Buffalo, NY is the home of the Buffalo Wing, the Buffalo Bills, and even the Toronto Blue Jays (2020, am I right?), but it is also the home of OnCore Golf. OnCore is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand that first made some noise back in 2012 when they introduced a golf ball with a hollow metal core, and while some may have looked at that product as a bit of a gimmick, it’s hard not to recognize the amount of growth the company has gone through. Their current lineup no longer includes that ball; however, it does have a low-compression 2-piece ball (Avant 55), a 3-piece tour ball (Elixr), and now for the first time, it includes a 4-piece golf ball thanks to the introduction of the Vero X1.
OnCore gained some steam with their Elixr golf ball. For two straight years, it has received a gold medal in Golf Digest’s Hot List, which is a pretty big deal for a DTC brand. Instead of just sitting back on this new notoriety, they pushed forward to create a product that would improve specific characteristics of that ball, and hopefully bring in even more customers. Mainly, the goal was to create an option that would spin more off of the irons and produce a little more speed and distance off of the tee. To achieve these results, OnCore created a thicker mantle that provided more speed, and a thinner cast urethane cover assisted in generating more spin on irons and wedges.
During on-course testing, the Vero performed well in several areas. Visually, Vero appeared to fly higher than the Elixr, especially with my irons. Where I noticed the height difference the most was on shots taken with long irons. That alone gave me a slight confidence boost that I could hit my four or five iron into some firm greens because the added height could help the ball land softer. To my naked eye, peak height differences didn’t seem all the different, aside from the long irons. When looking at numbers later collected on a Foresight GC2, those thoughts pretty much fall in line. Not to say that the Vero X1 didn’t fly high, because as you look down, I was able to achieve ball flights that peaked around 34 yards for a 7-iron.
OnCore Elixr was one of my frequently used golf balls last season. Performance-wise, that ball fell a little short in the amount of spin I was able to generate with my wedges, so hearing that the Vero might get a boost in that department was intriguing. Here is one of those times where I am glad to see something on the course that a launch monitor backs up, and backs up big time (more on that later). While playing, there was undoubtedly more control of my golf ball with wedges in hand. Full shots were hitting and stopping, and pitch shots had noticeably more grab.
Above is data collected with my driver, 7-iron, and SW when paired with the Vero golf ball. Without dissecting every detail, I think it’s important to highlight what this ball has provided over the Elixr. Off of the driver, the ball speed sits at 146, representing a 3 MPH improvement over the speeds obtained with the Elixr. The 7-iron numbers are pretty much right where I’d expect, seeing both good spin and height.
When looking at the wedges, OnCore delivered on their promise of increased short game spin. Earlier I mentioned that the on-course testing showed that the Vero had more stopping power on both full and pitch shots. On full swings, maybe for the first time, our average spin was over 10,000 RPM. On those long pitch shots, the high spin numbers remained, coming in about 7,000 RPM. Directly comparing those numbers to the Elixr, Vero generated an extra 1,000 RPM difference for both shot types. The Italian translation of Vero is true, to which OnCore says this ball is a true performance option. Well, when it comes to short game control, this ball was impressive.
Having had plenty of experience with their previous offerings, I feel confident in saying that this is the most complete golf ball that OnCore has brought to the market. Vero produced more ball speed off the driver, increased short game spin, and frankly, it felt better off every club in the bag. Entering into this end of the market with a 4-piece golf ball costing $39.99 as a direct-to-consumer brand will be interesting to follow. Part of the lure of the DTC model is that golfers could get good golf balls, at a more budget-friendly price. At this price tag, there are some savings, but will it be enough to entice those who play the more well-known brands to give them a chance? If you do, there is a good chance that you will like what you see.
More information on the Vero X1 can be found at www.oncoregolf.com.
The Details
Available: Now
Price: $39.99
Construction: 4 Piece, Cast Urethane Cover
Im not sure I understand the release from a strategy stand point. Market them as limited edition, so if someone likes them, they will have to find a new ball soon? If they move up from Elixir, will that make the golfer explore other 4 piece balls, when the limited stock runs out?
Add to that the highest price DTC ball currently I think. Although Wilson Staff Model is only available DTC right now and it is more too.
The limited edition part, yeah I don’t know where they are going from there.
Good stuff and some deep data. OnCore confuses me a little still directionally, and add in all these new celebrities that are part owners and I can’t tell if they’re sinking, swimming, or just treading.
The info about the ball shows it to be solid overall, but limited edition is an odd thing.
that is certainly the area when I wanted more from a golf ball when I played Elixr(which was quite a bit last season).
it’s rather interesting, at least to me. IF this ball performs incredibly well(which it did for me), I’d have no issue ordering a bunch of them the same I would when I do that with Srixon balls that are the same price. I order 95% of my golf balls online, so whether I order it from OnCore, Srixon, or another place, it doesn’t change my purchasing process. I’m going to put it through the process against some other balls here shortly and see how it holds up. But based on what I saw on the course and via the foresight, I think it’s a golf ball that is a viable option for my bag.
the Zeke Elliot news recently sure is interesting right? I don’t know what the future holds for them financially. They seem ambitious with things like the new facility in Buffalo that was announced in the fall. They signed Gary Player, which while I don’t think he moves the needle anymore, he hits an OnCore ball for the 1 tee shot that everybody watches him hit. But we all know the long story of the genius ball and where that has gone, or not gone would be more like it.
I think that is the biggest concern with most DTC companies and where they lie in the consumer eyes.
Meaning that we know none of them make their own products. With that said, neither do a number of other companies for certain products.
But without testing facilities, etc, it does make it harder for the "core golfer" to embrace without 1 of 2 things.
1. Price
2. Tech story
OnCore had the biggest tech story with the Genius ball, but failed to deliver and has now moved that product to a putting only ball (still not delivered.
Price, that is a tough one in that they are the highest priced DTC.
I tested them out and like you, thought they were pretty darn good. The tech story could be rather interesting here, but it appears, at least on the surface, the company is more interested in saying 4 piece, rather than what differentiates them. Maybe its their audience (I genuinely don’t know), but that price point is filled with some pretty darn good golf balls.
their messaging on it is not the best, we completely agree on the use of "4-piece" as if that is the magic phrase here.
the price market they are diving in to here is a tough one, some very strong options and filled with the big boy companies. To survive there, you have to have a product that can go toe to toe.
I think people who like Elixr will find this ball to be an improvement. People who like Titleist, won’t even think about this ball.
I believe that the sports people joining as investors are people that have an outstanding experience with their products and want to be part of the story. Don’t think it’s meant to confuse anyone with what they do or are planing on doing.
While I am sure that is the story and the case, I think many view it differently.
For instance, if Tiger Woods was given ownership of a Sleep Aid, then shilled it, people would say it is because he is an owner, not because he enjoys the product.
In lieu of cash dollars, the company gives a bit of ownership to use its likeness.
you know I don’t know TBH. I mean the numbers I was seeing with them were all good, the on course actions was good, and I didn’t have any major durability issues without clanging into trees/cartpath. I’m going to give them a legit look. Playing tomorrow and will have these, pix 2.0 tp5, and probably TourB RXS in the bag. I don’t know if I am necessarily losing anything from playing this ball, but I’ll have to take some time to really confirm that.
Good to hear. I guess it really comes down to is saving a few bucks worth it in the long run.
Sales will start out very stale and they will have to lower the price on these. Snell balls are continuously tested against the big boys and more than hold their own and carry a $32/dz price point shipped. I just don’t ever see myself forking about $40 a dz for these just to see if they might be better. Vice’s new ball is testing fantastic as well and cost around $25/dz when purchases in bulk. I just don’t see much success entering the market at this price point.
My last point is that almost every other manufacturer offers their 4 piece ball at the same price point as the 3 piece. If i’m a 4 piece guy, I have other options without having to pay a premium for it through oncore. They really should be pricing these closer to the elixr and no higher than their competitors. Elixr is currently $29.99 for a single dz, they could bring these in at $32.99, any higher than that and it just doesn’t make a lot of sense, especially in the current market.
At the end of the day, if I’m spending $40 on golf balls, I’m not buying Oncore. It’ll be Srixon XV’s or I’ll fork over $5 and get some TP5X’s. Also, if people are buying online, TP5X practice can be had at $20-30/dozen. I suppose I’m not sure what market they are trying to target here? If it’s the cost conscious internet shopper, this is a failing price point. If it’s just the Pro-V1 guy that wants to save a few bucks, is he grabbing these or giving Srixon a try at the same price? It’s confusing to say the least.
What if it performs better?
I thought the Elixir were in the $34.95 category? Maybe they are just currently discounted?
they were, but you can get all sorts of specials on them now. They have updated the pricing to 29.99 for 2020. I’m guessing to cause some separation from these while allowing wiggle room for a price drop.
I believe the new selling price of Elixir will be $29.95.
Which honestly makes a lot of sense with the current market.
That’s good news. I really like the Elixir, but I only really bought them at $20-$25 a doz. Especially when I could get Z-Stars at $20/doz on one of Srixon’s awesome BOGO deals.
Agree the $20 z stars are a no brainier for the season. The ELIXR is a great ball and believe they do 2/$50… How much more are you getting from the Vero X1 than the ELIXR, tough to out monetarily, but doubtful it’s worth the premium pricing.
You tell me though as I haven’t seen the Vero X1 on course.
for ME, I think the performance is worth the upcharge because it has proven on the course and on the LM to give a boost in spots where there Elixr was just "ok" to me. More ball speed of the driver, more distance off the driver, higher spin into the greens, and just an overall better feel. But like with anything equipment related the customer has the choice. Do they want to play an older driver and save money or a new driver and pay for that premium?
Interesting… Knowing those two items changed that means a lot. Well worth the price of admission.
yup and then the question is how does it stand up to the other balls in that price range.
And that is the million dollar question. One of the areas where a number of companies have succeeded is through trial programs and sleeves. OnCore has chosen the "influencer" model as you can tell based on social media, which hopefully works for them. I don’t view that as really hitting the core golfer as much, but I could be wrong.
DTC is a tough market, but a fair market and the brands that still exist and thrive have done so in a myriad of different ways. Cut based on price. Snell based on past history. Vice based on solid marketing. And then OnCore which has been based on a unique evolution that put their name in the limelight. But name in the lime light doesnt do much if the product stinks and the Elixir didnt stink.
The biggest thing about this ball is it seems as though it is being marketed as a better Elixir because of the extra layer. Im not sure I understand that line of thinking. Its a different ball, noticeably firmer to me off the tee.
it’s like they are chasing the Erik Anders Lang Vice crew with the influencer status.
Hahha. True.
I get it, its hard to make noise, but there are so many paths to choose and this one is unique if the goal is core golfers. Their product lineup, especially now seems to dictate that, but I am not sure their model is setup for that honestly.
Then add what their goals are, and I am still under the belief that it isnt golf balls.
What do you believe their goals are?
BTW, yes I have seen sleeve giveaways, BOGO deals, Membership discounts, holiday sales, giveaway contests and more from Oncore on all 3 of their balls, font know why people believe it would be any different with the Vero.
From what I read, they did head to head tests on Iron Biron with the Vero equal too or outperforming all of the top balls. I’m sure we will see more on this data appear as well. Or we can just give a sleeve to Matt from TXG, I think he is a robot….
To quote the owner, "A Blue Ocean".
Their sports complex that may or may not be coming gives a bit of insight in my opinion.
Their product started with the metal ball (that was awful) and they evolved into a pretty solid option albeit overpriced for their segment in the Elixir. In between they went out of DTC to back in with their "buy the balls at the grocery store option".
In my opinion, much of that came from putting their name in the spotlight of golfers through the Genius ball. Without spending a marketing dime, no company got more coverage through an upcoming product than they did with that (which is brilliant), but still havent delivered. I think their marketing is not geared towards the core golfer, or internet golfer if you will, like some of the other brands. Which is great if it is working for you.
With that said, that doesn’t take away from this product and while it wasn’t the best I have tested, it was pretty darn good and I think @ddec article shows that off extremely well.
I mean, publicity is publicity.
Doesn’t Player own stake in the company? I thought he was an investor.
I wouldn’t put it past him, would you? He’s a pretty class act
"We are aware of the criticisms that have been raised as a result of our product being displayed by Wayne Player at this morning’s ceremonial tee shot at the Masters, most specifically during the introduction of Lee Elder, one of golf’s trailblazers," said OnCore CEO Keith Blakely. "We did not ask or instruct Mr. Player to have our ball sleeve visible during the ceremony and are sorry if his actions caused any offense or was a distraction from the wonderful recognition being paid to Mr. Elder.
"Throughout its history, OnCore has been an ardent supporter of diversity and inclusion in golf and was the first corporate ball sponsor of the Nomads – an organization of African American golfers that, like Mr. Elder, have advanced the awareness and recognition of the challenges faced by persons of color. In December, OnCore sponsored the inaugural United Golfers Association tournament in Orlando, Florida. UGA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of African American youth being introduced to the sport of golf.
"The company is proud of its products, its community involvement, and its support of golfers of all ages, ethnicity, gender, and skill level. We congratulate Mr. Elder on this wonderful recognition alongside golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player and wish everyone a successful Masters tournament."
Not clever enough. He will be the fall guy though haha