REVIEW: 2009 Nike ONE Tour D

By
Corey Grice
Published: April 29, 2009Posted in: ReviewsTags: , , , , , ,

Good distance & nice soft feel, but disappointing spin for a pricey performance ball
  
I was eager to try the Nike ONE Tour D, new for 2009. As a fan of the Nike ONE Platinum (see our recent NiceBallz review here), I had high expectations for the new distance-oriented addition to the swoosh lineup.
 
The Tour D does, in fact, deliver good distance and durability, based on some admittedly limited testing. With the driver, Tour D is about 10 yards longer than the ONE Platinum and is about 10 yards shorter than distance balls such as the Titleist NXT Tour. As for durability, the Tour D does not scuff easily, even with square groove wedges. But, like other newer balls, Tour D tends to get deep dents in the soft urethane cover, although there are no apparent changes to the ball flight or roll from these indentations.
 
Where the Tour D is most disappointing, however, is with its greenside capabilities. For a supposed performance ball at a premium price, the shot-stopping spin just isn’t there. Sure, approach shots stop on the green as they should. Some shots even stick. But there is not the same backspin and bite that Platinum players and Titleist Pro V1 devotees have come to demand, and that could limit the types of short shots some better amateurs can play.
 
Honestly, for the high single-digit player – and surely those in the teens – there is little discernible difference between the Tour D and Nike’s new ONE Vapor, a similar three-piece ball for lower swing speeds. Except at the cash register where the Vapor is $10 or $15 less per dozen in most places.
 
Some players, and even sales associates, have compared the Tour D (the “D” is presumably for distance) with the former ONE Black ball, while the new ONE Tour is apparently comparable with last year’s higher-spinning Platinum. The comparison is apt in that the 2008 ONE Black never gave me the same benefit and performance as the Platinum.
 
The new Tour D does have a nice soft feel and I was able to really roll the rock with the putter. However, that had as much to do with some smooth greens now that our early spring course conditions (and my stroke) have improved.
 
Overall, the Nike ONE Tour D is a fine ball. I have posted good scores (net differentials below my handicap index) with the Tour D. There’s nothing wrong with this ball. But it may be poorly positioned in the market. At this price, you can find several balls with more bite. And, you can come close to this level of performance with many other nice balls in the $30 to $35 range per dozen and save yourself about $1 per ball. If anything, Nike is a victim of its own recent successes. Or, maybe overzealous marketing because the Vapor may be just as good for many.
 
Go for true top-of-the-line performance – which the four-piece Nike ONE Tour may well deliver – or dial it back and get more bang for your buck, but don’t settle for something in between.
 
-Corey
 
Corey Grice shoots in the 70s and 80s. He is a golf ball snob. Beer and wine, too, but that’s another blog. Look for more of his golf commentary, product reviews and miscellaneous musings at http://twitter.com/GolferWriterGuy.

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About the Author

Corey Grice, a corporate copywriter and former journalist, co-founded NiceBallz to help satisfy his obsession with golf. Follow more of his golf commentary on Twitter at @GolferWriterGuy.