Nike Slingshot Tour

Anyone hit these? Was interested in the pro combo OS or these. Haven't found a shop near by that is carrying the slingshot tours. Thanks!

-Jared

As a bit of background, I've been golfing for about 20 months. During the initial century-mark-slashing phase, a set of old Costco clubs were more than sufficient. After reading an online 2004 Golf Digest review, I picked up a set of Slingshots in regular flex (lightweight steel, much like the True Temper TX-90) around August 2004 and assumed my game would adapt to swing changes over time. The irons were great - very straight and off-center hits still bounded to the desired yardage. There was a perceptible whistle as the head would accelerate through the impact zone - kinda odd, but you get used to it. The slingshots managed my game from the high 90's into low 80's, stabilizing in summer 2005 after attaining single-digit handicap status.

I got a new set of Slingshot Tour irons in time for the 2005 holidays. Rather than going with the DG stiff shaft, the set was outfitted with DG R300s to match a 105 mph (driver) swing speed. Initial impressions versus the original iron set is that all the slingback cavities are now closed - most likely to eliminate whistle. At address, the chrome finish stands out much more, with a thinner topline styling and far less offset. The clubhead face looks identical in size in paint fill - but the narrower sole hides the slingback. Overall styling shows more fit and finish compared to the original model

The biggest difference I've noticed is the change in swingweight. Going from a 105g shaft to 126g has altered the feel significantly. In particular, the clubhead lag is no longer the same - with the lightweight steel, a discernible "loading" and bending of the shaft could be felt at impact, resulting in golf ball flight that tracked very high. The heavier Dynamic Gold shafts on Tour models has much more feedback and can be harsh on any thin or bladded shot. Ball flight is along a lower (medium) trajectory, but the real difference shows in the reaction to green - partially attributable to the winter rains and soft green conditions, I've consistently found deep pitch marks, with the ball pulling back 10-15 ft on 8-PW. Longer approaches have stuck, even into 200yd 4 iron shots.

Just like the original Slingshots, long irons inspire confidence off the tee or into long approaches. Very predictable, piercing ball flight is the norm. The original slingshot design got very wide and sole-heavy in the short irons - and there was a discernible change in tempo going from the pitching wedge to a Dynamic Gold sand wedge. The Nike tour model shows real differences in the shorter irons, where the sole is discernibly slimmer - using Titleist Vokey wedges, the transition is very smooth in weight and clubhead feel. No shifting in tempo required.

What am I looking for in the new irons? More control over the ball flight. After initially focusing on just hitting the ball straight, the game now calls for low trajectories and the beginnings of being able to shape shots. Blades? Far too sensitive for my taste. Nike Slingshots seem to provide a good blend of game-improvement vs. gamesmanship

I just placed an order for my set yesterday and I can't wait to take them out on the course. These felt best for me out of about 15 different irons. I got fitted with X100 shafts and will get fitted again when the clubs come in. See Ken Ferrell at the Westfields Studio at in Clinton, VA. Go to golftourtrailer.com and give them a call!!

I received my set over christmas and played 3 rounds with them in nice and nasty weather.

The swing weight is heavy around d3 and you can see the back of the sling back in the 3 iron.

These clubs are easy to hit:high,low,draw and fade.the feedback is muted but there is some there.

They are easier to hit than my x-tours.I would say they are comparable to callaway pro series with more feedback to the hands.

What impressed me the most about these clubs is how easy they are to hit low into the wind when you have to to.The ball lands and sits :blink: .I have played golf for 6 years and am not a traditional style equipement ho!

Technology works :)

AUduffer- How was your experience with the Tour Trailer at Westfields? i have never been to that location.

AUduffer- How was your experience with the Tour Trailer at Westfields? i have never been to that location.

It was awesome! Ken was awesome and answered all of my questions. He explained what we were going to do and what was happening after I would hit shots. I would equate this experience to the first time I got a lesson--it opened my eyes to the benefits of what each did for my game. I would highly recommend going there and I know Putt4doh is a regular over at the Westfields studio.

I live a couple of miles from their Warrenton location. I am glad to hear that their Westfields location is as good as their Warrenton one. The Warrenton location has a great demo day in the summer. Tons of clubs to hit! Put it on your calendar.

If you want a game-improvement iron with great feel and not too bulky, try the Ping i5. I tested the SS Tour's against the i5's. Went with the i5 and could not be happier !

A begginer friend of mine (29 hanicap) won a set of these in a scramble we were in (sold mine on e-bay) and I could instantly see improvements in his game. I'm a scratch golfer and hit a few balls with these but they are far too bulky for my taste. While I was able to hit the ball dead straight and pretty far, any attempt to cut the ball leaft me with only nuonces of a fade, very hard to work the ball in any direction. Overal these irons are great for high to mid handicap players.