Nike 20XI ball review

[moonshine]

Both S and X model

First I want to thank Golfwrx for giving me the chance to do this. I currently play to a 3 handicap and really don't have a favorite ball. I normally will jump on a sale or play what I am given.

Equipment: Cally RHT 9.5 Fubuki 73X SS 110
Ping s58 irons zz65 stiff
Vokey/Nike wedges
SSB Okracoke putter (the BoMb!)

General observations: I love the packaging and think Nike has done a great job with marketing and commercials. I do wish they would have chosen different colors for the numbers on one of the balls. You simply have to look at the side of the ball to decide between the two. I tried to give enough time with both balls and my region has had quite a bit of rain in the last month or so.

Playing the S: For me, the ball is a bit loud off the driver face but soft enough to tell the difference w/o looking at which one I hit. Flight was a bit higher than I'm used to, however the 11 proV test ball I tried was a higher launch as well but would flatten out for me. I did experience ballooning a few times into the wind, but only once every so often. The ball has fantastic spin into greens inside of 100 yards and would boost confidence for almost any golfer for tough pin placements. Putting feel was fine if not a bit harder than what I'm used to. I typically do not get picky about this aspect since making the putt is all I focus on! Distance was on par with the X for me, and maybe I could tell in a blind test the S was a tad softer...maybe.

Playing the X: I did have Tour D balls to play side by side with the X version. The X is noticeably more firm off the driver face than the Tour D, IMO. Flight was lower than the S, but average overall compared to many of the new tour type balls I have tried. It still had great spin around the green, and I worried a bit less about my approach shots with the X since the S could really be worked back on demand. Distance was fairly normal, and wind conditions had almost no effect on performance. I will note again that due to mostly softer playing conditions, neither ball showed me much roll/release when I had the chance to play a round.

Durability: This is where the surprise came in. The s58 irons would mark a new ball the first time I hit it...a bit more with the S model. It took me a while to wrap my mind around this fact since I don't play many tourneys, but sometimes I wondered about taking it out of play after a few holes. The X was a bit better and compared to the Tour D I think the ball is more durable after playing a round or two with them. I snapped a Droid photo of a new S after one iron shot with a new ball. Yes, the camera is not great, but the concern for me if I were paying $45 per dozen was bothersome. The 11 prov1x held up better for me as a comparison.

Conclusion: I have to mention when switching to a B330S I had in the bag the Bridgestone immediately felt like I was home again. It seemed to jump off the club face for me, was softer and the flight was stronger and better for me. I was consumed with confidence right away after seeing the strong flight and performance of the B330S. I can't explain it any other way but to say others may have the exact opposite experience! Thank you again Golfwrx for the great opportunity...hope I can do it again! Shoot me any questions guys, I will follow up again in a few days if the storms will stay away.

[Potatohead]

B330S is hard to beat. It doesn't get a ton of recognition, but it feels soft, is somewhat durable but I agree the flight is the best part, it seems to fly lower than most of the newer, spinnier balls, which is nice. I keep toying with other balls but keep coming back to the Bridgestone.

Thanks for the review on the Nike... From all that I have heard (not just your review, others as well) I don't think it's a great fit for me.

[lander215]

Great review, thanks!

I had experienced the same issue with the "S" as you did as far as durability was concerned. One wedge shot (Callaway X Jaws) and the bar was marked very similar to the pic you posted. I've been playing the Nike One Tour for about a year now and really like it...was hoping the new one would be its replacement, but I just ordered 50 of the B330S from Lostgolfballs yesterday after some discussions with several of my friends that have played both.

[Par72]

I played 17 holes with the S the other day (including a hole out for eagle 2) and the ball looked brand new. Only 1 visible cut and definitely not affecting the ball. I actually liked it, although will probably still play the Tour D at half or more of the price on sale.

I'd love to get my hands on some of the vaunted One Tour D* to try....Ive always liked nike balls.

[moonshine]

Thanks guys, as another side note I have changed irons from the ping clubs. I was just giving up too much with those crazy square grooves. Will follow up after a few rounds with the new clubs....back to forged forever.

[DNice26]

I agree with your thoughts on the B330s.......awesome ball!