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Nike Golf VR_S Forged Irons Available Today

February 3, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

Nike Golf Introduces New VR_S Forged Irons for Maximum Game Improvement

-New VR_S Forged Irons offer premium feel and premium distance-

Nike Golf is introducing the new VR_S Forged irons, its most technically advanced game improvement irons that combine high-speed performance with meticulous craftsmanship for maximized distance and premium feel. Incorporating the finest materials, advanced technology and a face-welded forged face and body, the VR_S Forged irons offer ultimate speed and precision.

Tiger Woods was the first Nike athlete to put a new Nike VR_S Forged iron in competitive play during the 2011 Presidents Cup. He used a VR_S Forged 3-iron that is bent to perform like a 2-iron. Depending on course conditions, Woods will sometimes swap the VR_S Forged 3-iron with his Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 5-wood.

“These premium forged irons are the epitome of both performance and beauty. They meet the expectations of a blade player’s discerning eye, yet they are hot and fast and will deliver on distance,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. They are so very versatile that they will play very well for both the golfer moving out of forged blades who wants to maintain feel and the golfer looking for forgiving distance. Hot, fast, forged and forgiving; these irons really have it all.”

The technologies featured in Nike’s hottest forged irons include:

Japanese Precision Forged SAE 8655 Face – allows for a 2.5mm constant thickness face which creates extreme iron COR for breakout distance and precision performance.

High Frequency Nike X3X Grooves – Nike’s X3X grooves, there are more grooves that are closer together and deeper on the clubface, which provides more control and consistency in all conditions off of the clubface, while conforming to the USGA and R&A rules.

Nike Powerbow Technology – by positioning the weight off the face with a deep pocket construction, the Nike Powerbow technology produces a faster, higher launch for maximum carry, straighter ball flight and steeper descent to hold greens.

VR_S Forged irons

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications: 4-AW, Nippon 950HT Steel: S, R; RH

MSRP: $1199.99 STEEL (MAP: $999.99)

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

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Filed Under: Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Forged Irons

Nike Golf VR_S Driver and Fairway Wood Available Today

February 3, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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New VR_S Driver Leads Nike Golf’s Fastest Family Ever

-Massive distance gain begins on the tee and builds through the entire bag-

Nike Golf, the industry’s emerging leader in R&D, has shaped the new face of speed with the introduction of its award-winning VR_S driver and VR_S fairway woods, available to consumers starting today. These ultra fast, distance-generating woods combine with the new VR_S irons to make up Nike Golf’s fastest ever family of clubs. The VR_S family is an extension of Nike Golf’s Tour-proven VR franchise, which, since its 2008 introduction, has been the weapon of choice for more than 85 worldwide Tour wins, including three major titles.

The Nike VR_S driver and fairway woods feature NexCOR variable face-thickness technology, for more speed at impact and greater distance. NexCOR maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi-thickness face design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag.

“When golfers are seeking extra distance, they immediately think about the driver,” said Tom Stites, Director of Product Creation for Nike Golf. “The amazing speed of Nike Golf’s new VR_S driver more than delivers on that promise. However, the beauty of the entire VR_S family is that the new fairway woods are also fast and long, as are the irons and the hybrids. The cumulative result is that every club in the bag is going to get you to the green more quickly — and that means less strokes.”

Nike engineers conducted impact studies and were able to map where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club. Based on those results, the location of the NexCOR technology through the entire family of VR_S drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids adapt from club to club. The result is the fastest, hottest and longest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced.

With a bigger club head and a deeper face, the new VR_S driver’s ultra fast speed is accentuated by greater swing velocity generated through its aerodynamically engineered head design and longer, lighter 45.75 inch Fubuki shaft. The driver also incorporates the new Nike STR8-Fit system, which offers a 4-degree range of face angle adjustability, optimizing ball speed, distance and accuracy.

Aerodynamic design also combines with NexCOR technology for accelerated speed off the face and more distance off the fairway in the new 3, 4, 5 and 7 VR_S fairways woods. Also, L-Face technology positions the weld on the sole to allow for an expanded maximum COR zone from the middle to lower on the face, where the majority of fairway shots are struck.

Starting in March through May 2012, Nike Golf will be conducting VR_S Speed Trials at hundreds of participating golf retail shops and golf courses across the country. Nike’s VR_S Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed of what’s in their current bag to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. Their accumulative distance will be tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard that will be featured on www.nikegolf.com. For a list of golf shops participating, go to www.nikegolf.com.

VR_S Driver

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

460cc;

8.5, 9.5 (RH/LH), 10.5 (RH/LH), 11.5, HL;

Nike Fubuki: X, S, R, A;

Street Price: $299.99

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VR_S Fairway Woods

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

3W-15° (RH/LH), 4W-17°, 5W-19° (RH/LH), 7W-21°;

Nike Fubuki K FW: X, S, R, A;

Street Price: $199.99

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Filed Under: Drivers, Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Fairway Woods, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood

Nike Golf VR_S Hybrids Available February 3, 2012

January 30, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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Speed of New VR_S Technology Produces Longest Hybrid Ever

- VR_S Hybrids Add Even More Distance to Nike Golf’s Fastest Family -

Nike Golf’s fastest family of clubs ever, the all new VR_S line, has gained more speed and more distance with the launch of the VR_S hybrids. This latest introduction from Nike Golf, the industry’s emerging leader in R&D, delivers a fast, long hybrid that promises to outdistance all others.

The VR_S hybrids share the same remarkable speed and distance attributes as the rest of the VR_S family with the incorporation of the exclusive NexCOR variable face-thickness technology. NexCOR maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag.

By combining NexCOR with a compact aerodynamic design, Nike Golf engineers have been able to deliver in a hybrid the performance of a fairway wood, along with the accuracy and scoring ability of an iron. As a result, the VR_S hybrids launch easier and fly further. In addition, L Face technology positions the weld on the sole to allow for an expanded maximum COR zone from the middle to lower on the face, where the majority of fairway shots are struck.

“By taking a holistic approach to how we’ve designed every club in the VR_S line, we’ve been able to deliver more speed and more distance with every club in the bag,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “These new VR_S hybrids are just like the VR_S driver, fairway woods and irons. They are ultra fast so that they can play their role in getting you to the green more quickly. The result is what every golfer wants – fewer strokes.”

Nike engineers conducted impact studies and were able to map where consumers hit the ball on the face at impact on every club. Based on those results, the location of the NexCOR technology through the entire family of VR_S drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids differs from club to club. The result is the fastest, hottest and longest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced.

The VR_S family is an extension of Nike Golf’s Tour-proven VR franchise, which, since its 2008 introduction, has been the weapon of choice in 83 worldwide Tour wins, including three major titles.

VR_S Hybrids

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

2H/18° (RH/LH), 3H/21°, 4H/24° (RH/LH), 5H/27°;

Nike Fubuki K HY: S, R, A;

Street Price: $159.99

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

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Filed Under: Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Hybrids, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Hybrids

Product Review: 2012 VR Pro Limited Edition Forged Driver

January 28, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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Early last year I had the opportunity to test and review the 2011 VR Pro STR8-FIT Driver, and I was impressed with the combination of length, forgiveness and shot-shaping control I got from that traditionally pear-shaped driver. Late last year there was a lot of buzz about what would be the next generation of the VR Pro Driver, and on November 1, 2011 Nike Golf released the 2012 VR Pro Limited Edition Forged Driver at retail.

Just before the release date, Nike Golf sent me one of the VR Pro LE Drivers in 9.5-degree loft with a stiff shaft to test and review. Since then I’ve hit it on the range several times and gamed it in several rounds, so I have a pretty good feel now for what this driver can do. I share the results of my testing with you here.

FIRST IMPRESSION: DESIGN/APPEARANCE
Out of the box, my first impression of the VR Pro LE Driver was that of a finely-crafted player’s driver, designed for distance and control. I also immediately noticed there are several differences that distinguish the 2012 VR Pro LE from its predecessor, the VR Pro STR8-FIT. The first thing you notice from the playing position is the absence of the STR8-FIT collar on the hosel, as the driver head is glued onto the shaft in this model. The second difference from the playing position is the slightly smaller 430CC head size — the VR Pro STR8-FIT head size was 460CC. The VR Pro LE has the same metallic paint on the crown as the VR Pro, the same compression channel and sole plate configuration, but the metallic red from the compression channel on the VR Pro LE continues all the way to the rear of the sole, where it faded from black to red on the VR Pro STR8-FIT. The face of the VR Pro LE has the new NexCOR technology icon, and there is a small swoosh on the toe that also distinguishes it from the VR Pro.

Another big difference is the headccover. The VR Pro LE comes with a red, white and black knitted sock headcover with a special VR Pro LE patch on the back and pom-pom on top, a big change from the VR Pro headcover. I really like this old school headcover, and think it was great idea to use it on the VR Pro LE. The VR Pro LE features a Diamana ‘ahina shaft (the VR Pro had a Project X shaft), and both clubs come with a stock VR Tour Velvet grip from Golf Pride.

The look of the VR Pro LE is that of a driver built for players looking for more distance and more ability to control the ball off the tee box.

FIRST IMPRESSION: PERFORMANCE
From the playing position, the traditional pear-shaped look of the VR Pro LE inspires confidence, and the smaller head size immediately says “ball control”. This truly has the look of a player’s driver. And the VR Pro is solid, really solid. From the first few swings I could feel pure contact with the ball, I heard the pleasing “thwack” sound at impact, and I saw the ball fly far and where I wanted it. This must be due to the new 4-piece forged construction of the head.

I was really impressed with the distance I got from the VR Pro LE — I picked up about 5 yards over my VR Pro. The ball really shot off of the face, I’m assuming because of the new NexCOR material used in the face. According to Nike the NexCOR face technology maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design (read more in Nike Golf’s press release about the VR Pro LE Forged Driver). I was able to produce a mid to high ball flight with the VR Pro LE, both because of the head construction and the Diamana ‘ahina shaft. And not only was the VR Pro LE long, I was able to shape shots right and left with ease.

The VR Pro is also very forgiving on mis-hits. The compression channel in the sole also helps maximize the NexCOR face by helping to increase speed in more spots on the clubface. This shows up when I hit one a bit high on the face or low on the heel and the ball still goes surprisingly far.

I was really impressed with the performance of the VR Pro LE. It’s solid, really long, forgiving, it helps me shape shots and most importantly for me it gives me confidence when I stand on the tee box.

DISTANCE
I was happy, and a bit surprised at the distance I got with the VR Pro LE driver. I gained about five yards over my VR Pro driver, and when I hit the ball on the sweet spot I gained closer to 10 yards at times. I felt the performance of the Diamana ‘ahina shaft also contributed to the increase in distance I got with this club, as it seemed to me to be a bit stiffer from the middle down to the tip than the Project X.

ACCURACY
The VR Pro LE made me feel like I could put the ball in the fairway of the tee, and for me that increased confidence is one of the biggest benefits I got from this club. I was able to swing easier because I was less worried about where the ball was going to go, and as a result I was able to put a smooth swing on the ball and put the ball where I was aiming (and get even more distance as a bonus).

PLAYABILITY
The VR Pro LE is made for shaping shots — moving the ball right and left is a breeze with this club. From the appearance at address I felt I could set up to create a fade or draw and this club would help me make it go there. Better players will really like the shot-shaping characteristics of this club.

FORGIVENESS
The VR Pro LE’s compression channel technology in the sole makes it very forgiving. When I hit the ball thin it went almost as far as a shot hit closer to the middle of the face. Shots hit off-center, low on the clubface or toward the heel went just about as far as solidly stuck ones.

ACOUSTICS
The VR Pro LE continues the VR line’s ability to produce the pleasing “thwack” at impact that its predecessors the VR Pro STR8-FIT and VR Pro are known for. The VR Pro LE sounds as solid as it feels.

SUMMARY
The VR Pro Limited Edition Forged driver carries on the tradition of the VR line — that of a player’s club that’s built for performance and distance. The smaller 430CC pear-shaped head design will appeal to the better player’s eye, and also promotes shaping the ball. The 4-piece forged construction of the head creates a solid feeling at impact, and the new NexCOR face technology increases ball speed and makes the ball fly off the face. The compression channel technology adds forgiveness to an already winning combination of characteristics. If you’re in the market for a new driver for the upcoming golf season, and you want one that can not only help you put your ball in the fairway but also push it past the other players in your group, I suggest giving the VR Pro LE some serious consideration.

Read Nike Golf’s press release about the VR Pro LE Forged driver >>

Check out this Oven Tech video about the Compression Channel >>

Visit the VR Pro microsite on nikegolf.com >>

Editor’s note: The product reviewed above was supplied by the manufacturer to the reviewer/author free of charge for reviewing purposes only. The reviewer/author was not paid for this review, and the opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.

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Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Equipment Product Reviews, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Product Reviews

New Nike Golf VR_S TV Commercial

January 26, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 2 Comments

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Today Nike Golf Tweeted out a link to their latest TV commercial on their YouTube channel. The 30-second spot titled “VR_S Approach” is the first ad we’ll see about the new VR_S family of woods, hybrids and irons. I hope they do a series of TV ads, I love the style of the ads in the VR_S print, digital and TV campaign I’ve seen so far. I can’t wait to see the next ad — in the meantime, check out this first TV spot on YouTube:

VR_S APPROACH >>

Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

VIDEO: Hackers Paradise Interviews Nike Golf President Cindy Davis

January 25, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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Today at the PGA Merchandise Show, Josh from The Hackers Paradise (and friend of NG Nation) had the opportunity to interview Nike Golf President Cindy Davis. In the interview Cindy talks about what drew her to work for Nike Golf, the role of speed in golf and sports in general, and the upcoming nationwide Nike Golf speed trials. Check out the video on The Hackers Paradise YouTube channel. Nice job JB!

THE HACKERS PARADISE CINDY DAVIS INTERVIEW >>

Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

Nike Golf at the PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day

January 25, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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The PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day at Orange County National was held on Wednesday, and Nike Golf was there in full force. They were conducting Speed trials with their new line of VR_S equipment, keeping track of the top distance gains on a special leader board (see photo below). The Golf Channel‘s own Win McMurry stopped by for her very own Speed Trial, and she gained 10 yards using the new VR_S driver (see photo). Nike Athlete Suzann Pettersen was also at the Nike booth doing her Speed Trial, and she gained 29 yards with the VR_S driver and hybrid (15 yard with driver, 14 yards with hybrid) over her current equipment (photo).

Also in attendance was Javier Colon (from NBC’s The Voice), and he gained 30 yards with the VR_S driver and hybrid (6 yards driver, 24 yards hybrid – photo). If you would like to do your own Speed Trial, Nike Golf will be conducting them across the country this year where you can put your current equipment up against the new VR_S line to see the difference in speed and distance you get between the two.

And in a related note, Nike Athletes Stewart Cink and Anthony Kim were doing Speed Trials of their own on the range at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. It looks like Stewart was trying out the 9.5 and 10.5 degree versions of the VR_S driver, and AK was also giving the driver a test run (photos below). We’ll see if the VR_S driver makes it into their bags some time soon.

NG Nation correspondent Michael Karamarkovich was at the demo day today shooting photos for NG Nation, you can see those in the photo gallery below. Also below is a gallery of photos from Nike Golf’s Twitter feed. We hope this gives you a feeling for what it was like to be at the Nike booth at the PGA Show Demo Day. Enjoy!

MICHAEL KARAMARKOVICH PHOTOS:

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NIKE GOLF PHOTOS:

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Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

Nike Golf VR_S Launch Event

January 24, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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Tuesday night Nike Golf held a special invitation-only VIP event at The Peabody hotel in Orlando, Florida to officially launch their new line of VR_S woods, hybrids and irons. Nike Golf President Cindy Davis kicked off the event, followed by appearances by Nike Athletes Ken Griffey Jr., Sterling Sharpe and Suzann Pettersen. The event’s emphasis was on “Speed”, with the Athletes participating in “Speed Trials” with the new VR_S driver and fairway woods, putting up some impressive speed and distance numbers. This year Nike Golf will be holding Speed Trial events across the country where players can compare the speed and distance they get with their current equipment with the speed and distance they get with the new VR_S line.

Yours truly was unable to attend the VR_S launch event due to a family obligation, but NG Nation correspondent Michael Karamarkovich was in attendance to cover the event and capture some photos, see those in there gallery below. Also below is a gallery of photos taken from Nike Golf’s Twitter feed. Hopefully these photos will give you a feel for what it was like to be at this special event. Enjoy!

MICHAEL KARAMARKOVICH PHOTOS:

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NIKE GOLF TWITTER PHOTOS:

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Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

VIDEO: VR_S Family

January 23, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

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While on TGW.com looking at the new Nike Lunar Ascend golf shoe (which I will most likely buy very soon, Blue/Gray/Black in size 14 for me), I discovered this video (that is not yet on Nike Golf’s YouTube channel) that features Nike Golf Sports Marketing Tour Rep Rob Burbick (aka Nike Rob) talking about the new Nike VR_S line. Rob talks about how Nike Golf’s new NexCOR face technology has been incorporated in the woods, hybrids and irons to give greater speed and distance throughout the bag. He also shows the next generation of Nike Golf’s STR8-FIT adjustable fitting system that’s incorporated (in a new way) in the VR_S driver.

I’m hoping to get the chance to talk with Rob at next week’s WM Phoenix Open and shoot some video in the Nike Golf tour van of him talking about the new VR_S line. In the meantime, check out this video:

OVEN TECH VIDEO: NIKE VR_S — OUR FASTEST FAMILY EVER >>

Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver, VR_S Fairway Wood, VR_S Forged Irons, VR_S Hybrids, VR_S Irons

Nike Golf VR_S Irons Available February 3, 2012

January 12, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

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Nike Golf Introduces VR_S Irons

-Nike VR_S irons feature NexCOR face technology for maximum speed and distance-

Continuing with the perpetual theme of speed and distance in its new VR_S line of clubs in 2012, Nike Golf is introducing the Nike VR_S irons. Nike’s new award-winning VR_S club line is an extension of the successful Nike VR franchise, which was first introduced in 2008 and has more than 50 worldwide wins including three major championships.

The Nike VR_S irons feature NexCOR variable face-thickness technology, resulting in Nike’s fastest and farthest irons ever. Nike’s new NexCOR Face Technology brings driver face technology to its irons for the first time. It maximizes distance for the widest range of players through a new speed-expanding multi face thickness design. The NexCOR infinity design creates a bridge for ultra-thin, ultra-hot faces and unmatched ball speed from every club in the bag.

“We are driven to help golfers get better,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “This NexCOR technology allows for the clubface to produce greater energy return, higher trajectory and longer and straighter shots. Golfers will start noticing that they are hitting shorter irons into the greens. This will not only help to improve their confidence level, but also their game.”

The VR_S clubface delivers a high COR face for more distance. The new face construction expands the maximum COR zone from the low-center to the high-toe where the majority of iron shots are struck.

Using Nike’s PowerBow technology, the weight is positioned off the face with an undercut construction. The PowerBow technology produces a faster, higher launch for maximum carry, straighter ball flight and steeper descent to hold greens.

The Nike VR_S family includes drivers, fairway woods, irons and hybrids — all combining to what is the fastest and hottest family of golf clubs that Nike Golf has ever produced, and, in turn, generating more distance for every shot.

VR_S Irons

Availability: February 3, 2012

Specifications:

4-AW, True Temper Dynalite 90: S,R; RH/LH;

4-AW, Nike Fubuki K: S,R,A; RH/LH;

5H,6H,7-SW Nike Fubuki K: W; RH

Street Price: $599 STEEL/$699 GRAPHITE

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.

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