At the recent charity golf day held at Donnington Valley Golf Club, members of 0800Sports entered a team and donated a selection of golfing products to the after dinner raffle in aid of the Pelican Cancer Trust. This registered charity specialises in raising funds for research into male orientated cancers.

Whilst there, two members of staff, myself and Clive Riches decided to “test” a number of new products.

I chose the Nickent 4DX Evolver Driver and Clive chose the Golf Silver with Sinofit performance socks from sporting experts X SOCKS.

With a seemingly incurable slice, the Nickent 4DX Evolver driver, with its 30 different settings for the clubface seemed the ideal club for me.

Before we left, I had our resident club fitter set the clubface to what he believed would help me out. It was so simple it took him just a matter of minutes and off I went.

On the first tee, I approached with a little nervousness, would the dreaded slice return and leave me blushing.

I swung the club and watched the ball fly straight down the fairway, it happened again on the 2^nd and the 3^rd. Then over confidence set in and the dreaded slice came back for a few holes, but the Nickent 4DX got me back on track and I finished the round happy and confident.

After a good test, I would thoroughly recommend the Nickent 4DX to anyone with an uncontrollable slice who is happy to let technology take a helping hand. Read Full Review Here

My colleague Clive, decided to try out the less glamorous but just as technically advanced Golf Silver with Sinofit socks.

A lot of golfers forget the amount of stress and strain walking an 18 hole golf course can cause.

How many times have you finished up at the 19^th hole complaining of tired and aching feet ?

X SOCKS have developed a patented technology that not only cushions and supports your feet, especially the Achilles but also provides the feet with natural air conditioning via special channels woven into the sides of the socks. With this top of the range sock, comes a silver laced footbed which helps stop the spread of bacteria and odour.

Both Clive and I were sceptical of the manufacturers claims, however when we finished not only were Clive’s feet feeling fresh with no ache’s or pains, he was the first to the bar, which was another first.

When we questioned him on how they felt, he said that the mild compression built into the socks helped significantly while walking, and the extra padded comfort zones relieved all the natural pressure points on both feet. Read Full Review Here

After nearly missing dinner, because we were in the wrong bar, sat down to a very nice meal with local doctors and surgeons and waited for the raffle.

To find out more about the Nickent 4DX Evolver driver, or the Golf Silver with Sinofit socks visit our website www.0800sports.co.uk

there are major road works, and major tube closures due to engineering works for the Olympics so traveling to and from the excel centre will be difficult.

this leaves us in a dilemma, for the past 3 days my business partners and I have deliberated to attend or not to attend, that is the question ?

we have had a stand at the show for the last 4 years, but have seen attendence’s drop year on year.

if we do not attend, will people believe we have gone out of business, or will they search online for our LGS special deals ?

There are a number of improvements to the much loved Model 2.0 trolleywhich we have listed below.

The new model 3.0 upgrade includes:-

1. New brake lever mounted below the umbrella mount. This allows for easier brake activation with over centre lock.

2. New front wheel pivot assembly. There is an entirely new front wheel locking assembly that allows for a more secure lock on the front wheel. Namely a large push button release.

3. Completely new larger console. The new console allows for under console storage with expanding net material.

4. The console has 4 x Clicgear Accessory Tabs that allows easy mounting of Clicgear accessories.

5. New separate drink holder. To allow for a larger console the drink holder is attached to the accessory tabs. Multiple drink holders can now be attached.

6. New main hinge handle. The new handle is much easier to use  on the grip style handle.

7. New rugged handle material. Clicgear have changed to a more rugged material without open cell exterior foam. As a result handle material should last much longer.

8. New lower tubing guard. The tube supporting the front wheel is protected almost the entire length to prevent scratches.

Available in a choice of 8 colours, the Clicgear Model 3.0 has a RRP of £199.00 but is being offered by 0800SPORTS at only £179.00 including free shipping to UK Mainland addresses.

To order yours click here

Catering for ever wetter[1] and colder UK winters. SealSkinz® Thin Mid Calf Socks are specially designed to offer the ultimate in waterproof, breathable, windproof and close-fitting protection - to keep golfers warm, dry and comfortable at all times.

The Thin Mid Calf Socks are the most lightweight socks available from SealSkinz® making them ideal to wear with golf shoes. They are made utilising unique SealSkinz® patented technology which works via a seamless three-layer construction – an outer, a highly breathable waterproof membrane, plus an inner lining. The outer is made from knitted acrylic for extra durability, abrasion resistance and stretch-to-fit properties. They feature a fine Merino wool inner for greater comfort and excellent wicking performance, plus an elasticated instep for comfort and support.

The socks are mid calf length and available in S, M, L and XL sizes in the colour black.

The RRP is £25.00. Currently on offer from 0800SPORTS at £19.99  

[1] Last winter was one of the wettest on recent record. Some sodden parts of England and Scotland saw double their average rainfall [Based on 30 years rainfall average between 1971-2000, The Met Office]. Chillier weather is also forecast, with Met Office predicting a drop in temperatures during 2008-09’s winter period.

The very affordable (only £119.00) GoPlanet Golf GPS System is now on sale at Online Golf Specialists 0800SPORTS

Equipped with a highly sensitive GPS receiver, the Mars 100 is capable of measuring individual shot distances accurately so that you can easily plan your games strategically according to your exact performances.

Features:

Specifications:

Some of the best players in the world choose Nickent Golf Equipment.  To date 44 worldwide events have been won by players choosing to play Nickent clubs, including the 2007 U.S. Open championship.  Many of the rising stars in golf know the importance of quality equipment, which is why more of them are choosing to play Nickent. It has taken years, and many different club designs for Nickent to reach the high quality of products available today.  Nickent Hybrids are now the #2 best selling Hybrid Club in the USA!

Nickent has also revolutionized driver technology again in the 4DX Evolver, this time with CYG Technology, a new hosel that can be adjusted to twenty-six different positions to alter face angle, launch angle, lie angle and the loft not to mention the Evolver’s original capabilities to play the shaft of your choice.  CYG Technology allows players the opportunity to “Change Your Game” by changing the face angle up to 3 degrees in all directions.  The ability to change the face angle combined with the existing option to change your shaft to provide the ultimate experience in adjustasbility and extreme confidence.  The 4DX Evolver from Nickent with CYG Technology now gives the average golfer the treatment of a TOUR professional.

The whole Nickent range is now being stocked for sale and custom fitting by online Golf specialists 0800SPORTS.

For more information and to view the range 0800sports.co.uk/Nickent

Basingstoke based 0800SPORTS have opened their new state of the art custom fit golf studio, complete with Trackman swing analysis system as used by all the leading club manufacturers.

Suprisingly 92% of Golfers buy clubs that “just work”……. Only 8% buy clubs that will actually help improve their game, fitted to their own swing style or “signature”!

Why You Need Fitting?

Every golfer has a unique individual swing style creating a set of dynamics we call your signature.

What we do is then use that signature to fit a club in tune so it complements you and feels part of you. Everybody who’s played the game has picked up a club and said that feels good or this club is my favourite. Why? – because it fitted their signature.

What are my numbers?

Golfers all know there shoe, shirt and trouser size but how many know their launch numbers?

By understanding these numbers a player can optimise his or her game to the get the most potential out of their golf swing.

This benefits golfers of all standards not just proficient players. Just think how much better you could be with a 10% improvement!

Tour Experience

Every major manufacturer uses Trackman to get the most accurate data for their athletes and you too can now benefit from the best tool in golf.

You can use multiple clubs and shafts to find your optimum launch conditions.

We can even tell you what golf ball either helps you or even worse hurts you.

How The Custom Fit Process Works

Important Questions

• Do you hit the ball high or low?
• Do you get run on the ball when it lands?
• Do you prefer a heavier or lighter shaft weight?
• What is the best club in your bag?
• What is your bad shot?
• What is your handicap?
• What are you looking to try?

Our Custom Fit Technician

You’re only as good as the fitter who helps you understand why something is better and not just “try that” and hope by painting a picture of what actually happens to you under pressure on the course.

Our fitter has over 15 years experience in fitting some of the best and the worst players in golf, his knowledge is recognized as industry leading and will give you an informative look at what best suits your game.

The Journey Begins

There are certain types of swing that will create an angle of attack that is not applicable to the golfer’s body shape and size.

THERE IS NO STANDARD - every player is a blank page at the outset.

The smash factor is a sum of ball speed multiplied by club speed, this is displayed in numbers with 1.50 being the optimum smash factor. If you get a player hitting 1.50 consistently then they have the best club for them. This is only available on some of the better fitting systems.

We look for the best ball flight/shape and this comes from the best launch and spin combination, we are looking for the combination to give us the best distance. For example your average player would be looking to get the ball launching at about 12 degrees and spinning about 3000 rpms. This does depend on ability and style of player.

We are looking for the flex that keeps the player hitting the ball the straightest, if the flex is wrong then the dispersion becomes wider and the shot becomes more inconsistent.

We are looking for the best combination to get the player hitting the ball more consitently, the correct length and lie will get the contact closer to the sweet spot of the club.

At the start of the fit we will measure what you have for:

• Ball speed and smash factor
• Launch and spin
• Flex and dispersion
• Length and lie

Are you ready to begin? Before you buy your next set of clubs call 0800SPORTS on 0844 800 5552 book yourself in for a fitting and take shots off your game.

Past research has shown that custom moldable insoles allow a golfer’s body to establish a better point of contact with the ground when executing a golf swing. These insoles were also shown to help stabilize the foot, evenly redistribute weight and correct your entire body posture during the golf swing. In a study conducted by Stude & Gullickson (2000), 71% of participants felt their balance was improved while using custom insoles and playing golf. As well, 50% of participants felt that they were hitting the ball harder and 38% of participants reported a lower golf score. This research suggests custom moldable insoles helped golfers hit the ball harder. In order to further explore these results, we at SOLE Custom Footbeds decided to conduct a study, to explore the effects of wearing custom moldable insoles on club head velocity (CHV) and yardage after playing simulated golf.
Golf

PARTICIPANTS
The individuals who participated in the study were all employees at a local golf store located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Participants were asked to answer a short questionnaire, which included questions pertaining to their experience in playing golf and if they had sustained any major injuries in the last 5 years. Seven participants (6 men, 1 woman) responded to the questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 32 years (M = 25.8, SD = 4.56). Participants had an average golf handicap of 14.4 and have been playing golf for an average of 10 years. It should be noted that none of the participants had sustained a major physical injury in the past 5 years.

PROCEDURE AND DESIGN
The study was conducted at the store, which contained an advanced indoor golf simulator. This simulator was set up to record both number of yards driven and CHV (swing speed in miles per hour). This study was conducted in two phases. The participants were first instructed to take an average of six swings with their own golf shoes. In the second phase, the participants were fitted with a pair of SOLE Custom Footbeds in their golf shoes. After each participant was properly fitted, they were instructed to hit the ball six more times. CHV and yards hit was measured in all subjects before and after wearing custom moldable insoles.

RESULTS
The results of the study can be represented in the following graphs:
Drive Distance (Yards)
Yardage increased by 10.8 yards when the subject was wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds.

Clubhead Velocity (mph)
Club Head Velocity (CHV) increased by 1.8 mph with SOLE

In the first phase of the study (without SOLE), the participants drove the ball an average of 212.6 yrds and their CHV was 94.8 miles per hour. In the second phase of the experiment (while wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds), both the participant’s yards and CHV increased. The participants drove the ball an average of 223.4 yrds and their CHV was 96.6 miles per hour.

CONCLUSION
In this study, the use of SOLE Custom Footbeds has a positive influence on Club Head Velocity and Yardage. While wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds, club head velocity (CHV) increased, and yardage increased by 10.8 yards. In addition, participants reported that SOLE Custom Footbeds reduced the effects of fatigue and thus may improve the likelihood of a more consistent golf performance.

Sole Custom Footbeds are available from 0800sports.co.uk

What really sets SOLE Platinum Sandals apart is the mouldable, orthopaedic top layer. This layer is made with a mold-optimized EVA blend that adjusts to your feet over time. The moulded top layer is supported by the shape of our high density EVA midsole. This structural support ensures that the orthopaedic benefits are maintained while the top layer is personalized for your feet.

AVERAGE FLIP FLOPS

Flip flops offer no support. If the arches of the feet are not supported they can collapse, causing pain through misalignment in the joints in your body. This can also strain the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue on the soles of your feet. Plantar fascia strain results in sore feet, and can eventually lead to chronic pain.

SOLE PLATINUM SANDALS

The orthopaedic shape of SOLE Platinum Sandals provides a continuous contact point across the sole of your foot, moulding over time to provide just the right amount of support for you. This prevents aches and pains from developing, so you can wear SOLE flips all day long, free from pain and fatigue, GUARANTEED.

The Truth in Comfort Guarantee ensures your SOLE Sandals are every bit as good as we say they are. We are confident that SOLE Sandals will be the best you have ever owned. If you are unsatisfied with the sandals for any reason, return them within 90 days for replacement or refund, no questions asked.

For more information please visit 0800sports.co.uk

With the New ‘Summer 09 Colours’ now available from 0800sports.co.uk

Lindsay Lohan, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, have both been snapped wearing a Breo. The Breo is the perfect sports or fashion accessory.

Surfers dig it because of it’s waterpoof versatility (waterproof to 1 atmosphere), runners because of its lightweight design. The stars love it because of its funky feel, and also because it’s made from Tourmaline. This semi-precious gemstone calms moods, helps with blood circulation and improves mood.

At a cost of less than £10, you don’t even have to think about it. Buy it, wear it, feel great. It’s simple.

The Breo combines style and simplicity with it’s minimalist design. It’s been ergonomically designed to make sure it feels comfortable on your wrist. Don’t just take our word for it. The Breo Roam watch won the Good Design Award 2008, and is set to be a smash in 2009.

The Breo sports watch is now available in 10 great colours - one for every occasion with more coming soon. There’s even a Save The Children version in a deep red, of which £1.50 from every purchase goes straight to a good cause. See the new colours here

The Breo Roam watch looks so good that people can’t help asking you where you bought it. They are also good for your health claiming that because they are manufactured with a material called Tourmaline, which is a naturally occurring mineral widely used as a semi-precious gemstone and is responsible for many beneficial health effects including:

• Increased concentration
• Increased blood circulation
• Aids muscle relaxation, Improved sleep
• Help recovery from sports fatigue
• Improved vitality and mood
• Natural detoxification of the body