Editor's Picks & Reviews - Golf Tips

L.A.B. Golf Delivers Faster Ball Speeds with DF3i

Robert Kaufman April 30, 2026

Editor's Picks & Reviews

Why the DF3i is the Firmest, Fastest L.A.B. Yet.

Making a 64-foot putt to clinch a U.S. Open victory, as J.J. Spaun did with his L.A.B. DF3 putter in 2025, would be any golfer’s dream. But with the same putter in your hands, the odds of sinking putts from any distance will become reality.

L.A.B. Golf, renowned for pioneering Lie Angle Balance (L.A.B.) technology in putting, has now gone one step further by introducing the DF3i. Building on the success of the original Directed Force, and best-selling DF3, the DF3i features a performance-driven profile engineered for players seeking a firmer feel while maintaining the consistency, stability, and face control that have defined L.A.B. Golf putters.

Milled from 6061 aircraft aluminum and bonded to a fly-milled, stainless-steel insert, DF3i is ideal for golfers who love the form of the DF3 but prefer more responsive feedback at impact. DF3i delivers faster ball speeds without sacrificing the Lie Angle Balance performance the brand is known for.

“We are stoked to be offering the DF3i. The DF3 is the putter that put us on the map.

The only real criticism we ever get about it is that to some it feels like the ball comes off a bit soft and slow,” said L.A.B. Golf Founder Sam Hahn. “Adding the stainless insert for a firmer feel and slightly faster ball speeds will hopefully appeal to an even greater number of golfers looking for a couple extra-long ones to fall!”

With the Custom version of the DF3i golfers can select their preferred lie angle, length, putting style, head-weight, head color, alignment marking, shaft, and grip, ensuring that each DF3i is tailored to the individual. As with all L.A.B. putters, every DF3i is hand-balanced and assembled, passing through up to 10 different stages of craftsmanship before reaching the end of the production process.

DF3i is available at www.labgolf.com and at authorized retailers across the world. The Stock model is available for $499, with Custom versions starting at $599.

A Review of the Bushnell Tour V7 Shift Patriot Pack

Ted Odorico April 5, 2026

Editor's Picks & Reviews

In my 32+ years as a golf professional, I’ve seen countless gadgets promise to “shave strokes” off your game. But if you’ve followed me or read my work here at Golf Tips Magazine, you know I’m a firm believer in the “Decision Zone”—that 15-to-25-second window behind the ball where you make a 100% commitment to your shot. To commit, you need the right data.

That’s where the Bushnell Tour V7 Shift comes in. Released in February 2026, the Tour V7 Shift isn’t just a minor iteration; it’s a significant leap forward in how we visualize the course.

The Standout Features:

The headline here is the new Dual-Color OLED Display. While previous models used a single-color LCD, the V7 Shift utilizes a brilliant red-and-green system. Your standard line-of-sight distance appears in red, while your slope-adjusted “plays like” yardage is displayed prominently in bright green. This “Slope First” approach removes the split-second of mental math often required under pressure, letting you “see the red, trust the green”.

Another major addition is LINK-Enabled Technology. By pairing the device with the Bushnell Golf app, you can integrate data from your launch monitor to receive personalized club recommendations directly in the viewfinder. For those of us who obsess over “bag optimization,” this is a game-changer for filling those tricky yardage gaps.

The “Patriot Pack” edition adds even more value to this premium setup, typically including a protective carry case, a CR2 battery, and a Folds of Honor ball marker—a portion of the proceeds supporting military families.

Performance on the Course:

Precision and Speed: True to the Bushnell heritage, the V7 Shift locks onto flags from over 500 yards with 1-yard accuracy. The Visual JOLT technology—a vibrating pulse accompanied by a flashing red ring—provides immediate, tactile confirmation that you’ve hit the pin and not the trees behind it.
Ease of Use: The BITE Magnetic Cart Mount remains one of the most practical features in golf. It’s strong enough to stay secure even over the bumpiest cart paths. Additionally, the new Yardage Range Recall allows you to quickly see your last recorded distance with a simple tap of the mode button—perfect for when you’ve stepped away from your bag and forgotten the number.

Pros:

Intuitive Display: The green slope-adjusted numbers are incredibly easy to read in all lighting conditions.
Build Quality: It features an IPX6 weather-resistant rating, meaning it can handle a heavy downpour without missing a beat.
Tournament Legal: The external Slope-Switch allows you to quickly disable slope for competitive play, ensuring you stay within USGA rules.

Cons:

Magnification: At 6x magnification, it’s excellent, but it lacks the 7x power found in the top-tier Bushnell Pro X3+ LINK.
Eye Relief: Some users may find the eye relief (how you align your eye with the viewfinder) takes a few rounds to get used to compared to larger models.

The Verdict

The Bushnell Tour V7 Shift Patriot Pack is currently priced at $399.99. For the serious golfer, this is the “smart buy” of 2026. You’re getting the same core performance and connectivity as the $600 flagship models but in a more compact, value-driven package. It provides the clarity and confidence needed to commit to every swing, helping you bridge the gap between “one small feel” and a total breakthrough on the scorecard. Visit: Bushnellgolf.com

Protection from Sweat & Rain for Lower Scores

Ted Odorico November 10, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

Sahara Golf: Dry Grip Spray – Better Golf Grip & Confidence in All Weathers.

Product Review: Sahara Dry Grip Spray

The Sahara Dry Grip spray is a highly effective, science-backed solution for eliminating sweat and improving grip across various sports and activities, from gymnastics to golf to shooting. Its advanced formula, primarily based on modified silica, works by repelling moisture and absorbing natural skin oils to provide a long-lasting, mess-free, and non-sticky grip.

Advanced Formula: Unlike traditional chalk or sticky resins,
Sahara Dry uses nano-modified silica, which absorbs oils and actively repels water and sweat. This keeps hands dry and increases friction without creating a gummy or chalky residue.
Long-Lasting Performance: Users consistently report that one application can last for a solid session or even an entire round of golf (18 holes), significantly reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
No Mess, No Residue: The spray dries quickly into an invisible, non-tacky finish. This makes it equipment-friendly, as it won’t damage gear, leave white powder on clothing, or make shared equipment gunky.
Versatile Application: It is safe for application directly onto skin (hands, feet, body) as well as equipment surfaces like golf club grips or firearms.
Anti-Bacterial Properties: A nice added bonus, the product includes anti-bacterial properties, which is particularly useful in shared studio or gym environments.

User Experience

The primary feedback from users is that Sahara Dry is highly effective if applied correctly. The manufacturer typically recommends applying to clean, dry hands, shaking the bottle well, spraying a small amount, rubbing hands together, and allowing it to dry. Rushing the process or applying too much can result in a less optimal, sometimes powdery, finish. Once the learning curve is overcome, users find it provides excellent, reliable grip in hot and humid conditions.

The Verdict

The Sahara Dry Grip spray stands out as a premium, high-tech grip solution for athletes who struggle with sweaty palms and desire a clean, long-lasting alternative to messy chalk or sticky gels. Its ability to repel sweat and absorb oils effectively provides a secure, natural-feeling grip that endures intense activity. The slightly higher price point and need for proper application are minor drawbacks compared to its overall performance and cleanliness.

Gain the confidence and grip to swing harder and with more control — no matter the weather.

Order now: SAHARA DRY

SkyCaddie’s Pro 5X: Designed for serious golfers!

Ted Odorico July 23, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is a high-end golf GPS device known for its accuracy, large touchscreen display, and detailed course mapping. It features automated functions like auto-course selection, auto-hole advance, and auto-zoom, making it user-friendly. The device also includes features like IntelliGreen technology, which dynamically adjusts to your approach angle and provides relevant distances. While some users find it large, its rugged construction and bright, easy-to-read display are generally well-received. If you’re looking for a device that will help lock in those numbers when you need them most, then SkyCaddie’s Pro 5X is for you. The following Editor’s review is designed to give you both the pros and cons of the Pro 5 X….SO HERE GOES!

Let’s start with the Pros.

Pros:

Accuracy: The Pro 5X boasts ground-verified, error-corrected maps, providing precise distances to various targets on the course.
Large, Clear Display: The 5.5-inch touchscreen is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the HD course graphics enhance the visual experience.
IntelliGreen Technology: This feature rotates the green shape and adjusts distances based on your approach angle, offering valuable insights for club selection.
User-Friendly Interface: Features like auto-course selection and auto-hole advance simplify navigation and make the device easy to use.
Shot Tracking: The Pro 5X can track your shots, providing data on club distances and helping you analyze your game.
Rugged Construction: The device is built to withstand the rigors of the golf course.

Here are some cons that may affect a buyers decision.

Cons:

Size: Some users may find the Pro 5X to be larger than other GPS devices, potentially making it less convenient to carry in a pocket.
Potential for Lag: Some users have experienced slow boot-up times and lag in GPS lock-on.
Software Issues: Some users have reported software glitches and problems with the device.
Cost: The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is a premium device and comes with a higher price tag compared to some other GPS options. Also there is a subscription required.

Overall: The SkyCaddie Pro 5X is a powerful golf GPS device that offers a range of features designed to improve your game. While its size and cost may be a drawback for some, its accuracy, clear display, and advanced features make it a valuable tool for serious golfers. Personally, I liked the larger screen as it was similar to looking at my cell phone. Although SkyCaddie requires a subscription they include the first year with the purchase of the Pro 5X.

Current offer: $399.95 (includes 1 year subscription).

Breakthrough Golf Introduces the New Paradox™ Putter

Ted Odorico June 25, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

The Only Putter with Swing Balance Technology™ that Fights to Stay Square

DALLAS, TEXAS – Breakthrough Golf Technology, the company that revolutionized the putter shaft category with Stability, is once again redefining what’s possible in putting performance with the introduction of the new Paradox™ putter. Designed using Swing Balance Technology™, Paradox is the only putter that will fight to stay square.

Paradox is more than just a zero-torque putter—where the center of gravity aligns directly under the shaft.

It achieves swing balance through Principal Axis alignment, which optimizes performance dynamically through the golfer’s stroke, and acts like alignment does on a car to keep it straight and smooth. Other companies stick to conventional putter designs focused on center of gravity optimization, weight distribution, and face balancing. Until now, no one has fully optimized how a putter behaves dynamically during the stroke.

“Every putt tells you something- from the softest touch to your hardest roll,” states Barney Adams, CEO of Breakthrough Golf “Paradox locks in center strikes, so you’re dialing in distance control with every roll. Because in putting, nothing matters more.”

Paradox Features & Specifications:

Swing balanced using Principal Axis™ technology which will dynamically work to keep the face square through the putting stroke.
Zero-torque, Stability™ Tour Shaft
CNC aluminum frame with steel weights, milled face
Center-shafted
Mid-size non-taper grip
Loft & Lie is adjustable
Retail Price: $699.99 with a Stability Tour shaft

For more information about Paradox, visit breakthroughgolftech.com.

About Breakthrough Golf Technology

Located in the heart of Texas—a state known for its deep-rooted golf culture and world-class courses. Breakthrough Golf leverages over a century of combined expertise to revolutionize the sport. Founded by visionary Barney Adams, the Dallas-based company develops advanced, high-performance equipment in its cutting-edge facility, including the groundbreaking Stability shaft that transformed putter performance. By focusing on genuine technological breakthroughs rather than incremental updates, Breakthrough Golf stands at the forefront of the industry, pushing the game forward and setting new standards for innovation.

Provided by: Tracy Nackel, TEN Marketing & PR, 760-420-1602, tnackel@gmail.com

Honma’s New TW767 Collection is for All Players

Ted Odorico April 2, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

Honma Golf Launches Tour World 767 Collection
TW767 family is a high-level fusion of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design.

Carlsbad, CA— Honma Golf, the leader in beautifully crafted performance golf equipment, proudly announces the T//World 767 collection. The Honma team of engineers and Takumi (Expert Craftsmen) have created this array of models to cater to players of all abilities, ensuring that any golfer can find a perfectly matched set of clubs in the TW767 line.

Honma’s TW767 consists of three expertly crafted drivers, a fairway woods collection, hybrids, and four sets of irons designed to optimize performance benefits.

“As more golfers discover the distinct satisfaction that comes with playing Honma golf clubs, we are extremely pleased to debut the T//World 767 collection,” said Taylor Hull, Sales Director, North America, Honma Golf. “This line truly has something exhilarating for golfers of every skill level with eye-opening performance that will turn heads with unsurpassed feel, distance, and pleasing ball flight characteristics.”

T//World 767 DRIVERS

Honma’s new TW767 driver lineup includes three models with a similar construction framework, yet distinct shapes, weight positions, and clubhead sizes to create a driver line that addresses the ball flight goals and needs of players of every ability. Each driver’s head adopts a new centerpiece carbon construction called Carbon Roll Technology. The weight saved from the one-piece, middle Carbon Roll Technology has been moved to the back titanium weight, creating the largest MOI in Honma history.

The TW 767 drivers also feature a new face design. Honma Takumi took the characteristics of Beta titanium to create a Vertical Slit Face to reduce energy loss during impact over a wider area, further improving MOI. These new design features maximize strength and spring effect, which results in a high initial ball speed. This head design redefines distance off the tee.

TW767 LS ($700 USD) is a 450cc head, low-spin model with an adjustable sole weight. The TW767 LS driver combines workability and pleasing launch characteristics for accomplished players. By placing the weight closer to the face of the sole to leverage a shallow CG design and suppress spin, the driver delivers increased ball speed and top distance.

TW767 model ($650 USD), features a 460cc head, Honma’s highest MOI ever, and stunning forgiveness. Its new structure and beta titanium face improve initial ball speed for stable contact with desirable launch and exceptional distance. The TW767 driver is ideal for players seeking maximum forgiveness, accuracy, and tighter shot dispersion.

TW767 MAX ($650 USD) also features a 460cc head with a high MOI created from the new Carbon Roll Technology. The ample projection area with the larger head and draw bias provides a game improvement aspect that will be a favorite among mid to higher handicaps.

T//World 767 FAIRWAYS AND HYBRIDS The TW767 fairway woods and hybrids are classically shaped clubs with breakthrough design technology for optimal forgiveness, ideal trajectory and more carry. All models feature a multi-material construction, an internal weight in the sole, high launch, low-center-of-gravity design, and a SUS630 stainless steel body.

The TW767 Fairway Woods ($350 USD) feature a large shallow footprint and highly stable head shape. The sole has been completely revised, resulting in an evolved head with high stability. The synergistic effect with the 13-gram tungsten back weight produces a high trajectory and longer carry. In the lower-lofted models, the TW767 3-Wood features a carbon crown to save weight and to generate higher launch conditions. A cup face design in the 3W, 3HL, 5W, 3U, and 4U also helps increase initial ball speed.

The TW767 Hybrid ($325 USD) features a large head shape, providing a sense of security, and is easy to hit from a variety of lies. The sole shape has been completely revised to further improve stability. The synergistic effect with the back weight allows players to aim accurately at the pin with a high trajectory.

T//World 767 IRONS

Versatility and finely tuned feel are the earmarks of the new TW767 iron line. Each iron set in this innovative family is built to deliver soft feel, a pleasing look at address, playability, and consistently soaring ball flight. Four different iron set models provide players of any skill level a choice to fit their ball-striking goals with tremendous feel, workability, and distance.

The TW767 TOUR V players’ iron features a compact, beautiful shape with excellent controllability. The one-piece iron, forged from soft S20C carbon steel, provides more precision and premium for advanced players. Honma’s Takumi meticulously shaped the sole for much-improved turf interaction. Honma engineers increased the thickness of the face behind the sweet spot to create a premium feel at impact, offering a blade-iron feel in a playable cavity back design. Honma’s Tour V irons retail for $1,050 (5 – PW, 4-iron is available as individual iron) with steel shafts.

The TW767 Vx players’ iron has been enhanced to generate superior distance and more forgiveness. Forged from the softest premium S20C carbon steel, a revamped cavity design is thickened, resulting in a premium feel demanded by discerning players. A seven-gram tungsten weight (in the 4- through 8-iron) measurably placed in the toe improves straightness and promotes a low center of gravity, enabling high trajectory. The tungsten toe weight pulls the CG towards the toe (4 – 8 iron) for increased center of gravity, better distance, and improved MOI. Optimal heel and toe weighting inside the cavity reduces energy loss on off-center hits and generates high launch with optimal spin and exquisite feel. This versatile iron set retails for $875 (6 – PW; 4-iron, 5-iron, and AW are available as individual irons) with Modus Tour 105 shafts.

The TW767 Px iron is a fresh design in the TW series and features Honma’s proven Pocket Cavity with a single-bodied badge to create a new Cap Back design. A player’s distance iron, it achieves a comfortable feel while improving face rigidity. It sports an L-Cup face (5 – 8 iron) and Honma’s unique uneven radial face thickness, enhancing ball speed for more distance. The elegant new shape and construction combine for an ideal high launch trajectory. It retails for $875 (6 – PW; 5-iron and AW are available as individual irons) in N.S. Pro950 neo shafts.

The TW767 Hx is the latest in game-improvement iron technology. These irons feature a hollow iron construction with a traditional shape and excellent performance. The maraging face produces maximum initial velocity at impact, and the weight screws and internal weights work together to achieve stable distance and trajectory – even on mishits. The Hx iron retails for $1,050 (6 – PW; 5-iron and AW are available as individual irons) in N.S. Pro950 neo shafts.

About Honma Golf

Founded in 1959, Honma Golf is a prestigious and iconic golf brand known for its premium, high-tech, and top-performing golf clubs. With a focus on innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Honma Golf offers a wide range of equipment to suit the preferences and abilities of golfers worldwide. From the luxury BERES series to the Tour-validated T//World line, Honma Golf is committed to creating the highest-quality golf products on the market today. Learn more at us.honmagolf.com/.

Provided by Kevin Frisch PR

Alignment Ball Mark “Streamline Your Putting”!

Ted Odorico March 9, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

The Alignment Ball Mark, winner of best new product at the PGA Show, is the most innovative piece of in-game golf technology in decades and the only cure for slow play on the green. The traditional way of aiming your golf ball involves squatting over the ball to adjust it, then backing off to see where it is aimed, over and over again until you get it just right or give up. This process is time-consuming, frustrating and not optimal for accuracy because the golfer is primarily focused on their golf ball rather than reading the break on the green and choosing their aim spot.

The Alignment Ball Mark is a putting alignment tool and specialized ball marker that simplifies the process of putting, making it faster and more accurate. Its patented design combines a two-spike ball marker and a rotating alignment component that allows you to read your putt and adjust your alignment at the same time. By using your putter to adjust the alignment component, it creates the physical distance necessary for you to visually read the green and the capability to adjust the alignment component simultaneously.

The two spikes of the ball marker hold the marker in place so that you can adjust the attached alignment component without compromising the position of your ball. The two-spike ball marker also features cutouts on its perimeter that serve as a reference point for the ball’s position on the green prior to lifting it. After adjusting the alignment component to your aim spot, simply place the ball back down and rotate it so the line on your ball matches the same trajectory as the line on the Alignment Ball Mark and you’re ready to putt.

This product was developed to streamline putting in terms of accuracy and pace of play while adhering to the rules of golf, which it does. It is completely legal to use, even in tournament play. According to the USGA / R&A, by their determination, the Alignment Ball Mark is “permitted under the rules of golf”. It works with any style of putter and any golf ball with an alignment line. Fortunately, ever brand of golf ball these days features their own unique printed alignment lines.

The Alignment Ball Mark comes in four colors options including blue, red, green and pink, which is available to purchase on Amazon for $9.99 per piece with free shipping through Prime. It is also completely customizable for any golf event, brand or cause as a promotional giveaway or gift, to order visit www.alignmentballmark.com.

Price: $9.99

Purchase yours today! CLICK HERE

DF3 – The New Frontier of Putting!

Ted Odorico March 8, 2025

Editor's Picks & Reviews

L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) DF3 putter is the new frontier of putting, and it’s stable and forgiving off mishits. It has the power to resurrect careers on tour and make putting fun for the rest of us. Scientifically, it just makes more sense. But designing a Lie Angle Balanced putter? Not so simple. Other companies have the benefit of creating a pretty putter head and then adding in any shaft or grip. L.A.B. Golf didn’t do that. Lie Angle Balance has to be considered in every aspect of the design. And then each individual L.A.B. Golf putter, including DF3, has to be hand-balanced by a very skilled and highly trained human.

“Ever since they launched their first putter, Directed Force, golfers have been asking if they could make it less weird. DF3 is that putter. They took a chisel to the original Lie Angle Balanced putter to make DF3 smaller and sleeker while honoring the shape of the putter that started it all for us. They’ve learned so much over the years building Lie Angle Balanced putters, and it gave them a leg up in the DF3 design”.

The L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter has been updated. While it still retains the general shape and overall branding-iron look of the original, it’s in a much smaller, more streamlined profile. As in the prior model, the DF3 is one of the most customizable putters in golf. It offers a variety of colors (8) to be specific: black, blue, red, green, pink, orange, platinum, and cappuccino. It offers 33 different alignment aid options making the perfect putter for each individual golfer. It definitely can hold its own amongst any competitor on the market today.

PICK IT UP

What you do need to know is our cutout has a function. They call it “The Gimme Getter.” Because we all don’t make every 60 footer, we designed The Gimme Getter to pick up your ball on the rare occasion you happen to miss by a few inches. This brilliant innovation doesn’t belong to them, but they put it in there because it’s… well, bad!

Overall, I liked the look and feel of the DF3. It had good weight, and I was able to drop a few during my round. The head cover is thick, plush and compliments the putter. It took me a few holes to get the feel but once I did, it felt good. It comes with a pretty hefty price tag but if you put some careful thought into your purchase, you’ll want to keep it in the bag for a long time.

DF3 Stock – $499.00 & DF3 Custom – $599.00

For more information visit: labgolf.com