Philippines Golf Academy

Nike Golf is introducing two sets of forged VR irons for 2011 – VR Pro Combo and VR Pro – that are slick, eye-catching updates of previous Nike design concepts. Several companies, including Nike, are focusing much of their product development on consumers who carry low handicaps or dream of doing so. Indeed, it’s a perfect time to be a skilled player.

Nike’s two new forged models, for example, will be followed in the near future by TaylorMade’s introduction of three forged irons. For 2011, it is clear that forged irons are making a comeback. Many golfers have followed Nike closely in the nine years since the Swoosh first appeared on golf clubs, and what they witnessed at times was a confusing collection of names and models.

Nike’s new game plan is apparent: VR is aimed at the best players (along with traditionalists); SQ has become Nike’s game-improvement brand (with the high-tech SQ Machspeed appealing to some better players as well); and Slingshot is intended for beginning or less experienced players.

Both the new VR models have what Nike is calling X3X high-frequency grooves. The 3 in X3X refers to a U.S. Golf Association rule that the space between grooves must be at least three times the width of a single groove. Nike’s goal was to get more grooves on the face, so the new grooves are narrower (which also reduces the space between the grooves). Each iron has four or five extra grooves, depending on the height of the blade. At impact, at least one extra groove will contact the ball, according to Nike.

The new grooves, which are die-stamped into the face, appear to work exceptionally well. Golfers who switch from old grooves to new grooves are likely to notice no difference on iron shots from the fairway or even from light rough. As the rough gets higher, thicker or wetter, though, all the new grooves from all the golf club manufacturers will produce less spin than the aggressive old grooves they are replacing. This is a fact of life as golf moves into a new groove era, and manufacturers are prohibited from making the old grooves (as of Dec. 31, 2010).

VR PRO COMBO
The 2-, 3- and 4-irons have a large pocket cavity in the back, the 5-, 6- and 7-irons have a somewhat smaller split cavity, and the 8-iron, 9-iron and pitching wedge are pure blades.

Nike’s original Pro Combo set attracted many followers, but this new version likely will have a wider appeal. They look more pleasing at address, with the top line on the long and mid irons appearing almost identical to the top line on the short irons. All the irons look exceptionally clean, allowing the entire set to present a more uniform look from top to bottom. These are designed for individuals who love to hit irons. VR is now intended to be the buzz word for golfers who want to be known as superb iron players.

The longer irons also seem to produce a slightly higher ball flight than the original Pro Combo long irons. Nike says all irons in the set are designed to achieve the same trajectory (higher in the long irons and lower in the short irons).

VR PRO
These irons harken back to forged irons of the past, albeit with modern forging and construction techniques that enhance their forgiveness on off-center hits. Much of the handwork in the forging process has been eliminated, allowing more consistent production. These are beautiful forged irons without any cavity whatsoever. The VR Pro will replace the VR Forged TW Blade. The new Pro is similar to the TW Blade in size and shape, although the TW logo is nowhere to be found.

Read the whole story on:http://pinoygolfer.com

Add This Post: