Product Review: Volvik Vista iS and Vista iV

Those looking for a new ball in 2014 may want to check out Volvik. The Korean company can stake claim in being the “No. 1 color golf ball on Tour” with more than 70 professionals using the its ultra high-performance products on the world's professional tours. In fact, players using Volvik golf balls have earned in excess of $5 million on the LPGA Tour, Web.com Tour, Ladies European Tour, LAGT and Symetra Tour (10 victories and 61 Top 10 finishes) since 2012.

But where do you start your search? After all, Volvik offers a variety of balls for every skill level? Let’s focus on the top.

Volvik offers a couple four-piece balls that are on par with the premium brands you are most likely familiar with - the Vista iS and Vista iV.

The Vista iS offers greater greenside spin and a softer feel than the Vista iV, while both boast the world's first patented dual core: a soft outer layer and a hard inner core, according to the company. Both options also are 95 compression and feature a durable Zirconium HZ-II Cover. The higher compression offers more control, but a beginner or someone with a slow swing speed may have trouble getting maximum distance from either ball. Those with slower swing speeds (60s to 80s mph) should look at Volvik’s Crystal, Lady 350 or DS77.

While the Vista iS is a “feel” ball, the Vista iV is a distance option with enhanced durability. Zirconium Z-III cover improves durability without sacrificing spin control. Both options feature a 392 Cube - Octahedron dimple pattern.

In side-by-side comparisons, both the Vista iV and Vista iS felt great off the driver. While I wasn’t consistently getting greater distance out of the iV, I’m also not a robot that makes exactly the same swing over and over again. The main difference I felt was the softer feel of the iS - both with short irons and chipping around the greens.

Comparison - Vista iV vs. Vista iS

The Vista iS and Vista iV fit my game (8 hdcp, 95-100 mph swing speed) and may be right for you. If you’re considering a switch this season and your game resembles mine, I recommend picking up a sleeve of both and taking them for a test drive.

Bonus: How many premium golf balls offer an array of colors from which to choose? Vista iS comes in yellow or orange. Vista iV is available in yellow, orange, pink, green and white. Volvik says the alternative colors are for “additional visibility in the air or on the ground.” I like to think they’re for added flair and panache.

Check out more about Volvik at www.volvik.com.