Okay, so I’ve been getting back into golf lately, and like any normal person, I immediately started wondering if I could save a few bucks on golf balls. I kept seeing “Nitro” golf balls pop up, and the price was definitely tempting. So, I decided to do a little experiment – are Nitro golf balls actually any good?
The Purchase
First things first, I grabbed a box. I think I got a 15-pack of the Nitro Maximum Distance ones. They were super cheap, I’m talking way less than the big-name brands. I figured, even if they’re terrible, I wouldn’t be out too much cash.
The First Few Swings
I headed to the driving range to smash a few. Honestly, my first impression was…meh. They felt a little hard, kind of like hitting rocks. The sound wasn’t that satisfying “thwack” you get with a premium ball. But, I kept going. I wanted to give them a fair shot.
Distance Test
- Driver: Okay, this is where things got interesting. I was definitely getting some decent distance with these things. I wouldn’t say they were magically longer than other balls I’ve used, but they certainly weren’t short.
- Irons: With my irons, the distance was pretty standard. Nothing to write home about, but nothing terrible either. I did notice that they seemed to fly a bit higher, which could be good or bad depending on the wind.
Around the Green
This is where the Nitro balls started to show their, um, “budget” nature. They didn’t have much feel around the green. Chipping felt a little unpredictable, and I had trouble getting them to stop quickly on the green. Putting was also a bit of a challenge. They felt hard off the putter face, and I had a hard time gauging the distance.
Durability
I played a full round with these balls, and I have to say, they held up pretty well. I bashed a few into some trees (don’t judge), and they didn’t scuff up too badly. They seem pretty durable, which is a plus, especially for the price.
My overall thoughts
So, are Nitro golf balls good? Well it’s depend. They’re not terrible, but they’re not amazing either. If you’re a beginner or a high-handicapper who loses a lot of balls, these are a perfectly fine option. You’ll get decent distance, and you won’t cry when you slice one into the woods.
But, if you’re a more serious golfer who values feel and control around the green, I’d probably skip the Nitros. Spend the extra money on a better ball. You’ll probably enjoy the game more, and your scores might even thank you.
For me, I’ll probably keep a few Nitros in my bag for those days when I’m feeling extra reckless, Or you know, for water hazards.
