Vision Golf Ball - US Test Pilot Project - MyGolfSpy

[cheymike]

Sac and Boz... those balls look great! Coach Mattos will be smiling down at the tourney I'm sure.

[fozcycle]

I had a few more thoughts about the glove, after using it both Sunday & Monday. The Temp was in the low 90's,very little wind. I usually take my glove off after the tee shot then back on for the approach, then back off to putt. That's a lot of work.....But with the Vision glove, I left it on from tee to green....and throughout the day as it got hotter, I was not experiencing any discomfort. As for the tree frog like grip, I remember when I was a boy (in the 50's), my first golf glove had no thumb, open fingers and a diagonal rubber stripe through the palm. It lasted several seasons and was my favorite until I could'nt find them anymore....The Vision glove has that lasting feeling....

 

 

Previously, I have been using the Bionic glove as I have arthritis and the extra pads and thicker leather seemed to work well and last up to 6 months.....I have since changed to a Midsize grip and have been experimenting with other gloves as the larger grip should replace the need for the extra pads (I think).

 

Thanks Boz, your glove design is right on the mark!

[pegasus2357]

The following shows that even when you are addicted to Boz's Balls sometimes he comes up with something for you to trail that just isn't suited for you. I no complain as the first time I have had to say something negative about one of Boz's inventions and this is the idea of being a Test Pilot for the man. Be honest and give constructive feedback. Tell him what works and what doesn't. I know that he looks, listens and learns and makes adjustments where possible.

 

Got home and there was a package of goodies from The Boz, happy days indeed.

 

I received a Pink Drop Bear, a Version 2 (V2) of the X3 ball is a Four Piece, and a Gel Prototype TV-One and one of his new style hats.

 

I usually take the balls out to the back concrete and do a bounce test, to gather some idea of the firmness of the balls. Pleasing sound and bounce from the Pink Drop Bear, acceptable sound and bounce from the V2 X3, the Gel Prototype TV-One made a real clunk and did not bounce nearly as much as the other two balls. Redid the backyard test with the same results and came to the conclusion that the TV-One was indeed a hard ball. Oh well nothing gained nothing ventured, to the gold course I went with the three balls. Please note that my home course is very wet and has no run at all, in fact some drives even appear to have back spin on landing.

 

Positives first, always a good place to start. Pink DB what a lovely ball . Off the driver, fairway woods, irons, putter it just gives you confidence in what is going to happen. I am not a long hitter of the white/pink thing but this ball goes as far as my best drives, best fairway woods. Where it really excels in my opinion is when you have a short iron in your hands. land it on the green and it drops and stops. Oh what a feeling. Of the putter it is soft in feel but a couple of practice efforts and off you go sinking putts everywhere.

 

V2 X3 is a Four piece ball. The Boz told me that it is designed to be firmer than the current X3, he is right. I found with this ball a slight reduction in distance across the board in comparison to my current ball of choice the X3. As hard as I tried I could not get it to go as far as a standard X3. I will take it out again as the next ball did my swing in when testing it so the current results could be effected by this.

 

Gel Prototype TV-One well where to start. As stated this ball is hard. As hard as I tried to hit it it would not go. I ended up doing my swing in trying to hit the ball and get it to travel any distance at all. This was off the tee, with fairway woods and irons. Putting this ball did not give me the usual Vision confidence. Maybe that was because I was defeated before I got to the green. I also found it a bit hard to see with its Clear Gel finish, that could well be me. I am sure that this ball is not suited to my swing speed and would be aimed at somebody with a higher swing speed than mine. Can I say that in all the balls The Boz has sent me to trail this would be the first ball that I haven't been impressed with. It will be interesting to see what others with the same ball make of it. I have spoken to the man about what I have posted here and he has promised to take these thoughts of mine to the drawing board. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

 

The hat, I like where the man is going with this, I have a problem in that due to my head size it doesn't quite fit. I don't know if it is one size fits all or not.

 

In conclusion this is the first time The Boz has sent me something that hasn't left me looking for more. As stated it is a prototype that I was trailing and he has promised on a stack of coloured golf balls that the next ball I get to trail will leave me breathless.

[W.J Bosley]

Hi Foz, thanks for the extra glove info and you are right that was my first glove as well.

 

 

Hey Peg, Nice detail and plenty of good info to work with. The caps are my design but they

just haven't got the right tension so yet another work in progress. I promise to make the

next TV more in line with your needs.

 

Cheers , Boz.

[pegasus2357]

So I think that I win the package on the doorstep contest today

 

Boz is amazing to work with. Worked up the great custom number design in a flash. Balls got to Cali from Oz even faster. I can't wait to see the reaction at the tournament honoring Coach Mattos later this month.

 

 

Well I'll be, Boz you have really outdone yourself here. That is simply brilliant. Hope the day goes well and the balls are appreciated sactown

[W.J Bosley]

Hi Guys, thanks to those players that have taken onboard the concept of what I am doing here

and for all the notes to date.

 

I am looking to test an new structure for the Tour Vision ball in the near future but I need feedback

from guys that want to be involved as that is the format that works here in Oz.

 

I don't need all positives I just need player impressions and palying partner thoughts etc,,,,

 

This process is a two way street and will be ongoing like the extension of the glove trials

and so on but no feedback makes me less likely to extend this session beyond the initial trial.

 

I thought it would be quite and interesting process to be incvolved in as most players are

never involved in golf ball design and are never asked their opinions on what really works

for their game.

 

Just a thought as I am currently working out the numbers involved testing here and what I

will be doing next, cheers, Boz.

[Super Tuna]

Ala more info people!

 

Sorry for the lack of response on the tour ball Boz, I'm still waiting for Mike to type it up. Plus that ball personally drives me crazy with it's feel/release. Silly control balls

[pom]

Ala more info people!

 

Sorry for the lack of response on the tour ball Boz, I'm still waiting for Mike to type it up. Plus that ball personally drives me crazy with it's feel/release. Silly control balls

Me too Awincey. Still not sure that I have figured out the Tour Prototype.

[hendricks97]

Thats the first ball I locked in personally. I have been playing the Z Star Xs so maybe that has something to do with it. I havent put the ball into play yet since there was only one and I didnt want to lose it, but I have hit many wedge shots and putts with it and it still outperforms any other ball Ive ever played.

For the next round of glove testing, will there be any XLs? I have the hardest time finding a glove that I really like and fits my hand (long fingers and thin hand) The L just wasnt long enough for me.

[Tyk]

I'm breaking out the Arctic today!

[Justin66]

Geez... I'm starting to get jealous! I tried looking up info to buy and it sent me to SMT's website... couldn't find anything there, either. Maybe I screwed up... not out of the ordinary for me .

[Stephen_Peszel]

Geez... I'm starting to get jealous! I tried looking up info to buy and it sent me to SMT's website... couldn't find anything there, either. Maybe I screwed up... not out of the ordinary for me .

 

Page 36 of their download pdf catalogue. Can't see pricing so I guess you have to contact them

[Justin66]

Page 36 of their download pdf catalogue. Can't see pricing so I guess you have to contact them

 

A-ha! So I WAS missing it. Thanks, Speszel! Going to check it out now...

[GolfSpy Dave]

Spent some time putting with the Gel, the yellow X3 and a Pro V1. Now that I have played the balls for a while, the putting problems that I had initially are no longer an issue at all.

Both of these balls roll great and feel great off the putter. I think that I still favor the yellow overall. Feels great with the stainless putter.

 

I am planning on sneaking out for 9 after work tomorrow to do some side by side approach shot trials. Being that I had 0 GIR last Friday, this should be exciting

[Tyk]

I played the Arctic on Saturday. I really played too poorly to really give it a good evaluation, the only saving grace to the round was that I somehow did not lose the ball, or even hit a tree or cartpath with it!

 

Of the very few shots I hit well, I think the Arctic may be my favorite of the the three I've played, (X3 and X3UV). It seemed a little more responsive around the greens even though the sound and feel is similar to the X3, the Arctic may even seem a bit firmer, so I can't explain that impression. It could also be that I'm starting to get used to playing the Vision balls and adapting my game, but I had alot of chip shots Saturday due to my failure to hit greens (or fairways for that matter!).

 

As for putting: forget it, the hole could have been 6" wide and I couldn't have hit it. I'd love to blame the ball but I don't think that would fly!

 

I'm looking forward to playing these again, I actually still have two of each ball amazingly enough!

[fozcycle]

I tried the Pinky on Sunday......what a terrific feel off the Driver, irons, wedges and putter. Boz, I think you were right...I really liked this ball!....Please note that I said "liked"...as it went in the drink on the 8th hole. Other than I wasn't hitting my drives down the middle, so i was constantly looking in the rough...I found it in short order as it was the only Pink ball in play. My best drive was 221 yds. Please note that the Pinky is also easy to follow in the air.

 

When Pinky went for a swim, it was just a "bounce" that put it in the water so I was sure I could find it....problem was there was too much algea & plant growth to weed thru and my 5 minutes were up.....so I played out the hole with a "traditional" ball. Then switched to the UVX3 for the rest of the round. I decided to save my other Pinky for a fresh round. I think i can score with Pinky, when I am hitting the ball correctly. This past weekend I was hit by "Allergies" so I was playing under "duress" as I had several hankies going all the time.

 

I was pleasantly surprised by the UVX3 Sunday, as it came off my driver very sweet. I guess the first time I used it, I just wasn't getting it in the sweet spot. So for now, the UVX3 will be my "go to" ball....

 

On Saturday, I played in my league with a traditional Wilson Staff FG Tour...had a 2 ball sample pack and lost both in short order.....played a couple other white balls....lost 3 more....switched to the UVX3 on a Par 5....thought it was out of bounds on the right...not once, but 3 times...and all 3 times I found it about 18 inches in....For some reason the UVX3 did not want to get lost....I was having a horrible day, fighting my swing and my allergies at the same time...normally, I will lose 1 ball every 4 to 5 rounds....so 5 balls in one round.....is just Disaster with a capital D.

 

Question on the glove......do you have a special technique for washing it? I want to be careful not to do anything that might damage it...I just love it so much.

[GolfSpy Dave]

Got out for nine this afternoon with the sample yellow x3, normal yellow x3, white x3, and gel.

First three holes with the gel. I really like this ball. Great off the driver and irons, especially the irons. Easy to feel compression with the irons.

 

Switched to the sample yellow x3 on the 4th. Didn't seem to get along with this ball. Struggled more to keep in in play off the driver. Likely over-swinging because I was so pumped to hit a prototype ball Overall not the same as the UV x3 at least. Switched to the UV for a hole. Shot par. love that ball. Sample and I will go out another day.

 

Played the next hole with a Srixon Trispeed to have something to compare to. Had a chip in birdy from about 30 feet off. Funny how that is not as satisfying when you say 'sh_t' after chipping as you hit it thin and then watch it roll in.

 

White X3 for the last three holes. Solid ball in all areas, but for me, the yellow color just kills on the other version.

 

Still no data on the pinky. Saving it for Friday's round.

 

Glove update. Showing some wear on the palm. This is where I wear through gloves usually. Still nice and tacky. No hole yet, but it may be coming. Seems to be lasting as long as the footjoy sciflex that I usually wear, but is much more comfortable at this point in its lifecycle.

[SteveB1977]

Sorry for the delay in posting. I have wanted to play all the balls before I comment. After playing them all below are me personal observations. Understand my handicap is 17, so my reflections are seen through that prism. I am so honored and grateful for getting to participate in this program (Not to mention the envy of everyone I play with).

 

Pro's

 

Glove- The glove is the best glove I've ever played with. I love the placement of the logo on the back bottom. It's in the in the spot I always pull it. It provides the perfect protection from tearing. The fit is also amazing. I normally wear an extra large, however the large I was sent fits very well. If I saw this glove in the store, next to the others, I would definitely buy it.

Pinky Punch- The ball simply flies. Maybe it's all in my head, but this ball jumps off the tee.

Big numbers- Being able to see the ball move in the air is very helpful and easy to do with the large numbers.

Colors and Smiley Tees- Throughout this trial, I have found myself enjoying the game more. As I have processed this, I believe it's because of the whimsical nature and the simplicity of the equipment. The colors make it fun (they remind me of mini-golf with the family). No matter how upset I might get after a drive, looking down and seeing the smily face on the tee causes me to pause.

“Appleness”- The packaging, the colors, the entire presentation remind me of an Apple product. It is all very clean and straight forward. Everyone I have played with has comment on this and wants to play them as well. There is a wow factor that is not currently seen with the equipment I play.

 

Cons

Pinky color- No matter how whimsical it might be, it doesn't seem to stop the guys from reminding me I'm hitting a ladies ball (Even after I smoke it past them).

X3's- These balls, out of all the others, feel like a rock when I hit them. I am a high handicapper, so I'm sure I'm doing something wrong, but for whatever reason they hit hard.

Release and go- Again this might be my skill level (or lack thereof), but all of these balls seem to hit and roll. I cannot seem to get them stop like I can the Bridgestone E6.

 

Thanks again for this opportunity. It has been so much fun and I hope to continue to get to work with you guys.

[W.J Bosley]

Hi Guys, just checking in.

 

Hi AW, the TV prototype has been a good start but I need to work on matching the cover with a hotter core set-up so if you are talking to your friends you can let them know I have already tken onboard ther initial thoughts.

 

Hey Hen, Gloves, XL's plus ladies and lefty's will be in the works shortly as the trials and revisions are just about complete.

 

Hey Foz, the Glove Washing Protocol is easy, whilst wearing it wash your hands with normal soap and then thoroughly rinse and hang to dry out of the sun no artificial heat please.

 

Hi Sac, with the glove do you think a larger patch would protect the glove? By the sounds of it you are gripping at the end of the grip that then causes this wear type on the transition from the top at the end of your backswing which is the hardest wear to eliminate. Remember all great players have a touch of the grip butt being visible out of the left hand, this allows for greater club control.

 

Hi Tyk, The Arctic is working well but I am playing around with the putter feel at present so maybe something to compare with later in the season.

 

Hi Justin, I just got your note, I will be in touch.

 

+++If anyone is looking for gear please ask me as none of the new 2010/11 Vision balls are stateside at present.+++

 

Hi Spes, thanks for letting Just know.

 

Thanks again for all the feedback,

Boz.

[W.J Bosley]

Hey Steve,

 

Thanks for your detailed report, as you have presented me with a great insight into your experience which is very helpful and exciting for me as this project is as much about my Vision as it is about the performance of the products.

 

I currently have many guys playing the Pinky for the performance but I do receive many emails claimimg I am possibly just toying with them as they know I could have made a more manly version but for my twisted sense of humour.

 

Please have look at how the Gel balls perform for you in regards to spin as I am interested to hear and please remind me later that you should be part of my Drop Bear trial as that design might be an interesting alternative for you.

 

Thanks again,

Boz.

[SteveB1977]

Thanks Boz. I just discovered that SMT is only 40 minutes away! Making a road trip tomorrow for some UVs for an event on Monday.

[W.J Bosley]

Thanks for that, say hi to Mike and let him know how this Project is working if you could.

[GolfSpy Dave]

 

Hi Sac, with the glove do you think a larger patch would protect the glove? By the sounds of it you are gripping at the end of the grip that then causes this wear type on the transition from the top at the end of your backswing which is the hardest wear to eliminate. Remember all great players have a touch of the grip butt being visible out of the left hand, this allows for greater club control.

 

 

Maybe a slightly larger patch. I would hate to mess with the comfort too much though. It fits quite well, I just erode gloves at that point. I'll have my instructor look at my grip before truly saying that the glove needs more improvement than me.

 

One other idea for the gloves is to expand the color offerings. Obviously not mission critical here. Would like a royal blue and an orange one though

[W.J Bosley]

Hi Sac, colours will come for sure as I find my retail pathways.I hadn't thought about either of your colours though, food for thought.

[JBones]

Ooh, an orange glove would be sick, I'll take 10. To me, the Pinky is appealing, because of the color. Having family members that are breast cancer survivors, I sport pink whenever I can. It's even more awesome, when one of those pink items makes peoples jaws drop in awe.

[GolfSpy Dave]

I would also proudly sport a UV Yellow glove.

[Tyk]

Yellow and Black please!

 

MIZZOURAH!!

[W.J Bosley]

Cheers, Boz.

[GolfSpy Dave]

Thanks for the grip tip Boz. Dropping the hands a cm or so lower worked OK with the swing and seems to take the pressure off the pad.

Keep you updated on glove wear.

 

Also, Pinky will be coming out early as I was able to insert myself into a tournament Friday. Sponsored by a cigar company and a brewery no less.

I'll report what I remember

[W.J Bosley]

It sounds like a day that can only bring good things!