50 Word or Less
Both models receive major performance upgrades for 2014. For better players, the Tour model may be the best off the rack driver of the year. If you’ve been sleeping on the swoosh, it’s time to wake up.
Introduction
Last year, Nike’s Covert driver was the hottest pre-release in the industry due to its ground breaking design and adjustability. This year, the VRS Covert 2.0 got the kind of hype you can’t buy: Tiger Woods put it into his bag at his World Challenge event and put on a driving clinic that had people thinking about the skinny 21 year old who ran away with the Masters in 1997.
The Covert 2.0 takes the same elements that made the Covert a head turner – the cavity back design and flex loft hosel – and adds Fly-Brace technology, which Nike claims adds stability and forgiveness. Does this evolution allow Covert 2.0 to keep pace with some of the other great drivers of 2014? Yes, and then some.
Looks
The overall look of the Covert 2.0 is virtually identical to the original Covert. The signature dark red crown is back along with the white swoosh on the heel. If, one year later, you still can’t get over the swoosh, then yes, time has truly passed you by.
Both the standard and Tour models have traditional looks from address. The Tour model is just slightly shorter from front to back, but it’s still 460cc. The other noticeable difference between the standard and Tour models is that the face and sole of the Tour model are black, the standard is silver.
While the standard Covert 2.0 is a good looking driver, the Tour model is in the top 2 or 3 for 2014, to my eye.
Sound & Feel
When it comes to sound and feel, both Covert 2.0 models have much in common. The first thing that struck me was how there was virtually no auditory difference between misses and centered shots.
There is a slight difference between the Tour model and the standard is the character of the sound. The Tour model is a little bit duller, more of a thud. The standard Covert 2.0 has a slightly more hollow, explosive sound at impact.
All across the face, the feel is generally solid. There is a different feel in your hands on a flushed shot compared to a mishit, but mishits don’t translate into a bad, twisting feel like they do with many less forgiving drivers.
Performance
This is where Covert 2.0 really separates itself from its predecessor. In both models, the spin has been dialed down and the forgiveness is absolutely off the charts.
Let’s start with spin. Some players found the original Covert to be a little spinny, but that is something no one will be able to say about the Covert 2.0. The standard Covert 2.0 is low spin; for the average guy, it’s going to be a beast. The Covert 2.0 Tour is you-better-bring-some-speed-or-it’s-knuckleball-city low spin. I suspect that part of the reason for the Tour’s low spin is the shaft, but, regardless of the reason, it’s a club that high spin players must try this year.
The other standout feature is the forgiveness. Every major driver out there is forgiving, but the Covert 2.0 completely shocked me with how much ball speed it retained on serious mishits. There were a number of swings where I thought, “That was terrible, the ball speed will be in the low 130’s” and yet it stayed north of 140MPH. What’s even better is that the forgiveness is there even in the Tour model.
A key difference that potential buyers should be aware of when deciding between the Covert 2.0 and the Covert 2.0 Tour is the shaft. The standard model uses a Kuro Kage variant that is counter balanced (you can learn more about counter balancing HERE). Counterbalancing isn’t a good or bad thing – some people will like it, others won’t – but you should be aware of it when you try it out. The Tour model features the Kuro Kage TiNi which is as solid a stock shaft as you’re likely to see and a major reason why I think that the Covert 2.0 Tour may be the best OTR driver of 2014.
Finally, for those unfamiliar with it, I want to give a quick primer on Nike’s FlexLoft technology. In short, it’s the most complete adjustable hosel on the market. Players can change the club’s loft from 8.5° to 12.5° and open or close the face angle. This flexibility makes the Covert 2.0 a club that can adapt to any condition.
Conclusion
Whether you were a fan of the original Covert or not, you owe it to yourself to check out the VRS Covert 2.0. Nike kept the best parts from the original Covert, the looks and feel, and upgraded the performance exponentially.
Specs
The Nike VRS Covert 2.0 is adjustable from 8.5° to 12.5° of loft.
The standard model has a MRC Kuro Kage 2.0 Black HBP 50 shaft as the stock option. The Tour Model features the MRC Kuro Kage 2.0 TiNi 60.
Watch the Video
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Nike Covert LM
Matt Saternus
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Matt:
Would you guess that with a club head speed of 91.7 and BS of 121.2 the Tour model might be a stretch for me? I currently use the Nike Covert Performance 2013 model.
Thanks,
Jack
Jack,
With spin around 3000, I think you should definitely give the Tour model a look. If you can get that number closer to 2000, you’d see much longer drives, assuming the launch angle was high enough.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the input Matt. As a 12 ghin I get caught up in the “tour” model designation and think it should not be a consideration. I’ll give the tour a demo.
Jack
follow-up I forgot to leave that my current backspin is around +/- 3000
I’ve been disappointed with every Nike club I’ve tried but they claim to be putting a lot of money into R&D . After seeing the numbers and your thoughts on this club maybe they are finally catching up. 1605 spin on the tour model is crazy.
is the convert tour 2 the best driver you have hit so far this year?
is your spin 1605 correct? this comes from shaft or low spin head?
how do you think the tour shaft would perform in the performance head?
low spinning high moi?
I have been looking for a sub 2000 shaft/head for years??
regards
The Covert 2.0 Tour is definitely near the top of the list, especially for off the rack clubs.
Yes, 1605 is correct. Spin is a function of the head, shaft, and swing.
The idea of a shaft being low spin is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. For me, the TiNi Kuro Kage was lower spin and better overall. For others, it won’t be. I would certainly suggest giving that combination a try, but I switching the shafts isn’t going to drop the spin for everyone. Also, as I mentioned, the Tour head is not unforgiving. I do think higher handicap players would probably be better served by the standard model, but average to better players should at least try the Tour version.
Best,
Matt
Hi, I really enjoy the reviews, however could you please add what shaft flex you are testing? I swing the driver in the 95-98 mph range and always seem to be in between flex’s. Thanks!
Scott,
Unless it’s otherwise noted, Bill plays an X flex and I play a stiff flex.
The 95-98 MPH range can be tough; it really emphasizes the importance of a good fitting.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Nice review on the Covert 2.0. I picked up the Tour model and like it quite a bit. I have a swing speed around 98mph. Launch angle 14 deg, spin 2200. Distance around 250 yds. I just wonder if the TiNi is too stiff of a shaft. Any thoughts on swapping the shaft to the black HPB 50? Will that give more carry? Thanks.
Nice review on the Covert 2.0. I picked up the Tour model and like it quite a bit. I have a swing speed around 98mph. Launch angle 14 deg, spin 2200. Distance around 250 yds. I just wonder if the TiNi is too stiff of a shaft. Any thoughts on swapping the shaft to the black HPB 50? Will that give more carry? Thanks.
John,
Glad you’re liking the club. At 98 MPH, your optimal carry is going to be about 245 yards. That would require a little higher launch and a little less spin.
The HBP 50 is really different than the TiNi. It’s strongly counter balanced and less stiff. There’s no harm in trying it, but I couldn’t really give you an educated prediction as to what it will do with your golf swing.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
If you are in the process of buying the Nike Covert 2.0,would the fitting centre taylor make the shaft to your swing speed? and,is it true if you have a naturally fast swing would you go with the stiffer shaft?
Thanks
Andrew,
Absolutely, any fitter should be able to help you pick the right shaft flex and model for your swing. With regard to flex, yes, faster swings generally fit stiffer shafts.
Best,
Matt
I went to a Nike Demo Day and, after trying various combinations and settings, the pro convinced me to get the regular Covert 2.0 driver head with the TINI shaft. After playing with the lofts I found the 8.5° neutral was by far the best ball flight. I am a 65 year-old with a 95+ MPH swing speed. Have you heard of anyone mixing and matching the head and shaft as described? My feeling is that, by chance. I have hit on a great combination. Any thoughts? Is there a better driver out there for me? Right now, I am quite happy with it. Thanks you for your attention.
Ted,
Congrats on being fit for a combination that you’re happy with. The idea of mixing the heads and shafts has been raised before, and I think it’s a good one. The TiNi shaft is really excellent, particularly for reducing spin. In my opinion, the Covert 2.0 is one of the best drivers of 2014, so there’s no driver that I would say you have to try instead.
Best,
Matt
Great review. Bought the 2.0 covert with reg shaft. Most fairways I have ever hit with a driver. Have it set for 11.5 & left. Hit high draws with it all day long. It has replaced my R1.
Handicap is dropping with the 2.0. I’m 60 with a usga of 13.9 and I expect to drop at lease 3 strokes by the end of the summer. I haven’t been on a launch monitor so I can’t give numbers. I bought it without a fitting.
any specs on the launch monitor data? loft used? shaft and flex? open or closed? just wondering if I’m to assume these were pulled from the shelf and if so, who’s shelf :)
10.5, stiff, stock shaft, square.
I have a swing speed of 90 Mph with an average drive of about 220 and a slight fade. Thinking about the non-tour 2.0 but have heard that this is a heavy driver. Would I be better served with a lighter driver or does it make that much difference? Thank you
Bryan,
Weight is absolutely an important consideration, but you should be leery of anyone who tells you to play a heavier or lighter club without seeing your swing (and probably some launch monitor data, too). My recommendation would be to bring your current driver and compare it head to head against the Covert 2.0 on a launch monitor. This is something you should be able to do at any big box golf shop.
Best,
Matt
Why the head weight and swing weight of Nike Covert 2.0 is so heavy (212 and D7) ? What advantage will be achieve from such a heavy club head? Is the clubhead speed probably reduce? I just got a regular covert 2.0 one with KuroKage red A Flex. I will replace the shaft to Mitsubishi b series 50 gm s flex. Will it give a better result? My approximately swing speed is 96 mph.
Kunsu,
I can’t speak for Nike as to why they went heavier with the weight of this club. Some players do prefer heavier clubs, but the trend does seem to be towards lighter clubs to increase speed. Whether or not a heavier club will markedly reduce your speed is something you will only discover through trial and error. In theory, yes, lighter is faster, but some players may not be able to control it.
As for changing shafts, you’re going from an A flex to an S flex which is a big jump. Based on your swing speed, I would guess the S will be a better fit, but can’t say for sure without seeing your swing.
Best,
Matt
Thank you for your advise Matt.
I am looking to buy the Covert 2.0 and I see that Dick’s have a red model and a dull black model. The shafts look to be the same specs even though one is red and the other is black. I have hit the red model but not the dull black model. I like the dull black finish better because it would not have the sun glare of the red. Could I assume they would be identical in performance.
thanks
Herb,
Yes, they’re the same. The black is just a limited edition.
-Matt
Hey Matt, I got this driver on sale and had no expectations whatsoever since I am so tired of going through different drivers. When I took it to the range I was blown away at how accurate and forgiving this club is. Maybe the heavy swing weight is working in my favor. A brief background, I sucked big time with the driver so this Covert working is something new for me. :)
Im a high handicap golfer looking for a driver to increase my distance and hit straighter drive. Which one of the two would you prefer?
High handicap players would probably do better with the standard model.
-Matt
What is the flex on a 2014 nike vrs covert 2.0 model ?
It comes in A, R, S, and X.
I tried both side by side 3/20/16. Matt’s review is spot on. I average 90. The nontour version with S Kurokage shaft worked better for me in accuracy and consistency. The tour version was longer but a little easier to mishit. Both are the best drivers i have ever hit.
The only cons are the slippery golf pride grips and the Made in China stickers.
I recently bought this club looks like it was special made.
Tour shaft. Standard head.
This thing hits like a dream.
Sorry. Tour shaft.
Do you think this is a better combination than the tour head?
Donovan,
There’s no universal better, only better for you. If your combo “hits like a dream,” I would stick with it.
Best,
Matt
Great, great and wonderful write-up….am a fan of the website and all the shaft and driver info./reviews.
I’ve considered delving into buying the 2.0 as a test driver this year….
my stats:
46 years old, decent shape
5’10” 164 lbs….
105-106 SS
a hitter more than a swinger unfortunately…
with a Titleist 917D@ fitting…
I was 106 SS, 1.47 PTR (lower than optimal, because I’m rusty swinging the driver a touch :)…), 11.7 launch, ball speed mid 150s, just under 3000 spin….with a 44.5″ Fuji Pro tour spec. 73x>>>>looked good, numbers were ok fort a guy my age not playing much….but it felt odd when gaming it.
All that is to say, which direction on this review would U steer an off-the-shelf buy of this driver from a few years back?
Again, really do appreciate the info. on golf equipment you afford the readers….
Regards,
Jason C. Wynn
Jason,
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoy the site.
My honest opinion would be to steer you away from buying off the shelf. As a regular reader, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of evidence for the benefits of fitting.
That said, I do like the Covert 2.0. The forgiveness was good and it was pretty low spin. I’m sure you can get quite a good deal on it now.
Best,
Matt
Just wanted to let everyone know I just got the standard version on academy sports website for $80. It says it’s “blemished” but was still wrapped in plastic. Only missing the wrench for adjustment which you can find online for around 5 bucks. This will be my second covert 2.0
You will not find a better driver for the price.