[yankie23]

I was at Golf Galaxy last night and saw near the counter that they had this weird looking Titleist Logo overrun for $1.50 a piece. I figured that 18 bucks for a dozen titleist can't be bad, so after talking to the sales guy he said they were a Japan only release and are being sold here in the US as singles only. He also compared them to the NXT. Just wanted to get your all input on this ball?

[jon2]

I always thought they played a rung below an NXT Tour. Good balls I guess if you can score them for cheap though.

[sk373]

They are essentially the Japanese version of the NXT Tour--the cores are *very* similar. The main differences between the GranZ and the NXT Tour are in the cover: The GranZ uses a 330 dimple soft Surlyn cover, whereas the NXT Tour uses a 392 dimple proprietary "Fusablend" cover, which seems to be a softer ionomer blend than Surlyn.

I like the GranZ quite a bit. The closest ball in terms of performance characteristics IMHO ironically isn't another Titleist ball--it's the Srixon Trispeed. The Trispeed and GranZ are very similar, with the Trispeed feeling *slightly* softer off the driver. Both balls are *very* long, and neither ball spins quite as well as the NXT Tour, IME. I definitely prefer the GranZ over the NXT/NXT Extreme however.

Whatever the case may be, the GranZ is definitely not the "Japanese ProV1", as some vendors have described it as. At $18/doz, they're quite a bit better than the more expensive So/Lo.

[drpino]

sk373, on Sep 28 2007, 12:49 PM, said:

I like the GranZ quite a bit. The closest ball in terms of performance characteristics IMHO ironically isn't another Titleist ball--it's the Srixon Trispeed. The Trispeed and GranZ are very similar, with the Trispeed feeling *slightly* softer off the driver. Both balls are *very* long, and neither ball spins quite as well as the NXT Tour, IME. I definitely prefer the GranZ over the NXT/NXT Extreme however.

my findings as well. the lower compression makes it a good cold-weather ball too.

[pjhpablo]

Here's a link to a recent review:

http://www.epinions....nt_403434671748

[sk373]

^^ Nice review as to the actual performance characteristics of the GranZ. However, it seems that he is just guessing as to the construction of the ball without doing any research. This is from the horse's mouth at Titleist:

Gran Z

The Titleist Gran Z golf ball was introduced exclusively in Japan in March, 2006 to compete in the emerging Premium Distance category unique to the Japan golf market.

Features and Benefits:
- Two-component dual core construction
- Surlyn cover
- 330 dimples in seven sizes
- Very low spin from tee through green
- Soft compression
- The low spin, long distance launch condition is optimum for golfers with swing speeds between 78-85 mph who prioritize distance

Specifically, the GranZ's two-component dual core construction is very similar to the NXT Tour as I stated previously, but the cover is Surlyn. In contrast, the reviewer had claimed the GranZ used a three-piece construction with a core, mantle, and Fusablend cover. This would appear to be incorrect according to Titleist's own specifications.

This thread on the Sand Trap has a picture comparing the innards of various Titleist balls, including the NXT Tour and GranZ:

http://thesandtrap.c...read.php?t=4569

[trek1500]

I love these balls! I would get them for $14.99 a dz at Golfsmith when they were in stock and have been very pleased with them...I love them around and on the greens and the feel is all Titleist...

A good ball for the money!

[buztech]

I went to local PGA Tour Superstore in Plano TX and bought these Gran Z balls (they have those for $15 per dozen). Tried them on the course, and they felt good... not as long as the nex NXT Extreme though, and felt a bit "heavy feeling" off the driver...

Spin wise, it's just ok, almost like NXT Tour (older version).

Try NXT Extreme, imho it's a better ball.... softer feeling and more responsive off the tee.

[NikeProto]

I think I saw them on sale at Golf Smith On LBJ (Dallas) for a buck a piece...

[whatever]

I bought them about a year ago and played a few rounds with them...they are nothing special. If you like the Precpt Laddies, Titleist DT solo's, Maxfli noodles, etc. then they will probably be a good ball for you. If, on the other hand, you like the prov1, HX tour, NOP, etc. then you will probably be disappointed in the ball.

I bought a few dozen of them and ended up using them to give to a few friends (beginners), playing them on blind tee shots for unfamiliar courses, "goof-off" shots where the result is likely a lost ball, etc.

For ~$15 a dozen they're fine, but I wouldn't play them again.