Many of you reading this review may never have heard of the golf ball brand XXIO. Certainly the more recognisable brands like Callaway, Titleist and Srixon are the names that are the most prominent on our shop shelves. So when I was asked to test this new XXIO golf ball I was initially sceptical about how good it would be.
My first impressions were good. The packaging is bold and bright and opening my dozen box of golf balls I found four colors inside, a zingy lime yellow, vibrant pink and vivid orange, along with a pearlescent white.
Although it is quite fun to have a multi-coloured ball choice, it may limit the appeal, especially if you only like one of the colours in the box. XXIO Hyper RD is also sold as a ‘white only’ dozen box option for those who prefer this color ball.
Personally I loved the brightness of the balls and found them really easy to follow in the air and spot in the rough, but I would still choose to buy the plain pearlescent white dozen over the colours, as I felt that the alignment line stood out most clearly on this golf ball. In fact, the striking alignment emblem is one of the best design features in my opinion. It’s very easy to use and makes aiming putts clear and precise.
The tech description on the box promises “extreme distance” due to a high trajectory 362 dimple pattern, which is made up of seven different size dimples to help the ball travel through the air with less resistance and maintain its high ball speed and trajectory until landing.
From my very first tee shot I was wowed by the carry distance. It definitely flew slightly further than my usual ball, maybe by as much as 10 yards of carry, which is remarkable at my relatively low swing speed (approx 80mph with driver.)
The science behind this effortless performance points to the XXIO’s Rebound Frame structure, which helps the ball flex efficiently at impact, giving it that impressive carry distance through the air.
In fact, tee to green there was very little I could pick fault with this ball, except perhaps its lifespan and durability as I did notice the cover was fairly scuffed up after two rounds.
As a single figure golfer, the only compromise for me came in the spin control around the greens. Although there is an adequate amount for most recreational players, at my level I wanted a fraction more spin and stop on my finesse shots.
XXIO describes the spin control as “dependable” thanks to the new Hyper soft core and I would agree that it is a contender for one of the best soft feel golf balls. It certainly checked up enough on the slow, wet greens I was playing during testing, however, I anticipate wanting a little more check on my chip shots come the summer fast green season.
On the putting green the feel was soft enough to give me plenty of responsive feedback off the putter face, surprisingly good given that the XXIO Hyper RD is made with a more durable ionomer cover, this can sometimes give that annoying clicky sound when you strike a putt.
When checking out the best golf balls on the market, for many golfers, the XXIO Hyper RD is definitely one to consider.
