The outdoor demo day was great because you not only got to try out different golf clubs but you could also hit balls using the new footwear. We tried on more than a few different pairs and put them to the test on the range. The big news this year is that Boa’s exclusive agreement with FootJoy has expired. That means you’ll start seeing other manufacturers using Boa’s closure system. The first manufacturer to start utilizing the Boa system outside FootJoy is Adidas. They had a few pair on demo with the Boa enclosure system so look to see these on the course in 2016.
Biion Golf Shoes (socks are optional)
Speaking of shoes there is a new manufacturer on the golf scene. Biion shoes while at first glance might look like golf shoes from another planet, they grow on you the more you see them. At Demo Day and throughout the show we constantly saw people walking around with a newly purchased box of Biion shoes. We tried them on and couldn’t believe how comfortable the shoe was. Walking around in a pair you actually get a massage effect. With more styles on the way we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this shoe company.
KLVN model showing the new bag in action
On Wednesday, everything moved over to the Orange County Convention Center and the timing couldn’t have been better as Wednesday kicked off almost 2 days straight of heavy rains in Orlando. Without a doubt a company named KLVN was the star of the show. KLVN launched the most versatile golf bag ever made at the show. Almost as impressive as their new golf bag was the KLVN show booth that had everyone talking and gawking at the show. The booth not only had the new KLVN lineup but a supermodel posing as a robot showing off the transforming golf bag. There was a long line of people stopping to get a glimpse; you may not have heard of KLVN yet, but I’m pretty sure you’ll know who they are very soon.
The Stick-It in action on the course
While KLVN got a lot of attention there were plenty of other booths that impressed Golf Aficionado and the majority of these products are very reasonably priced. First and foremost, I can’t say enough about the new “Stick It” product from Monument Golf. They’ve developed a magnetic solution for your range finder that keeps it out of the cup holder and easily accessible at any time. We took the product out on the course today and no matter what we did the Stick It stayed in place. One of the best features is that the Stick-It has a low profile design that allows your range finder to still fit into the manufacturer’s case. We strongly recommend any golfer using a rangefinder to check it out, starting at only $24.95 it’s a must have.
Another low cost solution at $34.95 the Thunder Sonic golf brush that solves a problem facing every golfer, dirty clubfaces. Much like an ultra-sonic toothbrush the Thunder Sonic golf brush utilizes nylon bristles and ultrasonic technology to clean your club face. We’ve all used metal wire brushes for years and this technology is much more effective and easier on the clubface.
One More low cost product that impressed the team at Golf Aficionado was the new instant cooling towel launched during the show by Imperial. The instant cool towel is 100% chemical free and is up to 30% cooler when wet. We’ve seen our share of cooling towels but this one is different. Powered by the Coolcore© technology this towel is sure to keep golfers everywhere cool. On top of the stylish colors the silky smooth material will keep you reaching for this towel again and again. At only $19.95 this towel should be in every golfer’s bag come summertime.
Our Favorite flavor Buffalo Style
A food product also impressed at the show and was a Golf Aficionado favorite. Chef’s Cut Real Jerky is the best jerky hands down that any of us at Golf Aficionado have ever tasted. Jerky is the ultimate golfer’s snack, full of protein and easily fits into the golf bag. The secret behind Chef’s Cut is that they use only the best ingredients such as hand-cut premium steak and 100% all white chicken breast. We thought the line was long at the KLVN booth until we stopped by Chef’s Cut and saw the herd grazing on samples. We voted and our favorite was their Real Chicken Buffalo Style Jerky. Cases of Chef’s Cut start at $27.96 and when you taste it you’ll know why you’re paying a little extra over other Jerky brands.
We had a blast attending the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show and can’t wait for next year to roll around to see what new products the industry comes up with next. There are hundreds of different booths at the show promoting golf equipment, software, and apparel each year always bringing some new innovation to the game and you can count on Golf Aficionado to be there.