Equipment
Show Stoppers: Day 3 from the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show
The GolfWRX team is live from this year’s PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. The “Show Stoppers” segment will highlight our favorite clubs, gear, and training aids at the show.
At the PGA Merchandise Show, golf companies show off their latest equipment on Tuesday at the PGA Demo Day at Orange County National, and at the PGA Show inside the Orange County Convention Center on Wednesday through Friday. Follow along as we bring you inside the ropes of this year’s events.
Axis 1 Joey C Putter
Axis 1 introduced its new Joey-C putter at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show. It features a traditional blade look, similar to the Axis1 Joey, and adds a copper insert for softer feel.
Axis 1 putters have a center of gravity that is balanced in the center of the club head. That translates into hitting putts on-line more consistently. The design also promotes a stroke that stays more square to the target, limiting face rotation during the stroke.
Axis 1 putter cost between $199 and $299, depending on the model. The Joey-C sells for $229.
Club Crown by Vive
Club Crown by Vive is a company that makes a high-tech film that allows golfers to customize the crowns of their drivers. The film weighs just 2 grams, increasing the heft of your driver head by a mere one percent.
They cost around $50 each, and are available in a variety of stock styles and custom options. Installation is quick and easy, proved by the lovely Tovah (above) in this photo slideshow.
Edel Golf’s Custom Irons, Wedges and Putters
Edel Golf’s wedges are some of the most drool-worthy wedges in golf. They’re offered in eight different stock grinds, and a near-limitless amount of custom options that have caused many a golfer to spend more than they intended on new short-game sticks.
Click here to see more custom Edel Golf irons, wedges and putters from the PGA Merchandise Show.
New Balance Golf Shoes
New Balance, a company that is best known for its walking and running shoes, launched its first line of golf shoes at the 2014 PGA Merchandise show. Six styles for men and women offer both cleated and spikeless options, which are available in both waterproof and breathable fabrics.
The Minimus Sport Golf and the Minimus LX Golf shoes utilize the One-Lok cleat system that puts golfers’ feet close to the ground while providing added stability. Men’s shoes are offered in D, 2E and 4E widths, and women’s are offered in B and D widths. Prices range from $119.99 to $159.99.
Click here to see more New Balance golf shoes from the PGA Merchandise Show
Odyssey Putters
Odyssey released several new putter models at the 2014 PGA Merchandise Show, including its high-end Metal-X Versa putters.
The Metal-X Versa putters combine two of Odyssey’s latest technologies: its acid-etched Metal-X face pattern that improves face friction for a better roll and its Versa technology, which uses white-and-black lines that are layered perpendicular to the target line to help golfers increase their awareness of face angle throughout the stroke.
Odyssey also unveiled its “Tank Cruiser” putters, which have removable weights in the sole and grip to allow golfers to fine tune swing weight and total weight. The putters are available in the four models: #1, #7, 330M and 2-Ball in 35- and 38-inch lengths. They’ll sell for $249 each when they hit stores on April 1.
The Metal-X Milled putters will hit stores on Jan. 17 in six model. The #1, #6, #9HT and 330 Mallet will cost $299, while the #7 and Rossie, which have aluminum sole plates, will cost $349.
Click here to see more Odyssey putters from the PGA Merchandise Show.
Rife Switchback Putter
The Rife “Switchback” is an adjustable putter with four interchangeable bumper weights that change the head weight from 350-to-380 grams.They have a clean, high-tech look, and will be a hot commodity for tinkerers at the reasonable price point of $199.
Also new from Rife is the company’s Maven putter, a design that was inspired by new Rife Brand Ambassador Mike Shannon, one of Golf Digest’s Top-50 best teachers in America. The Zebra-shaped putter (see the photos in our forum) will come with five different hosel configuration to help golfers dial in their alignment and toe-hang needs. The first model, which has a plumber’s neck, will be available in May and sell for $235.
Click here to see more photos of Rife putters from the PGA Merchandise Show.
True Temper Project X LZ
True Temper’s prototype Project X LV graphite shafts are hand rolled to exact specifications at the company’s headquarters in San Diego. They have the stiff butt and tip sections that characterize the original Project X graphite shafts, but the mid-sections are much softer.
According to Don Brown, product development manager for True Temper, the softer mid sections act as “loading zones,” helping golfers release more energy into the golf ball at impact. Click here to read more about True Temper’s prototype Project X LV shafts.
True Temper’s Project X PXv 39 shaft also caught golfers’ attention at the PGA Merchandise Show. It’s the first of the company’s shafts to weigh less than 40 grams at a length of 46 inches. Originally, it was intended for recreational players, but it has been tested and put in play by professionals in Europe and the U.S.
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- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/3/24): Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
From the seller: (@wwcl): “Has been gamed as pics show. 33.5 includes original h/c and grip. $575 includes shipping and PP fees.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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78Staff
Jan 25, 2015 at 6:27 pm
$50 for a driver head wrap? PT Barnum would be proud…sheesh.
Neal Gregory
Feb 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm
I purchased a 34inch 350g Axis1 Umbra putter. The zero balance helped with not pulling putts. I played with it for a couple rounds that had very challenging greens. My only complaint was that it felt too light, so I returned it. The owner was great about the return. Once Ohio thaws out, I will def. be purchasing the Umbra 400g and putting a slightly larger grip on it.
Looks of a putter builds confidence? No, my friend, sinking putts you wouldn’t normally make builds confidence. Anyone who putts for dough knows that!
Neal
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Really!?!?!
Jan 24, 2014 at 11:26 pm
Okay, I have to call BS on this one. These are supposed to be “showstoppers” and the axis 1 putters are a joke. I would be willing to bet that if they weren’t a golfwrx sponsor they never would have made this post. You cannot tell me for one second that there wasn’t something better to cover than those hideous things. Sorry to vent a little but that is a lame sponsor plug…nothing more, nothing less.
Phil Long
Jan 25, 2014 at 1:22 pm
A joke? Lol!
I usually don’t respond to posts like this but I will.
Tell you what….please shoot me an email and next time I am in your area, I will personally meet you and let you roll the putters. You can even bring yours too and we can do some testing. I’m confident enough in our product to do so. Doubt I will hear from you but hope I do.
Thanks,
Phil Long
Vice President
Axis1 Golf
[email protected]
Really!?!?!
Jan 26, 2014 at 11:23 am
The gauntlet has been thrown and I gladly accept the challenge Mr. Long. I shot you an email, I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Joel
Phil Long
Jan 26, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Joel,
Thanks for reaching out!! I hit you back.
Thanks,
Phil
Michael K
Jan 26, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Mr. Long….I live in Maryland and would love to try one of your putters if you are ever in the area…I also play at Andrews Air Force Base and you are welcome to be my guest. r/Mike
Phil Long
Jan 26, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Michael,
Thanks for the offer. Would love to. I know its 5 months away but I am coming up for the AT&T National. We could get together then if not before. Shoot me an email!!
Thanks,
Phil
Mike
Jan 26, 2014 at 4:08 pm
Who cares if they roll the ball better. Those things are hideous and after a month of playing it, you’ll go back to trusty. Bottom line is that confidence starts by looking down at something that is pleasing to the eye. Not that thing. Just saying.
Charlie
Jan 30, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Seriously? what one person deems hideous another thinks is the perfect look.
There are a million different putter designs. You go find one that you think is pretty, meanwhile I’ll find one that best rolls the ball in the cup.
Charlie
Jan 30, 2014 at 12:28 pm
What a lame post from someone who has never seen an Axis in person let alone actually tried one out. The Odyssey Sabertooth was pretty hideous until people realized how good of a putter it is.
I’ll bet you’re the type who discounts a putter until a pga player wins with it, then you rush out to buy.
JCorona
Jan 24, 2014 at 9:47 am
My name is Joey C…. would I be a narcissist if I got that putter??? That being said, how can I NOT buy a putting that is actually named after me…. then again, I don’t drink Corona beer….
JCorona
Jan 24, 2014 at 9:48 am
*putter
Homer Simpson
Jan 24, 2014 at 7:05 am
Booth girl showdown! Booth girl showdown! Booth girl showdown!
Christopher
Jan 24, 2014 at 10:26 am
Yes! My Spidey-sense is tingling …
nik
Jan 24, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Yeah! Then we all can be 14 again!!!!!