Entries Tagged as 'Equipment Review'

The New Titleist Pro V1…the Difference?

Manufacturers bring out new golf products on a regular basis so when Titleist brought out the new Pro V1, it was time to sit up and take notice. My brother Ian, who is another golf fanatic, filled me in on the new ball,

“First of all, the core has been reformulated and has been made larger. This contributes to longer distance while keeping that same soft feel. The redesigned, thinner casing layer contributes to improved Drop-and-Stop performance. The new, high performance formulation of Urethane Elastomer offers improved durability on all shots. Besides this, nothing else has changed. The ball remains a 3 piece golf ball and it still has 392 dimples with a staggered wave line”

So, for those who like the Titleist Pro V1, ensure you keep up to date and try out any new additions to the Pro V1 family. You can buy new and used Pro V1’s by visiting www.buytitleistgolf.com. Some of the deals here are simply incredible and I personally have now started to buy my Pro V1’s in bulk and online, saving me quite a bit of money. If you want to find out more about Titleist’s range of products, you can visit their website at www.titleist.com.

Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi Putter: Review

The Studio Select Kombi by Scotty Cameron is a balance of different metals and weight properties which is so typical of Scotty Cameron Putters. Precision milled 6061 aircraft aluminum gave Scotty the volume and shape qualities he wanted, while the stainless steel sole weights give the putter head the proper weight. These elements work together to create a mallet of remarkable balance and form.  The Studio Select Kombi incorporates Scotty’s Studio Select weighting system, which allows the weight of the putter head to be perfectly matched with the player’s preferred shaft length.

Smooth curves and sleek styling give the Tour-tested Studio Select Kombi a futuristic feel. Advanced technology and superior craftsmanship give it the performance attributes you expect from a Scotty Cameron putter although it is a departure from Scotty Cameron’s usual high classic heads.

The putter was recently reviewed by Golf Monthly who came to the conclusion the putter is suited to those who struggle on the greens, “The large mallet head felt surprisingly light but still helped produce a consistent stroke. We reckon this is a solid option for anyone who struggles from close range”

I myself switched to a Scotty Cameron recently, albeit one of the more classic Newport models, and cant speak highly enough of them. They have a beautiful solid feel which I have not experienced with my other putters. From short range, they are an absolute dream due to the perfect weight balance. The only word of caution I would have to people is that since I changed, I am still getting used to the feel and therefore, I am finding long range putts a little more difficult to judge. This is simply a matter of practice and time however.

If you are serious about your game and want to improve, I personally think the Scotty Cameron instills a huge amount of confidence and therefore highly recommend and applaud Scotty Cameron for their craftsmanship. If you want to find out more, you can visit their website at www.scottycameron.com.

If you are looking for great deals and offers on Scotty Cameron putters, I recommend you take the time to search through the list of products on offer by clicking here. You should find whichever model you are looking for and in some cases, at much cheaper prices - www.buytitleistscottycameronputters.com

Ping Rapture V2 - Review

Ping, founded in the Redwood City, California garage of the late Karsten Solheim in 1959, celebrates their 50th anniversary this year. To mark the event, they introduced the new Rapture line of products at its annual sales meeting August 5, 2008 in its hometown of Phoenix, Arizona before releasing them for general sale in mid-September. The Rapture product line follows on from the hugely successful Ping G10.

I must confess I have never been a huge fan of Ping Golf. Being more of a traditionalist with my irons, and therefore favoring the likes of Mizuno, the ghastly sight of metal lumps stood out as I stood over the Ping irons. However, what cannot be questioned is their performance as one of the top manufacturers in golf today. While the clubs don’t look pretty (in my opinion), they are effective and this is certainly true when it comes to the woods.

The Ping woods are about as good as you will find. I have been tempted on numerous occasions to switch my Driver from the Taylor Made R7 to the Ping G10 and am still toying with the idea. This is why the Rapture product line has intrigued me so much and the reason why I though I should give you a quick heads up in case you have not heard of them.

Rapture V2 Driver

460 cc. Titanium body with external tungsten weights located near heel and toe. CG position creates lower spin, high launch with higher MOI. Machined, variable thickness face. Available in 9°, 10.5°12° & 13.5° lofts. Standard shafts: PING TFC939D and Mitsubishi Diamana Blue.

Rapture V2 Fairway Woods

17-4 stainless steel body with tungsten sole plate. Tungsten sole plate optimizes CG for higher launch, lower spin. Larger, shallow head profile for added forgiveness. Available in 3 (16°), 4 (17.5°), 5 (19°) & 7 (22°) woods. Standard shafts: PING TFC939F and Mitsubishi JavlnFX.

Rapture V2 Hybrids

17-4 stainless steel body with tungsten sole plate. Tungsten sole plate optimizes CG for higher launch. Longer face profile expands hitting area. Sole relief for improved playability. Available 17°, 20°, 23° & 27° lofts. Standard shafts: PING TFC939H and Mitsubishi JavlnFX.

Rapture V2 Irons

Over-sized, maximum forgiveness iron. Tungsten sole weight. Titanium face. 17-4 stainless steel body. Stronger lofts for added distance. Lightweight titanium face frees weight which is re-positioned on the sole in the form of tungsten. Available 3-9, PW, UW, SW & LW. Standard shafts: PING TFC939I and PING AWT.

So to all the Ping fans out there, you will no doubt be looking to get your hands on these new Rapture Woods and Irons, which you can do now by clicking here. For the rest of us, when Ping brings out a new set of woods, it is a must that we sit up and take notice. I am looking forward to trying out the new woods and seeing if I can add just a few more yards to my drives and with the Ping Rapture V2, nothing would surprise me.

If you are looking to find the best deals on both new and used Ping Drivers, take the time to visit www.buypinggolfclubs.com

Strong Start to 2009 sees Footjoy out in Front again!

 

Following on from our review of the Footjoy SYNR-G shoes and the flagging of www.buyfootjoygolfshoes as your number one source for obtaining both new and reasonably priced Footjoy’s, I though I would flag this article I came across earlier on www.europeantour.com:

“Latest independent figures reveal FootJoy’s continued dominance of the golf shoe market, as top four best selling shoes in the UK all bear the name of the #1 Shoe in Golf

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf, once again recorded high market shares within the UK golf shoe sales market for the first quarter of 2009, according to the most recent Golf Datatech UK retail audit. FootJoy dominated the volume brand share at 53.4%, way ahead of the next brand with just 14.8%. With a whole raft of updated styles in the best selling models combined with high performance product introductions and high profile ambassadors like Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy showcasing the brand on Tour, FootJoy has once again set the standard for the new season.

Such is the strength and depth of its product line-up, FootJoy shoes are also dominant in the breakdown of total unit model share sales for the year to date, with the top four and seven of the top ten coming from the FootJoy portfolio. The AQL® remains the nation’s favourite golf shoe with 17.4% of the market, followed by the DryJoys® golf shoes with 8.9%. The full top ten list is as follows:

1. FootJoy AQL (17.4%)
2. FootJoy DryJoys (8.9%)
3. FootJoy Contour Series™ (8.1%)
4. FootJoy GreenJoys® (6.2%)
5. Competitor Model A (4.9%)
6. Competitor Model B (2.9%)
7. FootJoy SoftJoys® (2.8%)
8. FootJoy LoPro Collection™ (2.7%)
9. Competitor Model C (2.5%)
10.FootJoy ReelFit® (1.9%)

The continued popularity of the AQL has seen this range alone sell more units than the nearest competitor brand’s total sales across all of its models in the first quarter of 2009. While AQL and DryJoys continue to lead the way another success story is the new LoPro; the sporty and ultra-comfortable shoe launched in January this year is already the 8th best selling golf shoe in the UK.

The rapid success of the LoPro underlines FootJoy’s unquestionable strength in depth and broad appeal. The younger, casual and more contemporary designs like LoPro and ReelFit, plus more modern style options in DryJoys and AQL, complement the more traditional styles more readily associated with the #1 Shoe in Golf. Another FootJoy innovation, the new SYNR-G™, is also ahead of forecast following the high profile launch at the start of the year and, despite a premium price tag, has been in big demand. An effective advertising campaign, featuring triple Major winner Padraig Harrington, combined with the support of FootJoy’s retail partners has ensured that SYNR-G has been highly visible in golf shops the length and breadth of the UK.

So, there you have it, Footjoy continue to dominate as the #1 shoe in golf. Hardly a surprise when you consider everybody you see on a golf course is wearing Footjoy’s. If you dont have a pair of Footjoy Golf Shoes, well perhaps you should consider switching over. A great place to look and source Footjoy Golf Shoes can be accessed by clicking here.

Nike Golf Wedges - Review

 

I recently spoke of my admiration for the Cleveland Wedges and the sublime feel they encompass. However, Nike Forged Wedges have also become extremely popular for their soft carbon steel, proprietary U/V grooves and the sublime feel the forging process provides. As with all wedges, the required lofts, bounce and shafts are available so as to allow you the choice to maximise your game. Seems to do the trick for Tiger Woods so that’s good enough for me!

Forged

The most popular forged clubs provide superior accuracy and feel while eliminating soft and hot spots on the face. Proprietary hybrid grooves combination of U and V grooves that clean the area between the ball and club, giving excellent ball control and shot-stopping performance.

 

CPR Series Wedges

Sometimes golf can throw up a few nasties. Times when the ball is buried in deep rough etc. However, that is exactly what the CPR is designed for. Nike’s clubs for Prevention and Recovery make these difficult shots that much easier. The CPR is a must for those who have a little anxiety in their short game and therefore ideal for the higher handicapped golfer.

 

Tiger Woods Forged Wedges

Well the name of the club alone sells these babies! They are made with precision forged 1030 carbon steel instead of cast for better feel and consistency.Unique groove design, a morph of U-groove and V-grooves that removes water and grass away from the face more effectively to create optimum spin and distance control. They are a beautiful club and one which of course is hugely popular amongst the general public.

You cant be Tiger Woods but you can certainly maximise your game by utilising the same technological advances he does. The forged wedges are available here so why not take the time to go through them and see if there are any in particular that catch your eye. I’m sure you will find what you are looking for at www.buynikegolfwedges.com

Mizuno’s MX-700 Ti 9 Driver - Golf Digest Thumbs Up!

The Hot Metal MX-700 Ti 9 Driver made its mark with the golfing press in the first few days of its release. Following an unveiling at the Orlando PGA Golf show on Jan 28, the reviews have been nothing but good it seems.

Golf Digest tested the club and found that the Ti9 face allowed MX-700 driver to generate both the highest launch angle and lowest backspin rate of all the drivers tested in its coveted 2009 HOT LIST. With a launch angle graded at 12/13 and a spin rate of just 3/13, the MX-700 driver laid waste to every other driver tested. Mizuno’s Global R&D Manager David Llewellyn believes this launch / spin combination is the holy grail of any driver.

“It’s very hard to combine a high launch angle with a low spin rate – but it’s unquestionably the way to produce the longest drives. Every manufacturer in the market is trying to find the best way to get this combination. The HOT METAL Ti9 face insert is the latest part of our solution and Golf Digest’s test prove that it’s the very best method available.”

It wasn’t just the launch data that impressed Golf Digest’s Testers. In the hands the MX-700 made a big impression.
‘I couldn’t not hit it straight’ - G.Digest tester
‘This is just a cannon…very long’ – G.Digest tester
‘looks very comfortable at address’ – G. Digest tester

We think the flight data alone was worthy of winning Digest’s coveted gold award. We’re not sure why more weight wasn’t given to this part of the test.” David Llewellyn

Now, I must admit that I am a massive fan of Mizuno’s irons and you can be sure you will be hearing plenty more about them in the coming months in this blog. However, I must confess that I never really thought much about their woods. Well, after reading this review and recently coming across one, I’m going to have to give them more thought. As always with Mizuno, the club looks beautiful but to make the Golf Digest 2009 HOT LIST means the driver has clearly excelled in terms of performance also. If you are in the market looking for a new Mizuno driver, or indeed any Mizuno Clubs (the MP-67 irons are the most beautiful on the planet in my view…more about this in a separate blog post later!), then www.buymizunogolfclubs.com may have what you are looking for. Featuring both used and new Mizuno products, you should take the time to check out the store by clicking here.

Secrets of the Short Game - Phil Mickelson DVD Set

I don’t know about all of you out there, but the short game is definitely the area of my game that I focus on. I always try and ensure that the wedges in my grooves are clean for maximum spin and love the imagination involved with some of the shots. Having a good short game can obviously make a huge difference and this is why I read up on quite a bit Dave Peltz had to say. He of course was the short game coach of the wizard with the short stick, Mr Phil Mickelson. If there is anyone’s advice you should follow with regards the short game, then it is surely Mickelson’s……do I really need to go on? The man is a genius with a wedge so you need to sit down, absorb what he says and then get out there and practice. Who knows how many shots this could save you!!! The DVD is getting rave reviews and it is available here: www.amazon.com

Don’t want to take my word for it? Fine, listen to someone else. Maybe this guy:

Arnold Palmer has one. Jack Nicklaus has one. And now, Phil Mickelson has one. No, we’re not talking about the Masters championships (although Mickelson has three of those), but a golf instruction video. Emmy-winner Terry Jastrow, who produced Palmer’s and Nicklaus’ own bestselling videos, brings his keen eye to this master class that concentrates on what Mickelson calls “the most important part of the game” (half of all shots played take place inside 50 yards, he states). Over the course of this nearly two-hour program, Mickelson demonstrates putting, chipping using his advocated “hinge and hold” method, bunker play, and his signature “flop shot.” In an entertaining segment, he also demonstrates two specialty shots, a “Two Balls in Bunker” shot (don’t try this at home) and the “Backward Over-the-Head” shot. The demonstrations are repeated in slow-motion and seen from a variety of angles. This program is for the serious golfer, but beginners need not feel too intimidated. Mickelson is a natural in front of the camera and is able to impart a lot of information in a relaxed style that makes even the most advanced concepts accessible. As one golf commentator exults during one of the dramatic highlights clips included as a bonus feature, this is as good as it gets. –Donald Liebenson

So there it is, a cracking DVD from one of my favourite golfers, Phil Mickelson. Still not interested…..no problem…you just keep enjoying those duffed and thinned chips, those missed opportunities as you fail to get up and down from the edge of the green. After all, you know best it seems. That’s why that handicap is just tumbling down!!

For those that are interested, just click here to get to Amazon where you can find the DVD set: www.amazon.com

Cleveland Golf Introduces Launcher Driver And Combo Irons

Cleveland Golf/Srixon has announced the introduction of their Launcher Driver Ultralite Edition and Launcher Irons. To visit the website, go to www.clevelandgolf.com. Alternatively, if you are looking to purchase Cleveland equipment, you should take the time to search through www.buyclevelandgolfwedges.com.

The Launcher Driver Ultralite Edition has been designed to give more distance for slower swingspeed players, while still possessing the attributes of the standard Launcher driver. The new Ultralite Edition has a 30 gram lighter overall clubweight and a 12 degree high-lofted head.

With an ultralite 40 gram Graphite Design shaft that is also an inch longer (46.5”) than the standard model and a lightweight (38 gram) Winn Grip, this club is specifically designed to maximize distance for players with swingspeeds under 85mph.

The new Launcher Irons combo set consists of Launcher Hybrids in the longer irons (3, 4 and 5) and new Launcher Irons in the shorter irons (6-PW). These hybrids are Cleveland Golf’s first traditional hybrid design which features a classic, Tour-driven shape. With an 11% larger face compared to any previous Cleveland model, the Launcher Hybrid’s face is among the biggest in the market and helps provide a larger hitting area for increased forgiveness. The new Launcher Irons’ oversized-face design provides 52% more Face-to-CG Depth compared to traditional irons, a factor which not only helps increase launch angles, but also increases ball speed and improves shot consistency on off-centered hits.

The thicker topline inspires added confidence at address, while the offset helps create consistently straighter shots. The Launcher Iron combo set boasts Extended Horseshoe Perimeter Weighting, which extends weight outside the base chassis to help produce lower and deeper CG and higher MOI for optimal ball flight and increased forgiveness, all while minimizing loss of distance on off-center shots.

To view your cleveland products, visit www.buyclevelandgolfwedges.com. For a further review, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64SiY_Zz2NY

FOOTJOY INTRODUCES THE ALL NEW SYNR•G SHOE CATEGORY FOR 2009

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf, announced the launch of the all new SYNR•G (‘Synergy’) shoe range for 2009 and you can get yours at www.buyfootjoygolfshoes.com. The new shoe category, engineered to deliver the most comprehensive stability package of any line of shoes in FootJoy’s history, is a welcome addition to the impressive FootJoy stable. SYNR•G will take golf shoe performance to a new level achieved through the exclusive Tri-lateral Stability Frame combined with a perforated alloy mid-foot support bridge to cradle the foot and provide a stable hitting platform. Designed and developed for golfers seeking maximum support and a solid foundation SYNR•G is the most stable shoe FootJoy has ever produced.

The uppers have been developed specifically to enhance the overall stability characteristics of SYNR•G. Memory foam has been strategically placed around the entire collar and under the tongue providing the player with a comfortable mould-to-your-foot custom fit, while simultaneously delivering dramatically improved support and motion control. Adding to the in-shoe support, the HeelLoc zone, located on the heel area of the PU Fit-bed, friction is kept to an absolute minimum and keeps the foot securely positioned throughout the golf swing.

“Today’s players continue to generate higher swing speeds and therefore it was critical for FootJoy to develop a performance golf shoe that could maximise this force”, commented Richard Fryer, European Marketing Manager for FootJoy. European Director of Product Development Jeremy Baldwin adds, “the memory foam and HeelLoc zone work in harmony to secure the foot inside the shoe, while the innovative Tri-Lateral Stability Frame and G-Force outsole deliver the most stable hitting platform of any shoe we’ve ever developed. It will allow players of every level to really go after the ball whilst maintaining a solid platform.”

SYNR•G are available in three styles: a white with brown lizard print, a white with black lizard print and a black with black lizard print and will carry a one-year limited waterproof warranty.

Whether it is the stability of the new SYNR•G, the precise and consistent performance of ReelFit, supreme comfort of Contour or the quality of the legendary Classics®, FootJoy remains the overwhelming favourite for golfers of all abilities around the world. Get your Footjoy’s today at www.buyfootjoygolfshoes.com. There are also videos and discussion relating to Footjoy’s at www.buyfootjoygolfshoes.com 

CLEVELAND GOLF INTRODUCES NEW CG14™ WEDGE

Cleveland Golf has announced the latest addition to their wedge family, the CG14. The new CG14 wedges offer a perfect balance of performance, versatility and forgiveness, all with unprecedented feel. To view the best deals on Cleveland Golf Wedges, visit www.buyclevelandgolfwedges.com

The CG14’s design integrates Cleveland Golf’s most advanced manufacturing and feel technology with a tour scrutinized shape, sole and offset. They also feature Cleveland Golf’s breakthrough wedge technology known as ZIP Grooves™, which gives them the biggest and most precisely milled grooves available in a Cleveland wedge. ZIP Grooves are milled to maximum conforming dimensions using a proprietary CNC milled bit that creates envelope-stretching geometry for added shot consistency. The CG14’s larger groove volume helps channel more debris at impact than traditional grooves, making ZIP Grooves perfect for players that want optimal spin and distance control.

The CG14’s also boast Gelback™ Technology, which is a lightweight, visco-elastic, vibration-dampening material that is positioned in the wedge’s back cavity, directly behind the hitting area of the clubface. Gelback is vibration-tuned to remove unwanted vibration on mis-hits, while still allowing players the necessary feedback from the clubhead for a soft yet responsive feel. The CG14’s wider sole design improves contact on full shots and helps prevent digging on finesse shots around the green. Their tour offset provides a slightly different shape at the address position, while also allowing players to drive the head down and through the impact zone creating a more controlled ball flight.

The CG14 wedge comes standard with a Traction Wedge Shaft, which was designed in collaboration with Cleveland’s tour staff to enhance feel and improve impact consistency on wedge shots. Players will feel more head control on touch shots and a more consistent delivery at impact, which helps to improve the sole-to-turf interaction and effectiveness of bounce.

I personally use Cleveland Golf and swear by them. The classic look with the unprecedented feel gives confidence, regardless of the shot I face. I recommend you check out the site www.buyclevelandgolfwedges.com and take the time to investigate the site in full, utilising the numerous services available including vidoes, discussion and most importantly, both new and used Cleveland Golf Wedges.

Enjoy your visit to www.buyclevelandgolfwedges.com and please, be sure to leave your feedback.