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SuperStroke
Slim Series
Key Features: The "parallel technology" (it’s actually smaller in diameter at the butt end) helps neutralize the hands for even pressure and less tension in one hand versus the other. The Slim series comes three versions–Slim, Mid Slim and Ultra Slim–allowing players who want the SuperStroke feel with or without the added volume.
Specs: Three diameters: 1.3 inches (Slim); 1.2 inches (Mid Slim); and 1 inch (Ultra Slim).
superstrokeusa.com |
WINN
Midsize Pistol
Key Features: Available in either Winn’s classic Excel polymer or the responsive WinnDry Polycord, the Midsize Pistol is slightly larger than standard size. This means you get a touch more stability without sacrificing the feel you get from smaller-diameter putter grips. By the way, this is just the Midsize model. There are Standard, Jumbo, Giant and Long putter grips available from Winn, as well.
Specs: Excel Polymer or WinnDry Polycord in a huge assortment of colors and sizes.
winngrips.com |
WINN
WinnPro X
Key Features: Now available in three diameters, the min
THE CHRONIC SLICE: KILL IT!
By Brady Riggs, PGA
Slicing the ball is never fun, especially when you don’t truly know why it’s happening. You’ve probably heard that slices are caused by swinging the clubhead outside to inside the target line, right? But did you know that a slice actually can come from any type of swing path? Trust me, I’ve seen ’em all. The key isn’t so much the path, as much as it is the angle of the clubface relative to the path the clubhead is traveling on.
For instance, you’ll hit a big, sweeping, left-to-right slice if you swing outside to inside the target line with a clubface that’s considerably open to that outside-in path. (If the clubhead is a little open relative to the path, you’ll fade it.) Both a slice and a fade can be accomplished with a clubface that’s closed relative to the target line, but open relative to the path the club is traveling on.
Make sense? Since this is the case, the best way to fix a slice isn’t to shut the clubface at address and hope for the best. Instead, practice swinging the club more from inside to outside the target line, with a clubface that’s slightly closed to the path. And here’s another secret. Hitting a draw is perfectly doable with a clubface that’s slightly open relative to the target line. How so? Simple. As long as the clubface angle is closed relative to the path the clubhead is traveling on, the ball will have draw-spin. This means, even though the clubface is slightly open relative to the target line, it’s still going to create a draw ballflight. So don’t fuss over trying to close the clubface and hit the ball with a face that’s slammed shut. Start by correcting your path first, then dial in the right amount of release in the hands and wrists. This, folks, is how you fix a slice forever.
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| No matter what shot you hit, the single piece of equipment involved in every shot is the golf ball. It’s what you’re trying to move from tee to green, making it the most important piece of equipment you play with. Today, there are tons of golf balls to choose from, ranging from Tour-caliber to distance ball, with a wide spectrum of golf balls somewhere in between. Our advice is to get fitted if you can, but if you can’t, do some trial and error. In case you didn’t know, many retailers sell balls by the sleeves (not just by the dozen). Sure, it will cost a little more, but trying a variety of golf balls will invariably help you see (and feel) which performs best for you. Read on–we have some of the best balls you can buy in this roundup. We love every single one. |
| Tour-Ready |
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Bridgestone
B330 & B330-S
Key Features: Four-piece construction that, yes, incorporates water into the core formulation, which somehow (it’s way over our heads, too) makes this ball’s core softer and the outer regions firmer. That means big distance, folks.
Wow Factor: These balls are more apt for golfers with faster swing speeds (over 105 mph). The B330 is for the player who already generates enough spin and wants more distance, and the B330S is for those who want a higher-spinning Tour-level ball. Either way, we like ’em both and, frankly, the B330 is as low-spinning with a driver as any Tour-level ball we’ve tried this year.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45/doz. |
Callaway Golf
Speed Regime(1, 2 & 3)
Key Features: Enhanced HEX aerodynamics, dual-core construction, a Urethane cover, a soft feel and a categorization that’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Wow Factor: No, really, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Speed Regime 1 is for slower swing speeds below 90; Speed Regime 2 is for the 90-105 mph sect; and Speed Regime 3 is for fast swings over 105 mph. But how do they perform? Better than any Tour-level Callaway ball that we’ve ever tried. And they feel really, really soft. Each category has its own set of aerodynamics for that particular swing speed range.
Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover (different aerodynamics based on each model).
callawaygolf.com | $48/doz. |
Nike
RZN Black & Platinum
Key Features: Designed to be 10% softer than 2013’s 20IX balls, the new RZN Black and Platinum retain four-piece construction for more distance with a driver and touch with the shorter clubs. The Black is a lower-
spinning ball, and the Platinum is a moderate spinner. Both have a new Speedlock core design, which means the core is bonded to the compression layer via a waffle-like design. This, according to Nike, promotes enhanced performance as far as distance and control.
Wow Factor: Nike staff players say this ball feels softer, not just with the driver and irons, but on the greens, too. That’s a good thing, since a softer feel tends to help you accelerate the putter more through the golf ball. Or, so we say.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
nikegolf.com | $46/doz. |
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Srixon
Z-Star & Z-Star XV
Key Features: A soft Urethane cover for added control and a multilayer construction for spin when you want it and distance when you need it? Sign us up! The Z-Star is a great for swing speeds between 90 and 105 mph, and the Z-Star XV is more suited for fast swing speeds over 100 mph. Both balls are stellar performers in our book, and we really appreciate how durable they are, too. They just keep going and going and going….
Wow Factor: The SpinSkin coating increases friction between the ball and clubhead, helping to increase spin on shorter shots. Comes in white and Tour Yellow, which happens to be our favorite.
Specs: The Z-Star is a three-piece golf ball with a Urethane cover. The Z-Star XV is similar, only with a dual core.
srixon.com | $45/doz. |
Titleist
Pro V1 & Pro V1x
Key Features: Is there a ball that has influenced the game more than the Pro V1? Probably not. Both balls are the same as last year, with a retooled formula for a softer feel and more distance.
The three-piece Pro V1 is the ideal combo for players who want distance off the tee and added stopping power on the greens. The four-piece Pro V1x promotes less spin off the tee than the Pro V1 and has a slightly firmer feel (both are still soft).
Wow Factor: The Pro V1 is still the #1 ball in the universe. Okay, maybe not the universe, but certainly in the professional ranks. It does what a Tour player needs it to–spins less off the tee, but spins like crazy around the green.
Specs: The Pro V1 has a three-piece construction and the Pro V1x has a four-piece construction; both have Urethane covers.
titleist.com | $45/doz.
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Taylormade
Tour Preferred
Key Features: Designed with input from TaylorMade’s huge Tour staff, the new Tour Preferred (and Tour Preferred X) balls have five layers (like the Lethal does) that allow better players to achieve low-spin drives and high-spin wedge shots. (The X spins a little less.)
Wow Factor: The new React Core is formulated for serious distance. Oh, and this ball has four covers over that core, each designed to maximum or minimize spin, depending on what club you’re using. Trust is, there’s some serious innovation in there.
Specs: Five-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
taylormadegolf.com | $36/doz. |
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Volvik
Vista iS
Key Features: What colored ball is tearing up the professional ranks? This one! The Vista iS from Volvik features a four-piece multilayer design for, you guessed it, outstanding performance off the tee (lower spin) while allowing for more control on short shots (higher spin).
Wow Factor: The iS feels a lot softer than last year’s Vista iV, and we love the orange color! Shots off the tee flew high and far, and we were blown away by the Zirconium cover, which produced plenty of stopping power on shorter shots. It’s only a matter of time until we see it on the PGA Tour.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Zirconium HZ-III cover.
volvik.com | $45/doz. |
| High-Performance |
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Bridgestone
B330RX & B330RXS
Key Features: Both the B330RX and B330RXS have Hydro Core tech, only in a more friendly design for golfers who maybe aren’t blessed with 105+ mph swing speeds.
Wow Factor: Bridgestone has made it simple to decide which Tour-level ball you need. Want Tour distance with added spin? Go with the B330RX. If spin is even more important, try the B330RXS. Simple, right? As for performance, the B330RXS spins so much, you’ll feel like a Tour player from inside 100 yards (even though you don’t swing as fast as a Tour player).
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45/doz. |
Dixon
Earth
Key Features: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth is also a solid distance ball with exceptional durability.
Wow Factor: It’s not made of recycled stuff–it’s made so it can be recycled. Got that? And in case you haven’t seen the commercial starring Don Cheadle on the website, you should. It’s great. As for performance? The Dixon Earth is a great all-purpose golf ball. Simply put.
Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material. It can be traded in for a discounted price on another one. Cool!
dixongolf.com | $40/doz. |
Nike
RZN Red & White
Key Features: Both the Red and White have three-piece construction, with a lightweight Speedlock core for more distance, control and a better ballflight. The Red promotes more distance while the White features a bit more feel.
Wow Factor: It’s not a Tour-level ball, in our opinion, but it sure comes close. And at under $30 a dozen, it’s a ball that most amateurs should consider. For real. They’re the best-feeling, good-value Nike balls ever made.
Specs: Three-piece construction.
nikegolf.com | $29/doz. |
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OnCore
MA 1.0
Key Features: You can’t see it, but this ball has a hollow metal core, which pushes weight toward the perimeter of the ball for a high MOI and less sidespin. Cool!
Wow Factor: Awesome technology! And, by the way, in case you were wondering, it’s USGA-conforming. Is hollow core the future of golf? It certainly is for OnCore, and we think they have a bright future ahead. This ball is the real deal, and we appreciate the efforts these folks took in getting a revolutionary ball like this into play.
Specs: Hollow metal core, with a polymer midlayer and an ionomer cover.
oncoregolf.com | $42.95/doz. |
Rife
V Motion & E Motion
Key Features: The E-Motion is a three-piece ball with a Surlyn cover and the V-Motion is a three-piece ball with a Urethane Cover. The E-Motion is the everyday, durable choice for most recreational players and the V-Motion is more Tour-like, with fewer dimples (318) for a more flat, penetrating launch.
Wow Factor: The company is known for its putters, but trust us, these balls are spot on and quite good. What surprised us the most? How long both balls were. Big hitters will like the V-Motion’s low-launch characteristics.
Specs: The E-Motion is a three-piece construction, with a Surlyn cover; the V-Motion is a four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
rifeputters.com | $18-$32/doz. |
Taylormade
Project (a)
Key Features: According to TaylorMade, average golfers spin the ball about half as much as Tour players do with their wedges. This ball is designed to close that spin gap, helping to create spin where we need it and also reduce spin where we don’t (off the tee).
Wow Factor: A high-performance ball for weekend warriors like us. What’s not to like about that? We get the type of distance we’re used to, only now with a ton of greenside spin. Nice.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
taylormadegolf.com | $32/doz. |
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Titleist
NXT & NXT Tour
Key Features: Titleist set out to make the NXT and NXT Tour as close to being a Tour-level ball as it could–without a Urethane cover and higher price tag. If you ask us, they succeeded! The NXT Tour combines big distance off the tee and more spin than we expected around the green. The NXT Tour S performed similarly, only had a softer feel.
Wow Factor: The NXT Tour ball isn’t new, but this iteration is outstanding. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a Tour player put it in play. It’s that good. Also comes in yellow.
Specs: Both balls have three-piece construction, with a Fusablend cover.
titleist.com | $39/doz. |
Volvik
White Color
Key Features: Volvik’s new ball combines the feel and added spin of a Urethane cover with the distance of a Bismuth metal dual-core design. In simple English, that means it’s a top ball for superior distance off the tee and added control around the greens.
Wow Factor: Putting the ironic name and big distance aside, this ball is seriously workable from the fairway and around the greens. No joke, we hit shots that required added spin, and the White Color performed exceptionally well. It’s not a low-launching ball off the tee, which is okay with us, considering how far it goes and how responsive it is with short shots.
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
volvik.com | $45/doz. |
Wilson Staff
FG Tour
Key Features: A four-piece construction designed for Tour-level use, the FG Tour has a soft feel to go with big distance off the tee and stopping power around the green. So confident that you’ll like it, Wilson offers a money-back guarantee. Okay, Wilson, you have our attention now. (Actually, we already tried them, and we won’t be sending them back.)
Wow Factor: Did we mention the guarantee? You won’t need it. It’s our favorite Wilson ball and does more than hold its own in a tough category of golf balls that all have really good performance. We were especially pleased with how long this ball was off the tee.
Specs: Four-piece construction, with a Urethane cover.
wilsonstaff.com | $45/doz. |
| All-Around |
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Bridgestone
eSeries
Key Features: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters to a specific type of player. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spinning Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a soft, multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the e7 is a distance ball with a spinny cover.
Wow Factor: Great prices. Our favorite is the e5, which spins like crazy on short shots. No, really, it does. The e6 is a solid performer for golfers who want distance and control in a non-premium ball.
Specs: The e5 is a two-piece, with a
Urethane cover; the e6 and e7 are both three-piece, with Surlyn covers.
bridgestonegolf.com | $26/doz. |
Callaway Golf
X2 Hot & X2 Hot+
Key Features: Improved HEX aerodynamics for more distance and less slice and hook-spin. The X2 Hot+ is a similar ball, only with a bit more stopping power when hitting your short irons.
Wow Factor: Hitting the ball far is fun. Callaway gets that, probably more this year than they did since way back during the early iterations of the Big Bertha driver. These balls are long and feel soft, which for us is exactly the kind of ball we like to use for a casual round of golf this Friday. (Shh, don’t tell the boss.)
Specs: Three-piece construction, with a Trionomer cover.
callawaygolf.com | $27/doz. |
Chromax
Metallic
Key Features: The high-visibility metallic finish is crazy! The cover, which is translucent, shows off a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft-compression core.
Wow Factor: They look great in the golf shop, but wait until you see them in the sunshine. They look like they’re actually glowing, thanks to the bright reflective inner layer. They’re distance balls, so don’t expect a lot of versatility, but for hitting big drives with a lot of style, you can’t go wrong here. Quick Tip: Wear sunglasses; they’re insanely bright.
Specs: Two-piece construction, with an inner metallic coating.
chromaxgolf.com | $20/doz. |
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Titleist
DT Solo
Key Features: The DT Solo is back! Reworked for more distance and a very soft feel, the DT Solo is like the Velocity (we think, at least), but with a noticeably softer feel. The two-piece design has a 376-tetrahedral dimple design for a consistent launch and flight.
Wow Factor: We think if you’re going to get a DT Solo, get the yellow. It has a nice glow to it! It’s also so soft, you’ll forget you’re using a distance ball. For moderate swing speeds looking for distance, you’ll want the Velocity. But for average to slower swing speeds, the DT Solo is the right Titleist ball for you.
Specs: Two-piece construction, with a Surlyn ionomer cover.
titleist.com | $19.doz. |
2013 looks to keep going where 2012 left off, as far as golf balls are concerned. Colored models are still gaining popularity, as are a slew of soft-core/soft-cover models that not only feel great, but fly a long way. In addition, some popular models got tweaked and fine-tuned to perform even better than before. That said, golf ball fitting has become popular, as it not only helps Tour players find the right ball, but all abilities, as well.
Even after years of preaching it in the pages of Golf Tips, it seems many golfers still ignore the most critical component of the golf club. Really, once you find the right head to your liking, what shaft you put in it makes all the difference in how well it will work for you. Pay attention not only to flex, but also factors such as torque, length and weight. All these variables need to be considered if you want to make the most of any club in your golf bag.
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Bridgestone
B330 & B330-S
Key Feature: The B330 features a larger core and softer cover, not to mention Dual Dimple Technology, which offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced performance in the wind. The softer B330-S spins a little more.
Who It’s For: Pro-swinging golfers with speeds over 105 mph. Players who like to bust shots through the wind.
Specs: 330 Dual Dimple Technology, Urethane cover, dual-mantle design for reduced spin and higher launch with driver and irons.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45 |
Bridgestone
eSeries
Key Feature: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters specifically to certain players. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spin Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a super-soft multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the three-piece e7 is a distance ball for every type of player.
Who It’s For: Bridgestone is making great strides in golf ball fitting. There’s an eSeries ball for just about everyone.
Specs: e5 is a two-piece, Urethane cover; e6 and e7 are both three-piece designs with Surlyn covers.
bridgestonegolf.com | $27 |
Bridgestone
B330-RX & B330-RXS
Key Feature: Features a mantle layer and Dual Dimple Technology for longer distance, better accuracy and optimized greenside performance. The softer Urethane cover allows slower-swinging players to achieve great greenside spin, and the newly formulated mantle layer reduces spin for longer drives. The RXS model has even higher spin for those who need more control around the green.
Who It’s For: Golfers who swing less than 105 mph.
Specs: Three-piece, Urethane cover. The RXS is the softer of the two.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45 |
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Callaway
Hex Hot
Key Feature: The new Hex Hot has a Fast Tech inner mantle for more distance, and the Trionomer cover promotes lower driver spin, again, for more distance. Put it this way, it’s the longest Callaway ball we’ve ever hit.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a multilayer distance ball and who like the look, feel and performance of HEX-shaped dimple patterns.
Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover.
callawaygolf.com | $27 |
Callaway
Hex Hot Pro
Key Feature: Three-piece construction with a DuPont HPF Mantle that not only adds driver distance, but also provides some extra feel around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want big distance from their golf ball with some added spin on short shots. Basically, it’s a lot like the HEX Hot, but with extra control.
Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover.
callawaygolf.com | $28 |
Callaway
Hex Black Tour
Key Feature: Callaway’s most highly engineered Tour-level ball. Innovative dual-core construction, durable cover material called DuraSpin and HEX aerodynamics all combine to create a ball with optimum "spin separation" or rather the difference between how the ball spins on short and full shots.
Who It’s For: Phil Mickelson uses it. If you desire a high-performance ball with exceptional distance, here ya go.
Specs: Five-piece design, HEX aerodynamics.
callawaygolf.com | $46 |
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Chromax
Metallic
Key Feature: The high-visibility metallic finish is a feast for the eyes! The cover, which is translucent, shows
a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft-
compression core, resulting in the most unique-looking ball out there.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a soft-feeling distance ball that’s really quite easy to see and cool lookin’.
Specs: Two-piece, not counting the metallic inner coating. It also has a translucent Surlyn cover and two-piece core.
chromaxgolf.com | $20 |
Dixon
Earth
Key Feature: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth also is a venerable distance ball with exceptional durability. And full shots feel soft and fly with a long and high trajectory.
Who It’s For: Eco-concerned golfers who appreciate recyclable stuff. (The ball itself is recyclable.)
Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material; it can be traded in for new ones at a discounted price.
dixongolf.com | $40 |
Dixon
Fire
Key Feature: A recyclable cast Urethane cover, "energy-intensifying mantle" and "high-intensity green core with ignite technology." Maybe we were just having a good day, but these things may be the longest balls we’ve ever hit. These quality balls fly a mile and spin like crazy around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who swing faster than 90 mph. Also for golfers who don’t mind paying $6/ball.
Specs: This multilayer eco-friendly ball has 318 dimples and an Elastodynamic Urethane cover.
dixongolf.com | $75 |
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Nike
One RZN & One RZN X
Key Feature: The soft RZN core promotes high distance, this time in a model for amateurs who want higher ball speed off the clubface. The X model is for penetrating
distance, whereas the standard One RZN has some added control.
Who It’s For: Big-hitting amateurs who want Tour-like distance in a ball with a soft core.
Specs: Three-piece golf balls, both with Nike’s new RZN core material.
nikegolf.com | $29 |
Nike
20XI-S & 20XI-X
Key Feature: The new 20XI-S and 20XI-X balls both have more distance at the core, thanks to a new RZN material that Nike claims is faster and lighter than rubber. There are two models: the X for more distance and the S for greater spin around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want Tour-level performance in either the spin or distance variety.
Specs: Four-piece construction with new RZN cores; 360-dimple pattern.
nikegolf.com | $45 |
Polara
XD
Key Feature: The XD has an asymmetrical dimple pattern that self-corrects hooks and slices by up to 50%.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want to hit it straight and far and don’t want to compete in USGA-sanctioned events. (Polaras don’t conform to the rules.) These self-correcting balls can now be used with drivers with lofts of 9_¡ to 10.5_¡. The XDS version spins more than the XD.
Specs: Two-piece construction.
polaragolf.com | $30 |
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Rife
E Motion
Key Feature: The E Motion is a 3-piece high-performance ball with a progressive Dual Motion Core and 392-dimple pattern. That aside, if you haven’t heard of RIFE’s balls, you’re missing out. They’re really great.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want solid performance from a very durable cover. And by the way, it’s not only durable, but also exceptionally long off the tee.
Specs: 3-piece construction, Surlyn with Aeroblend cover.
rifeputters.com | $18 |
Rife
V Motion
Key Feature: Three-piece, cast Urethane-covered, Tour-level golf ball for the optimal blend of distance and spin. The 318-dimple pattern is designed to reduce drag and improve carry distance for longer shots.
Who It’s For: Seriously, folks, these new balls by Rife are fantastic, and we bet it’s only a matter of time before more golfers take notice. They’re that good. Nice price, too.
Specs: Three-piece construction, 318-dimple pattern, cast Urethane cover.
rifeputters.com | $32 |
Srixon
Soft Feel
Key Feature: This soft-feeling ball from Srixon is designed to launch the ball high with low spin for maximum distance and control. Its soft core is ideal for golfers with less than 100 mph swingspeeds. Srixon also claims the ball has a higher MOI, meaning greater accuracy on off-center hits.
Who It’s For: Golfers with moderate to slow swings, who want to get every ounce of distance they can muster.
Specs: Two-piece with a soft, smooth feel.
srixon.com | $19 |
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Srixon
Z-Star
Key Feature: Its Urethane cover is very soft, so you get added spin control without sacrificing distance. Also, it pierces through the wind–thanks to its core and aerodynamic dimple design–so more shots go where you aim them. Easy to stop on approach shots, but doesn’t spin much off the tee. That equals big drives.
Who It’s For: Folks who want Tour-level performance.
Specs: Three-piece ball with new Urethane cover and 324 dimples, available in pure white and Tour yellow. Look for a four-piece Z-Star XV version, too.
srixon.com | $45 |
Srixon
Z-Star SL
Key Feature: STAR performance technology. What’s that? Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness. Srixon has combined all four so this ball performs well for golfers with midrange swingspeeds. The result is a Tour-caliber ball with a high launch angle and exceptional greenside spin.
Who It’s For: Folks who don’t possess Tour-level swingspeeds (less than 105 mph), but demand the precision of a Tour-quality ball.
Specs: Available in white and Tour Yellow.
srixon.com | $29 |
Taylormade
Lethal
Key Feature: The new Lethal has a 5-piece construction and a seamless 332-dimple pattern for what TaylorMade says is its most wind-defying golf ball. Oh, yeah, it also
has the type of greenside spin that Tour professionals demand. What more could you want? It’s the "ultimate Tour-performance golf ball," says TaylorMade (and us).
Who It’s For: Better players who want improved distance and control without giving up much-needed control on shorter shots around the green.
Specs: Five-piece, 332-dimple pattern, Urethane cover.
taylormadegolf.com | $45 |
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Taylormade
Penta TP5
Key Feature: This new and improved five-layer ball features a 28% lower core compression. That equates to lower driver spin (and, hence, longer shots) and a softer feel around the greens.
Who It’s For: Developed for Tour pros, the TP5 can be played by golfers of all abilities. Of course, better players will really notice the benefits of its multiple layers.
Specs: Urethane cover and a five-layer construction that’s engineered to improve performance on every shot, from tee to green.
taylormadegolf.com | $46 |
Titleist
NPro V1 & Pro V1x
Key Feature: Delivers increased spin control and a more consistent flight, thanks to a ZG process core technology, responsive ionomeric casing layer, Urethane elastomer cover and dimple design.
Who It’s For: This year’s balls have been refined for even greater distance and durability. Really? How much better can these balls get? We’re impressed (as always).
Specs: Three-piece ball with Urethane elastomer cover, bearing a spherically tiled 352-tetrahedral-dimple design. The four-piece Pro V1x produces less spin on full shots.
titleist.com | $58 |
Volvik
ProBismuth
Key Feature: he new ProBismuth from Volvik is a three-piece, high-performance golf ball with a soft Z-1 cover for enhanced feel and playability on shorter shots.
Who It’s For: Mid- to low-handicappers who want a solid blend of control and distance in a ball that has a soft, silky feel both off the tee and with iron shots. With such spin around the green, you’d swear they had a Urethane cover.
Specs: Three-piece construction, soft Zirconiuim cover, 446-dimple pattern, Bismuth-infused core.
volvikgolfusa.com | $32 |
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Volvik
Crystal 3-Piece
Key Feature: The popular colored-ball brand has made its way into the high-performance market with the new Crystal 3-Piece. The two-piece low-compression core and translucent cover combine for big distance with woods and added spin with iron and wedge shots. It also has a very, very soft feel, which we love.
Who It’s For: All player types who want better performance from a line of balls that come in four different colors.
Specs: Three-piece construction in four colors: green, yellow, orange and pink; also available in a rainbow pack or yellow/orange.
volvikgolfusa.com | $32 |
Volvik
Vista iv
Key Feature: Four-piece construction designed for Tour-level performance. This equates to big drives with minimal spin and greater spin on shorter shots. (Yes, it’s possible to do, folks. That’s what four layers are for.)
Who It’s For: Golfers who want high-performance golf balls, with the added durability and color one would expect from Volvik golf balls.
Specs: 392-dimple design for a mid/high launch; Zirconium cover in four colors: green, yellow, orange and pink; also available in a rainbow pack or yellow/orange.
volvikgolfusa.com | $47 |
Wilson Staff
FG Tour and FG Tour X
Key Feature: The new FG Tour and Tour X both feature a three-piece construction with Urethane covers for Tour-like performance. The Tour X model is slightly firmer than the regular FG Tour for lower-spinning ballflight.
Who It’s For: Wilson has been around for a long time, and it looks like they’re finally gaining traction back here in the U.S. Better players will love ’em. Big hitters will like the X.
Specs: Three-piece, Urethane cover.
wilsonstaff.com | $39 |
5 QUESTIONS WITH SRIXON
With Chris Beck, Brand Manager SRIXON
SHAFTS
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Aldila
RIP Phenom
Key Feature: The mean, pirate-looking graphics on the new RIP Phenom hide a ton of new technology geared for added stability and power. The Hyperbolic Flex Zone provides a stiff tip section and a firm butt section, meaning the shaft flexes in the center. Thus, you have a penetrating launch and a very fast swing speed, thanks to some serious tech under the hood. It’s our favorite Aldila shaft!
Who It’s For: Golfers who want maximum power and control without a ballooning ballflight.
Specs: Comes in 50g or 70g in R, S or X flex.
aldila.com | $159 |
Aldila
RIP Trinity
Key Feature: As the name implies, the Trinity combines three technologies into one shaft: RIP technology for control and distance; S-Core Tech for incredible stability; and Micro Laminate Tech for impr
Who says the game is played with just clubs and balls? Not us, certainly. We think golfers should use everything possible to improve their games. In this section, we highlight a number of this year’s best accessories, from gloves, training aids to GPS units. The future is now.
WEAR
SENSOGLOVE
Featuring a longer battery life and increased sensitivity for a more accurate pressure read, the upgraded SensoGlove ($22 for a replacement glove) has a built-in digital monitor that analyzes your grip pressure during the swing. That way, you’ll know immediately if your grip pressure is too firm or light, and as a result, make better, more fluid swings.
sensoglove.com | $89
EQ GLOVE
Made from top-of-the-line cabretta leather, the EQ Glove features antimicrobial Lycra, which helps enhance the fit and reduce heat and moisture. It comes with a distinct holo-graphic ball marker, three sizes and two colors. EQ claims it lasts twice as long as the average cabretta glove.
eq-love.com.com | $40
TIFOSO Duro
For heavy hitters only! Tough as nails and big on style in a lightweight package, the Duro features adjustable nose pads and temples for a custom fit. Vented lenses prevent fogging, and hydrophilic ear and nose pads cut down on the slip factor, even under sweaty conditions. Available in regular or prescription lenses.
tifosioptics.com | $59
EXPRESSO Satilite Navigation WR62PS
The first golf GPS watch to include information about hazards, the WR62 from Expresso Satellite Navigation also tracks your shot’s distance and gives you access to the yardage to the front and back of the green.
golfesn.com | $180
IZZO Swami Golf GPS Watch
Boasting accurate distance to the front, the middle and the back of the green, the new Swami Golf GPS Watch from IZZO comes preloaded with more than 19,000 North American courses. Weighs only 3.5 ounces and holds a 6- to 8-hour charge. No downloads or annual subscriptions.
izzogolf.com | $1579
GARMIN Approach S1W GPS Watch
Preloaded with nearly 17,000 North American courses, the Garmin Approach S1W GPS watch is fashionable, functional and pretty darn powerful, too. It delivers distances to the front, center and back of the green, weighs only 1.8 ounces, and its battery life, while in GPS mode, lasts 8 hours.
garmin.com | $250
MOTOROLA MOTOACTV
All the data you’ve ever wanted about your golf game”on your wrist. The new MOTOACTV from Motorola gives you access to 20,000 global golf courses, measures distances to the front, center and middle of the green, and keeps track of scorecards, clubs and other key stats. On a diet? The MOTOACTV even counts steps and calories burned during your round. We like the online clubhouse feature the most, as it’s synced to MOTOACTV.com, where you can watch a virtual representation of your round.
motorola.com | $250
TECH
GARMIN Approach
The latest GPS unit from Garmin is the Approach G6, a light, slim unit that can fit inside your shirt pocket. What’s best, however, is that it comes preloaded with 25,000 worldwide golf courses and has no hidden fees or subscriptions. Keep track of all kinds of stats and adjust for that day’s pin placement. It’s a caddie in your pocket–and you don’t have to tip it.
garmin.com | $300
CALLAWAY uPro MX
Ever feel like you’re not getting an accurate view on GPS units? Then you might want to consider Callaway’s new uPro MX. In Pro Mode, golfers can see actual aerial imagery and video flyovers of each hole. The compact, 3-ounce device has a 2.2-inch full-color touch screen, and in addition to all the usual GPS features, the uPro MX features AnyPoint technology so you know exactly how far you have left to the pin. Now that’s the kind of course management we like!
callawaygolf.com | $249
INSIGHT iTrainerMini
Weighing just 15 grams and clamping on a club’s shaft just below the grip, the iTrainerMini measures and analyzes swing characteristics no matter what club a golfer is swinging. By utilizing accelerometers and gyroscopes, it gives an accurate reading of how and where the club is moving. What’s coolest, though, is that it sends all the data via Bluetooth to an app that runs on any Android device. Analyzing your swing has never been easier.
insight-sports.com | $199
GOLFLOGIX Smartphone App
GolfLogix has unveiled a few new features for its popular smartphone app, including a club-tracking function, which accurately captures shot distances and locations (and produces a round log for every shot). Other new features include an aerial flyover of every hole with high-end imagery from tee to green, precise distances to the pin and a digital yardage book that allows users to create notes on top of course imagery.
golflogix.com | FREE
TRAINING AIDS
GOLFSTR
When it comes to power, the best way to get more of it is to add width to your golf swing. The wider your arc, the more room you have to develop more centrifugal force and clubhead speed. This also comes from having a left arm straight during the golf swing. If you happen to need a quick and easy tool to do just that, try the Golfstr (short for "Golf Straight"). This easy-to-use device attaches to your arm and reminds you if your left arm starts bending during the stroke. Yes, it’s that simple and surprisingly comfortable, too. After some repeated use, you’ll quickly learn to feel what a proper golf swing should feel like, and we’ll bet you have a few sore muscles in areas you probably didn’t know were critical muscles used in the golf swing (your core, folks).
golfstr.com | $36.95
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SWING SMART
A hot ticket at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, the Swing Smart uses a small device that attaches to any club, and via Bluetooth, then transmits feedback to an iPhone or iPad (Android compatability is on its way). Using the Swing Smart, one can track tempo, path, clubhead speed and also, with the Peter Kostis-designed Aiming Triangle, dial in the perfect clubface alignment. Wow, seeing your swing in 3D has never been so easy.
swingsmart.com | $249
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DEAD AIM
There aren’t many of these, so add this one to the small list of training aids that double as actual clubs, or vice versa. The Dead Aim Putter uses a series of alignment aids (permanent) and a removable laser and/or clip for perfecting your impact (both are optional, but you should get ’em) to help golfers dial in the perfect alignment, head position and putting stroke. Genius, if you ask us. It’s also a really nice-looking putter, with a solid, stable feel and a smooth end-over-end roll. Now, if only we could find a way to use a laser on the other 13 clubs in the golf bag.
deadaimputters.com | $149-$189
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GRIP SOLID
When it comes to playing your best golf, if you can’t grip the club properly, your chances of ever playing well greatly diminish. If you need a device that will help you feel how the club should come in contact with palms and fingers, the Grip Solid is just the ticket. It not only helps you correctly position the grip in your hands, but it also neutralizes unwanted tension and the classic "death grip." It took a little getting used to, but the product really worked; those palmy, weak grips we had on the club were a thing of the past.
gripsolid.com | $19.95
OPTISHOT
Do you need to keep your golf game in check during the off-season, at night or, frankly, anytime you want? The OptiShot is an affordable golf simulator that we absolutely love. It’s a cinch to use as a tool to get better at home.
dancingdogg.com | $399
THE ORANGE WHIP & ORANGE PEEL
The Orange Whip isn’t new, but it’s still our top pick for helping to improve tempo, balance and rhythm. It doubles as the perfect tool to loosen up before a round, too. There are also several drills and training exercises you can do with it. Add the Orange Peel–which, granted, doesn’t have the portability of the Orange Whip, but is a great product nonetheless–and you have the total package. The Orange Peel is a device you stand on to help you better your swing, "alter your swing plane and improve your balance." Both training aids, either together or separately, are among the most effective training aids we’ve tried in a long while.
orangewhiptrainer.com | $109 & $209
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BENDERSTIK
Obstructive training aids (the kind that get in the way and immediately let you know if you’re doing something wrong) are some of the most effective tools you can use to improve your game. The Benderstik by Mike Bender, PGA, does just that and a whole lot more. It can be used to help correct a handful of swing flaws such as the chicken wing, excessive head movement and more. The Benderstik can be configured to help out just about every part of your game.
benderstik.com | $99
MATZIE ASSIST
The Matzie Assist has been around a long time, and, yes, it still works as well as it did many years ago. The bend shaft, corrective grip and oversized head weight combine to teach golfers to release the hands and clubs more effectively. Other than that, the Matzie is also a great tool for getting loose and keeping your golf muscles toned.
matzie.com | $79
PIVOT PRO
One of the most overlooked aspects of the golf swing is the pivot. And it’s the one thing that, if corrected, can make a huge impact on your game in terms of power and consistency. The PivotPro helps you feel what a perfect pivot should feel like, as well as trains you to pivot your body as you swing. Simply hook your right foot in, and start swinging. We’ve tried it, and it works wonders. And it helps us not only perfect our pivot, but avoid swaying and sliding too much during the swing.
pivotpro.net | $79
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THE RIGHT ANGLE 2
One of the most overlooked aspects of the golf swing is the right arm (left arm for lefties) during the golf swing. How you hinge and position your arm is critical if you want to stay on the proper plane and have a repeatable, powerful golf swing. This is where The Right Angle 2 steps in. Designed to fit around your right arm (it works on the left arm, too, for left-handers), The Right Angle 2 helps you position your right arm perfectly during the swing. The resulting effect is a perfect 90-degree angle at the top of your swing and a correct unhinging motion through the downswing. The auditory clicker feature is a cool one, using sound to let you know when you’re in or out of position.
golfaroundtheworld.com | $49
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MEDICUS POWER METER
We prefer to keep things simple when using our training aids. The PowerMeter does what the name implies–it helps you instantly meter and record your clubhead speed. Using it is a cinch, and it’s especially useful if you’re a player who tends to muscle the ball, which sometimes actually results in a slower swingspeed than if you allow the clubhead to load and release properly. That is, better mechanics always trump bigger muscles (well, almost always).
medicus.com | $129
THE PILL
If you’re looking for instant feedback on the practice green and you want to have a lot of fun doing it, The Pill is just what you’re looking for. Designed using a real golf ball that’s cut on two sides, The Pill lends feedback on well-struck putts (it will roll straight), as well as feedback on poorly struck putts (it will veer aggressively offline). Use two at once for double the feedback!
thepillgolf.com | $12.95
Who says the game is played with just clubs and balls? Not us, certainly. We think golfers should use everything
possible to improve their games. In this section, we highlight a number of this year’s best comfortable shoes. The future is now.
TRUE linkswear phx
The most noticeable feature of the TRUE phx golf shoe isn’t the fashion-forward styling and spikeless sole. To us, it’s the natural curvature of the shoe and the low-profile fit. Okay, we admit, we don’t just wear these __ber-comfortable shoes on the golf course. They double as comfortable, casual shoes that can be worn anywhere, walking or standing in place.
truelinkswear.com | $99
ADIDAS adicross II
The adidas Golf adicross II is a stylish, casual, yet Tour-proven golf shoe that can be worn on or off the course because of its spikeless sole. Available in both a Velcro_¨ (pictured) and traditional lace version, the adicross II features new, strategically placed, square-shaped traction lugs and an updated outsole design to promote improved traction and to reduce marking on the putting surface. New "flex grooves" are positioned at the forefoot to promote superior flexibility, natural feel and solid sole-to-ground contact throughout the swing.
adidasgolf.com | $80
ECCO GOLF BIOM
Trust us, Ecco knows how to make a comfortable shoe. They’ve been doing it for years, and their golf shoes are among our favorites. The new BIOM Golf Hybrid shoe is a lightweight blend of new-age materials and breathable Yak leather. The outsole is grippy, the inside is comfy, and the styling is so good, we want to wear them at dinnertime. Oh, wait, we just did.
eccousa.com | $190
NIKE Bandon
We get it, we get it. Nike=Oregon=wet weather=Bandon Dunes=one really crazy-cool golf shoe. The new Bandons are not only designed for wet weather, they’re high-tops! That’s a first for our eyes, and a welcome reprieve for anyone tired of water leaking into their golf shoes. Let’s just say that’s not going to happen with these, thanks to a zippered enclosure and sealed seams.
nikegolf.com | $140
FOOTJOY Contour
Need a casual-looking spikeless shoe that also carries a one-year waterproof warranty? The Contour Casual from FootJoy mixes urban styling with the traction and weather protection we’ve long come to expect from FootJoy. They’re also really, really comfortable.
footjoy.com | $99
THERE’S ONLY ONE GOOD GOLF GRIP
By Dan Martin, PGA
The Fault: Many people believe that there’s only one way to grip a golf club, and that the process of gripping the club is unnatural. While it’s definitely true that your golf grip will influence your long-term success, there are several styles that are effective in gripping the club–the overlap, the interlock and the baseball grips.
The Fix: Try this natural grip exercise. Simply get yourself into an athletic position and allow your arms to hang in front of you with zero tension. Notice how your palms face inward. Your golf grip is based off this position. From there, move your hands closer to one another so they hold the club naturally. The natural position works with any grip style, be it interlocking, overlapping or baseball. The key, no matter what particular style you use, is for the grip to rest mostly in the fingers with a comfortable grip pressure. Stick with what comes naturally first, then make adjustments if needed.
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| Grips are officially cool. Once a category that didn’t get the credit it deserved, now it seems more golfers are finally paying attention to how important new grips are to their golf games. Again, this year has a slew of new offerings, including a variety of new styles, colors, shapes and materials to choose from.
(Prices for grips vary. See your local golf shop for pricing information.) |
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Black Widow
Hybrid
Key Feature: The upper portion of the grip features a pebble-like pattern for extra traction, whereas the lower portion of the grip has a wrap-style texture for added feel.
Who It’s For: Players who want a firm-feeling grip in the upper hand and the softer feeling of a wrap grip in the lower-hand portion.
<Material: Proprietary rubber
Design: Round, ribbed
Size: Standard
bwgrips.com |
Boccieri
Secret Grip
Key Feature: Jack Nicklaus endorses them! That should be enough, right? The secret behind the Secret Grip is that they’re counterbalanced, which raises the balance point of the club for better feel through the swing.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want an aggressive pattern that wicks away water and perspiration.
Material: Proprietary compound with 17g Tungsten weight in the butt section of the grip.
Design: Velvet
Size: Standard
boccierigolf.com |
Champ
C4 Grip
Key Feature: Champ’s new in grips for 2013, and the C4 shows they mean business. The added Kevlar and unique textures and guideline patterns lend a tacky and comfortable feel. It’s also easy to replicate the ideal grip using the patterns as a guide for precise finger positioning.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a rugged grip that feels great. The added Kevlar adds torque for less twisting.
Material: Rubber, Kevlar
Design: Proprietary pattern
Size: Standard, midsized
champgrips.com |
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Champ
C6 Grip
Key Feature: The C6 comes in non-, full- or half-cord models, each with the two-tone rubber design for excellent performance in wet conditions. Like the C4, it has Kevlar for greater control.
Who It’s For: Folks who want the utmost in control and/or who often play in less than perfect weather.
Material: Rubber, Kevlar
Design: Full-, half- and non-corded velvet
Size: Standard, midsized
champgrips.com |
Champ
C8 Grip
Key Feature: The C8 grip is made of a proprietary TPO and Kevlar material for greater torque and a unique, tacky feel. This grip comes in three different variations: Power for added control with longer clubs; Control for feel and control in middle irons; and Feel for the utmost in feel with short irons and wedges.
Who It’s For: Those who want a set of grips designed for different types of clubs. These grips feel amazing!
Material: Proprietary TPO, Kevlar
Design: Velvet
Size: Standard, midsized
champgrips.com |
Feeltec
Feeltec
Key Feature: The new Feeltec grip has a multilayer, seemless design that promises a comfortable feel, added durability and weather resistance.
Who It’s For: Folks who want to try a new grip that we thought was incredibly tacky and great for absorbing shock on off-center hits.
Material: Proprietary multilayer compounds
Design: Seamless
Size: Standard
feeltecgrips.com |
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Golf Pride
NDMC Whiteout
Key Feature: The über-popular New Decade Multi-Compound Cord is back in white with new colors. The upper region is corded and rugged, and the lower half is softer for more feel. We love the Augusta white-green combo.
Who It’s For: Golfers who not only want to use one of golf’s most popular grips, but also like to coordinate their grips with their golf outfits (_Ê la Sergio Garcia).
Material: Multicompound
Design: Semi-corded
Size: Standard
golfpride.com |
Golf Pride
Niion
Key Feature: The Niion grips use a 3D hexagonal design in key gripping areas for a newer feel and look than, frankly, any Golf Pride grip we’ve ever seen.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a new-feeling grip that has loads of tackiness and a unique feel. Oh, yeah, and who want to make a statement with some loud colors in their golf grips. Our favorite is the fluorescent yellow.
Material: Proprietary rubber
Design: Textured velvety
Size: Standard
golfpride.com |
Golf Pride
Z-Grip Patriot
Key Feature: A deep "Z"-shaped, textured pattern that winds vertically down the grip with strategically placed black pebbled bands. The result is a grip that, although isn’t a corded grip, has the feel and performance of one.
Who It’s For: Golfers who love the Z-Grip corded model, but who want a softer feel without the cords.
Material: Proprietary rubber
Design: Velvet cord
Size: Standard
golfpride.com |
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Iomic
Art Grip Series
Key Feature: Using a proprietary elastomer compound called IOMAX that has a unique feel all its own, not only is the Art Grip Series incredibly durable and tacky, but its marbled look is incredibly stylish. If we could describe the feel, we would. You have to try it to know what we mean.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want some pizazz in their golf bag and who like the unique firm feel of Iomic grips.
Material: Proprietary IOMAX elastomer
Design: Round
Size: Standard
iomicusa.com |
Lamkin
R.E.L. 3GEN
Key Feature: The R.E.L. 3GEN is back in 11 colors, each with the grip’s distinct surface texture that provides extra comfort and reduces the amount of grip pressure needed to maintain control throughout the swing. This means the hands can move faster and, you guessed it, longer shots.
Who It’s For: Golfers with a rich color palette and who want what we think is Lamkin’s best grip.
Material: Proprietary rubber
Design: Velvet
Size: Undersized, standard, midsized, oversized
lamkingrips.com |
Lamkin
Crossline ACE 3GEN
Key Feature: A proprietary Advanced Cohesive Elastomer material that delivers exceptional tackiness with a soft feel. The added tackiness means golfers don’t need to grip the club as firm, helping to increase hand speed and hit longer shots. There’s also a Perma-Wrap ACE 3GEN.
Who It’s For: Players who want a lot of tackiness in a really soft-feeling grip.
Material: Advanced Cohesive Elastomer
Design: Velvet
Size: Standard, midsized, oversized
lamkingrips.com
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Pure
DTX
Key Feature: Designed in collaboration with Hank Haney, the DTX delivers the feel of a corded grip with Pure’s seamless molding and rubber technology. Better players will appreciate the firm feel and responsive texture.
Who It’s For: It makes a funny sound when installed using a pneumatic air tool, but the feel and performance is downright awesome. They’re money in the rain.
Material: Rubber
Design: Wrap
Size: Standard
puregrips.com |
Sharpro
3CAT Grip
Key Feature: The Sharpro 3CAT grip provides the security of a velvet cord and the soft tacky feel of a wrap, all in one. Also, the anti-torsion bars add stability for even better performance on full swing shots.
Who It’s For: All golfers, since it’s truly a grip that has something in it for everyone–stability, feel, etc.
Material: Multi-material
Design: Hybrid velvet/wrap design
Size: Standard
sharprogrip.com |
Superstroke
Fatso 5.0
Key Feature: Weighing in around 90 grams (that’s light for its size), the Fatso 5.0 has a new CrossTraction PU material for added feel and tackiness, yet retains the non-tapered design that has made it popular on the PGA Tour.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want to put an end to yippy, hand-driven strokes. It’s amazing how well it works. It’s as though the hands slow down all by themselves.
Material: Multimaterial
Design: Non-tapered
Size: Mega-oversized
superstrokegrip.com |
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Tacki-Mac
Itomic it2
Key Feature: The negative ions in the it2 grip help calm nerves and the tacky, velvety surface makes this grip a top pick for golfers who want a soft, comfortable hold. Also available in midsized (shown), this grip is durable and a great wet-weather alternative.
Who It’s For: Players who need to relax more and, well, who want a great-feeling grip. Simple as that!
Material: Proprietary compound
Design: Velvet
Size: Standard, midsized
tackimac.com |
UST Mamiya
Tour PC 360
Key Feature: Using a proprietary blend of natural and synthetic rubber compounds, this grip has a soft feel and enhanced durability. It’s also solid in wet weather.
Who It’s For: Fans of classic velvet-style grips who want a soft-feeling grip that holds up nicely in wet conditions.
Material: Proprietary compounds
Design: Velvet
Size: Standard, midsized
ustmamiya.com |
UST Mamiya
Soft Touch
Key Feature: Do you need a soft grip that’s tacky and comfortable? Oh, and that looks cool, too? The Soft Touch uses polyurethane materials for a grip that doesn’t require a firm hold to retain correct positioning in the hands.
Who It’s For: Golfers who prefer a softer-feeling grip, but who also don’t want to skimp on tackiness. Also available in putter, wrap and Lite versions.
Material: Proprietary material
Design: Embossed velvet texture
Size: Undersized, standard, midsized
ustmamiya.com |
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Winn
Dri-Tec
Key Feature: Designed for incredible tackiness in all conditions, the popular Dri-Tac uses a WinnDry polymer for awesome feel and performance. There’s no need for a "death grip" here; a light grip is all you’ll need. Trust us.
Who It’s For: All player types who want steady performance in all-weather conditions. Also comes in a Dri-Tac Wrap Lite model for golfers who prefer a wrap style and feel.
Material: WinnDry Polymer
Design: Proprietary tread pattern
Size: Standard, Midsized, Oversized, Ladies, Junior
winngrips.com |
Winn
DuraTech
Key Feature: An all-new look and feel from Winn, the hybrid DuraTech grip fuses an Elastom ETX rubber compound with the WinnDry XT polymer, resulting in the most unique Winn grip to date. (It’s our favorite Winn grip, by the way.)
Who It’s For: Golfers who want the best of both worlds, in both hands. The upper hand has no-slip performance while the lower hand has a softer feel for more feel.
Material: Elastom ETX rubber, WinnDry XT polymer
Design: Hybrid velvet
Size: Standard
winngrips.com |
Winn
Excel
Key Feature: The classic look and feel Winn is known for. The Excel grip has Winn’s classic Excel polymer for cushioned support and vibration dampening.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want the ultimate in cushioning and for those who may suffer from arthritis or hand fatigue. If that’s you, these grips are a must.
Material: Excel polymer
Design: Wrap
Size: Standard, Midsized, Oversized, Ladies
winngrips.com |
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Winn
Jumbo Pistal Lite
Key Feature: he Jumbo Pistol is a true oversized grip, designed to help stabilize the hands and help promote a more fluid putting stroke. The flared gun "pistol" handle shape makes it a cinch to grip comfortably. It’s also lightweight, so not to alter the feel of the putterhead.
Who It’s For: Golfers who need a bigger grip to help smooth out their yippy putting strokes.
Material: WinnLite Technology
Design: Pistol
Size: Jumbo
DROP THE BOX
By Barry Goldstein, PGA
Along with a poor and weak grip, one of the biggest mistakes I see many of my students make is having bad posture at address. This means they’re in a slumped, slouched and unathletic position from their neck down. Odds are, these students have wrongly been told to keep their head down through the swing, which means they bury their chin into their chest, and the back is rounded, and the shoulders are squeezed together. As a result, this makes swinging the club properly much more difficult, and the likely result is excessive lifting and dropping of the arms and hands. And in many cases, because the body can’t make a good turn and shift away from the ball on the backswing, a reverse pivot occurs.
When I see this, I immediately make my students aware of their bad setup. Sometimes, if it’s severe enough, I’ll place a sleeve of balls or a golf glove on their upper back and neck. In no way do we want that to be able to sit there! I often joke with students who mimic this position that I could place a pizza on their upper back, and it would stay in place. That’s no good either! We want to be more upright so the sleeve of balls can’t stay in place on your upper back.
The goal in your setup (with virtually any club) is to feel tall, upright and athletic. You should feel as though you’re looking at the ball with a tall, proud chin. Or, think of it this way: I like to encourage my students to "see the ball with the bottom of their eyes." This helps you keep your head in alignment with your spine.
As for your knees, they ought to be slightly flexed, and any lean forward toward the ball should be a tilt from the hips. It’s always better to miss too upright with your posture than too slumped and slouched. Your weight should be over your shoelaces, not hung out on your tippy toes. Lastly, feel as though you have a grapefruit under your chin at address. This will help you avoid slouching your back and chin. Just remember, don’t squeeze the grapefruit and make juice!
Try this, and I bet your drives will be longer and straighter, and your irons more precise, too.
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| 2013 looks to keep going where 2012 left off, as far as golf balls are concerned. Colored models are still gaining popularity, as are a slew of soft-core/soft-cover models that not only feel great, but fly a long way. In addition, some popular models got tweaked and fine-tuned to perform even better than before. That said, golf ball fitting has become popular, as it not only helps Tour players find the right ball, but all abilities, as well. |
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Bridgestone
B330 & B330-S
Key Feature: The B330 features a larger core and softer cover, not to mention Dual Dimple Technology, which offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced performance in the wind. The softer B330-S spins a little more.
Who It’s For: Pro-swinging golfers with speeds over 105 mph. Players who like to bust shots through the wind.
Specs: 330 Dual Dimple Technology, Urethane cover, dual-mantle design for reduced spin and higher launch with driver and irons.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45 |
Bridgestone
eSeries
Key Feature: Each of the three balls (e5, e6 and e7) caters specifically to certain players. The two-piece e5 is a distance ball at heart, but has a high-spin Urethane cover for short shots. The three-piece e6 is a super-soft multilayer ball with a durable Surlyn cover, and the three-piece e7 is a distance ball for every type of player.
Who It’s For: Bridgestone is making great strides in golf ball fitting. There’s an eSeries ball for just about everyone.
Specs: e5 is a two-piece, Urethane cover; e6 and e7 are both three-piece designs with Surlyn covers.
bridgestonegolf.com | $27 |
Bridgestone
B330-RX & B330-RXS
Key Feature: Features a mantle layer and Dual Dimple Technology for longer distance, better accuracy and optimized greenside performance. The softer Urethane cover allows slower-swinging players to achieve great greenside spin, and the newly formulated mantle layer reduces spin for longer drives. The RXS model has even higher spin for those who need more control around the green.
Who It’s For: Golfers who swing less than 105 mph.
Specs: Three-piece, Urethane cover. The RXS is the softer of the two.
bridgestonegolf.com | $45 |
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Callaway
Hex Hot
Key Feature: The new Hex Hot has a Fast Tech inner mantle for more distance, and the Trionomer cover promotes lower driver spin, again, for more distance. Put it this way, it’s the longest Callaway ball we’ve ever hit.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a multilayer distance ball and who like the look, feel and performance of HEX-shaped dimple patterns.
Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover.
callawaygolf.com | $27 |
Callaway
Hex Hot Pro
Key Feature: Three-piece construction with a DuPont HPF Mantle that not only adds driver distance, but also provides some extra feel around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want big distance from their golf ball with some added spin on short shots. Basically, it’s a lot like the HEX Hot, but with extra control.
Specs: Three-piece, Trionomer cover.
callawaygolf.com | $28 |
Callaway
Hex Black Tour
Key Feature: Callaway’s most highly engineered Tour-level ball. Innovative dual-core construction, durable cover material called DuraSpin and HEX aerodynamics all combine to create a ball with optimum "spin separation" or rather the difference between how the ball spins on short and full shots.
Who It’s For: Phil Mickelson uses it. If you desire a high-performance ball with exceptional distance, here ya go.
Specs: Five-piece design, HEX aerodynamics.
callawaygolf.com | $46 |
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Chromax
Metallic
Key Feature: The high-visibility metallic finish is a feast for the eyes! The cover, which is translucent, shows
a reflective inner layer that encompasses the soft-
compression core, resulting in the most unique-looking ball out there.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want a soft-feeling distance ball that’s really quite easy to see and cool lookin’.
Specs: Two-piece, not counting the metallic inner coating. It also has a translucent Surlyn cover and two-piece core.
chromaxgolf.com | $20 |
Dixon
Earth
Key Feature: The world’s first eco-friendly golf ball made of recyclable material, the Earth also is a venerable distance ball with exceptional durability. And full shots feel soft and fly with a long and high trajectory.
Who It’s For: Eco-concerned golfers who appreciate recyclable stuff. (The ball itself is recyclable.)
Specs: Made of 100% recyclable material; it can be traded in for new ones at a discounted price.
dixongolf.com | $40 |
Dixon
Fire
Key Feature: A recyclable cast Urethane cover, "energy-intensifying mantle" and "high-intensity green core with ignite technology." Maybe we were just having a good day, but these things may be the longest balls we’ve ever hit. These quality balls fly a mile and spin like crazy around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who swing faster than 90 mph. Also for golfers who don’t mind paying $6/ball.
Specs: This multilayer eco-friendly ball has 318 dimples and an Elastodynamic Urethane cover.
dixongolf.com | $75 |
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Nike
One RZN & One RZN X
Key Feature: The soft RZN core promotes high distance, this time in a model for amateurs who want higher ball speed off the clubface. The X model is for penetrating
distance, whereas the standard One RZN has some added control.
Who It’s For: Big-hitting amateurs who want Tour-like distance in a ball with a soft core.
Specs: Three-piece golf balls, both with Nike’s new RZN core material.
nikegolf.com | $29 |
Nike
20XI-S & 20XI-X
Key Feature: The new 20XI-S and 20XI-X balls both have more distance at the core, thanks to a new RZN material that Nike claims is faster and lighter than rubber. There are two models: the X for more distance and the S for greater spin around the greens.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want Tour-level performance in either the spin or distance variety.
Specs: Four-piece construction with new RZN cores; 360-dimple pattern.
nikegolf.com | $45 |
Polara
XD
Key Feature: The XD has an asymmetrical dimple pattern that self-corrects hooks and slices by up to 50%.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want to hit it straight and far and don’t want to compete in USGA-sanctioned events. (Polaras don’t conform to the rules.) These self-correcting balls can now be used with drivers with lofts of 9_¡ to 10.5_¡. The XDS version spins more than the XD.
Specs: Two-piece construction.
polaragolf.com | $30 |
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Rife
E Motion
Key Feature: The E Motion is a 3-piece high-performance ball with a progressive Dual Motion Core and 392-dimple pattern. That aside, if you haven’t heard of RIFE’s balls, you’re missing out. They’re really great.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want solid performance from a very durable cover. And by the way, it’s not only durable, but also exceptionally long off the tee.
Specs: 3-piece construction, Surlyn with Aeroblend cover.
rifeputters.com | $18 |
Rife
V Motion
Key Feature: Three-piece, cast Urethane-covered, Tour-level golf ball for the optimal blend of distance and spin. The 318-dimple pattern is designed to reduce drag and improve carry distance for longer shots.
Who It’s For: Seriously, folks, these new balls by Rife are fantastic, and we bet it’s only a matter of time before more golfers take notice. They’re that good. Nice price, too.
Specs: Three-piece construction, 318-dimple pattern, cast Urethane cover.
rifeputters.com | $32 |
Srixon
Soft Feel
Key Feature: This soft-feeling ball from Srixon is designed to launch the ball high with low spin for maximum distance and control. Its soft core is ideal for golfers with less than 100 mph swingspeeds. Srixon also claims the ball has a higher MOI, meaning greater accuracy on off-center hits.
Who It’s For: Golfers with moderate to slow swings, who want to get every ounce of distance they can muster.
Specs: Two-piece with a soft, smooth feel.
srixon.com | $19 |
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Srixon
Z-Star
Key Feature: Its Urethane cover is very soft, so you get added spin control without sacrificing distance. Also, it pierces through the wind–thanks to its core and aerodynamic dimple design–so more shots go where you aim them. Easy to stop on approach shots, but doesn’t spin much off the tee. That equals big drives.
Who It’s For: Folks who want Tour-level performance.
Specs: Three-piece ball with new Urethane cover and 324 dimples, available in pure white and Tour yellow. Look for a four-piece Z-Star XV version, too.
srixon.com | $45 |
Srixon
Z-Star SL
Key Feature: STAR performance technology. What’s that? Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness. Srixon has combined all four so this ball performs well for golfers with midrange swingspeeds. The result is a Tour-caliber ball with a high launch angle and exceptional greenside spin.
Who It’s For: Folks who don’t possess Tour-level swingspeeds (less than 105 mph), but demand the precision of a Tour-quality ball.
Specs: Available in white and Tour Yellow.
srixon.com | $29 |
Taylormade
Lethal
Key Feature: The new Lethal has a 5-piece construction and a seamless 332-dimple pattern for what TaylorMade says is its most wind-defying golf ball. Oh, yeah, it also
has the type of greenside spin that Tour professionals demand. What more could you want? It’s the "ultimate Tour-performance golf ball," says TaylorMade (and us).
Who It’s For: Better players who want improved distance and control without giving up much-needed control on shorter shots around the green.
Specs: Five-piece, 332-dimple pattern, Urethane cover.
taylormadegolf.com | $45 |
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Taylormade
Penta TP5
Key Feature: This new and improved five-layer ball features a 28% lower core compression. That equates to lower driver spin (and, hence, longer shots) and a softer feel around the greens.
Who It’s For: Developed for Tour pros, the TP5 can be played by golfers of all abilities. Of course, better players will really notice the benefits of its multiple layers.
Specs: Urethane cover and a five-layer construction that’s engineered to improve performance on every shot, from tee to green.
taylormadegolf.com | $46 |
Titleist
NPro V1 & Pro V1x
Key Feature: Delivers increased spin control and a more consistent flight, thanks to a ZG process core technology, responsive ionomeric casing layer, Urethane elastomer cover and dimple design.
Who It’s For: This year’s balls have been refined for even greater distance and durability. Really? How much better can these balls get? We’re impressed (as always).
Specs: Three-piece ball with Urethane elastomer cover, bearing a spherically tiled 352-tetrahedral-dimple design. The four-piece Pro V1x produces less spin on full shots.
titleist.com | $58 |
Volvik
ProBismuth
Key Feature: he new ProBismuth from Volvik is a three-piece, high-performance golf ball with a soft Z-1 cover for enhanced feel and playability on shorter shots.
Who It’s For: Mid- to low-handicappers who want a solid blend of control and distance in a ball that has a soft, silky feel both off the tee and with iron shots. With such spin around the green, you’d swear they had a Urethane cover.
Specs: Three-piece construction, soft Zirconiuim cover, 446-dimple pattern, Bismuth-infused core.
volvikgolfusa.com | $32 |
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Volvik
Crystal 3-Piece
Key Feature: The popular colored-ball brand has made its way into the high-performance market with the new Crystal 3-Piece. The two-piece low-compression core and translucent cover combine for big distance with woods and added spin with iron and wedge shots. It also has a very, very soft feel, which we love.
Who It’s For: All player types who want better performance from a line of balls that come in four different colors.
Specs: Three-piece construction in four colors: green, yellow, orange and pink; also available in a rainbow pack or yellow/orange.
volvikgolfusa.com | $32 |
Volvik
Vista iv
Key Feature: Four-piece construction designed for Tour-level performance. This equates to big drives with minimal spin and greater spin on shorter shots. (Yes, it’s possible to do, folks. That’s what four layers are for.)
Who It’s For: Go
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