Nike 2008 Power Distance Soft 1-Dozen Golf Balls

Comment: I have been poking around about this ball on-line, as it has become my favorite ball of late. I would have to say I agree on a lot of points with the last reviewer and think this is an excellent ball.

The main difference is my game is that I am average/intermediate at best. If I break 100, even on an easy golf course, I am lucky. According to most literature, I should be using some kind of 2-piece ball with a low compression core. This is because those balls are cheap and get maximum distance out of a slow swing speed.

I have experimented with a lot of 2-piece balls at this point. I mainly used low-spin, hard-cover, low-compression balls for a long time (favoring Noodle Ice). This is because I have a weekness in distance, especially off the tee. This type of ball is what is recommended for me.

I finally decided to completely change my outlook though, and instead of trying to use my ball to shore up my weaknesses, I decided to get a ball that would play into my strength, which is short game.

That lead to me trying the Nike Power Distance Soft and the Maxfli Noodle Soft. They are very similar, but I have been favoring the Nike Soft ball, mostly for the cover.

The cover is almost perfect to me. It feels absolutely great. I love it around the greens, and really, I like it better off the tee too (for feel). After a while of playing those Noodle Ice balls, I decided I couldn't stand them. It Felt like I was hitting a block of tempered glass or something.

Now, I can't say that this ball has improved my score. But, it hasn't gotten any worse. In fact, I would say that no aspect of my game has gotten worse, drives, long fairway clubs, short clubs, chipping, or putting. And I get the incredible feel of this ball with no down side.

The one big con I think people should know about is that the spin is a double-edged sword, especially on long shots. If you are used to playing a low-spin ball, this one will seem very finicky off the tee. It still takes a fade, draw, or neutral chunk extremely well. Where it won't perform as well as a low-spin ball is if you have a tendency to pull hook or slice the ball. The ball is made to take spin, and if you really whip one inside out, it will go almost as far sideways as it goes forward.

Really, I think this is a great ball for anyone who is not a pro, and likes a soft soft feel on the club face. Honestly, I would say this ball feels almost like a range ball in softness and spin. Although, I think it does perform better than one. Really, you will only lose distance on this ball if you hit 250+ (quite possibly) or you are used to hitting a low-spin chunk and run. This hard cover may make a difference to some ladies, I'm not sure. I see a lot of ladies on tour using something akin to the Noodle Ice or Precept's glassy-looking ball. It may make a difference at those swing speeds. Or it may be that ladies play a lot more chunk and runs with their long shots, so they need the low spin and the hot cover.

Anyway, any golfer should pick up a pack of these balls, if they want to experiment with a true "feel" ball. They are only $15-18 per dozen, and will make great practice balls for putt and pitch if nothing else. It may also satisfy your curiousity as to what you can do with a ball that you can truly control off the club face.

Comment: I hadn't played a round of golf in over 6 years due to kids sports, when I left the game I was a 6 handicap. Getting back into my 1-2 round a week schedule now and decided I needed new balls that hadn't been sitting in my garage for 6+ years Saw these in a shop for $15, had no idea what the compression , etc was, just wanted a box to get back into. I used to play the old Titleist Professional 100 compression ball. Played my first round and hit the ball extremely well. Was surprised at how soft this ball felt (similar to old Professionals & balata balls I played years ago) yet it still travelled very long off the tee. First round hit several 240+ yard drives (by the way I don't even hit a driver, use an old Callaway BB Warbird 3+ 13 degree - used to be 275+ off the tee consistent). Was very happy with the ball so I hit the internet. Oh My God --- what was I doing with this ball.... 60 compression, begginner, lady, senior ball.... ego got the best of me, only used 2 balls in that round. So I've played 6 rounds in the last month trying out all the new balls since I've gotten back in the game - Titleist Pro V1, Srixon, etc. Curious in my last round 2 days ago so I decided to "demo" the balls in my bag. Played first 4 holes with a Srixon AD333 (avg drive 240, felt good), next 3 holes with Srixon URS (avg drive 250, felt ok), next 4 holes with Titleist ProV1 (avg drive 270, felt a little harder off irons & putter) - OK, now back to the "baby" Nike - ok, so yah now I'm loose, hitting pretty solid - drives on next 3 holes 300 , 310, 290. Obviously the softest feel of the day off my short irons and had really good bite on the greens.

Moral - I am an above average golfer sitting now at about an 11 handicap on the way back down. But this ball is AWESOME. No loss of distance, great feel, holds it's line very well on off center and missed shots. Spins very well on short irons and great feel with the putter. I'm probably going to buy more of these and stick the other balls in my garage. yah, I'll keep a couple sleeves of the other high priced balls in my bag when my ego get's the most of me, but when I really want to score these little green babies are coming out..... DID YOU NOTICE THEY ARE $15 friggin dollars..... in golf it's score baby.. not what ball did you use. I'd buy these all day long regardless of your handicap level.