Equipment

PUMA Golf debuts the lightest shoe in golf -- The Faas Lite Mesh
May 15, 2013 - 10:31am
TJ Auclair's picture
The Faas Lite Mesh
PUMA Golf
Here's a peak at the new PUMA Golf Faas Lite Mesh golf shoe.

 

Over the last several years, it's not only people who play the game of golf who have gotten more athletic... it's also the gear.
 
From more athletic clothing that moves with your body as you swing right down to your shoes, playing golf has never been more comfortable.
 
PUMA Golf is trying to make it all even more comfortable with the release of its new Faas Lite Mesh golf shoes, which look like sneakers and weigh in at only 6.5 ounces.
 
Inspired by minimalist running shoes, the zero heel-to-toe drop gives golfers a barefoot feeling and allows for a more natural stride and posture during the swing. The Faas Lite Mesh also features strategically placed corrugated flex grooves, SmartQuill traction technology, Evertrack carbon rubber in the forefoot, and an OrthoLite sockliner.
 
Available in Blue/Limeade, Vibrant Orange/White and White/Black for men and Black/Virtual Pink or White/Brilliant Blue for women (which is even lighter at 5.5 ounces), the Faas Lite Mesh is taking the mashup of style and technology to a whole new level, according to PUMA.
 
You can watch a video on the Faas Lite, featuring Rickie Fowler, if you click here.
 
Here's the press release from PUMA with the official announcement:
 
CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 15, 2013) -- PUMA Golf has officially announced the release of the Faas Lite Mesh – the lightest shoe in golf.
 
“Weighing in at only 6.5 ounces, the Faas Lite Mesh is lighter than other golf shoes in the market,” commented Tom Manthe, Global Marketing Manager, PUMA Golf. “The new, spikeless footwear style is designed to take you from the street to the course in lightweight, maximum comfort and trend-setting style.”
 
Inspired by minimalist running, the zero heel-to-toe drop gives golfers a barefoot feeling and allows for a more natural stride and posture during the swing. The zero heel-to-toe drop refers to the sole of the shoe staying the same height, much like a foot would stand if wearing no shoe.
 
Strategically placed corrugated flex grooves move with the foot for a more natural movement. The grooves provide optimal flexibility and increases ground contact throughout the swing for improved traction and stability.
 
Additionally, the Faas Lite Mesh features SmartQuill traction technology that provides directional grip elements to enhance ground contact for improved stability and traction. Evertrack® carbon rubber in the forefoot and heel provide long lasting durability and an OrthoLite® sockliner provides long lasting comfort and enhanced fit, so golfers can rock the Faas Lite Mesh comfortably round after round.
 
In addition to the lightest shoe in golf, PUMA Golf will be releasing the Faas Lite, an extremely lightweight and waterproof golf shoe. A combination of FaasFoam+ (a proprietary blend of foam and rubber that is 25% lighter than previous foams) and lightweight materials in the lining package and tongue create an extremely light and comfortable shoe that weighs just 8.7oz. Microfiber leather with stormCELL provides super lightweight performance and waterproof protection. Like the Faas Lite Mesh, zero heel-to-toe drop, corrugated flex grooves and SmartQuill traction technology is found in the Faas Lite to deliver a lightweight, performance golf shoe.
 
The lightweight technology is packed with unquestionable style in three colorways for both the Faas Lite and Faas Lite Mesh. The Faas Lite Mesh is available in Brilliant Blue/Limeade, Vibrant Orange/White and White/Black and the Faas Lite is available in White/Vibrant Orange, White/Black/Brilliant Blue and Black/Castle Rock. All styles come with two laces, one tonal and one pop color for golfers to customize their footwear look.
 
The Faas Lite Women’s and Faas Lite Mesh Women’s have all the same features and benefits as the men’s versions but weigh in even lighter at 7.0 oz and 5.5 oz, respectively. Women can choose from two colorways: White/PUMA Silver/Virtual Pink and Black/White/Virtual Pink in the Faas Lite Women’s and Black/Virtual Pink and White/Brilliant Blue in the Faas Lite Mesh Women’s.
 
PUMA Golf will also be releasing a limited edition version, the Faas Lite Splatter. Taking inspiration from Rickie Fowler’s ‘Golf Art’ in 2010 and the graphic designs on COBRA Golf’s AMP CELL line of products, the Faas Lite Splatter features paint splatter designs on a white outsole with an orange formstripe. For more information, visit puma.com/golf
 
 
Follow T.J. Auclair on Twitter, @tj_auclair.
 
PUMA Golf debuts the lightest shoe in golf -- The Faas Lite Mesh
QED Style founder McRae fixes something he didn't like
May 14, 2013 - 9:51am
TJ Auclair's picture
QED Style
QED Style
QED Style is a relatively new golf apparel line, offering affordable polos, trousers, shorts, sweaters and more.

 

If you don't like it, fix it!
 
How many times in your life have you heard that? Better yet, have you ever done something about what it is you didn't like?
 
Well, Mike McRae did. 
 
McRae is the founder of a fantastic, new golf apparel line called, "QED Style," which produces polos, shorts, sweaters, trousers, hats, tees and dress shirts.
 
So how did it come to be?
 
Quite frankly, McRae didn't like the golf apparel out there... so... he fixed it.
 
That fix is explained eloquently on the QED Style website:
 
After graduating from St. Mary’s College of California in 2008, QED founder Mike McRae spent the next couple years pursuing a PGA Tour card and became unsatisfied with the selection of golf apparel. As an active outdoorsman from Utah, he wanted golf clothes to be less golf and more clothes. Mike put his professional career on hold and spent a year studying different apparel and textile markets.
 
A fan of the western style dress shirt, Mike designed some golf polo variations and launched QED in April 2011. QED's first collection consisted of the Eureka, Francis and Heber polos. The theme was affordable style. All shirts were designed to look great with slacks and Footjoys or jeans and kickers. Price: under $50. Many people enjoyed the new look of QED’s polos, and they helped encourage a second collection of apparel introducing sweaters, dress shirts, pants, shorts and new polos.
 
All QED apparel is designed to perform and look great in any environment. The world is a big place, and your golfing “outfit” won’t get you very far once you leave the course. Especially at the bar. While maintaining the utmost respect for the game, QED Style will continue to push the envelope in golf style. You can safely assume all QED items will be unique, creatively detailed and made of the finest quality. Enjoy!
 
One of the many fantastic aspects of the QED Style apparel is that anyone can enjoy the great quality of the clothing without breaking the bank. Polo shirts range in price for as little as $39 up to $95. 
 
The trousers, which sell for around $165, might seem a little expensive until you see them. For a golfer, it's everything you need in a pair of pants -- they're ridiculously comfortable; they're functional with plenty of room in the pockets; and they're water resistant. 
 
Rubber tape along the inside of the waistline prevents your shirt from becoming untucked and keeps you looking sharp all the times.
 
The bottom line is this: QED Style clothes are perfect for the golf course, the office, a night on the town, or... well... anything.
 
To learn more about QED Style and to see all the great apparel they have to offer, click here.
 
You can also visit QED Style on Facebook, or follow QED Style on Twitter, @QEDstyle.
 
Follow T.J. Auclair on Twitter, @tj_auclair.
QED Style founder McRae fixes something he didn't like
Ashworth Golf turns attention to 'short game' with launch of 'Pants Petition'
May 14, 2013 - 7:05am
TJ Auclair's picture
Ashworth
Ashworth Golf
Ashworth Golf's new 'Pants Petition' is to shed light on the comfort of wearing shorts to the course.

 

Ashworth Golf has started a just-for-fun campaign on its Facebook page called a, "Pants Petition."
 
The Pants Petition is to shed light on the fact that Ashworth Golf shorts are comfortable, styish and great for the course. Ashworth's spring/summer 2013 shorts line includes the Microfiber Mini Check Flat Front Short.
 
Here's the press release that Ashworth Golf sent out regarding the "Pants Petition":
 
CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 13, 2013) -- Ashworth Golf, the most authentic golf brand dedicated to bringing modern style to the golf course, today announced the launch of a digital “Pants Petition” campaign that encourages golfers to participate in the discussion of wearing shorts on the course. 
 
Golfers across the nation can get involved by going to facebook.com/AshworthGolf and signing the petition at Ashworth.com starting May 13th, 2013. The petition is just for fun, but make no mistake; we are serious about our shorts.
 
In addition, Ashworth is launching an entertaining video featuring Ashworth brand ambassadors Justin Rose, Justin Leonard, Sean O’Hair, Retief Goosen and Johnson Wagner discussing the benefits of wearing Ashworth shorts on the course. Click here to watch.
 
“I like the way the wind tickles my leg hair. It makes me happy,” said PGA Professional Johnson Wagner. The “Pants Petition” video acts as a lighthearted plea that encourages golfers to sign the petition and share their thoughts about golf’s classic traditions.
 
“Ashworth has always been about providing golfers everywhere stylish apparel and footwear to look and feel their best. We are an authentic golf brand, but we couldn’t resist having fun around evolving some of the long-standing dress codes – like wearing pants,” said TaylorMade-adidas Golf Chief Marketing Officer Bob Maggiore. “We always strive to make golf relevant and fun, and who knows, maybe being comfortable in shorts will simply increase performance. Either way, it’s an entertaining conversation.”
 
Highlighting Ashworth’s Spring/Summer 2013 shorts lineup are the Microfiber Mini Check Flat Front Short. Soft to the touch, the moisture-wicking shorts deliver superior comfort on and off the course. The lightweight shorts feature double-welt pockets in the back and slants, a 10.5” inseam and are made with 98% Polyester and 2% Spandex.
 
The shorts are available in four colorways: DARK GREY/PEBBLE, BLACK / DARK GREY, PEBBLE/ WHITE, WHITE / PEBBLE carrying a MSRP of $65 USD.
 
More information visit www.AshworthGolf.com. #pantspetition
 
You can follow T.J. Auclair on Twitter, @tj_auclair.
 
Ashworth Golf turns attention to 'short game' with launch of 'Pants Petition'
Nike Golf TW '14 shoes modified for power and flexibility
May 13, 2013 - 9:47pm
John Holmes's picture
Nike Golf TW'14 golf shoes
Courtesy of Nike Golf
The new Nike Golf TW'14 shoes were designed with testing by and input from Woods himself.

Nike Golf's timing could hardly be better, as the company revealed the details of the latest edition of its Tiger Woods golf shoes the day after Woods won The Players Championship while wearing the shoes in competition for the very first time.

The TW '14 shoes, like those that preceded them, were designed with testing by and input from Woods himself. The result, Nike says, is a shoe that further enhances the fit, feel and function of the TW '13 model.

''I train with Nike Free technology all the time,'' said Woods, referring to the extremely light weight and flexibility in some Nike running shoes that mimic the feel of running barefoot. ''I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, 'why can't I play golf in it?''' 

And with that, Nike designers set to work creating a Nike Free-inspired golf shoe tailored to maximize Woods' game.

''In the TW '14, he wanted more stability with mobility and we've accomplished that by using Nike's Dynamic Flywire technology which moves with him, but stabilizes his foot when he swings,'' said Tobie Hatfield, Athlete Projects Innovator in Nike's Innovation Kitchen. ''We also increased breathability of the shoe by using a full mesh tongue."

The outsole of the TW '14 is designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot and still deliver the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe. This outsole allows the golfer to maintain contact with the ground longer, better harnessing the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground.

''These shoes provide freedom of movement and allow me to release more power through my swing,'' said Woods.

The TW '14 will be available in a customizable NIKEiD version – making it the first Nike golf shoe with a NIKEiD version – which allows golfers to create their own combination of breathability and traction. The waterproof upper is made of multi-stretch synthetic leather for weather protection and durability, while the breathable upper (available exclusively via NIKEiD) features lightweight mesh to help keep feet comfortable on hot days. 

The TW '14iD will preview on May 20 and be available at retail on June 7 with a suggested retail price of $225 per pair. The regular TW '14 model will be available on June 7 (the Cool Grey/Black-Vivid Blue-Venom Green models will debut on Aug. 1) with a suggested retail price of $220 and a street price of $180.

For more information, visit www.nikegolf.com.

 
Nike Golf TW '14 shoes modified for power and flexibility
Sun Mountain Micro-Cart push cart small and light
May 10, 2013 - 6:14pm
John Holmes's picture
Sun Mountain Micro-Cart push cart
Courtesy of Sun Mountain
The Sun Mountain Micro-Cart push cart weighs in at only 13 pounds, and contains four wheels for extra stability.

Since its introduction in 2009, the Micro-Cart from Sun Mountain has proven one of golf’s most popular push carts. Its secret, of course, is the light weight that makes it so easy to maneuver around the course, and the new edition weighs in at only 13 pounds.

In trying to make 2013 version even lighter than previous models, Sun Mountain decided to add a fourth wheel to the original three-wheel design. The benefit of this extra wheel, along with the cart’s low center of gravity, is better stability on side hills without the need for tracking adjustments. The wheels come with low-maintenance solid foam tires and an adjustable front axle to accommodate the largest of golf bags.

The Micro-Cart's lightweight anodized aluminum frame folds and unfolds in two easy motions, and offers variable handle-height positions. It also contains a strapless bag bracket; the standard Sun Mountain Micro-Paq for additional storage; and a console with padded valuables tray, ball and tee holders, magnetic scorecard holder and a drink holder.

The standard Micro-Cart is available in four colors (red, black, blue and silver), while the Micro-Cart Sport is available in three bold color combinations (black/yellow, charcoal/red, black/lime and charcoal/pink). Both versions carry a suggested retail price of $189. 

For more information, visit www.sunmountain.com.

 
 
Sun Mountain Micro-Cart push cart small and light
Alial Fital -- a special brand with a special story
May 9, 2013 - 12:53pm
TJ Auclair's picture
Alial Fital
Alial Fital
Alial Fital is a clothing line created from scratch by former NFL quarterback Gibran Hamdan.

 

If you follow the PGA Tour at all, you're familiar with Bo Van Pelt. And rightfully so as Van Pelt is almost always in contention and currently the No. 26-ranked player in the world (though he's spent many weeks inside the top 25).
 
When you see Van Pelt on TV -- or in person -- chances are you've also noticed his snazzy, stylish polo shirts. They're from a company called Alial Fital (Ah-lee-all Fit-ahl).
 
The story behind Alial Fital is probably unike any other you've heard before.
 
The founder/creative director is a gentleman by the name of Gibran Hamdan. Prior to entering the world of clothing design, Hamdan had a six-year career as an NFL quarterback with the Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe). Hamdan played his college football at the University of Indiana.
 
Hamdan said his time spent in the NFL was as a back up, but his career in football wasn't without some highlights.
 
"I think highlights in my football career have to include being named Big Ten Player of the Week against Wisconsin where I led a 22-point second half comeback after being intercepted by Jim Leonhard," Hamdan said. "Jim became my good friend in the NFL and was actually the one whom, while watching the Masters in 2011, pieced together that Bo Van Pelt had become a customer of Alial Fital. Getting drafted by the Washington Redskins (2003) and being the NFL Europe MVP with the Amsterdam Admirals are up there too."
 
When Hamdan stepped away from football in 2010, Alial Fital was born -- interestingly -- out of curiousity.
 
"After I retired, I began messing around with my wife's sewing machine and checked out YouTube videos," said Hamdan, whose wife Jenny is the granddaughter of former longtime Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant. "After learning the basics, I was determined to learn how to sew a dress shirt from scratch. I read books and in fact taught myself pattern making and grading and eventually successfully sewed my first custom dress shirt from scratch. 
 
"During the process I realized there was a product that I wanted but couldn't find -- something that combined the style of a dress shirt collar and the comfort of a polo," Hamdan added. "Essentially, a super comfortable piece that was versatile enough to stand on its own but under a blazer would give the impression I was wearing a dress shirt all the while wearing the most comfortable shirt I own."
 
Hamdan tells us he was always into fashion, which caused him some playful grief from teammates in NFL locker rooms.
 
"I had always been into fashion and art," Hamdan said. "I actually wrote a fashion blog for Brooks Brothers in my final year with the Buffalo Bills, chronicling my teammates road trip outfits. You can imagine the ribbing I got from teammates and around the locker room. The great thing about it is that football locker rooms are an interesting environment -- while my teammates gave me a hard time initially, especially when I would wear suits to regular work days, eventually they realized through the years that it was something I took seriously and was interested in. So they stopped giving me a hard time and started asking for advice."
 
Back to Van Pelt for a second. As Hamdan noted, Van Pelt was a fan of the company -- wearing the shirts on the PGA Tour -- before he became an official endorser. 
 
"Bo was one of our best customers during our first year and, I didn't realize it at the time, he was a top-25 golfer in the world," Hamdan said. "At the end of the year he sent me an email and loved the product so much he asked me to sponsor him. Our golf-specific polos were then launched in 2011 and we can now proudly boast that we are the only American-made brand sponsoring a top-25 American golfer."
 
If you're like me, you're probably wondering where the unique name "Alial Fital," comes from. Well, there's some big-time significance to that, Hamdan explained.  
 
"After sewing the first sample I launched AF, named after my parents Laila and Latif -- spelled backwards -- who persevered through a ton of adversity, including losing our Kuwait home in the first Gulf War while we were on vacation in San Diego (Hamdan lived in Kuwait for six years from age 3-9)," he said. "I then set about researching American-made production capabilities and building a website (www.afpolos.com) from scratch."
 
Currently, Alial Fital makes all of its products in Los Angeles. And if you get your hands on an Alial Fital shirt it's pretty special -- Hamdan produces only 100 of each style with no reproductions ever.
 
"Once our styles are gone they are gone, so a customer knows they are truly receiving a one-of-a-kind piece," Hamdan said.
 
Down the road, Hamdan says, there are plans to expand Alial Fital.
 
"Alial Fital is named after my parents so it's fair to say I have big plans to grow it into something special," he said. "However, I am very meticulous and focused on the customer experience and how we treat people that come in contact with us. I could certainly go to China and start to mass produce a bunch of styles and throw our logo on it but that's not my vision. My father always stressed patience and that is something I've tried to instill in my brand. We are going to grow organically and focus on innovation and staying ahead of the curve in regards to design and customer service -- that's really the only way we can compete."
 
To learn more about Alial Fital, visit www.alialfital.com.
 
You can also check Alial Fital out on Facebook and Twitter, @alialfital.
 
Follow T.J. Auclair on Twitter, @tj_auclair.
Alial Fital -- a special brand with a special story
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