This year marks the third time the GOLF EUROPE Product Award was presented to the most innovative products for next season. A total of 113 products by 54 brands were analyzed by a high-calibre jury consisting of independent industry and retail experts as well as members of the media.
The selection was made by examining the functional aspect, design, degree of innovation, and ease of use.
In the club category the new model “Perfect Switch” by Honma dominated the field. It is an adjustable putter, which can be customized for any situation by exchanging the putter head appropriate for the conditions. This allows the player to use a heavier putter head on slower greens and vice versa. The change is easily accomplished with the putter heads “Blade”, “Mallet”, and “High-MOI-T”.
In the footwear segment the Tour 360 4.0 by Taylor Made impressed the jury ahead of other products. This golf shoe distinguishes itself thanks to its THINTec low-profile technology, which keeps the foot in closer contact with the playing surface. This technology improves stability, and enhances the foot’s rolling motion. The unibody construction in the heel area and 360WRAP technology have an extremely stabilizing effect. In addition, X-STATIC fibers integrated into the lining keep the foot at the perfect temperature level. Finally, ClimaProof ensures that the shoe is one-hundred percent waterproof.
The ideal trolley is an easy-to-store low-dimensional ‘miracle’. The Nano Elektro Trolley by Max snapped up the GOLF EUROPE Product Award in this category. The 3-wheel trolley is extremely compact, because MAX decreased the storage dimensions of the Nano to a record minimum. Nano is completely collapsible and fits into any trunk. In addition, Nano is extremely light and probably currently the most mobile electro trolley on the market.
The GOLF EUROPE Product Award 2009 in the accessories category went to Caddieaway by Pleasy Golf. The new golf bag with integrated trolley is not only travel-savvy but also convertible-friendly. The Caddieaway by Pleasy Golf basically carries its own trolley. The many pockets are arranged in a clever fashion to accommodate gear, apparel and accessories, as well as the trolley’s wheels and poles.
Training equipment has its own GOLF EUROPE Product Award category. This year the training aids category went to the caDDiix Golf Training System by Rangetainment Technologies GmbH. caDDiix is the first fully automatic golf training system for driving ranges.
The target market is golfers who wish to improve their game. On a large screen the caDDiix shows the golfer ball flight distance and curve as well as club position at the moment of ball contact – after every swing. This allows training without a pro, yet with feedback.
The winner of the clothing category, the Nike Aerographics Polo, is functional yet stylish. Aerographics technology created a lighter and more breathable fabric quality and ensures ultimate ventilation in the front and back panels of the garment. Seems were completely eliminated, promising the highest wear comfort for golfers.
For a full list of award winners including the runners-up in each category see www.golf-europe.com