The “S” stands for speed and distinguishes this batch of clubs from the popular VR line. The Nike VR_S line features NexCOR Technology for slower swing speeds - perfect for the 99 percent of the population not collecting weekly checks for their play.
Technically speaking, Nike’s exclusive NexCOR face technology, which is in a different location from club to club, creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed.
Determined to see if this translates in a practical nature, American Golfer took a driver, 3-wood and hybrid out for a two-pronged test.
First came the driving range, which seemed like a logical beginning. For the sake of the test, we approached tee shots in three manners - slow, medium and fast - to attempt coverage of multiple golfers.
From the first contact, it was clear something was different. There was a trampoline feeling as the ball left the club face. Ball flight from the driver started low and steadily rose, while the 3-wood had an instant climb, which kept each shot on target. Similarly, the hybrid was deadly accurate and approximately 10 yards longer than other hybrids we’ve tested.
With the range test concluded, American Golfer took the VR_S line to the course, which is, after all, where the rubber meets to road. Not coincidentally, we chose an unforgiving residential course with long holes and tight fairways.
Disclaimer: American Golfer chose to test distance over accuracy when it came to the driver, hence a 9.5-degree loft, as opposed to 10.5. That said, we didn’t notice a sacrifice in fairways hit, but did see added distance with less effort. Certainly swinging more “under control” helped.
Par 5s: Adding 10-20 yards off the tee and similar numbers with the fairway wood, only the longest par 5s were out of reach. Shorter 5s were reachable with the hybrid, which is a definite plus when houses are often only 30 yards from the green.
Par 4s: Coming into a green with an 8-iron - versus a 6-iron - simplifies a difficult game. The distance gained from the tee helped immensely. Also, having the option to hit the 3-wood off the tee on a long, tight par-4 is a plus. With the VR_S line, you are no longer forced to squeeze a driver into a narrow space because the 3-wood provides the extra pop you need off the tee.
Par 3s: For many weekend players, a 200-yard par-3 may as well be considered a short par-4. However, we found the hybrid a suitable option up to 230 yards. Leave the woods in the bag and enjoy the distance AND accuracy of the NIKE VR_S hybrid.
The Nike VR_S driver, fairway woods and hybrids fit nicely into this equation: Greater distance off the tee + shorter irons into the greens = lower scores.
If you’re concerned about accuracy over distance, don’t be afraid to put these clubs in your bag, mind you. Swinging easier - without sacrificing distance - is a recipe for success.
For more information, visit www.nikegolf.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
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