August-September 2006

Now Playing: CDT Super Power Pro Golf Shoes

Shoes that can help you hit the ball farther? Sounds like we're kidding, right? We're not. The new CDT Super Power Pro golf shoes ($210) from Hi-Tec are designed not only to cradle the foot while walking and provide support when making a golf swing–they're designed to help you hit the ball a long way. It all starts with one of the most innovative and aggressive sole designs to ever grace a golf shoe. For more information on the full range of shoe styles and features, visit www.hi-tec.com.

EVA Midsole The compression midsole is comfortably secure and offers just the right amount of cushion needed to make a strong swing and to keep the feet healthy and pain-free while walking and playing. _Ê Full Grain The 100% full-grain leather upper is breathable, soft, waterproof and designed to last.

Wear And Roll Bar Traction where you need it, freedom where you don't. The heel Wear Bar and toe Roll Bar help the feet rock and roll during the swing as they should, without compromising traction or comfort.

Two Pods The twin-pod design helps golfers position their body weight over the critical heel and toe regions of the feet. This weight dispersion enables golfers to make a fuller backswing and a more effective weight shift from the back heel to the forward toe during the downswing. Better yet, the arch support cradles the foot for a comfortable yet athletic feel, helping to prevent collapsed arches and overpronation.

Tread Design This is one of the most aggressive sole designs on the market. Made of strong thermoplastic urethane (TPU), the CDT Super Power Pro sole design features a series of stabilizing bars, grooves and teeth for support in literally every direction–uphill, downhill and sideways. The forefoot Flex Groove is designed for better walking comfort and flexibility. _Ê Cradle The TPU shank in the arch section of the shoe helps place weight on the heel and toe while comfortably cradling the arch. Now that's what we call support.

CDT Spikes No other spike lends as much control as the CDT Power spike. With six teeth, two of which are elongated for custom direction control, the CDT spike grips, holds and absorbs shock very well.

Grip Genetics Grips have come a long way since leather and simple rubber models. Today, there are more substances, ingredients, materials and textures than ever to choose from. Polymers, synthetic, multiblend, dual-density and proprietary mixed rubbers dominate the landscape, encompassing a level of technology once reserved for high-performance tires and automotive technologies.

These top grips aren't just made of cool new materials, however. Equally inventive are the new textures and dual densities, which are designed to do more than simply help secure the hands to the club. Some wick water, some absorb shock, some are built for comfort, and others are made to promote healthy hands. Some grips are designed to do all of the above, so we've decided to call out a few of today's top performers.

Avon Pro D2x $2.35/each www.avongrips.com The Pro D2x from Avon features firm support in the top region and a softer feel in the lower region. It also has superb traction throughout. Material: Dual-mold compound Design: Ribbed velvet

Comp Grip MF5 $8/each www.compgrip.com Could this be the first microfiber grip? The polymer-based MF5 handles rain and perspiration, and does so with a unique feel and look. Material: Microfiber/polymer Design: Textured-weave velvet

Golf Pride Dual Durometer $4.35/each www.golfpride.com Soft on the outside, firm on the inside, the Dual Durometer is a great option for players who want the best in shock absorption, while retaining a solid feel. Now available in a corded model. Material: Thermoset rubber Design: Velvet Lamkin Dual Density Torsion Control $4.95/each www.lamkingrips.com One of the most unique grips to hit the market in decades, the DDTC features a unique groove-and-texture pattern that increases gripping power while combating rain and perspiration. Material: Laser-Tac proprietary rubber Design: Ridged velvet

Sharpro PTO $2.85/each www.sharprogrip.com The texture-heavy PTO has perforations and ridges throughout for a rugged look. The lower half is softer than the top for a great feel and optimal shock absorption._Ê Material: Dual-density rubber Design: Upper-cord

Winn G8 $4.25/each www.winngrips.com The latest from Winn Grips provides a uniform feel, despite being constructed from multiple materials for traction and shock absorption in the places where they're needed most. Material: Proprietary synthetic polymer Design: Vertical-seam velvet

Shling Thing The new OGIO Shling shoulder harness gets its inspiration from yokes (you know, those things that hang on oxen's necks to help them carry their burdens). But whereas yokes were designed to balance equal amounts of weight, the OGIO Shling is designed to make carrying awkwardly weighted golf bags a snap, plus it can be adjusted for different shoulder widths. Simple to adjust, just slide it on and hit the links! The Shling can be found on OGIO's Vision SS bag ($229, pictured). For more information, visit www.ogio.com.

Multilayer Mania The new White Hot XG series ($119, #7 pictured) features a multilayer face insert with an elastomer core material for a soft feel and a firmer, outer striking surface for improved accuracy and feedback. Also notable, the face has a unique textured-weave design for a faster end-over-end roll. The feel is subtly different from other White Hot models, albeit this time with a slightly softer sensation at impact. The White Hot XG series putters come in a variety of sizes, shapes and hosel configurations. For more information, visit www.odysseygolf.com.

Forged Forgiveness For a long time, forged irons were relatively plain in shape, possessing the kind of shotmaking attributes and feel that generally catered to only a handful of the best players in the world. And while most Tour pros today have opted for at least a few cavity-back irons in their bags for added playability, finding the mix of that forged feel with hard-hitting forgiveness hasn't been easy. That is, until MacGregor unveiled the new MACTEC M685 forged cavity-back irons ($699). Interestingly, the M685 long and mid-irons feature what's called hosel-face, hollow-body technology, where the hosel and clubface are forged as a single piece for a remarkably solid, one-piece feel. The rest of the hollow-body design lends ample perimeter weighting and forgiveness across the entire clubface. All this sounds impressive, doesn't it? It's even better in the bag. Multiple shaft options are available. To learn more, check out www.macgregorgolf.com.

Simply Effective Sometimes it's the most basic training devices that have the biggest impact. The easy-to-use Right Touch ($49) is designed to help improve swing path, posture and weight shift by reminding the golfer to keep the arms in the right place during the backswing and downswing. This promotes a more compact address and swing, resulting in truer, straighter flying shots. It's easy to use and comes with a full-length instructional DVD. For more information, visit www.campmoosegolf.com.

Reader Input What's your favorite golf ball and why?

1 Bridgestone B330S, MaxFli RedMAX and Srixon AD333 "It's a toss-up. When it comes to spin, the new B330S from Bridgestone Golf is a great choice. It really makes hitting tight approaches a lot easier. For distance, though, I think the Maxfli RedMAX is as long as any other ball that I've tried. And a great in-betweener ball is the Srixon AD333. It's a two-piece, but it has the feel and performance of a more expensive Three piece golf ball." –Drew, Scottsdale, Ariz. (10 handicap)

2 Bridgestone e5 "You can't beat the price. For less than $25 a dozen, the e5 has an amazingly soft feel–even with the putter. It doesn't disappoint off the tee either, as I've seen my fair share of higher and longer drives. I've even noticed a few short shots checking up on the greens! The e5 doesn't seem as durable as other inexpensive golf balls, but they're still a steal for anyone who wants a great all-around ball for the money." –Wayne, West Covina, Calif. (8 handicap)_Ê

3 Dunlop LoCo Motion "A lot of my friends place emphasis on what ball they hit, but I can't tell one from another. I always buy balls that go far and that aren't going to bankrupt me. It depends on where I shop, but I usually opt for the Dunlop LoCo Motion. They go for around $15 a dozen, so I never feel too bad when I lose one." –Fred, Peoria, Ill. (22 handicap)_Ê

4 Titleist Pro V1 "I've used Titleists ever since I was a kid, first playing Surlyn-covered 384 DTs and then, as I improved, moving to a balata cover. I loved the Surlyn's distance and durability, but at times it felt like I was hitting a rock around the greens. When I played the balata ball, it spun like a pro's, but I couldn't make it through six holes without cutting it. When the Pro V1 came out, all that changed. Now I get great distance, spin and durability. To me, it's worth it even if they are expensive." –Casey, Lewiston, Maine (7 handicap)

5 Maxfli Noodle Ice "My friends and I were wondering if a colored ball would ever make a return, and it looks like somebody was listening! The Noodle Ice performs as well if not better than the original Noodle, but the vivid colors are a lot easier to see in the air and in the rough than standard white golf balls. The clearcoat takes some getting used to, but it's fun to watch these balls fly through the air. Better yet, they're affordable and come in a variety of colors." –Stephanie, Chicago, Ill. (11 handicap)