New stuff hitting pro shop aisles near you:
Adams Idea a3 Hybrid Irons
The newest iron set from Adams is called the Idea a3 Hybrid Irons, and this set includes a couple hybrid clubs using what Adams calls "Boxer Technology."
Boxer Technology essentially creates a, well, boxier clubhead design in hybrids, capitalizing on the same idea behind square drivers. "Boxing" the clubhead can move more weight to the rear and perimeter, increasing the moment of inertia for greater forgiveness.
The basic set configuration includes 3, 4 and 5 hybrids with Boxer Technology; 6- and 7-irons with hollow backs; and 8-iron through pitching wedge with cavity backs. Gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedges are available separately.
The Boxer Technology a3 Hybrids have an MOI level of 3350, which Adams says is the highest level yet achieved by any hybrid club (by comparison, some maxed-out drivers are topping the 5000 level in MOI) and one this is, Adams claims, 30- to 70-percent higher than the MOI level found in some competitors' hybrids.
The Idea a3 Hybrid Irons transition from the maraging-steel Boxer hybrids to the hollow-back 6- and 7-irons, which feature progressive offset and are designed to maintain consistent yardage gaps throughout the set and leading into the cavity back short irons.
The 3, 4 and 5 Boxer hybrids have lofts of 19, 22 and 25 degrees respectively. Graphite and steel shafts are available, with the stock options being Grafalloy ProLaunch Red and True Temper Players Lite, respectively.
Different set configurations for seniors and women are also available. The Adams Idea a3 Hybrid Irons begin shipping on June 1, 2007, with an MSRP of $799.99 with graphite shafts and $699.99 with steel shafts.
Segway x2 Golf
You're familiar with Segways, right? The two-wheeled vehicles that transport one person, who "rides" in a standing position and steers by leaning?
The Segway x2 Golf is a model designed specifically for the fairways. It has a wider track and higher clearance, with low-pressure tires designed to minimize turf impact. In fact, Segway claims its x2 Golf "cart" has a lower impact on turf conditions than do traditional golf carts (a case study can be found on the Segway Web site).
The x2 Golf includes a scorecard holder and bag carrier. The bag carrier automatically positions clubs upright when the Segway is parked.
Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla., will be the first golf club to have Segway x2 Golf models available to customers, but the units are also available for individual purchase. The MSRP is $6,175.
Nickent 3DX Square Driver
One of the least-expensive square drivers we've seen so far - at least from a major manufacturer - is Nickent's 3DX Square. It's selling at $199 with a UST V2 shaft.
Like all square drivers, the Nickent 3DX Square utilizes its geometry to position more weight at the back corners, moving the center of gravity rearward and increasing moment of inertia.
Nickent says its square driver is a little different from others, however, in that it is designed to have a lower, more penetrating ballflight. The company says it was told by tour pros that some other square drivers produced a higher trajectory than is generally preferred by highly skilled golfers.
G.R.I.P. Hot Steel Fairway Woods
Golf Research In Play (G.R.I.P.) introduces its Hot Steel Fairway Woods, low-profile woods with fixed weights in the back of the clubhead to lower the center of gravity and produce a higher launch.
The "Hot Steel" is a H2045 cast stainless steel whose properties allowed G.R.I.P. to thin the clubface by 33-percent compared to standard, producing a "hotter" ball off the face.
The Hot Steel Fairway Woods come in 3 (15 degrees), 5 (18 degrees) and 7 (21 degrees) and retail for $79.95 each at www.gogrip.com.
Pete Cowen DVDs
A U.K. company called Dizzy Heights (whose PocketShots instruction booklets have been mentioned here and excerpted here) is releasing two instructional DVDs featuring Pete Cowen, one of Europe's most highly regarded teachers. Cowen has worked with, among others, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Paul McGinley, Jose Maria-Olazabal, Lee Westwood and Ian Woosnam. The DVDs are entitled "The Pyramid of Learning (An Advanced Swing Lesson)" and "The Ripple Effect (An Advanced Bunker Lesson)." Details and ordering information are available at www.dizzyheights.com.
