Nike 20XI

[BStone]

So I was finally able to get out to the course and test the new Nike golf balls last week. I played one round with the 20XI-X and one with the 20XI-S. My initial thoughts on the X was that it felt a little harder off of the face than the One Tour D. Distance was about 5 yards more off the driver, but almost 3/4 of a club longer off of the irons. Decent spin coming into the greens, a lot like most of the lower spin premium options out there. The S was a bigger surprise to me, I usually find that the higher spin versions of tour golf balls are shorter off of the tee for me since I tend to generate slightly higher spin rates in general. The S was about a yard or two shorter than the X, but gave a lot of spin on 3/4 wedge shots and pitches compared to the X. Both were very durable, not a cut on either of them after playing all 18 holes with each one. I think they are a very good ball, I like the S a little more at this point, but I am playing a couple of very tough courses this weekend and will be able to give them a little more of a test with fast fairways and firmer greens.

 

[BStone]

Definitely prefer the 20XI-S to the X, they are both very solid performance wise, but I like the softer feel of the S, especially on partial wedge shots. They are both good in wind, as they hold their line very well, it took a little getting used to the fact that they seem to cut through wind as I tried to play a shot off the right side of the green with a draw wind and it ended up taking the exact line that I aimed it on. The X was a couple of yards longer but was noticeably firmer off of the club face.

 

[Rockford35]

I got a dozen of these for $20 with the opening of a new store here in town about a month ago. I haven't had the opportunity to hit them yet. Heading out tomorrow, hopefully I can get a few drives and wedges with them, throw in my 2 cents.

R35