of Snell Golf's 2023 lineup, designed to cater to golfers seeking high performance at a competitive price point. These balls are a continuation of Snell's mission to provide premium quality golf balls through a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, offering significant savings compared to larger brands.


The MTB Prime X is a 3-piece ball with a urethane cover, known for its durability and greenside control. It features a firmer feel compared to its sibling, the MTB Prime, thanks to the "FLEX-" mantle layer. This design element reduces spin off the tee while maintaining high ball speeds, making it ideal for players who tend to generate too much spin with their irons. The firmer compression, measured around 85-90, helps achieve a higher trajectory and longer distance, particularly in the long game.


One of the key differentiators of the MTB Prime X is its ability to control spin throughout the bag. The ball is engineered to deliver low spin off the driver for maximum distance while offering controlled spin with irons and wedges for precision on approach shots. The dimple pattern is also optimized for higher flight, complementing the low-spin characteristics.


Priced at $32.99 per dozen, the MTB Prime X offers excellent value for golfers who demand performance without paying premium prices. It is available in both white and optic yellow, with slight color variations intended to subtly convey differences in feel and performance between models.

Snell MTB Prime X Golf Balls

Maximum Distance - Snell MTB Black Golf Balls

The Snell MTB Black golf ball is a premium, tour-level ball designed to provide exceptional performance at a competitive price point. It was introduced as an evolution of the original "My Tour Ball" (MTB) and features a three-piece construction with a urethane cover. This design is aimed at golfers seeking high performance, particularly those with swing speeds over 90 mph who desire a balance between distance, control, and spin.


The ball's construction includes a lower compression core, which Snell reduced by 7% compared to its predecessor. This adjustment helps reduce the spin of the driver, leading to longer distances without sacrificing control. The MTB Black also boasts a 360-degree pattern that enhances aerodynamics for a stable and consistent ball flight. Its urethane cover provides a soft feel and excellent durability, making it comparable to other high-end golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1.


One of the standout features of the MTB Black is its performance around the greens. It offers high spin rates on short game shots, giving players the ability to stop the ball quickly on approach shots and chips. While it spins slightly less than its counterpart, the MTB Red (which is designed for even higher spin), the MTB Black still delivers excellent control without excessive spin that could hinder distance on longer shots.


Overall, the Snell MTB Black provides outstanding value for money, offering performance similar to more expensive tour-level balls but at a significantly lower price. This makes it an attractive option for serious golfers looking for premium performance without breaking the bank.

Snell MTB Black Golf Balls

Best for High-Spinning Shots - Snell MTB Red Golf Balls

The Snell MTB Red golf ball is a premium offering from Snell Golf, a company known for producing high-quality golf balls at competitive prices through a direct-to-consumer model. Introduced alongside the MTB Black, the MTB Red is designed for golfers seeking enhanced spin and control, particularly with short irons. It features a four-piece construction, differentiating it from the three-piece MTB Black. This four-layer design includes a urethane cover, which is common in tour-level golf balls due to its soft feel and durability.


One of the key characteristics of the MTB Red is its increased spin on short iron shots. This makes it an appealing choice for players who prioritize precision and stopping power on approach shots. In testing, the ball has shown significantly higher spin rates compared to its counterparts, such as the MTB Black, and even industry-leading balls like the Titleist Pro V1. The 338-dimple pattern on the ball also contributes to its aerodynamic performance, providing a stable flight path.


In terms of feel, the MTB Red offers a slightly firmer sensation on drives and long irons, which provides responsive feedback for players who prefer a more tactile experience during these shots. Despite this firmness off the tee, it maintains a soft feel around the greens due to its urethane cover.


Overall, the Snell MTB Red is positioned as a high-performance ball that rivals more expensive options in terms of spin control and feel, while being offered at a significantly lower price point.

Snell MTB Red Golf Balls

Choosing the Right Ball Based on Your Game

Swing Speed Considerations

Your swing speed plays a big role in determining which ball will work best for you:


  • If your swing speed is under 90 mph, go with something softer like Prime 2.0 or MTB Black.

  • For swing speeds between 90–105 mph, Prime 3.0 or MTB Prime should give you a good balance of distance and control.

  • If your swing speed is over 105 mph, look at firmer options like Prime 4.0 or MTB Prime X to maximize your performance.

Distance vs Spin

It all depends on what part of your game needs improvement:

  • If distance off the tee is your main concern, focus on low-spin options like Prime 2.0 or MTB Black.

  • If short-game control is where you struggle, choose high-spin models like Prime 4.0 or MTB Red to help stop those approach shots dead in their tracks.

Durability & Feel

Snell uses urethane covers on most of their premium balls because they offer better greenside control than cheaper ionomer covers found on some other brands’ budget balls. However, urethane can wear out faster depending on how often you play and what kind of conditions you play in (think firm vs soft greens). If durability is more important than feel or spin, consider something like Snell’s Get Sum balls, which use an ionomer cover for a longer-lasting performance.

How Does Snell Compare to Competitors?

Performance vs Price

When comparing Snell balls to big names like Titleist or Callaway, it’s hard not to be impressed by how close they come in terms of performance—especially considering they cost almost half as much. Independent testing shows that Snell balls perform just as well as their pricier counterparts in terms of distance, spin rates, and feel around the greens.

User Reviews & Testimonials

Golfers who’ve switched to Snell often rave about how much money they’ve saved without noticing any drop-off in performance. Some even claim they play better with Snell balls because they feel less pressure knowing they didn’t just spend $50 on a dozen!

Additional Resources

Online Fitting Tools

Snell offers an online fitting tool that helps match golfers with the right ball based on their playing style and preferences—whether you need more distance off the tee or better control around the greens.

Trial Packs

Not sure which model is right for you? Try one of Snell’s trial packs—they let you test out multiple models before committing to buying a full dozen.

Conclusion

Snell Golf has made it easier than ever to get tour-level performance without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for maximum distance or pinpoint accuracy around the greens, there's a Snell ball tailored specifically for your game and at prices that make sense!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between Snell Prime 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 golf balls?

The Snell Prime series is designed to cater to different types of golfers based on their 7-iron distance:

  • Prime 2.0: A two-piece ball with a urethane cover, ideal for players who hit their 7-iron for less than 125 yards. It offers a soft feel and good greenside control.

  • Prime 3.0: A three-piece ball for players with a 7-iron distance between 125 and 165 yards. It provides a balance of distance and spin control.

  • Prime 4.0: A four-piece ball designed for those who hit their 7-iron over 165 yards. It delivers maximum spin control on long irons and enhanced distance.

How do the Snell MTB Prime and MTB Prime X differ?

Both the MTB Prime and MTB Prime X are three-piece balls, but they differ in feel, trajectory, and spin:

  • MTB Prime: Softer feel with low-mid compression, offering a lower flight and more spin on iron shots.

  • MTB Prime X: Firmer feel with higher compression, designed for higher trajectory shots and moderate spin-off irons.

Are Snell golf balls as good as premium brands like Titleist or Callaway?

Yes, Snell golf balls offer comparable performance to premium brands at a lower price point. Independent testing and user feedback have shown that Snell balls deliver similar distance, spin rates, and greenside control as high-end models like the Titleist Pro V1 or Callaway Chrome Soft, but at nearly half the cost.

What makes Snell golf balls more affordable than other premium brands?

Snell operates on a direct-to-consumer model, which cuts out retail middlemen. This allows them to offer high-quality golf balls at a significantly lower price without sacrificing performance or materials.

How do I choose the right Snell golf ball for my game?

Snell simplifies the ball selection process by focusing on your typical 7-iron distance:

  • If your 7-iron distance is less than 125 yards, go for the Prime 2.0.

  • If your distance is between 125 and 165 yards, choose the Prime 3.0.

  • If you hit your 7-iron over 165 yards, the Prime 4.0 is recommended.



Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.