Equipment Review: Nicklaus Golf Equipment 2008
Fastback 460 Driver
Claw Fairway Wood, Claw Hybrid
Polarity MTR Irons
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

When Nicklaus Golf Equipment first contacted us in late 2007 about its latest and greatest for 2008, of course we had to put on our “wait and see” hats. But after testing three of Nicklaus’ newest offerings, we had our socks knocked off – and you will, too.

Last year, we raved about the Jack Nicklaus Dual Point 460 driver – still one of the best on the market. Now, thanks to new technology developed by Nicklaus Golf, we have a trio of new clubs to rave about: the Fastback 460 Driver; and the Claw Fairway Wood and Hybrid. All three of these clubs get a huge mark of approval from London Ontario Golf.

Fastback Driver

The Nicklaus Fastback Driver is one of the best new drivers to embrace today’s new geometry in the Big Dog. Built for power and accuracy, this club is a behemoth, yet it doesn’t overpower the eyes. In fact, the Fastback Driver does just the opposite – it instils confidence while making use of the latest in oversized 460cc shape.

Triangular in shape with rounded corners, of course, the Fastback Driver boasts enhanced heel weighting and an extremely high MOI. It has the maximum dimension and maximum size allowed by USGA standards, not to mention the highest allowable ball velocity. Enhanced stability through the impact zone, plus unheard of energy transfer makes for an ultra-forgiving, accurate, long driver. Ultra durable construction using micro welding offers great quality at half the weight of traditional welding.

The Fastback Driver still boasts Nicklaus Golf’s famous Dual Point Technology, which means the CG is aligned with an optimal face flex point for maximum trampoline effect. A 10 g weight plug positioned low and deep in the clubhead allows for square impact. I really like the multi-layered face, too – it’s only 2.7 mm around the perimeter yet 2.9 mm in the centre, and thus expands even more the club’s high trampoline zone. In fact, the pill pops off the face of this club so quickly and with such power that it should be endorsed by the The Flying Wallendas. For those of you not old enough to know what a persimmon head is, the club’s trampoline effect would even make Cirque de Soleil blush.

The small circular alignment mark on the Fastback Driver is a bonus. The shaft in the driver we tested is one of our favourites: Fujikura SG Pro 3.01. There are custom shaft options, too. It’s available in RH lofts of 8, 9, 10.5 and HL 13.5 degrees, and LH 10.5 degrees.

I absolutely love this driver, for all of the aforementioned reasons. It ranks right up there with the longest and most accurate drivers I’ve tested during the past four years. Nicklaus also makes available a Drawback Driver with offset hosel, ready to help you fight the dreaded slice.

There are numerous oversized drivers on the market today, but the Fastback Driver is one of the very best.

Claw Fairway Wood

When you come across a fairway wood which produces excellent shotmaking for you on a consistent basis, then that club usually finds a spot in your bag longer than any other club. I have a feeling a lot of golfers will find room for the Nicklaus Golf Claw Fairway Wood.

Here’s the scoop on the Claw technology. In fact, it doesn’t scoop the turf at all. Quite the contrary. The Claw is designed to take the rough out of your game, thanks to 26.1 per cent less drag than typical fairway woods. Stabilizer rails promote better alignment, no matter what the lie.

The Claw Fairway Wood is advertised to produce a high launch angle, and it delivers. Its centre runner flanked by thinner stabilizer rails are ideal for reducing drag through impact. This means more accuracy, greater clubhead speed and consistency in getting the ball airborne. Like the Fastback Driver, it utilizes Dual Point Technology, and boasts a multi-layered face plus Micro Welding. An extra 35 g of weight throughout the centre runner in the sole is in line with the club’s CG – again, a larger launch angle.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best fairway woods we’ve sampled. It’s long. It’s accurate. And, it’s consistent. The Fujikura SG Fairway 3.01 stiff shaft is a winner – there are custom shaft options if you so desire. RH loft options of 13, 15, 18 and 22 degrees, plus an offset version of the 3- and 5-wood, and two LH lofts of 15 and 18 degrees present plenty of choices, too.

Two thumbs up – or perhaps that should read, two claws up – for the Claw Fairway Wood.

Claw Hybrid

Finally, a hybrid 2-iron replacement that’s as easy to hit as your younger brother when you were kids. Nicklaus Golf isn’t kidding around, though, when offering the Claw Hybrid. Using the same Claw technology as the fairway woods, the Claw Hybrid cuts through turf like a hot knife through butter. 

Available in RH lofts of 18, 21, 24 and 27 degrees – replacing irons 2 through 5 – and in LH models of 24 and 27 degrees, the Claw Hybrid boasts a flat face for proper alignment. Maximum Twist Resistance (MTR) results from extreme polar weight distribution. This hybrid also boasts a very high MOI, thanks to the patented Extreme Polar Weight Distribution. An extra 50 g of weight throughout the centre runner in the sole helps boost launch angle, too. And, of course, Dual Point Technology is built in.

The 18-degree Claw Hybrid is the easiest to use 2-iron replacement I’ve seen yet – the offset hosel really helps. The Precision Rifle Black Graphite shaft is a good one – there are two other options.

If you’re the last person on earth to put a hybrid club in your bag (and you just might be), then consider the Claw Hybrid for a powerful launch and soft approach.

Polarity MTR Irons

Here’s a new game-improvement iron that would not be out of place in the hands of a player: the new Nicklaus Golf Polarity MTR Irons. Nicklaus uses its MTR technology, thanks to extreme polar weight distribution, and builds in the highest MOI in the biz for consistent shotmaking. An extended face – one quality I really like in a mid-size or game-improvement iron – is a key to the design of this club, and, while not high-tech, should not be overlooked. It’s a double heat-treated 4-31 pH stainless steel club, too.

The low CG of the Polarity MTR Irons – and we tested a 6-iron – involves a wide, cambered sole for a high ball flight. No problem hitting it high and landing it softly with this club! The progressive offset hosel – less on short irons, more on long irons – is ideal. And get this: there’s a feel-enhancing Urethane insert to help combat shock, and add feel to your shotmaking. 

The Polarity MTR Irons are fitted with the Pro Silver, ultra-light steel shaft by FST. It’s a lightweight 100 g shaft with greater launch and spin promotion. There are custom shaft options, too, including Precision Rifle Black Graphite, and Nicklaus SG Pro 3.01.

These are great irons. As a low single-digit handicapper, I wouldn’t see my game suffer with these clubs in my bag. Hey, I’m not getting any younger. The set runs from 3-iron through LW, too, which is a bonus.

With these four club offerings, Nicklaus Golf is ready to compete with the big boys of the golf club industry. I can’t wait to see what Jack has up his sleeve next.

For more information on Nicklaus Golf Equipment, visit www.nicklaus-golf.com.