As the sun sets on the 2009 Golf Guide, you’d think that after writing 14 days worth of content (not including today) and well over 30,000 words I’d be completely over the whole golf thing.  Instead I find myself looking forward to this season more so than any other to date.  I’ve got a lot of great gear queued up to review, and plenty more that I’m working on getting my hands on.  The 2009 golf season should, several times over, be the busiest we’ve ever had here at whatthedeuce/qwowi.com.

Once again, I’d like to say thank you to all my wonderful Marketing and PR friends who helped out along the way (a special thanks to all of you who provided samples for our giveaways).  I look forward to working with you all season long.

While current economic conditions could be better (understatement), the industry as a whole is plodding along, and making sure there are plenty of options for us golfers to choose from.  While those same economic conditions might force us to be a bit more conservative with our purchases, if there’s an upside it’s that I expect to see bigger sales, and steeper discounts than we’ve seen in years past.

The true beauty of the golf industry is that the market is highly competitive.  While each of us may have our biases and personal preferences, the equipment, almost universally, is of similar quality, and offers similar performance.  Not only does this mean that prices have to remain competitive, but it also all but forces the companies to put the customer first.

I’m actually in the market for nothing this year.  I’m happy with my TaylorMade SuperQuad – although I would entertain replacing it.  You couldn’t pay me to replace my Ping G10 Fairway woods.  I’ll play my Titleist 585H until the face collapses.  My Callaway X-20 Tour irons are probably the most vulnerable clubs in my bag, and yet, it’s highly unlikely I’ll replace them either.  I just re-upped on wedges (Vokey Spin Milled) last summer, and bought a Mizuno Bettinardi BC-1 putter last April.  My bag is pretty settled, but one never knows…

So with all that out of the way, it’s time to get to this year’s dream bag.  This is the 3rd year for the dream bag, and while in each of  the last two years I have bought a new club or two, I think it’s only fair to mention that nothing from any dream bag has ever made it into my actual bag.  The lesson: always try before you buy.

With nothing left to be said, I present the final chapter in Qwowi’s 2009 Golf Gear Guide; The Dream Bag:

Apparel

As much as I love the idea of the eco-friendly, corn fiber based Verterra Sport polo, and as impressed as I’ve been so far by the Opedix Posture Shirt (full review coming soon), PUMA’s golf collection has really been one of the biggest finds for me this year.  Yeah, I mentioned the belts (and I think they look great).  And yeah, I’m digging the notion of golfing in something other than khaki cargo shorts (Qwowi has style), it’s really the Invisibonding polo that I’m itching to get my hands on.  What’s not to like about a moisture wicking fabric that moves with your body?  Plus, it’s completely seamless.  It has no seams!  And yet it stays together.  It boggles the mind.  Also, without mentioning names, I’ve been tied to one specific brand of polo for 3 years now.  It’ll be nice to mix it up.

Although I filed it away in my Sunshine & Rain post, I’m also bagging the new Titanium Performance Golf Gear from Columbia.  Durable, lightweight, and waterproof, what else could you ask for?  Oh, you want something that’s got a little stretch to it, moves with your body, and doesn’t fit like a Hefty bag?  Well, it does that too.  Since we’re playing with virtual money, I’ll take an entire rain suit and call it a day.

Footwear

I’ll be completely honest; if I were actually buying footwear the most comfortable shoe would win.  Technology is great.  Stability is great.  Microfiber is great.  And yeah, memory foam is great, but if it hurts your feet, what good is it?

I’ve got two favorites in the footwear category.  I love everything I’ve read about FootJoy’s new SYNR-G shoe, and I have no doubt it’s an all-star performer.  I’m also incredibly curious about PUMA’s Swing Crown GTX with its “Smart Quill” technology and mis-matched soles.  So both would be at the top of my list for new footwear this year, and whichever proves to be the most comfortable is the one that will be on my feet.

Regardless of which pair I’d actually choose, you can bet I’m covering them up with a pair of Golfskins.  These things are simply brilliant.

Golf Balls

The ProV1 is the easiest, and most obvious choice, but that’s not how I do.  In the absence of a new TaylorMade TP Red (my current favorite ball), I’ll take the new Nike One Tour, and hope like hell it offers everything Nike says it does (reduced spin and increased distance).

As a guy whose played everything from the ProV1 down to a TopFlite XL-200, believe me when I say that there are differences between golf balls, and and those differences are so pronounced that even a beginner can tell one from the.  I’m a huge proponent of playing the best ball you can reasonably afford, which is also why this guide won’t come to an end without one more mention of LostGolfBalls.com.  LostGolfBalls.com offers premium golf balls, in like new condition, at incredible discounts.  You could spend $50 on a dozen balls, but why would you when you can get that same dozen for under $30?

Umbrellas

I can’t believe we’ve gotten to the point where umbrellas have evolved enough to deserve anything more than a passing mention.  Clearly they have, as I’ve moved from writing sentences like “2009 is a big year for umbrellas” to being torn between the Mibrella and the Davek Golf Umbrella (the one with the anchor spike).  While I like that I can stick the Davek in the ground to keep it from blowing around, and the fact that it could probably be used for self-defense, it’s very difficult to pass up the oversized, asymmetrical canopy, and the really cool Load-N-Go cart system of the Mibrella.  I’d be completely happy with either, but for the sake of the Dream Bag, I’m bagging the Mibrella.

On-Course Accessories

As much as I love my uPro and I do.  And as much as I have no actual plans to replace my uPro (I don’t), this is a dream bag scenario, and the rules say I have to pick something new, which is why I’m bagging the OnPar Golf GPS from Savant.  It features sweet touch screen action and OnPoint technology.  It also tracks statistics and even makes club recommendations.  The OnPar is probably as close as most of us will get to having our own caddy on the payroll.  What’s also really cool about the OnPar Golf GPS is that your purchase price entitles you to each and every course in the OnPar library.  There are no subscription fees, no download fees, nothing.  The OnPar is a one-time, and one time only expense.

Training

I’m not a fan of training clubs you can’t hit balls with.  I’m also not one to work on his putting nearly as much as he should (which is why I’m not bagging the TOMI).  What I do like to do, however, is hit range balls with the the hope that all that practice will eventually make me a better ball striker hasn’t happened yet, but the new Tour Striker gives me cause for optimism.  The Tour Striker, which looks an awful lot like an 8-iron with the mother of all leading edges,  is the only training aid designed to teach you how to make ball contact utilizing a forward shaft lean and a descending blow.  I don’t ever remember being more excited about a training club.  I’m bagging it, and with a little luck I’ll be reviewing it too.

Golf Bags

I’m an OGIO guy so you might expect that I’m going to once again pick an OGIO bag.  Well, you’d be right.  But…it’s never been more difficult.  I am taking the new Anomaly, because I’m generally a fan of big cart bags that can hold a ton of stuff, and have lots of cool features like Zipperless Ball Pouches, and flip-up side pockets.  I don’t travel light.  It’s also true that I’ve been carrying OGIO bags for 6 years now, and I’ve never once have I been disappointed.

So yeah, give me the Anomaly, but understand that I’m really intrigued by both the the Golfoholic bag with its sleek European lines and optional solar electronics charger, and the Bennington Quiet Organizer and its innovative club storage system.  Had I hands on experience with either, I might have gone in a different direction.

Drivers

I’m sweet, real sweet on the new TaylorMade R9.  As both a solid TaylorMade driver guy, and as a guy who is an admitted sucker for Moveable Weight Technology, and other adjustabilities, it’s hard to imagine I’d look beyond the R9.  Of course, I’m also hot for the new the Cobra L5V.  I’ve never gone composite before, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.  I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if, after having opportunity to demo, one or the other found its way into my bag (please don’t tell my wife).  That said, for the Dream Bag  I’m bagging the Adams Speedline.  I don’t think I’ve ever chosen an Adams club before – in fact, I’m sure I haven’t, but the whole wind-tunnel testing, drag-reducing, science thing has placed the Speedline alone on the top of my list for 2009.   Quite frankly, I never saw it coming.

Fairway Woods

I’m going to cheat and hold on to the clubs I already own.  Maybe I’d think about the new Bobby Jones clubs when they hit the market.  Maybe the Mizuno MX-700 could get me thinking too.  There’s never been a TaylorMade wood I haven’t thought about, and I do love the sound and feel of a Titleist, but…  As far as I’m concerned I have two perfectly perfect (yup, I know I just almost repeated words) Ping G10s in my bag right now.  Yeah, this is the dream bag, and yeah, I’m supposed to find something for new 2009, but even being the gear whore that I am, there simply isn’t any reason (good or otherwise) to think about pulling the Pings.  I’ve never hit a fairway wood as consistently as I hit my G10s.  There’s no way I’m taking them out of my bag.  You want me to get rid of my Pings?  From my cold dead hands…

Hybrids

Once again I like the TaylorMade.  Flight Control Technology, and the whole adjustability thing  in a hybrid makes the Rescue Mid TP very appealing.  I could easily see myself picking one (maybe two) up.  Early feedback on the Mizuno MX-700 is also extremely positive too, so that could be an option as well.  But the thing is, I love my current Titleist 585H.  In fact, it’s my go to club from a variety of lies; especially after I’ve gotten myself into some trouble (as I often do).  If the shaft broke tomorrow, my inclination would be to fix it rather than replace it.  So with no other Titleist clubs high on my list this year, I’m going to play it safe, go with what I know (and love).  I’m bagging the the 909H.

Irons

I’ll be honest, there’s not too much in the way of irons I’m overly excited about.  That said, I’ve hit the Mizuno MX-200s and really liked them.  If I’m foolish enough to hit them again, I might be inclined to buy them (again…don’t tell my wife).  I’m also really looking forward to checking out the new Cobra SZ irons.  I love the clean lines, and general lack of flare (obnoxious graphics and colors) - a rarity in a game improvement iron.  Forced to pick a winner, I’ll take the Mizunos for the soft, forged feel, the Mizuno reputation, and the fact that I already know that I like them.  But yeah, the Cobras look pretty sweet too and you can bet I’ll demo a set before the season is over.  As long as we’re playing a ”what if” game.  What if I were a handful of strokes better?  Mizuno MP-52s…it’s not even a question.

Wedges

I love wedges.  I think I own 8 of them now (not counting my pitching wedge).  I’d happily own 8 more.  With the USGA cracking down hard on the size of grooves, it’s high time we all started thinking a bit less about spin (not that my choice won’t spin), and paying a bit more attention to feel and functionality.

Focusing on the feel thing actually makes my decision a whole lot easier.  With more grind choices than anyone, and far and away the softest steel in the industry, the forged 1018 wedges from Scratch Golf will absolutely find a place in my bag.   Sure, I’d love to find room for the 73° Feel Dart Thrower (just for the fun of it), but if we’re talking about assembling a new set of 3 wedges, let’s see…  How about Scratch, Scratch, and Scratch.

Putter

There are two schools of thought here.  If I’m keeping it traditional, I’ll take the outstanding feel, and immediate roll that comes with the Rife Bimini blade.  Of course, I’m not always a traditionalist, which is why my pick is the new Axis1 Eagle.  Yeah, it looks strange, and the whole axis in line with the shaft thing sounds a bit gimmicky.  The thing is, for a putter that’s been on the scene for all of about 2 weeks now, it’s already received a tremendous response, and numerous accolades from the industry.  My buddy Tony over at HookedOnGolfBlog speaks highly of it, as do the guys at Golf.com who named it Best in Show (PGA Merchandise Show).  The next bad word I read about the Axis1 will be the first.  It’s quite simply this year’s must-try club.

Every year there seems to be one really hot product that comes out of the PGA Merchandise Show.  This year, I think that product is the Axis1 Eagle.  Funny looks aside, I’m bagging it.

With my golf guide complete (at least for now), and my dream bag full, I’m heading out to play 18 (as soon as this damn snow melts).

Check back all season long for detailed reviews of some of the products featured in this guide, plus many many more.

Hit ‘em straight,
-Tony

I love wedges.  They are, without hesitation, my favorite clubs (though I love the big dog too).  Those who had the pleasure of watching me learn the game (which involved more than few bladed shots back and forth across greens), might wonder if I’m a glutton for punishment.  I have gotten better with my wedges (although I’m still nowhere close to where I want to be).  And because nobody was around to teach me about pitching, chipping, and the “smart” way to play golf,  I taught myself the flop shot.  I taught myself the hell out of it.  For most, a lob wedge over a tree off a hard pan lie is one of the scariest shots one might face over the course of 18.  Me, I not only love it, I live for it.  There’s are few things on a golf course that give me more confidence in my ability than a ball sitting on bare dirt, just 40 yards off the green, with a 20′ spruce in between.  Gimmee the lobber!

2009 is a relatively quiet year for wedges (at least when compared to some other clubs).  And while I’d be happy to fill this space up with a bunch of news about stuff that’s just now hitting the market, I relish the opportunity to circle back and talk about some of the wedges that found their way on to store shelves after last year’s guide went up.

Adams Golf Puglielli Wedge

Adam’s Watson series wedges have been around for some time now, but I don’t think they ever really developed a following – even among amateur golfers.  This year, however, Adams hopes to change that with the introduction of the Puglielli series wedge.  Adams Tour rep. Max Puglielli designed the new wedges to better meet the needs of serious amateur players.  The Puglielli wedge has the classic teardrop shape that most better players prefer.  The satin finished, carbon steel face features a CNC “Fly-Cut” face and milled grooves designed to provide tremendous spin, and outstanding feel.

The Puglielli wedge also has a 7-gram weight cartridge, which not only adds vibration reduction (contributing to that soft feel I just mentioned), but it also allows the swing weight to be adjusted.

If there’s a knock on the Adams Puglielli wedges it’s the lack of lofts currently available (52°, 56°, 60°), but since those happen to be the lofts I carry, it’s hard for me to complain too much.  The wedges come stock with the TrueTemper DynamicGold shaft.

More information is available from www.adamsgolf.com.

Wilson Tw9

Wilson has quietly been making great golf equipment for a number of years now, and yet this is the first time I’ve mentioned their name in one of my Golf Guides.  My apologies.  The fact that it’s taken this long should give you a good idea how much good stuff there is to choose from.  Anyway…

What really needs to be said about the wedge that Padraig Harrington had in play at the British Open and PGA Championship?  How about…it works.  And while I might question the logic of any company other than Nike using “Tw” in a product name, it’s really not all that important.  What matters is the wide, sharp grooves that have been milled to USGA limits.  What matters is the elastomeric coating that provides a soft feel.  And what really, really matters, is the unique approach Wilson has taken to wedge design.

Matching cavity backs with musclebacks or blades in a set of irons is nothing new, but wedges?  Well, that’s exactly what Wilson has done.  The lower lofted wedges feature a cavity back design for more forgiveness, while the higher lofted clubs feature a more traditional blade design for the ultimate in control.  I’m unaware of any other manufacturer taking this sort of approach, but I think it’s a pretty cool idea.

The Wilson Tw9 wedges are available lofts from 48° to 60° in 2° increments.  They’re available in either a satin or low glare gunmetal finish.  At roughly $100 a club, the Tw9s are some of the most affordably priced tour quality wedges on the market.

More information is available from www.wilsongolf.com.

Titleist Vokey Wedges

2008 was a huge year for Vokey wedges, and it’s impossible for some of that excitement not to carry over into the 2009 season.  Perhaps the biggest news was the launch of www.vokey.com and the Vokey Design Studio.  While initial prices were high ($250), Vokey fans flocked to the site for just a taste of the kind of custom service Titleist Tour pros get every day.  Prices have dropped a bit since launch (currently $200 per wedge), and Titleist fans are still flocking to the site for the limited edition wedges featuring tour proven M & TVD grinds.  If wedges weren’t enough, the Vokey site also offers some really cool shirts, hats, and other accessories, that probably could have (and maybe should have) made it into other sections of the Golf Guide.

For those of us not willing to drop $200 on a wedge at Vokey.com (or $500 on the same wedge at the Golf Warehouse), there’s still plenty to get excited about.  While not “new” in the truest sense of the word, the popular Vokey Spin Milled wedge is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in ‘09.   Once limited to lofts of 54° or greater, the new generation of Vokes is available from 48° all the way to 64°.  Last year I did quite a bit of whining and crying about the lack of 64° wedges from most of the bigger manufacturers, but this year I’ve been silenced by a sweet satin finished Vokey pacifier.  Of course, if I were so inclined, that same pacifier (wedge) is also available (to righties anyway) in a black nickel or Oil Can finish.

If that wasn’t enough, Da Voke has added more bounce options than ever.  Lofts of 54° or more are now available in your choice of low, medium, or full bounce.  And just for good measure, he’s added some tour inspired sole grinds too.  For those keeping score at home, that’s 17 different Vokey wedges to choose from.   That’s a lot of wedges right there.

Vokey wedges are designed using CAD and precisely cast – nay, sculpted out of 8620 Carbon steel.  If there is a knock on the Vokey wedge it’s that the cast head isn’t quite as soft as you’ll find in forged wedge, but there’s obviously a significant contingent of golfers who couldn’t care less.

The Titleist Vokey Spin Milled wedge comes stock with the TrueTemper DynamicGold S200 shaft.  Retail price is $120.

Scratch Golf 1018 & 8620 Wedges

Last year I devoted an entire page of the Golf Gear Guide to Scratch.  Part of me wishes I had the time and the space to do it again.   With their clubs already in play on the PGA, Champions, Nationwide, European, and LPGA tours, 2009 is shaping up to be a great year for the undisputed King of Custom Wedges.  Building off the success of their JLM line, Scratch Golf has announced the new 1018 and 8620 lineup of wedges.

While most of the wedge guys talk about grooves, the guys at Scratch put the emphasis on the grind.  A good shot comes from solid contact and for that you need a sole grind specifically matched to your swing.  That’s why the company offers 5 distinct grinds as part of its standard wedge offering.  Step up to a custom studio wedge and that number jumps to an astonishing 18 different sole grinds, accompanied by 3 different head shapes, and 8 different finishes.  Some companies talk about custom wedges, Scratch actually delivers.

Of course, I wouldn’t want to suggest that Scratch thinks grooves are unimportant.  To the contrary, their new wedges feature what Scratch calls ABC grooves, or “All Bite No Cover”.  The grooves are machined to USGA limits, and then the outer edges are slightly cambered to prevent excessive wear on softer golf balls.  A wedge that produces a lot of spin, but  doesn’t destroy your golf ball; what a novel idea.

For guys like me who like their wedges like their dinner rolls (buttery) Scratch has created the new for ‘09, 1018 wedge.  Forged from the softest steel in the game, the 1018 features a tighter shape, minimal stamping, and a new glare-reducing smoked satin finish.  You won’t find a softer wedge anywhere, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better looking one either.

The new 8620 wedge is targeted at the budget-minded golfer (in this economy, I think that’s all of us).  It’s cast from 8620 steel and has a brushed satin finish.  While nobody is going to tell you that it offers the soft feel of the 1018, you can still choose 1 of 5 sole grinds.  You’re unlikely to get the same level of performance from any other sub-$100 wedge.

Both of the new wedges come stock with a Scratch exclusive KBS Tour wedge shaft.  Scratch spent over a year working with designer Kim Braley to create a shaft that offers the perfect balance of weight, balance, and feel for optimum performance on all types of wedge shots.

Retail price for 8620 wedge is $99.  The super-soft 1018 retails for $149.  Custom wedges start at $249.    The 1018 and 8620 are available in lofts fo 53°, 56°, 58°, and 60°.  For custom wedges you can choose from lofts between  48°-64°.  Both the Scratch Custom Studio, and more information about wedge fitting can be found at www.scratchgolf.com.

Cleveland Niblick

You can guarantee that just about every year there’s going to be at least one piece of new equipment that completely rubs me the wrong way.  Last year it was the Odyssey Marxman X-ACT.  This year it’s the team at Cleveland Golf that’s stepping up and screaming, “You suck, stick this in your bag.  You’re still going to suck, but maybe you’ll embarrass yourself a little less often”.  Of course, that’s not exactly what Cleveland is saying, but that what I think whenever a club like the new Niblick short game hybrid hits the market.

I’m generally a fan of Cleveland Golf’s clubs, but their new Niblick really chafes me under the knickers.  Before I tell you why I hate the very notion of the Niblick, it’s only fair to tell you that there’s actually plenty to like about Cleveland’s latest wedge (and I do use the word “wedge” loosely).  Like all newer Cleveland wedges, the Niblick features Zip Grooves for increased spin.  It has a GelBack™ visco-elastic insert for vibration reduction and increased feel.  According to Cleveland the new Niblick combines the best features of hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters, into one versatile and easy to hit club.

Cleveland says the Niblick is ideal for full approach shots, pitching, chipping, and recovering from trouble.  The increased bounce (when compared to standard irons) helps eliminate fat shots while other design features promote stability and forgiveness.  The length of the Niblick’s shaft is 35″ (the same as many putters), but Cleveland claims that the hybrid-like head design allows the Niblick 8 to match the distance of an 8-iron.  It all sounds pretty good, but, I feel compelled to ask…

In a world of super game improvement irons with heads like sledgehammers, do we really need another specialty club designed to do exactly the same thing as the clubs you already have in your bag?  Sure, the Niblick is versatile, but with lofts of 37° and 42°, what are you going to do, take the 8 or 9 irons out of your bag?  Are you going to replace a hybrid with a club you’d be lucky to get 140 yards out of.  Yes, you could pull a wedge out of your bag, but what’s the Niblick going to do for you in the sand?  Some early reviews have suggested the Niblick is an excellent replacement for your chipper.  Of course, the same is true of a croquet mallet, a field hockey stick, and a garden variety plunger insomuch as, like a chipper,  none of them has any business in a respectable golfer’s bag in the first place.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘niblick’, it’s not a new word.  It was actually the name given to a pre-20th century hickory shafted golf club.  From a loft perspective, the niblick was roughly equivalent to the modern 9-iron.  Don’t you already have one of those?  Granted, it might make things a tad bit easier, but the Niblick doesn’t offer anything different from the clubs you already own.  I will concede that, as far as gadget clubs are concerned, the Cleveland Niblick is the nicest, most robust offering I’ve seen to date.  Concessions aside, my humble opinion is that there’s infinitely more benefit to gained by learning how to get more out of the clubs you already own.

The Cleveland Niblick short game hybrid retails for around $110.  More information is available at www.clevelandgolf.com.

Feel Golf Dart Thrower 73° Wedge

Perhaps it’s a bit hypocritical of me to promote a wedge with an amazing 73° degrees of loft after calling the Cleveland Niblick a gadget club.  I’m alright with that though, since, as I said at the beginning of this piece, I love wedges, and more to the point; I love the flop shot.  What better way to hit a wide open flop shot that with a wedge with an unparalleled 73° of loft.

A spatula among wedges, the new Dart Thrower from Feel features CNC milled grooves that conform to the new USGA regulations that will go in effect in 2010.  To further promote spin, Feel has milled very small score lines over the entire face.   Covering distances from 3 feet to 70 yards, the 73° wedge is ideal for short side shots from a bunker or from just off the green.  Sure, it might force you to adjusted the gaps between your wedges (If I added a 73, I’d probably replace my 56° with a 58°), but having the ability to take a full swing from 10 yards out and stop the ball on a dime is reason enough to consider making the change.

The Feel Dart Thrower 73° wedge retails for $109.99.  It’s expected to start shipping around 4/1/2009.  Moe information is available from www.feelwedges.com.

Fairway woods are boring, and I’m not talking about trajectory.  Let’s face it, Fairway woods just aren’t that interesting.  The technology doesn’t seem to advance like it does for drivers, and when there is actually something new, it’s usually hand-me-down technology from the big stick.  In nearly all cases the fairway wood is very much the dull little brother of the driver.

Of course, despite the absence of any real excitement, most of us still carry at least one fairway wood.  I still carry two, although I do, from time to time, toy with the nothing of replacing one of them with a hybrid.  We want the potential distance they can provide, but for many of us, playing a shot with a fairway wood is a form of gambling where the cost of losing is very often my golf ball.

I actually toyed with the idea of skipping the fairway woods altogether in this year’s guide, but it seemed a bit silly to leave a club out of the virtual bag, and besides, I did find one company that has actually introduced something unique in the fairway division for 2009.  So while I won’t cover all of the fairway clubs to match the drivers I discussed in day 1 of the guide, it’s safe to assume that Ping, Cobra, Callaway, TourEdge, Mizuno and everyone else offers a fairway wood to match that new driver you’re thinking about.

On to the clubs..

Nike SQ Dymo Fairway

Let me answer the two most pressing question first; no – as of this writing, Nike has not announced any STR8-fit option for the Dymo fairway.  Yes – just like last year, regular Dymo (round) and Dymo² (square) versions are available.  I decided to mention the Dymo fairway because the new design incorporates what Nike calls “Quad Keel” technology.  In a nutshell, Quad Keel means that the sole of the club has 4 unique quadrants.  I know what you’re thinking…”so what”?

Nike says that the Quad Keel design allows for better turf interaction, which means that in addition to helping you get the ball airborne in the most general sense, the Dymo Fairway should play better from a variety of lies.  The bottom line here is versatility, which is never a bad thing, especially in the square model which is designed with mid to high handicappers in mind.  While I haven’t hit the Dymo fairway yet, I’ve had a chance to check them out.  I’m a guy who prefers a smaller head on fairway clubs (excess bulk does not inspire confidence off the mat), which is why I find both the Dymo and Dymo² appealing. I think Nike might have a winner here.

The Dymo Fairway and Dymo² Fairway comes stock with the UST Wide Body Shaft Design with Axiv Core, and are available in strong 3, 3 wood, 4 wood, and 5 wood lofts.  Retail price is $229.00.  More information can be found at www.nikegolf.com.

TaylorMade R9 Fairway

Unlike Nike, TaylorMade has elected to pass their new Flight Control Technology (FCT) down from the R9 driver to their new fairway woods.  Like the driver, the R9 Fairway allows the shaft to be configured in 1 of 8 positions allowing for up to 35 yards of side to side flight adjustment.  As the marketing literature is quick to point out, the R9 is the first fairway club to provide the average golfer with a tour-van like experience.

The head itself features that “New Classic” design we covered in the drivers section of the guide.  While that’s all well and good, what’s significant about the new design is that the center of gravity of the clubhead is 50% lower than it was in the R7 series.  Now as I said, I’m not one to get too caught up in CG, MOI, or COR (coefficient of restitution), but as a guy who is generally a fan of TaylorMade woods, and will all deference to the ultra-forgiving Burner series, I felt like their signature R-series was a bit behind in the forgiveness department.  I’m glad to see improvements have been made.

Along the same lines, the R9 features a redesigned sole, which is more rounded, and beveled, which, similar to what Nike has done with the Dymo, leads to reduced turf contact and better playability from a variety of lies.

The R9 Fairway (also available in a TP model) is available in lofts of 13º (strong 3), 15º (3 wood), 17º (4 wood) and 19º (5 wood) degrees.  Retail price when the clubs hit shelves in March will be a relatively steep $275.

More information can be found at www.taylormadegolf.com.

Titleist 909 Fairway

Just like most of big name companies these days, Titleist gives golfers a couple of options for fairway woods.  That’s a solid move, because, by reputation anyway (and I’ve said this countless times), the Titleist brand is targeted for the better golfers among us.  Once upon a time a Titleist wood was really only a choice for the single-digit handicapper.  Over the last couple of years, however, Titleist has taken strides to improve the forgiveness of their woods to the point where, even for the average golfer, Titleist has to be a consideration; although in practice my advice would be for 15+ handicappers to look elsewhere.

For 2009 Titleist has created the 909F2 and the 909F3.  The 909 F2 features a rounded profile, with a larger, extended face.  Its high launch and mid-spin characteristics are more suitable to the average golfer than the single-digit handicapper.  Titleist has incorporated a multi-relief sole, which (I’m sensing a theme here) helps to minimize turf contact which, well…you already know what that does.  The F3 is designed with confidence and forgiveness in mind, and most importantly it still looks, sounds, and feels like a Titleist.  The F2 is available in lofts of 13.5º (strong 3), 15.5º (3 wood) and 18.5º (5 wood).

The 909 F3 is targeted at those golfers who place a premium on control.  To be sure, its mid-launch, low spin characteristics are far better suited for a low handicap golfer than for your weekend duffer.  The F3 features the pear-shaped head that we’ve all come to love from Titleist.  Although Titleist has continued to improve the forgiveness of their clubs, the F3 places a premium on control, which means it’s appeal will be to golfers with an affinity for working the ball.  Like the 909 F2, the F3 features a multi-relief sole to reduce turf drag.  The F3 is available in lofts of 13º (strong 3),  15º (3 wood), and 18º (5 wood).

Both models in the 909 Series are fitted with a factory installed SureFit Swing Screw, which adds additional mass where it matters most (low and deep).  Factory shaft options include the Mitsubishi Diamana Blue or the Aldila Voodoo.  Retail price for the club is $199.

More information is available at www.titleist.com.

Cleveland Launcher Fairway

I covered the Clevlend HiBore Monster XLS in the drivers section, and it’s worth mentioning that there is a fairway version of the same club.  While the Monster XLS is the obvious choice for fans of the HiBore series, I thought that after mostly ignoring the Launcher Driver, I’d use this space to shine some light on the Launcher Fairway from Cleveland.  It’s been a couple of years since we’ve seen a new Launcher, and quite honestly I was a little worried Cleveland had abandoned the line altogether.  Thankfully, however, it’s back, which provides Cleveland fans (and all other golfers for that matter) a more conventional alternative to the HiBore.

More evolutionary than revolutionary, Cleveland has built several improvements on the already strong foundation of the Launcher.  The newest incarnation of the Launcher boasts a face that is 11% larger than the previous model.  With an MOI number of over 3000 (I hate MOI numbers), it’s the most forgiving Launcher Cleveland has ever created.   While the head may be conventionally shaped, Cleveland claims the performance is anything but.  With a mid trajectory and low spin, and a new longer, lighter Fujikura Fit-On Flightspeed shaft it’s also the longest Launcher ever.  It  doesn’t hurt that esthetically speaking, it’s an absolutely beautiful golf club.

The new Cleveland Launcher comes stock with the afore mentioned Fit-On Flightspeed shaft in your choice of red or gold model (check with your clubfitter to determine which one is better suited to your game).  Available lofts include 13º (strong 3),  15º (3 wood), 17º (Cleveland calls it a weak 3, the rest of the world calls it a 4 wood), 18º (5 wood), and 22º (7 wood).  Retail price is $179.95.

More information is available at www.clevelandgolf.com.

Adams Speedline Hybrid-Fairway Wood

Remember at the beginning when I said that I had found one club that was really unique?  Well, this is it.  In truth, I suppose I could have just as easily saved it for the Hybrids section, but I decided to put it here.  As you may already know, hybrids hit the market about 6 years.  Billed as a cross (or hybridization) of fairway woods, they immediately began finding their way into many golfers bags as replacements for longer irons, and in some cases, even replacing shorter clubs.  Think of it this way, if your fairway wood and your 3-iron had a baby, it would be a hybrid.  And yes, I know that’s a great over-simplification.

So here we are 5+ years later and Adams is introducing something called a Hybrid-Fairway.  If a hybrid was designed to bridge the gap between your fairway woods and your irons, then this new concept from Adams is designed to fill the gap between your woods and your hybrids.  Chances are you didn’t even know there was a gap there.  Think of it this way, if your fairway wood and your hybrid had a baby, it would be a Hybrid-Fairway.  And yes, I know you’re confused…me too.  One look at the head, however; reveals that while some of scooped out, wind tunnel tested features of the Speedline driver remain, there is so much more to this club than hand-me-down technology.

The major selling p0int of the Hybrid-Fairway is that it offers us exactly what we’ve been trying to figure out how to achieve over the last few years; hybrid forgiveness with fairway distance.  It’s the first fairway club (if you can call it that) to incorporate the same Boxer Technology that has helped to make Adams’ hybrids so popular over the last few years.  Adams reports that the new design has a 12% greater MOI than their already forgiving fairway clubs.  Among other improvements over Adams’ traditional fairway clubs are a higher launch and greater ball speed.  As I already said; hybrid forgiveness with fairway distance.  Amen, brother.

The Adams Speedline Hybrid-Fairway comes stock with a 70-gram Grafalloy Prolaunch Axis shaft.  It’s available in lofts of 13º (strong 3) 15 (3 wood) 18º (5 wood).  Retail price is $229.99.

More information is available from www.adamsgolf.com.

One From Last Year: Ping G10 Fairway

Let me first say this:  there is no such thing as a magic club.  Remember that.  I mentioned the Ping Rapture V2 in a previous post.  I also mentioned that I almost bought Ping drivers on two separate occasions.  I had tried Ping, but I had never bought…and I didn’t think I would have any reason to for a while, but…

I was pretty happy with the composition of my bag last year – I had no burning desire to upgrade (which is strange for me), but one sunny morning last June at Saratoga National Golf Course, my TaylorMade R580 3 wood was decapitated.  It was truly a horrifying, tragic sight.  Just like that, 5 years of familiarity (which did in fact breed some contempt) was over.  Forced to buy new woods I tried lots, and lots, and lots of potential replacements.  I narrowed the field, and then narrowed it some more.  And when I had it down to 2, I really, really wanted to buy the Titleist 906 F4.  I loved the look, the feel, and the sound, but the same was mostly true of the Ping G10 (still not loving the burnt orange), and the thing about the G10, it almost always went long, and more importantly it almost always went straight.  So almost begrudgingly, I bought the G10 (two of them actually).

I’ve played about a dozen rounds or so with my G10s, and while I could go on and on about so many things I like about them, I’ll just say this; I’ve never had more confidence in a golf club than I do with the G10.  Yeah, it’s not the newest model on the market, but it did just make Golf Digest’s Hot List for the 2nd year in a row (yes, I know every club makes the hot list).  If you’re in the market for new fairway woods, do yourself a huge favor and try the G10.  There is no magic club, but it’s the closest thing I’ve found yet.

More information is available from www.pinggolf.com.

As I mentioned in my introductory post, this year’s Golf Gear Guide will be a bit different from years past.  Instead of breaking the guide down by manufacturer, I’ve decided to do it by category.  I made the change for a couple of reasons.  Firstly, my hope is it will allow me to include products that might otherwise have been left out in a brand by brand approach. Secondly, it eliminates awkward gaps in those situations where a particular company might not have anything new and exciting in particular category (fairway woods spring to mind).  Thirdly, and most importantly, I’m hoping it will prevent me from having to repeat myself, over and over and over again.

Don’t get me wrong, I love golf gear.  I live for this time of year when new products are being announced.  I live for demo days and other hands on events.  I love to talk, write, and play golf.  The things is, as much as all of the clubs are different, there is a lot of similarity too.  What I mean by that is that all the important buzzwords (MOI, COR, COG/CG, stability, forgiveness, etc.) apply across the board.  While the actual manufacturer’s approaches may differ slightly, just about every club I’ll discuss in the guide is built to help the average golfer get the ball in the air and keep it straight.  Yes, there are exceptions, and I will point those out where they apply, but please, please don’t hold it against me if, in the interest of my own sanity, I keep the marketing mumbo jumbo to a minimum.

On to the drivers…

TaylorMade R9

It seems nearly unimaginable that it’s been 5 years since TaylorMade introduced Moveable Weight Technology (MWT) in their R7 Quad driver ($700+ at the time).  For 2009 the company has announced the R9 series driver, TaylorMade’s first to feature Flight Control Technology (FCT).  FCT is quite simply the evolution of MWT technology.  In addition to 3 precisely placed moveable weights, which TaylorMade claims work more efficiently than previous 4 weight models, FCT allows the golfer (with the help of a special wrench) to change the face angle, loft, and lie to 8 different configurations.  MWT and FCT combine to provide the golfer with what could be considered 24 drivers in one.

The design of the clubhead has been described by TaylorMade as “New Classic”.  Rather than argue over whether or not something can be both new and classic, I will simply tell you that the shape is best described as a combination of the R7 SuperQuad (which I still carry in my bag – and probably will until the face collapses, and last year’s R7 Limited; which from what I can tell from pictures, looks a bit like a very soft, rounded triangle.  The New Classic thing is starting to make a bit more sense now; although it might not be conventional enough for my tastes.

As is the case with just about every driver TaylorMade produces, the R9 will also be available in a TP model.  Unlike previous years where the Tour Preferred model was differentiated from the standard by slight variations in the clubhead, the only difference between the R9 and the R9 TP is the shaft.  Both feature the new Fujikura Motore 65-gram graphite shaft with High-Inertia Tip (H.I.T.) Technology (see what I mean about the marketing?).  The TP model (actually the Motore F1 – are we selling clubs or cars here?) is slightly stiffer with lower torque.

While it might sound gadgety or even gimmicky, I’m certainly willing to give the R9 a try.  Of course, this is coming from a guy who never met a TaylorMade he didn’t like.  Since the R9 shaft completely detaches from the clubhead during the whole adjusting thing, there’s no reason to believe there won’t be a bevy of aftermarket shaft options available for those who want even more configurability.

The R9, available on March 20th, will be available in lofts of 8.5º, 9.5º and 10.5º degrees.  MSRP is $500.  More information is available at www.taylormadegolf.com.

Titleist 909 Series

The 909 series is the latest offering from Titleist.  The latest offering includes 3 different options (each with a specific type of golfer in mind).  All feature Titleist’s timeless pear shaped head, and all feature a blind bore hosel design, which Titleist says promotes stability.  All 3 models also feature a “tuned sole” with pockets and an internal rib which help to reduce clubhead vibration.

While the 909 series is exactly what you might expect from Titleist, there are a few things that really stand out.  To the best of my recent recollection, the 909 COMP is Titleist’s first driver to feature a composite crown (not that you can tell without close inspection).  The lighter crown allows Titleist to free up some weight to help do the whole low COG thing.  Gone (or at least missing) is a Triangular-shaped D1 model.  While there is still room for a 909 D1, meaning Titleist could reintroduce the design at a later date, my hope is that they’ve completely abandoned the design in favor of the more conventional pear shape.  That leaves the 909 D2 as the best option for the average golfer who wants full titanium construction.

Finally, there’s the 909 D3.  While just about every other manufacturer has stopped producing anything under the 460cc limit, Titleist continues to make an undersized (at least by today’s standards) 440cc, D3 model.  The D3 is the most popular of the 909 series on tour, which tells me a couple of things.  Firstly, it’s designed to be the most workable of the 909 series; a true players club.  Secondly, I have no business putting one in my hands, but I still applaud Titleist for addressing the wants (if not the needs) of the best golfers among us.

All 3 members of the 909 family include a factory installed SureFit Swing Screw, which again, is all about placement of the COG.  While it’s not golfer configurable (nothing like TaylorMade’s MWT), it is a technological step forward for Titleist that allows them to compete for the affections of the gadgetry-obsessed golfer (like myself), while still remaining the driver of choice for purists.

While I love the sound and feel of Titleist drivers, it may be a while before I’m ready to go back to one (forgiveness is still my top priority).  I am curious to see how the sound of the COMP model compares to the perfect sound of other Titleist drivers.  These are questions for demo days, I suppose.

The 909 COMP has a MSRP of $550 and comes stock with the Titleist Matrix Ozik XCON (5 or 6) shaft.  The D2 and D3 retail for $450 and come stock with either the Diamana Blue 65 or Aldila VooDoo shafts.  While I can’t imagine one of those shafts wouldn’t work for you, Titleist continues to offer the most reasonable shaft upcharge pricing in the industry.  It’s available in lofts of 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º, and 11.5º (D3 excluded).  More information is available at www.titleist.com.

Callaway FT-IQ

The 2nd generation of Callaway’s foray into the square driver market hit store shelves last November.  The FT-IQ is reportedly the longest and straightest driver the company has manufactured to date.  An abundance of Callaway technology (Hyperbolic Face, Fusion Technology, Visible External Weighting) are built into the FT-IQ, which means it an excellent choice for golfers looking for more distance and a straighter ball flight.

While I haven’t had a chance to swing the new FT-IQ, it won’t stop me from mentioning a couple of caveats from the original FT-i.  Visually, the square shape takes some getting used to for sure.  Of course, having watched a 12 year old I got paired up with last summer hammer the ball up and down fairways all day long went a long way towards adjusting my eyes.  I’ve also never been fan of the sounds of composite drivers.  The original FT-I was an acoustical improvement over previous composite designs, so here’s hoping the trend continues.  You should also note that the IQ is a bit more rounded suggesting the days of a truly square head might be coming to an end nearly as quickly as they began.

The FT-IQ is available in lofts of 9º, 10º, 11º, and 13º in the standard model and 8.5º and 9.5º in the Tour model.  The stock shaft is a Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki (say that 3 times fast and see if you don’t get in trouble). Retail price is $499 for the ladies and standard model. The FT-IQ Tour retails for just under $530.  For Golfer’s looking for composite construction with a more traditional shape should consider Callaway’s new FT-9.  More info is available from www.callawaygolf.com

Callaway Big Bertha Diablo

For many, the Big Bertha brand is synonymous with Callaway.  It was, for all intense and purposes, the driver that put the company on the industry map.  For 2009 Callaway will be offering up the newest member of the Big Bertha family of drivers; the Diablo.  The new Diablo features Callaway’s Edge Technology, which is what Callaway is using to describe the shape and performance aspects of the clubhead.  As you might expect, it’s all about Center of Gravity placement, and MOI.  Edge Technology helps the golfer square the face at impact which leads not only to more power, but to many, many fewer balls spun off into the woods.

The head of Diablo features 4 piece construction, which is unusual in an all-titanium head.  Callaway is essentially using the same building process they use for their composite heads for the Diablo.  The result is an extremely light crown, which, as we should all know by now, means more weight can be placed lower and to the far edges of the clubhead.  It’s all about forgiveness.

There’s definitely a lot to like (at least on paper) about the Diablo, but despite all its features, one thing really stands out above the rest; the price.  With a retail price of $299, the Diablo is one of the more affordable drivers available in 2009.  With all of us cutting things out of the budget, a $299 driver is a whole lot more palatable than a $500 one.  Although either way, I’d still catch hell at home.

The Big Bertha Diablo, available in both neutral (8º, 9º, 10º) and draw (9º, 10º, 11º, 13º) bias,  hits store shelves in March.  More information will is available on www.callawaygolf.com.

Nike Dymo Series

Following up on last year’s SUMO series, Nike has announced the new for 2009 Dymo driver.  Just like in years past, the Dymo will be available with a conventionally shaped head, as well as a square-shaped Dymo².  What’s exciting about this year’s offering from Nike is that they will be offering both Dymo heads with their new STR8-Fit configuration.  Without being privy to all of the engineering details, what I can tell you is that STR8-FIT reads like it’s very similar to TaylorMade’s Flight Control Technology.

STR8-FIT head and shaft combinations can be configured in 1 of 8 different settings, which allow you to alter things like lie, loft, and clubface orientation.  Presumably, STR8-FIT addresses what some have considered to be a hole in the Nike driver lineup; the lack of a Tour model head.  By allowing the golfer to configure the driver open, closed, or perfectly squared, STR8-FIT should provide an ideal configuration for every golfer.  According to the Nike guys, a 10.5º STR8-FIT driver could be adjusted such that the effective loft could be anywhere from 8.5º to 12.5º.  Golf.com has a great chart showing the effect of each of the 8 shaft positions.  I think my head just exploded.  The STR8-FIT shaft completely detaches from the head, which means Nike has essentially built interchangeable shaft design into the STR8-FIT system, you know…just in case.

For the last couple of years Nike has lauded its PowerBow Technology as one of the many reasons why their drivers are so forgiving.  PowerBow Technology is essentially Nike’s internal weighting system, and what they use to manipulate CG and improve MOI.   For 2009, Nike has introduced a progressive weighting approach to its PowerBow Technology.  Simply stated, the weight of the PowerBow (the silver-colored, U-shaped, visible weight at the rear of the head) itself varies depending on the loft of the clubhead.  The higher the loft, the heaver the weight.  It should almost go without saying that this design improvement allows Nike to optimize both MOI and CG based on each particular loft.

As you may recall, the Original SQ² is widely considered to be the worst sounding driver of the last decade (if not the history of time).  Last year’s model was an improvement, however; it still sounded more like a baseball bat than a driver.  The good news is, the guys over at thehackersparadise.com have been fortunate enough to try the new Dymo drivers, and overall they’re very happy with the acoustical improvements. They’re also big fans of the driver in a more general sort of way.  My local pro shop has the Dymo in stock so once I shake off a bit of the winter rust, I’m going to head over and check it out for myself.

All Dymo drivers come stock with the UST AVIX shaft, which is available in a variety of weights and flexes.  STR8-FIT drivers are expected to hit shelves in and April with a retail price of$540.  Non-adjustable Dymo models with hit stores in February at a cost of $360.  For more information, see www.nikegolf.com

Cleveland HiBore Monster XLS

While other companies were developing square heads, and triangular heads, and even pentagonal heads, the engineers at Cleveland were working on the HiBore design.  Now some 3+ years later I’m telling you about the 3rd generation of the HiBore, the Monster XLS.  With his big honkin’ face, and sloped crown design, the HiBore is unique to be sure.  And while there are some detractors, the HiBore design has plenty of fans, and although I’ve never owned I HiBore, I definitely count myself among them.

In true evolutionary fashion, there is nothing dramatically different about this year’s Monster.  The head has been modified such that the face is 16% larger than last year’s XLS, and the overall shape has been refined to a point that, to my eyes anyway, appears to creep a bit towards square.   Cleveland has placed 24 grams of weight at key points around the perimeter of the club, which along with its Distance Driven Geometry (low and deep), make the HiBore Monster XLS an extremely long and forgiving club.

The HiBore Monster XLS is available in standard (neutral), draw (closed), and tour (440cc/2º open) models with either the Fujikura Flight Fit-On gold or red shaft.  The Monster is available in lofts of  8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º, and 11.5º.  One final note about the Monster; the toe graphics change color under UV light, which let you know that your club is authentic, which will matter to the eBay crowd.  Street price for the Monster XLS is around $300.

For those looking for a more conventionally shaped club, Cleveland recently updated their very popular Launcher model.  More information is available from www.clevelandgolf.com

Cobra Golf King Cobra L5V

Big brother Titleist has nothing on its little brother, Cobra Golf, when it comes to producing great drivers.  While the Titleist brand often caters to the low handicap golfer, Cobra frequently creates clubs targeted at the average to higher handicap player.  Such is the case with the L5V, which builds on the strengths of last year’s L4V.  And while there’s lots of cool technology built into the new L5V, what’s probably most important to us is this; it’s the longest and straightest driver Cobra has produced in the 35 year history of the brand.

The L5V, which Cobra features an extremely hot face (COR has been pushed to the USGA limit), which Cobra claims is the largest face in all of golf.  Like previous models, the L5V boasts multi-material construction (titanium face/carbon crown), which of course allows designers to place discretionary weight low, and to the edge of the clubhead (forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness).

New this year is Cobra’s Adjustable Flight Technology which, although not as robust as those built into the TaylorMade R9, or Nike STR8-FIT, does allow the golfer to easily switch between neutral and draw configurations.  It also opens up the door to interchangeable shafts; and should you want to go that route, Cobra offers 30 different shaft options for the L5V (the stock shaft is a Mitsubishi Diamana Red).

As I’ve said numerous times, I’m generally not a fan of composite drivers (it’s a sound thing), but I actually really liked last year’s L4V, and can’t wait to try out the L5V.  Cobra has been making composite crowned drivers for a while now, and they certainly do it as well or better than anyone.

As in past years, the L5V utilizes Cobra’s Speed Tuning system, which means there are 3 models available.  This guarantees there’s a L5V for every swing type.  The M series is for slower swing speeds, while the F series is designed with the average golfer in mind.  For those who can really crank it, an X model is available through special order.  The L5V is available in lofts of 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º, and 11.5º, although not all lofts are available on all heads.

Retail price for the L5V is $399.  Also check out the more traditionally shaped Cobra S9-1 Series due to hit stores later this month.  More information is available at www.cobragolf.com.

Adams Speedline

A couple of years ago I got a nasty email from an Adams fan who was pretty much out of his mind irate that I didn’t include Adams in my guide.  It’s a mistake I won’t make again, but anyway…

While the announcement of an A4 and A4OS (updates to last year’s hugely popular A3/A3OS) is certainly noteworthy, what really caught my eye was the brand new Speedline Driver.  While other companies are tinkering with moveable weights and adjustable shafts, the guys at Adams took a less conventional, yet strangely obvious approach to increasing distance; they stuck the clubhead in a wind tunnel.

The engineers at Adams actually used Wind Tunnel technology to improve the aerodynamics of the clubhead, and thus reduce clubhead drag, which as you can probably figure out, increases clubhead speed.  They incorporated something called computational fluid dynamics when designing the new Speedline head.  Quite honestly, I started to read all about it on the Speedline site, but it gave me a headache.  A man shouldn’t have to do that much thinking outside the office, you know? Bottom line; wind tunnels and fluid dynamics are coming to a pro shop near you.

Anyway, the people over at Adams claim the new design results in a 3-4 MPH increase in overall clubhead speed, which translates to an increase of up to 10 yards (actual results, as they often do, will vary).  Now I’m universally skeptical of any claims of absolute yardage increases, but at least there some science that I can understand at work here (at least until I ran into that fluid dynamics stuff).  Most importantly, however, is that the new Speedline promises, low drag, high speed, and…wait for it…high MOI, which as we all know (sing it with me) equals forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness.  Distance without sacrifice is really what the Speedline is all about.

While I’m still a couple of months away from golfing weather here in my frigid NY office, the Adams Speedline is high on my list of must try clubs for 2009.  The Speedline, which comes stock with a 60g Grafalloy ProLaunch Axis shaft is available in lofts of 8.5º, 9.5º, and 10.5º.  The draw version of the driver is available in 9.5º ,10.5º, 12.5º, and HL lofts.  Retail price is expected to be $399 when the Speedline hits shelves in February.

Adams is so convinced you’ll see a measurable increase in your swing speed, they’re offering an addition 20% on your trade in towards the purchase of a Speedline (through April at authorized Adams dealers and demo days events).  More information is available at www.adamsgolf.com.

TourEdge XCG-V

For a few years now I’ve held a quiet admiration for TourEdge.  I truly believe that, although their clubs don’t always get the attention of some of the others on this list, the company is one of the biggest innovators in the golf equipment business.  This year I’ve decided to be a little less quiet, and will be giving TourEdge some serious play as we work through the various posts in this year’s golf guide.

All other factors aside, TourEdge’s new XCG-V, offers the ultimate solution for golfers looking for the most different types of metal in their clubhead (this may be the most ridiculous sentence I write in the entire gear guide).  Now I’m willing to bet not one of you who reads this is thinking “I want a club with lots of different kinds of metal in it”, but I still think the Tri-metal construction of the XCG-V is worth pointing out.  As you might expect, the club features a titanium face (that’s just sort of how everyone does it these days).  The sole, however, is made from steel, while the crown is formed from magnesium.   According to Tour Edge, “This combination of advanced materials delivers an unprecedented ability to distribute weight within a driver head.”  Guess what?  It’s all about distributing weight (49% of it) below the ball and to the corners of the clubhead.  The idea itself is not unique, but the implementation is one of a kind.

When compared to the previous Exotics driver, the XCG-V offers and ridiculous 125% larger face with a 30% larger hot zone.  Unlike last year’s Exotics XLD, the head shape itself  is very much traditional, which will almost certainly appeal to a broader audience than the pentagonal design of its predecessor.

The TourEdge XCG-V is available in lofts of 9º, 10.5º, and 12º.  Your stock shaft options include the very popular Aldila VooDoo or the GraphiteDesigns Exotics.  Retail price for the XCG-V is $499.  Golfers looking for all titanium construction should consider the TourEdge GeoMax driver.  Visit www.exoticsgolf or www.touredge.com for more information.

Ping Rapture V2

I don’t like Ping, and here’s why.  Every year my local golf shop has a couple of big sales, and each and every year there is an unpleasant little disclaimer on the sales flyer that reads “excludes Ping merchandise”.  Now I get that the industry tightly controls prices.  I actually applaud all the manufacturers for doing so because it allows your hometown proshop to compete with the big box stores of the golf world, but…you can’t even see the price of a Ping club online, at least not without adding it to your cart.  It’s a small thing to be sure, but when I can see pricing, or even catch a sale on Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, and just about everyone else, well, it leaves the taste of bitter titanium in my mouth.

Pricing policy rant aside (it’s not like I’m calling for a boycott or anything), I love Ping clubs, their woods in particular.  Several years ago I almost bought a G2 driver.   A couple years after that I almost bought a G5.  It’s not as if the Pings weren’t great clubs, in fact, I perhaps would have been better off with the G5, I most definitely would have been better off with the G2.  All of this brings us to the Rapture V2; the second generation of Ping’s Rapture series; the green monster of golf if you will.

Apart from forgiveness, more distance on off-center hits, etc., the Rapture V2 is all about high launch with low spin.  The mostly-titanium construction is supplemented by a couple of Tungsten heel pads, which are designed to help square the face at impact.  It has an aggressively tapered crown (sort of a more traditional looking HiBore-esque design), which allows for huge face, while still placing the center of gravity low and to the rear of the clubhead.

Ping is billing the Rapture V2 as “Maximum Enjoyment”, which to me means more time spent on the fairways, and less time walking through the woods.  While I won’t tell you that you should absolutely buy a Rapture V2, my experience has taught me that those placing a premium on forgiveness, but who also demand a conventionally shaped head, should most certainly put Ping near the top of their list.  More information can be found at www.pinggolf.com.

PowerBilt Air Force One

It would be a mistake on my part not to include the new Air Force One from Powerbilt in the Gear Guide.  While Powerbilt can drop acronyms (CG, COR, and MOI) as well as anybody, they’re also doing something that is either revolutionary, or completely insane.  It might actually be both; but crazy or not, what I do know for sure is there is a huge amount of interest in the new Nitrogen powered clubs from same guys behind the popular Louisville Slugger and Bionic brands.

For those of you reading about the Air Force One for the first time, the quick story is that Powerbilt built a clubhead, and then pumped 150PSI worth of Nitrogen into it.  The more time I spend around golf clubs, and more specifically the marketing of those clubs, the more of a skeptic I become.  I’d be lying if, at first glance, I didn’t the whole Nitrogen thing was a huge gimmick, but hokey or not, the Nitrogen injection allowed the engineers at Powerbilt to create the thinnest fact in all of golf; a remarkable 30% thinner than the average face on the market today.  Conventional thinking (and probably science too) suggests that thinner faces lead to more distance.  In fact, according to the Powerbilt website, the company guarantees that you’ll improve your distance with the AFO driver by 10-20 yards, regardless of your swing speed.  That’s a very bold claim.

Of course, distance is only half the equation.  How does Powerbilt address the forgiveness concerns of the average golfer?  As it turns out, in addition to allowing for a hot face, Nitrogen also happens to be weightless.  Since the Nitrogen provides all of the support for clubface, it eliminates the need for the mechanical bracing found in other designs.  Removing mass (braces or otherwise) as you should all know by now, allows for additional weight to be placed lower, and to the edges of the clubhead; which of course makes for an easy to hit, forgiving club.

The Air Force One is available in two models; the squarish Geo, and the more traditionally shaped player’s model.  The Geo is available in lofts of 9.5, 10.5, and 12,5.  The Players model is available in lofts of 8.5º, 9.5º, and 10.5º.  More information is available at www.powerbilt.com.

One from 2008 – Bobby Jones Workshop Driver

My favorite driver from last season.  Granted, it lacks some of the high tech bells and whistles, like moveable weights, interchangeable or adjustable shafts, but Jesse Ortiz’s workshop design makes for an absolutely beautiful driver.  Esthetically, it’s my favorite driver of all time.  It also happens to offer great sound and feel, as well as its fair share of forgiveness.  The Bobby Jones Brand isn’t as well known as some of the others on this list, but you should definitely take some swings with the Workshop Driver if you have the chance.

While I don’t have any actual information, if you check out Tony from Hooked on Golf Blog’s interview with Jesse Ortiz, you might infer that something new for ‘09 is in the works from Bobby Jones.

More information is available at www.bobbyjonesgolf.com.

2008 is shaping up to be absolutely huge for Adams golf. In addition to a solid stable of new products, Adams has really stepped up its PGA profile, adding tour veterans Rory Sabbatini and Aaron Baddeley; the number 11 and 18 ranked players in the world respectively, to the Adams family of golfers. Sabbatini and Baddeley join a growing list of top quality players which also includes LPGA players Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Lindsey Wright and Taylor Leon. How many Brittanys are there on the LPGA tour anyway?

Kudos to Adams who won’t be overwhelming the everyday golfer with a cornucopia of clubbage or an earful of marketing mumbo jumbo. Instead, Adams offers a no nonsense selection of clubs that most anyone would be happy with.

Drivers

New for 2008 is the Insight XTD series. I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it another 20 times before this year’s guide is complete; don’t discount the esthetics of the golf club. It really does matter. Adams clearly gets that because the XTD series drivers are some fine looking clubs.

The XTD does has more of a square profile than I would generally buy, but for golfers who are solidly on board with the less traditional style, the XTD is a compelling option.

The XTD comes in two flavors, the a3OS which is optimized for players with slower swing speeds, and the a3 which is for guys like me who swing a little harder. Just like the other guys, Adams has achieved higher MOI numbers by moving discretionary weight to the outer edges of the club head.

Both XTD models come standard with a 55 gram, Aldila DVS shaft, which is one hell of a stock shaft.

It’s worth mentioning that the XTD has been selected as the official driver of the Long Drivers Association of America (LDA), so you know this thing has some muscle.

Sadly, I don’t have any pricing info for the XTD (available February), bit if I were a betting man, I’d say $249-$299.

Fairway Woods

Just like the XTD driver, the XTD fairway comes in 2 flavors. Adams believes so strongly that you’ll love this club, they offer an unconditional 30-day playability guarantee. As with the driver, I’ll take the A3 model myself.

I’m a bit peeved by the marketing data for this club. The Adams site says things like “11 yards more distance compared to conventional oversized fairway woods, Unique sole shaping and design results in 22% less turf drag that increases versatility and playability off the ground, Increased inertial properties around the hosel achieves 41% more MOI for greater forgiveness.”

Great! It’s not that I don’t believe you, but can you please be more specific? 11 more yards as compared to whose conventional oversized fairway wood? 22% less turf drag compared to what? And of course 41% more MOI than what?

For now I’ll just assume what I assume about every new club produced…more forgiveness, higher MOI, greater distance.

Hybrids

Do you carry a hybrid? Most of us do these days, and it’s fair to say we owe that to Adams. They were first on the scene with a hrbrid, and continue to make some of the best hybrids on the market.

New for 2008 is the Idea a3 Boxer. Ironically enough it doesn’t appear to be quite as boxy as last year’s idea pro (I’ll be able to say more after demo days). Adams claims that the new design of the Boxer produces an MOI 30% to 70% higher than competitors TaylorMade, Callaway, and Cobra. I don’t even want to know where my Titelist ranks.

Adams claims a higher COR (Co-efficient of restitution, in case you forgot last year’s lesson) which in addition to higher ball speed produces a better sounding club. I’m actually relieved to hear that Adams addressed the acoustics. As much as I liked the ball flight of the Idea Pro, I couldn’t get past the dull thud that it produced on impact.

Gone is the Aldila VS Proto shaft from last year’s Idea pro. The Idea a3 comes stock with a Graffaloy ProLaunch Red. Here’s hoping a pro model turns up by mid season.

Irons

Just as with hybrids, the a3 is the thing. With three models to choose from (a3, a3OS, and a3 senior), Adams has got you covered.

The OS features 6 hybrids. The 3, 4, & 5 irons are Boxer hybrids, with the 6 -8 being a a little more iron-like in appearance. Once again high COR, MOI and low and deep centers of gravity are the themes.

The standard a3 set comes complete with the same 3 Boxer hybrids as the OS. The 6 and 7 irons are more forgiving hollow-back irons, and the 8-PW which lens itself nicely to enhanced playability.

I’m still a couple of decades away from needing the senior set, so I’ll pass on the details and just tell you that it’s a complete set; driver through putter, all in one package.

Wedges

Well, what can I say, the new Puglielli is better than nothing, but at the risk of sounding short-sighted, or of yet again not showing Adams the love it deserves, if you’re looking seriously at wedges, Adams is going to be pretty far down on the list. It’s not a knock on the Adams lineup, it’s simply the reality of the situation. With Callaway’s Roger Cleveland designs, Titleist’s Vokey wedges, Cleveland’s CG series, TaylorMade’s… you see where this is going right. Adams is way behind in the wedge market, but I suspect they know that.

Putters

While Adams doesn’t have anything I’d take with me to the course, I’d love to get my hands on their Dixx Digital Training Putters. This ultra-high-tech training putter features a navigation system which determines the precise location of the face relative to impact.

Impact information, as well as swing path, speed, and tempo are all stored in the on board computer and can be displayed on the colorful LCD screen. Obviously I’m in no position to guarantee that this will help your putting, but it’s definitely the coolest piece of equipment you’ll ever seen on a putting green.

Bags

You’ve got to put your club somewhere…and well, that appears to be as much thinking as Adams has done on the bag front. It’s not that the Adams makes a lousy bag or anything. What they offer is a simple, no frills, way to carry your clubs across the golf course. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are much more sophisticated bags available.

Realistically, filling an entire golf bag with Adams gear probably isn’t going to happen, but with some exciting stuff from drivers down to irons, they’ll get you most of the way there.