SasQuatch sightings increase with new Nike irons, hybrids

"With this new geometry and its high MOI, we have created what we believe is the most forgiving iron Nike Golf has ever developed," said club designer Stites.

In addition, an ultrathin Cryo Steel face plate has been welded on to the long and mid irons to enhance responsiveness and flight distance. And, because a thin face on a perimeter-weighted club has the potential for a harsh feel, the Sumo irons include a yellow-colored polymer insert in the rear to help dampen unwanted vibrations.

In early test sessions with a variety of golfers assembled by CBSSports.com, reviewers labeled the new Sumo irons "should consider" for players at mid to higher handicap levels. Testers praised the irons for looks, set-up, ease of swing and solid impact.

Men's sets are packaged with eight irons, Nos. 4 through approach wedge. Individual 3 and sand irons are also available. Women's sets, with shafts one inch shorter, are packaged Nos. 5-SW.

Suggested retail prices are $799.99 per set with True Temper steel shafts, $999.99 per set with Mitsubishi Diamana graphite shafts.

SQ hybrids

The two new models, SQ Sumo and SQ Sumo2, now become the flagships for Nike's hybrid offerings.

To call the Sumo hybrid traditional in shape may sound strange, seeing as how many different shapes and sizes and types of hybrids there are. Of all the swinging clubs in golf -- including drivers, fairway woods and irons -- hybrids represent the greatest disparity in design. But, the intent is generally the same: replace harder-to-hit long irons or fairway woods with clubs that offer a blend of wood-like distance and iron-like precision.

The shaping of Nike's Sumo hybrid was crafted with feedback from its tour pros. The Sumo2 extends the square-shaped geometry that promises considerably more forgiveness on off-center hits.

Nike SQ Sumo hybrids

Both Sumo and Sumo2 have been infused with Nike's PowerBow weighting system, and a variable thickness Cryo Steel face. PowerBow should help lift the ball better from a variety of lies. The lightweight face is meant to provide enhanced forgiveness and distance achieved across the clubface.

Sumo2 stands out visually because of the square head. The club has a generous offset in the shaft/head alignment to help higher handicaps square the clubface at impact. Extreme perimeter weighting, as part of the geometry, helps boost the MOI stability factor.

For Sumo hybrids, Nike offers four lofts: 15, 18, 21 and 24 degrees, with clubs numbers 1, 2, 3, 4. These hybrids come with a choice of Mitsubishi Diamana graphite or True Temper Dynalite Gold steel shafts.

There are six lofts in the Sumo 2 flotilla, ranging from 17 to 34 degrees, and Nos. 2 to 7. The square-headed hybrids are stocked with graphite shafts, with steel available only by custom order.

CBSSports.com testers recommend trying both styles of hybrids, so that golfers can better determine which model suits them best. It's also recommended players test other hybrids too, to help gauge the differences in looks, design and playability.

Suggested retail prices for the new hybrids are $159.99 each with standard steel shaft, $179.99 with graphite.

Click Here, to view Nike Golf product specs.