Sweet Stuff
Lamkin’s New Premium Grips for 2020
Lamkin, the 95-year-old golf grip company in San Diego, has introduced some of the most advanced technology in new materials for the part of the golf club that is most personal. Having a grip that feels right to each individual touch and helps promote the proper fundamentals and hand action is vital for any player wanting to get the most out of their equipment, and Lamkin has made some remarkable strides in those areas with its new ST (Smooth Tack) and Calibrate Technology.
The pioneering ST line includes the ST+2 Hybrid and ST+2 Hybrid Calibrate grips. Both are loaded with advanced features including Lamkin’s new “Smooth Tack” material, a special formulation of the company’s Genesis Material. The tackiness of this grip is exceptional and allows for a firm but light grip.
An excellent all-around grip, with or without Calibrate, both models incorporate two distinct zones. The upper provides enhanced traction for the anchoring hand via infused cord, while the tacky lower section gives control and stability to the guiding hand. The mid-sized-plus profile (plus 2) has a reduced taper to meet the needs of a wide variety of players. Genesis Material, a patent-pending compound that creates a comfortable surface far tackier and more durable than standard rubber, maintains its characteristics in any temperature and/ or exposure to UV rays.
Calibrate models feature the most prominent reminder spine of any grip ever produced by Lamkin to help optimize hand placement, club face awareness, control and feel for better shot-making and lower scores. In addition to featuring Calibrate in the ST family, Lamkin is expanding on the success of the popular Sonar lines. Calibrate Technology will be available in two Sonar models – Sonar+ Wrap Calibrate, Sonar+ Tour Calibrate.
The Sonar+ Wrap Calibrate is the first Lamkin wrap grip to incorporate reminder technology. It is the perfect solution for players seeking the style and feel of a wrap, but the performance benefits of a reminder grip. In addition to Calibrate, the grip benefits from Lamkin’s Genesis Material and Fingerprint Technology, which adds a consistent micro-texture surface pattern for slip-resistant control and omni-directional traction.
The Sonar+ Tour Calibrate also leverages the Genesis Material and Fingerprint Technology. This grip has been engineered to meet the needs of players with higher swing speeds. Calibrate Technology further enhances Sonar Tour’s reputation as a grip for those who place a premium on shot-making. The plus size taper shape is preferred by most modern players.
“2020 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in our 95year history, as we’re introducing breakthroughs both in material and design innovation,” noted Bob Lamkin, CEO of Lamkin Grips. “Genesis Material has been a complete game changer for us, and the addition of Smooth Tack further exemplifies how the materials used in a golf grip can be engineered to impact performance, confidence and the lifespan of the product. With Calibrate we saw an opportunity to vastly improve the reminder / ribbed grip category, and it is without doubt a substantial advancement over what is currently on the market not only in performance but also in ease of installation.”
These grips are available at select golf retailers and on-line at: www.lamkingrips.com
Footjoy PRO/SL
Footjoy has taken its most popular shoe—the Pro/sl™--and made its shoe model worn by more tour players than any other more stable and comfortable with some notable improvements.
Besides additional padding in some key areas to improve comfort, Footjoy has developed an all-new Infinity outsole configuration that provides better traction and grip with 189 traction points that provide a solid foundation for the golf swing. The heel is wider than previous models by more than 11 percent and the forefoot stability has been improved to provide a solid base and keep stability with the ground to a maximum.
The PRO/SL features a Dual-density (D2) Midsole that offers both stability and cushioning, the advanced design utilizes two densities of proprietary Finetuned Foam (FTF): a firm FTF around the perimeter for support and control, and a softer FTF under the foot for maximum cushioning and comfort.
The soft, waterproof leather feels easy on the feet while the Power Harness hugs your feet and provides outstanding medial/lateral control and support.
“As the industry leader, we didn’t tweak or adjust the new Pro | SL, we innovated and advanced and received Tour approval,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “As a result, we’ve developed a product that delivers more stability, more traction, more comfort and more choice, setting the standard in performance footwear, again”.