The Bottom Line
Pros
- Combines workability with forgiveness.
- Good performance on off-center hits.
- Attractive clubhead, confidence-inspiring profile at setup.
Cons
- Color scheme is a tad dull.
- On the upper end of the price range for major-manufacturer drivers.
Description
- Ignite was introduced late in 2003 when it was put into play by Tiger Woods and other Nike players.
- Available at retail beginning April 1, 2004.
- Ignite comes in two clubhead sizes, 410cc and 460cc.
- NexTi, a proprietary titanium developed for Nike Golf, is used in the clubface.
- Clubhead utilizes "Around the Crown" design for more stability and strength in clubhead.
- 460cc model comes in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 13-degree lofts for righthanders.
- 410cc model comes in 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5-degree models for righthanders.
- Lefties have a choice between 9.5 and 10.5 degree lofts in the 460cc model only, at time of writing.
- MSPR at release is $469.
Guide Review - Nike Ignite Driver
Nike Golf's aim was to create both workability and forgiveness in a larger-headed driver. They largely succeeded. Nike Golf, you might say, is livin' large.
NexTi, what Nike Golf calls "the next-generation titanium," is the material that is used in the clubface. NexTi is a proprietary material developed specifically for Nike; it is, the company says, thinner, lighter and stronger than beta-titanium.
The combination of that material's properties with Around the Crown design (wrapping the clubface over the top of the clubhead) creates greater stability in the clubhead and a larger sweetspot.
That's the theory. And it seems to work. The Nike Ignite drew raves from nearly all the golfers who tried it during several weeks of testing. High-handicappers and low-handicappers, slow swingers and fast swingers, all found something to like in the Ignite.
The Ignite is attractive at setup, although its color scheme is a little dull (especially for a club called "Ignite"). But when the primary complaint is "the color scheme is dull," you know the club is a winner.
The club feels great at impact, and our testers felt their off-center hits weren't so bad with the Ignite. That feeling, regardless of the actuality, is sure to inspire confidence in those who use the Ignite.
