New weapons — Bigger, better and sleeker: A sampler of clubs, balls and shoes for 2001 - golf equipment

Golf Digest, Dec, 2000 by Peter Farricker, E. Michael Johnson

The mid-season controversy over nonconforming drivers whipped the golf public into an equipment frenzy--a stark contrast to the situation of a year earlier. Sales then were flat, inventories were bloated and consumers were in a wait-and-see-mode. While not fully recovered, the industry is back on its feet, presenting leaner product lines to golfers looking for technology--and value.

Many companies continue to tweak existing lines, also introducing new, often multi-material designs. The wait-and-see attitude has given way to a fresh appetite for new products. On the following pages, you'll get a taste of what designers have been developing in their workshops while you've been at the course working on your game.

Never Compromise's Kappa putter is the company's first face-balanced blade. The putterhead includes a lightweight center section called Gray Matter, which constitutes only 10 percent of the head weight for optimal perimeter weighting ($139.95; 800-615-3850; www.nevercompromise.com).

Cobra debuts its Baffler MultiMetal irons, which combine a maraging-steel face, tungsten-copper sole weights and an aluminum-bronze backweight. Designed to combine the best of long irons and higher-lofted fairway woods. 18- to 24-degree lofts ($225 steel, $250 graphite. 800-223-3537; www.cobragolf.com).

Titleist has added three lofts (16.5, 18.5 and 20.5 degrees) to its line of Pro Trajectory 975F fairway woods, which incorporate the same classic pear-shaped profile and technology of Titleist's 975D driver. Also look for a new solid-core, multilayer ball in 2001 ($185 steel, $285 graphite; 888-324-4766; www.titleist.com).

Orlimar's high-loft TriMetal fairway woods (26 and 30 degrees, which are the equivalent of a 5- and 6-iron) use a stainless-steel body with an alphamaraging-steel face designed for increased ball velocity. Copper-tungsten sole weighting lowers the center of gravity, making it easier to get the ball airborne, says the company ($239 graphite; 877-675-4627; www.orlimar.com).

The 300 Series titanium drivers from TaylorMade feature a high-strength titanium alloy clubhead designed to maximize structural integrity while increasing ball speed. The women's 320Ti is slightly oversize with a shallow profile to get the ball up. Men's available in 300cc, 320cc and 360cc ($500; 800-888-2582; www.taylormadegolf.com).

The latest driver from Ping is a stainless-steel version of its popular TiSI driver. Named the i3, this model features a 198cc clubhead for golfers who like to work the ball off the tee. Available in four lofts (7, 9, 11 and 13 degrees) with 12 hosel positions ($210 steel and $275 graphite; 800-474-6434; www.pinggolf.com).

Mizuno's MP 33 is a forged, muscle-back blade that differs from the MP 29 (the MP 33 has slightly more mass behind the sweet spot). The club's sole features a rolled leading edge and a beveled trailing edge to minimize turf digging and turf drag, says the company ($1,132 for 3-PW; 800-333-7888; www.mizunousa.com).

FootJoy's eComfort (one-year waterproof warranty) features full-grain leather uppers, lightweight cushioned EVA foam midsoles and the Fast-Twist cleat replacement system. Two removable polyurethane heel plugs (one firm, one soft) offer customized comfort, says the company ($85; 800-225-8500; www.footjoy.com).

A new Top-Flite iron and a revised Strata ball highlight Spalding's new offerings. The Top-Flite XL 2000 irons offer a "titan steel" clubhead with a deep cavity back. A diamond-cut sole helps keep the club square at impact and reduces turf drag, says the company. The Strata Professional Distance ball is 13 percent softer than the original Strata Distance, says the company, while maintaining the distance of the original model ($704 for 3-PW steel, $824 for 3-PW graphite, $44 per dozen; 800-772-5346; www.spalding.com).

Pro Select debuts a two-piece ball that features a high-velocity core that employs a chemically bonded, double-layered titanium matrix configuration. This combination, says the company, results in optimum energy transfer for added distance ($20 per 15-ball pack and $25 per 20-ball pack; 800-224-6532; www.proselectsports.com).

Also look for: FX2 irons and woods and Concept HTS driver from Ram (800-723-4653; www.ramgolf.com); a Gap wedge from Armour (800-723-4653; www.armourgolf.com); a Diamond Face Tour Edition wedge from PureSpin (888-721-9001; www.purespin.com); Fairway woods from Liquidmetal (888-540-8431; www.liquidmetalgolf.com); K2K line extensions from Kasco (800-431-2560; www.kascogolf.com); DuraTrac DMX split-toe shoe from Reebok (800-833-6331; www.reebok.com); Citation irons, woods and an iron-wood from PowerBilt (800-848-7693; www.powerbiltgolf.com); Etonic's Comfort shoes; 800-772-5346; www.etonic.com).

Carbite's Polar Balanced "Z" Series center-shafted putters have pockets at the heel and toe filled with the company's Tungsten Heavy Metal Matrix designed to help reduce twisting at impact. Ninety percent of effective head weight is at the perimeter for maximum efficiency. Available in two models ($150; 800-272-4325; www.carbitegolf.com).