Reviews

Reviews of equipment to help make golf easier and more fun

golf Buddy LR5 Rangefinder Review

by Nicholas
November 27, 2017April 10, 2022

Accuracy Matters-that’s the slogan on the cover of Golfbuddy’s LR5 rangefinder and the better you get at golf, the more it becomes important. When I was happy to break 100 it was probably enough to know which direction the green was! I exaggerate (slightly-you should have seen me spraying it all over the course!) but once you get at least semi-serious about golf, knowing how far it is to hazards, lay-ups greens and bunkers does make a tangible difference to your score.

The short Version

I was tempted to say something like ‘A great budget rangefinder’ but realised that this is a lazy way to describe the LR5-it implies cheap and adequate, but not great. The reality is, this is very good piece of kit. Robust, easy to use and accurate at an attractive price. For most golfers, getting a more expensive option is going to be a matter of choice (which is fine) but not necessity because this type of rangfinder is perfect for almost all of us.

Find it here on Amazon

What is the Best Golf Laser Rangefinder-updated for 2018?

by Nicholas
January 17, 2017April 10, 2022

As I have said before (and more than once!) a rangefinder might just be the easiest way to shave a couple of shots off a round and is certainly a pretty good way of reducing frustration and having more fun on the course. It is also a time saver which is (or should be) a consideration for all golfers. Tech is improving all the time and things have already moved on since the last time we tested. So what are the best options for a new rangefinder in 2018? Is it worth shelling out for a new model? Here are the top contenders in 2018.

First things first, why bother with a range finder at all? We have talked about this quite a bit on fairwayfirstgolf.com, for example here and here. Personally, the more I play, the more I appreciate what it can do for any golfer. Of course, it can’t guarantee a pure strike, but it takes a huge element of uncertainty out of the game. You know for absolute certain just how far you need to hit it. This is very liberating and lets you concentrate on putting your best swing on the ball.

So all you need to do is go out and pick up a rangefinder and you are good to go on the golf course, right? Not so fast.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]Not all rangefinders are equal-everyone’s needs are different [/thrive_text_block]

Pinhawk Single Length Irons-The Complete Review: 5 years later!

by Nicholas
December 4, 2016May 9, 2023

EDIT: This review has been up here for something approaching three years now and hopefully has helped a lot of golfers decide if single length irons are a good fit for them. It seems like a good time to give you my latest thoughts on Pinhawk single length (yes, and dual length;) ) irons and have a look at what has changed over the last couple of years.

EDIT 2: So we are in 2021 and single length irons are still with us, as are the pinhawks. They (single length) certainly haven’t taken over the golf market as some predicted, but they remain an interesting option for a lot of golfers. Over the last few years, I have played with 2 sets of pinhawk irons, a set of cobra forged single length and the Wishon Sterling irons.

Before somebody asks why I don’t still have my first set of pinhawks in the bag, it is simply because that isn’t why I play golf. I like trying equipment, trying new (and vintage) clubs and testing different things.

If my aim was simply to find a set that makes the game easier, the pinhawks would still be well up there on my shortlist. And if price was a major factor in my choice (and I didn’t need to have mizuno/ping/taylormade etc on my clubs) the pinhawk single length irons would fit the bill very well. This is as true for the single digit handicapper I am today as the teen I was a few years ago and the 20/30 etc a few years before that.

There is one other big difference today in the single length market however, and that is the number of reasonably-priced alternatives to get you started. Without saying all one-length irons are the same, this might be my bottom line advice as we head towards 2022:

Choose one of the more reasonably-priced single length sets in about the right flex and just try them for a dozen rounds. It really is the best way of deciding if one length irons are going to be the right fit for you

If you aren’t sure which set, don’t worry too much. Resale on same-length clubs tends to be good and you shouldn’t lose too much if you do decide that they aren’t for you.

Ok, so perhaps the best place to start is the TL:DR version: These are still great irons at a great price and everything I say in the article about them holds true. I have used them a lot in the last few years and they do exactly what they say on the tin-make for a simple, consistent set up and swing. In fact, I recently gave one of my sets to a 22 handicapper who told my how easy he found them to be and that he was having a lot of fun with them. For complete transparency, he did say that he was struggling in the bunkers with the sandwedge, but firstly, he is a 22 handicapper and secondly I personally don’t like the set sandwedge in the bunkers either (something about the weight/sole design I think) but do love it as an ’11 (or 12?) iron.

So what’s new? Perhaps the biggest change has been the introduction of single length hybrids. This is a real game changer simply because a lot of golfers aren’t going to get a single length 4 or 5 iron (maybe even a 6) high enough to do what it needs to do. The possibility of blending hybrids and irons all with the same specs is really good and will work well for so many golfers.

There are also single length woods now in the pinhawk range. I haven’t tried these yet and really they aren’t on my radar currently. Do I think they will be useful? Almost certainly, but I don’t think they will be a revolution in the same way that irons/hybrids can be.

There is one more thing that has got me a bit excited, although I don’t know if it will great or perhaps not so much and this is the announcement by Value golf that they will be bringing out a dual length set (called vertex.) I don’t know a lot about this for the moment, but I am following it with interest. EDIT: you can find out more about the vertex irons here

So that’s it. I was going to redo a full review, but really, nothing has changed in terms of the way I feel about these clubs or the results I get. In short, still a quality set of single length irons at a really good price from a company I love.

As I have mentioned several times on this site, I like single length irons, both in theory and in practice. The new Cobra set and the Sterling single length are getting plenty of attention, which is great but the most affordable option (and the one I have used myself) seems to be a little more under the radar. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a test set of the new version of the Pinhawk single length irons from Value Golf and decided to take them for a thorough workout in the simulator. The results were very interesting and should give a lot of food for thought to anyone considering single length irons.

How to Choose Your Wedges

by Nicholas
November 13, 2016May 9, 2023

When choosing new clubs, a lot of the focus tends to be drivers with irons next and the short sticks like putter and wedges getting less of the attention. Honestly, I am as guilty of this as the next guy, simply because, well, bombing a driver is cool! Actually, it must be old-age setting in because I really don’t seem to bomb anything much anymore and maybe because of this my focus is turning towards the short game and a few thoughts on how to choose your wedges.

Learning the short Game

One of the big advantages of looking at the short game tools is that you can really spend some time learning how to gt the best out of them. There are only so many balls I can beat at the range before boredom and sore joints kick in. However, I am finding more and more that going round the short course with wedges and shorter irons is a lot of fun and keeps things both interesting and easier on the body.

The Five Best Christmas Gifts for Golfers

by Nicholas
October 20, 2016May 9, 2023

As a golfer, I really don’t like the winter. It is cold, mishitting a ball (not that I ever do that) sends vibrations all the way to my teeth. Winter greens and rules are in play. A quick nine holes before or after work means playing in the dark. Yes, Winter is a terrible time for me….apart from one thing-Christmas. I am well into adult territory, but I do like giving (and receiving) gifts in the holiday season. Of course some are far better than others, so I thought I would share my five best Christmas gifts for golfers.

Perfect Christmas Gifts for Golfers

You might be thinking that it is easy to find that perfect present for the golfer in your life. I am here to tell you that it isn’t! I have lost count of the absolutely terrible thing I have received from friends and family, that ‘he will just adore!’

Look, just because something has a tenuous link to golf or a picture of someone swinging a club, it doesn’t mean I want it! Sure, I will smile and say thanks as you give me those socks or whatever, but I will be cursing your name on the inside!

So what should you buy? Try these five ideas for starters:

The Ultimate Clicgear Golf Trolley Review

by Nicholas
September 25, 2016April 10, 2022

There are plenty of ways to get around the course, from riding in a buggy with fully-stacked cart bag to carrying a seven iron and nothing else (yes, really, I do this now and again!) However, for me, golf has always been about enjoying each hole as much as possible. Riding in a buggy takes away some of the experience. Carrying is fine and I do this regularly, but having 14 clubs and all the rest in a stand bag can make for a sore back the next day (and no golf for a while!)

So what can you do? Maybe take a half set in a carry bag. This is fine, but I also like using all my toys and might well have over the 14 club limit if I am playing for fun. The obvious solution here is to get a trolley. And if you are talking golf carts, then clicgear might well be the first brand on your list. They are rightly known for quality, made by golfers for golfers. But which one should you choose? Here is the lowdown so that you can make the best choice for your game and just as importantly, for your budget.

Find the Full Clicgear Range on Amazon

The Swingbyte 2-the Perfect Swing Solution?

by Nicholas
September 7, 2016April 10, 2022

Swingbyte 2: It’s Like Having a Golf Pro In Your Pocket

I remember as a young man going to the local driving range with my uncle. I can remember thinking to myself that this game is boring, and there’s nothing to it! Fast forward to today as I sit and watch golf pro, Dustin Johnson, battle to win the 2016 US Open by bombing shots off the tee, boring is no longer a word I would use to describe the game of golf. It is incredible how intricate the game is. There is so much that you need to consider both physically and mentally to have a successful golf game.

Swingbyte 2 review — Could the Swingbyte 2 be better than hitting balls on the range for hours?

Whether you are new to golf, an avid golfer, or just an occasional putter, according to world-renowned golf pro-Jack Nicklaus, the most important factors for any player are confidence And consistency, especially in the area of the golf swing.

In a hurry? Find the swingbyte 2 on Amazon here

Any player that is serious about improving their game should be willing to practice the mechanics of the golf swing as much as possible. It is important to remember that the desire for success must be stronger than fear of failure. Practice makes perfect!

The Net Return: The Ultimate Golf Home Practice Aid?

by Nicholas
June 18, 2016April 10, 2022

The Net Return practice net on fairway first golf — The Net Return will improve your practice time

I am a fairly typical golfer in lots of ways. Although I spend a lot of time researching and writing about golf, I don’t actually get to the course as often as I would like. Even in season, I might not actually hit a club in anger for two weeks. This can make my swing a little rusty and my ball-striking……well, “inconsistent” is probably the kindest word!

This means that I love anything that can help me get a bit of practice in at home. I have given a fair bit of thought to putting as I explained here. But how can I improve my full swing without getting to the course? With The Net Return practice net, I think I may actually have found the answer.

In a Hurry? Check out The Net Return on Amazon

Big Moss Home Putting Greens-Perfect Putting Practice at Home

by Nicholas
June 5, 2016April 10, 2022

Playing golf can be the ideal way to reduce stress and relax. You are outside, in the fresh air and most of the time, in beautiful surroundings. It is also the perfect way to spend time with friends and acquaintances or even do a little business.

Big Moss Putting Mats-Which one is Right for you?

However, it can also cause its fair share of heartache as you land in the bunker again or see that snap hook off the tee heading straight towards the out of bounds marker..

No Time to Read the Reviews? Find the Big Moss Putting Mat on Amazon Here

The putting green is the area on the golf course where the majority of the pressure to succeed is applied. This part of your game either makes or breaks your score. In fact, I am willing to bet that this is the place where most people learn to swear. Nothing is more frustrating than hitting a couple of perfect shots then three-putting!

The Zepp Golf Swing Analyzer

by Nicholas
May 20, 2016April 10, 2022

Even on a course a beautiful as this, golf can sometimes be a tough sport

John Feinstein called golf “a good walk spoiled.” Feinstein here alludes to the ease with which a beautiful round of golf can descend into an afternoon of frustration and irritation. Nothing will spoil a good walk more than a bad round of golf.

So, how can you ensure that your next round of golf won’t end up with you throwing your clubs into the river? Innumerable products are on the market all purporting to be the secret answer to one of sport’s greatest challenges: the golf swing. Most over-promise and make claims that no product alone could produce. But some are certainly helpful and useful for analyzing, learning, and practicing your swing to improve your techniques.

Buy the Zepp Golf Swing Analyzer on Amazon

In this article, we’ll examine one such product: the Zepp Golf 3D Swing Analyzer. The Zepp Golf 2 3D Swing Analyzer was the winner for the “Best Swing and Game Analyzers” at Golf Digest in 2016 (http://www.golfdigest.com/story/best-golf-swing-and-game-analyzers). With this Zepp review, we’ll take a look at what this analyzer can offer you and help you decide whether this golf swing analyzer is right for you.

Read More »The Zepp Golf Swing Analyzer