I have what some might refer to as an obsession with belts. I can never seem to find a belt that is what I now would say is "JaysGolf Approved" (yes, that is turning into a thing). In my lifetime I can only remember three belts with which I have had no problems. Many times I find myself in-between holes, or they are of poor quality and after one summer season, warp out of shape. Of the three belts that I love; one is a brown leather belt from Aberchrombie & Fitch that has lasted 14 years to date, second is a high end black leather dress belt from Jos. A. Bank Clothiers which I use when I "suit up", and lastly, a black leather belt with a fabric lining from Lands' End that was labeled a "Golfer's Belt". None of these are available any longer. Thus, I am always on the hunt for my next favorite belt.
My hope is that the belt I bring you today might become that elusive fourth favorite. This is a belt from NexBelt, and as their tag line states, it's "the belt with no holes". My first thought was "this might solve one of my problems!" It is what is known as a ratcheting belt, where it has no holes and cinches to 1/4" increments. Theoretically, you will never find yourself in-between holes as with a standard belt.
It arrived in a very robust and smart container. I literally cannot justify simply referring to this as a "box". It will definitely keep it safe throughout the shipping process, as well as look nice on display.
On the back of the container the ratcheting system of the belt is depicted. Possibly better stated, the release system of the buckle is shown and explained. You will want to be sure you familiarize yourself with how this works prior to wearing it out on the course. If you watch the video at the end of this post you will see exactly what I mean. Trust me, you will not want to be caught doing "the dance" and find out the hard way you do not know how to release the belt from the buckle!
As you might have notice on the picture above, the belt itself comes in a set of standard lengths and has guidelines that correspond to waist size where you can cut it to fit. The leather is very easy to cut, I used a pair of craft Fiskars. As I mentioned in the video review, "measure twice, cut once". What I did was take my A&F belt and laid the NexBelt on the inside of it and decided where to cut that way. I actually gave the NexBelt an extra inch with the though that I and always cut away more, but I can never add more.
The style, or version I purchased is called the X-Factor Series and hidden inside the buckle is a magnetic receptacle for a metal ball marker. The belt comes with a ball marker, but I believe you can use your own if you so choose.
Here is the full Unboxing and Review video, and in the middle take note of my struggles with the buckle's release.
Here is a photo after I cut the belt to size.
And do not get all bent out of shape.... They do offer the belt in white!
If you are interested in learning more, visit the NexBelt Site, and you can also find them on Twitter @_NexBelt_
This entry is not so much about the adjustability of the R1 driver from TaylorMade as it is my adjustability to the new R1 driver. I have been using the TaylorMade Burner SuperFast 2.0 driver for some time now with great success. I came within a tap-in of a hole in one with the Burner 2.0. You can guess that it will take an amazing new driver to get me to switch. I went to the TaylorMade Launch Event at my local Golf Galaxy on February 3rd to check out their new offerings. The numbers that the R1 was yielding compared to my Burner 2.0 were enough to convince me to actually purchase the R1 that night.
Fast forward to April after things in my area began to thaw to the point I could hit the R1 on the range, and it was as though golf gremlins swapped the R1 I bought in February with a counterfeit from China! It sounded awful when I struck the ball, the ball felt like a rock coming off the face, I literally was hitting my 6 iron farther than this new R1! I then took three shots with each of my two drivers, three with the Burner 2.0 and three with the R1. Without fail, I would leak the R1 left and it would come up at least 40 yards short of the Burner 2.0's distances. Not only did this frustrate me, but it perplexed me as well!
Of all the Drivers I have owned throughout my years swatting and chasing this little white ball, only one has been an adjustable driver, the TaylorMade R9. And guess what? That's right, I could not hit that well either! I have always liked just a "regular" driver. My first "name brand" was the TaylorMade R5 Neutral bias. I still own that club, I might be buried with it in fact! This Burner SuperFast 2.0 just fit me from the moment I first hit it. The sound, the feel, I could even hit a power fade contrary to my natural draw if I wanted. I was reluctant to purchase the new TaylorMade R1 since I have had a poor history with adjustable drivers (albeit a short history). I also have some philosophical issues with any adjustable golf club, but I will leave that for a future blog.
After that first range session my various reservations seemed to be confirmed, or it really was golf gremlins! Either way, I was seriously disappointed. Mind you, I wan't going to give up, you ought to know this about me by now, despite an occasional gripe and moan.
The other day, I went back out to the range armed with both clubs determined to figure out why I seem so unable to have success with the R1. I also had my camcorder with me and took the following video...
By the last shot in the video I had a few things figured out, or at least the result of the strike suggested as much. I intend to go into me detail once I can get back on the grass range and tee the ball as I would if I were playing and actual round, instead of machine-gunning balls off the mats. So do keep an eye out for that follow up blog! The following is an action shot collage a Twitter follower, and fellow lefty, Adam LaCapra pulled from the final shot and sent me. If you are on Twitter I suggest you follow him!
Looks like my swing is getting flat again, huh?! My work is never done!
It is Masters Week! As if right on cue, it was 80 degrees and gorgeous in my area today. This week always seems to bring with it many different feelings and emotions for me, virtually all wonderfully positive. I tend to think more about my own experiences with the game, more than Augusta per se. I think of my grandfather, my high school coach (who I still run into on the course), and my time playing under their tutelage. I take inventory of my game. I get my clubs out of hibernation, admire them one at a time, being sure all are accounted for, one might run off! You never know! I load my bag into the back of my Jeep where it will spend most of its days for the next nine months.
Now, that I have an online presence and a "Brand" so it would seem in JaysGolf, I am compelled to think what might lie ahead in my future and the future of JaysGolf. You will just have to stay tuned to find that out! Sorry, no hints yet! But to help satiate your need for all things "Jay", here a couple videos... Enjoy!
TaylorMade Golf- Penta TP3 Golf Balls $16.99 at RockBottomGolfPosted by Jay about 3 hours ago in Golf BallsRockBottomGolf.com is offering TaylorMade Golf- Penta TP3 Golf Balls at $16.99 per Doz. when you buy three or more! |
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$18.99
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Callaway Hex Chrome Golf Balls with Practice Logo $18.99 at Amazon.comPosted by Jay about 4 hours ago in Golf BallsAmazon.com has the Callaway Hex Chrome Golf Balls with Practice Logo for $18.99. |
TaylorMade Golf- Penta TP3 Golf Balls $16.99 at RockBottomGolfPosted by Jay about 3 hours ago in Golf BallsRockBottomGolf.com is offering TaylorMade Golf- Penta TP3 Golf Balls at $16.99 per Doz. when you buy three or more! |
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$18.99
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Callaway Hex Chrome Golf Balls with Practice Logo $18.99 at Amazon.comPosted by Jay about 4 hours ago in Golf BallsAmazon.com has the Callaway Hex Chrome Golf Balls with Practice Logo for $18.99. |
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