The CG Red and CG Gold sets are the latest irons from Cleveland Golf, and their color accents do match their names to make them easy to spot. Both sets incorporate the same technologies (also used, in various combinations, in other Cleveland irons), although in different ways to appeal to different types of players.
One of those technologies relates to feel and is something Cleveland calls "Gelback." That's a lightweight, "visco-elastic" material that is placed directly behind the hitting area of the clubface and serves to filter out unwanted vibrations.
Another feel-related element on these irons is "MCT," or "micro-cavity technology," and MCT also acts as a forgiveness agent. For forgiveness, MCT means that two, well, "micro" cavities are created just under the topline, removing weight from the top of the club that is repositioned to the bottom to lower the center of gravity. For feel, MCT creates an I-beam type construction for the topline that Cleveland says strengthens and stiffens the topline, helping the clubface remain undistorted and square through impact.
Both the Cleveland CG Red and Cleveland CG Gold irons have color-coded hosel markings to assist with fitting. The markings indicate whether the lie angle is flat, standard or upright.
So that's what these irons have in common. But some of the elements are used in different ways depending on the iron.
Here's the bottom line: The CG Red irons are "Tour spec" irons, developed to appeal to highly skilled golfers. The CG Gold irons are intended for a wider range of golfers who need a little extra help from their clubs compared to scratch golfers.
The CG Red irons have a "player" profile, shaping preferred by better players, with more workability. The Gelback element is slightly more firm in the CG Red irons. In the CG Gold irons, the Gelback is not only softer but also larger, providing additional dampening control on offcenter strikes.
Both versions include offset, but in the CG Red the offset is a quarter-inch while in the CG Gold it's a half-inch. The Red irons have a thinner topline, too, a look preferred by highly skilled players at address.
The web hosel and smaller head of the CG Reds go to workability and control for better golfers. The Golds have a larger face and sling hosel, plus a longer blade length, to increase the sweet spot and forgiveness.
Various shafts are available in custom lengths. Both sets began shipping on May 10, 2007. The minimum advertised price of the CG Red irons is set by Cleveland at $699 (steel shaft only standard, but graphite is available as a custom option). For the CG Gold irons, the minimum advertise price at debut was $599 with steel shafts or $699 with graphite shafts.
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Cleveland CG12 Wedge
Also new from Cleveland is the CG12 Wedge using a new milling and manufacturing process by Cleveland that the company says produces the biggest grooves - called Zip Grooves - yet found on a Cleveland wedge.
Made from 8620 carbon steel and available in a chrome or Black Pearl finish, the CG12 Wedge has the maximum-allowed groove volume, which helps channel debris away from the ball and increase ball-clubface contact, thereby allowing for more spin and control.
The Cleveland CG12 wedge is available beginning May 18, 2007, with a minimum advertised price set by Cleveland at $109.
Cleveland Golf Web site
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Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
According to the Darrell Survey, Bushnell's PinSeeker 1500 is the most popular laser rangefinder among PGA Tour pros and their caddies. But golfers seeking a smaller option - smaller size, smaller cost - may want to consider the Bushnell Medalist.
The Medalist laser rangefinder was made to appeal to a lower pricepoint than the PinSeeker 1500, and carries an MSRP of $299. The Medalist carries the same PinSeeker technology and can range up to 300 yards +/- one yard to the flag without the use of reflectors.
The Medalist is ready out-of-box and runs on a 9-volt battery. It measures 1.7 x 4.5 x 3.8 inches and weighs just 9 ounces.
Bushnell Golf Web site
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Maxfli Tour Fire Golf Balls
TaylorMade is launching a new ball under its Maxfli brand, the Maxfli Tour Fire, that it is touting as a Tour-quality ball for under $30. John Daly, whom the company says was "intimately involved" in the ball's design, plays the Maxfli Tour Fire.
The multi-layer Tour Fire went through numerous design changes with Daly testing prototypes, each with different combinations of materials, layering and dimple configurations. Long and soft was the goal, and Daly claims they met it.
The Maxfli Tour Fire carries an MSRP of $29.95 per dozen.
Maxfli Web site
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