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General
Manufacturers
are attempting to fulfil the most varied demands with versatile solutions throughout
the golf hardware and accessories sector - from driver to ball, from glove to
shoe. The result of this development is a considerably expanded and more diversified
selection. In addition, true custom fitting has become an important issue for
golf clubs.
There are a number of trends not dependent on product groups, but which
overlap other sectors, or even are independent of golf; including terms such as
“Smart“, “IQ“ or “Nano“ – currently very popular prefixes in combination with
product names or the relevant technologies.
Drivers / Woods / Hybrids / Irons / Wedges /
Putters
The most important term is and remains MOI – Moment Of Inertia.
Drivers
and fairway woods are endowed with sleeker shapes, inspired by
aeronautics. The
selection of standard options for individual models has been expanded.
This is
permitted because of a wider material selection; more shafts, more club
face
and loft options are available for various swing profiles and there are
also “do-it-yourself” systems which let players
decide on the shaft they would like to use depending on the conditions.
Strike zones, reinforced from the back of the club, considerably expand
the sweet spot in all club categories. Hybrids with so-called progressive
designs ensure constant flight curve characteristics. Thanks to rounded soles,
irons as well as hybrids slide easier through the turf. Sets with several
different club types (utility woods, hybrid and “ordinary” irons), offer even beginners
an edge on the course. Wedges feature sharp-edged ridges providing plenty of
backspin. Putters are dominated by MOI, interchangeable weights, and
multi-layer club face construction. Players can look forward to plenty of
futuristic-looking designs.
Balls
The 2009 market will offer an increased selection and variety. Similar
to clubs, balls are adapted to accommodate various swing profiles and speeds. For
example, performance balls with tour features for medium swing speeds, or balls
which benefit from high altitude as well as greater distance, and those which
do the opposite and reduce unwanted altitude. The latter are meant specifically
for golfers with rapid swing speed. In addition, colour plays a more important
role, including glitter tints and sparkling surfaces. Technical improvements take
advantage of aerodynamics and composite materials..
Shoes/ Gloves
A powerful drive depends on the stability of the golf shoe. This product
group also promises innovations which support high swing speeds in particular. Soles
with support inserts, surrounded by soft flex channels in a stable TPU bed, as
well as metatarsal fiberglass or light alloy wedge inserts, provide a solid
platform. There is a new hybrid spike combining the characteristics of metal
and plastic. A new process for uppers will render shoes completely waterproof
without increasing weight, reducing flexibility or breathability. For more
leisure-oriented players the trend includes golf shoes with lower sole height,
so-called “low profile shoes”. They are available with or without spikes and can
be worn off the course, on the streets or for leisure activities. Individuality
is the watchword and there are models which allow golfers to customize their
colors, add emblems or monograms, and which can be created from the convenience
of a computer.
Swarovski crystals, a hit for ball markers during the 2008 season, add
glamour to golf shoes. These glittering models will be presented for the first
time at GOLF EUROPE 2008.
Energy transfer and absorption are new issues which glove manufacturers have
tackled in addition to grip and fit. Integrated reinforcements absorb club
vibrations, and other construction details assist with long drives thanks to
special feel and fit.
Trolleys / Bags
Wheels with extremely low rolling friction, adjustable towing bar
lengths to accommodate various heights, or with the smallest –
convertible-friendly – dimensions, thanks to newly developed folding mechanisms,
are the most important new features for trolleys. Add to this simple-to-use
one-hand folding techniques. The new e-trolleys also feature decreased packing
dimensions and weight. Space-saving designs are all the rage. In addition,
there is an expanded selection of additional features such as hill-holders,
remote controls, and more. Colours also make more of a splash than ever before.
Technical features include organizer systems, accommodating even hybrids in
specially designed bays. Thanks to waterproof materials rain-covers are no
longer needed. Travel bags include a new system featuring an extendable
undercarriage, similar to an airplane’s landing gear, which has little impact
on the overall weight when released.
285 exhibitors from 26 countries present their latest trends at GOLF
EUROPE 2008, held in Munich
from October 5th to the 7th, 2008. |
