Why have Wilson decided not to paint their new balls?
In her latest equipment round-up, Hannah Holden has plenty of innovation to fawn over
It’s the week of radical gear launches, it seems. To give you an idea of what’s coming up – 3D printed technology, paint-free golf balls, and biodegradable clothing. Come on, let’s dive in…
A Cobra putter, you say?
When we were in Miami for the launch of the Speedzone range, we asked Cobra’s VP of marketing Jose Miraflor why the brand doesn’t have a putter in its range. He smiled a watch-this-space smile and said something special was coming.
And how. On Tuesday Cobra revealed they have partnered with technology giants Hewlett-Packard to create a 3D printed putter.
This collaboration, they say, is all about exploring new technologies and seeing what else is possible. Looks like Bryson DeChambeau’s scientific approach is catching on…
As for the putter it comes in the form of a super high MOI blade and I love the intricate woven detailing on the back that’s only possible from this construction process.
This is the first of many 3D printed products Cobra are prototyping behind the scenes so keep an eye out for more releases like this in the future.
This is a prototype putter so will only be sold in limited quantities, so get one while you can!
Available: Now
RRP: £TBC
More information: Cobra website
No paint, more gain
Wilson have launched a new tour-inspired ball designed for elite players – and one of them comes in a paint-free edition.
But before we get to that, the Staff Model has been developed alongside the brand’s tour players and recently made its debut on the European Tour at the Scottish Open in the bag of England’s Craig Lee.
The four-piece ball features new Advanced V-COR performance technology which Wilson say “magnifies energy around the core composition” to generate more ball speed for more distance.
Right, so why is the Staff model R unpainted? Well, it’s to give it more aerodynamic consistency which equals a more precise ball flight.
“The automated painting process can sometimes deliver balls with uneven coverage and the pooling of paint in the shallow dimples,” Frank Simonutti, Wilson’s chief of golf ball innovation explains. “This can significantly affect the trajectory and the directional stability of the ball flight. By doing away with the paint finish, we were able to eliminate all the short comings attributed to the paint process and deliver a unique product for the golf purist.”
Pretty cool, huh?
The typical gloss paint finish we see of a ball is mainly applied for visual appearance. It also prevents against staining and helps UV stability. The Staff Model R then will discolour over time but Wilson believe the performance gains merit this. I can’t wait to find out.
Available: Now
RRP: £44.99 per dozen
More information: Wilson website
Buy a sweater, help save the planet
Completing our round-up of innovation this week is Ocean Tee.
If you haven’t heard of OceanTee, they’re the company striving to push sustainability to the forefront of the golf industry by providing premium quality, sustainable golf products to golfers, clubs, owners and organisations across the world. This all started with their bamboo tee pegs.
Across the summer I was fortunate to be involved in a focus group as Ocean Tee looked to bring their first women’s golf garments to the market so it’s really exciting now to see them finally launch.
The range has been designed to be truly sustainable. It uses luxurious fabrics that are also biodegradable. In fact the whole chain from fabrics to packaging and delivery has been considered to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
The new women range currently features two key pieces. First, the Mako polo shirt, which is named after an endangered shark, comes in a choice of Ocean Tee blues with a contrasting blue placket.
Then there’s the Silvertip sweater, which is my personal favourite. I love the colour and the detailing on the striped cuffs.
Across the range OceanTee use GOTS certified organic cotton blended with Roica-Eco Smart which is the world’s first biodegradable elastane. This provides that extra movement to compliment your golf swing. The fabric is so soft and it really gives you that comfort of your favourite woolly jumper.
“OceanTee combines my two passions – golf and the ocean,” explains founder Ed Sandison. “As a former marine conservationist I know first-hand the impact of plastic pollution.
“Most sports clothing uses plastic fabrics, but with new innovations such as Roica Eco-Smart performing equally well there really is no need for the industry to carry on using them.
“Our ethos is to be fair and ethical which means that our sustainable clothing range will cater for women just as well as it does for men.”
And that’s not all, OceanTee contribute 25% of corporate profits to marine conservation charities dedicated to combatting plastic pollution, leaving customers feeling great in every sense.
Available: Now
RRP: £44.99
More information: OceanTee website
On a gold hunt with FJ
And finally, another shout-out for the FootJoy Pro SL Gold, which you can read more about over in our favourite shoes of 2020 rundown.
Available: Now
RRP: £149.99
More info: FootJoy website
Right, that’s enough. How cool is all that stuff? If you’re after more equipment content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and if you have any questions about anything gear related, feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or Instagram.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
