Nike VR Driver, Taylor Made TP wedges with xFT

[jamo]

http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2009...ed-driver.html http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2009...ed-driver.html
http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2009/09/taylormade-tp-interchangeable-wedge.html

The Nike has a "Compression Channel" behind the face which Casey says expands the sweet spot.
And the TM lets you switch the face when the grooves are worn. This seems like a GREAT idea, as long as the faces are soft enough. It seems like they might not have much feel but i havent hit them so what do i know?

Thoughts, opinions?

[ControlJunkie]

http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2009...ed-driver.html

Yeah, I got thoughts and opinions on them, though I'm trying to save my opinions until I actually hit them before I really say anything

Let me preface everything I say with two things - 1. I'm a big fan of Nike Golf, though I have no negative bias for any other OEMs, though I'm not above criticizing any of them, Nike included. I think they all make great stuff! 2. Everything said below is based solely on appearance. The VR driver is an enigma to me. I cant figure out how the crown can look so great (probably the best of any Nike driver to date), yet the sole be too gorram busy and ugly. Not really big on the appearance of the compression channel either. Of course the biggest argument to that is that you dont see the sole at address, so who cares what the sole looks like. Still, you want it to look good on top and bottom. I think it's great that they're offering multiple options for those that do/dont want Str8-Fit and those that want a head smaller than 460cc. The new Machspeed driver is a whole 'nother story. That thing is freakin hideous. It makes the VR driver look like prom queen. Like I said above, I'm a Nike fan, so for me to say that, it must be pretty bad On the flip side, performance can quickly outweigh cosmetic appearance. Knowing Nike's dedication to improving their product every year and making the most of the technology available, I'm sure it will perform ok. If I were to hit either one and it felt better and was straighter and longer than my Dymo Str8-Fit, that might make the appearance a little less important. It's kinda like that girl you knew in college, and even though she was only like a 6 or a 7, she had a really nice rack, a great personality, and she was one of the top 5 coolest girls you ever hung out with. You know you hooked up with that girl at some point. I know I did, and I'm proud of it Point being is that performance can make you forget about shortcomings in appearances. As for the TM wedge, I think it's a really cool concept, and makes perfect sense when you think about how fast the faces on your wedges can wear out. It kinda drives me nuts for an otherwise perfectly good club to be cast aside because the grooves are worn. Like you said, the feel of them has yet to be seen, but they'll no doubt be worth looking at! Jamo, what's your take on all of it??

[jamo]

I think Nike makes some of the weirdest (but innovational) clubs on the market but they all preform great. The Machspeed and the VR probably arnt for me, but that's more because I love my current driver. I do have the Dymo 3 wood and the sole is perfect, what Nike calls the Quad Keel sole, and it works as advertised. I think the VR is a great design, though I wonder if Tiger had any input into it, because they say he designed the VR irons. I would guess no because he doesn't like equiptment change (he doesn't even play theVR irons anymore, he went back to the old ones). So I think they will be good, but not many low-handicappers will buy them, likely only because they don't have the cajones.

I think the TM wedges with changeable faces is one of the best ideas that I have ever seen. With new faces only 40$, people will be able to change the face without buying a whole new club. I just hope that you don't lose any feel, as the short game is all feel.

[ControlJunkie]

I think Nike makes some of the weirdest (but innovational) clubs on the market but they all preform great. The Machspeed and the VR probably arnt for me, but that's more because I love my current driver. I do have the Dymo 3 wood and the sole is perfect, what Nike calls the Quad Keel sole, and it works as advertised. I think the VR is a great design, though I wonder if Tiger had any input into it, because they say he designed the VR irons.

I was wondering the same thing. Because he's also still using last year's Sumo fairway woods, it seems that he's not quick to change to their latest and greatest. Considering that fact, I'm wondering if next year, we'll see him with his 380cc Dymo from this year along with the same fairway woods.

I also have the same love for the Dymo 3W that you have. I swapped in a ProForce V2, and now it would take a lot for me to go to something else. Off the tee and off the deck, I cant go wrong with it.

[MI Rob]

The Nike driver does not impress me at all. Real ugly to me IMO. But the wedges look nice but I would not buy them.

[Replay]

This looks like a driver for the better player due to the smaller clubhead. I was kinda expecting them to release a driver to match their iron sets...so I'm definitely looking forward to trying this out!

I'm a HUGE Nike fan and have the Dymo2 driver and 3-wood, the Dymo range look really good - both the sole and at address...I particularly like the matt crown.

...But I feel Nike let themselves down in the looks department here...especially since the VR irons look AMAZING! The club shape is actually quite appealing at address...but the sole looks horrific...they should have stuck with the classier styling of the irons! (Not too impressed with the looks of the Machspeed either...don't get me started...what a let down after the release of such a good-looking Dymo range!!!)

However, as many people have already stated...and quite rightly so...the most important looks factor is how it is at address...in which case I have to give it full marks - and I can't see why any of the "traditionalist" players would disagree...looks like a typical titliest at address to me...welcome over pros!

All said...I have been pretty impressed with the entire Nike range of late...so I can't wait for this driver to be released...I will be the first at the pro shop to demo this!!!!!!!!

Re: the TM wedges...what a great innovation! Love it! Quite eager to try them out as soon as possible. First impression and concern is that they may lack feel...but I'll be sure to demo these upon release. I hope they're good...I'd love to add these to the bag!