By Jason Bruno

Ecco, known by golfers as the creators of premium links footwear, first opened

its doors to retail customers 35 years ago. Today, the family owned company

from Denmark has earned brand recognition that has its products being sold in

88 different countries around the world. The Golf division at Ecco continues to

push the boundaries of innovation and performance, their latest offering - the

Ecco Cool GTX is a prime example.

Featuring Gore-Tex technology, the Cool GTX is all about keeping your feet

dry on the fairways all round long. Take note of the highly advanced perforated

midsole air channeling system that provides complete 360 degree breathability.

Back in January at the PGA Show, we got our first glimpse of the Cool GTX

at Ecco's booth. Interested to see what the hype was all about, we actually

tested the water-proof technology in the display they had set up that sprayed

water continuously, completely saturating the shoes for over a minute. Amazingly

my feet remained totally dry. Right then I said to the Ecco rep, "Ok, these are

amazing, when can I get a pair of these?"

Features

Equipped with Gore-Tex Surround technology, and perfectly paired with

extremely supple Dritton leather uppers that allow for freedom of foot

movement. The subtle Scandinavian style of the Cool GTX is available

in 3 color ways: White/Black, Black w/lime and Camel (light brown/tan).

Champ's Slim-Lock spikes handle the heavy lifting.

A closer look at the sole of the Cool GTX shows that even the fastest golf

swings are no match for the comprehensive traction system featuring 27

molded cleats and 8 Champ Zarma spikes. Top notch and tour proven

regardless of any turf or weather conditions.

Testing:

For those who prefer a bolder more aggressive look, Ecco's Cool 18 GTX is

equipped with taller achilles and tongue section (above left). Available in 3

colorways - White/Tomatoe w/blue accents, Dark Shadow (gray) w/red accent,

White/Dynasty (blue & yellow).

Summary

For those who demand the finest quality, tour performance, and the latest in

technology and innovation the Ecco Cool GTX is for you. MSRP $280. Ecco does

offer a line of value priced golf footwear, their Casual Hybrid ($99) and Base One

($135) are just two examples.

For more info on Ecco Golf: https://us.shop.ecco.com/golf-shoes

By Jason Bruno

Bermuda Sands, masters of golf and leisure apparel have launched their 2017

Fall Collection that goes beyond the ordinary with their new Cedar Creek and

Oak Ridge lines. Versatility and sophistication is found throughout the new

Fall lineup. Recently we reviewed their Woodland polo and Perfection long

sleeve pullover (shown above).

Woodland Polo

Up close you can see the quality in Woodland's collar, placket and in what is

always a tell tale sign of a fine garment - its stitching. Its gray striated heather

pattern provides a textured look within the brilliant hues of five available colors:

Deep Violet (above), Blue Sky, Black, Mineral Green and Crimson (below).

Note the subtle stripe pattern across the chest, a classic look for sure. Bermuda

Sands XP technology features serious performance fabrics that wick away moisture

to keep you comfortable on the links all day long. The incredibly soft feel is a product

of their G2 Tech fabric that has a finer yarn, providing a smooth and silky feel.

Perfection Pullover

The aptly named Perfection Pullover is the ideal compliment to any of the

Cedar Creek or Oak Ridge polos for use as a layering garment for those brisk

days on the fairways or any other occasion. 100 % polyester, Perfection features

the performance you crave in a top shelf long sleeve - including their Wick Away

Moisture Management System.

With chilly Autumn days ahead (and already in place in many northern areas),

Bermuda Sands pullovers have you covered in both style and function. Down

here in West Palm Beach, we're counting the days until breezy cool days arrive . . .

Tapped piping accents from the shoulder to neck line adds a sophisticated tech

look.

The zip collar on the Perfection long sleeve can flare as a conventional collar

setup as well as fully zipped, which provides more comprehensive protection

from the elements.

The distinctive Bermuda Sands logo is located below the rear collar, a useful

but subtle location for a brand stamp that keeps the front of the garment

simple and clean - allowing for any branding you may want to display on

the front chest area.

Summary

We decided to test out the new Fall Collection at the Streamsong media day

grand opening of their new Black Course. A full day of walking the sandy dunes

and rolling terrain made for a long and physically draining day. The Woodland

polo was extremely comfortable and kept me relatively cool on a very warm late

September afternoon. One of my biggest pet peeves with many golf shirts is how

the collar feels on your neck during a round of golf or traveling (nothing worse

than liking how a shirt looks, only to feel chafing on your neck throughout an

important day full of activities). Woodland passed all of the tests with flying colors,

and as the evening concluded with an after party and the temperatures dipped,

it was great to slip on the Perfection pullover for the trek home. Hopefully mother

nature provides an adequate climate in South Florida this fall/winter to get some

more use from such a great new piece of the wardrobe.

Perhaps most impressive with Bermuda Sands new line is just how functionally

versatile it is. The style is timeless and all at really competitive price points.

To check out their Fall Collection: https://www.bermudasandsapparel.com

By Jason Bruno

Gadgets like rangefinders and GPS devices have really made the process of

acquiring accurate yardages much simpler in recent years, but the cost of

such devices (especially high quality laser rangefinders) has kept many from

purchasing the latest in distance measuring technology. Enter TecTecTec, since

2014 they've pioneered affordable rangefinder technology. Based in France,

but with reps in Texas and Bali, they are now a global entity in the market.

Recently they sent us over their VPRO500S rangefinder for review.

The "S' version that we tested includes slope reading technology.

Here's an example of how the slope feature works - this 85 yard shot will

play 56 yards (with the extreme 17 degree downhill slope measurement

factored in).

FEATURES/SPECS: (standard VPRO500 shown)

Range: 5-540 yards, accuracy +/- 1 yard

Auto Target Acquisition: This technology enables VPRO500S to identify

the flag from other objects like trees and buildings, setting the VPRO500S

apart from other rangefinders in the industry.

PinSlope Technology: Actual distance and/or the distance adjusted for

slopes (uphill/downhill). Having the ability to switch off the slope feature

makes the VPRO500S tournament legal.

Lens: 6x monocular, multi-layer coating provides clear and bright images

Weight/Size: At only 7 oz and 4 inches in length the VPRO500S fits

easily in the palm of your hand for easy operation.

Rainproof Construction: The VPRO500S is made for use in all types

of weather.

30 Day guarantee + 2 year manufacturer warranty included.

TecTecTec VRPRO500 packaging

VPRO500S top view (left) and eyepiece /battery door view (right).

Testing:

After several rounds of testing the VPRO500S it was hard to find fault with

anything as it related to providing quick and accurate yardages. Simple to

use, small and lightweight are all big checks in the positive column. Little

things like the no-slip grip sections on the top and bottom of the device

are extremely functional and make dropping the device less likely. Often

scratches from contact with golf cart cup holders can be a problem, but

the textured areas of the device seem to help with that. We found only one

thing that we'd like to see improved upon from a technology standpoint

that's offered in the industry leader's devices: technology that vibrates

when locked in on the target (Bushell calls their version Jolt technology).

Also, offering the device in vibrant colors would make it much less likely

to be misplaced or left behind on a tee box or in a golf cart (the glossy

black tends to blend in with nearly everything).

Summary:

Value is the word here. Loaded with features that normally will run you twice the

cost, TecTecTec has an absolute winner here with the VPRO500S, especially at the

$179 price point. If you prefer your laser rangefinder minus the slope feature, the

standard editon VPRO500 is only $149. With the case, carry strap, battery and 30

day money back guarantee, you'll be hard pressed to find a rangefinder of this quality

and performance at such a modest cost.

To check out the full line of TecTecTec rangefinders: https://us.tectectec.com/

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/