Besides being absolutely beautiful, the newest line of irons from the most winning brand of iron on the PGA TOUR (Nike of course), are also the best set of clubs I’ve ever used- really, they are.  If you prefer a compact blade but need a little forgiveness on those off center hits, you’re going to crap your pants with excitement when you try the new Victory Red Irons from Nike.  Tiger Woods himself worked directly with the development team to create these tour caliber clubs, they couldn’t be more perfect if they were forged in the fires of Mordor by Sauron himself. 

More offset than the Victory Red TW Blades but less than the VR Full Cavity and with a slightly wider sole and thicker topline, the Nike Victory Red Split Cavity Irons still look and feel like traditional blades.  The cavity also provides a higher trajectory with blade-like loft and lie.  The center of gravity was positioned to Tiger’s specs so that you can practice to match the best in the business.  With all the specs aside, these irons just feel good.  Professional grade yet still ultra-forgiving; you just can’t find that anywhere else.

• Split Cavity Back Design:
  The split back design keeps weight behind the sweet spot of the club head for ball control while providing forgiveness.
• Versatile Sole Design:
  The cambered sole allows for greater playability from varied lies to ensure precise face contact shot after shot.
• 1025 Forged Carbon Steel: Precision forged and machined to precise tolerances for unsurpassed feel. The material of choice for accomplished players.
• CNC Milled Face:
  CNC milled flat face ensures uniform ball compression for consistent ball flight.
• Victory Red Grip by Eaton Grips:
  Designed for maximum grip on the top half, and fantastic feel on the bottom, these grips will give you control and power shot after shot.

[Get It $170]

The Exodus couldn’t be more perfect if Yahweh himself created it from one of my ribs.

If it’s one thing that we understand at Essential Gear Guide, it’s that more is better, and guru bag design company Ogio definitely shares our passion for excess. 

I normally test products and think to myself, “they should have done this” or “wouldn’t it be nice if it had that“.  Though, with features like *The Wedge, a zipperless ball pouch, double pocket hydration, a built in rain guard, and a hidden umbrella compartment, my comments were refined to: “wow, that’s clever“, “this is handy” and “what a great idea“.
Bottom line, Ogio’s hit a hole in one with the Bag that leaves all others in the dust; and with a flashy new design, you’ll be sure to make an entrence with the Exodus!

*The Wedge (pronounced Wedg-ee) is a specialized compartment to hold a variety of hybrid clubs or wedges.

Innovative design giant Ogio pulls features to the extreme, offering specialization that makes golfing even more pleasurable.  Though I don’t recommend fleeing Egypt on a golf cart, the 8.9lb Exodus is the ideal cart bag for anyone looking to escape the doldrums of the workweek in style.  Even at the top of the golf bag food-chain the Exodus has a price tag that won’t eat a hole in your wallet. 

When subtle detail and convenience converge, you’re left with pure beauty and Ogio named it the Exodus.  With specialized pockets and pouches for your cell phone, cigar caddy, tees and more, you can say goodbye to clutter.  It’s amazing that the game of golf is more than 550 years old and no one has thought of adding a divot tool or pen sleeve to the bag before now; and how about the specialized Velcro patch to hold your glove- awesome.  

One of my favorite things about this bag, is that everything is labeled, no more guessing which pocket is for what.

How about some of those features:

Ten Pockets

Available in Navy/Gold; Black/Copper; and Petrol/Black.

Two insulated pouches to keep beverages cold or hot
(can hold about 2 cans of beer each)

Dedicated storage for divot tool, umbrella, towel, tees, gloves, pen, and cigars

Free gift divot tool and embossed cigar case

Wedge top accommodates a variety of wedges or hybrids
(Ideal for those who carry more than 2 hybrids, 3 wedges, or both)

[Get It $400]

Size does matter! 
It’s either go big or go home for Nike, who maxes out the USGA’s restriction on head volume, with a whopping 460 cc (4.9 inches front-to-back, the limit is 5″).  The Nike SasQuatch SUMO² driver is like Musashimaru Koyo in size (about 25 in²), but more like Michelle Kwan on precision.  It boasts the highest MOI in golf; a massive 5300 g cm², which makes it a very forgiving and accurate club; guaranteed to lower your blood pressure and keep you out of a quagmire. 

SUMO² stands for Super Moment of Inertia Squared.  The radical geometry was achieved by utilizing a multi-material construction with a composite crown. This is the ultimate driver for distance, forgiveness, and accuracy. 

I took the 9.5 with the Stock Diamana shaft (X) out to the driving range and the first time that titanium face kissed the ball all heads snapped around as if I had just shot it from a gun.  The more I swung, the more I fell in love with the sound.  I know I hit a number of balls off center, but no one else was the wiser.

Bottom line, this is a killer driver.  The SUMO² would impress even the most experienced golfer, while helping to make newbies hit like the seasoned veterans.