Nike SQ Sumo2 hybrid
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Square clubheads became the main talking
point in 2007. A year for change, with Nike and Callaway releasing their respective Sasquatch Sumo2 and FT-i drivers. And with the
relative success of this new technology, more manufacturers have joined the 'square' bandwagon.
It's no surprise then, that the square phenomenon has expanded into the fairway wood and hybrid market for 2008 with Nike has releasing its first square-headed hybrid.
Branding the club as ‘a marvel of science’, Nike will be hoping that the positive feedback from square
drivers will transfer down to the smaller clubhead.
The Sumo2 oozes forgiveness, with a large, almost fairway wood appearance at address. For the slicers, it also possesses a decent amount
of offset, with Nike claiming its 'powerbow technology' optimises weight positioning in the
club and increases forgiveness.
The 2-iron replacement I tested provided excellent results. Despite the low loft of the hybrid, it proved easy to hit launched balls on a reasonably high trajectory but seemed to lose nothing in
distance.
For a high handicapper like myself, it proved much
easier to hit than a normal 2-iron and the offset straightened out any slices I'm prone to. As a short hitter, I managed to reach the 450 yard par-4 on my local course in two shots for the first time. I hit this club 170 yards which, for me, is longer than usual.
The Sumo2 excelled itself from most places on the course. Off the tee, it was ideal for long par-3’s and on tight par 4’s offered an excellent alternative to my driver. I found a low tee is preferred. Anything too high risks poor contact or even an airshot!
From the fairway, the clubhead sat tight to the ground and gave me confidence to sweep the ball away (often on to the green).
One of the most important ways to judge a hybrid’ is to test its capabilities out of the rough. It worked well from semi rough, making light work of
scything the ball back into play. From deep rough, the clubhead didn'’t perform quite so well - the larger head struggling to ‘to perform its 'rescue ' duties. A more traditional head traditional Sumo hybrid head is more appropriate.
Stock shaft is a Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana (graphite) and works well for a high handicapper llike me. Skilled players may prefer a more ‘high specification’ shaft.
Despite the comments of one manufacturer in shying away from this innovative technology, the square-shaped head seems set to stay for the foreseeable future with its MOI benefits transferring well to hybrids. I expect to see more retailers to follow 'the square route' in the months to come.
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Rating: |
8.5/10 |
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Summary: | The new Sumo2 hybrid is a leap forward in terms of hybrid design. If you are a mid –to high handicapper and looking for ultimate forgiveness in a hybrid, try the Sumo2. If more workability is more important, perhaps go for the more traditional Sumo. |
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