Nike VR Full Cavity vs Nike VR Split Cavity
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | VR Full Cavity loft | VR Split Cavity loft | VR Full Cavity lie | VR Split Cavity lie | VR Full Cavity length | VR Split Cavity length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | — | 18 | — | 58 | — | 39.5 |
| 3 | — | 21 | — | 59 | — | 39 |
| 4 | 24 | 24 | 60 | 60 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 5 | 27 | 27 | 61 | 61 | 38 | 38 |
| 6 | 30 | 31 | 62 | 62 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 33 | 35 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 37 | 39 | 63 | 63 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 41 | 43 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 45 | 47 | 64 | 64 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | 50 | — | 64 | — | 35.75 | — |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- VR Full Cavity
- VR Split Cavity
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the VR Full Cavity is 33° and the VR Split Cavity is 35°, a 2° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the VR Full Cavity should carry roughly 6 to 8 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the VR Split Cavity. Across the 7 clubs both sets share, the VR Split Cavity averages 1.3° weaker, with the largest gap at the 7-iron (33° vs 35°). The pitching wedges are 45° and 47°; the stronger one leaves a 5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
The sets are built differently: the VR Full Cavity runs 4-iron to AW (8 clubs), the VR Split Cavity 2-iron to PW (9 clubs).
The VR Full Cavity is a game improvement iron and the VR Split Cavity a players iron, so they sit 2 steps apart on the forgiveness scale. The VR Full Cavity is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The VR Split Cavity trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
The VR Full Cavity is listed as cast, undercut full cavity back and the VR Split Cavity as forged split-back cavity. Forging, as in the VR Split Cavity, is generally credited with a softer feel; casting, as in the VR Full Cavity, allows more complex cavity and weighting shapes, which is why it dominates forgiving irons.
Both sets were introduced in 2008, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Nike designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The VR Split Cavity is the weaker-lofted set — up to 2° weaker than the VR Full Cavity. That trades raw distance for a steeper landing angle and more predictable stopping power into greens.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Nike VR Full Cavity specs and Nike VR Split Cavity specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nike VR Full Cavity stronger lofted than the VR Split Cavity?
Yes. The Nike VR Full Cavity 7-iron is 33° against 35° for the VR Split Cavity, 2° stronger, which is worth roughly 6 to 8 yards of extra carry with the same swing.
What is the loft difference between the Nike VR Full Cavity and VR Split Cavity?
At the 7-iron the difference is 2° (33° vs 35°). The largest gap on a shared club is 2° at the 7-iron, and 5 of the 7 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Nike VR Full Cavity or the VR Split Cavity?
The Nike VR Full Cavity. As a game improvement iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The VR Split Cavity is a players iron, better suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Do the Nike VR Full Cavity and VR Split Cavity have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62.5° lie and 37 inches long.
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