“Hireko Golf’s Acer Cb7 and Cb8 putters are wicked both in style and performance”

The following review was posted on WorldGolf.com by Senior Writer Kiel Christianson.

Custom Assembled Acer CB7 Putter $44.95 ea.

Golf has traditionally been a rather genteel game. Although gentlemanly competition is undeniably good for the soul, there is only so much argyle and velvet-wrapped grips that a man can take before something gives.

One minute you’re teeing off from the tips with a cigar clenched in your teeth, and the next thing you know, you’re picking out an aromatherapy candle.

My point is that every now and then, a man’s got to feel like a guy. And now more than ever, golf itself needs to appeal to a wider demographic, including guys who wouldn’t be caught dead within a mile of plus-fours or white wingtips.

Hireko Golf has recently introduced some putters that have not only broken a few molds – they look like they could be used to break a few skulls. The Acer Cb7 and Cb8 seem to be fashioned from patterns found in tattoos or on the gas tanks of custom choppers.

In short, they’re wicked both in style and performance.

How Hireko Golf’s Acer Cb7 and Cb8 putters play

The Acer Cb7 ($45, assembled) is a center-shafted, face-balanced mallet

Custom Assembled Acer CB8 Putter $44.95 ea.

with a straight shaft. Extreme heel-toe balance is achieved via four-inch prongs extending back from the face.

These prongs curl inward as they taper, resembling raptor talons. There’s a ball-width alignment aid directly behind the face, and a small, milled graphite insert in the face to get the ball rolling and provide feedback.

The Acer Cb8 ($45, assembled) is even more radical in appearance, with thicker prongs that look like lock-blade knives. There is also a ball-sized, glittering disk attached to the back of the alignment aid bar.

The Cb 8 does not have a face insert, but it is more heel-shafted, with a small double-bend shaft.

Both of these flat sticks are heavy, and the heft is intended to help keep your wrists and hands out of the stroke. They’re incredibly easy to keep on-plane throughout the stroke and provide excellent feel and sound. The matte-finished clubheads reduce reflective glare, and the white-trimmed alignment aids really stand out to the eye, making alignment very simple.

The designs of these putters might not be for everyone, but if you want to make a statement – or need to beat a rabid raccoon to death during your round – there are not many other putters on the market that will do the job quite as well or at such a reasonable price.

And in these tough economic times, golf could use a few more players, including guys with tattoo sleeves and custom bikes.

Just remember to follow this simple advice: Give these guys every putt inside three feet.

Acer CB7 Putter Assembled Price (comes with Free! Headcover!) $44.95

Acer CB8 Putter Component Clubhead Price $44.95

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What’s New for UST?

Chances are you are already familiar with UST (United Sports Technology) or at least those distinctly bright yellow shafts you might have seen for more than a decade now.  In the past year UST merged with Mamiya OP Sports who made some very cutting edge shafts for the techno-savvy Japanese market, to now form UST Mamiya.

UST-Mamiya offers one of the most extensive product lines in the industry.  To help you sift through all the shafts, we divided them into different families so you can see the key differences within each line.  Let’s take a quick look at each one them.

AXIVCore Series
This line integrates their AXIVCore technology which is a proprietary 4-axis weave technology that improves distance and accuracy.  How?  This is the stuff I get excited about because most graphite shafts use 3 directional layers of graphite.  One is longitudinal or runs the length of the shaft for the stiffness.  Two layers go at opposite 45 degree angles to control and balance the shaft’s resistance to torque.  But the AXIVCore adds a 4^th layer that is laid 90º to the longitudinal layers to control the compression of the shaft and improve hoop strength.  This is what helps to provide pin point accuracy.

The AXIVCore technology is available in different models that Hireko stocks.

Tour Green
This is the brand new series UST-Mamiya now offers for the player seeking a lower initial launch and with low spin.  In addition, the balance point of this model has been shifted toward the tip for added stability and for increased head feel.  These are offered in the popular 60 and 70 gram ranges and these are quite possibly designed more for the stronger-than-average golfers.
$139.99 each.

Tour Black

This series is for the player seeking a high initial launch but with reduced spin.  You see most high launching shafts also produce higher spin, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The shaft is counterbalanced (more weight toward the butt end of the shaft) to help increase swing speed or offset the effect of using a slightly heavier head. The Tour Black is available in multiple weights for true custom fitting.  For instance, many golfers may use the 69g version for the driver, but opt for the slightly heavier 79g for their fairway woods for added control.
$139 each.

Blue
This series is designed for the majority of weekend warriors creating a higher launch angle with its active tip section for longer carry distances. We are offering the wood shaft in the lighter 59 and 69 gram ranges in a wide array of flexes from slow swingers to those with high speeds.  There is also an 85g hybrid shaft in this line.

$89.99 each.

Proforce Series
The Proforce technology has been UST’s flagship line ever since it burst on the scene winning the 1999 Masters with its revolutionary Proforce Tip Technology.

V2
The V2 is probably the most popular of their premium line. The firm tip section produces a very stable, consistent golf shaft with a medium trajectory.  Plus the low torque is combined to harmonize with today’s larger clubheads.  We offer the wood shafts in the 65 and 75 gram ranges to work not only in drivers, but fairways too.  There are two different hybrids shafts.  One is designed for those with a .335” hosel. The other is .370” and that’s the one to fit all of Hireko’s branded hybrids.

$59.99 each.

V2 Tour
If you haven’t noticed, beginning January 1, 2010, the USGA changed the rules pertaining to grooves.  So what does that have to do with shafts?  Ball manufacturers are just going to adjust the aerodynamics on the ball so it spins more, and you guess it, some of you can expect a higher ball flight.  The V2 was designed to combat this by providing a lower boring ball flight.  Those wily engineers thought of it all…
$69.99 each.

Rv2 Iron Shafts
These shafts have been a stable in their line for a while and considered tried and true. For the better golfer looking to transition to graphite shafts to reduce both shock and fatigue in their irons, but without sacrificing accuracy, the Rv2 should get some very strong consideration. These are available with a very neutral smoke mirror and black color scheme in two popular weights; 75 and 95g.

These are also tip heavy shafts.  What this means is that golfers can maintain the same steel lengths as they have been accustomed to and still achieve a standard swingweight range rather than having to make the clubs an additional ½” longer like with typical graphite shafts to get the proper weight.
$24.99 each.

UST Series
At a price that a majority of golfers can afford, you will find a collection of high performance shaft models re-designed with the purpose of offering better fitting options with today’s woods, hybrids and irons. This series will only have the UST name on the shafts, but that doesn’t mean you will see a drop off in the performance or quality.

65 Gold

The shafts use the very same, advanced, high modulus carbon fiber materials used in the original Proforce models. If you are looking to hit the ball further with greater accuracy, the 65 Gold are going to be right up your alley.
$39.99 each.

iRod
The iRoD (name is derived by combining iron and hybrid) is a completely different shaft from the first version; reborn as an all-new, low-cost “transition” mix and match iron/hybrid series. The iron shafts are intended for use in 5-iron through wedges, while the hybrid version is designed for longer 3 & 4 irons/hybrids.  The mix and match option provides a more uniform appearance in the bag.
$11.99 each.

Competition Series
These have been long staples of the UST line. These very affordable, combination flex shafts are available in a stylish red and black color scheme and will match well with several of our Acer and Power Play models.  The lighter weight combo design of the Competition 65 Series provides the ultimate club building flexibility and helps maximize distance, while offering golfers the perfect fit.
Irons $13.99 each, Woods $15.99 each.

Frequency Filtered™ Putter Shafts
Believe it or not, UST engineers thought of it all by providing shaft technology dedicated to the putter. This technology is radically different by combination of vibration-dampening graphite with steel to filter out the ‘static’ noise and leave only the good vibrations to transfer to your hands for improved feel.

We offer two different versions.  One is a straight 0.370” parallel shaft for most normal applications and a compound double bend designed to create the lie and offset into mallet putters with a 90 degree socket.

Starting at $28.99 each.

Grips
You might have had to do a double take, but that’s right, UST Mamiya has now entered the grip market with three different styles and colors to choose from. For those who are into branding the product you play or sell, now you can have color coordinated grips to match their popular line of shafts.

Tour PC
This all black offering made from premium materials provides a velvety soft feel in an exceptionally torsionally tight, long lasting grip.
$2.99 each

Comp SC
Featuring a select compound/ multi-color design, UST Mamiya designers utilized only the finest quality natural rubber available to create this unique grip. The three quarter wrap in the upper section provides low torque as well as the ultimate in traction and feel.  These are available in 4 different colors.  The Black / Gold colors matches the UST-Mamiya AXIVCore and V2 lines, while the Black/Blue, Black/Red and hot new Black/White will match the majority of heads on the market.
$2.99 each

Pro DC
The Pro DC features a dual compound/multi-color/ half-cord design unique to and exclusively developed by UST Mamiya. The Pro DC features a unique 4/3 compound, often preferred by better players and avid golfers looking for both torsional strength in the upper hand and a soft, velvety feel in the mid section of the grip.  These are offered in the same snazzy colors as the Comp PC grips.
$7.49 each

Aldila has introduced several new exciting shafts this year.  Let’s start off with the En Fuego series or what I like to refer to as the “Pepper” shafts.  These three models offer something a little different from the norm. While each shaft has the same very light weight, they produce three distinctly different ball flights.



The Habanera goes high, Serrano low and the Wasabi in-between. I’ll also let you on a little secret. One feature you won’t see in the product literature is that the balance point of each of these shafts is shifted 2” closer to the butt end.

Are you looking for more distance?  Of course you are.  But how can you achieve that?  You can either use a heavier head or you can make the club longer.  In either situation the much higher balance point will prevent the club from becoming head heavy and unwieldy.  Now all you need to decide on is which variety of pepper (or how much heat) is best for you.

These shafts are getting some major play as a few of the major manufacturers will use these same shafts in their latest offerings. The Wasabi will be one of two stock options for the Adams Speedline FAST 10 drivers, while the Serrano will be one of the stock options in Pings G15 drivers, both of which retail for $300 or more.  You can get the exact same shaft technology in an Acer, Power Play or Dynacraft brand driver for much less.

People love technology they can see, like Aldila’s patented S-Core which is visible in their Voodoo series.  The S-Core helps reduce shaft ovalization during the swing so you are more accurate and obtain more distance.  There is now a new Voodoo Hybrid shaft to round out the series.

This might take a little explaining, but the new NV Voodoo is different from the original Voodoo, not just because one is green and the other red. You see the original Voodoo was based on the VS Proto and all those advance fibers and carbon-nanotubes, but with the S-Core technology added.  The NV Voodoo is like the original NV series (you know, like the green one) but with the S-Core added.  So you get the same benefit of the S Core, but the NV Voodoo isn’t quite as stout in the tip.  That’s the difference!

Speaking of the NV series, Aldila has it right this year with the state of the economy. Long time favorites like the NV and NVS series, are now at an astonishing new lower price.  Now you can get some serious shafts for some small coin.

Lastly, Aldila has introduced a hybrid for their Value Series (VL / VX).  Not only does this provide a low cost hybrid offering, but this finally gives ladies and seniors a hybrid specific model in our product line.

These are just a few of the Aldila shafts that Hireko has to offer.  It is no wonder that year after year, Aldila shafts are favorites not only on the professional circuits but in bag all over the place.

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Introducing New Winn Grips For 2010

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	Winn Lite Soft WinnLite grip technology was developed for golfers who are looking for longer distance, more accurate shots, and higher ball flight. WinnLite grips translate to lighter club weight which equals faster swingspeed, resulting in increased distance. WinnLite grips will give you better clubhead feel for more accurate shotmaking and increase your launch angle resulting in a higher ball flight. WinnLite Soft is comprised of V17-Soft material for ultimate comfort, shock absorption and feel. Winn Lite Soft Standard RW103 $6.69 ea. Winn Lite Soft Mid +1/16″ RW104 $6.99 ea. Winn Lite Soft OS +1/8″ RW105 $8.99 ea.
	Winn Lite Medium WinnLite grip technology was developed for golfers who are looking for longer distance, more accurate shots, and higher ball flight. WinnLite grips translate to lighter club weight which equals faster swingspeed, resulting in increased distance. WinnLite grips will give you better clubhead feel for more accurate shotmaking and increase your launch angle resulting in a higher ball flight. WinnLite Medium is comprised of V17 material for all around feel and performance. Winn Lite Medium Std $6.69 ea. Winn Lite Medium Midsize RW107 $6.99 ea.
	Winn Lite Firm WinnLite grip technology was developed for golfers who are looking for longer distance, more accurate shots, and higher ball flight. WinnLite grips translate to lighter club weight which equals faster swingspeed, resulting in increased distance. WinnLite grips will give you better clubhead feel for more accurate shotmaking and increase your launch angle resulting in a higher ball flight. WinnLite Medium is comprised of V17 material for all around feel and performance. Winn Lite Firm Std Black RW108 $8.49 ea. Winn Lite Firm Std White RW109 $8.49 ea. Winn Lite Firm Midsize RW110 $8.99 ea.
	Winn Triple Line Pistol Putter RW111 $7.99 ea. Designed for those who prefer a firmer standard sized putter grip, the Triple Line embossing offers maximum traction while 100% V17 Polymer-Cord construction delivers unmatched response and control. Winn Triple Line Mid Pistol RW112 $8.99 ea. Designed for those who prefer a firmer, mid-sized sized putter grip, the Triple Line embossing offers maximum traction while 100% V17 Polymer-Cord construction delivers unmatched response and control. Winn Triple Line JumboLite RW113 $12.99 ea. This lightweight version of the Jumbo allows players to get more clubhead feel while enjoying the stability of an oversize grip. What is incredible is the JumboLite weighs about the same as a standard size putter grip!

What’s Santa bringing you for Christmas?

Socks, boxer shorts, a new shirt or two? Boring, although good gifts (hint, hint if you are listening Santa). But those are small items you get every year and could be considered stocking stuffers. What you want is that big package to open underneath the tree.

So, what do you really, really want that will help increase the efficiency of your clubmaking shop?

	Clubmaking Book	Your spouse won’t find one at your local bookstore, but it is something that you have wanted to get you started in clubmaking.
	Club Length Template	Tired of fumbling along positioning your 48” ruler just to give you the right length? The Ruler Soleplate will make short work of every measuring the length of the club every again.
	Graphite Shaft Puller	Finally you will be able to save shafts instead of having another tomato stake. Heck, with the price of shafts today, one shaft saved will pay for itself the first time you use it.
	Grip Tape Dispenser	There will be no more fiddling around trying to peel off that thin liner off the double sided tape or trouble cutting the tape straight as this will be a big time saver.
	Grip Remover Gun	You know you have needed one on more than one occasion, but haven’t broken down to buy one for yourself. Tell Santa (or someone nearby) you had been good instead of naughty this year.
	Shaft Cutting Fixture	Ooh, finally cutting a whole set of iron shafts with one cut and each shaft being in precise ½” increments or maybe ¼” increments. With so much time saved, you can spend more time with your loved ones or least fix a few things around the house.
	Frequency Analyzer	No more guessing and relying on the tolerances of the shafts you purchase or the clubs you build. You’ll get more use out of this than any other gift that might be under that tree, including that 32” LCD TV.
	Loft and Lie Machine	The king of all tools that no custom clubmaking shop should be without. You could accurately measure as well as adjust the angles – a potential profit center figuring there might not be another shop in your area.

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The Tour’s Secret Weapon Revealed!

In this economy it is hard to fathom that someone is willing to spend a whole lot of money on a golf shaft unless that person is Warren Buffett. But you might be surprised how many core golfers don’t quibble about price when it comes to their equipment.  The newest premium graphite shaft unveiled is the Project X, which on the very day it became available for consumers worldwide, was used by the winner of the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin GC in Spain.

Who Manufacturer’s the Project X shaft?

Wondering, who makes Project X shafts?  Well, you might have heard that name in steel, but not graphite.  The Project X graphite shaft series is manufactured by none other than True Temper, the world’s number one producer of shafts in the world who use the PGA tour players as their guinea pigs in product development.  True Temper also owns the Grafalloy brand that you might be more familiar with.  But the Project X is positioned as True Temper’s premium line in both steel and graphite and designed for those who will spare no expense in their game.

Gettin’ Techy

I was fortunate to have Tour-like status to test first-hand the new Project X driver before they became available to the public.  You see I get to wear multiple hats.  One is the tech or geeky side that wants to know everything about the product.  From Zonal Design Theory to specifically target and design the tip, mid and butt sections with specialized layers of ultra-high modulus material to cross-sectional stability, a spin reducing tip section, each flex of the Project X is a completely different animal.

This was evident from my preliminary testing of the shafts, that each flex had a totally different set of specification for weight, frequency, torque, tip and butt stiffness rather than just different frequencies of the same shaft profile.  For those fellow techies who analyze all the numbers like frequency, torque, etc., I have one word for you – DON’T!

Quality Range Time

My other hat I wear is the avid golfer – just like you. I headed out to the range with the 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 flex versions of the driver shafts in the Dynacraft Prophet ICT driver head I have sported all year. Anything more than that would be too stiff for my 100 mph swing speed as I would later find out.  The 5.0 would be a middle of the road R-flex, while the 5.5 would be considered a firm R-flex.  The 6.0 was a soft to standard S-flex in their system.

Believe me I have tried all sorts of shaft and head combos that my game is predicated on my swing – not my equipment.  So I have a pretty good grasp of what type of specifications I can use based on a database of information. The Project X driver shafts might have challenged some of my theories.  The 6.0 model was in similar to specs to what I had been using at least on paper.  The performance was more than adequate and should have been for a premium shaft, but it felt surprisingly firmer.  My only explanation as to why, is most likely the premium materials used in the construction of these shafts.

It was the softer 5.0 flex that I preferred both from a feel and a ball flight standpoint.  There is something about these high end shafts that is hard to put a finger on. The mid 50g weight and very low frequency (238 cpm) would normally be a recipe for inconsistency, but what occurred was just the opposite.  As a matter of fact, all three flexes I tested produced excellent results.  But of special note was the repeated consistency in the ball direction and landing pattern. I didn’t see as many fliers or balls that might have curved as far one way or another as I would normally.

The Real Advantage

This is the reason why the best players in the world want these ultra-premium shafts – consistency.  We all know what consistency breeds and that is confidence.  Heck, they don’t know what they cost anyway since they get them for free.  All they are concerned with is they just want something that will help them perform at their highest level.

For those who have relied on the Project X steel shafts already know how dedicated the True Temper engineers at giving you the tools to perform at your highest level. If you are serious about your game and you won’t settle for anything less, take a look at the new Project X series of graphite shafts.

Project X Hybrid Graphite Shaft $150 each
These shafts are available only through special order

Project X Wood Graphite Shaft $275 each
These shafts are available only through special order