Bionic Introduces The Performance Series Glove Mostsophisticated golf glove ever designed
ORLANDO, Fla. - The new Bionic Performance Series
glove is taking
golf-glove design to a new level. Introduced at the PGA Merchandise Show in
Orlando, the Bionic Performance is the most feature-rich glove ever made.
And it conforms with USGA rules.
Describing a glove this sophisticated requires using
some hi-tech language,
such as triple-row finger-grip system, elongated surround flexion zones and
mid-axis longitudinal seam placements. You don't have to know what these
phrases mean to appreciate the benefits. Just ask PGA Tour professional
and former Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger.
"This glove feels great from the moment you put it
on," says Azinger. "I love
the way it makes the club fit in my hand. It's so flexible and breathable
that
you don't even think about it. And that's just one of the things that makes
this a great glove."
It took more than three years of design and testing
to get the Bionic
Performance glove ready for market. "This glove is a mirror image of the
natural three-dimensional shape of the hand," says Jim Kleinert, M.D., an
orthopedic hand specialist who heads R&D for Bionic. Dr. Kleinert points
out
that each Performance glove has 44 unique anatomical features.
Here are just some of the highlights:
The first is called the triple-row finger-grip
system. Each finger has three
multi-layered zones on the palm side made of terrycloth and leather. These
raised areas serve two purposes. First, they absorb moisture, so they're
like having 15 mini-towels constantly soaking up sweat. Secondly, they help
the glove conform to the natural shape of the hand for a more comfortable
and relaxed grip, which is beneficial for all golfers.
Another primary feature is the elongated surround
flexion zones. The flexion (FLECK-shun) zones are where the natural creases
occur in the finger and palm. The Bionic Performance Series removes leather
in the flexion zone and replaces it with Lycra®, which stretches, retracts
and breathes. The flexion zone wraps 180 degrees around the finger to
minimize bunching of leather, which occurs when the hand is flexed inward
to hold a golf club. What's the benefit? Enhanced comfort and feel, greater
flexibility and a cool, dry hand - all of which promote a lighter grip,
which is one of the keys to a great round of golf.
The mid-axis longitudinal seam placement is another
unique facet of this golf glove. On a standard glove, the seam creates
resistance when closing the hand. But on the Performance glove, the seam
has been moved so that it no longer impedes glove closure when gripping the
club. This helps fight hand fatigue, and when playing 18 holes of golf,
hands experience more fatigue than most golfers realize.
Lycra is also used strategically throughout the glove
to create ventilation. It's like having 26 windows to keep the hand cool
and comfortable.
Bionic worked with numerous PGA of America teaching
professionals while testing the glove and here's what some of them said
about the Performance's performance:
"This glove gave me better feel and connection with
the club with zero restriction." - Barry Bonifield, Crescent Hill GC
"The Performance has that broken-in feel the minute
it goes on your hand. It's the only glove that is tournament-ready straight
out of the package." - Keith Ohr, Wildwood CC
"It conforms so well to the shape of your hand that
it feels like you dipped your hand in latex." - Ron Snider, Persimmon Ridge
GC
Azinger, who signed with Bionic last year, is the
only PGA Tour professional with a glove-only endorsement contract. "Gloves
are usually a part of your shoe and ball deal. But Bionic is unique and is
bringing technology to glove design that we've never seen before," he says.
The Performance glove is designed to appeal to the
vast majority of golfers, making it the most mainstream glove ever from
Bionic. It will be available in the spring of 2010 with a retail price of
$29.95.
