Adams Speedline Drivers
Adams Speedline Drivers
The engineers at Adams Golf noticed something about the properties of "extreme geometry" drivers (you know, the square, or at least boxy, and maxed-out-dimensions drivers): Their aerodynamics didn't test so well. According to Adams, those geometric drivers tend to test with higher drag and lower clubhead speed.
So in designing the Speedline drivers, Adams engineers headed into a wind tunnel. Specifically the Oran W.
Nicks Low Speed Wind Tunnel at Texas A&M University. The company's aim was to design a driver whose clubhead created less drag and airflow turbulence, and thereby increased swing speed.
According to the company, the wind tunnel testing of design prototypes and tweaks accomplished its mission. The company says the Adams Speedline driver's aerodynamics lead to increases of 3-4 mph in swing speed, and 3-9 yards in distance.
The Speedline drivers have been played on professional tours since the second half of 2008. They ship to retail outlets in February, 2009, with an MSRP of $399.99.
Two versions - Standard and Draw - are available. Lofts are 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 in righthanded for the standard, 9.5 and 10.5 in left hand; and for the Draw, 9.5, 10.5, 12.5 and HL (high loft) in RH, 10.5 and HL in LH. All models feature the Grafalloy ProLaunch Axis shafts. Visit www.adamsgolf.com for more info.
Compare prices for Adams Speedline drivers
Heavy Putter Mid-Weight Series
The Heavy Putter models we've seen previously have all been, well, heavy. Much heavier than traditional putters. Previous Heavy Putter models have checked in around 900 grams, compared to most traditional putters weighing in the neighborhood of 500 grams.
Maybe you want extra weight in your putter, but found the previous Heavy Putter models just a little too heavy for your preferences.
Fear not. Now Heavy Putter, by Boccieri Golf, has the Mid-Weight Series.
Their weight falls between traditional putters and previous Heavy Putters. Each of these putters weighs 750 grams. As described in the company news release:
Each is available in standard, mid and long lengths, and each carries an MSRP of $169. All are available in either a black PVD or silver satin finish. Visit www.heavyputter.com for more info.
Compare prices for Heavy Putters
Rife Island Series Putters
Rife Putters introduced its "Island Series" family of putters in 2008. In 2009, that family grows by three with the debuts of the Abaco, Bimini, and Cayman.
Rife Abaco: The Abaco is an Anser-style small mallet, inspired by one of Guerin Rife's first designs in the late 1990s (Rife's 400 MidMallet). Described as a "players mallet" by Rife, and the company also notes that "in many ways" it is a mallet version of the Bimini.
Rife Bimini: The Bimini Blade is inspired by the Wilson 8802, one of the most famous putters in golf history by virtue of its use by Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Building on the original, Rife incorporates its RollGroove Face Technology (grooves in the face) and offers a slightly raised toe. But otherwise, the Bimini is designed for traditionalists and there is no alignment notch in the topline.
Rife Cayman: A classic cavity blade-style putter in shaping, the Cayman has a raised topline toward the toe and a "sound slot" behind the face that provides a clean "click" at impact. The mid-slant hosel helps weight the head toward the toe, which works best with an open-to-close swing path.
Visit www.rifeputters.com for more info.
Compare prices for Rife Putters
Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star X Golf Balls
Cleveland Golf/Srixon has a couple new balls out under the Srixon brand, the Z-Star and Z-Star X balls. ("Star" is an acronym for "Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness.")
Both balls employ the softest, thinnest (.02 inches) urethane cover in the Srixon lineup, as well as larger Energetic Gradient Growth cores. And both are covered by Srixon's money-back guarantee.
The Z-Star is aimed at low to mid-handicappers and targets the "best balance of distance, spin and soft feel."
The Z-Star X is the distance ball for golfers who still want "tour performance," a ball that targets the "best balance of driver distance and spin around greens."
Both balls feature a mid- to high trajectory. The Z-Star is recommended for swing speeds of 80 to 105 mph; the Z-Star X for 105mph-plus swing speeds. The Z-Star has the softer feel of the two balls and a lower spin rate off the driver.
The balls hit the market with a street price of $39.95 per dozen. Visit www.srixon.com for more info.
Compare prices for Srixon golf balls
(See also: Ogio Devolver review)
What is the Devolver golf bag from Ogio? It's a 3-in-1 golf bag that, with a few zippers and magnets, converts into different shapes - and different weights - depending on the golfer's needs.
The Ogio Devolver can serve as a fully functional cart bag on the large end of the scale, or a super-lightweight carry bag on the other end. And in between, it converts into a lightweight caddie bag.
At its full size, as a cart bag, the Ogio Devolver sports a 10-inch, 15-way top. An oversized accessory pocket wraps around the bag.
That oversized "pocket" is removable, however, and once removed it magnetically converts into a super-lightweight carry bag.
Also, without the oversized accessory pocket attached, the Devolver functions as a 36.5-inch tall caddie bag, one with four additional pockets.
In each of its forms, the Devolver provides storage for valuables, umbrella, balls, and towels. The Ogio Devolver golf bag comes in black, navy and red color schemes. At launch, the MSRP was $320. Visit www.ogio.com for more info.
Compare prices for Ogio golf bags
The 2009 lineup of women's golf bags from Ogio includes the following:
Visit www.ogio.com for more info.
Ogio women's golf bags
The engineers at Adams Golf noticed something about the properties of "extreme geometry" drivers (you know, the square, or at least boxy, and maxed-out-dimensions drivers): Their aerodynamics didn't test so well. According to Adams, those geometric drivers tend to test with higher drag and lower clubhead speed.
So in designing the Speedline drivers, Adams engineers headed into a wind tunnel. Specifically the Oran W.
Nicks Low Speed Wind Tunnel at Texas A&M University. The company's aim was to design a driver whose clubhead created less drag and airflow turbulence, and thereby increased swing speed.
According to the company, the wind tunnel testing of design prototypes and tweaks accomplished its mission. The company says the Adams Speedline driver's aerodynamics lead to increases of 3-4 mph in swing speed, and 3-9 yards in distance.
The Speedline drivers have been played on professional tours since the second half of 2008. They ship to retail outlets in February, 2009, with an MSRP of $399.99.
Two versions - Standard and Draw - are available. Lofts are 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 in righthanded for the standard, 9.5 and 10.5 in left hand; and for the Draw, 9.5, 10.5, 12.5 and HL (high loft) in RH, 10.5 and HL in LH. All models feature the Grafalloy ProLaunch Axis shafts. Visit www.adamsgolf.com for more info.
Compare prices for Adams Speedline drivers
Heavy Putter Mid-Weight Series
The Heavy Putter models we've seen previously have all been, well, heavy. Much heavier than traditional putters. Previous Heavy Putter models have checked in around 900 grams, compared to most traditional putters weighing in the neighborhood of 500 grams.
Maybe you want extra weight in your putter, but found the previous Heavy Putter models just a little too heavy for your preferences.
Fear not. Now Heavy Putter, by Boccieri Golf, has the Mid-Weight Series.
Their weight falls between traditional putters and previous Heavy Putters. Each of these putters weighs 750 grams. As described in the company news release:
- CX2: Classic blade design; plumbers-neck hosel with a full shaft offset allows for a balanced putter face. Similar to the company's popular C2-Deep Face; available in LH.
- H1/H3: Medium-size mallet; high MOI rating for forgiveness on off-center hits. Features a thin face to improve feel at impact; available in both heel (H3) and center-shafted (H1) models with a striking parabola channel alignment aid.
- J2: Deeper flanged blade offers the forgiveness of a mallet with a sleek top-line; plumbers-neck hosel for a full shaft offset and balanced face.
- K4: Classic "toe-droop" blade with thin top line; half-shaft offset on heel-mounted hosel aimed at those who prefer a putter that swings with rotation.
- L3: Traditional small mallet; double-bend shaft produces a half-shaft offset, a unique three-line alignment system centers and frames while a thin-face design promotes crisper feel at impact, improves MOI.
Each is available in standard, mid and long lengths, and each carries an MSRP of $169. All are available in either a black PVD or silver satin finish. Visit www.heavyputter.com for more info.
Compare prices for Heavy Putters
Rife Island Series Putters
Rife Putters introduced its "Island Series" family of putters in 2008. In 2009, that family grows by three with the debuts of the Abaco, Bimini, and Cayman.
Rife Abaco: The Abaco is an Anser-style small mallet, inspired by one of Guerin Rife's first designs in the late 1990s (Rife's 400 MidMallet). Described as a "players mallet" by Rife, and the company also notes that "in many ways" it is a mallet version of the Bimini.
Rife Bimini: The Bimini Blade is inspired by the Wilson 8802, one of the most famous putters in golf history by virtue of its use by Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Building on the original, Rife incorporates its RollGroove Face Technology (grooves in the face) and offers a slightly raised toe. But otherwise, the Bimini is designed for traditionalists and there is no alignment notch in the topline.
Rife Cayman: A classic cavity blade-style putter in shaping, the Cayman has a raised topline toward the toe and a "sound slot" behind the face that provides a clean "click" at impact. The mid-slant hosel helps weight the head toward the toe, which works best with an open-to-close swing path.
Visit www.rifeputters.com for more info.
Compare prices for Rife Putters
Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star X Golf Balls
Cleveland Golf/Srixon has a couple new balls out under the Srixon brand, the Z-Star and Z-Star X balls. ("Star" is an acronym for "Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness.")
Both balls employ the softest, thinnest (.02 inches) urethane cover in the Srixon lineup, as well as larger Energetic Gradient Growth cores. And both are covered by Srixon's money-back guarantee.
The Z-Star is aimed at low to mid-handicappers and targets the "best balance of distance, spin and soft feel."
The Z-Star X is the distance ball for golfers who still want "tour performance," a ball that targets the "best balance of driver distance and spin around greens."
Both balls feature a mid- to high trajectory. The Z-Star is recommended for swing speeds of 80 to 105 mph; the Z-Star X for 105mph-plus swing speeds. The Z-Star has the softer feel of the two balls and a lower spin rate off the driver.
The balls hit the market with a street price of $39.95 per dozen. Visit www.srixon.com for more info.
Compare prices for Srixon golf balls
(See also: Ogio Devolver review)
What is the Devolver golf bag from Ogio? It's a 3-in-1 golf bag that, with a few zippers and magnets, converts into different shapes - and different weights - depending on the golfer's needs.
The Ogio Devolver can serve as a fully functional cart bag on the large end of the scale, or a super-lightweight carry bag on the other end. And in between, it converts into a lightweight caddie bag.
At its full size, as a cart bag, the Ogio Devolver sports a 10-inch, 15-way top. An oversized accessory pocket wraps around the bag.
That oversized "pocket" is removable, however, and once removed it magnetically converts into a super-lightweight carry bag.
Also, without the oversized accessory pocket attached, the Devolver functions as a 36.5-inch tall caddie bag, one with four additional pockets.
In each of its forms, the Devolver provides storage for valuables, umbrella, balls, and towels. The Ogio Devolver golf bag comes in black, navy and red color schemes. At launch, the MSRP was $320. Visit www.ogio.com for more info.
Compare prices for Ogio golf bags
The 2009 lineup of women's golf bags from Ogio includes the following:
- Cougar cart bag: A cart bag that weighs in at 6.6 pounds, the Cougar features a 10-inch top with 15 club organization and full-length dividers. A "Ball Silo" is a side-mounted system that keeps up to three balls on the bag's exterior for easy access. There are six pockets. The Cougar MSRP is $160. Colors include white plaid on black background; lavender blocking on white-and-black background; and brown plaid accented by pink.
- Shadow cart bag: The Shadow checks in at 36.5 inches tall and 7.6 pounds. Features include a zipperless ball pocket, a cart stability strap, full-length dividers, and nine pockets (seven of which are zippered). Greyhound, black vines and cherry vines are the names of the available colors. The Shadow carries an MSRP of $210.
- Diva stand bag: The Diva earned its name, you might say, by leading Ogio bags in sales during 2008. This "remixed" model adds on Ogio's catch-free ArcLite stand system and an internal Lift Grip. It boasts eight pockets, including a removable accessory pouch. White plaid, pink and sand are the colors; $180 is the MSRP.
- Featherlite stand bag: The value bag of the group with an MSRP of $140, the Featherlite includes Ogio's "Woode" top and "Crossbow Lite" shoulder strap system, plus three-way dividers. Colors are cherry vine, greyhound and lavender.
Visit www.ogio.com for more info.
Ogio women's golf bags