Tag: Hybrid

First Look: Honma T//World 757 Collection

Honma has been one of our favorite brands for a while now. What’s not to like abut premium forged Japanese steel? While they aren’t the most well known brand in the USA, they are a market leader in Asia, and have been in the golf business for over 60 years. Honma’s Tour World (TW) collection are designed for Honma’s tour staff, low to mid handicap players and people that prefer a more traditional look and feel. The new TW 757 collection continues their legacy of amazing looking and performing clubs, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them and try them out. Without further delay, let’s let Honma’s marketing team fill you in on the new stuff with the press release below:

Honma Golf Announces New T//World TW757 Collection

Created in Honma’s renowned Sakata, Japan Design Studio, and paired with the hand-rolled VIZARD graphite shafts, the artfully designed TW757 line is set to make its way into the bags of Tour Professionals and aspiring players around the globe.

“We are extremely excited to get the long-awaited T//World 757 line in the hands of golfers across North America,” says COO of Honma North America, Janeann Lanning. “It’s a handsome product line loaded with performance-improving characteristics. The use of carbon in these two new driver models helps produce exceptional speed that’s going to catch a lot of people’s attention. And the three new iron models — built for mid to low handicappers — perform brilliantly in their respective categories.”

To learn more, visit https://us.honmagolf.com/collections/tworld.

DRIVERS

GOLF’S FIRST CARBON SLOT: The TW757 Driver features a new, patent-pending “Carbon Slot” to activate and optimize the performance of the lower half of the face at impact. By using a thinner layer of titanium, which is supported by a lighter and more responsive carbon insert, TW757 Drivers deliver higher launch conditions and lower spin to maximize distance, while yielding the highest initial ball speed in Honma Golf’s history.

Ti-CARBON FAST FRAME

Coupled with the Carbon Slot, the TW757’s Carbon Crown further increases discretionary weight savings, enabling low-deep CG placement in tandem with a Keel Sole design first used in the Honma GS line, and now enhanced in the new TW757’s high MOI 6-4 Titanium body.

Honma engineers also added two thick and long crown ribs to maintain rigidity around the clubface in conjunction with Honma’s unique, variable thickness, vertical groove clubface to transfer energy more efficiently at impact to maximize ball-speed. As an added benefit, the carbon elements of the TW757 also help to optimize the sound and feel preferred by better players around the world, a hallmark of Honma T//World products.

TWO DRIVERS FOR OPTIMAL BALL FLIGHT – D and S

The TW757 line is a custom fit dream, offering two distinctly different drivers, each specifically designed to cover a wide array of ball flight preferences. Both drivers come in 9° and 10.5° and are adjustable for loft (+/- 1°) and face-angle (+/- 1.5°) via Honma’s P-SAT Sleeve and torque wrench.

The modern 460CC D Driver has two weight-ports in the sole, one each in the back-heel and front-toe for “Directional Control.” Placing the 9gr. weight in the back-heel will create a higher launching draw-bias, and for players looking for a flatter and more fade-biased ball-flight, simply move the heavier 9gr. weight into the front-toe weight port.

The traditional pear-shaped 450CC S Driver also has two weight-ports strategically located in the front and back of the sole for “Spin and Stability.” Placing the heavier 9gr. weight to the rear of the head creates higher launch conditions and increased MOI, while moving the heavier weight forward, the additional mass behind the sweet-spot creates a flatter trajectory with lower spin for hot ball-flight.

Both D and S models come standard with 9gr. and 3gr. weights, however weights are also available in 6gr., 12gr. and 15gr.

P-SAT (Precision Spine Alignment Technology) Sleeve and Non-Rotational Hosel System

Proprietary to Honma, the P-SAT sleeve and hosel system allows Honma VIZARD shafts to keep the shaft’s spine, as well as shaft graphics and grip markings consistently aligned, while not sacrificing the ability to adjust the TW757 driver for both loft and face-angle to optimize ball-flight.

All graphite shafts naturally have a slightly harder side or “spine,” which is created during the manufacturing process; hence all shafts are not always created or perform equal.

As a result, all Vizard shafts are factory tested during the quality control process so that the spine can be isolated and correspondingly marked in the 6 o’clock position, which helps to mitigate downward shaft deflection through impact, leading to more consistent strike patterns.

Retail pricing for Honma’s new TW757 D and S drivers starts at $719 and varies based on customizations and shaft selection.

FAIRWAYS AND HYBRIDS

Classically styled with a player approved compact footprint, the TW757 fairway woods and hybrids provide everything the player demands, and nothing they don’t.

All models feature a sole slot for higher launch and added speed and are built with an SUS630 stainless steel body paired with a 455-carpenter steel face. These premium materials also support a new Vertical Slot Face Insert to more effectively manage both centered and mishit shots alike.

In the lower lofted models, the TW757 3-Wood features a carbon crown to save weight and to generate higher launch conditions. While a cup face insert design in the 3-Wood and #3 Utility also helps increase initial ball speed to help players get home in two.

Playable from a variety of lies, the TW757 Fairway Woods and Hybrids/Utilities are designed with progressive internal sole weighting to generate consistently long carry distances. As an added benefit, the Fairway Woods feature an adjustable sole weight to fine-tune swing weight.

Retail pricing for Honma’s new TW757 Fairways starts at $415 and varies based on customizations and shaft selection. TW757 Hybrids retail for $350 with custom shaft options available for a slight upcharge.

IRONS: Three models of the tour driven TW757 irons meet the needs of the best players.

P Irons

The multi-material TW757P Player’s Distance irons are designed for players in pursuit of consistent distance and added control, while still demanding the look and feel of a traditional iron only Honma’s experienced Takumi (Master Craftsmen) can deliver.

Inlaid 12gr. Tungsten sole weights along with an undercut pocket cavity creates a low-and-deep CG in a relatively compact iron, which generates high trajectory in conjunction with a modern spec loft package.

The steel body also houses a 6gr. toe-weight to precisely center the sweet-spot, and a 2.2mm thin L-cup face insert generates consistently fast ball speed across the face for the better player looking for added distance with a measure of forgiveness. Honma’s new P irons retail for $1,272 (5–PW) in NS950 NEO steel shafts and $1,392 with Vizard TW757 graphite shafts.

Vx Irons

Forged from the softest premium S20C carbon steel, the TW757Vx Iron is a true players iron. The beautiful, tour-approved address profile in the one-piece cavity back forging features a 7gr. tungsten weight in the toe. The tungsten toe-weight serves to pull the CG towards the dead-center of the face (#4–#8 iron) for consistency throughout the bag. Optimal heel and toe weighting inside the cavity reduces energy loss on off-center hits, and generates high launch windows, with optimal spin and exquisite feel Honma T//World irons are known for. Honma’s new Vx irons retail for $1,272 (5–PW) in TW757 Modus Tour 105 steel shafts and $1,500 with Vizard TW757 IB-WF composite-material shafts.

B Irons

The TW757B is Honma’s advanced next-gen muscle back blade design. Featuring a thin top-line in a traditional-shaped blade, ideal CG placement is achieved by inserting a 7gr. Tungsten weight and resin insert into a strategically placed port in the toe (#3–#7 iron). With additional material removed to lighten the heel to further optimize CG placement, the TW757B iron presents an ideal balance of performance and feel to let the best players in the world dictate their preferred trajectory and distance control. Honma Takumi have crafted the TW757 blades from the softest 8620 carbon steel for the ultimate in player feedback with tighter tolerances than any previous muscle back blades in the company’s history.

Honma’s new TW757 B irons retail for $1,272 with TW757 Dynamic Gold Steel shafts.

VIZARD SHAFTS, MADE IN JAPAN, SAKATA

The exclusive VIZARD for 757 50 Shaft was holistically designed to synergize the TW757 Driver and Fairway Woods from grip to tip. The strong mid-section in conjunction with a sub 5.0° torque value stabilizes club delivery and maximizes energy transfer at impact, while a softer tip provides for high launch and optimal spin. This versatile shaft has a smooth feel and is playable for a wide variety of players looking for a premium ultra-lightweight shaft. As with all VIZARD shafts, this proprietary shaft is spine aligned at 6 o’clock for added stability and Made in Japan.

To complement the standard VIZARD for 757 50 Shaft, Honma produces some of the very best shafts in the world for players looking to take their game to the next level through Sakata’s world-renowned Custom Department. Produced in-house in Honma’s Sakata factory to the industry’s tightest tolerances, the VIZARD MA, MP, FZ and Platinum hold their own on professional tours around the world.

VIZARD MA is designed for High Trajectory and Mid Spin. Well suited for players who prefer a firmer handle or tend to have a descending attack angle or struggle to release the golf club, the VIZARD MA features Ni-Ti alloy for shape retention in the tip-section to allow for higher launch and easy release while still maintaining ample control. Offered in 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

VIZARD MP is built for the player with a neutral delivery looking for a shaft offering High Launch and Low Spin in a smooth feeling shaft. This shaft’s slight draw bias is achieved by extensive layering of ultra-high strength TORAYCA^® T1100G materials to provide stability and feel in this popular custom shaft. Offered in 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

VIZARD FZ was born to accommodate the strongest swings on tour and is now available to players around the world. The rigid tip-section of the FZ shaft is created by layering the high-strength and elastic TORAYCA M40X carbon fiber material in the tip area. This shaft creates a mid-launch condition and very low spin. Offered in 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

VIZARD PT (Platinum) is an exciting new concept in ultra-premium custom shafts that helps players maximize clubhead speed. This shaft contains ultra-elastic carbon TORAYCAM40X in the bias layer for added tip reinforcement, and the ultra-high strength and elastic TORAYCAT1100G in all layers. This unique shaft features a stiff tip and butt section with very low torque, paired with an active mid-section to help increase swing speed. Offered in 40-, 50-, and 60-gr. weight classes in a single uniflex profile targeted at players with current clubhead speeds of 82–116 mph.

About Honma Golf

Honma is a prestigious and iconic golf brand. Founded in 1959, the Company utilizes the latest innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship to provide golfers across the globe with premium, high-tech, and top-performing golf clubs with state-of-the-art heads and proprietary shafts built by master artisans to perform together holistically. Renowned for creating the world’s highest quality and most beautiful clubs, Honma offers equipment (including balls, apparel, and accessories) to fit all golfers, with the families aligned to suit the preferences and abilities of various segments of golfers: the world-renowned “Ultra-Premium” BERES luxury line and the Tour-validated “Premium Performance” T//World TW757 and game improvement GS lines. The premium club manufacturer and lifestyle brand was founded inside a small Yokohama workshop six decades ago and now holistically designs all products in Sakata, Japan. Honma operates as the only company that handles every step from design to final production in-house to create the highest-quality golf products on the market today. Honma’s products are sold in approximately 50 countries worldwide, primarily in Asia and across North America, Europe, and other regions. To learn more, visit https://us.honmagolf.com

April 7, 2022
First Look – Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Series
For years, Tour Edge’s “Exotics” brand was well known for producing some of the hottest, best performing metal woods on the planet, but in recent years that all changed. Now, Tour Edge’s Exotics line are simply some of the hottest and best performing CLUBS on the market. The new Exotics E721 and C721 series of spin-reducing and distance-enhancing irons and woods have taken the PGA Tour Champions by storm, and now Tour Edge is releasing a limited edition “tour van” lineup of woods for further spin reduction called the Exotics Pro 721 series. Here are the details:

Summary
- Only 1000 of each will be made available to the end consumer in this special small batch “Straight from the Tour Van” series.
- The more forward Center of Gravity Pro 721 metals were designed for the players with faster clubhead speed to produce low-spinning, penetrating shots.
- The all-new designs feature more compact heads and with deeper faces that sit open at address for the driver/fairway and perfectly square at address for the hybrid.
- The tour-inspired metalwoods showcase the extremely popular and highly effective Ridgeback support system in a new matte finish on the driver and fairway metals, while the hybrid features a matte finish stainless steel crown.
- Diamond Face 2.0 technology is utilized on all three of the metals.
- The Pro 721 metals were designed with the feedback from the 120 PGA Tour professionals who have played Tour Edge over the past few seasons, including over 25 players choosing to play Exotics drivers in tournament play.
- The Pro 721 series will range from $449.99 for the Pro 721 Driver, $299.99 for the Pro 721 Fairway and $249.99 for the Pro 721 Hybrid.
- The metals will be available to purchase by the end consumer at select retail locations and online on August 13^th.
More Info & Technical Details

Exotics Pro 721 Driver

Tour -Inspired Shape – The deeper face, shorter heel to toe and compact front to back ensures low spin and a penetrating ball flight. The more compact 440cc classic pear shape head the ideal shape and size for tour players and those who produce faster club head speeds.

Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe weights on the sole (12 grams). Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact, low-spin design.

Ridgeback Support System and Dual Carbon Wings – The Ridgeback spine within the Carbon Fiber crown acts as a brace to produce more power on center hit and allows for greater face flex in the heel and toe, meaning off-center hits achieve greater power and ball speed.

Ridgeback replaces extra titanium from the crown and sole with wrap-around Dual Carbon Wings that allowed for a precise and strategically placed Tour-level CG location, moving as much weight as possible to a low-forward position that produces the lowest possible amount of spin for faster swing speeds.

Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – The Pro 721 Driver utilizes Diamond Face 2.0 technology on its high-strength Beta Titanium face. This major breakthrough in face technology features 43 different thick and thin diamond shapes or “mini-trampolines” behind the face, producing full-face forgiveness with faster ball speeds and better performance on off-center hits.

Diamond Face also contributes to the reduction of spin in the driver head, with the 721 Pro Driver spinning less than the Exotics C721 Driver by 400 RPM’s on average.

Sound Diffusion Panels – Five different Sound Diffusion Panels placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic properties of the clubhead.

Adjustable Hosel – An adjustable hosel allows adjusting the loft Plus/Minus 2 degrees.

Stock Shaft Options

The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Driver is the TENSEI AV RAW series from Mitsubishi.

All three RAW versions feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.
- TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue features the softest mid-section and the most action of the three RAW shafts, leading to a smooth feel without a big hinge and kick.
- The TENSEI™ AV RAW Orange is a Counter-Balanced shaft with more weight placed near the grip and hands for greater stability and control and is a slightly softer offering than the RAW White in the mid/tip section.
- The TENSEI™ AV RAW White features the stiffest tip section and lowest spin of the trio of RAW shaft offerings, while still offering smooth action that doesn’t feel boardy.
Exotics Pro 721 Fairway

The “straight from the tour van” Exotics Pro 721 Fairway is a Limited-Edition small batch production of three 3-Wood lofts that is being offered to the public in only 1000 total pieces.

The Pro 721 was designed to be a low-spinning rocket for faster swingers seeking a more compact head with a deeper face.

The Exotics Pro 721 Fairway features tour-inspired shape with a tour-prototype look and feel that features a new matte finish Ridgeback support system on the crown.

Exotics clubs have been in play by over 120 different PGA TOUR players with over 1,600 Exotics clubs in play on the three PGA Tours over the past few seasons.

The Pro 721 metals were designed with the feedback from those PGA TOUR professionals.

Tour-Inspired Shape – The deeper face, shorter heel to toe and compact front to back is the ideal shape for the best players in the world. Designed for maximum workability, the Pro 721 Fairway features a slightly smaller 155cc tour preferred head size on the three lofts of 3-Wood offered. The compact head ensures a low spin, penetrating ball flight.

Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe (15 grams) weights on the sole. Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact, low-spin design.

Ridgeback Support System and Dual Carbon Wings – The Ridgeback spine within the Carbon Fiber crown acts as a brace to produce more power on center hit and allows for greater face flex in the heel and toe, meaning off-center hits achieve greater power and ball speed.

Ridgeback replaces extra titanium from the crown and sole with wrap-around Dual Carbon Wings that allowed for a precise and strategically placed Tour-level CG location, moving as much weight as possible to a low-forward position that produces the lowest possible amount of spin for faster swing speeds.

Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – The Pro 721 Fairway utilizes Diamond Face 2.0 technology, a major breakthrough in face technology that features 43 different thick and thin diamond shapes or “mini-trampolines” behind the face. This produces full-face forgiveness with faster ball speeds on off-center hits. Diamond Face also contributes to the reduction of spin in the club head.

Sound Diffusion Panels – Sound Diffusion Panels are placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic engineering of the entire new Pro 721 metalwood line up.

Stock Shaft Options

The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Fairway is the TENSEI AV RAW series from Mitsubishi.

All three RAW versions feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.
- TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue features the softest mid-section and the most action of the three RAW shafts, leading to a smooth feel without a big hinge and kick.
- The TENSEI™ AV RAW Orange is a Counter-Balanced shaft with more weight placed near the grip and hands for greater stability and control and is a slightly softer offering than the RAW White in the mid/tip section.
- The TENSEI™ AV RAW White features the stiffest tip section and lowest spin of the trio of RAW shaft offerings, while still offering smooth action that doesn’t feel boardy.
Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid

The “straight from the tour van” Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid is a Limited-Edition small batch production that is being offered to the public in only 1000 total pieces.

The Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid ultra-compact shape was designed to be the most iron-like hybrid on the market. It features tour-inspired shape with a tour-prototype look and feel that features a new matte finish on the crown.

Exotics clubs have been in play by over 120 different PGA TOUR players with over 1,600 Exotics clubs in play on the three PGA Tours over the past few seasons.

The Pro 721 hybrid was designed with the feedback from those PGA TOUR professionals

Tour-Inspired Shape – The limited-edition Pro 721 Hybrid features tour-inspired ultra-compact shape with a deeper square-face. Ball strikers with faster swing speeds tend to gravitate towards smaller, more compact hybrid designs that they can swing with an iron-like swing.

Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe (15 grams) weights on the sole. Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact design.

Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – Different diamond shapes of variable face thickness behind the face act as mini-trampolines to create faster ball speeds and expand the sweet spot to outer areas of the face. There are a total of 41 total Diamond shapes featured on Diamond Face 2.0 on the Pro 721 Hybrid.

Sound Diffusion Panels – Sound Diffusion Panels are placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic engineering of the entire new Pro 721 metalwood line up.

TrueLoft System – A TrueLoft System ensures extra quality control in the bending process of unfinished Pro 721 hybrid heads and includes an extensive triple-check on loft and lie in the final stages of the manufacturing process. This commitment to making sure that each club head fits the exact intended loft helps players expertly dial in their preferred distances.

The Tour Edge R&D team expects an average of six to eight yards in between each loft, giving the Pro 721 a 24–36-yard distance gap from 17-degree to 20-degree.

Stock Shaft Options

The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid is the TENSEI AV RAW hybrid series from Mitsubishi.

Both of these RAW hybrid shafts feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.
- TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue hybrid shaft provides Mid-Launch, Mid-Spin properties.
- TENSEI™ AV RAW White hybrid shaft is the heavier option of the two and provides Low-Spin and Low-Launch.
July 19, 2021
First Look: Wilson Staff Utility Irons
Wilson Golf is riding high these days coming off a major championship win at the US Open by Wilson Staff player Gary Woodland. They have been making top-quality golf clubs for almost 100 years. Players using Wilson golf clubs have won 61 majors – Still way more than any other manufacturer.

The latest equipment craze in golf seems to be utility irons. Even with modern technology available to us, many people still find long irons difficult to hit. I think the firmer, lower spinning golf balls of the day have contributed to this. A number of years ago, club companies started selling hybrid clubs that promised more height, distance, and forgiveness than long irons. The problem is they were not as controllable as a long iron for better players.

The answer to the lack of workability and trajectory control of hybrids is now called the “utility iron.” These clubs have the profile and blade shape of long irons, with more forgiveness and playability than long irons. Simply put, they are easier to hit than long irons but more workable and controllable than hybrids.

Most major manufacturers have released utility irons to complement their hybrids and iron sets, giving players more choices than ever before. Wilson has also jumped into the game with their new Wilson Staff utility irons.

The Staff Model Utility Irons featured a hollow body for more distance, increased forgiveness, and improved launch angle. The utility irons are constructed with a high-strength C300 maraging steel face that delivers faster ball speeds across the clubface.
“The Staff Model Utility Irons will give golfers confidence on every shot and in every condition,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Golf Club Innovation. “Originally created for our professional staff members, we are excited to bring the utility irons to golfers and believe the strong mix of distance and forgiveness will enable players to attack the course with more confidence.”

The Wilson Staff Model Utility Irons offer seven grams of weight positioned low inside the club head, increasing the forgiveness and ensuring a higher ball flight.

Wilson Staff Utility Irons come stock with KBS Tour Hybrid graphite shaft and are paired with Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet grip. They are offered in 18-degree, 21-degree and 24-degree loft options, and will be available for purchase on Wilson.com and retailers for $229.99 per iron beginning Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019.
November 6, 2019
First Look: Bushnell’s Advanced Distance Measuring Devices
Bushnell has been a leader in GPS and laser rangefinders for golf and other outdoor activities like hunting for years. Electronic distance measuring devices have been a part of my golf routine for so long, I can’t even remember the last time I played a round of golf without one. Using a laser rangefinder or GPS speeds up the game so much, especially for low handicap and pro golfers that usually take more time getting yardages, that I still don’t understand why golf’s governing bodies haven’t accepted their use in high-level events. In any case, Bushnell has some new devices to show off this season, and they won’t disappoint! Here’s a sneak peek:

Bushnell Hybrid: MSRP- $399.99

Description – The Hybrid combines the latest in Laser and GPS technologies to provide better data so golfers of all levels can make better decisions on the course. The new Bushnell Hybrid rangefinders utilize precise laser and GPS yardages allowing the golfer to see distance like never before. The new Bushnell HYBRID takes the guesswork out of the game by displaying the lasered distances to the pin and GPS provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD. Additionally, Bushnell has incorporated exterior GPS front, center and back yardages to assist with correct club selections when golfers have cart path only or blind shots.

Key Differentiators
- 1^st ever integrated Laser/GPS display
- Dual Battery source (CR2 for Laser, USB for GPS)
HYBRID Laser Features
- PinSeeker w/ JOLT Technology
- Accurate to 1 yard
- 5X Magnification
- Ranges 400 yards to a Flag
- Fast Focus System
- Stable-Grip Technology
- Tournament Legal
GPS Features
- Exterior Front/Center/Back Readouts
- Up to 4 hazard distances per hole
- Bluetooth for auto course updates
- Auto course recognition
- Auto hole advance
Bushnell Phantom: MSRP- $99.99

Description – Phantom GPS Rangefinder, rounding out a robust collection of products comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses and provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green – along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole. The Phantom unveils “Bite Technology.” Equipped with a high powered magnet the Phantom can easily attach to a cart bar or any metal surface, providing quick and easy yardage readings. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life (play up to two rounds before charging).

Bushnell Pro X2: MSRP- $499.00

Description –The Pro X2 has rubber armored metal housing that makes the device fully IPX7 waterproof, incredible range capabilities of up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a flag), 2^nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) and PinSeeker with JOLT Technology. Dual Display Technology allows users to easily toggle between the bright red display featuring VDT (Vivid Display Technology) or the crisp black display. Bushnell Golf also included JOLT Technology amongst the host of features offered in the new Pro X2. When the golfer aims the Pro X2 at the flag, JOLT Technology will provide short, vibrating bursts to reinforce Bushnell’s advanced PinSeeker Technology has isolated the target and locked onto the flag. The vibrating bursts provided by JOLT Technology will assure golfers have the exact distance to the flag. The Pro X2 is also equipped with 2^nd generation E.S.P. technology. E.S.P. provides yardage five times faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has the acquisition speed been increased to a lightning fast level, E.S.P. provides 1/2 yard accuracy from five to 125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10^th of a yard. Having more accurate distances creates the confidence the golfer to hit every shot with confidence.

Pro X2 Features

・      Slope-Switch Technology

・      Rubber Armored Metal Housing

・      IPX& Fully Waterproof

・      Dual Display Technology

・      PinSeeker W/ Jolt Technology

・      Accurate to 1?2 yard

・      6X Magnification

・      Ranges 5-1,300 yards; 450+ to a Flag

・      2^nd Generation E.S.P.

・      Fast Focus System

・       Stable-Grip Technology

Conclusions

You really can’t go wrong with any of Bushnell’s offerings. My current rangefinder of choice is the Pro X2, and I’ve been using it for over 8 months as of this writing. It’s fast, accurate, compact, and the display is easy to read. That’s basically everything you’re looking for in a laser rangefinder. I’ve also used the predecessor to the Phantom and loved it’s compact size and simplicity. The new model is magnetic, which addresses the only complaint I had with the old model, which was what to do with it once you broke the flimsy plastic clip it came with. Now you can simply stick it on the roof supports on your golf cart or the handle of your push cart. Easy peasy!
May 29, 2018
Miura HB3 & HB4 Hybrids

Katsuhiro Miura is a legend in the golf community. Golf equipment junkies and forged blade purists all over the world know him well, and his reputation for building some of the finest looking and performing clubs in the world is well deserved. As the Miura brand grows, they expanded from irons into wedges, woods and even hybrids. Having played with Miura’s unbelievable forged blades in the past, I was eager to try the HB3 and HB4 hybrids to see if they could live up to the lofty standards Miura has set for themselves.

Miura Golf is a boutique brand, so you won’t find their stuff in a big box store or pro shop. Instead, they’ve built a network of skilled club makers that will fit each golfer properly to take advantage of the clubs and play their best. After all, if you are willing to spend over $2000 on a set of irons, shouldn’t they be done right? In my case, the HB3 hybrid was built with an Aerotech hls880 hybrid shaft. In my opinion, Aerotech makes the best shafts in the world, so it is a perfect match for the Miura HB3 Hybrid.

The Miura HB3 hybrid has 20 degrees of loft, and the HB4 has 23. Meant to replace the three and four irons, these hybrids are designed to look and play much like the long irons they replace while adding height and forgiveness to your shots. Many hybrids are shaped like and play like woods, but Miura adopted a more iron-like profile and face design for greater accuracy and trajectory control.

For testing, I put the Miura HB3 in the hands of golfers who’s handicaps range from 0 to 18. The 18 handicap tester actually played with the hybrid for several months and it quickly became one of his favorite clubs. He loves the clean, classic good looks of the club. The black finish makes the HB3 look more compact and inspires confidence at address. The face is very hot. It feels like the ball really shoots off the face at impact, and the the dampened metal sound is perfectly tuned. The HB3 hybrid launches the ball with the high trajectory you would expect from a hybrid, but it doesn’t balloon in the air with too much spin. You get the high launch you want from a hybrid, and just enough spin to get longer carry and a softer landing than a long iron shot.

Some testers thought the Miura HB3 hybrid wasn’t as forgiving as some other hybrids. The lower handicap testers didn’t feel the same way, but they tend to hit the center of the club more frequently so that’s no surprise. Given that the HB3 is designed to look and play more like a long iron, it’s natural that it might not be quite as forgiving as other hybrids that are designed for forgiveness and distance.

Miura doesn’t have adjustable hosel technology yet, and while these features aren’t all that prevalent in hybrids yet, one tester thought it might be a nice addition. Since Miura is more of a boutique brand who’s clubs are built to order by professional clubfitters, I don’t think we’ll see a need for adjustable hosels with them.

Aesthetically speaking, the brass colored weight ports on the sole don’t appear to be anything more than cosmetic, but I could be wrong. While not adjustable by the player, it’s very likely the club maker can use the ports to adjust swing weight and CG (center of gravity) location for a player’s specific needs. I haven’t yet confirmed this detail with the manufacturer.

In the end, every single person that hit the Miura HB3 hybrid wanted to take it home with them. There are plenty of quality, high performance hybrid clubs on the market, but for those that want something a little different and the best quality available in custom built clubs, give the Miura HB3 and HB4 hybrids a try. Visit your local Miura authorized dealer for a fitting and more information.

September 13, 2016
First Look – TaylorMade Woods for 2012

For years, TaylorMade Adidas Golf (TMAG) has been known for technical innovation and marketing acumen. Last year they introduced the R11 and Superfast 2.0 drivers and fairways painted all white. Every time a player on a professional tour took the head cover off and you saw a white head, you knew instantly that it was a TaylorMade club. A club’s usage on the PGA Tour has a huge influence on consumers and drives equipment companies to come out with new designs constantly. If you don’t believe me, just walk into your local golf superstore and count how many belly putters are for sale this year versus last. The white driver was a marketing coup for TaylorMade, and they will continue being “..all in with white.” as one TMAG staffer told me. This year, the prolific company has a whole bunch of new clubs out which will make their debut at the annual PGA Merchandise Show on Jan 26-28. Here’s a first look at all the new wood offerings from TaylorMade Golf. (Click the title header for the official press release, and click the photos to zoom in for a closer look)

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R11S driver

An update to the popular R11 driver, the R11S driver can be tuned for 80 separate launch settings, making it the most adjustable driver in golf, and maybe the most confusing too. The all white 460cc club features a 3 degree Flight Control Technology (FCT) sleeve, Movable Weight Technology (MWT) and the new 5-way Adjustable Sole Plate (ASP) that allows the golfer to find their optimum address set-up. In terms of TaylorMade’s lineup, this club will probably appeal to a larger cross section of golfers than any other on the market, because of the custom shaft options and the club’s adjustability.

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R11s & R11s TP Fairways

Like the new R11S driver, the white R11S and R11S TP fairway woods from TaylorMade are classically shaped and feature the Adjustable Sole Plate Technology (ASP) and an upgraded Flight Control Technology (FCT) sleeve for added adjustability. These new features allow for up to 24 different settings, promoting maximum performance and increased distance through tuning. The new FCT sleeve allows the golfer to make an adjustment in the range of 3° of lie and 3° loft/6° face angle. The R11S fairways provide up to approximately 54 yards horizontal trajectory adjustment and 3° and 1500 rpm of launch condition change.

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RocketBallz & RocketBallz Tour Driver
This is the one everyone is talking about. The RocketBallz (RBZ) name alone has been discussed, joked about and ridiculed by people I have spoken to about the new clubs, and the performance has been raved about by TaylorMade staff pros. Of course, when a paid endorser raves about a club you have to take it with a grain of salt, and TaylorMade's YouTube Videos seem a bit over the top with the distance they are claiming, but we'll get to see for ourselves in a few short weeks and let you know if there's any truth to the hype. Heck, the full name doesn't even fit on the club. They had to use the initials "RBZ". RocketBallz drivers are being offered in two models: RocketBallz and RocketBallz Tour. According to TaylorMade, The RocketBallz driver boasts a larger appearance at address with a standard face height, while the RocketBallz Tour driver is mid-sized at address with a deeper face. Both are traditionally shaped and feature improved aerodynamics thanks to what TaylorMade calls their Ultra-Thin Wall (UTW) casting process and Thick-Thin crown design.
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RocketBallz Fairways & Rescues
“The RocketBallz fairway woods and Rescues represent a game-changing breakthrough in performance comparable to few products in the history of our industry,” said Sean Toulon, Executive Vice President of TaylorMade. “To hold a RocketBallz metalwood in your hands is to possess confidence, power, speed and distance potential that will regularly and quite literally redefine the long game for golfers.” OK, marketing hype aside, these are being billed as some of the longest fairway woods and hybrids ever made. Here's what TaylorMade says about the new woods: Major challenges had to be surmounted to develop RocketBallz technology, including the need to create a durable yet flexible sole/face structure with a deep sole pocket. Additionally, we needed a deeper face design and low CG to maintain excellent playability off turf. Lastly, the products needed a front-low CG without sacrificing playability and control. To achieve these qualities, the RocketBallz fairway woods and Rescues were developed with a high-strength 455 steel face plate welded to a cast body. They incorporate improved sole geometry and a “Speed Pocket” to improve overall head and face flexibility and a slightly deeper face with a further-forward CG location than traditional designs. So what does this mean for golfers? According to TaylorMade it means distance gains of up to 17 yards for better players. I'm looking forward to seeing the new clubs, and stay tuned because there's much more coming from TaylorMade, including new irons, wedges and golf balls! For now, here's a video from TaylorMade talking about the origins of the RocketBallz name...
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January 7, 2012
Cleveland HB3 Hybrid Irons – First Look

Cleveland Golf/Srixon has been hard at work coming up with an entire lineup of new clubs for 2010. In the line up are the already very popular CG15 Wedges and CG7 Black Pearl irons. Add to that the new Launcher DST Drivers and Fairway woods, the new CG1 Tour irons and Classic BRZ Putters and I have a feeling it will be a good year for Cleveland.

In the super game-improvement category, Cleveland looks to become a major factor with its new iron offering called the HB3 Hybrids. The third generation of their HiBore irons, they are lighter, faster and longer than any of Cleveland’s previous iron sets. They have aggressive internal weighting and a forgiving sole design as well as being a fully hybrid transitional set. Designed primarily for high handicap golfers, the HB3 Hybrids come equipped with Action Ultralight graphite shafts, which are 15 grams lighter and have a lower kickpoint than their predecessors.

The combination of ultra light shafts with a low kickpoint and the low CD of the HB3, these irons will hit the ball high and straight. The will start shipping to retailers on April 1, 2010 and carry an estimated price tag of $599 (Steel) and $699 (Graphite)
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February 12, 2010