By Jason Bruno

Long known to be among the industry elite when it comes to shortgame

performance, Cleveland's RTX-3 line of wedges raises the standard with a

combination of innovation and classic designs.

RTX-3 features a classic blade design available in tour satin, tour raw and

Black satin. As the flagship of the Cleveland Golf wedge line, the RTX-3 is

available in every combination you can imagine from 46 - 64 degrees.

V-grind is available in low (LG), mid (MG) and full bounce (FG) configurations.

The tour raw (that rusts over time) is a favorite among pros on tour and can

be found in the bags of players like G-Mac and Keegan Bradley and Harold

Varner III.

According to Cleveland - the new ultra-durable black satin finish is formulated

to last longer than previous editions.

Cleveland's V shape grind features a leading edge with more bounce to

help get the clubhead through the turf faster. Many amateurs aren't aware

that getting fit for the proper amount of bounce is an essential not only for

sand play but also in its role of achieving consistent contact in various turf

conditions.

According to the folks at Cleveland: The RTX-3 wedge features 3 new

innovations that work together to create the most consistent wedge

performance. Feel balancing Technology, new V-Sole Grinds, and a new

Rotex face.

A close look at the new Tour Zip Grooves shows a deeper, narrower U shape

with a sharp edge radius in all lofts to enhance contact across a wide variety

of conditions. The advanced, 2-pass micro milling pattern increases friction

and is directionally enhanced by loft. According to Cleveland, RTX-3 wedegs

generate the most consistent spin within the limits .

Performance: Ok, so there's tons of new innovation in these RTX-3 wedges,

but how did they feel and perform? First of all, they look great at address with

no surprises - just clean lines. The RTX-3 we tested gave consistent pin high

distance control on full shots with the exact amount of spin required. Smooth

buttery feel at impact is what you come to expect from Cleveland Golf, and

that's exactly what you get.

Shortgame wise is where the RTX-3 earns its stripes, these can handle any up

and down situation you throw at them. Perhaps where you might really notice

the difference between the RTX-3 and your current shortgame stick is from

the rough. The V-grind and new rotex zip grooves perform as if you're on the

shortgrass.

Summary: It should be no surprise that the RTX-3 line comes in as a top

shelf performer and is about as sharp looking a wedge as you can find. With

bounce options ranging from 6-14 degrees & every loft from pitching wedge

to the extreme lob wedge (64 degrees) there is a shortgame weapon for

everyone. MSRP $129.99

http://www.clevelandgolf.com/

SRIXON Q-Star Tour

Srixon has been gushing about this ball since we met with them at the PGA

Show in late January, the company couldn't contain their excitement before

launching the Q-Star Tour to the marketplace in late spring. Earlier this summer

they sent these over for review. A urethane cover ball for the masses that offers

tour like performance.

Is your driver swing over 90+ mph ? If it is, than check out Srixon's Z-Star

series golf balls (shown above - XV and standard Z-Star model), but for

the majority of golfers the Q-Star Tour just might be what you're the

answer to what you're looking for.

Srixon's pure white urethane cover looks every bit the part, finally a ball that

offers tour like performance for the recreational player with moderate swing

speeds. Perhaps the best thing golfers get here is VALUE, at right around

$30 you get a premium 3 piece soft urethane ball that offers low spin off the

driver and shortgame spin (usually to get this combo it'll cost $50 a dozen retail).

Unlike many of the new premium high value golf balls you can buy only online,

the Q-Star Tour is available at your local pro shop and big box golf retailer.

Along with the 324 speed dimple soft urethane cover with SpinSkin coating,

Srixon's low 75 compression energetic gradient growth core allows for easier

compression off the driver.

Features:

- Long, Accurate drives

- Tremendous iron distance

- Stable in Windy conditions

- Soft, responsive feel

Performance: If you're a player of the Titleist NXT Tour S or the Wilson

Duo Spin then you may want to check out the Q-Star Tour. According to Srixon

the Q-Star Tour has longer distance off the mid irons and tighter dispersion off

the driver. We can confirm that the Q-Star Tour held it's line better in the South

Florida crosswinds than many of the premium tour models we've tested. For

shortgame control the Q-Star Tour spins just slightly less than the competitors

tour urethane ball that cost around $50 per dozen, but spins significantly more

than ANY of the competitors ionomer cover models in the comparable $30 per

dozen price range.

Summary: If you're a player who swings the driver under 90 mph and likes the

performance of a tour ball, than the Q-Star Tour may be the only ball of its kind

(other than the TaylorMade Project a) that offers such a thing. The Srixon is $5

less per dozen and does have a slightly firmer feel (75 compression) than TM's

40 compression Project a. As a legitimate 3 piece urethane cover ball, Srixon's

Q-Star Tour provides a level of performance that exceeds just about everything

at the $30 price point. A virtual slam dunk for the mid-high handicap player.

MSRP - $29.99 http://www.srixon.com/

Cobra's King F7 line is the flagship driver for the company that boasts a tour

stable of Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson. Offering two

models, Cobra offers the standard F7 for the average skill level and swing

speed player, and the F7+ that was designed for low handicap players and tour

professionals. In this edition we reviewed the F7+. Note Cobra's MyFly8 adjustable

hosel technology that allows you to dial in loft and shot shape.

TECH STUFF

A close up of the sole shows three different weight ports - (1) 12 gram and

(2) 2 gram movable weights allow you to customize your desired ball flight

and shot shape. With the 12 gram weight positioned in the front port (as

shown above) spin rates go down as well as trajectory (but keep in mind,

this is the least forgiving set up). Move to the heel position will promote a

draw bias flight. The rear port provides the highest launch/most forgiveness.

*additional 8, 12 & 16 gram weights are available from Cobra

The F7+ has a smaller profile at address then the standard F7, but according to

Jose Miraflor of Cobra: "Our use of Textreme Carbon Fiber produces a 20% lighter

crown that has enabled the R&D guys to move weight lower and deeper in the

clubhead for more forgiveness, even in a club designed for better players."

A re-engineered forged titanium E9 face is designed to be lighter, thinner and hotter

than previous models.

Cobra Connect by Arccos comes standard on all F7 and F7+ models, allowing

you to track your tee shots while on the course and compete with buddies for

long drive bragging rights. This will likely be standard with future of golf equip-

ment. Brilliant technology.

Simply pair the connect device with the Arccos driver app and let the technology

show you the rest via their 40,000 golf course GPS database.

Fujikura Speeder XLR8 61 is the stock powerplant equipped with Lamkin's REL grip.

Appearance

Passing the appearance test with high marks, this stock image really shows

what a great job Cobra did on the aesthetics of the new King F7 drivers, perhaps

the best looking big stick they've ever created. Look closely at the top of the

Crown and you can see the subtle checkerboard pattern along with rear wings

that help frame proper alignment.

The Cobra F7 headcover has the style of a classy sports car accessory

Cobra KING F7+ set up options and shaft specs:

Performance/Feel

Now that we've identified the technology and sexy aesthetics of the new F7+,

it's time to discuss what the actual testing showed us. Using Foresight's Performance

simulator in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida we put the F7+ to the test. Set up in the

high launch weight back setting we found our best results. The King F7+ still produced

piercing bullets in this set up and the stats proved that out. Below is the average of

all the swings with the best and worst shots tossed out.

The 104 swing Speed and 150 mph ball speed are typical numbers for me, the 1.45

smash factor is very efficient, but the 10.2 launch angle is a bit low to reach optimal

distance for a 104 mph swing, thus limiting carry distance (for a tour pro that swings

between 115-120, 10.2 launch is often desired). The 4.7 azimuth and 526 rpm left

side spin results in a push draw flight pattern (my preferred shot shape). 2450 backspin

is typical for me but in a perfect world I'd prefer a 13 degree launch with backspin in

the neighborhood of 1800 - 2000. The 25/33 peak height yds/descent angle illustrates

a flat launch and landing - allowing for maximun roll. With a proper fitting, and another

shaft the carry yardage (248) would certainly get a boost and increase the total distance

of 274 yards, but for a stock set up these stats are pretty solid. Perhaps most impressive

was the offline stat, which measures how far the shot finishes from the centerline - the

King F7+ averaged just 5 yards left of dead center - the best result of any driver we've

ever tested. Never heard anyone ever complain about straight.

Out on the course there were no surprises, the F7+ hit bullet push draws all day. As far

as feel goes, the F7+ has a muted solid thwack at impact, much quieter than any driver

we've tested recently, but similar to Cobra's ZL Encore model of a few years ago. If you

prefer a loud crack at impact this isn't going to be your preference, but it's really not a

bad sound or feel when compression occurs, in fact off center hits felt better than just

about any of the 2017 models we've tested. Lamkin's R.E.L grip provides ample traction

even in humid conditions.

For the masses, Cobra offers the standard F7 model that features a slighty larger

profile clubhead and more forgiveness than the F7+, but with all of the same

technology.

Summary:

One thing that often gets overlooked by those that review golf equipment is VALUE.

So let's bluntly put this out there, NO COMPANY does a better job of offering premium

tour performance golf equipment at a reasonable cost than Cobra (Cleveland/Srixon

is nearly its equal).

If you visit the Cobra site today ( http://www.cobragolf.com/golf-clubs/drivers ) you'll

find the F7 available for $249 and the F7+ $299. That's brand new driver technology

for hundreds less than virtually every other leading club manufacturer.

As far as looks/performance/feel the Cobra KING F7+ is among the best drivers we've

ever tested. So if you're in the market, go get properly fit, and get the buy of the

summer!

By Jason Bruno

It's that time of year, warm temperatures, blue skies, intense sunshine,

beaches, convertible sports cars, vacations and best of all - 36 hole days

of golf. For all of these activities a good pair of sunglasses can be a

needed friend, and with Father's Day on the horizon we thought it would be

a great time to roll out our review of the finest eyewear in golf.

Six companies contributed to our review: Oakley, Bolle, Tifosi, Electric, Reks

and Under Armour.

Sometime in the early 90's I discovered how important quality eyewear is

when I visited an ophthalmologist to examine a growth on my right eye called

a pinguecula. I was only 25 years old and indestructible. The eye doctor told me

that the growth was harmless, but lectured me on how quickly my 20/20 vision

would deteriorate without wearing proper eye protection daily (especially living

in the Sunshine State). As someone who's office has been primarily in the sunshine

since 1987, it was probably a smart move to heed the advice and get some type

of premium shades. Since then, having top quality eyewear has been a priority.

From wraparound sporty to the more classic Wayfarer style like Electric's

Knoxville model (front row center). Picking out a new pair of specs is much

more like selecting the right pair of golf shoes than it is getting fit for a new

driver. All of the shades in this review offer superior UV protection, so it

really boils down to preference in tint, frame style, size, fit and cost. Although

each model features high tech innovation and space age materials, we'll try

not to bore anyone too many times with words like hydrophilic, grilamid and

polycarbonate (forgive me if I slip one in every now and then). We rated each

according to lens clarity, capability for green reading, functionality, quality,

versatility and style.

Rating Table:

♦ = Marginal quality and less than ideal for golf activities

♦♦ = Limited in reducing glare and picking up turf contrast detail

♦♦♦ = Good sunglasses, but just average for golf

♦♦♦1/2 = A solid overall performer that provides excellent clarity

♦♦♦♦ = Versatile. enhances green reading, handles everything

you can throw at them regardless of conditions.

♦♦♦♦1/2 = Quality and style worthy of being your "go to" shades.

♦♦♦♦♦ =  Supreme Gamer shades - "Must Have"

Bolle offers a vast assortment of golf specific eyewear choices -

our test subjects included: 6th Sense (back left), Ransom Folds

of Honor Limited Edition (back right) and Fly Air (front).

BOLLE RANSOM - FOLDS OF HONOR LIMITED EDITION

Folds of Honor V3 Golf Limited Edition - for every one sold, Bolle

makes a donation to the FOH to help the families of fallen military.

Ransom model features bClear lenses formulated to keep your vision

clear all day long and to repel moisture and smudges. The wrap-around

shape has become the standard in golf eyewear, and certainly that's a

good thing since side glare can be a problem. Green reading with the

bclear V3 lens (amber/bronze tint) is significantly enhanced.

Pros: Ransom is the most versatile style of the 3 Bolle options we tested.

Cons: Nothing really stands out about these, shiny black frames and

extended length nose section can be slightly distracting while addressing

a golf shot. Fit: Med/Large  $99 Rating: ♦♦♦

BOLLE FLY-AIR

Bolle Fly-Air is new for 2017 and features all of the performance features

of Ransom, but in a sleeker less cumbersome frame profile. Pros: Most

prefer the Fly-Air styling because of the matte black frames and oval lens

shape, these are both sporty and classic in style (and few golf specific shades

can boast that). Cons: The smaller profile provides less lens coverage

Fit: small/Medium $105 Rating: ♦♦♦♦

BOLLE 6th SENSE

Bolle Golf's 6th Sense is just an all out UV shield of the highest order. Also

popular in cycling, 6th sense is all about intense "get after it" competition.

The golf specific model features the same bClear V3 Modulator lens that's

now Bolle's standard for enhanced turf contour clarity. Bolle now offers the

6th Sense in a Ryder Cup Edition that will be popular in France for the 2018

matches. Lee Westwood wears these out on the PGA and European Tour.

After wearing these for a round in the intense South Florida sun, 6th sense

easily exceeded our expectations in virtually everyway.

Pros: More lens/less frame is ideal for most sports, with golf it's a game

changer, these have zero visual distractions. The pliable arms allow for a

custom fit that stays put regardless of how furious the activity. The hardcore

linkster will find (as we did) these are right at the top of the list of golf

specific shades. They may be Tour de France style, but easily the yellow

jersey of Bolle's Golf rotation. Cons: none. Fit: Large  $158

Rating: ♦♦♦♦1/2

ELECTRIC KNOXVILLE

Electric is a California company that brings their classy shoreline vibe

into the golf market. Their Knoxville shown above debuted 10 years ago

and is the company's best selling eyewear model of all time. Is it golf

specific? No, but it's quality and style of the highest order and that scores

points no matter what the activity is. Born in Cali, crafted in Italy.

Ok, since the Knoxville is not a golf specific eyewear product, I'll

break from my earlier statement and give some actual tech data

on the product line: Knoxville Features a mold injected Grilamid

frame and OHM polycarbonate bronze lens that protects 100% UV

protection as well as 98% blue light protection. According to Electric,

their VLT 11% bronze tint offers vibrant landscapes and surroundings.

We don't disagree (weighs 30 grams).

Pros: Superb quality. The matte finish Tortoise shell wayfarer style

frame easily is the timeless classic of this group of sunglasses.

Knoxville can be worn anywhere anytime. As an all-around pair of

shades they're top shelf.

Cons: If this was a review on sunglasses in general, these would

easily garner a higher rating. As far as golf is concerned there are

a few small items needed for these to be considered as serious gamer

shades (for example: the nose and ear pieces don't provide any kind

of non-slip contact point). Fit: med/Lg $99 Rating: ♦♦♦1/2

Shop Electric: http://www.electriccalifornia.com/sunglasses.html

OAKLEY GOLF - EVZERO STRIDE w/PRIZM

Oakley is the most well known brand in sports sunglasses. PRIZM is

the company's latest lens innovation and aims to set new standards

in definition and clarity in high performance eyewear. According to our

friends at the "O" that we met with at the PGA Show in January - "By

fine tuning individual wavelengths of color, PRIZM sharpens visual acuity

to reveal nuances that would be missed by the naked eye." Their EVZERO

STRIDE (above) was our model for this review.

Planet X frame design and color scheme is an edgy vibe. EVZero

features Oakley's lightest frame and a 180 degree rimless lens for

a completely unobstructed view. Oakley's unobtanium ear socks and

nose pad handle the no-slip chores

EVZERO Stride is definitely a large fit for those with bigger facial

features. Perhaps the cleanest aesthetics of any eyewear on the

market. PRIZM filters 100% of all UVA, UVB UVC and harmful

blue light upto 400nm.

Pros: Similar to Bolle's 6th sense, the EVZERO Stride leaves nothing

to chance. It's ultra light, has comprehensive UV coverage and the

most advanced lens technolgoy in sports to keep you performing at

your best. Since there are zero visual obstructions from the frame

and they weigh practically nothing (just over 20 grams), you practically

don't even realize you're wearing them. Reading greens and observing

course details is a great experience with PRIZM. You won't miss even the

smallest of intricacies.

Cons: If you don't care for the ultra bright tint of the PRIZM lens there

isn't an option to swap out for a different lens. Fit: Large $170

Rating: ♦♦♦♦1/2

Shop Oakley: http://www.oakley.com/en/prizm/

REKS OPTICS

Reks Optics is a South Florida company that claims southern Palm Beach

County as it's home base. Innovation and value is what Reks is all about.

We tested out their Sling-Blade Lumolux, an un-breakable black satin-touch

flex frame that fits perfectly to those with a small/medium facial profile.

According to Reks, "Our polarized lenses withstand impact 1000% better

than glass or plastic.

Sling-blade comes in Black, Raspberry and White frames. Polarized

Lumolux rose/amber polycarbonate lenses have 5 different coatings

and an embedded polarized film that provides superbly crisp optics.

Available in Red Mirror, Blue Mirror, Brown, Gold Mirror, Rose-

Amber, Silver Mirror and Smoke. These performed as well as any

eyewear we tested on the golf course.

The advanced polymer unbreakable frames have to be seen

to be believed.

Pros: Stylish unbreakable satin touch frames and polarized lenses for

$50 - need we say more? Reks as a relative unknown in Golf eyewear

deserves some serious attention from those looking to get serious bang

for their buck! Easily the sleeper of our review. Fit: Small/Medium

Cons: Nada! Rating: ♦♦♦♦1/2

Shop Reks: https://reksoptics.com/

TIFOSI CRIT

Tifosi Crit (Metallic Red) might be the cult hero of this review. Gaining some

momentum among golf enthusiasts in recent years for their innovative and

highly functional specs and all at a great value. Engineered for endurance sports

(and summer golf should be thought of as such), Tifosi packed Crit with tons of

features (compact, stylish, light (31 grams) and at a price tag that will shock

you.

Crit comes standard with 3 lens options so you can get optic clarity

regardless of the conditions. Smoke -15.4 light transmission, Golf/Tennis

16.4 light transmission and Extreme Conditions 39.1 light transmission.

Crit features adjustable arm and nose pieces for perfect fit. Vented

lenses improve air circulation and prevent fogging. Grilamid frames

and polycarbonate lenses come standard.

Pros: Style and quality are top shelf. 3 sets of lenses for all conditions is

a major bonus. There really isn't an option Tifosi missed with these shades.

One of our highly respected product testers thoughts on Crit "They rival any

pair of Oakleys that I've ever worn." He continued his praise, "Tried out the

EC (extreme conditions) lens, my eyes which are very sensitive to light

adjusted perfectly to them in no time." Big thumbs up!" $69.95 (We've seen

them online for $50) Cons: ZERO Size: Medium Rating: ♦♦♦♦1/2

Shop Tifosi: http://www.tifosioptics.com/

UNDER ARMOUR EYEWEAR

Under Armour has launched into the performance eyewear golf market

with the emergence of the uber-marketable Jordan Spieth. Test models

Octane and Igniter 2.0 shown above.

UA OCTANE

OCTANE features chrome GAME DAY multi-flection lenses that defend

against 100% of UVA/B/C rays. According to UA: "ArmourSight lens

technology provides enhanced distortion free vision." Polyamide frame

offers max strength and durability. UA AutoGrip self articulating temples

conform to any head shape.

Pros: A versatile all around solid shield for links application. Multi-

positioning nose pad provides a custom fit. One tester really liked the

screwless cam-lock hinges.

Cons: chrome mirror-style lens doesn't appeal to some of our testers.

Fit: med/Large $115 (seen online for under $90)  Rating: ♦♦♦1/2

UA IGNITER

UA Igniter 2.0 - Ultra-light ArmourFusion frames are constructed with

Grilamid and titanium. The satin like feel and look of the matte black

frames are a classy touch.

ArmourSight GameDay GREEN color enhancing lens technology

delivers 100% UVA UVB and UVC protection as well as 20% less

distorted peripheral vision. Adjustable nose pad ensures comfort

and fit.

Pros: Solid performer. UA's Igniter 2.0 gives you what you'd expect

in a pair of modern day golf shades. No surprises, clear enhanced

vision, clean lines and great fit. Cons: UA shades only come with a

microfiber cleaning bag. Most of the companies featured in this review

include a hard case in addition. $89 Fit: medium Rating: ♦♦♦♦

Shop UA EYEWEAR:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/sunglasses/golf/g/37agm

Summary: Like we stated earlier, it really boils down to preference

when you're dealing with eyewear of this quality. Decide if you prefer

a small, Medium or large fit according to the size of your facial features.

Decide if you like an amber/bronze tint lens or a brighter more vibrant

experience like Oakley PRIZM. Then decide on what your price range is,

all eyewear in this feature ranges in price from $50 - $170.  Have a great

summer and don't forget June 16th is Father's Day . . .

By Jason Bruno

Recently we reviewed the latest New Balance 1005 Minimus spikeless golf

shoes. The original Minimus was the shoe that catapulted New Balance

into the golf footwear marketplace as a serious player. The new Minimus

1005 model is still ultra-light in mass, but is hefty on performance features.

According to Carey Langley with New Balance, the newest Minimus is just

8.6 oz. and has an extremely low profile to the ground. A super flexible forefoot

is a unique feel that golfers will appreciate. The inside of the shoe was created

for a snug fit in the heel and mid-foot area, while the toe box area offers a

wider profile for added comfort and better balance.

The sole is divided into different sections for specialized performance

- grey hexagon shaped flexible knobbies for traction and super firm

rectangular micro-cleats (toxic green) for stability.

Up close shows the waterproof synthetic upper. Extremely light-weight and

outstanding for anything the elements can dish out.

FEATURES:

• Low-profile golf shoe featuring FantomFit upper
• 4mm heel to toe drop
• Flexible Ndurance spikeless rubber outsole for traction & stability
• Textile lining.
• Ortholite® insole keeps you cool, dry and comfortable.
• Fully waterproof materials allow play in any weather condition
• 2 year waterproof warranty
• Spikeless design offers flexibilty as your foot pivots
• Microfiber FantomFit upper provides unmatched comfort & breathability
• Midsole with REVlite technology offers an added layer of shock absorbance

The inner ankle collar is all about comfort. NB Logo'd upper along

with charcoal arch and heel panel form a very clean look.

Also available in Black/Grey, Grey/Orange and White/Blue (in three

different widths; Med (D), Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E). Charcoal laces

are a great accent to keep the shoes looking fresh.

Love the old-school NB logo on the back of the charcoal colored ribbed heel

area, this keeps the back of the shoe from becoming dingy with turf stains

and soil.

SUMMARY:

The New Balance Golf 1005 Minimus golf footwear is anything but what

its namesake suggests. I could easily make the case that they should be

more appropriately called "Maximus" for all of the versatility packed into

this 8.6 oz shoe. Being both light and comfortable, Minimus is also sporty

enough to be a worn as casual athletic footwear. In fact, my first spin

around the links wearing them was at the ultra exclusive Floridian Golf Club

in Palm City (where they looked and performed as well as any of the $250

premium tour shoes we've reviewed). Afterwards, I wore them to dinner at

a local eatery in Jupiter.

Priced around $120 (we've seen them for $100 on TGW), the value of these

links treads is only exceeded by their style, comfort and performance.

For more info: http://www.newbalance.com/search?q=golf+1005