Fresh from the USGA’s conforming clubs list are 4…that’s right 4 new Nike drivers (actually 1 Pro, and 3 versions of a standard model), some or all of which are likely to become part of Nike’s 2016 retail lineup.
It would appear that CG consequences be damned, Nike remains committed to its cavityback metalwood technology. Visible in the USGA’s photos are refinements to the Compression Channel structure, as well as updated FlyBeam construction in the cavity itself.
Other changes include what I suppose you might call windows on the heel and toe side of the club that seem to reveal a carbon fiber pattern.
No Flex?
Missing from the clubs added to the USGA’s list is any sort of replacement for Nike’s CG adjustable Vapor Flex driver. The Flex was released a bit later than the rest of last seasons Vapor lineup, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that we’ll see a replacement added at a later date.
If nothing else, the new round of drivers should help to put to rest the ever-persistent rumors that Nike is exiting the equipment business. Moving forward, I expect Nike will look like and act like a different kind of golf company, but one that, nevertheless, still makes and sells golf equipment.
3 Versions of the Vapor Fly?
Any differences between the 3 version of the Vapor Fly drivers shown below are subtle, and perhaps purely cosmetic. The USGA notes differences in the hosel markings between the 3 models (those markings not visible in the photos).
- Version 1 has a a line, loft orientations, and face angle orientations
- Version 2 retains the 3 markings mentioned above, but adds a dot
- Version 3 replaces the dot with Nike’s tri-spoke pattern
Vapor Fly (Version 1)
Vapor Fly (Version 2)
Vapor Fly (Version 3)
Vapor Fly Pro
What Do You Think
With 2016 looking like another great year for drivers, how excited are you to see what Nike does next? What would you like to see from the company in 2016?
Bullwinkle Moose
9 years ago
Nike has a history of stumbling on a good idea and running from it. I have the Covert 2.0 irons and the “New” Vapor Irons are about 3/4 as long. This years Nike driver line up hasn’t impressed me either. From purely a establishing a brand concept, Nike needs to come up with their best driver head and put a premium shaft in it. If they ever come out with a really good driver they could sell some products, as long as they do decent heads but make the purchaser buy a replacement shaft they are lost. One last comment, whomever decided on the Puke Green color of this years equipment should be taken out behind the factory and shot.