Tag: TMAG

  • TaylorMade Introduces RSi Irons

    TaylorMade RSi 1Irons TaylorMade adidas Golf (TMAG) is at it again with a new set of irons called the RSi. TaylorMade fitting specialists found that 76% of all iron shots as mis-hits. We all like to think we’re better ball strikers than that, but it simply isn’t the case. To combat off center hits and their distance robbing effects, the crazy golf minds at TMAG have taken the “speed pockets” technology they’ve used in previous irons and woods (like Rocketballz) to help thin shots and moved the slots to the left and right sides of the face to produce more of a springy effect on mishits and more distance.

    “Face Slot Technology provides greater consistency across the face, giving players improved performance on mis-hits,” said Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s Director of Product Creation for Irons, Putters & Wedges. “No golfer is perfect, not even the best players in the world hit the center of the club every time. So with RSi, we’re giving all golfers a technology that can help their mis-hits perform more like pure strikes.”

    TaylorMade RSi 1IronsThese new Face Slots are in the 3-8 irons and sit just outside the score lines on the face. The slots are cut all the way through the face and the cavity is filled with an epoxy compound. The slots allow the face of the club to flex and generate higher ball speeds for more distance on those mis-hit shots. The RSi irons also retain the speed pocket on the bottom for higher ball speeds on thin shots, so these irons will have a large sweetspot and offer plenty of forgiveness.

    There are three models of RSi irons. Below are TaylorMade’s descriptions of each:

    RSi 1: RSi 1 features TaylorMade’s Advanced Face Design – an engineering feat that incorporates the company’s thinnest face ever, a deep undercut and Inverted Cone Technology (to extend the COR zone) in order to promote greater  ball speed. In addition, a stabilized head structure and multiple dampening systems resulted in improved sound and feel. The new Reax 90 steel shaft from True Temper helps optimize ball flight for max distance and performance.

    TaylorMade RSi 1IronsRSi 2: The most resounding characteristic of the RSi 2 is the Progressive Multi-Material Construction. The 3-5 irons are cast from 450 stainless steel with tungsten weighting to promote a lower CG and slightly higher flight. The mid irons (6-7) are cast of 450 stainless steel, as well. The high-strength material allowed engineers to make the face thinner, undercuts deeper and accommodate slot technology. The short irons (8, 9, PW) incorporate forged faces to promote feel and accuracy; and the wedges are completely forged, giving them the look, feel and workability desired by better players. RSi 2 irons come stock with the all-new KBS Tour 105 shaft.

    RSi TP: The RSi TP irons combine the forged look and feel preferred by better players with Face Slot Technology. An advanced two-piece construction merges a premium 1025 forged carbon steel hosel/face with a 431 stainless steel back using plasma welding in the 3-7 irons. This construction provides the precision and feel of a forged iron with the advanced geometry of cast irons – delivering the best of both worlds. The short irons (8-PW) are classic forged heads with a slight muscle cavity.  RSi TP irons come stock with the Tour-proven KBS Tour Steel Shaft.

    Some of TaylorMade’s tour staff are likely to put the RSi TP irons in play later this year. We will post a review of the clubs as soon as we get our grubby little hands on a set! For more information go to www.mis-hitshappen.com or www.taylormadegolf.com.

  • TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver

    TaylorMade SLDR Mini Driver

    Taylor Made adidas Golf (TMAG) has done it again. We’re used to seeing new clubs hit the market at several times during the year, but this time they’ve gone way beyond designing a new club – they’re invented a time machine! TMAG’s new time machine (aka – SLDR Mini Driver) takes us way back to the 1990s when shafts were shorter, heads were smaller and the center of gravity was close to the club face.  Naturally this new SLDR Mini Driver has modern shaft options, but the design concept is similar to the older clubs of the 90s to me. Based on the premise that many players struggle with the driver, they’ve built a 3 wood that is made to hit the ball off the tee for driver-like distance. So, if I understand correctly – It’s for people that want to hit their 3 wood almost as far as a driver, but not as far as a regular driver, but straighter than a regular driver, but not quite as straight as a 3 wood. Yeah. Tell you what – I’ll let TMAG explain it to you with their official press release below:

    Carlsbad, Calif. (April 7, 2014) – TaylorMade Golf Company, makers of the No. 1 played driver in golf, today announced the launch of the SLDR Mini Driver, a 260cc metalwood equipped with a 43.5” shaft, designed to promote distance and accuracy off the tee for players who frequently drive with their 3-wood. 

    TaylorMade research indicates that a high percentage of golfers, regardless of skill level, hit 3-wood off the tee more often than from the fairway. However, the 3-wood is designed to hit the ball off turf, not a peg. That void between product design and product use led to the development of the SLDR Mini Driver, which is engineered to be longer off the tee than a 3-woood and incredibly accurate.

    “Tour pros and betters amateurs often hit their 3-wood off the tee more often than from the fairway,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Metalwood Creation. “We embraced that fact to create a metalwood that’s sized between a 3-wood and driver and is designed to be easy to hit off a tee.”

    Like the SLDR driver – the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour – the SLDR Mini Driver features a low-forward center of gravity (CG) location that reduces spin. From there, most players benefit from playing a higher loft (what TaylorMade calls “lofting up”) by combining a low spin-rate with a high launch angle, which are the launch conditions that promote maximum distance.

    The SLDR Mini Driver also incorporates TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology, which promotes lower spin on impacts low on the clubface, where the majority of driver mis-hits occur.

    And though it’s engineered to be easier to tee off with than a 3-wood, the SLDR Mini Driver is also easy to launch the ball off the turf with, thanks to its smooth sole that’s smaller and offers less resistance than a driver’s.

    Aesthetically, the SLDR Mini Driver’s sleek shape and smooth matte silver crown, black clubface and black button-back gives the club an attractive appearance from all angles, especially at address. The contrasting colors also facilitate easy and accurate face alignment.

    The first Tour pro to put the SLDR Mini Driver in play was Troy Matteson, who put not one but two in his bag at the Valero Texas Open: one to use off the tee and one to use from the fairway.

    “The SLDR Mini Driver is intended to appeal to a wide audience,” added Bazzel. “For the Tour pro or top amateur who places a premium on distance control and accuracy, this club is a fantastic option. It’s also a great choice for those amateurs who struggle with 460cc drivers.”

    Two SLDR Mini Driver models are available, standard and TP. The standard model retails for $279 and is equipped with a Fujikura 57 shaft. It is the same shaft used in the SLDR driver, but at 43.5 inches (two inches shorter than the SLDR driver) it promotes tighter dispersion for increased accuracy. The TP model retails for $379 and is equipped with Fujikura’s Motore Speeder 7.3 shaft and is built to a heavier, D5 swingweight for improved control. Lofts in both models range from 12°, 14° and 16°.

    Both SLDR Mini Driver models will be available at retail starting on 5/2. Visit TaylorMadeGolf.com for more information.

  • TaylorMade Introduces Tour Preferred Irons

    TaylorMade Tour Preferred IronsTaylorMade is at it again. More new clubs! This time they are addressing a segment of the market that has been lacking in recent years – low handicap golfers. Large, clunky looking irons aren’t very popular with better players, and while TaylorMade will tell you their staff pros are playing the RocketBladez Tour irons, the clubs they play aren’t like the ones in the store.

    With the new Tour Preferred irons, better players now get to choose from three different iron models. I’m sure they can even be mixed and matched by the custom department for a nice combo set as well. More details to come. Here are the basics on the three new models:

    Tour Preferred CB

    The TaylorMade Tour Preferred CB iron combines a compact and elegant shape with a semi-deep cavity back for stability and forgiveness. TaylorMade says this club is a union of speed, feel, control and forgiveness in a clean design.

    Tour Preferred MC

    The Tour Preferred MC iron marries a thin topline and sole with a shallow muscle-cavity that adds some forgiveness on off center hits while preserving the soft feel of a muscle back iron. The TP MC is an artful balance of feel, power workability and stability, according to TaylorMade.

    Tour Preferred MB

    The Tour Preferred MB irons are simple muscleback blades intended for the purist. These are for the consistent ball striker who wants the ultimate in feel and shot-shaping workability.

    With a purchase of TaylorMade Tour Preferred equipment, consumers have the option to register for Tour Preferred 360. It is a consumer-minded program that will allow those golfers who have made the choice to play Tour Preferred to enjoy certain benefits (good through 12/31/15) that are normally reserved for TaylorMade’s tour players, including but not limited to:

    • Tour Preferred 360 Hotline – 855-654-TOUR (8687)
    • Annual loft/lie checks
    • Annual re-gripping
    • Access to additional content on taylormadegolf.com
    • Advanced communications on upcoming product launches

  • TaylorMade-Adidas Golf Company To Acquire Adams Golf

    Adams Yes! LogoBig news in the golf business world today! TaylorMade-adidas Golf (TMAG) has announced their agreement to buy a majority interest in Adams Golf. You may recall that Adams bought putter maker Yes! golf just a few months ago. This purchase will strengthen one of the industry leaders and make life a bit tougher for the other players out there. It looks like the golf industry is starting to look a bit like the cell phone world, with companies buying each other to consolidate and increase market share. I’m not sure if this move is good or bad for the industry, but I guess we’ll soon see.

    I speculated a few months ago about the Rocketballz design feature using a scooped out cavity behind the face that appeared to infringe on Adams’ design of the Fast 12 fairway woods. Now that TMAG has purchased Adams I wonder if this fairway wood design will be protected, or if others will imitate or duplicate it. I’ve reached out to both companies for more info. In the meantime, here’s the official press release:

    Herzogenaurach and Carlsbad, Calif. (March 19, 2012) – The adidas Group and Adams Golf, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADGF) today announced that the TaylorMade-adidas Golf business segment has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Adams Golf for $10.80 per share in cash. The transaction value is approximately $ 70 million (approximately € 53 million), which represents a premium of approximately 71% to the share price prior to Adams Golf’s announcement that it was examining strategic alternatives on January 4, 2012.

    Through the acquisition of Adams Golf, TaylorMade-adidas Golf reinforces its position as the world’s number one player in golf. The addition of Adams Golf enables TaylorMade-adidas Golf to broaden its product range and to extend its presence across a wider array of golfers.

    “This acquisition reflects our commitment to continued growth in the golf category,” said adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer. “The proposed combination of Adams Golf and TaylorMade-adidas Golf brings together two highly complementary sets of brands, combining Adams’ focus on game-improvement as well as senior and women golfers with TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s focus on the younger and the low-to-mid handicap golfer.”

    “We are very excited to team up with Adams Golf, whose management team we have respected for many years,” commented Mark King, President and CEO of TaylorMade-adidas Golf. “Our mission is to be the best golf company in the world across all geographies, products and customer demographics, and adding Adams Golf is another important step in achieving that goal.”

    “This merger provides strong opportunities for our employees, suppliers and partners,” said Barney Adams, Interim CEO of Adams Golf. “The Adams Golf brand will fit nicely into TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s stable of brands, and together we will be able to increase our reach and better serve our customers by leveraging a wider set of resources. We are also excited that TaylorMade-adidas Golf has decided to maintain Adams Golf’s headquarters in Plano, Texas.”

    The Board of Directors of Adams Golf has unanimously approved the transaction. Certain insiders, who include John M. Gregory, Joseph R. Gregory, SJ Strategic Investments LLC, B.H. (Barney) Adams, Russell L. Fleischer, Mark R. Mulvoy and Robert D. Rogers, collectively own approximately 35% of Adams Golf’s outstanding shares and have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. The adidas Group plans to finance the acquisition with cash on hand or through existing credit lines. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals as well as approval by Adams Golf shareholders. The transaction is expected to close mid-2012.

    In connection with the transaction, Barclays is acting as financial advisor to the adidas Group, and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP is serving as legal counsel. Morgan Stanley is acting as financial advisor to Adams Golf and Haynes & Boone, LLP is serving as legal counsel.

    About the adidas Group
    The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry, offering a broad range of products around the core brands: adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade, Rockport and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 46,000 employees and generated sales of over € 13 billion in 2011.

    About TaylorMade-adidas Golf
    Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company sells golf clubs, balls clothing and accessories under the TaylorMade, adidas Golf and Ashworth brands. TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company posted 2011 sales of over € 1.0 billion.

    About Adams Golf
    Adams Golf designs, assembles, markets and distributes premium quality, technologically innovative golf clubs for all skill levels. Recently launched products include the Speedline Fast 12 drivers, Fast 12 LS drivers and the Speedline Fast 12 fairway woods, along with the Idea a12 OS irons and hybrids, Idea a12 hybrids, Idea Pro a12 irons and hybrids, Idea Tech V3 irons and hybrids, Redline irons, Idea a7 and a7 OS irons and hybrids, and Speedline 9088 UL drivers. Adams Golf also develops new products under the Yes! Putters, Women’s Golf Unlimited, Lady Fairway and Square 2 brands. In 2011, net sales were approximately $ 97 million (€ 73 million).

    Additional Information About the Transaction
    In connection with the proposed transaction, Adams Golf will file a proxy statement and other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The definitive proxy statement and other materials filed with the SEC will contain important information regarding the merger, including, among other things, the recommendation of Adams Golf’s board of directors with respect to the merger. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER MATERIALS THAT ADAMS GOLF FILES WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS. You will be able to obtain the proxy statement, as well as other filings containing information about Adams Golf and the merger, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement and other filings made by Adams Golf with the SEC can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Adams Golf, Inc., 2801 East Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074, Attention: Investor Relations.

    Participants in the Solicitation
    The directors and executive officers of Adams Golf and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Adams Golf’s directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2012 (as it may be amended from time to time) and its Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 8, 2011. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Investors should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially. Actual results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: the ability to obtain regulatory approvals of the acquisition on the proposed terms and schedule; the failure of Adams Golf’s stockholders to approve the acquisition; the risk that the acquisition may not be completed in the time frame expected by the parties or at all; the parties’ ability to satisfy the closing conditions and consummate the transactions; and Adams Golf’s ability to maintain its existing relationships with its employees, customers and suppliers. Additional information regarding factors that may affect future results are described in Adams Golf’s filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made. Neither Adams Golf, Inc. nor TaylorMade-adidas Golf undertakes any obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of the press release.

  • First Look – TaylorMade Woods for 2012

    TaylorMade RBZ DriverFor 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)

    TaylorMade R11S Driver Exploded View
    click to zoom

    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.

    TaylorMade R11s Fairway Woods
    click to zoom

    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.

    [caption id="attachment_3678" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="click to zoom"]TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver[/caption]

    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.

    [caption id="attachment_3680" align="alignright" width="150" caption="click to zoom"]TaylorMade RocketBallz Fairway Wood[/caption]

    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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  • adidas Golf Introduces SAMBA GOLF Footwear

    adidas samba golf shoeI’ve always been a huge fan of the Samba soccer shoe from adidas. I wore them every day in high school and beyond, and now they are making a golf shoe from the timeless design of the Samba! Here’s more details, as outlined in the following press release from TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company…

    CARLSBAD, CALIF. (November 17, 2011) – adidas’ iconic SAMBA is one of the most popular and recognizable shoes on the planet, with more than 35 million pairs sold worldwide. Now, for the first time, golfers can showcase the legendary footwear on the golf course with the introduction of the SAMBA GOLF shoe.

    Introduced in 1950, the original SAMBA was created to enable soccer players to train on hard, icy ground and quickly evolved to become a dominant indoor soccer shoe. Over time, SAMBA’s combination of classic styling and comfortable fit fueled its transcendence into a modern-day essential worn everywhere from athletic fields to the mall and from city streets to the suburbs, and by virtually everyone regardless of age and gender. Athletes, celebrities, students, parents and grandparents have made SAMBA a ubiquitous part of global culture.

    “SAMBA has been widely loved around the world for decades,” said Bill Price, Vice President of adidas Golf Footwear. “It’s time to bring its timeless styling to the golf course.”

    SAMBA GOLF maintains the shoe’s classic silhouette and 3-Stripes design, and features a durable, suede toe-guard and the distinctive tan gumsole equipped with six cleats and THINTECH low-profile technology for improved traction, stability and support. The textile, synthetic-leather upper is water-resistant and provides lightweight, durable performance.

    The footwear is offered in medium width and three colorways: Black/White /Gum, White/Black/Gum, and Satellite/White/ Gum- available at retail on March 1, 2012 at an MSRP of $100 USD; red/white/gum will be released on May 1, 2012.

     About Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. dba TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company

    TaylorMade Golf has led the golf industry’s technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. In 1998, TaylorMade became a wholly owned subsidiary of the adidas Group. adidas Golf creates high-performance, technology-infused golf apparel and footwear worn by hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Ashworth, which became a brand of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company in 2008, creates relaxed, lifestyle-oriented golf apparel synonymous with authenticity and quality. Learn more about TaylorMade-adidas Golf and its brands at (866) 530-TMAG (8624) or www.taylormadegolf.com, www.adidasgolf.com, www.ashworthgolf.com, and www.tmag.com.

    About the adidas Group
    About the adidas Group The adidas Group is one of the global leaders within the sporting goods industry offering a broad range of products across the three core brands adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade-adidas Golf. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group has more than 39,000 employees and generated sales of EUR 10.381 billion in 2009.