50 Words or Less
The Nike Vapor Fly irons are designed to be higher launching, longer flying, and full of modern design for stability and better feel.
Introduction
Nike earned some strong praise from us with Vapor Fly Pro irons, but now we’re taking a look at the Super Game Improvement (SGI) relative, the Nike Vapor Fly irons. As much as we would all like to be able to play like pros and play clubs like theirs, the simple truth is that isn’t always an option. Major manufacturers have been making GI and SGI clubs for years, but I would argue that these types of clubs have only been of higher quality in recent years. Nike, being known for innovation and access to high-caliber engineering resources, has produced one of the stronger SGI irons in the modern market.
Looks
Look, if you’re looking for an SGI iron that’s disguised as a small player’s blade, the Nike Vapor Fly irons are not it, but that’s ok. The Nike Vapor Fly irons are designed to give players extra stability but also confidence at address that the club is going to provide all the help it can. The topline is thick, there is a good amount of offset, and the soles are nice and thick.
The cavity back of the club has the signature volt yellow Nike swoosh, the Flybeams that help stabilize the body of the club are visible, and you see blue accenting and the same pattern on the rubber dampening material that’s found on the new driver heads. Nike did a good job making the Vapor Fly irons stay consistent with the branding of this season’s Fly line.
Sound & Feel
The long irons of the Nike Vapor Fly irons are hollow and the shorter irons have what Nike is calling a RZN pocket, which both have a very direct impact on the sound and feel of the club. The sound in the longer irons is very metallic (note: not like a fairway wood or hybrid) and is not a traditional iron sound, which I’m ok with in this SGI set. The shorter irons give you a little bit more slingshot snap at impact and lose a good amount of that metallic sound. The consistent sound characteristic is that they sound very explosive, like the ball is really popping off the face, even on mishits. The biggest negative in the sound department is when you make a terrible swing and take a bit too much ground. The club and the turf sound like they just got into a fight, but you’ll be surprised at the results of your short (more on that later).
The feel very much matches the characteristics of sound. The longer irons feel a bit hollow and very forgiving all over the face. When you really lay into one of the longer irons and hit a good shot, it really feels like a canon shooting off the face. The shorter irons have a bit more response in them and similar forgiveness, but the explosive feeling is a bit more familiar and closer to the standard “trampoline” or “spring” effect often described in SGI irons.
Performance
There were two things that jumped out at me in reviewing the Nike Vapor Fly irons beyond the usual positive attributes in SGI irons. First was that, yes, when I hit these well, I hit them a mile. Admittedly, modern SGI irons are prone to stronger lofts, but I’m talking up to about 30 yards more in the longer clubs. The high end for the shorter irons was about 20 yards. Now, there are a million things that could contribute to this, but the biggest takeaway is that a player looking to get some extra yards out of their SGI irons should be in good shape with the Nike Vapor Fly irons.
The second thing I noticed, and alluded to in the “Sound” section, was that the Vapor Flys had one of the best bailouts I’ve ever seen. I can’t tell you how many shots I just flat out “trenched” over the first twenty swings or so. I was hitting so fat which would result in a lot of loss in speed and hitting the ball high on the face. Almost miraculously, the ball would still fly straight and get out there a ways. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t hitting a fat shot 189 yards that was an intended 200, but I would find myself chucking the ball straight ahead 150-165 yards. Yes, this would be trouble if I had to carry water, but down the fairway to the green, I’m still in ok shape with decent progress. All I can say is that this was not an anomaly for me and proved to be a very common occurrence. As silly as it sounds, this was the most impressive part of this club for me. A lot of people make SGI clubs that go a mile and are forgiving, but this is the first time where I’ve ever seen one rescue a bad shot so well. When I think of the player looking for the benefits of an SGI iron, I think this is an absolute gift in these irons.
Conclusion
It’s funny, as I sat down to write this, I wasn’t sure what exactly it was going to look like “on paper.” The Nike Vapor Fly irons may seem like just another new flashy modern SGI option, but they really are a very good option to consider if you’re the right demographic for the club. The tools are there to hit long bombs when you make a good swing, but for the times you don’t, the Nike Vapor Fly irons have what it takes to minimize the damage and keep you in play.
Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.
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Best iron in your opinion Ping G25 or Vapor fly ?
Elof,
The best one is the one that fits you better.
Best,
Matt
What is the main difference between the Nike Vapor Fly versus the Nike Vapor Speed Irons?
thanks
For all intents and purposes, not much from a head perspective. If your plan is to get one or the other, I’d get the one with the better shaft for you and then whichever you get a better deal on.
I picked these up after reading your review.. THANK YOU! I was playing the Slingshot Irons simply because you couldn’t miss the sweet spot and it was impossible to not hit these high and land soft. When Nike left the club biz I figured I should upgrade so I tried the Titleist 714 AP 1’s and the 2016 M2 Irons (neither were for me) but never gave the Vapor line a thought. I figured if the pros were playing them they’ll be above my skill level (20). So I went online and purchased a single Vapor Fly 7 Iron, after 1 shot I literally said outloud “who’s your daddy?” at the range! Yes, I’m using literally correctly, I actually said it. The ball launches so high I feel like a kid watching the space shuttle take off yet lands as soft as a butterfly with broken legs! These clubs made the game fun again and I’m heading to get them adjusted by a local fitter this weekend. Thank you for all your reviews, they really do help!
If you are a total rookie in the golf world, and are looking for a set of irons, would you recommend these?, i started not long ago and would like to buy my own set of golf clubs, i have seen a good price on these clubs and as a relatively young person i find them very cool
In the review and other reviews it seems like the Nike Vapor Fly Irons could fit my needs, but is it good for a beginner?
Actually, yeah, they would be a great option at a good price.
I would also recommend the new Cobra F-Max for a beginner (review to come in the near future). They’re brand new on the market so price will be higher than the old Nikes, but maybe worth it.
Would this be a club for a 16 HC
Mike,
Yes, I think a 16 could play this club.
Best,
Matt
I’m a 9 hc and play the vapor fly, I’ve played apex, ap2, i200, rsi2. Vapor fly has improved my consistency and scoring with ease. Would recommend these irons to anyone who wants a higher ball flight, on target. I get there made for the higher handicap player but if your a serious golfer and are looking for consistency, look no further.
Can you work the ball left to right with these irons
Kevin,
Yes: https://pluggedingolf.com/game-improvement-irons-arent-workable-golf-myths-unplugged/
Best,
Matt
Currently playing off 9 and looking for some new irons. Was ideally looking for Vapor Fly Pro’s but as Nike no longer manufacture clubs, it’s near impossible to find a brand new set. I have however found some Vapor Flys with the shaft I’m after. Just after some advice as to whether they’d suit a lower handicap player like me?
I’ve been playing a set of ping eye2 irons with ZZ Lite shafts at an 18hcp and am looking to purchase Nike irons. I’ve been looking into these the vapor fly pros and the vapor pro combos. What Nike set would best compare to the ping eye2 irons? Thanks
Pat,
I think any of Nike’s game improvement irons would compare favorably. Technology has improved golf clubs a lot in that time.
Best,
Matt
Best irons I’ve ever hit!!!!
For years, I avoided Nike equipment and seemed stuck as a 13 HC. Then….my son gave me a set of the Vapor Fly SGI irons with F2 Recoil shafts 5-PW. My first two rounds I shot 76 and then 78. I AM SOLD!