Here's a look at some of the newest golf equipment showing up in pro shops, or about to do so:
Nike Sasquatch Sumo Irons
Nike Golf is extending its SQ (a k a Sasquatch) Sumo branding into a new set of irons that the company's chief designer, Tom Stites, says is "the most forgiving iron Nike Golf has ever developed."
Stites is talking about the SQ Sumo Irons. Nike uses its standard "Power Bow" weighting, repositioning weight low and deep, to tackle the "SUper MOment" of intertia goal that gives the club line its "Sumo" name.
The SQ Sumo Irons have a long heel-to-toe length and wider sole. Irons 4-7 have an ultra-thin "Cryo Steel" face plate welded around the perimeter of the clubhead, which Nike says increases the COR across the face. A TPU polymer insert is designed to soften the feel of the clubs at impact.
These super-game improvement irons hit retail outlets on Nov. 1, 2007. The men's set includes 4-iron through AW, with a 3-iron and sand wedge available separately. Steel and graphite shaft options are available. The women's set includes 5-SW, with 3- and 4-irons available separately, and with graphite shafts only. The MSRP for both sets is $999.99 with graphite shafts; the men's steel set carries an MSRP of $799.99.
• Compare prices for Nike Golf clubs
• www.nikegolf.com
Pinnacle Golf Balls
Pinnacle is introducing a new microbrand, the Pinnacle Platinum, while also updating the Pinnacle Gold models and adding the Pinnacle Ribbon balls aimed at women.
The Pinnacle Platinum models replace the Exception model as the flagship balls for Pinnacle. Two models are offered, the Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance. Pinnacle targets the Platinum Feel at "better players" within the "value ball" audience, golfers who want a little more softness around the greens. The Platinum Distance has a lower-spin cover to help promote distance off the tee.
Both Platinum models include an alignment sidestamp to help with lining up putts. Both have an MSRP of $22 per dozen.
The Pinnacle Gold line includes the "new and improved" Gold FX Soft and the Gold FX Long. The Gold FX Soft is designed to provide a softer feel on all shots compared to previous versions; it has a Surlyn cover and soft compression, what Pinnacle calls "soft yet cut-proof guaranteed."
The Gold FX Long is tailored for high-speed recreational golfers - the hard-swingers for whom pounding the ball long is the primary focus in their golf-ball shopping. The Gold FX Long is the "official ball" of the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship.
The Pinnacle Gold models have an MSRP of $18 for a 15-ball pack.
The Pinnacle Ribbon is marketed to women recreational golfers seeking distance with a softer feel. It is offered in white and clear pink covers. The Acushnet Company, Pinnacle's parent, is a member of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Million Dollar Council, and the Pinnacle Ribbon balls will have the Komen for the Cure logo and pink ribbon in their sidestamp.
The Pinnacle Ribbon balls have an MSRP of $18 for a 15-pack.
• Compare prices for Pinnacle products
• www.pinnaclegolf.com
Next Page: Nicklaus Premium Woods, Irons
