Photos: The development of Nike's VR X3X Toe Sweep Wedges

[GolfWRX]

One of the most eye-catching releases from Nike Golf for 2014 is their Toe Sweep wedge.

 

Prototypes were first made in 2010 by Mike Taylor, a trusted craftsman for Ben Hogan Golf, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and many others. It has been heavily refined from where it was at the initial prototype stage to what will be offered at retail. The idea is to allow plenty of bounce when it is needed (heavy rough, sand) and at the same time be playable from tight lies when the club face needs to be opened up.

 

During Nike's media summit at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, short game guru Dave Stockton Jr. put it to the test. His first shot was out of a bunker from about 25 yards to a tucked pin. He stuck it to within 6 inches. Dave then proceeded to hit some high, soft landing flops of a tight lie to a pin on a downslope with barely any green to work with. Talk about versatility!

 

According to Nike, Michelle Wie has already put it into play and Paul Casey (among other professionals) has tested it with great results. As Mike Taylor told GolfWRX, don't judge the Toe Sweep by its aesthetic, you have to try it out from varying lies and conditions to see what it's all about.

 

 

[snivlem]

At first, it looks like a BB 08 4 iron, but as the club evolved, it definitely gained some aesthetic qualities. I'd like to try it out.

[scratchswinger]

Best thread that I have seen in a while!!!

I want one, I need some serious help.

[sharkiesj]

I'm getting one. My wedge play is respectable but it can always be better.

[robengel]

does it really say toolbox on the back? or is that custom

[scratchswinger]

does it really say toolbox on the back? or is that custom

 

The one in this thread looks like a raw proto. Here is the retail version.

 

[Doc420]

I wonder what the head weight is compared to regular wedges. Any idea what the final specs will be.

[nova6868]

Great thread. I like seeing the evolution of a design.

[taz757]

The initial protos looks a lot like one of those Sure Out wedges you'd find at your big box store for $20. I like how it's evolved and has a very similar idea to the TM ATVs.

[scratchswinger]

It looks like Stockton also had a chance to showcase the Nike Rain gear, too bad he did not have the Hyperadapt.

[ahbot]

Thanks for the insight. This wedge looks cool.

[bub72ck]

I have never cared much for any Nike gear but this wedge really has me intrigued. It's so different from anything out there today.

[nova6868]

So I can guess that the heel has basically no bounce, but what about the sole overall? What's the bounce rating?

[cogi59]

Very cool. Always interesting seeing the development from initial ideas and prototypes to final product.

[KWheels]

Curious how they removed all the material from the heal and didn't created a very "toe heavy" club? This must be counterbalanced somehow so that the sweet spot is centered and performs well from full swings. Either that or this is the dream club for the wedge player that hits a big hook. I have a friend that can hit a controlled hook with a SW that moves 30 yards right to left. I doubt they build this for that "player" though.

[tbowles411]

I wanted the Cally MD2. I think I changed my mind.

[kwooten31]

Looks a lot like my old Hogan sure out...

[staysober for golf]

Looks good but i don't play a 60*, what lofts will they be available?

[_MS22_]

I will be buying one of these to test out. Miuras are starting to lose their zip....

[Steff_P]

That wedge looks hideous! I thought the same thing with hybrids, but now I have one in my bag so you never know....It might work!

[Llortamaisey]

I had a wedge custom ground for me into almost this exact grind several years ago. It had extreme heel relief just like this Nike wedge.

My wedge was great around green, probably the best I've ever used. Once you got more than 30 yards from the green, it turned into a left machine. The heel would dig because of the similar relief and I'd hit shots so far left I thought I was going to have to vote for Ralph Nader for the rest of my life. If I hit something slightly fat, there was a chance I could hit my shin.

Let's hope Nike figured a way around this conundrum.

[robbie91]

I'm not sure it's for me but it certainly doesn't look like a bad design. The retail model looks like a pretty clean club overall. I rarely say this but…. nice job Nike. This will be a solid offering.

[RPVL]

Great insight in their prototyping skills, such small incremental steps towards a very nice product.

[SoCalTitleist]

isnt that a cleveland niblick

[jeffyjeffmn]

[quote name='SoCalTitleist' timestamp='1385585744' post='8217648']
isnt that a cleveland niblick
[/quote]


^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^

[youngwaldo]

[quote name='kwooten31' timestamp='1385579733' post='8217182']
Looks a lot like my old Hogan sure out...
[/quote]

Thinking the same thing.

wk

[JaxBeachNole]

Looks like an Alien Wedge

[JaxBeachNole]

Also looks like something another company will come out with six months after, talking about all the research they did in development.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='JaxBeachNole' timestamp='1385589003' post='8217948']
Also looks like something another company will come out with six months after, talking about all the research they did in development.
[/quote]
I see what you did there....

[maringolfer]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1385577013' post='8216856']
Best thread that I have seen in a while!!!

I want one, I need some serious help.
[/quote]

I just got the new Cleveland Smart Sole.......http://www.clevelandgolf.com/US_smart-sole-s-wedge__smart_sole_wedge_s__viewProd_wedges.html
Great club...does the same thing as the Nike and available now