Golf Gear Review - Able Semi-reversed G-force scouting putter Odyssey White Hot 2 Ball Putter Golfworks CER 701 Wood 7-5-3 Orlimar HipTi Driver Maxfli Noodle

Archive Files

Posted 2002-03-01

This page is an archived page from the golf gear review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.

Feature

Update! The Golf Scene - The Ultimate Interactive Golf Reference, Now Available on DVD!!

Chris Bereznay

Recently, we were notified by the manufacturer that The Golf Scene is now available on DVD! Once again folks, this is one of the best interactive references on the game of golf out there. The DVD version is high quality and can be played through any DVD player. Menus are navigable by using your DVD remote control, just as you would navigate through DVD movie menus. Also, the prices have been updated too! UK price is now £15, the US price is $30.

The website has changed as well. The new site to learn more about this product and place your order is:

http://www.golfecosse.com/

Our original review of this product is printed below for your reading pleasure. You really need to check this product out!

2002-10-23 Chris Bereznay

Several weeks ago we received a copy of "The Golf Scene", an interactive CD-ROM based reference that addresses several related golf subjects. "The Golf Scene" covers sections such as "Before You Play", "On The Course", "Equipment", "Competitions and Handicaps", "Coaching", "Rules", "The Professional's Shop", "Fitness" and "Golfing Organisations". After thoroughly reviewing this reference guide, we are extremely impressed with the contents.

Let's work our way from the outside in. For starters, the CD case is very professionally done and includes installation instructions and a color printed CD-ROM. You will know from opening this package that it is not some sloppy production by some "fly by night" operation. The quality is magnificent and very professional. First impressions are always important and the packaging on this product is first rate.

When loading the CD for the first time, you will be amazed at the graphically pleasing high quality menu system. All of the sections are easy to navigate and the content is modern and easy to understand. Reviewing this product was especially pleasing to me as there are many little bits of knowledge about the game I've never truly understood and "The Golf Scene" has a knack of explaining them in very easy to understand terms. For instance, I've never been an expert in understanding the stroke index on scorecards and how they interact with a players handicap to provide a more fair match play.

In addition to expert information on the various sections that this disc covers, you will be pleased to find 130 very high quality video clips addressing various parts of the game. I was especially fond of the swing sequences where I was able to analyze the various positions in the golf swing and other parts of the game.

If there's not enough content and video to keep you going, then have a look at the quizzes! That's right, folks, "The Golf Scene" not only will present you with an incredible amount of information, it will also test your newly found knowledge and memory by quizzing you on the various topics that it has presented you with. This is an invaluable tool for memory retention and ensuring that you are learning all of the concepts presented. The quizzes in this product generally make use of the high quality video and in many cases present you with a "do or don't" scenario where you watch a video and select the correct answer from the choices, all very professionally done!

One thing you might notice about the product is that some of the spellings and terminology are slightly different than what you might be used to if you live here in the states. In a brief email exchange with George Cocker, Technical Director of the Golf Scene, I noted that I felt this should remain in the product because it gives the product a sense of "roots". After all, most of us believe that golf originated in Scotland and the language and dialect used in the product have a very nice way of giving it some "culture", if you will.

Bottom Line:

The Golf Scene will soon be available on Amazon.com, but you can check out the details by following the link here:

www.golfscene.biz

. This is a nicely designed, very informative resource on the game of golf and all of it's aspects and we here at Golf Gear Review highly recommend it.

The Golf Scene is currently available for around 30 pounds, which converts to around $47US. This is a very small price for the information that is provided. (Editors Note: The directors of Golf Scene have contacted me and informed me that the product will be available in the US for $35 when it debuts on this side of the pond) Keep an eye out for this product on Amazon.com or if you live in the Isles, consider ordering your copy today!

Editors Note:

Interested parties can register their interest on the website - via the order page and selecting North America. The GolfScene.biz folks will then contact you when the product is available.

Release

STRATA Targets Cool Contemporary, Non-Conforming Golfers with Independent Attitude and Serious Mindset

Press Release

Every successful sports franchise relies on a superstar or an ace in their lineup, and every seasoned card player has an ace up their sleeve. Spalding Sports Worldwide has both in its 2003 lineup for STRATA, adding a new Ace to its brand as in STRATA TOUR ACE. The STRATA Tour Ace, a four-piece design for staggering length with a proprietary urethane cover for “one hop and stop” spin around the green and control.

Additionally, the STRATA TOUR ACE is setting itself apart by stamping the ball with the recognizable symbols found in playing card suits — diamonds , hearts , spades , and clubes — rather than the conventional numerical stamping used on golf balls. The TOUR ACE will be available in early December and priced around $36.95 per dozen.

“The STRATA Tour Ace is the finest STRATA golf ball ever made,” said Tim Seitter, vice president of Established Brands, Spalding Sports Worldwide. “STRATA is geared toward cool contemporary, non-conforming golfers with an independent attitude and serious mindset. We’re taking an edgier approach to the marketplace and setting ourselves apart by combining our technological advances in golf ball with some artistry and fun.”

According to Seitter, the Ace is the next generation of the STRATA G prototype used by Tour professional Jim Furyk in his 2002 PGA win at The Memorial Tournament. Furyk will play the Tour Ace in 2003, the anchor to STRATA’s entire product line.

Also new is the STRATA TOUR ULTIMATE +. Combining the best of the STRATA® TOUR ULTIMATE® and the STRATA® TOUR ULTIMATE® 2, the TOUR ULTIMATE + is seven yards longer and provides more control than the previous models, providing higher launch angles for more distance and a Tungsten Energy Core™ that makes it easy to initiate spin. Stamped with the plus sign (+), the STRATA TOUR ULTIMATE + will be available in early December for around $29.95 per dozen.

The STRATA lineup is anchored by the recently launched and already popular STRATA® TOUR STRAIGHT™, recognized by its the distinct green arrow --->. The TOUR STRAIGHT, the first-of-its kind, multi-layered golf ball coated with a Slickote® surface, is designed to reduce the side-spin that average golfers create at impact. Since sidespin is what causes a slice or hook, the STRATA TOUR STRAIGHT can help deliver straighter, more accurate shots. Priced in the $26.95 range, its high coverage dimple design improves the ball’s aerodynamic efficiency, which translates into more distance, while a low, ultra-soft compression core provides a softer feel around the greens. The compression core of the STRATA TOUR STRAIGHT is 37, compared to the 46 of Maxfli Noodle, and 48 of the Titleist NXT Distance and Nike Double C Distance.

Rounding out the foursome is the STRATA® TOUR PROFESSIONAL™, a golf ball with a three-piece multi-layer design with an ionomer mantle layer and ultra soft high energy core that is shear resistant and combines low spin to increase distance and pinpoint accuracy. The TOUR PROFESSIONAL is priced around $29.95 per dozen.

Reducing its ball lineup to four models, STRATA will discontinue the Pro Control, Pro Distance and Ultimate 2 lines. The 2003 line will also feature a complete, fresh look and new colorful packaging with sleeves that offer a visual design of the ball stamp.

Channels will segregate the STRATA models with the TOUR ACE being sold predominantly in on-and off-course markets, the TOUR STRAIGHT available in all channels, while the ULTIMATE + and TOUR PROFESSIONAL will appear predominantly in off-course, sporting goods and mass merchant outlets.

In 1996, STRATA was the first multi-layer golf ball played on tour. Now, 95% of PGA Tour players use a multi-layer golf ball and more than 400 players on tour worldwide have switched to STRATA. Spalding will continue to support the entire STRATA product line with increased tour support, impactful in-store displays, and a multi-million dollar marketing campaign for 2003.

Spalding Sports Worldwide is the world’s largest golf ball manufacturer and the nation's first full-line sporting goods company. Its leadership and innovative products have led to revolutionary breakthroughs in virtually every major sporting goods product category. Under the Spalding umbrella are the STRATA®, TOP-FLITE®, ETONIC®, BEN HOGAN® and DUDLEY® brands. To find more information on Strata, visit our website at http://www.stratagolf.com or call the Consumer Relations Department at 800-SPALDING (772-5346).

Golf Club Reviews

Able

Semi-reversed G-force scouting putter

Putters

Sorry, couldn't afford to buy this beautiful piece. So I borrowed, well..., it from the pro at my club. Still, it's great. Frankly I'm too lazy to practice the boring game of putting so I've always been hoping for the all whole green, but since this doesn't show up I've raced focused upon funding "the automatic putter". Haven't found it yet, but closer rhan the "Semi-reversed G-force scouting putter" you won't come until the sharks put their self on diet.

Iiiiiiit's close to automatic!!!

The price, the price and ... the price. Uuuuuh.

It's not made by God, it IS God.

No more comments.

5

Karl XVI Gustav - of Sweden

Odyssey

White Hot 2 Ball Putter

Putters

Paid $159 for this putter and regreted it ever since. I bought it from a local golf specialty store.

the white hot insert is great, I love the touch you get with it.

The alignment system is not what is cracked up to be. The puter is face balanced making it look as if you are hitting off center, so you correct it to the way that looks correct and you miss the cup by 2 inches every time.

Terrific

If you can master it, it is great putter. I feel it over priced as well.

3

Gary McCandless

Golfworks

CER 701 Wood 7-5-3

Fairway Woods

Having difficulties with the long irons, I decided to invest in a set of fairway woods. I have a King Cobra driver and was looking for a set of woods with a small offset. My local clubbiolder suggested I give a try to the CER series from Golfworks.

The three fairway woods have a superb feel which is close to the King Cobra Driver. The smooth and rounded sole makes them easy to use in fairways. Surprisingly effective in hard sand bunkers.

As any fairway wood I have used, they are much less precise when grass is long or in the light rough.

Set is made of 17-4 stainless 15, 22 and 25 degrees Loft woods. Effective offset is actually very small. Shafts are Distance Master Low Torque Graphite and grips are standard sized Citation Crossline. Finish of wood head is nice burgundy colour with a nice designer touch.

This is a relativelylow cost high quality solution to improve your second shot. Would recommend it to all the players who want to enjoy the game without going broke.

4

Laurenzo

Orlimar

HipTi Driver

Drivers

Won the driver at Orlimar's monthly sweepstakes contest. This is the 10.5* with stock Fujikura graphite shaft (R flex).

Large head gives confidence at address, and the black finish is nice to look at. The "O" as an alignment tool is difficult to use, however. Orlimar uses a weighting system where, depending on the loft of the driver head, a copper tungsten "Chili Pepper" weight is moved closer to the heel as the loft increases, in an effort to promote a straighter ball flight. I have a tendency to hook more with my drives, so, with my 10.5* driver (which has the copper weight closest to the heel), I have to compensate by opening up my stance a bit. However, it is by far still the most forgiving of all the drivers I have tried. I was wary of getting a large volume driver, as they appear too bulky. With this club, and the 45.5" shaft lenght, I don't have to worry about having to swing fast. I feel my smooth tempo complements the long shaft, needing only to make solid contact to produce long and effective tee shots. The club's also more forgiving on mishits than my older drivers with smaller clubheads, which I expected.

The leather headcover came with a zipper, whose metal ring pull rubbed against the graphite shaft while in the bag, causing a noticeable gash. Also, I would like to see the copper tungsten weight be available as a customizable feature. A high handicapper like me would benefit from a higher-lofted driver, but because of my tendency to hook, I might benefit more by having the weight in the middle of the sole of the club rather than near the heel.

Nice, solid construction. Clubhead is nice to look at, and black finish gives it a subdued impression of quality.

A very nice driver, and at current prices, a good buy. The Fujikura shaft is good quality for a stock shaft. Delivers non-conforming distances when hit right, yet still allows for forgiveness on mishits. Orlimar might consider making the copper weighting a customizable feature, and remove the zipper from the headcover - maybe use an elastic material instead.

5

Medel Crisostomo

Maxfli

Noodle

Balls

I bought a dozen balls costs me $19.99 at the Pro Bass Shop in Springfield, MO. I purcheased them during a vacation. I had recently read an article about them and the Dunlop LoCo in the Golf Tips Magazine and was interested in trying out the new low compression balls since my swing speed is about medium. I tried them out the next day at a course in Branson, MO.

The ball is long and straight off the tee. I added about 20 extra yards to my drive. The ball seemed to correct for my slight fade and I didn't miss a single fairway. Irons were likewise longer and straighter. I ended up having to down club two sizes to not over fly the greens.

The Noodle doesn't seem to hold the green on a mid to long iron shot.

Constrution and quality seem top-notch. I've played over 90 holes with one ball and all it has on it is one scratch mark.

I like the Noodle. It's helped my game and I've dropped 3 strokes off my average. I'll continue to use this ball.

5

Steve P