Nike 8<9 Challenge: Nike STR8-Fit driver vs. TaylorMade R9 driver

My Background: I am a 19 handicap, scoring typically in the 90’s, and I own and run a local golf website. My typical ball flight with a driver is a fade (not a banana slice), as a result, this adjustable technology is perfect to help straighten out my drives.

Innovation: The Nike STR8-Fit driver has eight (8) different positions to adjust the head of the club. Nike STR8-Fit Driver Head Positions: three (3) open to produce a fade, two (2) neutral, and three (3) closed to produce a draw. The TaylorMade R9 driver has eight (8) different positions to adjust the head of the club and three (3) adjustable weighted screws which can be repositioned to alter ball flight. TaylorMade R9 Driver Head Positions: three (3) open to produce a fade, two (2) neutral, and three (3) closed to produce a draw, with the 8 head positions and the three movable weighted screws, that gives the golfer 24 different configurations to fine tune your swing. I found the torque wrench provided with the Nike STR8-Fit driver was easy to use and with the light and sound indicator which alerts the user when the head is tighten correctly, you can not over torque the club head while adjusting head positions. The TaylorMade R9 driver utilizes the same tool they provide for the screws and for adjusting the club head, there is not an indicator alerting the user to stop trying to tighten the club head. Changing the head positions on the Nike STR8-Fit driver was easy and quick, where the TaylorMade R9 driver took more time changing the head positions and additional time changing positions of the weighted screws. In addition, the Nike STR8-Fit driver has the adjusting tool located in the club head cover which is a great idea, you always have it close when you need adjusting.

Look / Sound / Feel: Looking at each club from a golfer’s stance, both clubs have a tradition driver shape and look. Looking at the bottom of the club head, the Nike STR8-Fit driver again looks like a traditional driver head, where the TaylorMade R9 driver has numerous lines and three core like indentation locations for the adjustable weighted screws. When I picked up the Nike STR8-Fit driver, the first thing that came to mind was that the head was heavier than the TaylorMade R9 driver. But, as you set up and perform your golf swing, it felt light as a feather, the presumed weight was nonexistent. The Nike STR8-Fit driver has the same feel while performing a golf swing no matter which position I changed the club head. The TaylorMade R9 driver with the adjustable weighted screws gave you a slightly different feel after moving the screws in certain positions. Both clubs has a typical driver sound when striking the ball off the tee.

Performance: I hit both drivers in the open position first, then in the closed position. The Nike STR8-Fit driver, with the club head in the 2 degree open position, I pushed the ball out to the right further than usual. I then adjusted the head to 2 degrees closed and hit most of the balls relatively straight with a few balls pushed right but playable. With the TaylorMade R9 driver head in the 2 degree open position and the weighted screws adjusted for a fade, I pushed the balls right much further than expected. I then adjusted the head to 2 degrees closed and moved the adjustable weighted screws to the draw position and hit about half the balls relatively straight, the other half of the balls pushed right, a few to the right were unplayable.

In summary, after hitting balls with both clubs, the Nike STR8-Fit driver for me was straighter and long off the tee giving me a consistent feel with each swing. I also hit the ball on a lower angle than usual so the ball got some additional yardage from roll, it is very easy and quick to adjust the head as well. The TaylorMade R9 driver was not as consistent off the tee, but long off the tee when I hit it straight. It also has 16 additional adjustments over the Nike STR8-Fit driver to fine tune your swing, which seemed a bit cumbersome trying to change positions of the head and then adjusting the weighted screws while hitting balls.

8>9 Challenge

I just received the new NIKE SQ DYMO STR8-FIT driver.

I will be participating in the 8>9 Challenge evaluating the NIKE SQ DYMO STR8-FIT driver against the TaylorMade R9 driver.

Keep an eye out for the results, coming soon!!