2012 PGA Merchandise Show: Nike VR_S Line

By Zak Kozuchowski, GolfWRX Staff Writer

Golfers spend countless hours on the range trying to learn how to hit their clubs further and make their approach shots land softer.

That’s why Tom Stites, director of product creation for Nike golf clubs, has spent years developing equipment that helps golfers accomplish those goals.

The pursuit of perfection is never complete, but Nike has made strides toward creating an line of products that aren’t just good looking, but perform well on shots that aren’t struck in the middle of the face.

Nike’s VR_S series — a line of drivers, woods, hybrids and irons, are all about increasing the ball speed of all shots.

“Without ball speed, there is no component of distance,” Stites said. “We know the equation, E=MV2. If we can increase the ball speed even a little amount it gets squared [in the equation]. So six years ago, we started an internal project where we tried to flatten out the .083 COR limit across the face.”

Stites said that better players who miss shots a little bit will see improvements from the VR_S line, but it’s players who miss the sweet spot often who will see the greatest benefit from the new line.

Even though the VR_S Forged Irons were not initially designed with Tour players in mind, the company has had quite a few of its staff players turn to the VR_S forged long irons instead of long irons and hybrid because they can hit them further and make them land softer. Tiger Woods is one of those players, who has recently been playing with a VR_S forged 3 iron (bent to 2 iron specs) as a replacement for his Nike muscle back 2 iron.

“I don’t think we’ll see a max exodus from hybrids, but it gives our players more options,” Stites said.

Nike will unveil its VR_S series across the country at “Speed Trials,” a marketing campaign at Nike demo days and select retailers across the country. Stores like Golf Galaxy, Golf Smith, Worldwide golf, PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE and Golf Town will offer Speed Trial fittings at weekend demo days throughout the year, as well as VR_S giveaways and the chance to play golf with Nike athletes.
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