Equip Product Announcements | NG NATION

New Nike Golf App?

May 18, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 3 Comments

UPDATE 5.20.12: Another tweet from Nike Golf today:

Golf’s a sport. Train like an athlete. See your game in 360 degrees. Coming next week. pic.twitter.com/iXeF5N1r

Looks like Nike Golf’s new app will have a section with golf-related strengthening exercise videos to help players improve their fitness as well as their golf games. More to come this week from Nike Golf.

UPDATE 5.19.12: Nike Golf sent out another teaser tweet today, and another photo of what looks to be their new app for the iPhone and iPad:

Get feedback. Get dialed. See your game in 360 degrees. Coming next week. pic.twitter.com/fHwrgCVO

It looks to be a game improvement app with the ability to view your swing from all angles. It will be interesting to see what other features the app has when we hear more next week.

Nike Golf just teased us with this tweet:

Well, paper scorecards…you had a good run. See your game in 360 degrees. Coming next week. pic.twitter.com/Qv8ZSuzf

Looks like they may be coming out with an app, and that we’ll hear more about it next week. We’ll have all the details right here on NGN when we hear more from Nike Golf!

Filed Under: Equip Product Announcements, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Nike Golf App

Nike Golf Method Midnight Putters Available June 15, 2012

May 15, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 3 Comments

Nike Golf Introduces the Method Midnight Putters: New Shapes, New Look, Proven Method Technology

- Polymetal Groove Technology with a New Dark Chrome Finish-

There’s a new addition to the successful Nike Method putter franchise and it has a dark side. Nike Golf is introducing the Nike Method Midnight putter that features Nike’s revolutionary polymetal groove technology, which has been instrumental in the 34 wins by Nike athletes on the Professional Tours worldwide.

The Nike Method Midnight putter is available in new milled head shapes with a dark chrome finish and will be offered in three new models: Method Midnight 006, 007, and 008. All three models rely on polymetal face groove technology, which combine steel and polymer.

The ground-breaking Method putter technology was born of innovation and fueled by the demands of Nike Golf’s Tour athletes. With major-winning technology, this putter delivers the roll, feel, and sound necessary for clutch putts in big moments.

“The multidimensional face is the primary technology of these products – everything revolves around this,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker.

The revolutionary and visibly distinctive polymetal groove technology generates a forward roll almost immediately after impact for the kind of accuracy and consistency that is demanded by Tour professionals. While most traditional steel faced putters start the ball with backspin causing the ball to initially bounce, the polymetal groove technology starts the ball with forward spin to minimize bounce and keep putts on line.

The prototypes of the Method Midnight 006 and 007 already have proven Tour success. Nike athletes Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink both used the Method Midnight 006 head shape to win the 2009 U.S. Open and Open Championship, respectively, and Michelle Wie’s first LPGA victory came with the Method Midnight 007 head shape.

Nike Golf’s Method Midnight putters ($323.99 MSRP/$269.99 MAP) will be available June 15, 2012 in all three models. The Method Midnight 006 will also be available in a left-handed version.

Nike Method Midnight

Availability: June 15, 2012

Specifications:

006 (RH/LH), 007 (RH), 008 (RH)

Available in 33”, 34” and 35”

MSRP: $323.99 MAP/Street Price: $269.99

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

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Filed Under: Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, Method Midnight, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Putters

On Sale Today: Limited Edition Items for the Masters

April 2, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 2 Comments

The Nike Golf Limited Edition items for the Masters go on sale today at 9:00 a.m. PST (12 noon EST) at key retailers and at nikestore.com. The items include the Limited Edition Lunar Controls, the Method Concept Collector Series Putter and the Limited Edition 20XI-X golf balls with green swoosh.

The Limited Edition Lunar Controls will be available in sizes 6-14 in medium width only, and the MSRP is $190 ($150 on nikestore.com). The Method Concept Collector Series Putter will be available in right-hand only, and in 34″ length only, with an MSRP of $239.99 ($200 on nikestore.com). MSPRP on the Limited Edition 20XI-X balls is $58.00 ($46 on nikestore.com). There is a quantity limit of two (2) of each item.

I recommend shopping early, as these limited edition items are sure to sell out quickly.

ORDER THE LIMTED EDITION LUNAR CONTROLS ON NIKESTORE.COM >>

ORDER THE METHOD CONCEPT COLLECTORS SERIES PUTTER ON NIKESTORE.COM >>

ORDER THE LIMTED EDITION 20XI-X BALLS ON NIKESTORE.COM >>

Filed Under: 2012 Majors, 2012 Masters, 20XI Ball, Balls, Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, F&A Product Announcements, Footwear, Footwear & Apparel, Lunar Control, Majors, Method Concept, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Putters

UPDATED: Limited Edition Nike Golf Items for the 2012 Masters

March 27, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 5 Comments

When I got home from the office this afternoon, there was a large box waiting on my front porch. I brought it inside, opened it up and inside was a large custom-made white wooden box containing the new Lunar Control Limited Edition Footwear and the new Method Concept Collector Series Putter, released just in time for next week’s Masters Tournament. Also inside the box was a beautiful matching canvas and leather shoe bag and a yellow, green, silver and white putter cover. The box itself is beautiful, and its contents are even more amazing.

The Limited Edition Lunar Controls are one of Nike Golf’s most elegant custom shoe designs they have created for a major golf championship (check out my post about the Limited Edition Lunar Controls for the 2011 Majors to compare). The predominantly white leather design, with white patent leather swoosh is very classy. The green embroidered border on the swoosh, green Lunarlon sole, green insole, green laces (the shoe also comes with a pair of white laces), and green stitching detail at the bottom of the laces near the toe (similar to the stitching on the 2011 Open Championship version) all combine to give just the right amount of accent color. The perforated design on the toe and sides of the shoe is another tasteful detail that contributes to the traditional, classy, yet up-to-date styling of the shoe.

The shoes also come with a classy matching canvas and leather shoe bag. The white canvas bag has a white leather bottom with edging, stitching and perforated detailing that matches the shoe design. The Nike Golf logo is tastefully embroidered in green at the bottom. The inside of the bag is lined with green fleece to protect the shoes and, along with the green drawstring, match the green details of the shoes.

The Method Concept Collector Series Putter is a very cool variation on Nike’s new Method Concept putter. The putter’s cutting edge visual design lends itself well to the incorporation of the colors that represent what is arguably professional golf’s most prestigious major championship. The green lightweight aluminum face piece features yellow aluminum and green polymer inserts, and the yellow bar and white graphics complete the coloration of the putter head. A matching yellow, green and white Method Concept pistol grip, metallic green shaft sticker with yellow swoosh and white and silver Method Concept name, and a matching yellow, green, white and silver putter cover complete the ensemble. Not only does this putter roll the ball like a dream (my review is coming soon here on the blog), but this eye-catching new color combination will really stand out on the course, and is sure to have your golfing buddies asking you about it.

When searching for words to describe the custom presentation of the Limited Edition Lunar Controls and Method Concept Collector Series Putter, and the items themselves, “wow” doesn’t come close to covering it. This is one of the most impressive custom boxes I’ve seen Nike Golf produce, one of the most elegant limited edition shoe designs they’ve come up with, and a visually striking variation on one of the most progressive putter designs Nike Golf has ever created. A big thank you goes to Nike Golf for including me in this special promotion.

For those of you who are interested in purchasing either or both of these limited edition items, they will both be available on Monday, April 2nd at nikestore.com and at key retailers. The Limited Edition Lunar Controls will be available in sizes 6-14 in medium width only, and the MSRP is $190. The Method Concept Collector Series Putter will be available in right-hand only, and in 34″ length only, with an MSRP of $239.99. I recommend shopping early, as both items are sure to sell out quickly.

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CHECK OUT MORE PICS AND A VIDEO OVER AT GOLFWRX.COM >>

Filed Under: 2012 Majors, 2012 Masters, Equip Product Announcements, Equipment, F&A Product Announcements, Footwear, Footwear & Apparel, Lunar Control, Majors, Method Concept, ngnation.com, Nike Golf, Putters

Nike Golf Speed Trials Begin March 31st

March 20, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 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 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

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

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

Nike Golf VR_S Irons Available February 3, 2012

January 12, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier 1 Comment

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

Meet the New Nike Golf Method Concept Putter: Available February 17, 2012

January 10, 2012 By Bob Diercksmeier Leave a Comment

Blending Art and Science, Nike Golf Introduces the Method Concept Putter

- Nike Method Concept putter has the appearance of a blade with the stability and roll of a mallet-

The Nike Golf Method putter franchise is expanding its boundaries in a Nike way with the introduction of a new mid-Mallet putter, the Nike Method Concept. Inspired by the notion of the Concept car, Nike designers have created an iconic shape that blends art with science without sacrificing the game-changing performance that Nike Method technology delivers – a smoother stroke and a truer roll with far less skid.

The art is in the profound shape. This radical shape has the appearance of a blade, yet plays like a mallet. This bold red front and the strong black back design radiates Nike and will appeal to those who are curious and are looking for ways to bring a new level of confidence to the putting green.

The science is in the multi-material technology and the distinctive two body parts. The face of the putter is light, weighing only 90 grams. The body is heavy, weighing 200 grams. This innovative combination of the two sections results in a very high MOI-to-head ratio putter with a small mallet footprint. While the Nike Method Concept has a small mallet footprint, it provides the stability of the largest mallets in the game.

The lightweight aluminum face and a high-mass stainless steel body position the center of gravity farther back in the head and lower to the sole, delivering a truer roll. As with the successful Nike Method putter franchise, the Method Concept also features Nike’s polymetal groove technology that generates a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“We are giving consumers something new and something better,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker, Nike Golf. “There’s a reason the shape is the way it is. It allows us to infuse vital science and powerful technology that delivers a very high MOI in a relatively small package.”

The Nike Method Franchise has more than 35 worldwide wins on the professional tours, including three major championships.

“Method technology has such a good feel and it rolls the ball beautifully,” said Nike Golf athlete and 2011 Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel. “Those two aspects in putting are very important.”

Availability: February 17, 2012

MAP: $199.00, RH/LH: 32”, 33”, 34”

MAP: $229.00, RH 41”, 43” Mid-Length

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

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