Nike expands its driver line with additional SasQuatch sightings

The SQ Sumo2 5900 has a square-shaped head with the PowerBow design repositioning weight to the farthest corners of the club for greatly enhanced stability. A multi-thickness face is designed to maximize ball speed.

SQ Sumo 5000 driver

In test sessions, the Sumo 5000 was labeled "straight," "workable" and "long." Some testers thought the sound was "loud."

The Sumo2 5900 was praised for being "very solid," "very forgiving" and "very, very straight." Its overall performance attributes actually surprised some testers. It was cited especially for a noticeably "better sound at impact" than its Sumo2 predecessor. While square-shaped drivers remain an acquired taste among golfers, our testers rated the new 5900 club as "must consider" for average players considering a new driver.

Both drivers come in a wide selection of lofts, ranging from 8.5 to 16 degrees. Additionally, the Sumo 5000 is offered with a 13-degree offset version.

Suggested retail prices are $359 for the SQ Sumo 5000 driver and $479 for the SQ Sumo2 5900.

Balls

Nike's newly reformulated One series introduces a Power Transfer Technology layer in both models, Platinum and Black. The PTT layer is designed to enhance ball speed response and, ultimately, distance when struck with metalwoods and long irons.

"With the new power transfer layer ... it compresses better," said Tiger Woods, who plays the Platinum model. "The thing that I like about it is that you do hit the ball further but you don't give up workability."

Nike One Platinum ball

The One Black is a three-piece construction with progressive density core, PTT layer and urethane cover. Generally considered more of a "pure distance" product, the ball helps reduce drag for a more penetrating flight.

Our testers rated both balls as very satisfactory. Choosing which would depend on the playing characteristics a golfer would prefer.

Both One Platinum and One Black carry suggested retail prices of $54 per dozen.

The new mid-tier Karma ball is a two-piece product with a 50 compression rating, softest of any Nike ball. It is designed for players with slower swing speeds.

"When men and women with slower swing speeds hit the Karma, they will immediately feel how soft it is and see how well it carries," said Rock Ishii, Nike director of ball creation.

Packaged in a box using 50 percent recycled content, list price for the Karma ball is $28 per dozen.

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