Nike’s New Irons Have Shot-Making-Gel (Goo)

A couple of years ago Nike Golf surprised the hell out of us by releasing a set of forged combo irons that didn’t completely suck. Actually, the didn’t even suck a little. They were really, really good. Our testers saw it immediately, and our readers (some of you anyway) started to take notice.

A buddy of mine bagged them, and I was jealous.

In retrospect it’s possible that those VR Pro Combos were the clubs were the beginning of my Nike Golf epiphany. Could it be possible that Nike is actually a legitimate golf company? Was there more to Nike Golf than Tiger Woods, red shirts, and Method putters?

Surprisingly good wedges followed later that year, and after we tested the VR Pro Limited Driver  I was done being surprised by Nike, and was basically telling anyone who would listen that Nike Golf is legit…unfortunately not everybody was actually willing to listen.

I have a wife and a daughter, and neither listens to a damn thing I say, so I don’t know why I’d expect more from you. I figured it was worth a shot.

Here we are 2 years later (is that an acceptable amount of time between iron releases?) and Nike is back with an updated version of those VR Pro Combos that I loved so much.

From the limited amount of info Nike has provided so far, I’m inclined to point out 2 points of near-certain curiosity.

No More Blades

The first is a change in the progression of the set. The original VR Pro Combos featured a pocket cavity design in the 3 and 4 irons, cavity-backs in the 5-7, and true blades in the 8-PW. I loved it.

The latest iteration features pocket cavities in the 3-6 irons, and a split cavity in the 7-PW. While Nike’s line is that the split cavity is similar to a blade, the absolute fact is that it isn’t a blade. The reality is the new design probably makes the set more playable, and almost certainly will broaden its market appeal (something Nike needs in the iron category), but the iron snob in me wants his blades back.

Nike’s Got Goo Too

If the first half of this week was any indication, the 2nd major change to the irons is sure to get people talking. Nike has added polymer – what the guys at the Oven are calling “shot-making-gel” into the pockets of the long irons (3-6 irons). According to Nike the polymer (goo, if you will) produces “a pure sound and feel at impact, similar to that of a traditional blade or split cavity, with the benefit of long iron forgiveness and more ball speed”.

Let’s look at that last part again:

My gut tells me this is going to get ugly, but fast.

A Modest Proposal

Might I suggest that we stifle the outrage until a bit more information becomes available, until we’ve actually had a chance to see and hit the irons, and until we find out of Nike’s new polymer gel goo stuff is anything to get worked up over (good or bad).

Me…I am indeed giving Nike the big fat stink-eye for taking the blades away (while acknowledging they might know best), but on all other things VR Forged Pro Combo Irons, I’m reserving judgement until I actually get them in my hands. That said, last time around they didn’t even suck a little. I’m optimistic that the VR Forged Pro Combo Part Goo will be every bit as good.

Specs, Pricing and Availability

The Nike VR Forged Pro Combo Irons will feature TrueTemper DG Pro Shafts in R300, S300, or X100 flex.

Street Price is $999.99