Equipment Update: New Company, New Clubs

There's a brand-new equipment company on the golf scene, one named Golf Research In Play (a k a GRIP). GRIP produces original designs which it sells through its online store. Its clubs are made for what it calls "middle market recreational golfers."

Golf Research In Play's first three offerings, pictured at right, are the Hyper Steel Hybrids, CNC Milled Wedges and Sweetness Putter. Read more about GRIP's debut offerings.

Also new are two golf balls from TaylorMade launched under that company's Tour Preferred monicker for premium equipment. The TP Red and TP Black balls are targeted to highly skilled players and both are in play on the PGA Tour. (More on the new TaylorMade balls.)

Keep reading below the fold for new stuff from Ben Hogan, Ashton and Perfectstroke.

New Aids from Perfectstroke
We reviewed the original model fo the Perfectstroke Putting Aid a couple years ago. Now comes word from company managing directory Mark Officer that an updated version is ready to hit the market, along with a new training aid called the Clubface Assistant.

You can check out the Perfectstroke on the company Web site, or in our original review linked above.

The Clubface Assistant is a swing trainer that focuses on correct path, plane and clubface control. It employs two weighted devices that attach to the club shaft in different positions to help maintain squareness of the clubface in relation to the swing path. The Clubface Assistant accomplishes this by changing the balance of the club, keeping the leading edge square. The system offers visual feedback in addition to its training feedback.

Perfectstroke also offers a Putting Mirror that can be used by itself or in conjuction with the Perfectstroke Putting Aid. In addition, the Australian company makes and sells numerous other training aids, along with videos and DVDs. Perfecstroke Web site

Ben Hogan Apex Irons and Wedges
Callaway's Ben Hogan brand is out with a forged, game-improvement set, the Apex Edge irons, as well as a new line of Ben Hogan Apex Wedges.

The Apex Edge irons combine classic, Ben Hogan stylings with new game-improvement technologies. For example, a 180-degree undercut channel moves the center of gravity low and deep and increases the moment of inertia, and a wide sole helps the club glide through turf.

The Ben Hogan Apex Edge Irons are available in a standard set of 3 through E Wedge (E for "equalizer"); 2-iron and F Wedge (F for "fairway") are available separately. The stock graphite shaft is the Apex Edge Graphite and the stock steel is the Apex Edge Steel. The MSRP is $1080 per set for graphite and $1000 per set for steel.

The new wedges, meanwhile, are the Apex 5208 Gap Wedge (52 degrees loft, 8 degrees bounce), Apex 5612 Sand Wedge (56 loft, 12 bounce) and Apex 6006 Lob Wedge (60 loft, 6 bounce). They are made of forged 1020 carbon steel with grooves that are the maximum width allowed under USGA specifications. Each will carry an MSRP of $135.

For more info on these Ben Hogan products, visit the Hogan Web site.

Ashton E3 Driver
The newest driver from components company Ashton Golf is the E3 Titanium Driver. This one employs three different types of titanium in the head construction, all melded together using brazing technology so there is no welding involved. Ashton calls the process "Micro Spec Technology" and says this is the most expensive component driver head yet produced. How expensive? The initial retail price is $279.95. The E3 Titanium Driver should be available from Ashton retailers beginning near the end of May. Ashton Web site

Photo © Golf Research In Play