EQUIPMENT 2012 61
SkyCaddie SGXw – GPS with wi-fi for instant online
ProForce VTS graphite shafts –
torque show Shaft torque – the rotational ‘twist’ in the shaft (and hence club head) that occurs about the shaft axis during the golf swing – has become the forgotten factor when shaft fitting. “There’s a mistaken assumption that stronger players fitted for heavier shafts and stiff flex also need low torque, and vice versa for those with lower shaft loads,” explains UST’s technical expert, Stuart Smith. “But our research confirms that it depends crucially on a player’s personal swing DNA as to how torque affects distance and dispersion as well as the feel of the clubhead.” Hence UST’s excellent 3D fitting system which, along with the correct flex and weight, accommodates high-, medium- and low-torque options. •
www.ustgolf.com
access Those who regard their DMDs as more of a course management tool should check this upgraded version of the classic SGX, now wi-fi enabled for easy download of SkyCaddie’s latest privately mapped course data and easy upload of scores to the growing ClubSG online community. Along with all the usual SGX features, the unit now comes with integral PinPoint Technology measuring distance to inputed pin positions; and Dynamic RangeVue that instantly plots distance contours to help further in club selection. £329.99. •
www.skycaddie.com
AND ALSO...
Other top products for 2012 include:
Nike VR-S range
Having finally ditched their square head experiment Nike are back with a more traditional metalwood crown yet still sporting excellent aerodynamics and high ball speed from the NextCOR titanium face. The S stands for Speed and there are irons to match.
Adams Idea a12OS Hybrids The original pioneers of the modern hybrid return with Velocity Slot Technology in both the crown and sole in a novel attempt to increase the typically low COR of fairways and hybrids.
Callaway RAZR X irons Now with six sets to choose from according to Forgiveness, Performance and Tour, with the ultra-lavish XF and high-launching HL models being a definitive game-improvement pair in the former category.
Ogio Chamber golf bag Known for their novel bag features this one houses a ‘Silencer’ sole insert with compression-moulded ‘teeth’ to stop your clubs from rattling around on your trolley, buggy or even on your shoulders when carrying.
Q.O.D. The ‘world’s smallest powered trolley’ Electric trolleys keep downsizing; with this tiny, lithium-powered specimen collapsing to an A3-size footprint (30x42x27cm) courtesy of telescopic axle and stanchions that fold in five simple movements.
GolfBuddy Voice – it’s all talk!
Arguably the most innovative golf gadget of the season, the Voice reconceives the company’s hand-held GPS device as a tiny (one ounce!) unit that clips onto your belt and, at the touch of a button, tells you – out loud – the yardage to your target from the built-in speaker. Best thought of as golf’s answer to a hybrid mix of speaking clock, Sat Nav and iPod Shuffle, given how it comes pre-loaded with 35,000 courses. As well as a visual screen, the Voice can talk in either yards or metres with distances to the front, middle or back of the green – or all three (the last number issued automatically becomes the default). £159. •
www.golf-buddy.com
Yonex Rexis shafts
Colourful, custom upgrades in each flex offering a full variety of launch, spin and trajectory characteristics, reminding us that Yonex is a rare example of an integrated shaft as well as clubhead design specialist.
US Kids new Ultralight line The kids will be alright this season as the junior equipment specialists extend their club range from five to nine different sizes, effectively offering a new model for every three inches that a child grows.
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