Wow this is big. Acushnet (parent company to Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra and Pinnacle) has agreed to sell the Cobra brand and all intellectual property to Puma. This is a big wow.
Press release below:
Back in this post I mentioned that the buzzword for 2010 seems to be “speed.” I’d mentioned Cobra, Taylormade and Callaway Golf all use the word in their ads or even the names of some new clubs. Nike announced the new SQ Machspeed driver and as you can see, has now jumped on the speed buzzword bandwagon.
There’s quite a story behind this four wheeled Sun Mountain Micro Cart getting to me. The unit I have is the fourth one which was sent to me. Unit #1 I received months ago, but FedEx had trashed the box and broke the mount for the valuables tray. Unit #2 was shipped as a replacement but I never saw it. The box was never found and FedEx couldn’t tell us where it went. I’ll tell you where it went. It went to a golfing FedEx employee’s garage. Unit #3 was tracked closely but never delivered. FedEx told us that they actually had the unit, but they didn’t know exactly where it was. They searched for over two months, me calling them every week, but nothing ever happened. So after months and months of dealing with shipping issues, my Micro Cart finally made it.
Sun Mountain Micro Cart Overview
The Micro Cart basically is a four wheel push cart. But that simple description doesn’t do it justice. The cart has many cool bells and whistles which make it fun to use and very functional. The coolest feature perhaps other than that it has four wheels, is that the thing folds up into a little ball and barely takes up any trunk or garage space. As much as I love my Sun Mountain Speed Cart, folded up it takes up probably over 2x the space the micro cart does.
Features
As mentioned, the four wheel setup makes the cart very stable and easy to push. Despite having one more wheel than a typical push cart, the unit is very light since it is made out of anodized aluminum.
The Micro Cart folds up in a very small space and is easily carried. I carry the thing with one hand and my bag in the other and it is easy. I leave the MC in my trunk because it doesn’t take up too much space. I always have it just in case an emergency happens and I have to play a quick round of golf. Below I shot a short video showing how the unit folds and unfolds.
The handle is designed very well, right where your hands want to be positioned. Some push cart handles were obviously not tested by real golfers but the Micro Cart was. The handle also has two options as far as positioning goes. One high and one low, for those who have different preferences on where they like to push from. The adjustment is easy, no tightening of wing nuts.
Adjustable smart brackets clamp onto the golf bag at the top to hold it in place, without using straps. The brackets are tightened by two small screws. This is probably the one critique I have on this unit. I’m not a fan of this design, especially with a small bag like the one I typically use.
The valuables tray is perhaps the coolest one I’ve seen on any golf cart. First, the casing is transparent. So I can see what is inside. If my iPhone is in there I can see text messages or info from my GPS through the lid. There is a very strong magnet which holds the scorecard to the top of the lid (also in the video above). It looks weak, but it is very strong and would hold the scorecard down even in very high winds. The inside of the tray is padded too, so valuables like glasses, GPS or phones won’t get scratched.
A built in umbrella holder is terrific. This helps not only in rain (or snow around here), but can help keep you cool in the hot summer by providing shade.
Speaking of the hot summer, a swiveling drink holder is located right beneath the handle for easy access of water, sports drinks or beer on those rough days.
Critiques
As mentioned, the way the cart clamps onto the bag with the smart brackets could probably have some improvements. My bag is so small that I have to screw the screws down almost all the way. Sometimes the bag can rotate if there’s a lot of weight on one side. I imagine some kind of lock, like the handle height adjustment, would be better at securing the bag.
Final thoughts
I’ve logged about 50 rounds with my Sun Mountain Micro Cart now. Had I not had all the problems with FedEx it would probably be 80. The cart is fun to use. It folds easily and takes up very little space. Clubs are easily accessed. Playing golf with the Micro Cart is enjoyable and easy. I can worry about my game and not fussing with my cart or accessing my belongings. I have FIVE push carts to choose from in my garage. The Micro Cart has earned a starting position, which is saying something.
Related links
I have more Sun Mountain Micro Cart images in the HOG Sun Mountain gallery.
My review of the Sun Mountain Speed Cart, clear back in 2005!
Sun Mountain web site.
Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Equipment, Golf Reviews
At the PGA Show demo day I walked by a covered booth and saw this guy hitting balls about one per 1-2 seconds via an automated ball dispenser. He was over three hours into his world record attempt for the most golf balls hit in 12 hours. He did break the record and ended up with 7721.
Below they’re taking a quick break to tape up the blisters…
Equipment & Accessories, Golf Balls, Golf Equipment, Golf Media, Golf Videos
I apologize but for the life of my I can’t remember this basher of the ball’s name. He was a long drive clinician in the Bridgestone Golf tent at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show demo day. I watched him hit a couple of shots. The ball goes so far and so fast that I lose track of it. The ball is still ascending when I lose sight of it about 280 out…
Equipment & Accessories, Golf Clubs, Golf Equipment, Golf Media, Golf Videos
I’ve finished uploading all of my 2010 PGA Merchandise Show Photos. I’ve got shots from many booths, after hours, tear down and demo day. Below are a few samples.
Above: Tail Of The Tiger Golf Balls which have the first 12 Tiger Woods mistresses on them
Above: Demo Day… Taping up the hands during the world record attempt at most golf balls hit in 12 hours.
Above: Titleist booth (with hot chick walking through)
Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Balls, Golf Clubs, Golf Equipment
I have a pal named John who makes a series of irons. His brand name is Weszty Golf. I’ve reviewed one set of the Weszty irons to date, with another review on the way soon.
Here in this video below, I caught up with John and got the lowdown on his three models of irons.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend a super high end media only event at this year’s PGA Show, the announcement by my good friends at Bridgestone Golf about their new flavors of B330-RX. The RX (RX must be because the ball is prescription strength) is perhaps my favorite golf ball.
Two new series, the RX and RXS will cater even more to golfers (like me) with slower swing speeds.
Here’s my original Bridgestone B330-RX golf ball review.
Bridgestone’s press release is below.
Read more…
Last year during the PGA Show my last product interview was with Sumi-g, a very hip golf accessory company which had just launched. As I talked to the president of the company Marius, I’d found out that we had a lot in common. First, we’re both golf junkies with similar handicap levels. Second, we lived in the same town. Third, we’d been playing the same course every Thursday for years, our tee times about 45 minutes apart.
Over the last year I’ve done numerous posts and product reviews about Sumi-g head covers, belts and other accessories. I’ve played dozens of rounds of golf with Marius, and our friendship developed over the year.
Toward the end of 2009 I’d started looking for a new gig, as my other business world, the media duplication industry, was on life support. Technological advances (digital downloads etc) and the economy were putting that business model to sleep. I knew I had to jump ship before the boat sank. Then one day Marius approached me and asked if I’d join Sumi-g. I guess he’d gotten to know me well enough and through seeing how excited I was about the product line in person and on my web sites, saw some value in what I could offer. I decided to take a leap of faith and jump from my sinking ship into a new position as national sales manager for the company.
Not To Worry
My web ventures like Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space are happy and healthy and it aren’t going anywhere.
As far as a conflict of interest goes that is an interesting thing to ponder. If some company who competes with Sumi-g sends me a head cover or a belt or accessory to review, what will I say? I’ve gone over that in my head for a while. It really comes down to what I’ve always done, which is call ‘em like I see ‘em. If the thing is awesome, I’ll write about it. If it sucks, then I’ll write that too.
2010 PGA Show
Yes I’ll be at this year’s PGA Show. But most of that time will be spent working the booth. I’ll throw my press credential on a run a round a bit, but this year I won’t be able to do the massive coverage I’ve done in previous years. I will be blogging about the show regardless so there will be plenty of info to chomp on. I’ll also have other insights on what it is like behind the scenes and what is up at the Wednesday demo day. I’ll be attending that for the first time.
So if you want to come by and say hello, ask for me me in booth #3629. That’s where I’ll be most of the show.
When FootJoy announced the end of their Classic shoe line, I knew people on suicide watch. They were stocking up, like back when Coke changed their formula. Well fear not those of you standing on the ledge, the new FootJoy Icons are worth living for.
Icon Leathers
The Icons are made from fine calfskin and full grain leather. Calfskin leather is attractive and is highly resistant to stretching. Full grain leather is breathable, durable and is highly waterproof. FootJoy is so confident in the waterproofing that they warrant it for two years.
The leather “fit bed” (what your foot rests on) morphs to the shape of your foot and provides comfort.
Last but not least in the leather department are the linings, which provide padding and more comfort.
Memory Foam
“Memory foam” (can I get some for my brain?) in the tongue and collar of the shoe produce shaping and custom fit.
Other Technologies
Other technologies the FJ Icons employ include the “Dual Optiflex Zones” which produce walking comfort and the “Torque Bar” (the silver dotted thing pictured right, in the bottom of the shoe between the heel and front of the foot) which increases stability and just plain looks cool.
I could go on and on with all the tech stuff but I’m going to just move to the next and most important heading…
On The Course
My Icons are so good looking I don’t even want to wear them for fear of scuffing them up or getting them dirty. But I was a trooper this past season and did manage to play about 40 rounds with them. After 40 rounds, they look the same as new when I clean them up.
I still remember the first few rounds I played with the Icons. The pros and hot players around were all drooling over my shoes. “Are those the new Icons?!?!” Yup, they are. “Ohhhhh.”
I’m not much of a “dress shoe” guy. I prefer Vans. Actually I’ll take that a step farther. I’m not much of a shoe guy. In the summer the ONLY shoes I wear are golf shoes. Other than that it is typically bare feet or sandals. Yes I have FJ sandals.
The Icons took a few rounds to really break in, and for the memory foam to gain consciousness I suppose. But after that I’ve hardly been aware that I’m wearing golf shoes. They’re molded right to my feet and comfortable. Walking a full 18 holes is no big deal. I do need to air them out though, as my feet can get sweaty. Thats a good reason to own two pairs Icons, so you can alternate them every other day. 
Conclusion
Though I’ve typically been more of a fan of the cushier types of golf shoes like the Contour series I reviewed here, I’m thrilled with the comfort and performance of my Icons. Most surprising of all perhaps, is their durability and the way they look so great even after so many rounds.
Related Links
FootJoy Gallery (Icon gallery inside)
Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Equipment, Golf Reviews
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