Nike Crush Golf Ball Review

NIKE Crush Ball

Grade: B
Teacher’s Comments: Nothing to write home about.

The Nike Crush is billed as a ball designed for players with lower swing speeds. As I fall into that category, I thought I’d give a box a try.

A two piece distance ball, the Crush has what Nike calls a softened high-energy core that’s supposed to provide high velocity and reduce excess spin. An ionomer cover is designed to enhance greenside feel. Meanwhile, the 312 dimple design, says Nike, “optimizes lift for longer carry and consistent ball flight.”

For my game, the overall effect was decent, but not great. I got more distance by 5-10 yards with the Nike PD Long, a ball I used as a comparison on alternating holes (and sometimes played two on each hole). The problem for me was that the Crush flies too high, exaggerating my already high ball flight and losing potential roll. I am able to keep the PD Long on a more penetrating flight path.

Around the greens, I think it plays somewhat better than the PD Long, but not enough to overcome the distance loss. The Crush putts as well as anything I play these days.

For the Fall, I think I’m going to stick with the Nike Power Distance Long Balls. They’re long and they’re cheap (and that makes a difference when you expect to lose balls under leaves).

I think, however, that the Crush would be an appropriate ball for a player with a slower swing speed who has trouble getting the ball high enough.

I’m still looking for the perfect ball (although the now out-of-production Snake Eyes Tour Performance II is as close as it comes for me). I want one that’s designed for slower swing speeds, with a lower ball flight and a durable cover. High spin around the green is optional, since I tend to pitch and chip rather than fly a ball in with the wedge. I’m used to landing it short and letting the ball run up.