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VR_S Covert Tour Driver Product Review and Comparison

May 22, 2013 by 1 Comment

To preface this review, I’m not a great golfer by any means.  I’m a 14-handicap, I hit 50% of my fairways and I’m not playing in any tournaments with any hopes of winning. I love the game, I love my clubs and I don’t necessarily care how long I hit the ball. I care about making solid, consistent shots that give me opportunities to score.

My last two drivers were the Nike VR Tour drive and I played last season with the Nike VR_S. I’ve enjoyed both of these drivers, especially the VR_S. This driver just seems to bomb and I hit more fairways with it.

This isn’t your typical in-depth technical review, as it serves more as a comparison to the other drivers.

The switch to a VR_S Covert Tour seemed somewhat daunting. I mean, I’m just a regular dude who likes to golf, so why am I bagging Rory McIlroy’s driver?

Let’s find out, as I make some comparisons to the 2012 Nike VR_S Driver and 2013 VR_S Covert Performance driver.

Look/Size
Plain and simple, this is the sexiest golf club I have ever laid my eyes on. I believe the Covert Performance leaves something to be desired, but the Covert Tour reminds me of a Porsche. This thing is sleek, sexy, and built for speed.

Here were my first looks at this beautiful baby:

covert-crowncovert-sole

 

 

 

The volume of these driver heads is something to note. My colleague, Alan, said that the VR_S covert looks like a 3 wood. The original VR_S was a 460cc driver. The VR_S Covert Performance is 460cc. The VR_S Covert Tour is 430cc.

Take a look at the pics below for comparisons. The first pic shows the VR_S vs. the Covert Tour. The second pic shows the Covert Tour (left) vs the Covert Performance (right).

vrs-vs-tourtour-vs-perf

 

 

 

Sound
I’m not a big sound guy. I think the VR_S sounds great when you hit it pure, but admittedly, the VR_S  Covert Tour even sounds better than the VR_S Covert Performance. It’s a different sound and maybe that’s a good thing.

By The Numbers
I wanted to get a fair comparison of this VR_S Covert to my original VR_S. I even threw in some results from the VR_S Covert Performance. Here was my process for comparing these drivers:

  • warmup
  • 5 drives VR_S
  • 5 drives Covert Tour
  • 5 drives Covert Perf
  • 5 drives VR_S
  • 5 drives Covert Tour
  • 5 drives Covert Perf
Driver Comparison

These numbers speak for themselves, in my mind.

I couldn’t have doctored these numbered if I tried.

That’s it. This review is basically over. These drives were pure, sounded great and felt like butter, baby.

Higher clubhead speed, higher ball speed, less spin, more distance. That’s about as definitive as you can get.

–

Buy the VR_S Covert Tour Driver at GlobalGolf.com >>

Read Nike Golf’s press release about the VR_S Covert Driver >>

Visit the VR_S Covert microsite on nikegolf.com >>

Hear what the Nike Athletes think of the new VR_S Covert Driver >>

Watch the “No Cup is Safe” Driver TV Spot with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy >>

Editor’s note: The product reviewed above was supplied by Global Golf to the reviewer/author free of charge for reviewing purposes only. The opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of the reviewer/author.

Editor’s note: This post is sponsored by Global Golf.

Filed Under: 2013 VR_S Covert, Drivers, Equipment, Equipment Product Reviews, ngnation.com, Product Reviews, VR_S Driver

VIDEO PRODUCT REVIEW: Nike Golf VR_S Driver

June 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

Back in February I had the opportunity to test and review the new 2012 Nike Golf VR_S Driver, you can read my full review here. I did my initial range testing at Stonecreek Golf Club in Phoenix, and I shot a short video review of the VR_S Driver while I was there doing my testing. That video is now posted on the NG Nation YouTube channel, and you can view it at this link. If you’ve tried the Nike VR_S Driver, let me know what you think of it in a comment below.

VIEW MY VIDEO REVIEW OF THE NIKE VR_S DRIVER ON THE NG NATION YOUTUBE CHANNEL >>

READ MY FULL REVIEW OF THE NIKE VR_S DRIVER HERE >>

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

My VR_S Speed Trial Results

May 5, 2012 by 3 Comments

I’ve had the VR_S driver, 3-wood, 4-hybrid and irons in my bag for about three months now, and I’m sold on the technology in this new line of equipment. I’ve completed my testing, the driver review is up on the blog, and the other three are soon to follow. Last Saturday I headed to Golfsmith down in Chandler, Arizona to take an official Nike Golf VR_S Speed Trial, and I want to share the results of my Speed Trial here with you.

When I arrived at Golfsmith, there were two gentlemen ahead of me, so I had to wait a bit to get my Speed Trial underway. When it was my turn, I was greeted by Nike reps Jeff and Adam, Jeff checked me in and I was ready to go. I had brought my SQ MachSpeed Black Driver, SQ Sumo (SQ2) 3-wood and SQ Sumo hybrid with me to test against, the same three clubs I used in my range and on-course testing. I started with the driver, taking three swings with my SQ MachSpeed Black, and then three swings with the VR_S. Even though the MachSpeed Black is last year’s model, there was  big difference in the results — I gained an average of 12 yards between the three swings. This echoed what I had experienced in my range testing, where I was getting gains between 10 and 15 yards.

Next was the fairway wood test — I started with three swings with my SQ2 3-wood, followed by three swings with the VR_S 3-wood. The results here surprised me a little, as in this test I actually hit my SQ2 3-wood an average of three yards farther than the VR_S 3-wood. This is not what I experienced on the range, where I was hitting the VR_S 3-wood around 10 yards on average farther than the SQ2. But the official result in my Speed Trial was -3 yards.

Last was the hybrid test, three swings with the SQ2 and three swings with the VR_S. This club is the one I experienced the most difference with, both on the range and in my Speed Trial. In the Speed Trial I had an average distance gain of 13.5 yards. In my range testing I was averaging around 15 yards gained, but on some swings I was getting upwards of 20 yards and more extra distance. From what I’ve heard on Twitter other players are also seeing big dance gains with the VR_S hybrid. We’ll have to see what Chris Wang, the winner of our Fantasy Four first half season prize of a VR_S hybrid, sees as far as a distance gain.

I was really glad I went to take an official Speed Trial, because I not only found out the difference in distance between my old SQ woods and hybrid and the new VR_S, but I was able to see the difference in spin rates and other info that was collected from my test swings. Adam took some extra time and explained to me what some of these numbers meant and what numbers indicate a good swing.

I highly recommend taking a Speed trial for yourself, they are going on through May 13th. If you can’t make it to an official Speed Trial event, you can also go to your local golf retailer and test the VR_S for yourself. If you’ve tried the VR_S line, let us know in the comments below what your results were as far as the difference in distance you’ve seen from your old clubs.

A big thanks to Adam and Jeff for taking me through the Speed Trial, and I’m now entered in the Golfsmith contest to win a round of golf with Tiger Woods, wish me luck!

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

Product Review: 2012 Nike Golf VR_S Driver

April 18, 2012 by 6 Comments

It’s no secret, Nike Golf is making a huge splash this year with its VR_S family of woods, hybrids and irons, and it’s been well documented here on NG Nation. From the VR_S launch event at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, to the Speed Trials that are going on through May 13th (which I will be officially taking in the next week or two), Nike Golf is getting the word out about this amazing new line of equipment.

Just after the February 3rd release date, Nike Golf sent me one of the new VR_S Drivers in 9.5-degree loft with a stiff shaft to test and review. Since then I’ve been gaming it in every round I’ve played, and have hit it many times on the range, so I can give you a good idea how this driver has performed for me. I share the results of my testing with you here.

FIRST IMPRESSION: DESIGN/APPEARANCE
My first impression of the looks of the VR_S driver was that this is a really well designed game improvement driver. From the playing position the crown is deep, giving the driver a big footprint, but not an excessive one. It’s deeper than the VR Pro LE, but still retains some of the pear shape of a player’s driver. The STR8-FIT collar is much more integrated into the hosel than the previous iteration in the SQ MachSpeed Black driver, and does not draw attention from the playing position. The crown has a metallic dark gray paint finish with a subtle design pattern that mimics the design motifs found in the VR_S irons. From the playing position this is a great looking driver.

The face has a large hitting area, and has the new NexCOR icon in the center. The sole incorporates several design elements from its predecessor the SQ MachSpeed Black, including the diffuser plate and the aerodynamic channel around the back of the crown. A new addition to the sole is the new configuration of the STR8-FIT adjustability system, which is now accessed through an opening in the sole near the neck of the club. The VR_S has a different wrench than previous STR8-FIT models, which is easy to use and loosens a nut inside the head that releases the shaft from the head. The stock shaft is a Mitsubishi Fubuki, and the grip is a Nike VR Tour Velvet from Golf Pride. The headcover features the same configuration as the SQ MachSpeed Black’s, with elastic just under the head and a magnetic closure at the bottom that closes around the shaft (one of the better headcover designs I’ve seen), with foam on the sides and vinyl VR_S graphics on the back.

All in all the VR_S driver is a good looking game improvement driver that does not stray too far away from the look of a players driver — less so in my opinion than some of the other game improvement drivers on the market today,

FIRST IMPRESSION: PERFORMANCE
From the first swings on the range, to my first rounds on the course and every round since, this driver is long — really long. Using a launch monitor on the range I was hitting the ball an average of 10-15 yards extra total distance (8-12 yards carry distance), and I gained 4-5 mph average in ball speed in comparison with the driver I was testing it against, the SQ MachSpeed Black. The NexCOR face technology really delivers — the ball simply rockets off the face of the club. The face is designed to be forgiving towards the heel and toe, as that’s where mid to high handicappers tend to miss (rather than the top or bottom of the face). I noticed that mis-hits, most predominantly out towards the toe for me, went just as far as shots hit in the center of the face.

Like the MachSpeed Black, the diffuser plate in the sole and the aerodynamic channel at the back of the crown help reduce drag on the downswing, helping to increase clubhead speed. This combined with the NexCOR face technology helped me gain distance on most of my drives. The new configuration of the STR8-FIT adjustability system makes it easy to change the club face to any of the 8 available positions, allowing the player to quickly set the club to favor a fade or draw.

The bottom line for this driver is speed — its design promotes an increase in clubhead speed, and for me that equaled a significant increase in distance.

DISTANCE
As mentioned above, this is my main reason for gaming this driver. Gaining an average of 10-15 yards extra total distance (8-12 yards carry distance), and 4-5 mph average in ball speed has been enough of a reason for me to keep this driver in my bag since first testing it.

ACCURACY
My driving accuracy has also improved with the VR_S driver, mainly because I feel like I can swing smoothly (and not overswing) and still get great distance with this club. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting it long (relatively in my case) and being the only one in my foursome to hit the fairway.

PLAYABILITY
The STR8-FIT adjustability system lets me adjust the face angle to be open or closed, flat or upright, in any one of 8 different positions. The system lets me set the club up quickly and easily to promote a fade or a draw, helping me to create a particular shot shape, or help prevent a slice or hook. This makes the VR_S driver not only long, but great for shaping shots too.

FORGIVENESS
The NexCOR face technology in the VR_S driver makes this club extra forgiving. With the sweet spot extended towards the heel and toe (where most mid to high handicappers miss on the face), mis-hits go just as far as shots struck in the center of the face. This forgiveness inspires confidence, and for me confidence results in better golf swings.

ACOUSTICS
The VR_S driver has great acoustics — it has a pleasingly solid sound when striking the ball. It has just the slightest hint of a “plink”, which is very minor and by no means distracting. Some of the other game improvement drivers I’ve hit have that hollow, tinny, aluminum sound — the VR_S sound is much more solid than that.

SUMMARY
The VR_S driver is a great looking game improvement driver that hits the ball a long way. I experienced total distance gains of 10-15 yards on average, and that was enough to make it my gamer to this day. It sounds great, and the STR8-FIT adjustability system allows me to set the club to promote a fade or draw and help me shape shots when I want to. If you’re looking for a new driver that will help you hit the ball farther, I highly recommend you check out one of Nike Golf’s Speed Trial events at your local golf retailer to see how much distance you gain over your current driver. I’m sold on the VR_S driver, and if you try it for yourself I think you will be too.

Read Nike Golf’s press release about the VR_S Driver and Fairway Wood >>

Check out this Oven Files video about the VR_S NexCOR Face Technology >>

Watch the “VR_S: Face” Driver TV Spot with Lucas Glover >>

Visit the VR_S microsite on nikegolf.com >>

Find out more about the VR_S Speed Trials >>

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.

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

Nike Golf Speed Trials Begin March 31st

March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Nike Golf Shifts into Full Throttle with its Speed Trials Campaign for Consumers

-Consumers can take the head-to-head distance challenge and experience the new Nike VR_S line of clubs-

In one of the most robust consumer trial programs Nike Golf has ever introduced, the company is conducting Speed Trials at hundreds of golf courses and retailers across the country. Throughout the season, Nike Speed Trials will offer consumers the opportunity to experience Nike’s fastest lineup ever: the VR_S club line.

Nike Speed Trials will allow consumers to compare the speed and distance of clubs in their current bag, as well as other demo clubs, to the new Nike VR_S products on a launch monitor. With participants’ accumulative distance tallied and recorded on a national leaderboard, individuals can see their results featured on www.nikegolf.com.

“The Speed Trial program is the most aggressive consumer trial campaign in the history of Nike Golf,” said Cindy Davis, President, Nike Golf.  “Our VR_S club line is the new face of speed – our fastest family ever.  That simply means massive distance gains. We’re saying to the golfer, we have such confidence in this technology that we invite you to experience how it performs against your current clubs and other products.”

Beginning on Saturday, March 31st in the U.S., consumers will be able to participate in Nike Golf’s Speed Trials at five key retailers including, Golfsmith, Golf Town, Golf Galaxy, PGA Superstore and Worldwide Golf Shops. There will be various major sweepstakes at each of these locations and participating consumers will also receive a 20XI two-ball pack, while supplies last. Similar Speed Trial events are already taking place at other key regional and green grass account partners across the country.

The VR_S family includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons. The award-winning VR_S driver and fairway woods feature NexCOR variable face-thickness technology for more speed at impact and greater distance.

Generating more distance for every shot, the Nike VR_S is an extension of the original VR line, which has more than 85 worldwide professional wins including three major championships.

To find a location nearest you, visit the Speed Trials section on www.nikegolf.com. 

To learn more about Speed Trials go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou8PciAf62Y

Editor’s Note: The post above is from a press release from Nike Golf.
Filed Under: Drivers, Equip Product Announcements, 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 Golf Fest Phoenix

February 11, 2012 by 3 Comments

I headed out to Golf Fest Phoenix yesterday, which was held at Longbow Golf Club out in Mesa, Arizona. It was a beautiful day, and Nike Golf was there in full force with many people stopping by the booth and trying out the new VR_S equipment line while I was there. I was also able to reconnect with Phoenix area Nike Golf reps Gordie and Frank, who I had met 3 years ago at a demo day at Desert Mountain Golf Club, but hadn’t seen since.

The full VR Pro and VR_S equipment lines were on display, and many people were checking out the new VR Pro LE driver, fairway woods and VR Pro irons, as well as the full VR_S equipment line. I overheard some comments from people who were impressed by the distance they were getting with the new VR_S driver, and Gordie gave me some more info about the NexCOR face technology that is making these distance gains possible. The sweet spot has been expanded from the middle of the face into more of a figure-8 shape (like the NexCOR icon design in the middle of the face), so mis-hits toward the toe and heel are getting just about as much distance as a shot hit in the center of the face. And I think this is what people are noticing, the distance they are getting from most of their shots — mis-hits as well as shots hit in the center of the face. I’ll be testing the VR_S driver next week, with my review to follow soon after, and I’ll let you know if I experience the same thing.

Golf Fest continues today out at Longbow, and if you’re in the area head on out and stop by the Nike booth and check out the new VR_S line for yourself. And if you do, tell Gordie and Frank I sent you.

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

FIRST LOOK PICS: Nike Golf VR_S Driver

February 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Last week a few boxes arrived from Nike Golf, and in one of them was the new VR_S driver which they sent to me to test and review. I’ll be doing that in the next few weeks, but in the meantime I wanted to get some first-look pics up on the site. My first impression of the VR_S driver? It’s one sweet looking club that looks to incorporate the best features of the MachSpeed Black, a larger face with the new NexCOR face technology, and a reconfigured 8-way STR8-FIT adjustability system. I’m really looking forward to testing this club to see how it performs on the course, but for now I hope you enjoy the pics!

Filed Under: Drivers, Equipment, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, VR_S Driver

Nike Golf VR_S Driver and Fairway Wood Available Today

February 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

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

 

 

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

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

New Nike Golf VR_S TV Commercial

January 26, 2012 by 3 Comments

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 Leave a Comment

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
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