A handful of Canadian golf media is on a tour of the Portland head office of Nike Golf today and will head to an Innovation Summit in Las Vegas tomorrow. What they’re seeing down there is Nike’s new lineup of equipment, accessories and clothing for 2014.

I’ve got some more details on the line-up here – although I received it in a less glamorous fashion than my colleagues!

I’d say the key words for Nike for 2014 are “evolution” and “performance.”

Nike is the undeniably the leading sports brand in the world, and it applies its knowledge about athletes into its golf product.

The clothes and shoes for 2014 are a perfect example of that.

“For us, innovation and design is at the epicenter of everything we do,” said Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf in a press release.

On the golf club side of things, Nike has taken its successful Covert line from this year and launched the Covert 2.0. The big news is in the three wood – enhancements to the club reportedly give golfers eight more yards as compared to the original Covert – and there is a new lineup of wedges for 2014 called the X3X Toe Sweep.

With TaylorMade launching JetSpeed, Nike evolving the Covert, and Callaway evolving the X-Hot lineup along with re-launching the Big Bertha (according to internet rumours) – not to mention the previously released Titleist 714 line of irons – it’s a wonderful time to be a golfer and consumer. No shortage of options.

See below for further details on Nike’s 2014 line. My friends Scott MacLeod, Rick Young, Robert Thompson and Bob Weeks are in Portland, so check them out for up-to-the-minute updates from the Innovation Summit.

Nike Golf Unveils New Innovations for Spring 2014

GOLF CLUB INNOVATIONS —

VRS Covert 2.0 Drivers: An enhanced cavity back design with new Fly-Brace technology delivers increased energy transfer at impact for more ball speed and forgiving distance.

VRS Covert 2.0 Fairway Woods: Coupled with High Speed Cavity Back technology for longer and straighter shots, a lower centre of gravity promotes a higher launch with reduced spin, which produces an average of eight yards in additional distance compared to last year’s model.

VRS Covert 2.0 Hybrids: Nike Golf engineers tapped into their “Linear Transition Design” methodology to create a new line of hybrids with progressively smaller head designs while increasing face height on each model.

VR X3X Toe Sweep Wedges: With a wider sole area toward the toe and improved Nike X3X groove technology, the VR X3X Toe Sweep wedges deliver a more consistent shot in any condition, providing better ball flight and stopping power on the green.

VRS Covert Forged Irons: Nike Golf engineers incorporated a NexCOR face, Nike’s proprietary technology that delivers faster ball speed and more distance, and a high-speed cavity back design with a lower, deeper centre of gravity for longer and straighter shots.

FOOTWEAR INNOVATIONS — 

Nike Lunar Control: Venom Green and Challenge Red pop against white and black premium full-grain leather uppers and highlight Nike’s proprietary full-length Lunarlon technology, a lightweight cushioning system that is highly responsive, resulting in a unique combination of comfort and support.

Nike Lunar Clayton: Nike Golf footweardesigners combined a handcrafted, waterproof leather upper with lightweight Nike Lunarlon technology in the outsole for maximum responsive cushioning to create a versatile shoe for both on and off the course. A leather welt joins the upper to the outsole while protecting from the elements. (Aside: MUST HAVE THESE)

GOLF BALL INNOVATIONS — 

Speedlock RZN Core technology: This new technology features an interlocking core design – the core’s surface is similar to that of a waffle iron – that interconnects with the compression layer to form a tighter bond. Speedlock Technology helps to harness more energy between layers for faster ball speed, longer distance and more stability into the wind.

Four new golf balls featuring Speedlock RZN Core technology:

*RZN Platinum: Tour Performance control and moderate spin                     *RZN Black: Tour Performance distance and less spin                                           *RZN Red: Distance Performance, longer carry                                                      *RZN White: Distance Performance, softer feel, for swing speeds 95-100 mph

APPAREL INNOVATIONS — 

Nike Hyperadapt Wind Jacket: Featuring the same four-way stretch technology and sweater-like feel as the Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket, the Hyperadapt Wind jacket is a lighter, windproof and rain-resistant version perfect for spring. A transparent outer shell showcases the jacket’s technical details inside and out.

Nike Lightweight Innovation Color Polo: The mobility chassis, a new seam construction that allows for optimal movement, is bonded rather than stitched to lie more closely against the body. Designers shifted the seam towards the upper back so it doesn’t run across the top of the shoulders, allowing maximized movement throughout the swing, free of distractions.

Nike Innovation Woven Cover-up: The Innovation Woven Cover-up features two technologies merged into one unique, hybrid design. The lightweight wind-and-water resistant Dri-FIT stretch woven body – the ‘jacket’ – is breathable and protects against the elements. The 3D knit sleeves – the ‘sweater’ – keeps warmth in and amplifies movement through the arms and shoulders.