Vapor drivers
Loft options - 8.5° to 12.5°
Adjustability - FlexLoft 2 allows the head to be positioned in five loft settings between 8.5° and 12.5°, and three different face angle positions
Key technology - The Covert cavity back from Nike returns, allowing saved weight to be redistributed to improve forgiveness. FlyBeams have been added to the cavity to help make the design more stable than previous versions. A Compression Channel behind the face, seen in previous Nike drivers, flexes to provide faster ball speeds.
Test Report – Neil Tappin
While the Vapor Flex produced my longest drive of the test, it was the Vapor Pro that delivered more consistency and control. The head looks relatively small at address, but I found more forgiveness than expected. The Speed has a more confidence-inspiring look, but spins the ball a lot more and will suit those who really struggle. Thanks to the impressive adjustability and excellent range of shafts available, the Pro version will appeal to many. The design offered improved distance and forgiveness in comparison to last year’s model, and the look at address is far less polarising.
Adjustability - FlexFlight technology allows the centre of gravity to be either low and forward or low and back. FlexLoft 2 allows you to tweak loft (five settings between 8.5° and 12.5°) and adjust the face angle (three different positions).
Key technology - As well as the adjustability on offer, Nike’s Compression Channel helps improve ball speeds on shots anywhere on the face. The cavity-back design means weight is moved towards the heel and toe areas to improve forgiveness.
I produced the longest drive of the test with the centre of gravity positioned in the forward position. It was clear that changing the weight pod around does make a difference to the spin on offer. For me, this felt the most solid of all the Nike drivers, but I wasn’t as consistent with it compared to the Pro model. The overall looks are fantastic, thanks to the combination of a modern sole design and the traditional shape and look at address. The adjustability is impressive, and players of all abilities will find something in the Vapor line to suit them, provided they are fitted correctly.
Adjustability - FlexLoft 2 allows for five loft settings from 8.5° to 12.5° and three face angle positions.
Key technology - Another model that combines the Nike cavity-back design with new FlyBeams to make the head more stable and improve overall performance. The Compression Channel is also used to enhance the performance on shots across the entire face. The face has been made deeper and the crown slopes more from back to front to reduce spin compared to the Covert 2.0 driver.
This head looks much bigger at address compared to the other two models, and the silver face gives the impression of more loft than the black-faced Pro and Flex drivers. It produced a higher launch and more spin than most on test, which wasn’t ideal for me but will suit slower swingers looking to hit the ball higher. One of the big improvements compared to the Covert models is the feel and impact sound, which are more solid, even on shots that aren’t out of the middle of the club. This will suit the mid-to-high handicap player looking for a balance of forgiveness and distance.
Nike Vapor drivers - on-course testing:
Nike Vapor driver range verdict:
