Nike VR Pro Combo Irons

rlheiman · February 17, 2011

Review-Enjoying the refreshing of an old favorite

Refreshing an old favorite

The first real set of golf clubs I bought for myself was the original Nike Pro Combo Irons. I played them for 3 seasons. I loved their feel and performance, especially in the 5-PW. I was never a huge fan of their looks and couldn’t hit the 3 or 4 iron. Fast forward another 4 years and the many sets I have played since, yet there is still a place in my heart for those old’ Pro Combos. I did regrettable sell them a few years back, so when Nike introduced the VR Pro Combo Irons for 2011, I was excited; I couldn’t wait to put those back into my bag again.

When the box first arrived there was still snow on the ground, but I knew my winter golf vacation would be coming up soon. As I unpacked the box and put them in my bag just waiting for the time I could get them on the course, I noticed some changes/upgrades from the original Pro Combos. The new look is refreshing. The simple rivetless backs done in chrome look so much better. The overall progression from blade to cavity back to pocket cavity appears much more fluid. I also like the fact that you could if desired get the 3-7 irons in the same shaped blades too. The mix and match of the VR Pro Combos with the new VR Pro Blades is a nice feature (while maybe not necessary, still nice). The head shapes were modified slightly too, offering a player’s look with modest forgiveness.

I couldn’t wait for my first round of golf in the sun. It took me a few holes to shake off the winter rust, but once I did, I really enjoyed my iron game. It was put to the test because I was also playing a new driver, which took a little longer to groove and shake off the rusty driver swing. So finding my way all around the course, the irons came to my rescue numerous times. I was able to hit the long irons into the greens and found it easy to escape the rough with long and short irons.

When it comes to playability, these rank right near the top of my list. For the majority of the last season I played blades. At the end of the season I had some cavity backs in my bag. I was contemplating mixing and matching those two sets to make a combo set; now I don’t have too. The VR Pro Combos are really right up the good recreational golfer’s alley. (For that matter a number of pros are playing them too.)

Working through all the irons in the set is rather seamless and just what I need for my game. I struggle with the 3 and 4 irons. They are not my favorite clubs in the bag. While they still aren’t, I did hit the 4 iron very well. The pocket cavity offers just the right amount of forgiveness. As much as I tried to hit the 3 iron, it will probably still get replaced with a hybrid. But of all the 3 irons I have hit, this was the closest yet to making the cut. It was easy to elevate and felt good; it just can’t beat out my hybrid.

The 5-7 irons are a split cavity, which I found to be just the right balance of forgiving yet slightly workable. I had the ability to hit the ball straight most of the time, with the ability to control shots just enough, so nothing wild, but just a subtle cut or draw.

The 8-PW are blades and are as pure as it gets. They are similar to the other Nike Blades I have played, but just a little different shape to the muscle. It is a little taller than previous versions. This too seems to work in my favor for controlling trajectory. The lower irons are typically easier to hit because of the added loft and these were not difficult to play by any means. Their pure feel at impact and awesome results were just how I like it.

My set was built with DG S300s the stock shaft, which played as expected. They can be shot makers shafts as wells as straight shooters. It is one of the most versatile shafts on the market. The Nike grips were a version of tour velvets that felt nice and offered great grip even with some sweaty palms.

The feel on these is just as good as any other forging out there if not better. They are buttery soft at impact. I was happy with the durability. They didn’t get dinged up or gouged by banging around on the plane or in the cart. Even the sand didn’t seem to scuff them up or do damage to the finish.

I got seven rounds in with these irons and I shot some great scores. I found many greens in regulation and found that the rebirth of the Pro Combos was a great move for my bag. I can see why a number of Nike professionals have these in their bags on tour. Nike refreshed one of my old favorites with the VR Pro Combo Irons.

bd8802 · February 17, 2011

I have always been anti-nike golf, but I have looked at these irons a few times now. they might be the best looking clubs on address that are available right now.

dale4ace · February 17, 2011

great thread man, congrats on your new set!

Mr.Mizzy · February 17, 2011

Wish I had the coin for a set of those, man they are sweet. Having played and loved the original combos i am sure I shouldn't even swing one of these haha.

speedie562 · February 17, 2011

Great review.

StarFleetGolfer · February 17, 2011

Been loving mine since Black Friday. Lots of great clubs out I could easily go all Nike though. Pro combos were my first set also.

aveb4life · February 17, 2011

I still play the old pro combos and love them! the new ones are slightly more difficult i think plus they cost a ton. I will wait til the price drops a bit.

Kamen · February 17, 2011

Great thread and review, congrats they are nice!

rlheiman · February 17, 2011

[quote name='aveb4life' timestamp='1297970404' post='2987311']
I still play the old pro combos and love them! the new ones are slightly more difficult i think plus they cost a ton. I will wait til the price drops a bit.
[/quote]

I thought the new ones were easier to hit personally, but they are not radically different so in many ways they are similar to the originals, but to me they felt improved just enough.

bloodredsun · February 17, 2011

These are the best irons Nike have made.

http://www.golfwrx.com/2011/01/10/the-big-review-nike-vr-pro-blades-and-vr-pro-combo-irons/

PAYLEE · February 18, 2011

Wow!! Those are some good looking irons. I love the simple clean look.

Jimbud · February 18, 2011

Beautiful irons. I take it they are forged?

Mr.Mizzy · February 18, 2011

[quote name='Jimbud' timestamp='1298010068' post='2989072']
Beautiful irons. I take it they are forged?
[/quote]

Yes they are.

Jbar · February 18, 2011

Love my new Pro Combo coming from previous TW Blades model. I will be playing my first tourney in GC Amateur Tour this Saturday!

Puzbie · February 18, 2011

Love love love those irons.

option720 · February 18, 2011

I love mine so much, I can't wait to get my Nike VR Pro Hybrid #3 this monday too.

SwooshLT · February 18, 2011

You guys are too influential.....was looking Mizzy combos but the more I look around and read the VR Pro Combos could be the 2K11 ticket for irons... :wacko: :smilie_nike:

PAYLEE · February 18, 2011

[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298062068' post='2990469']
You guys are too influential.....was looking Mizzy combos but the more I look around and read the VR Pro Combos could be the 2K11 ticket for irons... :wacko: :smilie_nike:
[/quote]

Suppose if you like Mizuno and Nike it will just come down to feel and how it fits your eye. Still think Muzuno puts out some of the best feeling irons on the market.

grant_the_tank · February 18, 2011

Anyone have feedback on how these compare to the Bridgestone J36 combos? First thing I thought of when I saw the pro combos. I suppose the Bridgestones are a bit more compact, shorter heal to toe?

SwooshLT · February 18, 2011

OK.....just got set off the bay.... :russian_roulette: I'm weak..... :crazy:

StarFleetGolfer · February 18, 2011

[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298080204' post='2991238']
OK.....just got set of the bay.... :russian_roulette: I'm weak..... :crazy:
[/quote]

You just bought the best irons ever. Great feel and playability. The long irons are easy to hit too, though a different feel versus the rest of the set. I have not even looked at another set since I got mine.

rlheiman · February 18, 2011

[quote name='PAYLEE' timestamp='1298064219' post='2990567']
[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298062068' post='2990469']
You guys are too influential.....was looking Mizzy combos but the more I look around and read the VR Pro Combos could be the 2K11 ticket for irons... :wacko: :smilie_nike:
[/quote]

Suppose if you like Mizuno and Nike it will just come down to feel and how it fits your eye. Still think Muzuno puts out some of the best feeling irons on the market.
[/quote]

I've got Mizunos too. While I love them, I don't think they sell a combo set do they? You have to make it yourself right? The Pro Combos come stock with just the right playability and forgiveness.

SwooshLT · February 18, 2011

Thanks Junkdog.....I played 2 sets of original PC's and loved them!!! these sure are a sexy set!!!

StarFleetGolfer · February 18, 2011

[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298081160' post='2991287']
Thanks Junkdog.....I played 2 sets of original PC's and loved them!!! these sure are a sexy set!!!
[/quote]

If you liked the original, you will love these. So sexy

FlushContact · February 18, 2011

So tempting to part ways from my vr split cavities for the pro combos. Should I do it?

SwooshLT · February 18, 2011

As New York Jets Linebacker Bart Scott once said......"CAN'T WAIT!!!!"

StarFleetGolfer · February 18, 2011

[quote name='FlushContact' timestamp='1298081912' post='2991314']
So tempting to part ways from my vr split cavities for the pro combos. Should I do it?
[/quote]

I had the splits and like these better. The long irons are more forgiving and the short iron blades are great for pitching and chipping.

jjc · February 18, 2011

From what my contacts are telling me - these were designed by a couple of ex-mizzy guys Nike pulled over. Looking at how nice they look and how sweet they feel makes me think it's true. I think Nike might have the best offering across the board right now - can't wait to see the vr pro forged wedge in a bag with these irons.

PAYLEE · February 19, 2011

[quote name='rlheiman' timestamp='1298080889' post='2991273']
[quote name='PAYLEE' timestamp='1298064219' post='2990567']
[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298062068' post='2990469']
You guys are too influential.....was looking Mizzy combos but the more I look around and read the VR Pro Combos could be the 2K11 ticket for irons... :wacko: :smilie_nike:
[/quote]

Suppose if you like Mizuno and Nike it will just come down to feel and how it fits your eye. Still think Muzuno puts out some of the best feeling irons on the market.
[/quote]

I've got Mizunos too. While I love them, I don't think they sell a combo set do they? You have to make it yourself right? The Pro Combos come stock with just the right playability and forgiveness.
[/quote]

Yeah I think you're right, I don't believe they have a purpose built combo set. I've never even considered buying Nike irons but I do like the combo set. Just not sure I'd pull my AP2's for them or at least that's what I'm telling myself so I can avoid buying a set

SwooshLT · February 20, 2011

[quote name='PAYLEE' timestamp='1298137706' post='2992538']
[quote name='rlheiman' timestamp='1298080889' post='2991273']
[quote name='PAYLEE' timestamp='1298064219' post='2990567']
[quote name='TMAG-FireMedic' timestamp='1298062068' post='2990469']
You guys are too influential.....was looking Mizzy combos but the more I look around and read the VR Pro Combos could be the 2K11 ticket for irons... :wacko: :smilie_nike:
[/quote]

Suppose if you like Mizuno and Nike it will just come down to feel and how it fits your eye. Still think Muzuno puts out some of the best feeling irons on the market.
[/quote]

I've got Mizunos too. While I love them, I don't think they sell a combo set do they? You have to make it yourself right? The Pro Combos come stock with just the right playability and forgiveness.
[/quote]

Yeah I think you're right, I don't believe they have a purpose built combo set. I've never even considered buying Nike irons but I do like the combo set. Just not sure I'd pull my AP2's for them or at least that's what I'm telling myself so I can avoid buying a set
[/quote]

Jedi mind trick............as Nike once said...JUST DO IT!!!