Sweet Stuff
GPO USA Rangefinder
Having a good rangefinder in the bag today has become as important as having the latest driver—and obviously you are going to use the rangefinder much more often than the big stick.
The advancement in rangefinder technology and quality has been rapid over the past several years, with many new players in the marketplace introducing some high-quality tools for figuring out what club to hit.
One of the best new products top hit the market, the FLAGMASTER 1800 by GPO (German Precision Optics) not only has one of the brightest and clearest optical lens systems we have seen, is extremely responsive and is also packaged in a handy, small 3.7” X 1.3” X 3” size that fits extremely well in your hand and takes minimal space in a golf bag or on a cart cup holder.
Accuracy is another trademark of this rangefinder, as it has been rated accurate to one yard out to 1,800 yards. The new 6-power rangefinder lens
features advanced optics and the latest range finding technology. In addition to its proprietary GPOBright™ high-transmission lens coatings, this rangefinder is equipped with a fast-focus ocular that help to locate the object you want to range. When the flag is confirmed, the rangefinder will vibrate (short vibrating bursts for sensory notification), a circle will appear around the flag icon visible in the display, and the distance will be displayed.
The GPO FLAGMASTER 1800 is equipped with two different flagdistance technologies to assure a flaglock distance can be acquired. This unique system will first look for the reflective prism located at the top of the golf course flag pin, if that is not available, it will immediately convert to close-target distance. The slope function of this new rangefinder features a red flashing LED light that is activated when you want to calculate elevation-adjusted distances. This feature can be turned off and on for tournament play.
“We seek to offer the most technologically advanced products at a price that is affordable for all players,” said Mike Jensen, GPO owner and CEO. “Unlike the other brands on the market, we use the very
best designers, materials, manufacturing and quality control available in the world. The FLAGMASTER 1800 is our masterpiece for ranging on the course.”
German Precision Optics was founded on the premise that design, engineering and quality management is 100 percent controlled in Germany to its strictest standards, yet products can be produced at some of the largest production facilities around the world. Its USA headquarters are in Richmond, Virginia.
The FLAGMASTER 1800 comes equipped with a hard-molded case, carrying strap with a carabiner clip, microfiber cleaning cloth, loop wrist strap, DuracellTM CR2 battery, multi-language instruction book and a quick guide flaglock card.
For more information: www.gpo-usa.com
FootJoy Flex-Fury
When it comes to the preferences of today’s golfer, it has come down to being able to blend the on-course with the offcourse lifestyle—especially with what you wear. FootJoy recently released one of its most innovative all-purpose golf shoes with the introduction of the FJ Flex for players who enjoy athletic styling and a shoe that looks and feels comfortable enough to be worn just about anywhere.
This shoe has a new patent-pending outsole configuration that features a mix of both on and off course traction elements that maximize traction on the golf course while providing good grip on smooth, hard or wet surfaces off the course. Its proprietary VersaTrax rubber outsole technology also performs as a walking shoe—in addition to providing a wide base of support during the golf swing.
Built upon a chassis of comfort EVA foam, The FJ Flex has an ultracushioned Fine-Tuned Foam (FTF) FitBed together with a premium performance mesh upper--and is one of the most breathable shoes you will find. The larger, flatter surface area traction elements look like something you would see in a premium running shoe but are surprisingly stable during the swing.
“FJ Flex is a product designed for a variety of surfaces, while maintaining its functionality for the game of golf,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “The Versa-Trax outsole delivers outstanding walking comfort, with advanced traction elements that produce excellent multi-surface grip.”
FJ Flex comes in three colors: white, navy and black—all are laced models.
In what is almost a sister shoe to the Flex, FootJoy has also
introduced the FJ Fury. It is a shoe that looks and feels much the Flex with its athletic styling but is an option that provides even greater ground traction in wet weather and on soft ground—in addition to several other technological advances.
“With FJ Fury, we created a product that was designed from the inside-out,” added Fryer. “As a result, FJ Fury’s TruFit System balances lightweight, responsive support with a new dynamic outsole that delivers comfort and stability throughout your round.”
A shoe that features dynamic, low-profile Pulsar Cleats, the Fury is highlighted by several unique performance features, including an internal fit system that focuses on fit, comfort and support. It also features FJ’s proprietary
TruFit System, providing stability and comfort in the right places. Inside the shoe is a soft, stretch, one-piece Inner Fit Sleeve lasted underneath the insole board to provide a secure fit with no tongue slippage, enveloping the foot in comfort and control. The external FlexGrid MLC cage system adds structure to the upper and locks you in as you lace up, offering medial and lateral support, along with motion control through the swing.
FJ Fury generates custom comfort with an OrthoLiteâ Impressions FitBedâ, comprised of two densities of foam--an Open Cell PU Foam that maintains its mechanical properties and cushion throughout its life cycle, and an impressions foam that takes an impression of your foot, creating a custom fit.
The all-new D3 Outsole ensures a solid, rigid platform for lateral in-swing stability and turf-grabbing traction, while the FTF+ infused midsole provides comfortable feel and cushioning. The Liquid Metalinspired Flex Layer of TPU delivers heel-to-toe walking flexibility and crouch flex when reading putts.
Even though Fury is an athletic-looking shoe, it features a full grain, waterproof leather upper, waterproof membrane and a vented toe for breathability that is coated for protection.
This is a shoe for serious golfers who want the ultimate in traction, coupled with an athletic look and feel, and it has already been worn by top pros this season in tournament play.
“I put these into play immediately because they look and feel so athletic,” said Rafa Cabrera Bello. “I’m amazed that a shoe that is so comfortable can also offer so much stability.”
“I’m into my fitness so I love the athletic look,” said Brandon Stone. “I’m amazed with the breathability.”
The FJ Fury is available in a laced version in white/red; navy/white; charcoal/lime; black/red; and white/navy/orange in the BOA® lacing system.
For more information: www.FootJoy.com
New Lamkin Sonar Grip Models
Lamkin has introduced two new additions to its highly successful Sonar line of golf club grips with the rollout of the Sonar Tour and the Sonar Wrap that offer some new technology and a great feel that is worth trying out.
Both additions to the Sonar line benefit from Lamkin’s proprietary Fingerprint Technology and Genesis material. Lamkin’s proprietary Fingerprint technology distributes intricate and densely spaced patterns throughout the grip’s surface. These micro-textures deliver a smooth, comfortable surface feel along with a high level of grip traction for enhanced comfort, confidence and all-weather control. The Genesis material provides added grip comfort by combining a slightly softer feel than traditional rubber with excellent durability.
Lamkin’s Tour ambassador, Justin Rose, collaborated on the design of the Sonar Tour that features the omni-directional grip traction provided by Fingerprint Technology. This is combined with a firmer durometer Lamkin Genesis material for enhanced torsion control under the pressure of higher swing speeds. A unique finishing process preserves the Sonar Tour’s super-tacky surface feel, ensuring that it retains the line’s comfortable quality. A traditional taper shape delivers a conventional feel and in a final nod to its Tour inspiration, the grip is fitted with a logo down design, often preferred by the best players in the world.
The Sonar Wrap provides the super tacky feel and all-weather performance of SONAR in a new wrap style model, and also features the same technologies as the Tour model. To further enhance the simulated wrap feel, Sonar Wrap includes an ergonomic ‘Progressive Skive’, with fluctuating spiral dimensions based on grip size and is available in both Standard+ and Mid-Size+ variations. The tackiness and comfort of the Wrap grip is impressive, and the added length of these grips is also a plus.
“The combination of Genesis material and Fingerprint Technology in the sonar grip delivers an ideal feel for such a wide audience of players,” noted Lamkin CEO and President Bob Lamkin. “The two additions to the line add variations for golfers who have specific preferences in their grip style. I’m very excited about the success of the Sonar line and look forward to sharing the incredible feel of the new grips with golfers worldwide.”
This same tacky feel and the Fingerprint Technology is also available for the flat stick with the Lamkin Sink Fit Pistol and the Sink Fit Straight putter grips that offers classic shapes and promotes proper wrist alignment for a more controlled, consistent putting stroke.
These grips are available at select golf retailers and on-line at: www.LamkinGrips.pcom