Sports Equipment News

Surfing Accessories

2009-03-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Surfboard

The Surfboard is the essential piece of surfing equipment. Without it you ain't surfin'. The modern surfboard has come a long way in design and construction since the Hawaiians started surfing on wooden planks. The modern surfboard is hand shaped by professional shapers out of foam and finished with a fibreglass coat. They are light and strong, and the cutting edge of surfboard design changes as quickly as a cold surfer does on a windy day. Let's have a look at what the different bits of the surfboard are called so that you can sound knowledgeable when talking your mum into buying you a nice new board.

Surfboard Bits And Pieces

The pictures below shows the different parts of the surfboard and what they are called. The images are of a surfboard but the naming of the different parts applies to every type of board - whether you board is a Shortboard, Longboard, Gun or Fish (see types of boards for more info on these boards). First, the top view:

The first thing to note is that the Nose of the board is the bit that faces forwards. The Surfboard sits in the water deck site up, as you have probably already figured out by looking at the Surfing Lessons and seeing surfing pictures or movies.

Deck

The Deck is the top side of the surfboard and is where the surfer stands to surf and lays to paddle. Wax is applied to this top surface for grip. Often surfers will use deck grip for extra traction. If you look at the deck of a surfboard you will usually see a slight camber from the rail to the middle then back to the rail. This is know as a Domed Deck and helps promote easy rail to rail movements. The other tpe of deck is the Flat Deck - no prizes for guessing what this type looks like.

Nose
The nose of the surboard sits out of the water. On shortboards, fish and guns the Nose is normally pointed and on funboards / minimals and longboards the Nose is usually rounded. This is by no means set in stone. Some surfers use a surfboard nose guard which can protect the surfboard from dings and also protect the surfer from a good poke from a disgruntled board!

Tail
The tail is at the back of the board. There are quite a few different tail shapes with each shape providing different board performance. Check out surfboard tail shapes for more details. As pointed out in the above diagram, the tail will have a Leash Plug. This plug is where the leash is attached to the surfboards. The plug is set into the deck and the leash is looped through. Take a look at out handy attaching a surfboard leash guide.

Rails
The rails are the 'edge' of the surfboard and run from the tail to the nose and are where the deck and the bottom meet. Like the tail shapes, different rail rail shapes provide different surfboard performance. It may not be something you have thought about but take a look at the different shapes next time you are in a surf shop. More about Surfboard Rail Shapes here.

Stringer
The Stringer is a strip of strengthening material (typically wood) that runs the whole length of a foam surfboard. It is already present in the surfboard blank before it is shaped. Epoxy, Soft and Carbon Fibre (space age eh!) surfboards will not often have stringers.

Now you know all about the top side of a surfboard we'll get on with the bottom. Underside of the surfboard. Also have a look at the different types of surfboards.

Wetsuits

A Wetsuit is a must if you are the average surfer and want to surf all year round. You are one lucky surfer if you are fortunate to be able to wear your boardshorts all the time, or rich enough to follow the summer all year round. Wetsuit technology has come on an awful long way since the first restricting rubber fetish outfits. Now they are super light, super stretch and some don't even have zips!

The Modern Wetsuit

Wetsuit Material And Construction

neoprene, a stretchy synthetic rubber material. The Wettie (like that - cool surfer speak!) is made out of several of these pieces of neoprene stitched together to cover the desired body parts. Wetsuits come as shorties (the Wetsuit has short legs and arms), full suits and some even have detachable arms and legs. The neoprene comes in different thickness', from 2 to 6 mm. The thicker the neoprene the warmer the suit. Surfers who brave extreme cold conditions usually wear a semi-dry suit which is not made out of neoprene at all but we will not be going there OK!

Your average Wetsuit will have a zip to make it possible to get in and out of the Wetsuit. With a particularly tight suit this can be the most exhausting part of your day! The zips are situated in different places on the suit, traditionally down the back of the Wetsuit, but can be found across the shoulders or high up on the chest. The latest Wetsuits are made out of neoprene so stretchy that you can get in through the neck. Pretty cool stuff.

Wetsuit Stitching And Sealing

There are various ways a Wetsuit can be sealed together and the way depends on the designed use of the Wettie. We will not go into details but some of the different methods of stitching and sealing are blind stitching, taped, glued, flatlocked and heat sealed. Interesting eh! Anyway, what type of Wetsuit you go for depends on the conditions that you will be surfing in. Take England for example, for winter comfort you would be after a 5/3 mm, waterproof zipped, blindstitched / taped suit, booties, gloves and balaclava, and maybe a nice titanium rash vest for those long midwinter surfs. Makes you cold thinking about it.

How Wetsuits Work

A Wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between the Wetsuit and the skin. The body temperature of the surfer heats this water giving a nice warm water blanket. This is why getting a Wetsuit that fits well is a must. The Wetsuit should be a nice tight fit (not too tight that you can't move freely) and should be no baggy areas where the suit comes away from your body. If it is for cold water make sure that there is also a nice tight fitting neck - there is nothing worse than ducking under a wave and getting a blast of cold water right down your back.

So that is the Wetsuit. All our warm weather surfers will be chuckling to themselves. Curse you all you cold water surfers, curse you all ;-)

Wetsuit Size Charts

Mens O'Neill Wetsuit Size Chart
Mens Quiksilver Wetsuit Size Chart
Womens O'Neill Wetsuit Size Chart
Kids / Groms O'Neill Wetsuit Size Chart

The Surfboard Leash

The leash, or leg rope as it is also known, is used to attach your board to your leg. It's an absolutely invaluable piece of surfing equipment for several reasons. The main point is that you are never totally separated by your surfboard.

After falling off (again) you do not have to go swimming back to the beach to retrieve your board. This saves you a big swim every time you bail.
You are able to increase your recovery time after coming off because your board is right there to get back onto.
Your board will be protected from from being washed up on rocks etc if lost.
It acts a safety stop if you are out in the waves and getting pounded. Your board will be on the surface and you will still be attached to it.
It keeps your board under control and less of a hazard to other surfers paddling out behind you.

One end of the leash is attached to a plug (aptly named the leash plug) near to the tail of the surfboard. The other end is attached to the surfers back leg buy a velcro strap (cuff). Depending on the type of leash it will either be attached just above the ankle or around the top of the calf.

Parts of the Leash

The Cord
The Cord is made of polyurethane. The thicker the width of the cord the stronger the leash will, the less likely your cord will break. Thicker cords create more drag than thinner ones.

The Cuff
The Cuff is the part that attaches around the leg. Velcro is used to hold it in place. Chose a Cuff that looks comfortable and that will stay nice and snug and in place when you surf. Also consider on with a key pocket so you can take your car key out with you for security (just make sure it is not an electronic key!)

The Rail Saver
The job of the Rail Saver is to protect the surfboards rails from the cord. When you come off your board and the leash pulls tight there can be a lot of pressure on the rail. The wider and longer the Rail Saver the more protection is given to the board, but again creates more drag. The Rail Saver is the end that attaches to the leash cord which in turn attaches to the leash plug on the surfboard.

Leash Swivels
The connection between the Cord and the Cuff, and the Cord and the Rail are sometimes on a swivel joint. A Swivel helps keep the leash from getting tangled up around the surfers feet.

Surfboard Bags

Would you believe it, the Board Bag is actually a bag to put your board in. Who would have thought it. Still, if you want to keep your board in good order then best go out and purchase yourself one. If you are thinking of traveling for a surf and your board will be going on a plane then stop reading this and go and get a board bag right now! - Oy, you - we said stop reading now!!!

The type of board bag you want will depend on what you will be using it for. We'll look at what is best for day to day use, storage and also travel. Make sure you get the right boardbag and your board will remain ding free (you wish!). There are three different types of Surfboard Bags - the standard bag, the sock and the hard case. Each has their own place.

Standard Board Bag

Standard board bags can be split into two types, Travel and Day Bags. Travel Bags are obviously for the traveling surfer and offer a greater level of protection. Day Bags are for general day to day use and home board storage. Boardbag's come in different shapes for the different surfboard shapes - remember this when buying your bag.

Day Bags
Day Bags have a lightweight waterproof or semi waterproof covering, are closed at the nose end of the bag and zip up at the tail end of the board. The most lightweight (and the cheapest) bags do not have any additional padding for board protection. A slightly more protected board bag will have a 5mm high density foam padding to cover the board.

Used for one board at a time
Offers little protection
Handy for day to day use
Good for short distance board transportation

Travel Bags

Surfboard Fin Details

Fins are the bits that poke out from underneath the surfboard. They all have a similar curved appearance but come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flexibility depending on a surfers needs. There are two general types of fins, glassed on and removable, The only difference is that you can take your removable fins out when you like - all other performance properties are based on their measurements,. The purpose of the fin is to help steer your surfboard. Let's take a look at the Fin in detail.

Fin Measurements

Depth
The Depth is the measurement from the tip of the fin to the base of the surfboard (not the end of the fin plug) or how far the fin goes into the water. The Fin Depth effects how the board 'holds' in turns. The deeper the fin the better the control in the turn.
Remember: Depth = how far fin sticks in water!

Base Length
The Fin Base Length is measured at the widest point of the fin, where the fin meets the bottom of the board. The Base Length determines its speed and drive. The longer the base length the more speed and the greater the drive the fin contributes. Want to go fast? think long base!
Remember: Base Length = Length of Base of Fin!

Fin Plug (Removable Fins Only)
The Fin Plug slots into the Fin Box on the base of the surfboard. The fin can then be secured in place for surfing. Fin Plugs com in different shapes and sizes depending on the type of removable fin system. Below is a close up image of an FCS™ Fin System showing the Fin Plug, Fin Box and Fin Screw (to tighten the Fin into place once it has been slotted into the Fin box).
Remember: Fin Plug = Plug to attach removable Fin!

Removable Fin and Fin Box

Glassed On Fin

Rake
Nothing to do with gardening I'm afraid. Rake, also know as Sweep, can be thought of as the amount of the fin outline that is curved backwards. Essentially it is the angle created between the back of the Fin Base and the offset of the tip of the fin. The Rake affects the turning ability of the board. The smaller the Rake angle (i.e. the greater the offset) the better the drive but less maneuverable the board will be. The larger the Rake angle (i.e. the less the offset) the tighter the board will be able to turn.

Constructed for the traveling surfer. The Travel Bag has more padding than the Day Bag and as a result offers more protection. A decent travel bag should have at least a 10mm high density padding layer. This type of board bag is often constructed to fit more than one board. Some bags are built for up to 4 boards and are referred to as coffin bags.

Option for Single or Multiple Board Bags
5mm to 10mm+ foam protection for extra ding resistance!
Essential for the traveling surfer, transporting a board or long term storage
Some have wheels to aid with transport

Things to Look For In Your New Board Bag

Extra Nose Protection
Padded Carry Strap
Thickness of padding for your requirements
Wax Pocket
Corrosion Resistant Zipper

Boardshorts

Boardshorts are now essential wear out of as well as in the water (for those lucky enough to surf where it is warm enough. We have loads of brands to choose from and detailed information below to help you choose a pair that suit.


	Boardshort Addict Boardshort. 100% Nylon. ContrastPanels. Addict Logo rubber tab and velcro. Triple top stitching.	~~£22.99~~ £22.50

	C-law Swat Short - Woodland Addict are the kings of the camo print, and nowhere is that better seen than on these Swat shorts.	~~£44.99~~ £39.99

	Classic 2mm Neoprene Wetsuit Shorts The Aleeda neoprene wetsuit shorts can be worn alone, under boardshorts for extra warmth and protection, or under a wetsuit as a thermal layer.	$55.00

	Aqua Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Aqua boardshorts feature a 2-way stretch fabric, a side patch pocket with a velcro flap closure, a custom logo pull tab at the flap, a bungee ...	$54.00

	Aqua Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Aqua boardshorts feature a 2-way stretch fabric, a side patch pocket with a velcro flap closure, a custom logo pull tab at the flap, a bungee ...	$54.00

	Aqua Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Aqua boardshorts feature a 2-way stretch fabric, a side patch pocket with a velcro flap closure, a custom logo pull tab at the flap, a bungee ...	$54.00

	Aqua Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Aqua boardshorts feature a 2-way stretch fabric, a side patch pocket with a velcro flap closure, a custom logo pull tab at the flap, a bungee ...	$54.00

	Excell Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Excell boardshorts feature a 4-way stretch fabric, a printed sublimation stretch panel, a hidden welt pocket with a zipper closure, an inside ...	$60.00

	Excell Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Excell boardshorts feature a 4-way stretch fabric, a printed sublimation stretch panel, a hidden welt pocket with a zipper closure, an inside ...	$60.00

	Excell Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Excell boardshorts feature a 4-way stretch fabric, a printed sublimation stretch panel, a hidden welt pocket with a zipper closure, an inside ...	$60.00

	Excell Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Excell boardshorts feature a 4-way stretch fabric, a printed sublimation stretch panel, a hidden welt pocket with a zipper closure, an inside ...	$60.00

	Quantum Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Quantum boardshorts feature a 4- way stretch fabric, a hidden side welt pocket with a zipper fly closure, an inside bungee key loop, a zipper ...	$60.00

	Quantum Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Quantum boardshorts feature a 4- way stretch fabric, a hidden side welt pocket with a zipper fly closure, an inside bungee key loop, a zipper ...	$60.00

	Spray Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Spray boardshort features a 2-way stretch fabric, a spray paint print all over, a side patch pocket with a velcro clap closure, a bungee key ...	$56.00

	Spray Boardshorts The men's Alpine Stars Spray boardshort features a 2-way stretch fabric, a spray paint print all over, a side patch pocket with a velcro clap closure, a bungee key ...	$56.00

Tennis Accessories

2009-03-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

As well as a racquet, there are plenty of extra items you can be chucking in to your kit bag to help your game.

Sweatbands to soak up perspiration are a good idea on a hot day. A cap or visor is also sensible, especially if the sun is low.

But don't be fooled; many professionals are given headwear by their sponsors because wearing it guarantees their logo a place in the post-match interview.

And don't forget the suncream.

What about the essentials like the number of tennis racquets?

Most professionals carry anything up to a dozen spare ones, each one strung with a different amount of tension.

They will also carry their own home-made sports drink, often made specially for them by their personal nutritionist.

A ready supply of bananas is a good idea - they make an ideal energy boost during a tough match.

The rest of us can make do with a bottle of water, tin of balls and a tracksuit.

shoes and socks Tennis

2009-03-22T22:10:00.002-07:00

You can play tennis in any kind of trainer but if you want the best out of your feet, it is best to get shoes specially made for tennis.

They have a few special features.

Look for a shoe with a herring-bone style tread. This pattern wears slower and offers more traction than multi-purpose shoes.

Reinforced toe-caps will make the shoe last longer especially if you drag your toe on the serve follow-through.

Unlike running shoes, proper tennis shoes allow for side-to-side sliding. Added side-support is crucial to keep your foot stable even when playing shots on the run.

Some players like to have extra ankle support, so mid-cut shoes are a good option. Breathable mesh insets in the leather will also make the shoes less sweaty.

Women tend to have higher arches in their feet than men so female players should look for extra support underneath the arch.

Choose cushioned socks that give extra protection to the bits of your feet that take all the impact - the ball and the heel.

This spongy cushioning also absorbs sweat, taking it away from your skin making blisters and conditions such as athlete's foot less likely.

Tennis Ball

2009-03-22T22:10:00.001-07:00

Tennis balls are made up of a hollow rubber core and a wool or nylon shell known as the nap.

In tournaments they must be white or yellow in colour.

The rubber core is usually filled with pressurised air in order to make the ball bounce.

The ball must be between 2.5 inches (6.25 cms) and 2.63 inches (6.57cms) in diameter and must weigh at least 56 grammes, but no more than 59.4 grammes.

The rules of tennis say that the ball must bounce between 53 and 58 inches after being dropped on to concrete from a height of 100 inches.

That is why balls are changed during tournaments - they begin to lose their bounce after about three hours of play.

At Wimbledon they are changed after the warm-up and the first seven games, and after that, every nine games. p> Studies have shown the fluffier a ball gets, the slower it flies, which is why you often see top players check several balls to find the least fluffy before serving.

When not in use, tennis balls should be stored in the can they came in. This won't prevent them from losing pressure, but can slow it down.

Adidas Introduce Barricade Tennis Racket for 2009 Season

2009-03-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Adidas will be introducing a new racquet offering for 2009, which brings back the memories of tennis legends from yesteryear.

I remember when I was about 12 and the first pair of tennis shoes that I got were Adidas Barricade, and those shoes I probably had for a longer time than any other.

February 2009 will see the introduction of the Barricade tennis racquet from Adidas!

“Building on our footwear and apparel success adidas tennis feels the market is right for the return to racket production,” says Simon Cartwright, Vice President of Global Tennis. “We can now provide tennis players with everything they need to take part in one of the most popular sports in the world. Consumers can be assured that our new rackets will match the high levels of product quality so long associated with the adidas brand.”

The three racquet range will provide a racquet for every player level, tour player, club player and recreational. Each racket is
named after our benchmark Tennis shoes, Barricade, Response and Feather, and share similar characteristics.

Product Specs

Four Barricade models have been created; The Barricade Tour is designed for the “Tournament Player.” It is the heaviest at 330g and the stiffest of the new adidas rackets, ideal for fast swinging players who can generate their own power and look for additional control.

The Barricade Tour Light is 30g lighter, suiting good juniors, but it offers the same control with every swing. Both the Barricade Tour and Tour light come with and 18/20 string pattern to give excellent control and a crisp feel.

The third racket in this range is the Barricade itself; a lighter and less stiff version of the Tour racket with a 16/19 string pattern to ensure a forgiving and playable racket for competition players. The Barricade Junior, meanwhile, satisfies the needs of young budding tennis stars.

All rackets in the Barricade family feature the adidas POWER STRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY (PST). Three structures at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock act like the claws on the Barricade shoe to improve torsional stability. This technology transfers to adidas rackets by adding weight at the same points, putting pop into your shots and increasing the sweetspot.

Pricing

The Barricade range of rackets will retail for $185.00, and the Feather racket for $165.00, while the Response comes in at $145.00

Adidas rackets, which are made by leading tennis manufacturer Keentech, will be sold through adidas own retail as well as tennis specialty stores worldwide. The rackets will be available in the United States beginning February 1, 2009.

TaylorMade 2009 Golf Bag Collection

2009-03-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Seven models made up the 2009 bag collection from TaylorMade, all of them featuring a reinforced strapping system that the company says virtually eliminates the possibility of strap or strap connection breakage. And all of the stand bags in the collection boast ultra-dense comfort foam strap systems and back panels.

The collection is highlighted by the TaylorMade San Marino Cart Bag and the TaylorMade Monza Featherweight Stand Bag.

The San Marino includes a new technology the company calls Internal Crushproof Construction, which is designed to maintain the bag's shape even in extreme conditions. The San Marino weighs in at under five pounds; has a 14-way top with full-length dividers; and its seven pockets include an insulated cooler and a velour-lined valuables pocket. The San Marino has an MSRP of $199.99 and comes in red, black, navy/red, navy/bronze and pink.

The Monza Featherweight is one pound lighter than TaylorMade's previous Monza stand bag, despite the capacity of some of its six pockets being expanded by 25-percent. The bag has a six-way top with full-length dividers, an insulated water bottle sleeve, and an integrated lightweight stand and base. The Monza Featherweight has an MSRP of $199.99 and comes in red, black, white and blue.

Also in the collection are the Maranello cart bag ($299.99), Maranello stand bag ($274.99), Diablo ST Stand Bag ($249.99), Burner 09 Stand Bag ($189.99) and the Corza Stand Bag ($174.99). See www.taylormadegolf.com for more. (next page)

Ralph Dunning 2009 Collections

2009-03-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Two new collections from Ralph Dunning Design Company, one under the Dunning Golf label and the other Dunning Classic, are on the way:

Dunning Sportswear 2009 Golf Collection: Forty-five styles are included in this collection built on advanced material, proprietary fabric blends, classic tailoring and subtle colors. The collection consists of technical polos, performance wool sweaters, thermal pullovers, Tour Stretch outerwear, Stretch Performance bottoms and compression undergarments.
One of the highlights is a machine-washable merino wool sweater, the Thermal Performance Wool Sweater ($250), in wood, tocatta, cole, black and camel. In addition to being machine-washable, the fabric blend, Dunning says, won't pill up when being carried inside your golf bag.
The line begins shipping in November 2008, with prices ranging from $79-$250 (compression undergarments start at $39). Sizes range from XS-2XL in tops and 30-42 inches in bottoms.
Dunning Sportswear 2009 Classic Collection: Casual men's sportswear makes up this lifestyle collection, apparel showcasing a "preppy, country club styling" and featuring the "D" repp shield crest of Dunning. The line includes the performance woven sport shirts ($120) pictured above, as well as cotton pique polos, Pima cotton pullovers and cotton/Coolmax bottoms, among other pieces. The Solid Sporting Polo retails for $85; Coolmax Seersucker shorts carry an MSRP of $95.

Sunice Typhoon Cameron Jacket

2009-03-22T21:48:00.001-07:00

The Pros

Soft and comfortable coated shell.
Slim styling and lightweight construction is very flattering.
Stretch sleeve panels and back insert ensure full range of motion.
Adjustable sleeves and collar tabs to block out water.
Pull cord at waist, cleverly constructed to remain up inside the jacket.
Great selection of colors.

The Cons

Front zipper is a bit fussy. Needs attention when pulling (but this does ensure a completely waterproof seal).

The Review - Sunice Typhoon Cameron Jacket
Anyone who's serious about their golf game is going to want outerwear that works. Because if you're serious about golf, you'll eventually find yourself playing in weather that's cold, wet and windy ... or a combination of the three.

For the past year I've been trying to get by with multiple layers of whatever was in my closet; a windshirt, over a turtleneck, over a fleece undershirt ... or a rain jacket, over a polo, over a turtleneck. That kind of thing. So when I had the chance to try out the Typhoon Cameron, a high-tech, waterproof jacket from sportswear manufacturer Sunice, I grabbed it.

The styling was the first thing I noticed; the narrowness of the cut, slightly tapered at the waist, was unusual, in a good way. In two good ways actually, because narrow and tapered is more flattering, and at the same time, less likely to flap about and distract during your swing.

My jacket was black and chintz, essentially black and white. It's sophisticated and sporty, with the white coming in on the back and sleeve panels. The logo is dynamic but discreet and appears as a small icon on the back panel.

I put on the jacket, and had a bit of trouble with the zipper. It's a two-way zipper and one needs to align it a bit more carefully than normal due to the tight, totally waterproof construction.

I immediately noticed the feel of the sleeves. My arms felt supported, but not restricted and my range of motion was in no way limited ... thanks in large part to the high tech, full four-way stretch fabric that runs the length of the sleevels and across the back of the jacket. I also really liked the stretch knit liner in the sleeves, which provided the first layer of protection at the wrists. The second layer came with the adjustable Velcro cuffs on the outer shell.

The neckline, too, is engineered to provide a comfortable water barrier. The stand-up collar has an understated fold tab that further insulates the zipper.

I half-expected my swing to be restricted by all these high-tech waterproofing features. But it wasn't. There was no restriction and no bulky flapping of excess fabric. I like the waist cord, too. It allowed me to create a kind of custom fit and was easy to work with. Covered pocket zippers and a seemless shoulder design rounded out the style features.

The true test of this jacket's functionally came when I took it out to the course on a wet, windy day. And it passed with flying colors. Water just beaded up and rolled away. It felt great.

Sunice has been around for more than 30 years and began as a merger between a clothing designer and a manufacturer of firefighter's uniforms. The company obviously sees the value of style and the necessity of substance. I'm enjoying both features in the Sunice Typhoon Cameron Jacket.

Sunice is introducing some great new outerwear items in their 2009 collection for both men and women, too. The color palette will contrast sophisticated shades with bold brights and new items will feature innovative high tech fabric and construction. After my positive experience with the Sunice Typhoon Cameron jacket, I look forward to checking the 2009 styles.

Sun Mountain ClubGlider 2009 Models

2009-03-22T21:47:00.001-07:00

You may remember the ClubGlider from the Golf Channel series Fore Invetors Only. The travel bag was one of five finalists on the show, and Sun Mountain began offering the ClubGlider in 2008.

For 2009, Sun Moutain has three new models ready. The ClubGlider Cascade is an entry-level model that will be available in early 2009 with an MSRP of $260. ClubGlider Meridian is the new name of the original model, and it is in stores now with an MSRP of $319. And the ClubGlider Pro is the largest, able to accommodate a staff bag or two carry bags; it will be available in December 2008 with an MSRP of $349.

With retractable, extendable legs and pivoting wheels, the ClubGlider can be wheeled around airports and hotel lobbies with ease, eliminating the need for golfers to bend and carry.

The ClubGlider supports 100-percent of the weight of the golf bag, and can also support additional luggage. The golfer's bag and clubs can be loaded into the ClubGlider from standing. And the ClubGlider includes heavy-duty two-way zippers, thick foam padding to protect clubheads and shafts, internal storage pockets and cinch straps, vinyl-reinforced wear areas, and a lift assist handle.

Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Golf Shoes

2009-03-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax from the company's Spring/Summer 2009 collection gets "casual elegance" just right. The measured balance of firmness and flexibility comfortably cradles the foot, while an innovative arch support provides excellent stability. This is a shoe women will appreciate for both looks and comfort.

The Pros

A Cool, contemporary look, that's easy-going, but stylish.
Very comfortable. The foot is firmly cradled, without ever feeling confined.
A low-profile midsole with arch support and a swing stabilizer ensure stability.
Stinger 3 cleats provide great traction.

The Cons

May be narrow for those who prefer a very wide shoe.

Description

I selected the black/light silver/white color combination. This shoe also comes in plum/light silver; white/light silver; white/light silver/light rose and black/poppy/titanium. Each color combination includes a trendy touch of metallic, as well as rubber detailing that makes for a sleek, stylish, modern look.
Ecco's innovative process creates a one-piece shoe that brings with it uncommon durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance ... as well as extra levels of cushioning and comfort.
The soft high-grade leather is treated for weather resistance and the stitching on each contrasting leather detail is extremely fine.
There's an internal stabilizer that helps with weight balance and swing stability as well as a cushiony double-layered insole that reduces stress on the knees, hips and back.
Air circulation features keep feet dry and cool.
The outer-sole features molded bars to provide traction, and the Stinger cleats from Champ (and the Q-Lok insert system) provide ideal traction and grip.

The Review

Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Golf Shoe - Spring/Summer 2009 Women's Collection
I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to golf attire, but as hip, high-tech looks have become more and more popular with the ladies of the LPGA, I find myself seeking out more casual contemporary pieces.

For quite a while I'd been looking for a casual golf shoe that didn't look or feel like a sneaker. To me, sneakers are for schlepping around in the mall or a daily walk around the block. They're not for golf. I want to look athletic and elegant when I play.

So, when I had the chance to try a pair of Ecco Women's Casual Cool Hydromax Shoes, it was serendipitous.

Looks-wise, they had me from hello. Though there were many appealing combinations to choose from, I selected the black/light silver/white. The way the contrasting black and white leathers entwine is simple and elegant. A metallic matte sliver is also featured as a complement in fine runway-inspired slashes. Ecco's new "Four Dots" logo is discretely incorporated.

But it's surely the shape that most distinguishes these shoes from the other "casual" golf shoes. Though they're definitely athletic, they're also sleek and streamlined. They're the type of shoe that looks good on everyone, and the good looks continue right on down to the ground with rubber detailing and a color-matched outsole.

That's the outside story. Inside is where the comfort and support and stability come in. What appears at first glance to be generous cushioning and nothing more, actually incorporates high-tech arch support, and what's known as an "integrated swing stablizer." I'm not sure exactly how it works, but with the cushiony Comfort Fiber System, I can tell you, this shoe cradles the foot to creates a real feeling of stability which naturally leads to a more confident swing.

Then you have the Stinger cleats for traction and grip. I definitely felt more stable in the sand (where I tend to wind up all too often).

I really like the Ecco Casual Cool Hydromax Shoe, and it will undoubtedly become my golf shoe of choice. I'm a bit of a shoe fanatic so I'll probably be picking up some of those other color combinations, too. Ecco's Four Dots represent quality, comfort, technology and style. I found all four in this shoe.