Pros: Long, durable
The NXT Tour is a good ball in all categories, but not an over-whelming leader.
As for distance, the NXT Tour gave me some of my longer drives. I was driving what seemed to be 10 or so yards farther with it than the other mid-priced balls I'd tried so far, the only exception being the Bridgestone e5. The NXT Tour had a softer feel to it off the driver, however, than the e5. And I don't know if I had a couple lucky straight-hitting days, but I hardly hooked a ball with the NXT Tour, and I'm not known for my driving consistency shot shape-wise.
The wedge spin holds greens well, but not spectacularly. My less-than-great wedge shots didn't roll out too much and my short irons were able to hit about 1/4 of the way from the back of the green and still hold it. But I don't think the spin is impressive compared to some of the other mid-priced balls.
Durability-wise, they didn't scuff easily. Full wedge shots with a 2011 conforming wedge didn't damage them easily and I never took one out of play before I lost it. I played up to 10 holes with a ball and didn't scuff it too badly.
The sound off the putter is decent. A little of the "clicky" sound that non-urethane balls tend to have some of, but not annoyingly so. It sounded maybe a little better than the average mid-priced ball.
I'd say the NXT Tour is a leader, performance-wise, in the mid-priced ball category -- I don't think it's unfairly hyped. But despite being good, you're not getting the best deal for your dollar that exists. It's 11% more expensive per ball than other leaders, so while not overpriced, it's not a great deal.
As for distance, the NXT Tour gave me some of my longer drives. I was driving what seemed to be 10 or so yards farther with it than the other mid-priced balls I'd tried so far, the only exception being the Bridgestone e5. The NXT Tour had a softer feel to it off the driver, however, than the e5. And I don't know if I had a couple lucky straight-hitting days, but I hardly hooked a ball with the NXT Tour, and I'm not known for my driving consistency shot shape-wise.
The wedge spin holds greens well, but not spectacularly. My less-than-great wedge shots didn't roll out too much and my short irons were able to hit about 1/4 of the way from the back of the green and still hold it. But I don't think the spin is impressive compared to some of the other mid-priced balls.
Durability-wise, they didn't scuff easily. Full wedge shots with a 2011 conforming wedge didn't damage them easily and I never took one out of play before I lost it. I played up to 10 holes with a ball and didn't scuff it too badly.
The sound off the putter is decent. A little of the "clicky" sound that non-urethane balls tend to have some of, but not annoyingly so. It sounded maybe a little better than the average mid-priced ball.
I'd say the NXT Tour is a leader, performance-wise, in the mid-priced ball category -- I don't think it's unfairly hyped. But despite being good, you're not getting the best deal for your dollar that exists. It's 11% more expensive per ball than other leaders, so while not overpriced, it's not a great deal.
3 Comments