Tag: golf

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Connected Objects Sports

Ti.ttle golf swing analyzer could help you shave some strokes

An increasing number of devices are being introduced to help golfers practice their swings while away from a golf course.

Ti.ttle is a small device that clips onto a golf club and serves as a swing analyzer calculating the distance and direction a golf ball would have traveled if it was hit with that swing. It works in conjunction with apps for Android and iOS mobile devices, and can be used with all types of golf clubs, including drivers, woods, irons, wedges and putters, according to its Kickstarter campaign. After each practice swing, ti.ttle provides real-time feedback by displaying the calculated carry distance on its OLED display.

Ti.ttle ships in December. Retail pricing isn’t provided by its Kickstarter campaign. But early bird backers can get one as low as $49. Its makers are looking to raise $60,000 by Dec. 3.

Many devoted golfers may want to give ti.ttle a try, although it’s difficult to tell from the campaign video just how accurate it is. There have been other devices introduced that allow golfers to practice their swings without being anywhere near a golf course. One example is the Smart Golf connected golf club. One major advantage of ti.ttle is that it allows golfers to practice using the clubs they are already familiar with.

 

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Connected Objects Sports

Smart Golf analyzes your swing to steer you to the green

Many golfers would love to hit the green more often than they do, but can’t due to busy schedules at work and home. That can make it especially difficult for a beginner golfer to learn the game.

Smart Golf is a connected golf club that can be used anywhere to improve one’s swing. It analyze golfers’ swings after connection via Wi-Fi to an Android, iOS or Windows Phone app. One of the light signals on the head of the club will indicate when the angle of the user’s stance is correct before swinging.

The application then records the users’ swings, helping them progress and discouraging bad habits. After swinging, an audio alert will indicate contact with a virtual ball. Owners can then instantly review all the information regarding the swing, including rhythm, tempo, speed and angle. Smart Golf costs $180 and ships in October. Its maker is looking to raise $20,000 by June 14.

There have been other products designed to improve one’s golf swing, including the Flex Putter Trainer. But Smart Golf holds promise because of its portability, the realistic club design, and that it can also function as a multiplayer interactive golf game.

 

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Sports

Revolution Hybrid Magnetic Golf Tee improves drives, gives way under pressure

Golf tees are an essential part of getting the best drive. However, their simplistic design hasn’t been update in quite a while.

The Revolution Hybrid Magnetic Golf Tee puts a new spin on the traditional golf tee. This product consists of a base that sticks into the ground and a magnetic tee that holds the ball. Since the base is always stuck into the ground the same way, the tee remains at the same height, making it easier to hone those driving skills. In addition, the tee gives way when the ball is hit, cutting down on resistance so that the ball goes farther.

As with many sports devices, the real question is always: does it actually work? The argument that the ball will go farther is a little doubtful, but the consistent tee height should be enticing to golf enthusiasts. Backers can have their very own on Kickstarter for a donation of $13 with estimated delivery in April 2015. The Revolution Hybrid Magnetic Golf Tee (whew!) hopes to raise $10,000 in its campaign.

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Sports

Flex Putter Trainer puts some panache back into the putt

Golfing is a classic sport, one that requires power and finesse at the same time. Putting is an important part of golf and demands delicate motions to get the ball to cooperate.

The Flex Putter Trainer is a tool to help perfect that putting portion of golf. This club is made from flexible material so the shaft is bendy. This way, it exaggerates each motion. If the ball is hit too hard, the putter will really knock into it, training the golfer to go a bit easier. It also works if the ball is being hit too softly. The campaign claims that this product provides square impact, so the flexible nature of the club doesn’t mess with the direction of the ball.

There are scores of golf trainers out there. What’s great about the Flex Putter Trainer is that it really focuses on the power behind the putting stroke and doesn’t need technology to provide guidance. One can be had for a donation of $100 for estimated delivery in February 2015. Flex is hoping to raise $7,000 on Kickstarter.

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Sports

N 1 Putter Caddy keeps golfers focused on their game

There are few things in life that are a better distraction from stress and the daily grind of work than a good round of golf – until one can’t find their putter. So in an effort to restore golf to the relaxing activity that it should be, N 1 Putter Caddy was created. The aluminum, lightweight caddy attaches to the outside of most golf bags, keeping the putter safe from potentially getting damaged by other clubs in the bag. The easy access to one’s putter means more focus can be put on the game, where it belongs.

The putter holder is durable and requires only minimal installation, though it’s not indicated if any special tools are necessary for that installation. This product, while convenient, may only prove attractive to caddies who don’t choose what their golfer’s buy. Golf loving backers might also like to check out Range to Go and GreenPlay campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000. Backers get one N 1 Putter Caddy for $200 with an expected delivery of March 2015.

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Sports

CaddyLok tubes secures clubs in the bag from knocking around

Diehard golfers know that their only option is buying clubs, renting them just doesn’t make sense. It’s a costly investment, but worth it in the end if golfing is a common weekend activity.

In order to protect those expensive golf clubs, try CaddyLok. This system works with any golf bag to keep clubs secure. This product consists of magnetic tubes that keeps clubs in place and locks them using magnets. As an added perk, it also keeps clubs from rattling around cutting down on noise. Using fabric hooks, the tubes affix to the bag itself.

It’s most likely that the golfer’s caddie more than the golfer will rejoice at seeing this product. For them, it means a bag that’s easier to carry and clubs that are more organized to choose from. The price isn’t bad either. A $100 donation will get any golfer a full set by February 2015. Considering what everything else golf costs, that’s a bargain. CaddyLok is looking to raise $20,000 on Kickstarter.

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Fitness Smartwatches/Bands

Avid is a cheap fitness watch with a Pebble-like button layout

We’re definitely in the era of the smartwatch, but the sad part is that they pretty much all do the same things. The Avid Multi-Sport Smart Watch adds to that massive list by being a watch you’ve seen before with a different name. It has a bevy of features for sports, including auto-course recognition, distance to the green, and scorecards for golfers, or calories burned, distance ran, and route tracking for runners. When you’re not out on the green or trying to best the time for your favorite path, the watch can control music on your smartphone and activate the shutter on your smartphone. In addition, its native push support can keep you up-to-date — it just won’t look too stylish doing it. The campaign is seeking $150,000 CAD (~$134,000 USD), with the opportunity to get your own Avid watch for just $99 CAD (~$88 USD).

The little things usually do count, but not when products like the inWatch Z are capable doing just the same with the addition of an HD camera, but even that watch didn’t hit its funding goal. The Avid would have been better served being a more focused product like the Zoi running system. Because it isn’t, the Avid suffers because it’s doing too many, already explored things at once.

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Sports

Chute trainer improves your golf shots by adding lag

Golf is one of those sports that seems none too stimulating. Untrue. There’s a lot involved in perfecting one’s stroke to get that ball close to or in the hole. Chute Trainer is designed to perfect your swing. Essentially a little parachute, it attaches to the bottom of your club to teach you the dynamics of lag. This helps to strengthen the golfers’ arms so that they shoot with more force, leading to drives up to 20 to 30 yards longer. Chute Trainer is small, folds up in your pocket and is completely detachable from the club. One will cost backers $35 with a Kickstarter campaign goal of $25,000.

Golf trainers are many and short between. Most, however, focus on putting, like GreenPlay, X Ball and Zen Bloodhound covered on Backerjack. This is one of the few that aims to improve a golfer’s drive, the first and most important step in getting par. While really only appropriate for serious golfers, Chute Trainer is a good tool for those who find themselves on the green most days, if it actually works.

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Sports

GreenPlay guides your golf balls to their putting goal

GreenplayGolfers constantly face new challenges as they travel to different courses. Putting in nature creates many variables that need to be taken into consideration. The GreenPlay training system allows golfers to collect data from a putting green in order to more accurately shoot the ball. This small device sits on the ground and calculates the slope as well as the hole’s position in relation to the ball in an iOS/Android app. It’s a perfect way to train golfers into the right putting techniques, much like the X Ball, because it suggests the best way to putt. Early golfers can enjoy this system for $79 or $99 with a regular price of $250 by July 2014. GreenPlay needs to raise $50,000 in a 45-day Kickstarter campaign.

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Sports

Zen Bloodhound Golf Putter follows the golfers with the cash

Zen Bloodhound Golf Putter f68dc5b3bf1a8711bc1b691723c2af1c_large[1]Is it a movie aiming to be a blockbuster or a piece of sporting equipment? The dramatic but uninformative video on the campaign page leaves the viewer wondering. Nevertheless, Zen Bloodhound Golf Putter has been turned loose to sniff out just exactly how to build a better putter. And for £1000, it ought to not only hold the ball, but come with a homing device that fetches the ball and resets it on the green when you miss your par, too! The excuse for the pricey practice hole is that the technology is taken from the Bloodhound SCC 1000 mph car. Of course! 1000mph, £1000, flawless logic. Those who enjoy that kind of status among fellow golfers won’t see the putter arrive with any significant speed, though. Expected delivery is June 2014.