Nike Adds SQ MachSpeed Drivers, Fairway Woods to 2010 Lineup

As the new year progresses, the new equipment comes out in full force. The problem is that more often than not, we see what’s being dubbed as the latest and greatest really ends up being just a few improvements over last year’s models. Not that there is anything wrong with that! By all means, if a clubmaker has a good thing going, why mess with it? Nike, on the other hand has been known to push the technological limits with every release and this year is no different.

Sometimes, though, we see a company change their lineup dramatically in terms of both aesthetics and function. Out with the old and in with the new. It looks like Nike has done just that this year with their new drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. First we saw the Victory Red drivers, which I called the most traditional looking driver Nike (who has been known to make quite a bit of not-exactly-traditional-looking stuff) has ever produced. At the opposite end of the spectrum, we now have their new MachSpeed line. As we all know, appearances can be deceiving though, so lets take a look at these new, aerodynamically enhanced clubs from Nike.

MachSpeed Driver
If you’ve seen Justin Leonard play any time within the past few months, there’s a chance you noticed the latest driver in Nike’s stable, dubbed the MachSpeed. Prior to the Presidents Cup, Leonard’s anticipation to game the new driver was obvious, as he was quoted in saying “This is my new secret weapon. I am hitting it 10-12 yards further and am really excited to put it into play.”

Nike’s engineers shifted gears with the new MachSpeed and put their efforts into one distinct goal – pure speed. More specifically, increase clubhead speed by giving it a more aerodynamic shape so that it cuts through the air with less resistance. Nike has dubbed the new design “Total Swing Aerodynamics” and goes a step further than other aerodynamically-enhanced drivers. By analyzing the swing as a whole, the guys at The Oven have shaped a new head that helps to increase acceleration throughout the club’s full path to and through the ball.

The number one thing that makes the ball go farther is faster ballspeed. We’ve accomplished that through looking at the orientation of aerodynamics throughout the total golf swing, not just a portion of the swing. Optimizing aerodynamics in the total golf swing pulls the clubhead and shaft through the air faster, which leads to more distance. I’ll use a parachute as an example. The wider the parachute is, the slower it comes down because air separates around the parachute and causes drag. The same thing applies to the golf club, but through geometry and Total Swing Aerodynamics, we have been able to minimize the air separation and drag.

Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation, Nike Golf

At first sight, my initial thought was that even though Nike has had some wild designs in the past, this one might take top honors in that category. Upon further inspection, we find that there undoubtedly is a method behind the madness. It turns out, the tapered heel and toe-side aerodynamic PowerBow design work together to allow the head to move smoothly through the air, further optimizing its acceleration to the ball.

The faster the club moves through the air, the more resistance there is from drag. In order to reduce that effect, Nike implemented the sole diffuser design, which keeps the airflow smooth and close to the club.

Aside from the aerodynamic improvements, there are other key design elements that make the new MachSpeed more than just another umm… pretty face. If you read our coverage of the new VR drivers, you may remember me saying that there was no square version. That’s where the MachSpeed comes in. Though some balk at a square club design, many others praise it for the exceptional amount of forgiveness provided by the additional weighting on the outer edges of the head. Gimmicky, you say? Tell that to Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink, who won the U.S. Open and Open Championship last year with square-headed Nike drivers. Besides, the view from the top is pretty simple this year, as opposed to the visible PowerBow found in previous Nike drivers.

Also included is the adjustment-friendly STR8-Fit Technology, which is like having a clubfitter available to you at all times. Like 2009’s Dymo STR8-Fit, you have eight different face angle options at your disposal. The STR8-Fit Technology allows you to change the face up to two degrees in any direction, whether you’re trying to open or close the face, or if you need to adjust loft and lie angles.

The UST SQ ProForce AXIVCore shafts make their return this year as the shaft of choice in the MachSpeed driver. At 45.75″, the shaft is a little long, though is about even with the length of others on the market. Your choices of flex options is normal fare, with A-flex being the softest shaft offered and X-Stiff being the stiffest. Both men’s and women’s versions will be available, with the men’s version coming in lofts ranging from 8.5° up to 11.5°, plus a high launch model for those looking to get the ball up even higher. The women’s MachSpeed is for righties only and comes in an 11.5° and HL models. Each driver also includes the torque wrench used for the STR8-Fit adjustments.

Look for them to be available on March 1st, with a MSRP of $359.99. Like the VR drivers, Nike is offering the Signing Bonus program, which instantly gives you credit to purchase other products from Nike Golf.

SQ MachSpeed Fairway Woods
Like MachSpeed driver, increasing clubhead speed via the use of aerodynamics is the main focus for this new lineup of fairway woods. The Total Swing Aerodynamic Design was incorporated in conjunction with a square headed design to give you an extremely forgiving, exceptionally efficient and very versatile club. Whether you’re taking it off the tee or off the turf, the aerodynamic optimization of the head should help you reduce drag throughout the entire swing which means the club should be moving faster upon impact, resulting in faster ball speed and longer distances. The square design equates to more forgiveness on hits across the entire 455 ultra-thin steel face.

Among the drag-reducing improvements is the sole diffuser, which is immediately visible, as is the toe-side PowerBow. In staying consistent with the driver design, the heel has a tapered geometry to allow for smooth and efficient airflow on the downswing.

The SQ ProForce AXIVCore is the shaft of choice for the fairway woods and is available in the usual array of flex options. The 15° 3W and 19° 5W are available for both right-handed and left-handed players while the 17° 4W and 21° 7W are only available to righties only. Women’s MachSpeed fairways will be available as well, coming in lofts of 17°, 20°, and 23°.

Stay tuned, as next week, we’ll have a look at the new hybrids and irons in the MachSpeed lineup. See ya then!