|
In Las Vegas the kickoff to the 2008 golf equipment season
is here. It’s time when we start to figure out what
we’ll be using in the upcoming year. Some of the major
companies have already released some of thier latest merchandise.
Other companies are just giving us hints as to what’s
up next and a few are keeping this new equipment under the
radar.
It is very hard to keep some of the 2008 golf equipment off
the shelves until 2008, and that is why we will try to keep
posts on what is being released early for the holidays. Use
the latest equipment on a Florida golf course, before your
partners even read or research this new golf equipment. This
is what we know so far.
|
|
Adams
Golf has officially introduced their XTD drivers.
The company has created 2 different clubs in an attempt
to cater to all swing speeds. The Insight XTD a3OS is
designed for slower swingers and features a draw bias
and a square shape. Adams has pushed more weight towards
the back of the club to maximize launch angle. The Insight
XTD a3 driver is designed for the better player. It features
a similar shape and a neutral bias. This club is designed
to produce a slightly lower ball flight medium to high
swing speeds. Both of these high MOI clubs come stock
with the Aldila DVS 55 gram shaft and will be available
in February.
|
|
|
The Callaway 2008 line
looks very strong. The line features some technology
that we've seen before but also offers some new ideas
and designs. FT-i LCG Driver - This driver looks a lot
like the current FT-i on the outside. The differences
lie inside... the company has found a way to position
weight even deeper and further out on the corners of
the clubhead. This produces straighter, lower spinning
shots. FT-i Squareway Wood - It was really just a matter
of time before Callaway introduced a square fairway
wood. The Squareway woods feature Fusion technology
as they combine a steel face and sole with a carbon
top. Same idea as the FT-i driver... square shape means
high MOI which means straighter shots. FT Irons - Consider
these a "cleaned up" Fusion iron. Callaway
has found a way to make the current Fusion iron look
a lot better. The company hopes this new design will
appeal to the better player. FT i-Brids - And to think
we thought irons couldn't get any more forgiving than
the Fusion Wide Sole. This transition set feature bulky,
hybrid-like clubs in the long irons, super game improvement
mid and short irons. The FT i-Brids still offer all
of the Fusion technology found in today's Fusion irons.
Tour i and Tour iX Golf Balls - Two different 4-piece
golf balls. The iX is a softer ball... featuring a softer
cover and core. Both balls feature a new design that
pushes more weight to the outside of the ball for more
distance. Hyper X and Hyper X Tour Driver - Think of
these as the driver match to the current X Hot fairway
woods. These drivers feature Hyperbolic Face Technology...
a technology that helps the ball leave the face faster.
The Hyper X line comes with a Fujikura stock shaft.
|
|
|
TaylorMade
has officially introduced their 2008 line of golf balls.
The ball names have remained the same but the technology
used is new and improved. TaylorMade found that the majority
of miss hits occur on the upper part of the club face.
They noted a serious loss in distance because the ball's
spin rate drops and it can't produce enough lift. The
company developed the idea of LDP... or Low Drag Performance.
This technology helps maximize distance on poor shots.
TaylorMade says this new technology helps keep these shots
in the air longer... which helps create more distance.
The company basically played around with different dimple
patterns, sizes and depths to find one combination that
worked the best. LDP aerodynamics will be available in
the full TaylorMade Golf ball line for 2008. |
|
|
Bobby
Jones Jesse Ortiz new Studio Edition Driver to be
launched Jan 2008. Studio Edition Driver by Jesse Ortiz
featuring TOS;Triangle of Stability. At 460cc’s and
a 5”x5” USGA maximum dimension, the sleek, bold
triangular shape instills confidence and power at address.
It delivers it all- Sound, Feel, Distance and Control.
The triangular shape is an extension of the previous Players
Driver’s unique shape. A triangular shape increases
the “gear effect” around a 2.5” diameter
area from the center of the face. Ninety percent of shots
make contact here. Conversely, a square driver is a compromised
design that helps extreme heel and toe hits, but does
not adequately correct those slightly off center. By eliminating
the compromised mass of the outer rear areas of the square
designs, we can reposition this mass deep and directly
behind the center of the impact zone; much like the head
of a hammer. |
|
|
The Wilson line can be broken
down as follows:
Pi7 - this is their "performance" iron designed
for the better player. It will have a smaller head with
minimal cavity to promote control and workability. Ci7
- this is a midsize club that offers a combination of
forgiveness and playability. It will be more forgiving
than the Pi7 but less so than the Di7. This is a great
club for mid-handicap golfers or low handicap players
who want a little extra help on mis-hits. Di7 - this
is the most forgiving of the bunch, designed more for
the recreational player.
|
|
|
The 2008 MacGregor
product line introduces a new MT portfolio of irons that
range from clubs designed for the low handicapper to game
improvement irons for higher handicappers. Utilizing classic
lines and PGA Tour influenced head designs, the physics
and sole design of each model is specifically designed
to match the skill level of the targeted golfer segment.
The MT Pro M and the MT Pro C irons are designed for professional
and low handicap players. Keeping in line with MacGregor's
commitment to offer personalized equipment, the MT PRO-C
long irons (3 iron thru 6 iron) and the MT PRO-M short
irons (7 iron thru PW) can be combined to create a progressive
"PRO-CM" set. For those players looking for
classic head designs with slightly more game improvement
technology, MacGregor offers the MT and MT-Mid irons.
In the Super Game-Improvement category MacGregor is introducing
the MT-OS irons, specifically designed for players with
slower swing speeds. The 2008 product line also brings
a signature series of MT ProWedges designed by Hall of
Fame Club designer Don White, as well as several new Bobby
Grace putters that incorporate his proprietary and patented
DCT (Distance Control Technology) face inserts. |
|
|
Cobra
Golf announces the release of its most technologically
advanced driver, the King Cobra L4V. The name stands for
Limit 4 Variables because this revolutionary new driver
is designed up to the limit of four USGA defined performance
variables: Maximum COR (.830), maximum head dimensions
(5?by <5?), maximum volume (460cc), and maximum inertia
or MOI. “The L4V driver line is a direct result of
Cobra’s commitment to developing the industry’s
highest performing drivers via innovative, advanced design
and technology,” said Jeff Harmet, President, Cobra
Golf and Titleist Clubs.
|
|
|
Nike is set to introduce
new versions of their popular ONE Black and ONE Platinum
golf balls in February. These golf balls feature the
new Nike Power Transfer Layer Technology. Nike has found
a way to increase ball speed off of all clubs... not
just the driver. Both of the new Nike ONE golf balls
will feature this technology.
|
|
Florida Golf's City of the Month
