August-September 2008

Now Playing: Adams Insight XTD PRO Think square drivers were just a fad? Think again. Not only are they alive and well, but now they're engineered for better players. Adams' Insight XTD Pro ($349) features "Boxer Technology" that, like other square big sticks, moves weight away from the clubface for a higher MOI. But the XTD Pro is built for players with high swing speeds. It comes with a deeper, hotter face (that's open two degrees at address so better players can avoid hooks) and a Graphite Design Tour AD YSQ 65 gram graphite shaft. Plus, it helps low handicappers achieve the desired high-launch/low-spin ballfight that results in more penetrating shots. Comes in 8.5_â_¡, 9.5_â_¡ (left hand, too) and 10.5_â_¡ lofts. For more info, check out golftipsmag.com/ezlinks.

The Right Fit Golf-specific eyewear is one of the most noticeable new additions to pros' aresenals in recent years. More than anyone, Tour players know that to expose their unprotected eyes to the sun can cause serious damage. We think it's wise to follow their example. Here are eight new offerings that not only protect your eyes but also keep you looking good on the course._Ê

 

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Bolle Swiftkick These lightweight, flexible frames feature adjustable nose pads and a thin frame design. The high-grade nylon frame also features Thermogrip rubber temples and Bolle's Optics Control System, which allows users to interchange lenses depending on different light conditions._Ê $109.

Callaway Tour Authentic Three unique models make up Callaway Eyewear's newest premium line. The Tour Authentic (shown) joins the company's already popular X-Series_â_ã_ line and features Flexon_â_¨ Memory Metal frames and Neox_â_ã_ lens technology that blocks out damaging blue light. $245. _Ê

Sunbuster Competitor Sunbuster's GolfCorrect Technology eliminates Eye-Plane Shift Distortion, "a prismatic shift that makes it appear the golf ball has moved" during the swing. Plus, the PuttReader lens helps wearers read greens. The new Competitor frame features an adjustable nosepiece. $145.

Adidas Advista On the golf course, light conditions vary considerably. Enter Adidas' LST Vario (Light Stabilizing Technology), a photochromic sport lens that "helps deliver perfect light in less than perfect conditions" and reduces the amount of stress on your eyes. $190

 

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Peakvision Peaks Rx_â_ã_ Peakvision has created a high-performance eyewear line for people who don't have LASIK or wear contacts. The wraparound lenses come in seven frame styles for prescriptions ranging from +2.00 to -4.00 and feature Peakvision's Dual Zone technology, which divides the lens in half. $395-$495.

Kaenon Hard Kore As worn by Tour players Rory Sabbatini and Davis Love III, Kaenon's Hard Kore glasses epitomize what the company dubs "Luxury Performance." Like all Kaenon eyewear, the Hard Kore has polarized lenses that are Rx-adaptable. Comes in two different lens shapes for different-sized faces. $209.

VedaloHD Aquila Formerly an aviation eyewear company called "Coloreyes," VedaloHD has recently expanded into the golf world with its line of HD glasses. Its HDL-3C lens brings out all colors, a feature VedaloHD claims makes green reading easier. $160-$240._Ê_Ê

Tifosi VentoUx Tifosi's new Ventoux line features three interchangeable lenses (GT, EC and AC/Red) and fits medium to large faces. Its hydrophilic-rubber adjustable temple and nose pieces make the Ventoux super comfortable. Comes with cleaning bag and hard case. Weighs a measly 25 grams. $59.

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Oh, Donna Say the word "hybrid" and you probably picture a Toyota Prius or, well, a hybrid golf club. But the folks at Yes Putters are hoping the word will conjure up the name, "Donna." This "dual hybrid" offering features an aluminum face and a 304 stainless-steel body. In addition to that two-metal combo, its shape blends two different designs: mallet and cavity-back blade. The aluminum/steel combo moves weight back for an increased MOI, while its heel-toe balance makes the Donna incredibly forgiving. It features Yes' patented C-Groove putter face technology, which helps promote an end-over-end roll. Comes in right- and left-handed models, 32 to 37 inches. See golftipsmag.com/ezlinks.

Get To The Point When Clay Long designed the Nicklaus Fastback Dual Point driver ($299+), his goal was to help golfers square and close the clubface more easily through impact. The shape says it all, with less weight in the toe portion and more in the heel. The resulting effect is a shark-fin-shaped driver. Other features include a multilayered clubface and a graphite shaft codeveloped by Nicklaus and Fujikura. See golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more.

 

Strecth For Success Four minutes—that's all GolfStretcher inventor Jack Wilson claims you'll need to adequately "stretch and strengthen your golf muscles." The idea for his simple and easy-to-use device (it's an expandable pole with two rotating handles on either end) came about after Wilson injured his back and couldn't play golf anymore. Now, he's "able to play pain free." The GolfStretcher ($75) comes with an instruction booklet illustrating nine different exercises that can be performed before, after or during play. Also comes with an instructional DVD. Log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for details.

Double Feature Nickent's two new sets of 4DX irons offer something for everyone. The CB irons ($599-$699) feature a thin top line and moderate offset (for players of all abilities), while the chrome-plated Pro version ($799) features less offset, which better players like. Both models have a tungsten-polymer insert positioned in the center of the clubface. The CB model comes either as a hybrid set or a traditional iron set, while the Pro comes as a traditional set. Log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more info.

The Players Master craftsman and former PGA pro Bruce Sizemore introduces four new stainless-steel putters into his Sizemore Collection. The Players Series features a pair of blades and mallets (SM-1 shown) that were produced with IND-X cross-milling to create a flat and accurate face finish. Each putter also features a 3-D optical design that aids alignment. Prices range from $179 to $219. Visit golftipsmag.com/ ezlinks for more info.

Rain Delay After making a splash last year with the first waterproof golf bag, Sun Mountain introduces its upgraded version just in time for this year's rainy season. The new H2NO bag comes in both carry ($239) and cart ($279) versions and boasts expanded pocket space and more color options, including black, navy, dark green, white and yellow (shown). The carry bag features a six-way top with full-length dividers and six storage pockets, while the cart version has a 14-way top and seven pockets. Both feature pockets for clothing, a water bottle and valuables. Like last year's model, the H2NO is constructed from waterproof materials and features seam-sealed pockets and waterproof YKK zippers. For more info, log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks._Ê_Ê_Ê

Smash Box When a company says it has produced a golf club with "maximum smash factor," it's safe to say that it was made to nuke balls into the stratosphere. Alpha Golf's_Ê pear-shaped V5 LX ($378) has "the highest smash factor" the company has ever created, according to founder Dr. Jim Yeh. The club features a dense, but light, Titanium shell and movable weight ports so players can customize its center of gravity to fine-tune their desired trajectory._Ê We think it's smashing. Log on to golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more information.

Soft Ball Think all value balls are rock hard? Think again. Bridgestone's new TreoSoft balls ($22/dozen) feature a soft Surlyn ionomer cover designed to provide great feel and control. The 330-dimple configuration also utilizes Bridgestone's Seamless Cover Technology that eliminates the usual seam line and helps to add distance and produce a more consistent ballflight. Players with moderate swing speeds will notice a distance gain. Visit golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more.

Hot Stuff PGA Tour stats don't lie. Just take a look at putting. Players who consistently sink putts shoot the lowest scores (and often win tournaments). That's great for Tour players, you might say, but how does that help my game? Well, to putt like pros, you need to play with the same equipment they use. Enter Odyssey's new White Hot Tour putters ($149). They feature four different head shapes, optimized weighting (making them incredibly forgiving) and a new insert that features a highly resistant elastomer core and thin outer striking surface. Visit golftipsmag.com/ezlinks for more.