Nike Golf Vapor Pro Driver Review

It’s big news when the world’s No.1 golfer switches drivers. It’s even bigger news when he does it on the eve of a Ryder Cup. Yet that’s exactly what Rory McIlroy did at Gleneagles, adding ball speed and distance to his tee shots. McIlroy was influential in the development of the Vapor Pro.

Like his Nike Covert Tour 2.0, he wanted a 460cc pear-shape profile. He was also looking for stability and speed through added flexibility across the face. So the cavity is now reinforced by a “FlyBeam”, which stiffens the back of the club. This works in conjunction with a new “Compression Channel”.

Similar tech was used in Nike’s VR drivers, and it boosts the spring-like effect across the face. “This drives the increases in ball speed we are seeing in athlete and robotic testing,” said Nike’s Nate Radcliffe. The package is finished off with a new adjustability system, FlexLoft 2, which offers five lofts and three face angles within 15 different settings.

Technology
Rory’s new driver features a compression channel behind the face that allows it to flex more effectively for more ball speed. A FlyBeam cavity creates perimeter weighting, increasing MOI. FlexLoft 2 offers 15 loft and face angle settings.

Looks
Looks smaller than a 460cc driver, which will boost the confidence of better players wanting to work the ball. The move back to black will please traditionalists, while the subtle pattern on the crown adds an element of contemporary styling. The Volt/black colour scheme is one of the most eye catching on the market.

Feel/sound
A feeling of stability at impact was one of the Covert 2.0’s strongest features, yet the Vapor Pro improves on this slightly. A low pitched thud from the sweetspot marries with a penetrating flight and plenty of run on landing.

Forgiveness
There is an element of a loss of feel when you strike the ball from the heel and toe with additional curvature on the flight, but no more than you’d expect and ball speed loss is lower than Covert 2.0.

Performance
Getting more distance from a wider area makes it a no-brainer for Nike loyalists. Some will find it a little tricky to align due to the black face and crown and the colour scheme underneath will divide opinion. Those seeking more help can use the Speed model while others will reduce spin with the Flex driver, but the Vapor Pro offers arguably the best of both worlds.

Watch our first hit video above!

See how the Nike Vapor Driver got on in TG’s 2015 Drivers Test!

TG Tester Reviews:

James Ridyard, Professional:
The Pro was a good fit so didn’t need the extra adjustment in the Flex. I enjoyed the penetrating flight it offered and while carry distance wasn’t overly high, total yardage was up there with the rest. My clubhead speed was also 2-3mph higher.

Joel Tadman, Equipment Editor:
I prefer the size and shape of the Speed, especially with the contrast between crown and face, but with the Flex’s ‘low’ setting I got the high-launch, low-spin flight I wanted.

Left Handed available	Yes
Custom-Fit available	Yes
Adjustability	Yes
Grip Type
Head Size	460cc
Lofts	8.5°, 9°, 9.5°, 10°, 10.5°, 11°, 11.5°, 12°, 12.5°
Shafts	Mitsubishi Diamana S+ Blue Board 60