Martin Hopley
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As is common these days, Nike has launched not 1, not 2, but 3 models in its Vapor driver range. Why? Well, even though each one is adjustable, the head size and structure is engineered to produce different types of ball flight depending on the player's swing.

Nike Vapor Driver Range

Now this is not based on handicap, but more on launch angles, club head speed and ball spin. The idea is that you turn up at a fitting centre and go through the process and the right club will choose you, instead of you making a wrong decision. So that's what I did by heading to the Nike Performance Fitting Centre at Archerfield in East Lothian.

Nike Fitting Centre

Even though there are 3 models of Nike Vapor driver called the Speed, Pro and Flex, they all share the same key technologies and styling, so let's review the common features first.

Covert Cavity

The most noticeable feature is the 'volt' coloured Covert Cavity that is retained from the previous Nike Covert 2.0 driver. Although this is the 3rd version to reach the market, it is the 37th iteration Nike created internally and it is much better than the 2nd public version.

Nike Vapor Covert Cavity

The silver FlyBeams that go across the cavity help to visually fill in the space, but more importantly they strengthen the cavity to make it more stable. The aim of this is to increase the Moment of Inertia (MOI) by moving weight to the perimeter of the clubhead to make it more forgiving.

I think it works better in the Vapor driver than it did in the Covert. The previous Covert driver sounded quite hollow and I was expecting this to be the same, but all 3 models sounded very good indeed.

Compression Channel

The Covert Cavity works in tandem with the Compression Channel behind the face that can now flex more to create more ball speed. The Compression Channel re-appears having previously featured in the 2010 Nike VR range of drivers.

Nike Vapor Compression Channel

Nike were one of the first to use a Compression Channel and then they got rid of it for the two Covert drivers, which seemed odd at the time. However, it turns out the manufacturing processes could not handle a cavity and a channel in the same club until now. This is a common theme to a lot of the driver channels that are currently being launched.

The Nike channel is wider in the heel and toe but narrower in the centre in order to keep the face legal. It does this job well and works with the Covert Cavity to give very good feel across the 3 Vapor drivers.

FlexLoft 2.0

The final bit of tech is the FlexLoft 2.0 adjustable hosel that is 5 grams or 30% lighter than the previous version. It is also compatible with previous drivers so you can swap heads with an existing Nike shaft if you want to.

Nike Vapor FlexLoft 2 Hosel

The FlexLoft 2.0 enables you to change through 5 lofts from 8.5° to 12.5° in 1° increments and then use a second ring to set these in 3 different face angle settings that go from neutral to 1.5° left or right. That gives you 15 settings in all and whilst the further you go away from 10.5° the more it will change the lie, the subtle changes in the middle of the range do enable you to fine tune the set up of the driver without affecting it too much.

It's also relatively unobtrusive at address and the reduced weight enables Nike to move those 5 grams elsewhere in the clubhead to make the club more forgiving.

Nike Vapor Speed Driver Review

The Vapor Speed driver is easily identifiable by the silver face and sole plate and this is aimed at mid-handicappers and moderate ball speed players.

Nike Vapor Speed Driver

The head looks a little larger than the other models at address, even though the volume of all three is a 460cc profile. Nike calls it a 'profile' as the cavity is assumed to be filled for the purposes of legally measuring the volume. The bigger footprint gets the ball up in the air more easily and as a result it flew a little higher too.

Nike Vapor Address Speed Pro Compare

The Vapor Speed head is more rounded and sits a little closed, again to help slower swing speed players get it going high and straight. It is also lighter and that is possibly why it did not feel perfect for me as my swing speed needs a little more weight in it.

However as an all round performer then the Vapor Speed is going to be a very competent driver for a lot of players.

Nike Vapor Pro Driver Review

This was more my club. Not only because of the darker looks with the black face and sole plate, but because it sounded and felt so good.

Nike Vapor Pro Driver

It sat a little more neutral at address and the more pear shaped head still looked large enough to be forgiving. Like the other Vapor drivers, the volt Swoosh on the inside of the heel did not put me off as much as it used to on the Covert. Some may prefer to have seen a small swoosh on the centre of the crown as an alignment aid instead, as the all black look was very clean otherwise.

Nike Vapor Pro Driver Address

That is about the only thing I can think would improve the Vapor Pro as the flight was exactly where I think most golfers will want it. By using all the FlexLoft 2.0 settings I was able to see a wide variety of sublte changes in flight, so this will suit a lot of players.

Nike Vapor Pro Diamana Shaft

The heavier Diamana shaft matches the head perfectly for me and if you can get this shaft/head combination right then I could see a lot of single figure and even low double digit handicappers going for this model. It is the driver Rory used for the first time at the 2014 Ryder Cup so that says it all.

Nike Vapor Flex Driver Review

Last, but not least, is the Vapor Flex which is different to the other two models because it has the FlightPod adjustable weight in the sole.

Nike Vapor Flex Driver

The 9.5 gram FlightPod cylinder is made of Nike's RZN material that has a high density weight at the yellow 'Mid' end to move the centre of gravity (CG) forward and back.

It was very simple to unscrew the FlightPod with a quarter turn of a wrench and put the heavier 'Mid' setting at the back for more spin and forgiveness. If you need to reduce spin then put the lighter 'Low' end at the back and you should get around 300 rpm less spin on your drives.

Nike Vapor Flex Driver

If having an adjustable CG is not enough of a clue, then the smaller, slightly open face shows that the Vapor Flex driver is aimed at elite players with high swing speeds. It also has a slightly more rounded pear shape than the Vapor Pro and a taller crown that makes it appear a little more compact at address.

Nike Vapor Address Flex Pro Compare

Changing the orientation of the FlightPod did visibly alter the height of the ball flight, but for most single figure players, the Vapor Pro will be the better performing club as it will give the same performance, but with more forgiveness and less effort.

The sound and feel of the Vapor Flex was more firm and a little more solid. I felt the FlightPod also put more weight in the middle of the club and negated a little of the high MOI benefits that the Covert Cavity gives the other Vapor drivers.

Summary

Overall I think Nike has down an excellent job with the Vapor driver range. Now that the Covert Cavity combines with the Compression Channel, I think it adds to every aspect of the club more than it did before on its own.

The Vapor Flex is almost a different propostion and I nearly reviewed it separately because the FlightPod makes it look and behave differently to the Speed and Pro models. However the cavity and the channel make it a Vapor, albeit one for a niche audience of high swing speed players who can benefit from the lower level of forgiveness to shape the ball more. Nike say Tiger Woods prefers the Vapor Flex for this reason, whilst Rory prefers the Vapor Pro because he shapes his driver less.

The real gems are the other two models which deliver in all departments, especially the Vapor Pro which I feel has a wider appeal than I initially thought when I first saw it on paper. As always it is key to visit a fitting centre to try out all the variations and see which model in which settings suits your game best.

After years in the driver doldrums, Nike should be in full sail with the Vapor driver range, as this is the best driver they have made to date.

Golfalot Rating: 5 stars
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Nike Vapor Pro Driver - Product Details

UK Launch31 January 2015
UK Launch RRP£299.99
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
Left Handed Lofts8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 12.5°
Right Handed Lofts8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 12.5°
MaterialTitanium
Head Volume460 cc
AdjustabilityLoft, Face Angle
Shaft NameDiamana S+ 60G
Shaft TypesGraphite
Shaft FlexRegular, Stiff
Shaft Weight60 grams
Manufacturer's WebsiteNike Website

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User Reviews

December 2016

I grabbed the used Nike Vapor Fly purely on looks (which always works, right?...) After a few whacks I thought it was the most unforgiving, unhittable driver I'd ever hit. THEN I adjusted the loft from 9 degrees to 11 and set the face to Neutral. Bingo. Hit every fairway for the first time in months and 15 yards longer. This driver really takes the spin off the ball (as designed) so catching it on the upswing bring is required to bring it to life. It has beautiful THWACK if you catch the middle of the face. Off center hits were surprising self-correcting. Shots toward the toe turned into baby draws, I had a TaylorMade RBZ driver that was the most forgiving driver I've ever hit (it's CG was back farther than these newer drivers that move the CG forward to reduce ball spin). What a difference with the Vapor. Piercing ball flight I had been after. But as mentioned, you have to catch this club on the upswing or you won't get enough spin/carry. Launch monitor showed by launch angle at 14 degrees with 2300 RPM backspin ...great numbers (versus 4000 RPM with my RocketBallz driver (10.5 degrees)). Swing speed low to mid 90's. On the course,carry distance 240.,with good roll out to 260. Very impressed, surprised, and happy. Also, I thought the regular flex shaft they gave me would be too whippy but it helped square up the club and didn't cause any dispersion issues. Low 80's shooter. Age 53.

August 2016

I bought the Nike Vapor Flex and everytime I hit the ball it goes straight and hard left. Can this be fixed by adjusting the head because I never used to do this?

Reply: Suggest you go to a pro for a fitting to see if that or a lesson might sort it :>

April 2016

I just purchased the Vapor Pro and I absolutely love the driver! The distance and accuracy is amazing! I had a TaylorMade R1 and was averaging 200-240 yard drives and I'm now hitting 250-290 yd drives consistently, by far the best driver I've ever had! Great job Nike!

March 2016

Ive got a Flex with a Diamana S+ 70 X shaft. I typically used to carry the Covert 2.0 Tour around 275yds with a penetrating draw. With the Flex set with the weight back I now hit a much higher draw with carry around 285yds. Great driver but you need the right shaft!

February 2016

This is truly a great driver. The ball flight and distance are outstanding. Even if you miss hit, it still keeps the ball in play. This is the best driver I have purchased and I highly recommend this product especially for players who want more swing speed.

October 2015

Awesome product! I played my first round with the Nike Vapor Speed drive and I was impressed! My drives increased an average of 25 yards and mishits still produced drives of 225. As a mid handicapper my swing is getting more consistent and on 3 drives the ball went 240. My average before was about 200 yards but I have been playing off the rack clubs for three years. I finally took lessons and it has improved my game but was fitted for clubs and the driver selected after a session on the trackman was the Nike Speed Driver. I am now having fun playing golf and can reach all the par 4s in regulation and my score has dropped to the low 80s just because of the distance of this club. I encourage everyone to get fitted and do your research because the right club in your bag can make a huge difference in your game!

July 2015

I was really excited for this driver. Have taken it to the range and used it along side my 2008 TM Burner SuperFast. I have to say I think I will be sticking with the Burner. The driver is good but I think I was maybe expecting a little more. I'll tinker with the loft and maybe report back but. So far it gets a good review from me, but not as nice and fluid (or as long) as my 2008 burner.

May 2015

Why would you buy a driver that doesn't suit your swing speed? I think Kev just wants to tell us he has a 118mph swing speed (yeah OK!) Anyone up there is going for custom XS or Tour. Anyway nice one Kev.

Kev4060
February 2015

Great feel off the driver head. Sadly very disappointed with the Diamana S+ 60 shaft. IT'S TOO SOFT! I swing at 118mph and the shaft is flexing way too much. Bought this driver on the 1st of Feb and am told it only comes in S+ or Reg?? What happens to us low handicap fast swing speed players who like the Tour Pro head?

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