Ball tested: Nike RZN Red

Category: Premium

Feel: Firm

Tested for golfers with average driving distance of: 126 to 300+ yards (carry + roll)

Specs: Construction – Three-piece; Cover – Ionomer; Core – Polymer resin; Dimples / Pattern – 314 in seamless design

Compression: Mid

Price as tested (new): $30 per dozen

Ball notes: Nike’s new (2014) foursome of golf balls includes the RZN Red, the firmest of the group and designed for maximum distance – with enough spin and feel to please discriminating mid-handicappers.

RZN Red is the companion to the White model, while Black and Platinum are “tour” category balls made for pros and highly skilled amateurs.

According to Nike, the RZN Red differs from the White in offering a little less spin and softness, but delivering additional carry distance off the tee. Both balls are engineered for golfers with driver clubhead speeds of less than 105 mph.

How did the Nike RZN Red stack up against its closest sibling? Our tests revealed some important differences.

On the clubface: While the Red is certainly firmer than the White, it’s softer than we expected. There’s a hint of “stick” against the clubface at impact, and less clickiness on chips and putts than with some balls in the “premium” category. All in all, a pretty pleasing feel for a ball geared toward distance.

Off the tee: Golfers who struggle to generate adequate driver height will appreciate the RZN Red. It launches higher than the White and shows good hang time, too. This flight pattern is less effective in the wind – an area where Nike’s RZN lineup really shines – yet the Red manages to maintain its line relatively well in a crossing breeze.

It’s not as straight as, say, the vaunted Bridgestone e6, but we wouldn’t quibble with the Red’s accuracy.

From the fairway / rough: Driving results were mirrored on approach shots. Regardless of club, shots with the RZN Red showed a steep takeoff and descent. While the White delivers a more penetrating trajectory and extra spin, the Red still stops pretty quickly on the green thanks to its abrupt landing angle.

It’s not really a ball for versatile shotmakers, who might struggle to keep punch shots down and to work the RZN Red from side to side. Most golfers in its target audience, however, aren’t seeking that kind of performance.

Around the green: Picking the Red over the White will cost you some greenside spin and limit the variety of shots you can play effectively. It does spin more than most balls in the “distance/value/recreational” grouping, though, when it’s hit crisply. Red performs its best on high, floating shots with sand and lob wedges.

Bottom line: Nike RZN Red, or White? If you prefer (or need help achieving) a higher ball flight and don’t mind sacrificing a little spin, go with the Red. If it’s a penetrating trajectory and greenside control you’re after, the White is for you.

Here’s another way to look at it: Match your ball to the conditions. For soft fairways, hilly holes and relatively light wind, the Red’s higher carry is the best bet. Firm turf, flat land and windy environs (a la a links-style course) may favor the RZN White.

Both balls are solid new offerings from one of golf’s biggest brands.

– Compression Video

– Spin Video

– Dimples Video

– Golf Ball Brands Video

– Titleist Video

– Understanding Spin Video