Snell MTB-X Golf Ball

Dean Snell spent over 30 years designing golf balls for Titleist and TaylorMade before founding Snell Golf in 2015. His most famous work at Titleist was the Pro V1. When the designer of the world's best-selling golf ball starts his own company with the explicit goal of selling tour-grade balls at half the price, the golf world pays attention. The MTB-X is that ball.

The MTB-X is a 3-piece construction built around three principles: low driver spin for maximum distance, high iron spin for shot control and green-holding approach shots, and a cast urethane cover for premium short-game feel and durability. The "X" designation indicates the firmer, higher-spinning version — as opposed to the MTB Black, which prioritizes softer feel.

The core is smaller than competitors in its class, which reduces driver spin to minimize ballooning and maximize carry distance. The mantle layer is thicker and firmer than the MTB Black, promoting higher spin rates on mid and short iron shots. This is the same separation of performance — high driver distance, high short-game spin — that defines top-tier tour balls like the Pro V1x and TP5x. The cast urethane cover mimics the feel and control characteristics of premium tour covers at a meaningfully lower production cost, which Snell passes directly to customers.

The direct-to-consumer model is what makes the pricing possible. By selling exclusively through snellgolf.com, Snell eliminates the retail margin that accounts for much of the cost premium on premium balls at big-box stores. A dozen MTB-X balls costs $34.99 — roughly 40% less than comparable tour balls at retail.

Launch monitor testing across multiple independent reviews confirms performance very close to Pro V1 and TP5 benchmarks. Driver spin is comparable, iron spin is competitive, and short-game control with the cast urethane cover is noticeably better than surlyn-covered balls in the same price range. Golfers who test the ball blind regularly rate it at tour ball performance levels.

The primary trade-off is feel. The MTB-X is firmer at impact than ultra-soft options like Chrome Soft or Callaway Supersoft. Golfers who strongly prefer a soft, cushioned sensation on putts and chips should consider the MTB Black instead.

Who It's For: Mid-to-low handicappers who play premium balls but want to reduce ball costs without sacrificing performance. Ideal for golfers with swing speeds above 90 mph who benefit from the low driver spin / high iron spin profile.

Verdict: The Snell MTB-X earns its 8.5/10 AgentScore by delivering genuine tour-level performance at direct-to-consumer pricing. In a rational golf equipment market, more golfers would be playing this ball.