Review: Nike VR_S Covert irons

As the new name implies, it's what you don't see when you stand above the Nike VR_S Covert irons that matters most.

The Nike VR_S Covert might be labelled as a maximum game improvement iron with perimeter weighting, yet it didn't seem like it when placing clubhead behind ball.

To me, this iron verges much more between game improvement and better player categories.

On first inspection, plenty of weight has been chopped out the face, which makes it feel and look thinner. By doing this, Nike designers have weighted sections in the heel and toe, and this really helps increase those levels of forgiveness.

While this club doesn't offer the sort of workability I'd crave from a better player iron, it's effortlessly easy to get airborne, particularly with the 5-iron. Nike says that 30% of the club's total mass sits in the rear 'PowerBow' and that helps increase launch and generates a higher MOI for faster ball speeds on those squiffy strikes. It's hard to disagree with that. 

I also like how a black polymer badge has been used to partially fill in the centre cavity between the heel and toe, despite the fact there is still plenty of open space. I can imagine over time, debris might start to build up in there, too, which isn't exactly ideal appearance-wise. 

Then again, you can't really see the gap when standing over the ball, so it's by no means off-putting when in full flow.

Another thing not visible at address is the extremely wide sole, which has been beveled along the leading edge. I no doubt believe this will aid those players who tend to hit the ball on the fat side of things from time to time. 

One slight negative is that these bats feel much too head heavy. Some players may enjoy that aspect, but not for me. 

The 3- through 7-irons are cast from a high-strength, 450-Carpenter steel to maximise ball speed for added distance. The short irons, 8-iron through wedge, are made from 1704 stainless steel for a slightly softer feel.

I was also impressed with Nike's NexCor face design and thin, no-weld sole that delivers consistently higher-than-average ball speeds.

Ball flight is, as expected, on the higher side of things with a slight right-to-left bias but the sizable face certainly covers up any directional misses. Thinned shots tended to travel better than expected, and as I mentioned before, hitting it fat is impossible. 

Distance wise, these irons are consistently longer than many game improvement irons I've tested this year, and centre hits feel forged-like. 

Verdict

Nike VR_S Covert irons might solely be designed for the game improver but I'd have no problem putting the longer irons in the bag, despite them feeling a little head heavy. Overall, I received clean, crisp, straight, high strikes and added distance. Good value for money at £450.

You want more?

Click here for Nike VR_S Covert iron owner reviews. Click this link for our Ten of the Best game improvement irons test. Got any questions about the VR_S Covert? Let us know below. 

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