A look at some of the latest golf equipment hitting pro shops at this time:
Cleveland VP Putters
The "VP" stands for "Visual Performance," and Cleveland Golf's new line of putters is designed to help golfers ensure that their putter alignment and body alignment match to get the ball rolling on the intended line.
Misalignment is a common problem in putting. The Cleveland VP putters tackle the problem by providing visual cues when the putter and body are not aligned in tandem. Depending on what the golfer sees on the putter head, he'll know that he is properly aligned, that the putter is too flat or upright at address, or that his head is too much inside or outside of the target line. (See the diagrams on the Cleveland Web site that help explain the cues provided by the putter.)
The Cleveland VP putters are available in four models: two blades, one with plumber's neck hosel and one with C-neck hosel; one mallet with double-bend shaft; and the W-Series mallet for women.
Cleveland has set the minimum advertised price at $109 for blades and $129 for mallets. See clevelandgolf.com for more info.
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FootJoy 2007/2008 Women's Shoe Line
The 2007/2008 Women's line from FootJoy is highlighted by the extension of the ReelFit model to women's shoes.
ReelFit shoes utilize the Boa Lacing System in place of traditional laces. Developed by Boa Technologies, the system uses nearly two feet of adjustable steel micro-cable and a dial on the back of the shoe that is turned to tighten or pulled out for a quick release and removal of the ReelFit shoes.
The Women's ReelFits are available in two colors and carry an MSRP of $160.
Also new are the Women's Contour IV shoes with their wider toe box and narrow heel, five styles and MSRP of $110; and several new styles added to the FootJoy LoPro Collection and having an MSRP of $105.
See footjoy.com for more info.
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Sean Cochran Fitness Book, DVD
Regular readers of About.com Golf will probably recognize the name of Sean Cochran. He is a golf fitness expert who has written many articles for us (see our Golf Fitness section). He also is the trainer of Phil Mickelson, among other high-profile golfers.
Sean has a new book and DVD, each called Sean Cochran's Core Golf Fitness. The book features more than 80 golf-specific exercises, including flexibility exercises to improve your shoulder turn, programs to strengthen your lower back, and power drills to increase your clubhead speed. The DVD puts the book ideas into motion with step-by-step instructions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced golf fitness programs.
See seancochran.com for more info.
Hot Pink Buster Grips
Buster Grips is a brand of reverse-taper golf grips (thicker at the bottom than at the top). The company's Hot Pink Buster Grip is introduced to help support breast cancer research. For every Hot Pink grip purchased online at www.BusterGrips.com, the Buster Golf Devices company will donate $1 to breast cancer research. The grips can be purchased individually, or in sets of 4, 9 or 13. Visit the Web site for more info.
Aerotech ALT470 Shafts
The "ALT" in these graphite shafts from Aerotech stands for "assisted launch technology." They are geared for players with slow, smooth swings who could use a boost getting the ball airborne and getting more carry. The Aerotech ALT470 shafts carry a "super-soft flex" and a "very active" tip. The company refers to their "radically slim" profile. They check in at 47 grams for women and 52 grams for seniors, and carry an MSRP of $30 each. See aerotechgolfshafts.com for more info.
Dunlop Licenses La Jolla Brand
Dunlop Sports Group Americas, the parent company of Dunlop Golf, is now also the owner of the La Jolla brand of golf clubs in the U.S. Dunlop recently acquired the licensing rights to the La Jolla brand for North America. La Jolla made a splash a few years ago with its Knife brand of hybrids and irons, but Dunlop will be focusing on La Jolla clubs for juniors and women. Dunlop will handle all sales and marketing efforts for La Jolla.
