Nike Vapor Speed iron review

What do we make of Nike's game improvement Vapor Speed iron?

Andy Roberts's picture
Mon, 26 Jan 2015
Nike Vapor Speed iron review

Nike Vapor Speed iron review | GolfMagic.com by GolfMagic

WATCH: Nike Vapor Speed iron review

READ: Game Improvement Irons 2015 Test

Brand: Nike

Model: Vapor Speed
Category: Game improvement
RRP: £499.99
Loft: 28-degree
Length: 38.25”
Shaft: True Temper Dynalite 105
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Wrap 2G

Key Features

  • Modern Muscle Weighting - centre of gravity is low and deep for a high-flying, far-reaching trajectory
  • FlyBeam reinforced hollow cavity - in the three to seven iron for superior forgiveness on off-centre hits
  • Moderate sole widths with beveled leading edge - enhanced turf interaction
  • Machine milled X3X grooves - enhanced spin control

Click this link to see how the Nike Vapor Speed performed in our 2015 Game Improvement Irons Test

Looks

Majority of testers salivated over the new Vapor looks both in terms of the hollow cavity, moderate topline and move to a subtle lime-coloured swoosh. Scorelines on the face were not as clear as some of the others. All testers appreciated the longer blade lengths and shallower face heights. Tester's comment: "A real looker, and gave me great confidence over the ball."

Feel

Much of the weight was felt in the clubhead with the new Modern Muscle geometry. Nice feeling stock shaft for the majority but sound at impact was not particularly appealing - it was quite a hard sensation off the face. Fans of the sticky Golf Pride Tour Wrap grip that Nike keeps opting for were in the minority. Tester's comment: "I can't believe it's not butter." 

Performance

One of the most forgiving and easy-to-hit irons in the test aided by its reinforced hollow cavity, low and deep center of gravity and particularly large sweetspot. Very easy to get the ball airborne but not the longest in the test. Tester's comment: "Superb turf interaction, it's very hard to miss the sweetspot."

Verdict

Narrowly misses our podium but we can see this one proving popular, particularly given this is the game-improvement offering in the new Vapor line as used by Rory McIlroy. All testers tipped their caps to the fresh new looks and agreed Vapor Speed is one of the most forgiving irons for 2015. Not the longest and a harsh feel at impact lets it down slightly, but great value for money at £500.

READ: 2015 Game Improvement Irons Test