Nike SQ Sumo2 3 Hybrid                   Nike SQ Sumo2 4 Hybrid

Loft: 20 degree                               Loft: 23 degree

Lie: 59.5 degree                              Lie: 60.5 degree

Shaft Length: 39.75”                       Shaft Length: 39.25”

Shaft: hDiamana High Launch Graphite Shaft by Mitsubish Regular Flex

Overview

Profile:

Square head design, generous offset and extreme perimeter weighting make this Nike Golf’s highest MOI hybrid ever.  Designed to deliver exceptional stability at impact and produce high launching soft landing shots.

Nike PowerBow Weighting:

The square Nike PowerBow design strategically position weight low and to the perimeter.  The resulting high MOI and low GC produce a very forgiving and stable head at impact.

Variable Cryo steel Face:

The lightweight face is thicker in the middle and progressively thinner at the edges, resulting in a more consistent ball speed, maximum distance and increased forgiveness across the clubface. 

My Opinion

These are the 2 hybrids I recently purchased.  As a golfer who has a high handicap and cannot hit a regular long iron consistently, I turned to a hybrid.  Looking for hybrids I actually tested other hybrids.  I wasn’t looking at Nike because some of their golf products are a little pricey.  So I actually was looking at other hybrids, mainly in the $40 to $60 range.  They all seemed alright, felt like I could work with anyone of those that I hit.  Then I happen to stumble on these, at a local golf shop.  Believe it or not, they were in a bargain bin, yes a bargain bin, 25% off and they only had these 2 left.  Naturally I calculated how much they would be.  List price there was 89.99 and taking 25% it came out to $67.49.  Little more than I wanted to spend, but if I liked the way they felt and hit, I would buy both.  Luckily for me, they had a place to hit off of.  This is a thing I think most beginners don’t understand when purchasing or upgrading clubs they need to hit the club to see how it feels, but that’s another post.  A difference I noticed from the get go, was the weight of the hybrid.  They weren’t to heavy but they are heavy in the right place.  I hit them and right a way I was impressed.  I couldn’t believe how well I was hitting them.  I felt like I could control the shot and could feel the ball come right off the club face.  Something I’ve heard from other players say but never fully understood what they meant until I hit these clubs.  Then again it might have been the fact they where 25%, but they felt good to hit. 

Hitting off a mat is different then hitting of a course, so I decided to go and play a round of golf.  That’s how confident I was with these clubs, that I didn’t need to go to the range to figure them out.  I played well, I played on a course I usually score 100-105, and found my self scoring a 93.  I know I’m not great golfer, but I think my opinion on golf will help players like me, because there are more players like me than golfers who shoot lower scores.  It made a difference in my game.  I wasn’t scared of the par 5’s and was confident I can hit everything in my bag, something I couldn’t say before my hybrids.  Before on par 5’s I would hit a drive and depending where it landed (not a very good driver) the club I would hit would most likely be a 5 iron.  With that kind of play I’m already giving myself a 1 shot penalty if not 2 on a par 5.  What I have learned about the game of golf, is that mind set is probably the biggest part of the game.  Mentally if you don’t think you can hit a club then most likely you won’t be able to.  With these hybrids I already had the mentality that I could hit them and they worked. 

I played again a week after at the same course and I scored an 89.  I’ve hit in the 80’s before but that was when I didn’t count ball drops and moving the ball from under a tree.  This time it was with drops and laying up.  It’s amazing how just a couple of clubs can make a difference in a game.  It has just given me more confidence that everyone of my clubs I can hit. 

The club works well off the tee and on the fairway.  Was able to control for the most part where I wanted to hit the ball (which right now only consists of a straight shot).  Off the rough was able to get it up in the air and hit it with distance.  Something I could never do with my old 3 iron.

Would I recommend these hybrids:  Yes, I would recommend players that have a hard time hitting long irons to switch, if not these clubs but some kind of hybrids.

Rating:  5 out of 5 star (for me with bargain bin) Reg Price: 4 out of 5 reason some players might not like the weight of the club.

Features I like:

4.3 inch color touch screen

Voice guided directions

2D or 3D viewing

Rechargeable battery

Things I disliked:

There are some things I do not like about this GPS but can’t compare to others because I’ve never had or tried the others.  I know in a lot of consumer reviews before purchasing this product complained about the glare during the day.  Now actually using the product day and night there is a glare during the day, but it’s not as bad, well at least not for me.  It’s manageable and might have to take a double look on the unit just to make sure.  The speaker is not as loud, but can’t compare with the others.  If you are playing music not even loud probably just at a nice comfort level, most likely you will not hear the voice guided directions clearly, but will hear something.  These are the only 2  thing I dislike about the product, which is more a convenience issue.

General use: 

Use of the product is pretty simple once you spend some time with the product (no more than an hour).  Some consumer reports have said it’s hard to use, but to me it’s simple.  I was able to use it right after I purchased it to look for a gas station.  I looked for a specific gas station, just to see how it works.  I was kind of disappointed that BP gas was not on the POI (Point of Interest).  So I clicked on “All” and was able to find the BP gas that I wanted to find. 

This product recalculates route in a good quick enough time.  I purposely ignored a direction just to see what it would do.  It tells you first to make a u-turn if possible, if not it will recalculate it and adjust time of arrival.  I did find out if you are in a setting to go “fast route” and a highway is the fastest route to go, it will tell you to u-turn a good number of times if there is no other entrance in route before it decides to recalculate the route.

Other features need to know:

It comes with a SD card with preloaded maps.  So basically with out the SD the GPS will not work, good or bad thing don’t know seems okay. 

It also is a mp3 music player and photo viewer.  If you use this feature GPS will not work because you need to the SD card slot to listen and view pictures.

It comes with a stylus, which is good when you are planning your trip, but not really useful when driving, easier just to use your finger. 

It comes with cigarette charger, dash mount, and window suction cup.

Would I recommend this product: Yes to personal use not work related use.

Overall this product is a good starter GPS.  I looked at other GPS with similar features and the biggest difference I could compare to is the other GPS with same features was $40 more and had a smaller screen.

Rating:  4 star out of 5

Is Dahntay Jones a dirty player?  On this particular play he was.  Overall I don’t think he is.  The NBA has ruled the play to be a flagrant-1 which means he has a total of 3 in the play-offs.  If you get 4 in the play-offs you are automatically suspended 1 game.  This however is the 2nd flagrant committed by Jones on Kobe.

Kobe was asked about it and said “I just fell on my face for no reason. I’m a klutz.” – The Associated Press

Phil Jackson reacted by saying “unacceptable defense” and “unsportsmanlike basketball.” – RealGM Staff Report

Jones defended his action to Phil Jackson by saying “Just playing hard,” Jones said. “If he can’t respect it, I’m sorry.” – Denver Post

This also is the 2nd time in the 2009 NBA Play-Offs that a coached called Jones out for being dirty.

George Karl has defended his player by saying “Everybody knows how we use him. We sic him on the best perimeter guy. That’s his job, that’s his assignment. A Bruce Bowen mentality and he’s done a good job with it. He’s done well with it.  If I was Kobe I wouldn’t want [Jones] to cover me. He’s a pain, he’s a nag, he’s always bothering you. He has a good defensive base, he has a good stance. He’s professional. Whatever we want him to do, from fronts to denials, he’s willing to do. I think he’s doing as good a job as anyone on our team.” – The Associated Press

I think it’s to early to label him a dirty player, but if he keeps doing things like tripping or pushing someone in the back while in the air, then he can be officially labeled a dirty player.

The other only Cavalier that played well other than Lebron was Delonte West.  West ended up with 17pt but was also 0-3 from the 3 point line.  That has been the key for the Cavaliers struggle in the last 2 games in Orlando.  They have been a usually good 3 point shooting team, but lately can’t find the touch.  A lot of that has to do with the Magic’s defense of closing out on the shooters.

Lebron James had another great game scoring 44pts basically caring the team in the second half.  He didn’t get a rest at all in the second half.  He had a chance to win the game with a half court shot in Overtime, but it missed just a bit left.

Magic on the other hand had everything going for them, even when they were down.  It seemed they had better movement and honestly just better strategy.  I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have a dominant one on one player.  I know Turkoglu is good, but he’s not up there with the James, Bryant and Melo, which is not a bad thing.  Howard played the game really well, he was able to pace himself, by not getting into foul trouble, and then being able to dominate in OT.

The key of the game was starter Rafer Alston aka Skip to my Lou and Mickael Pietrus.  Skip had 26pts and was 6-12 from the 3point line.  Pietrus coming off the bench, had 17 pts 5-11 from the 3 point line.  He alone out scored the Cavs bench (14pts).  It seemed every big 3, came from either Skip or Pietrus.  Only 3 that didn’t come from them that was big was from Rashard Lewis.  His 3 with 6 secs left gave the Magic 100-98 lead in the 4th.

Lebron had got fouled on the next play and hit both free throws to send the game into overtime.  That’s when Dwight Howard really went to work.  He scored on 3 consecutive possession basically all dunks.  He also hit key free throws in the end of overtime to secure the win.

Magic take a commanding lead on the seris 3-1.  In the history of the NBA’s 7 game series only 8 teams have come back to win a series being down 3-1.

Suns beat the Lakers 2006 Western Conference 1st round
Pistons beat the Magic 2003 Eastern Conference 1st round
Heat beat the Knicks 1997 Eastern Conference 2nd round
Rockets beat the Suns 1995 Eastern Conference 2nd round
Celtics beat the 76ers 1981 Eastern Conference Finals
Bullets beat the Spurs(then on the Eastern Conference) 1979 Eastern Conference Finals
Lakers beat the Suns 1970 Western Division Semifinals
Celtic beat the 76ers 1968 Eastern Division Finals

If the Cavaliers want to be the 9th team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit, they are going to have to find a way to get Lebron some help. Right now now one on the Cavs is shooting the ball consistent, which affects Lebron effectiveness as a passer.

Next game Thursday 8:30pm Est. on TnT

Nuggets got their spark from 2 bench players, Chris “Birdman” Anderson and JR Smith.  Birdman did it on the boards.  He had a total of 14 rebs4 of those offensive.  JR Smith did by his scoring.  He had 24pts, but most of that was taking it right at the Lakers defense inside.  Lakers seemed stunned he didn’t settle for the 3 pt shot he likes so much.  He basically took it in all 4 qtrs giving the Lakers a hard time.  He didn’t start taking and hitting 3′s until near the end of the 4th, which stopped any run the Lakers wanted to make. 

A lot of players say the play-offs is what defines a player, or puts them in discussion of being one of the elite.  JR Smith is not in the conversation yet, but if he continues to play he does, he’ll be in the discussion.  Watching the series I’ve noticed he’s been one of the more vocal players for the Nuggets.  We all know Billups and Melo are the leaders of this team, but I’ve actually been really impressed with Smith.  Watching from tv seeing him play with a lot of emotion, sometimes bad, but more so about his willingness to talk about defensive strategy.  He maybe finally realizing his full potential and why he was drafted right out of high school.

Lakers on the other hand is still a key player to step up.  Kobe had another good game scoring a game high 34ptsto go along with 7 rebs and 5 assists.  Gasolhad another solid game with 21pts 10rebs.  Bynum who I figured could have a big game against the Nuggets scored 14pts .  It’s unfortunate that Bynums solid game, came when nobody else on the Lakers couldn’t step up.  Arizawho’s been having a good series, struggled he was 1-4 and ended up with 3pts.  It could be the injury he sustained in game 3, but regardless he struggled.  Lamar Odom who is probably still hurting still hasn’t shown up.  He was 1-8 and had only 5pts. 

The good thing is the Lakers were able to get HCA (home court advantage) back, bad thing is that is took a lot out of them.  First time in Kobe’s career where he has been physically fatigued in a series and has shown it.  This time it’s not because of sickness or food poison, it’s that he’s had to do a lot, and all he has to show for is a 2-2 tie. 

Next game is Wednesday 9:00pm Est on ESPN

Magic used great D to make the Cavs shoot 37% from the field.  Lebron got his points but, it they were all well defended.  The rest of the Cav’s seemed like they were still in Cleveland.

Dwight only playing 28 minutes still was able to get 24 pts and key free throws down the stretch before fouling out.  Rafer Alston and Mickael Pietrus played big in the win, Alston had 18pts, Pietrus had 16pts. Turkoglu who’s been Mr. 4th quarter was 1-11 from the field was still able to get 13pts and also grabbed 1o boards.

Cavaliers cut it down to 5pts after Lebron hit 3 free throws from a question foul from Dwight, he got all ball, it also was Dwight 6th foul.  That was the closest they would get.  Magic 99 Cavaliers 89.

Next game Wednesday 8:30pm Est. on TNT

Kobe had 41 points with a key 3 and free throws at the end.  With his 41 points he sets a new career mark by scoring two 40 point games in the same play-off series.

Ariza like game 1 also had a key steal late in the 4th quarter.

Next game is Monday 9:00pm Est. on ESPN

GO LAKERS!

Let’s look at some stats:

Quicken Loans Arena aka “The Q”
Capacity: 20,562
Open: 1994

Amway Arena aka “O-Rena”
Capacity: 17,519
Open: 1989

Pepsi Center aka “The Can”
Capacity: 19,309
Open: 1999

Staples Center
Capacity: 18,997
Open: 1999

Just looking into the 4 remaining teams in the play-offs and looking at their building stats.  To me it’s understandable why Quicken Loans Arena and the Pepsi Center are loud, just more people.  It still doesn’t explain why the Amway gets so loud, with far less people.  Is it because the Staples Center doesn’t have a nickname?  Or is it because of the traditionally known late arriving crowd, which means it takes longer to get into the game?

I just don’t understand, what happen to the fans and the noise.  I remember the Great Western Forum.  I remember how wild it was when the Lakers were playing.  It didn’t matter who was in attendance people just love watching Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers play the game.  Even in the Staples Center when the Lakers won their first championship of the 3 peat.  Is it because the fans expect to see this years Lakers in the finals?

All I know is that we might be the most talented team in the NBA, but nothing is for sure.  Just because we have the most talented team doesn’t mean we are going to win a championship, or even make the finals.  The crowd and the cheering do make a difference.  People might not think so, but a crowd can help ignite a run.  When the crowd doesn’t cheer, it actually helps the other team.

So when the series comes back on Wednesday, the crowd needs to go nuts, not react like it’s a movie, but just cheer.