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Although not widely known and played, Nitro golf balls have developed a reputation in recent years for being cheap, cheerful, and rock hard! But are they legal?
Remember, all Nitro golf balls can be played in recreational games and on the practice ground, while the only two that are USGA approved are the Maximum Distance and Long Distance Peak Performance balls, each of which we introduce below.
To help you decide if Nitro balls are suitable for you, we look at some of the company’s most popular products and run through the pros and cons of each.
Let’s begin with a review of the aptly named Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball.
Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Ball
When a golf ball is described by a manufacturer as ‘virtually indestructible,’ it makes you sit up and take notice.
And that’s the first thing that Nitro claims about its Ultimate Distance Golf Ball, which comes in various exotic colors including orange, yellow, and pink (you can go for white if you’re a traditionalist).
Nitro Ultimate Distance balls comprise a reactive two-piece titanium core, which essentially maximizes the energy transfer from the clubhead to the ball.
In theory, it should fly further, particularly when leathered with the big stick!
The balls have also been designed with symmetrical dimples, which Nitro claims reduce drag and also contribute to longer shots.
As the name of the ball suggests, if you strike it cleanly off the tee, you can expect it to fly! Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of Nitro Ultimate Distance balls.
Pros
- Good value. You can pick up a pack of fifteen for as little as $10.
- The vibrant colors make it easy to find your ball in the rough, trees, or even underwater! This makes it ideal for beginners who struggle to stay in play.
Cons
- These balls are rock solid. If you’re not used to playing hard balls, you will almost certainly find it difficult to adapt.
- The dimple design makes it difficult to spin Nitro balls, which will put off lower handicap players.
Overall Rating for the Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Balls
We would suggest that Nitro Ultimate Distance balls are suited to beginners who often end up in deep rough or in the trees, as these balls are much easier to locate than others!
The fact that they increase distance is good for those just starting out, too.
Nitro Crossfire Golf Balls
If you’re not sold on Nitro’s Ultra Distance offering, the Crossfire balls are a good alternative to consider.
While they still focus on maximizing energy transfer from club to ball (and therefore going further), Crossfire balls are built to last.
They are coated in a DuPont lithium Surlyn cut-proof cover, which reduces the wear and tear on the balls, and keeps them looking new for longer.
Compared to Ultimate Distance balls, the Crossfire has a softer feel but is still much harder than some of the most commonly played balls in the game.
Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of playing Nitro Crossfire balls.
Pros
- Nitro Crossfire balls come in a box of 45 and are currently priced at under $40. Again, this is great value for brand new golf balls.
- The fact that they’re softer than the Ultimate Distance balls means they’re slightly easier to control, particularly when playing your irons.
Cons
- In spite of its solid core, players who are more used to popular branded balls consistently find that they lose distance when playing Nitro Crossfire balls.
- They only come in white, which is a disadvantage when you consider that one of the main reasons for buying Nitro balls is that they’re meant to be easy to locate in the rough!
Overall Rating for the Nitro Crossfire Golf Balls
Again, Nitro Crossfire balls are best suited to beginners.
That being said, more experienced players might consider investing in them to use out on the practice ground.
After all, they represent great value for money and may help you hit your woods and metals further.
Nitro Maximum Distance Golf Ball
If you thought Nitro’s Ultra Distance balls increased your length off the tee, you should probably try their Maximum Distance golf ball.
The good news about the Maximum Distance ball is that it is developed to USGA specs, which makes it competition legal.
Coming with all of the same design features previously introduced, the Maximum Distance ball from Nitro has been produced with all levels of golfers in mind (from beginners to pros).
Whether pros would opt to play such a hard ball is another topic entirely, but that’s the claim of Nitro.
But what are the Maximum Distance balls actually like? Let’s find out with an assessment of the pros and cons.
Pros
- USGA approved, meaning you can play them in competitions (not all Nitro balls are legal, and some can only be used in practice rounds).
- For tournament-approved balls, they’re cheap. A twelve-pack is just $10, which is great value if you’re looking to fill your bag.
Cons
- These balls aren’t ideal for lower handicap golfers. They don’t have much of a feel and are nigh on impossible to spin.
- They bounce extremely hard, so you might need to be careful using them when the course is bone dry.
Overall Rating for the Nitro Maximum Distance Golf Balls
Like the other Nitro balls we’ve introduced, the Maximum Distance balls would be ideal for beginners or anyone looking to stock up their practice bag without wanting to pay over the odds for new balls.
The fact that they are competition legal makes them a good choice for beginners who are considering getting involved in club competitions for the first time.
Nitro Glycerin Golf Balls
The best thing about Nitro Glycerin balls is the neon color scheme! Your fifteen pack contains a range of vibrant colors, including pink, purple, orange, yellow, and blue.
If nothing else, they will be a great conversation starter with your playing partner on the first tee.
They are also semi-translucent, which makes them easier to spot out on the course.
When compared to the other Nitro balls already introduced, the Glycerin ball is much softer and is capable of spinning.
So, how do they actually shape up? Let’s look at what’s good and bad about Nitro Glycerin balls.
Pros
- These are perfect for players looking to have fun out on the course! After all, what’s not to love about teeing off on the first with a blue ball and coming down the eighteenth with a pink one?
- Like all other Nitro balls, the Glycerin represents great value for money. A pack of fifteen retails at $12.
Cons
- Most people buy Nitro balls for the extra distance, and the fact that these are a soft feel makes the Glycerin balls a less attractive proposition.
- Although they spin more than Nitro distance balls, you shouldn’t expect wonders!
Overall Rating for the Nitro Glycerin Golf Balls
Technically, lower handicap players might get good use out of Nitro Glycerin balls, as they offer a little more control than the distance balls introduced above.
But ultimately, these balls are perfect for anyone looking to jazz things up out on the course, as the colors are the best thing about them. Why not give them a go?
Nitro Long Distance Peak Performance Golf Balls
Another Nitro ball that’s USGA approved, the Long Distance Peak Performance balls are perhaps the best within the Nitro range.
In typical Nitro fashion, the balls are only available in pink, meaning you will have absolutely no problem finding them in bad light.
In spite of being ‘long distance’, these balls come with a soft feel and 70 compression, which makes spinning them possible for those capable.
Given the other Nitro balls available, we would recommend these out of all of them to lower and mid handicappers if you’re keen to try out Nitro balls.
Let’s finish up with a review of the good and bad of Nitro’s best-performing ball.
Pros
- Nitro’s best-performing ball is USGA & R&A legal.
- It’s not exceptionally hard, either, which is a constant criticism laid at the door of Nitro for their other balls.
- The vibrant pink color of these balls makes them truly one of a kind! You will struggle to lose them, that’s for sure.
Cons
- If you don’t like the idea of teeing off in front of your buddies with a pink ball, then this Nitro isn’t for you!
- At under $20 for fifteen, this is one of Nitro’s more expensive balls (even though it’s still good value!).
Overall Rating for the Nitro Long Distance Peak Performance Golf Balls
Similar to the Maximum Distance balls, these Nitro Peak Performance balls best suit beginners.
The fact that they’re USGA and R&A legal means you can add them to your bag for tournaments, too.
FAQs – What You Need to Know About Nitro Golf Balls
Check out our common questions concerning the nitro golf ball below:
Are Nitro Golf Balls Any Good?
When compared to the likes of Titleist Pro V1s, Nitro golf balls fall a little bit short in terms of performance but represent good value for money for golfers who are just starting out.
Considering they’re so cheap and designed with beginners in mind, they’re a decent option to add to your bag, particularly if you’re looking for more distance off the tee.
Just don’t expect a great deal of control when it comes to your approach play.
Are all Nitro Golf Balls Illegal?
No, not all Nitro golf balls are illegal. As introduced, the Maximum Distance and Long Distance Peak Performance balls are USGA & R&A approved, meaning you can play them in tournaments.
The other balls introduced can be played recreationally and are ideal for practice rounds.
Are Nitro Golf Balls Long?
Beginners and high handicappers might see an increase in their distance thanks to the way the dimples are designed on Nitro balls. However, some low to mid handicappers complain that they lose distance when playing Nitro.
Aside from the price, the main reason to buy Nitro balls is that they promise a greater distance off the tee.
We recommend you grab a dozen and hit some drives off the practice range first.
Are Nitro Golf Balls Low Compression?
Nitro balls aren’t considered as low compression or ‘soft feeling’ balls. In fact, they’re rock hard when compared to the best performing low compression balls that are favored by elite golfers.
Nitro’s Peak Performance balls have a compression rating of 70. In comparison, many of the most popular ‘soft-feel’ balls have compression ratings of 60.
Nitro Golf Balls: Funky, Quirky and Fun!
Nitro golf balls are unapologetically unique. From the brazen colors to the rock-solid core and tailored dimple design, you can expect these babies to fly!
They’re certainly not an attractive option for golfing purists, and they’re nigh on impossible to spin.
But if you’re looking for cheap, fun, and cheerful balls to add to your golf bag, then any of the Nitro options introduced above could be just what you’re looking for.