Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Driver Review
Nike Golf recently unveiled the sequel to their popular Covert driver series late this year -- the VRS Covert 2.0. Currently in the bag for both Rory McIlory and Tiger Woods (which is surprising for the latter, since El Tigre almost never changes drivers), I had the opportunity to test out the 2014 series this week.
First, a little background on the new Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver. The obvious headliner in Nike's new metalwood series, the VRS Covert 2.0 driver features a redesigned cavity back design with Fly-Brace technology; an upgrade the company promises will increase distance and club stability in comparison to last year's model.
Nate Racliffe, Nike Golf's Director of Engineering, explained a little more about the new driver in a press release.
“The new VRS Covert 2.0 driver features a redesigned cavity with Fly-Brace technology that ties the sole to the crown,” Radcliffe said. “By stiffening the rear portion of the club, more energy is transferred to the face at impact. The end result is even greater ball speed and up to six yards of distance gain over last year’s model.
“It’s similar to an automotive frame design. Fly-Brace technology reinforces the rearward portion of the clubhead to focus impact stress, flexing and subsequent energy transfer to the point of impact.”
From a feel standpoint, I was pleased at how "soft" the driver felt at impact, especially in comparison to last year's model. The 2013 driver seemed a bit too "tinny" and loud, which -- for me -- gives off the impression that a club is cheaply made.
The new 2014 Covert driver, however, did not give that "cheap" feedback. Instead, every ball I hit responded quite solidly at impact as the club seemed to "absorb" the golf ball. I prefer this feel in all of my clubs, so this was a huge plus for me.
In terms of distance, I felt the Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver performed similarly to my TaylorMade R1. I didn't have a Trackman launch monitor at my disposal for this range session, but a rough eye estimate showed that both drivers performed about the same. Like the R1, the Nike driver is fully adjustable and should give me more loft options and face angle pairings to toy around with throughout the year.
Overall, I was very pleased with how the Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver performed. It is a very solid club, looks great at address, and should definitely be on your short list of driver upgrade options for the 2014 season.
