Dixon Golf Ball Review
When we first learned about the Dixon Golf company, we were intrigued to say the least. Most golf balls use materials that can’t be recycled and some even contain metals like tungsten, cobalt and lead that can be hazardous to the environment and to a small percentage of individuals. Dixon Earth was created to avoid these issues. They worked for quite some time to determine what kind of polymer could be used for the construction of the ball. Ball construction isn’t the only “green” feature Dixon Earth has going. The ball’s packaging is made from recycled materials and is completely recycleable, as well.
However when it comes to everything “green” two things stand out no matter if we are speaking golf or anything else.
1. Cost
2. Does it work as well as the “non-green” products
When asked to review this golf ball I have to say that I was pretty skeptical on whether or not they could possibly perform at the same level as some of the golf balls that are out right now. But we were very interested to find out on our own because we have seen the press about them. The Dixon Earth Golf Ball is made of 100% recyclable material, however we learned that the ball itself will not biodegrade much faster than a normal golf ball. So to combat this issue, the company has started a program in which they include a pouch in each dozen and when the balls are scuffed or worn out, you can return them back to the company for a discount on your next dozen.
With all of that said, we were eager to take these for a test drive. Dixon Golf sent over two types of balls for us to try. The Dixon Earth is a two-piece golf ball and the new Dixon Earth Eco-Distance which is a two-piece ball with a surlyn cover. Once armed with these we headed out to the course for some testing. Myself and one other person were set to put them into play and then following the round we would head to the practice green for chipping and putting.
Since it was late in the day each one of us got to play 2 balls for the entire 9 holes. We each got to play both the Earth and the Earth Eco-Distance. Throughout the 9 holes we both remarked that neither ball we felt lost any distance off the tee. Both seemed to perform just like the typical ball that we are used to playing. Approach shots gave us similar results. Roger, (playing partner) normally plays the Titleist DT Carry and felt as though on approach shots the Dixon Golf balls actually had slightly more spin and were holding on the green a little more. He could not notice much of a difference betwen either the Earth or the Eco-Distance throughout his round both off the tee or around the greens.
I normally play a “tour caliber” 3 piece golf ball and found that, like I said above, off the tee noticed no difference in my game. My approach shots were not spinning back like I was used to, however they would take one bounce and either stop or have a small “roll out”. They definitely had more spin than most of the distance 2 piece golf balls I had tried in the past, but not quite as much as the 3 piece balls I was used to playing. We finished the round fairly impressed’ however one thing stood out and that was that the balls are not very durable. During my normal round, wedge shots will cause some damage to the balls I am used to playing. However with the Dixon Earth and Eco-Distance they were getting cut up and scuffed it seemed at a record pace.
At the practice green our thoughts from the course rang true again. However I want to add that I think their putting alignment tool stamped on both balls is very good. It seems as though this has been a major issue with me recently as some companies just cannot seem to get it right. These work great! Around the green we found chipping and all other aspects of the short game to be quite good with the Dixon Golf Balls. Not at the level of a “tour caliber” ball, but as good as most 2 piece balls we have tried and even better than the “average” 3 piece ball. We were still having a tough time noticing any sort of difference between the two different versions we were trying, but we found that both Roger and myself really were enjoying the feel and sound the Dixon balls were giving off.
Overall, we think that Dixon Golf has produced a fine golf ball, while at the same time doing a little something to help the “green” initiative. The price on these are about $35 per dozen which seems a little high to us, however you usually do pay a premium for items such as these. With the buy back program, you can get about a $1 back per ball that you send in, but we are just not sure how many will do that. It reminds me a little of mail in rebates. But if you cut one during a round, you have the option of tucking it away and bringing out a new one until you have a chance to send them back. If helping the cause is your thing, we strongly recommend giving these a try. For more information on Dixon Golf check out their website.
Till Next Time
Josh B.
So it sounds to me that these balls are pretty closely lined with other mid range balls such as the Titleist NXT Tour, Bridgestone e5, e6, e7, and some of the similar. Basically then the “green” part is about $5 on top of that….not all that bad really if that’s what you’re looking to support. I like the idea, do you know where they are sold?
Thanks for the review Josh!
thanks for the review. i have been curious about these as well….
As someone that is very interested in saving the enviroment, I was glad to see a golf website review such a product. But I believe that these are more of a gimmick than anything else. The balls do not degrade any faster, yet they do offer a trade in policy. However how many people will do that? Most lose them before they have time to send them back.
Very intriguing but price will make it hard for me to try.
At $35 a dozen, even if you were able to return all 12 balls (and not lose any in the lake, woods or wherever) they are still $23 a dozen (plus whatever it costs to send them in). I play balls that aren’t near that much for two dozen. Nice idea but too pricy for me to consider.
I love the thoughts behind this one, but would love to see them create a tour caliber ball and see how it stacks up.
Josh,
Thanks for reviewing our golf ball. I thought I would jump on and answer some of the questions that arose in your review and the comments.
1. Recycle program- We just launched an in-store recycle program. Now instead of incurring the cost of mailing balls in, you can take the balls back to your nearest participating retailer and get your discount on the spot. To encourage recycling of all types, Dixon offers $1 for each Dixon ball and $.50 for any non-Dixon ball. We are working on techniques to recycle other balls as well and encourage golfers to take an active roll in all recycling.
2. Price- You mentioned the price of the Dixon Earth, but failed to mention that the MSRP of the ED is $23.95.
3. Dixon is in the process of creating a tour caliber ball.
4. Retail Locations- Click the retail locator tab at Dixongolf.com to find retail locations in your area.
Thanks for jumping in and letting the readers know some of the info. As far as the price for the ED Ball, we could not find it anywhere, and that is why it was not listed.
William,
So what you are saying is, if I go down to a golf store and bring them 2 buckets of shag bags, I will be able to get a whole lot of Dixon balls free?
I read your site and the blurb on golf digest about it and it seems as though you guys said yourselves that you expect only 10% of people to trade them back in. So the reviewer may be onto something.
Love the review and as always the honest and personal approach. I had not heard of these until I read the review yesterday but on my way home I stopped at a golf store that had them based on the retail locator. It does not seem as though they are in many retail stores but maybe that will happen soon. I went right to the practice green with them.
I agree with the reviewer 1000%. Liked the balls somewhat. Comparable to the 2 piece balls I have tried. But the big issue for me was the fact that with every single wedge shot I hit, the ball was completely ruined. That was a tough one.
I called the local store that I bought them at but they did not do the ball turn in at retail like the company suggested. They told me that I had to send them back in. That would have made me not purchase them.
Great read. I think that the company could be onto something but are just not quite there yet. Sounds like durability is the issue right now and in just about every review I have read on the balls, that keeps coming up. But its certainly a great idea and I will be watching them.
Great review. Intriguing product. If nothing else, it’s a step in the right direction. I’m curious as to what is done with the returned balls. Are they refurbished and resold, or recycled?
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Dixon grinds down the recycled balls (including the cover) and turns them into playground equipment and turf. They are working on creating a recycled putter from the material too and it should be out before the end of 2010.