Nike VR_S Covert Fairway Wood

Wood Options & Stock Shafts

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Game Improvement Fairway Wood

Nike released the VR_S Covert irons in early 2013, right when the company was pushing hard to be taken seriously as an equipment maker and not just the brand on Tiger's shirt. The Covert line got most of its attention from the red cavity-back driver, but the irons were the quieter success. These are distance-first game improvement irons built around Nike's NexCOR face, a variable-thickness design that keeps ball speed up on shots hit low on the face, which is where most mid and high handicappers actually make contact.

The lofts are strong for their era, the soles are wide, and the cavity is deep. None of that is subtle, and it isn't meant to be. This is an iron built to get the ball up and out for players who don't compress it like a pro. What you give up is feel and workability. Off-center hits get rescued, but flushed shots don't give you much feedback, and shaping the ball either direction takes real effort.

Since Nike stopped making clubs in 2016, these only exist on the used market now, and that's honestly where they make the most sense. A set that cost around $700 in steel at launch can be had for a fraction of that, and the technology holds up better than the price suggests.

• Mid to high handicappers who want distance and height without paying new-club prices for either.
• Players who miss low on the face, since the NexCOR design specifically protects ball speed on thin strikes.
• Bargain hunters comfortable buying a discontinued brand, because used sets are cheap and the tech still competes with modern budget irons.
• Not a fit for anyone who wants soft feel, a thin topline, or the ability to flight shots down on command.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nike VR_S Covert irons good for beginners?

Yes, and they're one of the better used-market options for a first real set. The wide sole resists digging, the offset helps square the face, and the low price means you're not precious about them while you learn. A beginner would want to check the grips and possibly regrip, since most sets this age have worn ones.

Are the VR_S Covert irons still worth buying now that Nike doesn't make clubs?

For the money, yes. Nike exited the equipment business in 2016, so there's no warranty or club support, but irons have no moving parts and these were well built. The main practical downside is resale value stays low, which cuts both ways, cheap to buy, cheap when you sell.

What's the difference between the VR_S Covert and the VR_S Covert 2.0 irons?

The 2.0 came a year later with a revised NexCOR face and slightly cleaner cavity styling, plus small tweaks to sole width. Performance differences are minor. If a 2.0 set is priced the same or barely more, take it, but don't pay a real premium for it.

What shafts came stock in the VR_S Covert irons?

Steel sets shipped with the True Temper Dynalite 105, a lighter steel shaft aimed at moderate swing speeds. Graphite sets used the Mitsubishi Kuro Kage. Both were offered in regular and stiff, and plenty of used sets have since been reshafted, so check what's actually in the set you're buying.

Are the lofts on the VR_S Covert irons strong?

Strong for 2013, roughly average by today's standards. The 7 iron sits around 31 degrees, which was aggressive then and is now weaker than many current game improvement irons. Expect honest distance rather than eye-popping numbers, with gapping that still makes sense through the set.

Alternatives to the Nike VR_S Covert

Other game improvement fairway wood models from different brands, closest to its model year.