Nike NDS
Nike NDS irons, 3-PW, uniflex NDS steel shafts from True Temper, and Nike NDS grip.
Manufacturer's Description
The Nike Distance Series (NDS) irons from Nike Golf feature a simple notch weight progression system based on the same manipulation of center of gravity incorporated into their popular Slingshot Irons. The new irons are targeted toward beginners and high handicap golfers although they are currently being played on the LPGA Tour by Nike Golf Staff Professional Grace Park. The long irons feature a larger notch to increase the heel and toe weighting, allowing for greater forgiveness. The short irons feature a narrower notch, raising the center of gravity to increase the workability and avoid ballooning. The NDS Irons are constructed from 431 Stainless Steel for increased feel and have a wide sole and progressive offset. The NDS irons are available in Men’s (3-PW set) and Women’s (4-SW set) in both right and left hand models with a NDS steel shaft from True Temper (Uniflex) or a NDS graphite shaft from Fujikura (Stiff, Regular, Women’s, Senior). Suggested Retail Price of $599 for 3-PW set in graphite and $479 for 3-PW set in steel.
| Information: | |
| Test Location: | Course, Driving Range |
| Reviewer Info: | 5'8" 155 lbs, Age 41, Handicap 8 |
| Comparison Driver/Ball Used: | Traditional Tour Cavity / Nike TA2|LNG |
Nike NDS Review:
| Accuracy |   Less-Avg-More |
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| The NDS irons were found to be very consistent throughout the set and were easy to get distances dialed in. They sit up well behind the ball making alignment straightforward. While they are game improvement clubs, we found that we had the ability to work the ball some with its progressive offset. | ||
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| Distance | Short-Avg-Long |
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| Distance with the NDS irons was similar to many of the iron sets that we have reviewed’ not noticeably long or short but consistent from shot to shot throughout the set. | ||
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| Trajectory | Low-Avg-High |
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| The NDS irons with stock lightweight steel shafts produced a higher than average ball flight. The trajectory was not a ballooning one but on that was exhibited through all irons within the set. It was easy to get the ball airborne with these irons. The long irons were easy to hit and offered a high ball flight that made it easy to attack greens know that the ball would drop and hold due to the trajectory. | ||
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| Feel | Less-Avg-More |
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The NDS irons are cast from 431 stainless steel. We expected this game improvement iron to be harsh in comparison to Nike’s forged offerings but were surprised by the soft feel at impact. We found them to be softer than the Slingshot irons but not as soft as the Pro Combo and Blade models. The lightweight steel shafts made the NDS irons feel lighter than irons shafted with heavier True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts. Although light feeling, we found them to be well-balanced. The stock grip offers a reminder rib and offers a slightly undersize feel with its .600 diameter size. |
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| Forgiveness | Less-Avg-More |
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The NDS irons offered above average forgiveness. While not as forgiving as the Slingshot irons, they are definitely game improvement irons. They are easy to hit and get airborne throughout the set. The single notch weight progression system seems to work as advertised providing increased forgiveness in the long irons where it is needed most. |
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| Looks | ||
| The NDS irons have a split personality from a looks perspective. From the back side, the NDS irons look total game improvement with the visible single notch progressive weight system and wide soles throughout the set. They are attention getting from this side as well providing a loud and somewhat gaudy appearance with the mirror medallion design in the cavity. At address, however, the NDS irons project an entirely different image. The head offers minimal offset that does increasingly progress from short to long irons. The look from this side is pretty simple and classic with clean lines that will appeal to traditionalists. | ||
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