Tag: Wilson

First Look: Wilson Launch Pad Irons
When I think about Wilson Golf, I think about tradition and history. Wilson clubs have been in the bags of major champions, hall of famers, tour players, elite amateurs and recreational players since 1914! One of my first iron sets were Wilson Staff blade irons, and that’s what I picture when I hear the name Wilson.

But forged blades aren’t all Wilson Golf is about these days. They have a wide selection of clubs for every golfer and taste. Perhaps Wilson’s most unique irons for 2020 are the Launch Pad irons. Designed for players with slower swings that want help getting the ball in the air, they combine modern technology and materials with elements of a clean, classic look that inspires confidence for the player that wields them.
Wilson describes the Launch Pad irons this way: “The Launch Pad collection is designed to inspire confidence in the mind of the high handicap golfer, whether new to the game or looking to improve. Incorporating ground-breaking technological advancements that are visually subtle, the Launch Pad family is designed to elevate shots, while providing greater distance and ensuring more consistent contact. These features deliver the best possible performance and shot-making for the super game-improvement player.”

My Take

I may be out of line with many of the traditionalists out there and even with Wilson’s marketing department, but I don’t think these irons are limited to use by high handicap golfers. The features that most “super game improvement” irons have are certainly present here also, with the fat sole, low center of gravity and light weight shafts. However, if properly fitted I think these irons would be great for older players with swings that are slowing down, or even a mid handicap golfer that wants a higher ball flight and more carry.

Don’t get me wrong, you aren’t going to have much success trying to shape shots both ways or vary the trajectory of your shots with these irons. They are designed to hit the ball high and straight. But not every player wants to shape shots, they just want to hit it straight, or straighter. As fun as it was hitting the PW 150 yards or the 7 iron 190 yards, these irons aren’t for me. Not because I didn’t like the high, straight ball flight, but because I actually prefer shaping shots and changing trajectories with my irons.

While nobody will be confusing the Launch Pad irons with those sweet Wilson Staff forged blades that I gravitate towards, the engineers at Wilson did an admirable job at designing these clubs with some elements of that classic design. While the sole is wide and top line is chunky, the face still has a clean look with no extra bells and whistles to distract the player. They are easy to align and you won’t want to bury them beneath neoprene iron covers. As far as game improvement irons go, you can’t get a much better looking club.

From the Wilson Golf press release: “The magic behind these irons lies within the Launch Pad Sole featured throughout the set. This advanced technology is designed to eliminate the “chunk” shot, while simultaneously improving launch. The short irons feature traditional game-improvement sole widths while longer irons feature wider, more forgiving soles, for more consistent ball-striking and greater distance. This progression in sole width allows players to put the long irons back in their bags.

Wilson Launch Pad irons feature a hollow construction with thin face for maximum ball speed and more distance.

In addition, the smooth bounce angle keeps the leading edge up and decreases turf interaction by floating above the ground. The Launch Pad Irons feature a hollow-body construction, supporting an extremely thin face for explosive ball speed and increased distance.”

Technical Details

The Launch Pad Irons will be offered in 4-PW sets (with GW and SW also available) with a KBS Tour 80 steel shaft or UST-Mamiya Recoil 460 graphite shaft, with both options featuring the traditional Wilson Staff 2 Crossline Mid grip. For more info, go to wilson.com

The steel shaft options will be sold at $699.99 while the graphite set will start at $799.99. This price point puts them solidly in the mid-range considering most forged cavity back sets sell for closer to $999 these days.

The Bottom Line

Wilson’s Launch Pad irons are marketed as super game improvement clubs that help players get the ball airborne while preventing the dreaded fat shots from the fairway, but I think if these are custom ordered with heavier shafts that they could be a nice option for mid handicap players that are looking for more distance, height and/or forgiveness. They look good, perform well and won’t break the bank. If you get a chance to demo these irons, you won’t regret it.
October 21, 2020
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
2018 Holiday Gift Guide
2018 has been a pretty good year for golf, despite course closures all around the globe and the unfortunate trend of driver prices regularly creeping up to and past the $500 mark. There is more technology than ever out there for golfers of all abilities to get the most out of their game. Since the holiday shopping season is upon us again, here are some gift ideas for the serious golfer on your list, or yourself!

Clubs
- Ping G400 – Arguably the best driver in golf, it is among the top 3 sellers and owners of one like me will be happy to tell you how good it is. Paired with a high-performance shaft from TPT Golf, I gained 9 yards and hit it straighter too. Demand for the #1 selling G400 MAX is high, with prices rising to more than $500. ($570.00 on Amazon)
- Wilson Cortex – If you watch the Golf Channel, you are probably familiar with the hit show Driver vs Driver that gave us the controversial Wilson Triton driver a few seasons ago. Driver vs Driver 2 just wrapped up and this year’s winning club is called the Wilson Cortex, and it has already hit the market. The buzz with this club is that it produces very low spin. If you are a Wilson fan and your driver is a few generations old, the Cortex is a must hit! ($498.95 on Amazon)
- Miura irons – Japanese company Miura Golf has been forging some of the best quality irons in the world for many years, and they keep getting better. Previously available only through high-end club fitters, Miura is now making custom sets available direct from the manufacturer. The new MC-501 irons have been an object of sheer lust for me since I first saw them at the PGA Show a while back. (Iron sets starting at $1350 and up)
Wilson Cortex Driver

Training
- Putting Mirror – I’ve been using my EyeLine putting mirror for a few years now and it has helped me become more consistent on the greens. Many of the top players in the world use similar mirrors to check ball position, eye and shoulder alignment and iron out problems with their putting stroke.
- Eyeball Golf – Remember that old saying – Keep your head still? Well, the eyeball trainer can help you do that! It’s simple, easy to use and won’t break the bank. Give it a try! (.99 direct)
EyeLine Golf Putting Mirror

Software
- Golf Logix – The USGA has recently weighed in on the topic of green reading charts and maps by limiting the size and scale of the books people use, but the leading app company GolfLogix is ok with that, and the typical user of their service isn’t a tournament golfer anyway. The innovative PuttBreaks feature in the Golf Logix app is easy to use and can really help you read the greens on unfamiliar courses, or even help confirm what your eyes see. (Available for free in the iTunes and Google Play store – $29.99 for 12 month Putt Breaks membership)
GolfLogix with Putt Breaks

Shafts
- Breakthrough Golf technology – Golf industry veteran and living legend Barney Adams has set his sights on making you a better putter, and Breakthrough Golf Technology’s new Stability Shaft is how he’s doing it. Guess what – It works! My putting has improved ever since I put the shaft in play, and I’m looking forward to converting a few more putters soon. (Available direct w/ free install – $199.99)
- TPT Golf – I’m a big fan of TPT golf and their innovative new shafts. Earlier this year I tested one in my Ping G400 driver and gained 9 yards. They aren’t cheap, but for demanding golfers with spare cash, TPT is the shaft you must try when you visit your custom club fitter for a new driver.
Breakthrough Golf technology – Stability Shaft

Apparel
- Oakley – I’m not impressed too much with the apparel options available this year. That’s not to say there isn’t anything good out there, it’s just that nothing stands out. Nothing except Oakley that is. The Engineered Polo Bubba is a shirt I could live with almost every day, and they are super cheap right now. (Available direct – $24.00 as of 12/7/2018) Why not pair it with a slick Bg Emb Visor too? (Direct – $28.00)
Oakley Engineered Polo Bubba

Misc
- Craftsman Golf Headcovers – Why not customize the look of your golf bag and protect your clubs from theft by getting rid of the factory headcovers and replacing them with fun head covers from Craftsman Golf? I recently covered my Callaway XR16 LD Long Drive club with a funny cat head cover with a bell that drove my playing partners nuts! It was great fun. Seriously though, Craftsman Golf makes good quality stuff at very reasonable prices! (Available direct – www.craftsmangolf.com)
- Bushnell Rangefinders – Bushnell continues to make market-leading laser and GPS rangefinders. I’ve been using the awesome Pro X2 Laser Rangefinder for a while, and the perfectly sized Phantom GPS is a perfect compliment to any laser rangefinder and easily fits in your pocket. If you want the best of both worlds, consider the Bushnell Hybrid Rangefinder, that has both a precision laser rangefinder and GPS in one easy to use handheld device.
- Club Champion Fitting – Club Champion is the largest custom club fitting company in the US, and they are brand-agnostic, which means they aren’t going to push you towards a certain brand, just what works best with your golf swing. I recently had my Cobra F8+ driver upgraded with a new shaft from Paderson Golf and gained 6 yards and greatly tightened the dispersion. They have 40 indoor fitting centers all over the country, so weather isn’t an issue and there is probably one close to you. If you take the game seriously and want to play your best golf, there’s really no excuse not to get custom fit for every club in your bag.
- NoSweat Liners – It may be chilly outside now, but at some point, it’s going to warm up again outside and you’ll start sweating on the golf course. Living in Florida, the summer heat and humidity makes it impossible not to sweat profusely when playing golf. NoSweat liners install easily inside your hat and really help soak up the sweat coming from your forehead. Sometimes I sweat so much that it’s hard to putt because sweat keeps dripping on the ball! NoSweat liners fixed this problem for me, and they are used by professional golfers and many other athletes in sports like hockey and football under their helmets. If you are a sweater like me, you’ll want to give them a try! ($9.99 and up on Amazon)
- SkyCaddie SX500 – SkyCaddie has been around for as long as I can remember using such distance measuring devices, and their products are always recognized as one of the best GPS for golf, and their newest model is no exception. The SkyCaddie SX500 has a large (5″) bright screen, solid battery life and is easy to use. All SX500s come with a 1-year subscription. SkyCaddie maps all their own courses for greater accuracy, and I’ve always found their distances to be very precise when compared to a laser rangefinder. The difference is rarely more than a few yards, and for amateur golfers, this is certainly within the acceptable range. ($399.95 on Amazon)
Bushnell Hybrid GPS/Rangefinder
December 7, 2018
Sneak Peak – Wilson Tour V6 Raw Irons

Wilson Golf is introducing a new limited edition set of Tour V6 irons in a raw finish. These are forged from soft 8620 carbon steel and will rust over time, giving them each a unique patina that reduces glare and gives them an old school look. 8620 steel is also very soft and transmits a fantastic feel on solid hits. I have an old set of Cleveland irons and Hopkins wedges with the same finish and it’s very cool. Some company’s wedges are finished like this (especially on tour), so why not a whole set of irons too?

Wilson staff professional Troy Merritt will put the new Wilson Tour V6 Raw irons into play this week at the Travellers Championship at TPC River Highlands. The V6 Raw long and middle irons have a copper-colored badge and tungsten insert to lower the center of gravity for slightly higher launch. The 8 iron down are solid 8620. This limited run set is available with up to 30 different shaft options and will run you about $1100 for eight irons They are available at select Wilson dealers and online at Wilson.com.

June 21, 2018
Father’s Day Gift Guide – Summer 2018

It’s June, and the commercials are already playing on TV for Father’s Day. If you haven’t gotten your golf-nut dad anything yet fear not, because we’ve got some great ideas for every budget. Let’s get right to the list. Here are nine gift suggestions for all you last-minute shoppers!

Golf Clubs

Wilson C300 Irons – The new C300 and C300 Forged irons feature Wilson’s Power Hole technology – Urethane-filled holes positioned around the face to allow the face to flex and expand the sweet spot. The C300 Forged irons offer the same greater ball speeds for better players that prefer a more traditional shape and feel. Wilson C300 Irons: $799.99 at Amazon.com

Cobra KING F8 Driver – The KING F8 driver is packed with tech. A precision CNC milled face for maximum ball speed, 360 Aero technology for speed combined with adjustable weights and hosel for a precise fit make this driver a great option for almost everybody. Add in Cobra Connect powered by Arccos Golf and you’ve got the most technologically advanced driver on the market. Better players will gravitate to the KING F8+ driver with less draw bias and heavier swing weights. Cobra KING F8 Driver: $358.87 on Amazon.com

Pyramid Putters – With a milled face and grooves angled to help steer mishit putts back online, the Pyramid putter can help you make more putts. It also has a pyramid-shaped alignment feature on the top and a proprietary taperless grip for lighter grip pressure. I love the soft feel and positive roll off the face of the Pyramid Putter. The matte black finish reduces glare and it’s cheaper than many competing brands. $279.95 Available direct online at Pyramidputters.com

Accessories

Glove Ride – When the weather is hot and sweaty, one of the biggest challenges is to keep your golf glove fresh & dry. Glove Ride’s Glove Caddie helps by giving you a place to attach multiple gloves and help them dry up and stay in shape. It attaches to your golf bag with a solid metal clip and has a strong velcro strip to attach multiple gloves while they air-dry. There’s also a poker chip ball marker that can be customized for special events or golf courses. Available online at Gloveride.com for $19.95

Golf Pride Align Grips – Up to 80% of PGA Tour pros use Golf Pride grips. That’s not likely to change any time soon now that they’ve introduced new grips with ALIGN Technology. A raised red ridge on the bottom of the grip provides consistent hand placement and club face awareness. The ridge is made of 50% firmer material than the surrounding grip to amplify the feel. ALIGN technology is available on three popular grips: The MCC, MCC Plus4, and the new Tour Velvet. Go to golfpride.com for more information.

Under Armor Eyewear – Under Armor has come a long way in a few short years. As a leading sportswear company, they’ve cut into the market share of giants like Nike and adidas by offering high-quality products at a reasonable price. One department where they’ve excelled is in eyewear. For golf, they’ve developed UA Tuned Propel sunglasses that provide contrast enhancement which helps you to read the course more precisely & track the ball easier. Even better, they’re priced at only $74.99 at underarmor.com

Tech & Gadgets

Bushnell Hybrid – For years people have been asking for a laser rangefinder combined with GPS. I’ve always wanted a device that combined both technologies, but as it turns out, it’s not that easy to make. Good news – Bushnell has finally gotten it right with the new Bushnell Hybrid. The Bushnell Hybrid gives you this information by displaying the lasered distances to the pin and GPS provided front and back yardage readings within the LCD. You can also get GPS yardages for front, center and back on the outside of the device in case you have a blind shot and cannot see the pin. Available for $399 at Amazon.com

Swing Caddie SC200 – Launch monitors are all the rage these days on the professional tours, but not many people can afford the same models the pros use since in most cases they cost over $10,000. However, there are a number of devices that can give weekend amateurs much of the same information at a fraction of the cost. One of these devices is the Swing Caddie SC200 from Voice Caddie. The SC200 is about the same size as a large cell phone, making it very portable. The Doppler radar displays information like carry yardage, swing speed, ball speed, loft angle and smash factor. Best of all, it only costs about $350 on Amazon.

Garmin Approach S60 – Garmin is best known for its navigation devices for cars, but they have quietly been making top quality GPS distance measuring devices for a while now. One of these awesome devices is a watch called the Garmin Approach S60. Much more than just a golf GPS watch, the Approach S60 is a full-fledged smartwatch that pairs to your phone via Bluetooth and displays notifications for incoming calls, texts, emails and other alerts. It comes preloaded with more than 41,000 golf courses around the world and using the Garmin Connect app on your phone you can update the course list and get updates for the watch. The full-color display is easy to read in bright sunlight and the battery lasts up to 10 hours in golf mode. Available now on Amazon for $345.59

June 10, 2018
5 More Last Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

Last week we presented readers with 9 Last Minute Gift Ideas. With only 4 days left until the big day, hopefully you have all your Christmas shopping done by now! If not, there is still time to get a few really, really last minute gifts. Here are 5 more gift ideas for golfers:

Hole More Putts

This ingenious tablet will make you a better putter. Seriously. Using dozens of sensors that track important factors of your putting stroke like face angle, impact point, path, tempo and attack angle, the tablet gives you a score from 0 to 100 based on 5 putts you hit. From there the tablet syncs with your phone or tablet to display the results in more detail and offer advice and drills to fix your deficiencies. It’s like a SAM Putt Lab that you can take with you anywhere and costs a fraction of the price. Available now online: https://holemoreputts.com/

Chef’s Cut Real Jerky Company

Chef’s Cut Meat Snacks – I’ll admit, when I tried Chef’s Cut Beef Jerky for the first time at the PGA Show last year, I kept stopping by their booth for seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths. I’m addicted! I love beef jerky, but Chef’s Cut has taken it to another level and added turkey and chicken jerky to their menu. Combined with their delicious meat sticks, Chef’s Cut is now my go-to snack on the golf course.

Trion:Z Magnetic Therapy Bracelets

The popular magnetic therapy bracelets and necklaces are back in the US market and looking better than ever. Trion:Z magnetic therapy bracelets feature powerful Colantotte magnets, infused with negative ions. What does that mean? I don’t know exactly but those that prefer alternatives to drugs for pain management may want to try these bracelets. I was recently suffering from elbow pain, but a few days of wearing my Trion:Z Zen Loop Duo Premium and the pain subsided. Plus they look cool and are available in many colors and styles.

TecTecTec Laser Rangefinders

Funky name, simple design and reliable performance. That’s how I sum up the TecTecTec VPro DLX 1000 rangefinder. Sure, other brands have fancy displays and cool features, but in the end they all just measure distance. The VPro DLX 1000 does a good job and locks on to targets fast. It’s waterproof, and in this price range ($179.99) I don’t believe there’s another golf rangefinder on the market that out performs TecTecTec. If you want a no-frills distance measuring device for golf, check them out!

Wilson Duo Soft Golf Balls

WIlson’s Duo golf ball has been around for about 4 or 5 years now, and they are probably the softest feeling ball on the market. When I tested the first generation I remember thinking it was as close to the feel of the old balata covered wound balls of the early 90s as I could remember. The new generation Wilson Duo Soft golf balls are still very soft, but perform better than the first generations. You can get them in six different colors and all at a price that won’t break the bank. WIlson’s website has the Duo Soft listed at $19.99 a dozen.

December 21, 2017
2015 PGA Show – Best New Golf Balls
Callaway Chrome Soft

Frankly, I’ve become tired of all the promises golf ball manufacturers like to make about how their latest ball goes further, feels softer and spins more. We hear it every year around this time when the new models come out, but very few can actually deliver on their promises. Let’s take a look at the golf balls that lived up to the hype at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show, and those that didn’t deliver. When you are done, come back up and click here to see the best new golf balls at the 2016 PGA Show!

The Usual Suspects
- Bridgestone E Series – Bridgestone Golf has performed over a quarter million live launch monitor fittings since starting their golf ball fitting program. This feedback from this testing has helped Bridgestone develop golf balls for every type of golfer, and the newest E series balls reflect the ongoing efforts to fit the right golf ball to each golfer. The Bridgestone E5, E6 & E7 golf balls feature WEB Dimple Technology that increases surface coverage by more than 10%. The E5 ball is designed to fly higher for the slower swinger or low ball hitters out there looking for more height. The E6 is softer and designed to spin less for straighter shots, and is the most popular ball in the series. The E6 has consistently been a favorite of testers during Golf Digest’s Hot List ball testing. (Even though we weren’t supposed to know what ball it was, I found out in some cases. Of course if I told you how I found out I would have to kill you.) Finally, the E7’s dimple pattern and construction are optimized for a more piercing ball flight for those who hit the ball high.
- Srixon Z-Star & Z-Star XV – I’ve been playing Srixon golf balls almost exclusively since 2009, when the original Z-Star golf ball arrived. I was bitter when Titleist killed the wound “Tour Prestige” golf ball to focus on producing the new Pro V1, and I struggled to adjust to the solid core golf ball. The softer feel and added spin of the Z-Star helped my game almost immediately, and I haven’t looked back since. The latest Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV balls feature a new “Spin Skin” coating on the urethane cover that improves friction between the golf ball and club surface by 20%, according to the company. Players looking for a ball that spins around the green with soft feel off the putter but still remains controllable for flighted tee shots and workability with irons should look no further. Obviously I’m a bit biased, but I still think it’s hard to find a golf ball that performs better than the Z-Star.
- Titleist ProV1 & ProV1x – Every couple of years, Titleist brings us a new version of their flagship ProV1 golf ball. And every two years they promise the same things. Distance! More spin! Softer feel! Just read for yourself from their website – “The new Pro V1 and Pro V1x deliver extraordinary distance and consistent flight. And there’s more short game control, even softer feel and long-lasting durability.” Seriously, how much more “short game control” and softer feel can I have? What does that even mean? All kidding aside, the Titleist ProV1 and ProV1x are the most popular golf ball on the professional tours and with many amateurs for good reason. It’s a great golf ball. What I’m trying to say is, buy with confidence because we all know the new ProV1 will perform, but don’t get too down if you don’t see much improvement in the new ball over last year’s version.
- Nike RZN Black Volt – Speaking of colored golf balls… Nike has developed the RZN Black Volt golf ball in part to go with the new Vapor woods and irons which incorporate a similar yellow trip color scheme. The golf ball is essentially identical to the RZN Black tour ball that features the interlocking RZN core design that is supposed to deliver more energy between the layers for faster ball speeds and longer distance, according to Nike. The ball is softer than previous generations, which is good because the first RZN ball they delivered was hard as a rock. Watch for several Nike staffers to be playing the new RZN Black Volt on tour.
The Up & Comers
- Volvik – The South Korean company that has been making golf balls for over 30 years, and chances are you may not have heard of them! Their golf balls have been used to make over $5 Million, with 10 victories and 70 top ten finishes on men’s and ladies professional tours. Their most popular golf ball is the White Color S3 golf ball and the new White Color S4 was just launched. The S4 improves on the S3 golf ball by having a firmer feel and less spin for faster swing speed players. The original White Color S3 is in play by almost 70 tour pros, and the S4 should be very popular also. Volvik is famous for being the most popular colored golf ball on the market, so the golf balls are not only available in white, but several other bright colors as well.
- Wilson Duo & Duo Spin – Have you ever hit a golf ball with a 29 compression rating? That’s how soft Wilson claims the Duo golf ball is. While “compression” ratings from manufacturer to manufacturer can vary wildly, it’s still a very, very soft golf ball. The main complaint against the Duo was lack of spin, so they are now offering the Wilson Duo Spin ball to fix that problem. With a slightly higher 35 “compression” and softer cover, the Duo Spin is sure to be a hit with golfers who prefer a very soft feel and added spin around the green.
- Hopkins VL Pro – I love Hopkins wedges and have their fantastic 60 degree “channel” grind wedge in the bag as a gamer, but they offer golf balls too, and they are very good. To paraphrase their website, the Hopkins VL Pro golf balls are round, white and they perform just as well or better than the other balls they compete with, for a cheaper price. They sell for $22.99 per dozen and get even cheaper if you buy several dozen.
Disappointment
- OnCore MA 1.0 – A few years back, a startup called OnCore Golf sent me a dozen golf balls to try out that had a hollow, solid metal core. I thought the concept was interesting, but the first batch of balls I got from them didn’t work very well, because the covers were literally falling apart. A bad batch of golf balls had been sent to me in error. Fast forward 3 or 4 years, and OnCore has a new model golf ball called the MA 1.0 (Maximum Accuracy). This time around, the hollow metal core golf balls have been USGA approved. The concept behind the OnCore MA 1.0 is that by having a hollow core, the weight is shifted towards the perimeter of the ball to create a higher moment of inertia, reducing side-spin and leading to straighter shots. Unfortunately, this claim doesn’t seem to make any scientific sense, and I haven’t seen any data to back up their claims. Sure, the ionomer cover of this golf ball won’t provide much extra spin, but you won’t get much feel either. You’d need a urethane cover for that. Having said that, the problem I have is not with the technology or performance claims, but the price. When you offer a distance ball at a $44.99 price point that is normally reserved for tour caliber balls, your ball better deliver. I fail to see how the OnCore MA 1.0 can out perform the class-leading Bridgestone E6, which costs half as much as the OnCore.
To The Victor Go The Spoils
- Callaway Chrome Soft – Callaway took the golf ball market by storm this year with the introduction of their new Chrome Soft golf ball. Any company can add a soft urethane cover to a low compression golf ball, but nobody has found a way to make that ball playable without spinning too much or flying too high – until now. The Callaway Chrome Soft features a resilient, 65 compression “SoftFast” core with mushy thermoplastic urethane cover and Callaway’s hex aerodynamics. As a golfer with tour-level swing speeds, I was worried about two things when testing this ball – over-compression and ballooning ball flight. Over-compression would mean a loss of energy and distance for faster swingers, and ballooning ball flight would be one that flies very high and out of control with too much spin. I experienced neither with the Callaway Chrome Soft. The ball feels soft, yet solid on full swings and flies on a stable mid-high trajectory. Knockdown shots are no problem. The Chrome Soft spins at least as much as other urethane cover balls like the ProV1, Z-Star and Bridgestone B330. In fact, on partial swing wedge shots I seem to get more spin, which makes sense when talking about a softer compression ball. I tried to dislike this ball, but I can’t. This is a great golf ball. My feelings were justified a week after my own testing when I learned that several Callaway staffers would put the ball in play on tour, including none other than Phil Mickelson. The feedback so far has been very favorable. Now is the time for you to try this ball. You’ll love it too.
February 2, 2015
2013 PGA Show Hits & Misses – Drivers
The 2013 PGA Merchandise Show has come and gone, and the golf world is now ready for all the new toys to come to market. I’ve been going to the PGA Show in Orlando since 1996, and every year some companies come out smelling like roses, and others – not so much. In this “hit & miss” series, we’ll explore some of the winners and losers from this year’s show broken up into categories for Drivers, fairways, irons, wedges, putters, balls, accessories and misc items. Read on, because there will surely be some surprises and upsets!

Hits
- Adams Speedline Super LS – This driver is hot. The face feels springy and responsive, and the sound is a classic click, which is refreshing compared to that “hollow can in an empty warehouse” noise many drivers make. It features Adams’ Fast Fit fitting system, which allows for extensive adjustability of face angle, length and swingweight.
- Cobra Amp Cell – Youthful and colorful are words used to describe all of Cobra/Puma’s offerings. They are available in Red, Orange, Blue or White. Adjustable for loft and face angle.
- Callaway X Hot – This driver is light and easy to swing, and combines a hot face with Callaway’s OptiFit Hosel that lets you adjust the face angle in Open, Square or Closed positions.
- Wilson D 100 – One of the lightest drivers I’ve ever swung, this one shocked many testers at the outdoor Demo Day. Don’t overlook Wilson when shopping for a driver this season, you’ll be impressed.
- Cleveland Classic XL Custom – A continuation of the throwback Classic driver from last year, Cleveland blacked out the head and adorned it with gold trim and an adjustable hosel. Still one of the hottest, lowest spinning drivers on the market.
- Nike VR_S Covert – Nike made a splash with the Covert driver and its oddball cavity back design. The unique adjustable hosel lets you adjust loft independent of the face angle, allowing them to sell a single lofted head that the user can adjust from 8.5 to 12.5 degrees.
Misses
- Taylor Made R1 – Sorry Taylor Made fans, the newest driver looks like a reboot of the previous models with a new paint job that is even more distracting. 168 different adjustable configurations virtually guarantees you’ll never stop fiddling with it. Still a good club, but didn’t steal the show.
- Taylor Made RBZ Stage 2 – The RBZ gets a new paint job and Taylor Made is promising even more distance. Ever hear that line before? The standard shafts from the RocketBallz woods continue to be some of the most inconsistent on the market. If you want this club, don’t buy it off the rack – get properly fit.
- Titleist 913 – Titleist is on a 2 year product lifecycle and as such, their clubs don’t change as much as other companies. The 913 drivers are great performers and popular with better players, but Titleist’s presence at the show was uninspired this year.
- Ping G25 and Anser – Both drivers are quality offerings, but they both look and perform very similar to one another and this will just confuse consumers. The graphics are more or less the same as last year’s models, and I don’t see any compelling reason to upgrade if you bought a G20 last year.
- Tour Edge Exotics XCG6 – Tour Edge makes one of the best clubs you’ve never heard of. Their fairways are legendary for distance and have sort of a cult following. For some reason the drivers have never been as popular, and this season’s models will not change that. Shame, because they are one of the best drivers in golf.
I want to point out that this isn’t a review, nor am I saying any of these drivers are crap, but I’m commenting on the impression I got of their launch at the PGA Show based on their performance at the outdoor demo day, media buzz at the show and after speaking with company reps. As with all trade shows and product intros, there are many factors that go into a successful product launch, and we look forward to getting our hands on these drivers for full reviews in the coming months!

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January 29, 2013
Spring 2012 New Product Showcase

Spring is fast approaching, and those who live in a cold-weather place are probably itching to get out and play golf again! There are tons of new products coming out this year and it promises to be an exciting year for golf. With the new season on its way, here are just a few products that caught our eye.

Golf Buddy Voice
The Golf Buddy Voice is a golf GPS that speaks to you. Simply clip the tiny unit on your hat, push the button and it will speak out the yardage to the front, middle and back of the green. It comes pre-loaded with a ridiculous amount of golf courses and even detects which course you are playing automatically.

Tattoo Golf Clothing & Accessories
Tattoo Golf makes cool shirts with patterns inspired by tattoos. The shirts feature skulls and crossed golf clubs, dragons and other cool designs. Tattoo Golf’s accessories also garner attention, with the ultra-slick switchblade style divot tool being a very popular item. Check out their full line at Tattoogolf.com.

Wilson Duo Golf Balls
Remember the days of the old balata golf balls that felt like marshmallows? Wilson Golf is doing its best to bring that feel back with the Duo golf ball. Claiming the ball has a compression rating around 40, this is one of, if not the softest golf ball on the market. Bouncing the ball on the pavement may give some clue, as the ball hardly makes a sound compared to most modern golf balls. For slower swing speeds and those looking for a super soft feel around the greens, the Wilson Duo is a must have.

Nike VR_S Family of Clubs
Nike is all about speed with the new VR_S line of clubs for 2012. Replacing the popular MachSpeed line, the VR_S Driver features Nike’s ST8 Fit adjustable hosel system, a 55 gram premium Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki shaft, and Nike’s NexCOR technology, which creates faster balls speeds all over the face of the club for greater distance on mishits. The clubs looks sharp and are designed for more distance. Look for a full review soon right here!

Super Stroke Splash Putter Grips
SuperStroke grips started to catch on a few years ago when KJ Choi used one of the original models on the PGA Tour to help quiet his hands while putting. Several more players on tour are also using them, as as the tour goes, the consumer market goes. Parent company TigerShark is introducing a new line of putter grips for 2012 called the Super Stroke Splash with pastel colors and various sizes and weights. I’m a big fan of the Super Stroke Ultra Slim myself. Check them out and maybe they’ll help your putting too!

February 24, 2012