The 2007 Hot List:
What’s New in Golf Equipment, Apparel & Accessories
by Jeffrey Reed
Copyright 2007 London Ontario Golf

So, you think you need a tutor to understand the FedEx Cup? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. This year’s new gear is so high-tech, you may want to save those green fees for a tee to green primer. Save your money, and read on. London Ontario Golf presents its second annual What’s New in Golf Equipment, Apparel and Accessories. (Note: in case you missed it, or want to review last year’s offerings, our 2006 What’s New listings remain posted at our Reviews section, too).

This season, innovative club makers have made it hip to be square – square drivers, that is. USGA limits on clubhead size (460cc), length (48 in.) and face (.830 coefficient of restitution – COR) have all been met by manufacturers, but moment of inertia (MOI) – how much a clubhead twists at impact – (5,900g–cm sq.) is still an unmet maximum target. The higher the MOI, the better impact is on off-centre hits. The result? Explosive distance. Thus, the Einsteins amongst the manufacturers have designed elongated clubheads – square, oval, triangular and inverted – to boost MOI. Mass is moved to the rear of the clubheads, producing some of the wildest, wackiest – and best performing – clubs ever produced.

Watch wedges and irons: at publishing date, the USGA was poised to pounce on U-shaped grooves. This could alter the driver-wedge strategy on the PGA Tour – bomb it long, anywhere, then hit wedge onto the green. V grooves, it has been proven, are not as spin-inducing as their wider cousins. For most golfers, shotmaking probably won’t be noticeably altered. But for skilled players, it may be back to square one with V-shaped grooves. Gee, could this mean laying up on par-5s? 

This year, we don’t lay up with our list of new products. We’ve provide you with web links to all of the included golf industry manufacturers. In each case, we attempt to provide you with the latest MSRP Cdn. We suggest you visit the links – web links, that is – or better yet stop by your favourite retailer or pro shop to see 2007's great offering of gear up close and personal. And don’t forget to get custom fit for your clubs – your handicap will thank you.

Table
($$$ graphite, $$$ steel)
Note: While all attempts were made to provide accurate pricing, costs will vary.
CG     Centre of Gravity
COR   Coefficient of Restitution
MOI    Moment of Inertia
#/#     Wedge loft/bounce

Clubs, Club Sets, Shafts, Grips, Balls, Tees

ACCUFLEX www.accuflexgolf.com
ACCU-LENGTH www.acculength.com

ADAMS www.adamsgolf.com

WOODS: Adams Insight driver ($350) is Adams’ best driver to-date, with flat crown, wide body extending rear perimeter, fantastic stability. Heel weighting puts CG closer to shaft. Has 45 3/4 in. shaft. Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degrees. Like the driver, Insight fairway wood ($265) available as two models: smaller BTY Tour version, larger BUL forgiving version. Four lofts each. Light titanium cup face and crown piece brazed to a steel sole and back piece. The result? Low CG, hot face, high MOI..
IRONS: Idea Tech OS ultra game-improvement irons ($925) include hybrids with composite crown and titanium face. The 5- and 6-iron are hollow and feature a composite back. Short irons have titanium face, tungsten sole weights. Idea Pro irons ($930 steel) with soft 8620 carbon-steel forged iron design. Offers TriTech 4-iron option instead of hybrid. Longer shaft for increased clubhead speed. Plenty of set options.
HYBRIDS: Idea Pro ($230) is a player’s utility club. A 100cc head, lofts 16, 18, 20, 23 and 26 degrees. Sole weight can be adjusted by Adams for desired swing weight. Maraging stainless steel face increases ball speed. Aldila VS By You shafts are standard.
SETS: Idea a2 OS (12-piece $925, 7-piece $580) included 460cc driver, mallet putter, matching bag.

ADVANCED GOLF TECHNOLOGY www.advancedgolftechnology.com

AEROTECH www.aerotechgolfshafts.com

SHAFTS: Manufacturer of popular SteelFibre line. Two new affordable offerings include i110cw taper tip for irons ($45), and i125 for wedges ($45).

AKIRA www.akira-products.co.jp

ALDILA www.aldila.com  

SHAFTS: Including VS Proto, NV, Pink NV.

ALPHA www.alphagolfclubs.com

AMF GOLF www.amfgolf.com

HYBRIDS: H-Series Forged hybrid ($80) has ultra-thin maraging steel face, SpinControl face technology, tungsten weights in heel and toe. Lofts 16, 18.5, 21 degrees.
WEDGES: TWS wedge ($65) with adjustable weight system. 64/6 wedge. U grooves. UX-2 wedge is a game-improvement club with extreme undercut cavity. 65/12 wedge.
PUTTERS: Insight Putter ($100) mallet-style putter with 3.5-degree loft, 71-degree lie, lots of forgiveness, 34- and 35-in. shaft. Has 3D alignment aid.

ASERTA SPORTS www.asertasports.com

ASHLEYGOLF www.nancylopezgolf.com

ASHTON GOLF www.ashtongolf.com

BANG www.banggolf.com

BOB BURNS www.bobburnsgolf.com

BOBBY JONES www.bobbyjonesgolf.net

WOODS: Bobby Jones Players Series 440cc driver ($350) in 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts has two fixed weights – 2 g and 12 g – in the sole for stability. Unique face with 9 in. roll and 9 in. bulge enhances forgiveness. Players Series fairway wood ($230) in 13,15, 17 and 19 degree lofts. Tri-level sole helps shotmaking from all lies.
HYBRIDS: Players Series ($210) in four lofts of 19 to 30 degrees. Triangular-shaped head more fairway metal-like than rescue club.

BRIDGESTONE www.bridgestonegolf.com

WOODS: Bridgestone J33R 460cc driver ($575) with 6-4 titanium construction features ultra-thin crown wall section, elastomer compound insert, tungsten weight in trailing edge, in 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degree lofts. Fred “Boom Boom” Couples’ driver. Yours, too, if you are play-uh. J33 fairway wood ($175) is an affordable high-performance club. Lofts 15, 18 and 21 degrees. Small 17-4 stainless steel clubhead has tungsten weights for great CG. Elastomer insert reduces vibration. Cavity in sole boosts distance. Nine shaft options.
IRONS: Gravity Chamber (GC) MID and GC OS ($800) feature two 15 g discs in cavity at heel and toe (gap closes in Mid set). Variety of shaft, grip options. J33 Cavity Back irons ($930) used by Fred Couples and Stuart Appleby boast consistent feel throughout set. CG moves from heel in 2-iron to middle as lofts increase.
HYBRIDS: GC hybrid launches high from tough lies.
WEDGES: WC Design ($140), 52/9, 54/11.5, 56/12, 60/10.5.
BALLS: Tour B330 and softer Tour B330-S ($45). Speed elasticity core hardness increases as you move from centre to perimeter. Strengthened cover to combat scuffs. Boom, boom, boom, boom ... long and responsive balls. E5 ($30) is a two-piece ball with high-energy core for increased ball speed. A 432-dimple design increases spin on low-trajectory shots. E6 ($30) is a three-piece ball which helps reduce sidespin.

BRUSH-T www.brusht.com

C-THRU GRIPS www.c-thrugrips.com

GRIPS: C-Thru Grips ($110-$120/kit with 13 plus putter grip, custom options available; single grip $12-$15) allows you to display your favourite team’s logo through quality soft, tacky grips. Easy to install.

CALLAWAY GOLF www.callawaygolf.com

WOODS: Giant Fusion FT-i ($350) in draw and neutral versions, 9, 10, 11 and 13 high trajectory degrees. If you can’t hit it long and straight with this club, pick another sport. Square shape, titanium face, carbon-composite body. Weight rests in corners of club. High launch, lots of spin. Smaller Tour-tuned Fusion FT-5 ($500) in draw and neutral models, same lofts, comes with 14 head/loft options. Phil Mickelson’s weapon of choice for hitting his new stinger off the tee. Carbon-composite lightweight frame stretched for deep CG, and internal movement of 50 g around the rear perimeter. Face wider and taller than predecessor. Big Bertha 460 ($350), same lofts, with wide body and flat crown for highest MOI in Callaway history. Customize it with Callaway’s OptiFit system. X460 driver ($350) in four lofts has X-pattern in sole for stabilization. Hosel-free saves weight, puts it into head. Tour version features Fujikura Tour Platform 26.3 shaft. Big Bertha fairway wood ($230) in 3, 5, 7 and 9-wood options has large stainless steel head, low and long profile face. The 3-wood is a 200cc club. Callaway X fairway wood ($230) in seven lofts, 13 to 25 degrees. X-shaped sole with two resting pads keeps club from moving at address.
IRONS: X-20 ($800 steel) and X-20 Tour ($930) irons. Game-improvement X-20 features variable face thickness, cavity back, notch weighting for high MOI. X-20 Tour has sole with beveled trailing edge and a high toe. Blade length shorter than X-20. Plenty of forgiveness in a player’s club. Big Bertha Fusion game-improvement irons ($1,150) with lightweight Nippon steel shaft standard feature face insert of titanium and tungsten-nickel cradle for weight distribution to perimeter. Thermoplastic-urethane insert in cavity dampens vibration. X-Forged irons ($1,150 steel) with forged carbon-steel clubheads features minimum offset. CG shifts from lower in long irons to higher in short irons. Project X shafts for better players.
HYBRIDS: Callaway X ($185), 18, 21, 24 and 27 degrees. X-sole includes rails to reduce drag, increase stability. FT ($230) in five lofts from 14 to 26 degrees. Composite crown, stainless steel face. Neutral and draw options.
WEDGES: X-Tour ($130), 50/11, 52/11, 54/13, 56/13, 58/9, 58/11, 60/9, 60/11.
SETS: Big Bertha ($120 per club).
JUNIOR: X Junior Golf Club set ($300) for boys and girls aged 8 to 12 includes two woods, three irons, two wedges and 2-Ball putter.
BALLS: HX Tour and HX TOUR 56 ($50). Tour version has thinner cover, while Tour 56 ball is softer around the greens. Both boast hexagon dimples and are extremely long. Just ask Phil Mickelson and Charles Howell III. New HX Hot ($30) is long, and softer than its predecessor. Warbird two-piece ball ($25) built for distance. High-tech polybutadiene core custom built for every swing.

CARBITE www.carbitegolf.com

CLEVELAND www.clevelandgolf.com

WOODS: HiBORE XL ($380) is a break from the square driver. Features long, flat sole and head that rises to the face. Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 and 16 degrees. Scooped-out crown puts CG low. Two tip stiffnesses for each flex, plus Tour version. Vijay Singh’s driver. HiBORE fairway wood ($250) in 13, 15, 19 and 22 degree lofts. Low profile to align ball with clubface.
IRONS: CG4 and CG4 Tour ($800 steel) boast carbon-metal matrix in clubhead with more weight in perimeter. Plenty of shaft options.
HYBRIDS: HiBore ($210) in six lofts, 16 to 31 degrees, offers lots of options. Same inverted crown technology.
WEDGES: New Cleveland 588RS wedge, the latest from the 588 series, combines classic Cleveland lines with cutting-edge game improvement features. Boasts ultra-wide, deep-weighted sole. Other wedges include the 588 DSG-RTG+, Tour-popular CG10, forgiving CG11 ($140), and classic 588 Chrome.

COBRA www.cobragolf.com

WOODS: King Cobra Speed driver is shaped with a fast-back crown with large dimples for high MOI. Cobra says it’s the “largest face in golf,” with Milled Dual-Rhombus face insert for forgiveness and ball speed. Three models – Speed Pro, F/Speed, M/Speed – personalizes distance and accuracy based on your ball speed, and personalizes best shaft offering. HS9 driver ($460) has four loft options, plus three head shapes. Large face includes a milled section for better flex and ball speed.
IRONS: Cobra FP game-improvement irons ($580) feature urethane insert in rear sole for soft feel. Medium-large sole prevents digging. Undercut cavity for high launch. S9 ultra game-improvement irons ($925 graphite) feature low profile, strong lofts, dampening plate in cavity. Lightweight Graphite Design 55 g shaft.
HYBRIDS: Baffler DWS ($175) in six lofts, 16 to 29 degrees. More weight in heel and toe for low CG. Hot maraging steel insert in face. Women’s and seniors’s options.
PUTTERS: Optica SL ($190), two models (heel- and centre-shafted), large mallet-style with urethane section behind head to minimize vibration. Fibre optic dots help with alignment.
SETS: S9 ($120 per iron)

COSMO GOLF CANADA www.cosmogolf.ca

DAITO www.daitogolf.com

PUTTERS: Stealth and Genesis mallot-style putters ($190), and Virtuoso blade ($270) and short-neck putters are among finest in the game. Canadian company winning many fans.

DELACRUZ www.delacruzgolf.com

DIVNICK www.divnickgolf.com

DUNLOP GOLF www.dunlopsport.com

EIDOLON www.eidolongolf.com

ELEMENT 21 www.e21golf.com
EOS www.eosgolf.com

EXCEL GOLF PRODUCTS
www.zerofrictiontees.com
www.excelgolftee.com

TEES: The company boasts a new handle, and new offerings amongst its biodegradable three-pronged Zero Friction Performance Golf Tees. The new 1 3/4-in. hybrid tee joins the original 2 3/4-in., 3 1/4-in. and 4-in. tees. There’s also a new choice of colours, including pink for breast cancer awareness, black, red and blue.
GRIPS: Tocare Tour Grip (T2) for all clubs has an inner core featuring a diamond pattern producing the Vibration Diffusion Pattern.

EXOTICS www.exoticsgolf.com

WOODS: Exotics CB2 fairway wood ($400) has multi-thickness and lighter cupface with more weight at rear.

F2 GOLF www.f2golf.com

IRONS: Joining the F2 wedge line (52, 56, 58, 60) are the ultra-game improvement F2 irons ($700). Set 4-PW features face forward, hosel back design.
PUTTERS: F2 Hamilton Putter HM1 ($150) is a blade putter with (what else?) offset hosel.

FEEL www.feelwedges.com

FISHER www.fishergolf.com

FOURTEEN www.fourteengolf.com

WOODS: Top-notch Japanese company invades North America. JC-606 430cc driver, and JC-406 410cc driver are solid offerings for better players. SF206 fairway wood in 15, 18 and 21 degrees has a low profile, great CG.
IRONS: TC-770 forged irons for low- to mid-handicap golfers. 

GAIM www.gaimgolf.com

GAUGE DESIGNS www.gaugedesigns.com

GOLF TRENDS www.golftrendsinc.com

Canadian distributor of fine golf equipment since 1987.

GOLFWORKS www.golfworks.com

GOLIATH www.goliathgolf.com

GRAPHITE DESIGN INTERNATIONAL www.gdintl.com

SHAFTS: Including Pershing Series, YS+ Series, Purple Ice Series, Prototype Model Series.

GRAFALLOY www.grafalloy.com

SHAFTS: Grafalloy set the industry standard with its Blue shaft – the most successful shaft in PGA Tour history – featuring a Micro-Mesh tip. The company followed up with the ProLaunch, and ProLaunch Red (for lower trajectory). Enter the Grafalloy Epic, with Nanofuse Technology. It performs like a steel shaft, but offers graphite-type lightweight properties. Instead of using carbon nanotubes in a composite shaft design, the Epic shaft uses nano-crystalline metals, fused at the molecular level with a composite polymer substrate. Epic is available for drivers, fairway metals and hybrids.

GUERIN RIFE www.guerinrife.com

PUTTERS: Aussie blade ($210) features milled head of 303 stainless steel, Rife horizontal grooves, true spin. Each stick comes with a lie angle bender. Mr. Beasley small mallet ($210) has soft 303 stainless steel design, RollGroove technology.

HEAVY PUTTER www.heavyputter.com

PUTTERS: B Series ($230-$290), three models in matte and original finish. Entire putter more than 1.5 times weight of conventional putter. Balance point 75 per cent higher. Day-Glo green hosel in B2-M version.

HILLERICH & BRADSBY www.slugger.com

HIPPO www.hippo-golf.com

WOODS: Hippo HEX2 460cc driver ($230) is the most unconventional looking big stick to be unveiled this season (thus far, anyways). Features hexagonal- shaped head which reduces drag on backswing and produces faster swing speed. Includes Hippo’s CP4 proprietary shaft using Mitsubishi Rayon. Lofts of 9, 10 and 12 degrees.

HOGAN www.benhogan.com

INFINITI www.infinitigolf.com

IRONS: The 658 irons ($470), available in 4-PW, GW, SW, LW, includes eight cavity-back clubs with standard shafts, LH and RH. It’s a mid-iron with four-way cambered sole which avoids digging. Matte finish score line on face builds confidence. Made from soft cast 304 steel.

INSEYED PUTTERS www.inseyedputters.com

PUTTERS: Inseyed Putter ($230) is a pyramid-shaped putter, Neddy blade or Renegade mallet. Shafts are inverted for proper alignment. Conforms to USGA rules.

JAZZ www.jazzgolf.com

SETS: Canadian-owned company includes Sandra Post and Dan Halldorson. Harmony Set and Melody Set both from Sandra Post Signature Series. Harmony is premier ladies 11-piece set. Melody set also includes 11 pieces. Jazz Festival Set includes eight pieces. Octave iron set has eight pieces. 

KZG www.kzgolf.com

WOODS: KZG Gemini II driver is a 460cc monster and one of the top performing drivers in golf. Follows in footsteps of legendary Gemini driver. A second faceplate behind a forged and heat-treated titanium-face gives it Gemini name. Entire face is sweetspot. Deep, backweighted head. Stock NovaTech 7500 shaft. In 9, 10.5, 12 and 14-degree lofts. More importantly, KZG labels its new Gemini II with launch angles, too. KZG GF 4 driver ($540, $500) will soon be joined by a 460cc model. For now, the 425cc head packs plenty of punch. Innovative screw system allows for an incredible 2,401 different weight options. Makes sense: KZG is a leader in true custom fitting.

LA JOLLA www.lajollaclub.com

LAMKIN www.lamkingrips.com

GRIPS: Crossline colour options added for 2007. A preferred grip of professional golfers around the globe.  

LOUISVILLE www.louisvillegolf.com

MACGREGOR www.macgregorgolf.com

WOODS: Best new driver of 2007? MACTEC NVG2 Draw 460cc driver ($400) with draw bias features MacGregor’s patented Cup Face 360 deg. technology. The entire face is the sweet spot, promoting distance and forgiveness. Fujikura Quadra action shaft is a solid offering, too – it actually adds clubhead speed. A .6 mm thin light crown structure, lowers CG for low spin and more hang-time, plus more roll – perfect combo for players. Two weights in heel sole. Price is reasonable for such a big performer. MACTEC NVG2 Draw fairway wood ($280) one of best on market. Same Cup Face technology, Beta-Titanium Cup Face, three bend points in Fujikura Quadra action shaft. Low spin like its big brother. Weight in sole heel and toe.
IRONS: MACTEC NVG2 Mid Irons ($900, $800) 3-PW also boast the Cup Face 360 deg. technology. Hollow body structure means higher rebound for greater distance. Great offering for mid-handicapper and even aces. Maximizes distance on off-centre hits, remarkably long, easy to launch. MicroStep steel or MACTEC Triple Action graphite shafts.
PUTTERS: Bobby Grace Face-Off putter line ($279) features Distance Corrective Technology (DCT) which corrects mis-hits and offers consistent distance. Exchange putter faces (Face-Off feature) to accommodate green conditions: use a softer feel for fast greens, firmer feel for slow greens. A wide face with adjustable weighting offers deep CG, high MOI for no twisting. Shaft 34 and 35 in., heel shafted, double bend, face balanced. Custom lengths available.

MACRO www.macrogolf.com

MARUMAN www.maruman.co.jp

WOODS: Get ready for Maruman Golf to become a big name in premium golf equipment. M-Sole Fairway Wood ($300) has thin titanium crown, strong maraging metal face, M-Sole design, long and flat profile. Woods 3 through 13.
WEDGES: KS wedge ($150) is double-forged design from Kenzo Sugiyama. Microspin finish.

MATRIX www.matrixshafts.com

SHAFTS: Including OZIK TP-7 Woods, OZIK XCON Woods, STUDIO Woods and Irons.

MAXFLI www.maxfli.com

BALLS: Maxfli Fire ($25) is a three-piece ball with 442 dimples to fight windy conditions despite high-launch promotion. John Daly’s ball.

MIURA www.miuragolf.com

IRONS: CB-301 irons ($1,350 steel) are a player’s iron. RH only. Shallow cavity-back design, weight towards hosel and toe to square clubface. Milled hosels. True champions from a Japanese forging house.

MITSUBISHI RAYON www.mitsubishirayongolf.com

SHAFTS: Three offerings from the Mitsubishi Rayon Group/Graphite Shaft Division. Diamana Blue Board with extremely smooth, stable shaft; Red Board for higher launch without sacrificing distance control; and White Board for extreme stability with low torque, stiff tip profile. Also Bassara Series shafts for wide range of golfers.

MIZUNO www.mizunocda.com

WOODS: MX-500 driver ($350) in four lofts has a graphite-crown section for low CG, and large graphite-sole piece at toe to help close face at impact. Shaft with 29 options. F-50 fairway wood ($230) in five lofts of 13.5 to 21 degrees has lightweight carbon composite crown, and multi-level sole for cutting through any lie. There are 32 shaft options.
IRONS: MX-25 ($999 steel) feature 1025E carbon steel for thin face, large cavity. MX-19 ($699 steel) are ultra game-improvement sticks with larger cavity in irons 4 through 6 for high launch. R and S steel shaft options. MP-67 ($1,099 steel) uses Slender Cut Muscle design, pin pointing CG inside muscle back.
HYBRIDS: MP Fli-Hi irons ($159/ea. steel) are hybrid irons with an iron look. Grain Flow Forged face and neck for soft feel. CLK Fli-Hi hybrids ($169/ea.) are traditional-looking rescue clubs with thin, ultralight titanium crown and low, deep CG.
WEDGES: MP wedges are Grain-Flow Forged for great feel. MP-R ($149 steel), 52/7, 54/10, 56/10, 56/13, 58/10, 60/5, 60/9.
PUTTERS: Bettinardi C-Series ($270), four models. Entire head and hosel milled from single block of low-carbon steel.
SETS: Mizuno Tava (10 pieces $925) for slow swing speeds.

MD GOLF www.mdgolf.co.uk

WOODS: Brit company deserves accolades for its solid offerings. Superstrong Ti EQL 460cc driver ($200) features a tungsten draw system with weight in heel. Features Grafalloy Pro Launch Blue shaft. Lofts 10.5, 12 and 15 degrees.

NAKASHIMA www.nakashimagolf.com 

NANCY LOPEZ www.nancylopezgolf.com

NEVER COMPROMISE www.nevercompromise.com

PUTTERS: GM2 Exchange ($270), four models (heel- and centre-shafted). Large mallet, adjustable weights under removable sole plate for custom feel from 320 g to 370 g.

NICKENT GOLF www.nickentgolf.com

WOODS: 4DX driver ($350) offers draw and Tour specs. Uses tungsten polymer inserts in back wall to improve stability.
HYBRIDS: Nickent 3DX DC ($175) offers wide range of loft options from 13 to 26 degrees. A 3-D weight system for low CG. Thin face produces soft feel at impact but plenty of distance. Two clubhead options.
SETS: Nickent Goddess (10 pieces $775) with 440cc driver, three hybrids, UST Double LL shaft.

NICKLAUS www.nicklaus-golf.com

WOODS: The best driver yet from Nicklaus, so good Jack would be proud: Dual Point ($350). Lofts of 8, 9, 10.5, 12, and 15 degree, plus offset options. Four-piece forged titanium head uses a weight-saving welding process, plus 14 g weight to align CG with maximum face flex point. 

NIKE www.nikegolf.com

WOODS: Following in the footsteps of the Nike SasQuatch 460 ($410), and SasQuatch Tour 460 ($460), are the enormously square SQ Sumo ($400) and SQ Sumo2 ($500) drivers. Larger Sumo2 features a New York taxicab yellow sole and produces a unique sound at impact, plus explosive distance, maximum forgiveness and twist-resistant contact. Nike’s secret? A lower, deeper, square PowerBow for enormous MOI which Nike says is the “highest in golf.” Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 13 degrees. Smaller (but certainly not small) Sumo – Tiger’s new driver – puts 71-per-cent of the clubhead behind the CG for enhanced MOI. Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 13 and 16 degrees. SQ Sumo2 fairway wood ($230) in five lofts from 13 to 21 degrees has a rail sole for great turf contact. Rear ring with weight plus lowers CG. Cryo Steel face stronger than 6-4 titanium.
IRONS: Nike CCi ($1,000, $850) made from 431 stainless steel for soft feel and response. Tungsten insert for high launch in long irons. Polymer-filled sole ports add to feel. Mitsubishi graphite shaft option. CCi forged irons ($1,100) for true players. True Temper Dynamic Gold Steel shaft.
WEDGES: SV Tour ($95), 50/10, 52/10, 54/12, 56/10, 56/14, 58/10, 60/6, 60/10.  
PUTTERS: The Unitized line ($330) are manufactured as one-piece putters for true feel. Nike even has the vibrations nailed down within the 150 to 300 Hz range which it says is the ideal sensory zone. With the head and shaft unitized as one, putter feel has never been better. Choose from the Neo, Retro and Tiempo blades, the Neo mid-mallet, and the oversized Techno mallet.
BALLS: The Platinum (Tiger Woods’ ball) and the Black ($49) both have a softer, 336-dimple cover plus progressive-density core for more control around the greens without any distance loss. Platinum has slightly softer cover for better feel, while Black has slightly larger core and thinner mantle for slightly more distance. Nike Juice 312 ($25) is a two-piece distance ball boasting five dimple sizes. Slightly softer than a typical distance pill, holds well from around the green and lands softly off long irons.

ODYSSEY www.odysseygolf.com

PUTTERS: White Hot XG putter ($140), seven styles, used by Phil Mickelson. A throwback with contemporary technology. Elastomer back, firm yet light front insert. White Hot XG #7 ($140) features two fang-like prongs at rear for stability. White Hot XG 2-Ball SRT ($230), eight versions (White Steel, White Hot, regular 2-Ball). Two golf ball-size discs aid alignment. Large mallet-style with alloy ring for support and MOI boost. Black Series ($330), three blade models.

OPTIX www.optixgolf.com

ORLIMAR www.orlimar.com

WOODS: Fury driver ($350) is one of the least expensive of the premium square big dogs on the market.

PINFIRE www.pinfiregolf.com

PING www.pinggolf.com

WOODS: G5 driver ($350) with five lofts plus offset models boast a hidden web-type form in the crown’s rear to lower CG on this all-titanium head. Face has plasma-welded insert to save weight, and it’s machined with variable thicknesses for better flex. Ping Wrx fitting option available. Ping Rapture driver ($500) in 9, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts features titanium crown willed with carbon composite, putting more weight in back heel and toe. G5 fairway wood ($250) in six lofts, 13 to 27 degrees. Half-moon alignment aid, same Ping technology. Rapture fairway wood ($350) is a player’s club. Lofts 14, 17, 20 degrees. Launch angle and stability boosted with design.
IRONS: G5 ($875) features very deep cavity. Custom-tuning port provides plenty of feel. Wide sole for very high launch. Three steel shaft options. Rapture irons ($1,400) are high-priced ultra game-improvement irons with titanium face, tungsten toe weight, high MOI. Colour-coded fitting system available. S58 irons ($1,000) have Tour-inspired lofts in a blade-type design. Tuning pocket helps in all shotmaking. Wider sole than S59 from Ping.
HYBRIDS: G5 ($220) in 16, 19, 22 and 25 degree lofts. Has sloped crown for high launch. Small clubhead, thin face. A great performer from variety of lies. Rapture ($240) in 18, 21 and 24 degree lofts. Sloped crown helps lift ball with confidence.
WEDGES: Ping Tour ($120), 50/10, 52/12, 54/12, 54/12.5, 56/13, 58/13.5, 58/8, 60/14, 60/8. Ping iWedge ($120), 50/11, 52/11.5, 54/12, 56/13, 58/11.5, 60/12.5.
PUTTERS: JAS CRAZ-E One ($310) has square frame mallet-style shape, milled aluminum, 96 g of tungsten in four corners for high MOI. Ping Redwood blade ($290) is Tour-proven, slightly oversize with Black Nickel finish. Three models (Anser, Piper, Zing).
SETS: G5L ($140 per iron) with hybrid options.

PINNACLE www.pinnaclegolf.com

BALLS: Exception ($20) is a two-piece distance ball 25-per-cent softer than typical Pinnacle pill.

POWERBILT www.powerbilt.com

PRECEPT www.preceptgolf.com

BALLS: XP3 offers soft compression for moderate swings. Lady S III is designed for lady golfers, delivering high launch, increased distance, smooth feel.

Q-ROLL www.qroll.com

RAM http://ramgolf.tommyarmourgolf.com

SETS: Ram V Force Junior Set ($160) features 3-wood, 24-degree hybrid, 5, 7 and 9 irons, mallet putter and lightweight stand bag.

REDEYE GOLF www.redeyegolf.com

PUTTERS: RedEye i330 system ($210) is a putter and training aid in one. Uses a laser for practicing putts. Interchangeable cartridge swaps practice for playing mode, and is USGA-approved. Shafts 33, 34 and 35 in. Mallet-style, offset hosel.

RIFE www.rifeputters.com

PUTTERS: Rife Barbados ($210) half-moon mallet-style putter gets high marks for perimeter weighting, grooved face, pure putts.

SCRATCH www.sgolfclubs.com

WEDGES: JLM wedges with five sole grinds.

SMT www.smtgolf.com

SONARTEC www.sonartec.com

WOODS: Sonartec GS Tour fairway wood ($250) latest offering from highly-regarded player’s club manufacturer. Four lofts – 13, 14, 15 and 18 degrees. Features Sonartec’s channel sole cavity which helps in alignment of CG and ball for explosive distance. All heads less than 150cc, making this a true player’s choice.
WEDGES: t35 ($140) with multigrind sole keeps leading edge flush to turf. Available as 52/8, 52/10, 54/12, 56/10, 56/14, 58/10, 60/6.

SQUARE TWO www.squaretwo.com

SRIXON www.srixon.com

IRONS: I-506 ($825 steel) are player’s clubs with forged cavity-back design, double-radius sole with heel and toe cuts to prevent grabbing by turf. Jim Furyk’s irons. Soft at impact despite feel of heavier head.
BALLS: Z-URC and Z-URS ($60) explode off the clubface. New shear-resistant urethane used for 330-dimple cover. Z-URC has slightly thinner cover and slightly more spin. Z-URS preferred by those with slower swing speeds. Improved Soft Feel two-piece ball has new 328 dimple design for higher trajectory, greater carry. Has unique Hit Straight mark for easy alignment. Trispeed three-piece ball ($40) is a soft offering with 333 dimples, high trajectory, high launch angle and low spin for moderate swing speeds.

TAYLORMADE www.taylormadegolf.com

WOODS: The new TaylorMade Burner driver ($425) features a long, oval sole, plus lightweight 46-in. shaft, 20 g lighter than a typical 45-in. model. The r7 SuperQuad ($460) with four lofts is the first 460cc driver to boast four moveable weights – two 12 g, two 1 g. Offers six CG positions, but 63,000 combos with the SelectFit fitting setup. Available at 425cc head, too. R7 Draw driver ($350) in three lofts uses a 55 g soft-tipped Fujikura ReAx shaft, plus extra weight in heel. Face features TaylorMade’s inverted cone technology. R7 fairway wood ($270) in five lofts, 13 to 21 degrees. Two weights – 2 g, 14 g – in t