Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Hybrid
We review ten of the latest golf hybrids on the market but which is the best?
Brand: Nike
Hybrid: VRS Covert 2.0
RRP: £130
Available lofts: 17-, 20-, 23- & 26-degree
Shaft: Kuro Kage Black HBP
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Watch the video above to see how the Golfmagic Hybrids Test 2014 was conducted
Summary
The Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Hybrid features an enhanced cavity back design with new Fly-Brace Technology to deliver faster ball speed and greater forgiving distance with every shot. A redesigned NexCOR face incorporates variable face thickness for a faster, hotter face and, subsequently, more ball speed at impact.
Appearance
Clean, minimalist look to the crown. One of the easiest on the eye and all testers enjoyed the traditional hybrid head shape at address. Everything sets up for take off as it sits quite open. You sense it's going to pop up quickly and it does. Not a great deal of alignment to go on but all testers enjoyed how you could see the face at address. Only Charlie appreciated the standard tacky white grip, as found on all new Nike clubs this season. 4.25 (out of 5)
Feel
A heavier head and deeper face than last year's version, which is an improvement in our book. Although not the lightest to swing, this hybrid now feels much more balanced in the hands than last year. Andy welcomed the Kuro Kage stiff shaft noting a much softer mid-section balanced by a slightly stiffer tip and butt-section - aiding to the club's overall balance. Rich loved the overall weighting of the club. Not quite as soft off the face as others in the test. Charlie sensed a slightly harder feel than others in the test. Lovely sound at impact when struck out the middle, though. Just like its logo, there's a lovely 'swoosh' noise through the ball. 8 (out of 10)
Performance
The most forgiving Nike hybrid we've ever tested. The CG is much further back in the traditionally-rounded clubhead and is more forgiving than the Tour version. Not the longest out there but all testers found it launches very high and lands soft which is what you want when landing one into the dancefloor. Probably not the best off a tee peg if you're looking to fire one down the middle and get some run out of it but an accurate performer nevertheless thanks to Nike's Fly-Brace Technology, something which increases stability and reduces twisiting at the MOI. A versatile club from all lies and easy to work both ways for all testers. One of Rich's best all-round performing clubs. 8 (out of 10)
Verdict
Looks superb at address, one of the best in the appearance stakes. If you’re searching for a more forgiving utility club that can help you land the ball softly on long approach shots, the new Nike VRS Covert hybrid is for you - as it was for our 21-handicap tester Rich. This was very much the one for him. Not the longest hybrid out there but tremendous value for money at £130 and great to see Nike challenging for the top spot in our hybrid category. 20.25 (out of 25)