Nike Golf's SQ DYMO driver and fairway woods make a powerful arsenal

Nike Golf's SQ DYMO driver is the next step forward in the SQ woods line. (Courtesy of Nike Golf)


In 2007, Nike Golf introduced the SQ Sumo line of drivers. The big sticks immediately made noise in the competitive driver marketplace, figuratively and literally.

The SQ Sumo2's square head sent the ball a long way, and its ear-shattering clank sent some golfers to other brands.

Then, in 2008, the SQ Sumo2 5900 improved on both the sound and the power. The former was not hard to do but the latter was an impressive feat.

More impressive yet is how Nike Golf has continued to improve on its flagship woods line. The 2009 SQ DYMO driver sounds, feels and performs better than its predecessors, and the SQ DYMO fairway woods are precisely matched to create an arsenal that is tough to beat.
How the Nike Golf SQ DYMO woods play

With golf equipment companies introducing a new driver model - and sometimes a whole new line of woods - each season, it is difficult to continually improve each subsequent offering. Although it has only been three years for Nike and the SQ line, the company has in fact improved year after year.

The SQ DYMO (rounded-headed version) and SQ DYMO2 (square-headed version) are the most solid yet. Both models sound better than before, and according to Nike, both are completely redesigned. The name DYMO stands for Dynamic Moment of Inertia, referring to the loft- and lie-specific weighting and face-thickness specs of each loft/lie combination. The idea is to optimize spin and launch angle for each.

In extensive testing on the range and on the course, I compared the new SQ DYMO ($299, 10.5 degree loft, stock UST DYMO stiff shaft) to the older SQ Sumo2 models I also have reviewed. The DYMO model is easier to work, whereas the square models were biased to straighten out sidespin.

So on days when my swing is working, the DYMO is great. On days when my swing is uncooperative, I would rather have the square version.

The sound of the DYMO is outstanding — the least metallic of all Nike SQs so far — as is the feel. The ball explodes from the face, and if you catch it flush on the sweet-spot, you hardly feel any impact at all.

Even the grips are high-tech, with firmer top halves and softer bottom halves. Also, the matte finish of the crown is extremely durable - a horrible pop-up left only a barely perceptible smudge.

The best thing about the Nike Golf DYMO fairway woods ($249) is that they are absolutely identical to the driver, aside from their size. This encourages golfers to make the same swing for each club.

In similarly extensive testing for the 3-wood (15-degrees) and 5-wood (19-degrees), I found them to be extremely solid and long. In fact, the 3-wood, when struck well, practically carries as long as the driver, despite a considerably smaller clubhead.
The verdict on Nike Golf SQ DYMO driver and fairway woods

I have been impressed by Nike Golf's first truly original line of woods since they appeared in 2007, and the DYMO line is no exception. About the only negative I can find in the design is the striking yellow-and-black color scheme, which may not appeal to some golfers.

In order to protect against any personal bias, I asked Dave Huber, head pro at Lake of the Woods Golf Course in Mahomet, Ill., for his take on the DYMO.

"Nike does a really good job," said Huber, who plays a Mizuno driver, as he set up with the DYMO. After a few long, high, graceful draws, he added, "Well, that's just about perfect ball flight. You know, there are three guys I normally play with who have switched to these drivers. All three have added 10 yards since switching. That's not easy to do."

Okay, so it's not just me. Nike has another winner with the SQ DYMO.