SHOP TALK

SkyGolf SkyCaddie LX5 GPS Smartwatch

SkyGolf included an attractive feature with the touchscreen of the LX5. It is bright, easy to read and provides graphics of the entire hole being played and the green view adjusted for the angle of approach. Battery life is two “rounds.” Three-year membership in SkyGolf 360 for tracking and analysis included. The LX5 doubles as a heart rate monitor and step counter with connections via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standard. $300

TECHNOLOGY

Innovative Gear to Improve Enjoyment of Your Round

By ED TRAVIS

INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING. Space age materials. High tech design. Cutting edge technology. Just some of the criteria we use every day to describe and judge the products we buy and when it comes to golf, we often think of clubs and balls. It has however, become increasingly obvious we can apply similar benchmarks to our gear and accessories.

Golf gear may not have the same impact on scoring as a titanium-graphite driver or a multilayer urethane ball but certainly our enjoyment of the round is affected by the shoes we wear, our clubs’ grips, the golf bag we tote, even the beverage container we carry…well, you get the idea.

Northeast Golf decided to take a look at what was out there on the market and let our readers know about some of the products we found interesting and showed an innovative approach in their design, use of materials, construction and technology.

Bushnell Wingman

If you like music on the course the Wingman speaker connects to your smartphone and plays your favorites but since it is from Bushnell a push on the button on the detachable remote and it audibly tells you the front, back and center yardages to the green. Battery charge is good for 10 hours and can also be used as a charger for other devices with the convenient USB port plus the back is magnetized for easy attachment to a cart. $150

Cuater The Moneymaker

Cuater is Callaway Golf’s shoe brand from TravisMathew and we like the spikeless Moneymaker with what they call “SweetSpot Cushioning,” a layered design to give support and comfort for even the longest rounds. The Moneymaker is waterproof, and the midsole is an ultralight foam. They offer a choice of five colors: Black, Heather Mood Indigo, Heather Microchip and Heather Grey Pinstripe. $160 per pair

2021

Ecco BIOM Hybrid 4

The Hybrid 4 is a performance update of the Hybrid 3 and there’s a new outsole design with lots of support and a consistent grip plus Ecco’s popular BIOM anatomical-last technology. Made from full grain leather there’s Gore-Tex waterproofing and the Ortholite insole may be removed for washing. Stability is enhanced by the sole unit being linked to the laces. Choice of Silver/Gray, White or Black. $200 per pair.

FootJoy Hyperflex BOA

The heel mounted BOA feature produces a down and back fit and favored by many players for over a decade. The mesh upper’s Hot Melt yarns help mold the shoe to your foot and with a rounded toe box, standard forefoot, and instep sizing plus a slightly narrower heel comfort is ensured. The midsole is made of the proprietary StratoFoam for added cushioning while the outsole has Softspike cleats. Three color choices $180.

Shot Scope Pro L1 Laser Rangefinder

The Pro L1 has several attractive features starting with a very user-friendly price of $200 but add to that target lock vibration, 6x magnification out to a range of 875-yards range and its lightweight of just 205 grams and it’s a winner. Like many of the more expensive units the ability to measure and adjust shot yardage for up or down hill is built in and can be toggled off and on to comply with USGA Rules.

Golf Pride Concept Helix Grip

Golf Pride has reduced the hassle of changing grips with the Concept Helix. Using a handy tool supplied with each order of grips (minimum of three), the grip and the internal friction torque mechanism are slid onto the shaft. Then with the other end of the tool used as a wrench, the grip’s end cap is twisted to expand the mechanism locking the grip in place. Each grip is $9.99 and are available only in standard size.

Voice Caddy SC300i Launch Monitor

Launched just this spring the SC300i ($500) gives a new dimension to your time on the practice tee. Using Doppler Radar, it measures carry distance, total distance, smash factor, launch angle, swing speed, ball height and ball speed. The unit integrates with a smartphone app and there is voice output of shot distances. Small size (6 ½ inches by 4 ½ inches by 1 inch) and easy to setup the LCD display is readable even in sunlight.

High Camp Fairway Flask

Rugged enough for the course but with the looks to claim a space on your home bar, the surgical steel Fairway Flask fastens the tumbler with a magnetic lock. Model 375 ($85) comes with a single double-wall tumbler and holds a generous 375 ml of your favorite beverage while the larger model 750 ($125 and 750 ml) has two tumblers. Vacuum insulation keeps contents warm or cold for 24 hours and top is leak-proof.

FlightScope Mevo+ Launch Monitor & Simulator

Golfers know a launch monitor is a great tool for providing the data needed to improve and the 3D Doppler radar Mevo+ works equally well inside or outside and a smartphone app automatically records and clips video showing swing data. Increasing the utility of the device an iOS simulation package is available with a choice of five courses and 17 practice ranges plus on-line events. $1,999

Orca Golf Apex-Signature Golf Bag

This woman-owned bag company’s Apex-Signature bag (9.2 lbs.) is packed with features ladies will appreciate. This hybrid cart bag of synthetic leather has a stand built-in but hidden in a zippered compartment until needed. The 8 ½-inch by 8-inch top has eight full length dividers and is reinforced with a steel ring. Eleven zippered pockets, rain hood and padded single strap are standard. $495.00

Puma Ignite Fasten8

Puma’s PWRStrap fit system offers outstanding midfoot support having the laces integrated with the shoe’s internal webbing. The upper is a combination of knit mesh and thermoplastic polyurethane giving both breathability and a one-year waterproof warranty while the spikeless outsole is engineered to offer lots of grip and traction for any swing. Choose from six color combinations each priced at $120.

Sun Mountain Eco-Lite bag

The Eco-Lite bag models are made from recycled plastic bottles, approximately 25 20-oz. bottles for each bag. The dual strap carry bag ($220) has a 9-inch top with four full length dividers, five pockets and weighs 3.9 lbs. while the cart model ($250) has single strap with 11 pockets has a 10-inch 14 divider top and tips the scales at 5.5 lbs. Both offer a velour-lined valuables pocket, apparel pocket and a bottle sleeve.

Arccos Caddie

Arccos was a pioneer in the use of sensors added to the grip of a golf club and paired with a linking device worn on the belt to display on a smartphone recorded swing data and distances. Now by using artificial intelligence software, in addition to shot tracking, Arccos provides analysis of strokes gained and club selection advice. Fourteen sensor package $280 and OEM available from Ping, Cobra Golf and TaylorMade Golf.

Theragun Percussive Therapy

Muscle pains and strains are common for golfers. The twisting and untwisting of the shoulders, torso and legs even for those in shape can at times cause pain robbing performance. Theragun provides a deep muscle massage with its speed adjustable motor and the rechargeable battery lasts for up to two hours. It comes with an app suggesting activity-based routines and there are multiple models starting at $299

Vessel Player III Golf Bag

The Player III Stand Bag from Vessel is a premium update of the previous Player model including a larger top and a choice of six or 14 dividers. It has generous storage including a full-length apparel pocket and two insulated beverage sleeves with magnetic closures. The top accessories pocket is lined with microfiber and with its magnetic closure a perfect place to stash a laser rangefinder. Five color choices $375.