NIKE 2014 Ball Review

[Pure745]

[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1391174102' post='8570624']
So is it like the Black core with the Platinum cover? Or...?
[/quote]

Earlier in my review I was joking about Nike needing a "RZN Titanium", a ball in between the Black and Platinum. Well, apparently, this is the ball. It is tour only, and called the RZN "dot", it is supposed to be similar in performance to the RZN Black, but with a softer cover. I think the Black is still too firm for many, and this actual ball would be popular for many better players.

[swanry30]

[quote name='Pure745' timestamp='1391184422' post='8571560']
[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1391174102' post='8570624']
So is it like the Black core with the Platinum cover? Or...?
[/quote]

Earlier in my review I was joking about Nike needing a "RZN Titanium", a ball in between the Black and Platinum. Well, apparently, this is the ball. It is tour only, and called the RZN "dot", it is supposed to be similar in performance to the RZN Black, but with a softer cover. I think the Black is still too firm for many, and this actual ball would be popular for many better players.
[/quote]

IMO it would be their best selling ball (without hitting it) - as i feel they are missing the target market with the platinum and black. i'm lucky that i fit into to the black - but it leaves something to be desired.

[laweijfmvo]

[quote name='shakey' timestamp='1391182388' post='8571348']
Feb 28 is what my system shows.
[/quote]

thanks.

[GC70]

Tai did you get a chance to put these(tour only balls) in play yet?

[timbo08]

Can anyone compare these to the One Tour D? I haven't found a Nike ball I like since then and have been trying like hell to find a counterpart to put into play.

[novakjrp1]

So is Rory and the other staffers that are playing the RZN Black playing the retail version, or this RZN Dot Black version?

[nova6868]

[quote name='Pure745' timestamp='1391184422' post='8571560']
[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1391174102' post='8570624']
So is it like the Black core with the Platinum cover? Or...?
[/quote]

Earlier in my review I was joking about Nike needing a "RZN Titanium", a ball in between the Black and Platinum. Well, apparently, this is the ball. It is tour only, and called the RZN "dot", it is supposed to be similar in performance to the RZN Black, but with a softer cover. I think the Black is still too firm for many, and this actual ball would be popular for many better players.
[/quote]

I only asked because I seem to recall Nike having a "tour issue" ball in the past that was the lower spin core with the softer cover, and most of the Nike staff preferred that ball.

And it apparently continues to be the popular ball with Nike staff... So... Nike... why not just [b]RELEASE THIS BALL[/b]?

[Pure745]

[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1391307782' post='8581250']
[quote name='Pure745' timestamp='1391184422' post='8571560']
[quote name='nova6868' timestamp='1391174102' post='8570624']
So is it like the Black core with the Platinum cover? Or...?
[/quote]

Earlier in my review I was joking about Nike needing a "RZN Titanium", a ball in between the Black and Platinum. Well, apparently, this is the ball. It is tour only, and called the RZN "dot", it is supposed to be similar in performance to the RZN Black, but with a softer cover. I think the Black is still too firm for many, and this actual ball would be popular for many better players.
[/quote]

I only asked because I seem to recall Nike having a "tour issue" ball in the past that was the lower spin core with the softer cover, and most of the Nike staff preferred that ball.

And it apparently continues to be the popular ball with Nike staff... So... Nike... why not just [b]RELEASE THIS BALL[/b]?
[/quote]

I'm not sure how popular this ball is on tour, I've never heard of it till my buddy (Nike Athlete) showed it to me the other day. I do remember talking to the tour rep on the trailer in Ft. Worth about all these proto balls and they did say the most popular balls among the Athletes is generally what they bring to retail. I personally love this ball, but I'm not sure if I'm in the minority or not. I know a lot of WRX'ers would love this ball, it's definitely softer than the Black by just enough and feedback from my friend says that performance is similar to the black as well.

[quote name='MNNikeGuy' timestamp='1391266006' post='8577438']
Tai did you get a chance to put these(tour only balls) in play yet?
[/quote]

I have only putted with it, I have a sleeve and don't want to fall in love with it and then not be able to get it lol!

[G-Bone]

I received a sleeve of Black and Platinum today.

I have only had a chance to putt and chip with them in the house, so far (being we got an additional 8 inches of snow yesterday). I would agree with those saying they're softer than last years models. However, to me, they are still much more 'clicky' off the putter than Lethal and SR2. With the limited chipping I can do around the house, I'd say the Black and Platinum also feel firmer off the wedges than Lethal and SR2, as well.

I plan to play them in three weeks while in San Diego, I'll report back then.

[Ironhorse723]

Pretty stoked to try my Black Prototypes I got Tues!

[Merle33]

Can't wait to give the new RZN balls a try. I'm a Nike staff professional and I've played the One Tour D, One Black, and both versions of the 20xi-Xthe past few years. I'm a moderately high SS maxing out at 105mph with the driver and a moderately high spin player, but don't have issues with spinning balls off of greens. I've played the softer iterations of the above listed balls in the past, but have enjoyed the spin reduction on drives, and accepted the feel and spin characteristics of iron, wedge and putts that the firmer versions offer. All with that small sacrifice of softer feel. It really sounds like the new RZN balls are going to be impressive!

I think if I can improve my mechanics with the driver to reduce spin, the RZN platinum could be the ball for me in 2014. But the RZN Black with softer feel could fit the bill as well. I'm fortunate to be heading to The Oven in a few weeks, so I'm hopeful that I'll have my decision made after that experience!

Glad to see support for the brand on GolfWRX!

[edryer3]

[quote name='Merle33' timestamp='1391436717' post='8589280']
Can't wait to give the new RZN balls a try. I'm a Nike staff professional and I've played the One Tour D, One Black, and both versions of the 20xi-Xthe past few years. I'm a moderately high SS maxing out at 105mph with the driver and a moderately high spin player, but don't have issues with spinning balls off of greens. I've played the softer iterations of the above listed balls in the past, but have enjoyed the spin reduction on drives, and accepted the feel and spin characteristics of iron, wedge and putts that the firmer versions offer. All with that small sacrifice of softer feel. It really sounds like the new RZN balls are going to be impressive!

I think if I can improve my mechanics with the driver to reduce spin, the RZN platinum could be the ball for me in 2014. But the RZN Black with softer feel could fit the bill as well. I'm fortunate to be heading to The Oven in a few weeks, so I'm hopeful that I'll have my decision made after that experience!

Glad to see support for the brand on GolfWRX!
[/quote]

Awesome let us know the results. I can't wait to try them myself!!

[Lesmond]

Played some holes with all the 4 balls in wet and little windy but not rainy conditions yesterday.

The RZN black/Platinum can hold itself in the wind. It can stay up longer without getting shot down short. Carries good as well.

Same can't be said for the white and red. I am guessing it's because of it's weight/core?

Still made the green but short since pin was in the back end of the hole.

[FullOfBrushMan]

I swear if the NE wasn't expecting another snow storm I would buy the Black and confirm what everyone has been raving about.

[edryer3]

I just bought a box of RZN Black from Golfsmith they had them out on the shelfs. Have not yet had the chance to hit them yet. To bad they did not come out before my Bandon Dunes trip which I just got back from.

[Lesmond]

You know your game, now find your RZN. Available now.www.nike.com/us/en_us/c/golf/rzn-balls

 

From my testing and my experiences, I will buy a box the platinum and white.

 

[Dirty.Birdie]

 

Just saw this on golf towns website. Good idea to try all 4 golf balls

[minteq]

I ordered a dozen of the RZN Black, I like the 20Xi-X ball, and from what I heard about the RZN black it will be perfect, little softer, but same performance.

[FullOfBrushMan]

Golf Galaxy has an insane promotion going atm.

 

Now I am not going to do this but what is stopping people from buying multiple boxes of RZN then returning half of the unused box for in-store credit? Buy 10 Boxes of RZN, return all "10" while you keep the equivalent of 5 boxes, get the store credit, sell the RZN on the cheap on WRX, then put that money + credit towards new clubs for an insane discount because you can use a coupon on top of it. Insane.

 

It's like buying a new SLDR or i25 driver and getting 5 free dozen RZNs.

 

 

[cardoustie]

Bought a doz platinum to try in Florida next week and the free asstd 12 was a nice bonus

I'm going to compare the prov1x vs B330s vs nike platinum next week in the redneck riviera ... I am tired of four feet of snow and minus 20

[Lesmond]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxT7mPU2aPc

[G-Bone]

I had an opportunity to play Black and Platinum for a couple of rounds this week.

I was not fond of Platinum, at all. I didn't care for the feel and I found it a half to full club short through the bag.

Black, on the other hand, was fantastic. The '20XI click' is gone, you hear it a bit off the putter, but you certainly do not feel it off irons or driver. I found Black to be a solid performer in the wind and long off the driver. Black had a fair amount of approach spin, allowing me to back it up a foot or two behind its pitch mark with my wedges. Where Black fell short, for me, was green side spin. On chips and sand shots that I really needed the Black to bight, it simply didn't do it. It performed similar to Lethal in this aspect, which isn't terrible, but not as good as SR2 that I was testing along side Black.

In summary, Platinum simply isn't for me, but Black is a wonderful ball. If Black had slightly more green side control it may have found it's way into my bag for '14. At this point I'm sticking with SR2 for the year. But I must say, GREAT JOB NIKE, Black is light years better than 20XI!

[ThunderBuzzworth]

Does anyone know the compression numbers of these? particularly the black?

[j2_a2]

[quote name='FullOfBrushMan' timestamp='1393630105' post='8767716']
Golf Galaxy has an insane promotion going atm.

Now I am not going to do this but what is stopping people from buying multiple boxes of RZN then returning half of the unused box for in-store credit? Buy 10 Boxes of RZN, return all "10" while you keep the equivalent of 5 boxes, get the store credit, sell the RZN on the cheap on WRX, then put that money + credit towards new clubs for an insane discount because you can use a coupon on top of it. Insane.

It's like buying a new SLDR or i25 driver and getting 5 free dozen RZNs.
[/quote]

Got some platinums at Rodger Dunn and was informed of that same promotion. Didn't really care enough to get a whole box though, just got a sleeve along with a sleeve of the new B330-S to test out.

[awil]

Anyone know if buying a dozen at golfsmith or galaxy will get te trial pack?

[onafriday]

I grabbed two sleeves of the black, and two of the platinum and played 9 with each this morning.

The black, to me, feels pretty similar to the sr3. Firm.

I thought both were pretty good. I like the black a little more than the sr3- but in a blind test I doubt I could tell the difference between the 2.

The platinum was a great ball. I couldnt see much distance difference one way or the other. But the feel of the platinum was just great.

Soft and durable off the tee and in the mid irons, and especially off the putter face (I'm a non-insert guy).

I'm not sure it'll dethrone the mighty prov1x, but both the nike rzn and the callaway sr3 lines are pretty impressive- so we all win.

I'm a 4 w/ ss of 107-110 fwiw...

[Stew@scotland]

Black compression 83 and Shore D 46
Platinum compression 78 and Shore D 40
I'm sure when golfballtest.org do there compression test on them the numbers will be much higher than nike states.
Cant wait to try the black, if it ever stops raining here that is.

[ThunderBuzzworth]

[quote name='Stew@scotland' timestamp='1394369492' post='8830937']
Black compression 83 and Shore D 46
Platinum compression 78 and Shore D 40
I'm sure when golfballtest.org do there compression test on them the numbers will be much higher than nike states.
Cant wait to try the black, if it ever stops raining here that is.
[/quote]
Golfballtest is actually the number I am most intersted in. I am wondering what they say compared to the 20xi-x because after a Bridgestone ball fitting challenge the b stone rep told me they do not make a ball firm enough for me. If the black is significantly softer compression I may just stock up on the ol' X

[Stew@scotland]

According to Nike the 2011 20xi-x was 91 compression but golfballtest.org say 116 so if Nike say the RZN Black is 83 you could guess its around 108

[BCULAW]

Place ed a few hopes with the black yesterday head to head against my gamer (which shall remain anonymous to avoid flames from the loyalists). The Nike was consistently longer off the driver. My iron play was awful yesterday, so couldn't get much of a comparison, but it did feel really nice off the putter. I'm definitely going to pick up a dozen for some further testing, and am looking forward to trying the platinum as well.