Spring Gear Slowdown

These days, the golf equipment industry’s wheels rarely stop turning. They obviously speed up to a breakneck pace in the weeks leading up to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, and there’s usually a period in the summer when OEMs will release clubs that aren’t necessarily their top-of-the-range flagships products (they save those for January), but for which there is still a sizeable market. In between those times, the wheels are still cranking certainly, but the rate at which new launches appear slows to a more manageable, moderate speed. April/May is just such a time which gives us the chance to feature a few products we may have missed over the preceding months. Here are five items worth a mention:

Cobra KING Wedges

In March, Cobra released a line of wedges whose grooves were not only cut with a tool that gave them 40% sharper edges than those on previous Cobra wedges, but which differed throughout the set. The lower-lofted wedges (48˚-54˚) have iron-like grooves that are narrower and deeper than the grooves on the higher-lofted clubs (56˚-60˚). They’re also cut only in the central impact zone of the clubface like on conventional irons, while the high-lofted wedges feature grooves across the entire face to ensure consistent spin on shots where the player opens up the blade to create more loft. Three sole grinds – Versatile, Classic, Widelow (wide sole, low bounce) – are offered. One-length options are available, each wedge measuring 37.5”, and every wedge comes standard with Cobra Connect.

$150 each
Lofts – Even lofts from 48˚-60˚
Shaft – KBS Hi-Rev 2.0

cobragolf.com

Todd Snyder Collection at FootJoy

Prior to setting up his eponymous menswear brand in 2011, Todd Snyder worked for major retailers such as Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and Gap Inc. Last year, he formed a partnership with FootJoy, designing a collection of polos, windbreakers, cardigans, shorts, joggers, and caps that debuted in April. Made with modern fabrics, the collection is clearly a nod to the style of the 1950s and ‘60s which Snyder refers to as a ‘Golden Age’. There is also a shoe – the FootJoy X Todd Snyder Premiere which resembles classic FJ shoes from the past but is a thoroughly modern shoe with a high-traction Versatrax outsole; a waterproof, leather Chromoskin; and an ortholite footbed with a molded heel cup using ECO plush-foam technology for maximum comfort.

Tipped Pique Polo – $100
Cardigan Sweater Vest – $145
FootJoy X Todd Snyder Premiere shoe – $225

footjoy.com/todd-snyder.html

Swiftwick Maxus Zero Tab Sock

Owned by Elicit Brands and hq’ed in Brentwood, TN, Swiftwick has been producing high-tech, performance socks for athletes in a wide range of sports since 2008. The Maxus Zero Tab has a micro back tab that prevents contact with the back of the shoe for maximum protection from blisters. The plush footbed is constructed using high-volume fibers that wick moisture 40% better than competitive materials with a thin, lightweight upper to increase breathability.

$15/Pair
Sizes – SM, MD, LG, XL
Colors – 10 color schemes

swiftwick.com

Puma PopTop Speaker

Okay, there will be many readers who roll their eyes at the very thought of music on the golf course, much less a speaker made specifically for golfers. But, equally, there will be those for whom a round of golf is missing something if there’s no music. Powered by Speaqua Sound Co., a San Diego-based audio company that makes 100% waterproof speakers, the Puma PopTop is for the pro-music lobby and has been around a few months. It has 10hrs of battery life, a built-in ball-marker, a bottle top opener, a silicone exterior for durability, and stretchable straps that enable you to hook the speaker to your bag. It also fits inside the cup-holder of a cart. Stream music from your phone using Bluetooth 5.0.

$130
Colors – Black; Watermelon; Red/White/Blue

cobragolf.com/pumagolf

Mizuno Elite Glove

There are trade-offs in golf gloves just as there are trade-offs in golf clubs. A club can be an elegant blade, or an inelegant game-improvement cudgel. Golf gloves are either smooth, hand-hugging, mitts that look and feel great but which don’t hold up in the rain very well, or made from a synthetic material that does much better in the rain but doesn’t feel terribly comfortable and is far from smooth. Mizuno’s Elite glove isn’t a new product, admittedly, but I picked one up recently and can thoroughly recommend it. The palm is made with cabretta leather while the rest of the glove is a flexible, breathable Flexmesh that performs so well in the wet, Mizuno categorizes it as an all-weather glove.

$16
Colors – Black, White,
Sizes – S, M, ML, XL
Right and left-hand. 

mizunousa.com 

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For more on the latest and greatest gear in golf, visit our GEAR PAGE.

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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