Controversy is not something with which Hillerich & Bradsby is normally associated. The family-owned company, which has been around since 1884, and in the golf equipment business since 1916, is better known for quality, innovation and value-pricing.
But H&B, which makes Louisville Slugger baseball, softball and hockey equipment, along with PowerBilt golf clubs, has run afoul of the U.S. Golf Association with the introduction of its Bionic golf glove. The glove has been deemed non-conforming to the Rules of Golf.
Scientifically designed with ergonomic motion zones and strategic padding, the glove has been universally praised by GolfWeb testers in an accessory category where significant innovations don’t usually come at a rapid pace. And, while it will be fine -- even good for -- recreational play, it will not be allowed for use in competitive situations under the rules or in any rounds counting toward USGA handicap scoring.
Still, the Bionic glove is a significant introduction for 2005 by H&B, along with new PowerBilt products, including a TPS 460cc driver, TPS 8.0 Composite I-woods, PowerBilt wedges series, revamped junior lineup and a pair of boxed sets for entry-level or occasional golfers.
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Information PowerBilt and Bionic new products specs |
Here’s a closer look at the Bionic glove and the latest from PowerBilt Golf.
BIONIC
H&B established the Bionic division two years ago, having first started with hockey and baseball gloves, and since expanded to include gloves for horseback riding, car driving, gardening and stylish dress.
Now, Bionic has entered the golf arena with a machine washable Cabretta leather glove that features ergonomic motion and breathable web zones, index-to-hand interface zones, prerotated finger designs, anatomical relief pads, and extra padding in the palm, thumb and fingers.
Designed by Dr. Jim Kleinert, a well-known and respected hand surgeon, the Bionic glove is especially soft and supple, and geared for breathability, dryability, durability and playability. Suggested retail price, in a choice of sizes, is $24.95.
In testing among a variety of players assembled by GolfWeb, the Bionic glove was labeled “a true breakthrough innovation,” “really soft, really comfortable,” and “the best glove I’ve ever tried.”
“The normal glove is restrictive,” said Kleinert. “The Bionic glove, with its enhanced support, can help diminish hand fatigue, impact vibration, blisters and calluses. Most of all, it may allow people to play golf who otherwise would not be able to.”
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| The Bionic glove is among Hillerich & Bradsby's 2005 portfolio. (Provided to GolfWeb) |
At the same time, the glove has earned a “non-conforming” rating from the USGA. Specifically, the glove is in violation of Rule 14-3-C, which focuses on devices or equipment that might assist in gripping the club. As written, the rules call for “plain gloves.” When submitted for USGA approval late last year, the rulesmakers said the Bionic glove artificially helps improve a player’s grip. That ruling was upheld just last month when H&B made an appeal to the USGA implements committee.
“The committee seriously looked at the situation and made its [non-conforming] determination,” said Dick Rugge, USGA senior technical director.
“We believe the USGA has misunderstood the technology of the glove and how it applies to the rules,” said Paul Clark, Bionic division president. “We want the glove to conform, which is why we submitted it. A lot of companies don’t do that with golf gloves. Most of all, we believe all golfers can benefit from this technology.”
For the moment, unless changed or reconsidered, the Bionic glove remains non-conforming.
POWERBILT I-WOODS
The new TPS 8.0 Composite I-woods are among the first hybrids to use a lightweight graphite material in the crown. Like other hybrids, they are designed to replace long irons in a player’s arsenal.
“The lightweight composite crown let us shift weight lower, toward the back,” explained Larry Edling, PowerBilt Golf president. “Then, we added tungsten inserts and created a more dynamic loft. Instead of reluctantly pulling a dreaded 3 or 4 iron from the bag, golfers can now reach for an I-wood.”
The I-wood series currently comprises Nos. 3, 4 and 5, with lofts of 21, 24 and 27 degrees, respectively. A 17-degree loft is due out this spring.
Available with either a True Temper TPS Light steel shaft or Aldila TPS graphite shaft, suggested retail price is $120 each with steel shaft and $135 with graphite. PowerBilt officials add that “street prices” may be expected as low as $79 and $89 each, respectively.
DRIVER
PowerBilt ascribes the tensile strength and durability of its new TPS 460cc driver to a fiberized forging process.
“The head is produced from superpremium TVC beta titanium with the highest strength to weight ratio available,” said Mark Wilson, PowerBilt director of new product development. “The walls are not just stronger, they are thinner. Thinner walls allowed us to redistribute weight, moving it to the perimeter by employing tungsten weights.”
The driver is meant to be especially resistant to twisting on off-center hits, while the face is geared for a COR (spring-like effect) of .830, the maximum allowed by the USGA.
Available in lofts of 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees, and outfitted with lightweight Aldila graphite shafts, suggested retail price is $299.
WEDGES
The key to an expansive PowerBilt wedge series is matching the bounce angles with sole widths. Bounce, a common term with wedges, refers to the angle between the leading and trailing edge of the clubhead.
“With our new wedges, the bounce angles and sole widths are in perfect harmony,” said Wilson. “Golfers can concentrate on swing and touch, rather than making adjustments for a flawed design.”
Made with carbon steel heads in a high-polish finish, and outfitted with stepless steel shafts, PowerBilt wedges come in lofts of 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees. Suggested retail price is $100 each, while the company adds “street price” is expected to be $49.
Editor's note: Chuck Stogel writes about golf equipment. Look for his columns each week on GolfWeb and PGATOUR.COM.
