CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Callaway Golf Company
(NYSE: ELY) today unveiled the next generation of golf ball aerodynamics with
the introduction of the new HX(TM) golf balls. The revolutionary golf balls
will be available in two models -- HX Blue and HX Red -- both featuring
Callaway Golf's patented new tubular lattice network for unparalleled
aerodynamic performance. The HX (pronounced "hex") is the flagship of the
Company's premium golf ball offerings, which also include the new CTU 30(TM)
Blue and Red models and the CB1(TM) Blue and Red models.
The HX ball is the first ball to highlight the Company's latest ball
technology breakthrough, our patented tubular lattice network -- a
criss-crossing network of tube-like projections that form hexagonal and
pentagonal patterns around the golf ball. This unique configuration is more
aerodynamically efficient than the traditional dimple patterns used on many
golf balls, helping to create optimum trajectory and carry for golfers of all
skill levels.
"Most golf balls have dimple patterns that allow for 70 to 80 percent
surface coverage," said Richard C. Helmstetter, senior executive vice
president of research and development and chief of new products for Callaway
Golf. "Our CTU 30 and CB1 balls raised the bar to 86 percent surface
coverage, which is a great advantage. Now HX takes golf ball aerodynamics to
a whole new level. The patented tubular lattice network has rounded edges,
eliminating the flat areas between dimples that add drag and decrease
efficiency in traditional golf balls. That means each HX ball has essentially
100 percent coverage, which translates into a stronger, more reliable
trajectory with better carry and roll on driver shots, plus added control over
short-game shot trajectory.
"The other great advantage to the tubular lattice network is stability
-- it gives the HX ball tremendous performance advantages in windy
conditions," Helmstetter added. "Every touring pro that tested our HX ball
told us the same thing: into the wind, downwind, through crosswinds -- the HX
is more stable than any ball they've ever played in every type of wind. This
ball holds its line in the wind like nothing we have ever seen."
Another important benefit of the HX's revolutionary design is the lack of
a conventional seam. Many golf balls on the market today have a visible
circular seam. When the ball is struck on this seam, it may travel farther
than usual, resulting in unpredictable shot patterns -- especially when
playing approach shots off the fairway or out of the rough. The tubular
lattice network construction lacks a traditional seam, helping ensure reliable
distance control for greater confidence and enhanced consistency on every type
of shot.
In addition to the technologically advanced cast thermoset urethane cover,
HX construction includes a high-energy ionomer boundary layer and a large core
made of tungsten-enriched rubber. The ionomer mantle layer helps transfer
more energy from club to ball at high speeds, yielding more distance with
woods and long irons. Because the core uses heavy tungsten in place of
lighter filler materials, a higher percentage of high-grade rubber is utilized
to maximize feel and distance.
The two HX models provide golfers of all skill levels with options to suit
their preferences. The HX Blue has a softer feel and increased spin around
the greens without sacrificing distance off the tee. Meanwhile, the HX Red
has a firm feel at impact and is slightly longer on wood and iron shots while
still providing superior spin on approach shots.
"The HX is a bold new ball offering that only Callaway Golf could design
and manufacture," said Ron Drapeau, president, CEO and chairman of Callaway
Golf. "Our research and development team has done an outstanding job in
thinking outside the box and creating a product that looks, feels and plays
different than any other ball on the market. We believe the HX is the
best-performing golf ball in the world, and that it will deliver great
enjoyment to golfers of all skill levels -- from our staff professionals to
weekend warriors."
The HX is manufactured side-by-side with the CTU 30 and CB1 balls at the
Callaway Golf ball plant in Carlsbad. Each ball is built with a strong
commitment to quality and performance. Stringent quality tolerances ensure
consistency from ball to ball, and only the highest-grade materials are
utilized in the manufacturing process.
Callaway Golf's HX Blue and HX Red golf balls will be available in
three-ball sleeves and by the dozen. The distinctive packaging includes
consumer-friendly information on HX features and benefits. A three-ball
sleeve carries a suggested retail price of $14.50, and a dozen-ball cube has a
suggested retail price of $58.00. As with all of Callaway Golf's balls, both
HX models conform to USGA and R&A rules and are approved for tournament play
worldwide. The HX Blue and Red balls are expected to ship to retail accounts
in March 2002.
Callaway Golf Company makes and sells Big Bertha(R) Metal Woods and Irons,
including Big Bertha ERC(R) II Forged Titanium Drivers, Big Bertha Hawk Eye(R)
VFT(R) and Big Bertha Hawk Eye VFT Pro Series Titanium Drivers and Fairway
Woods, Big Bertha Steelhead Plus(TM) Stainless Steel Drivers and Fairway
Woods, Hawk Eye Tungsten Injected(TM) Titanium Irons, Steelhead(TM) X-14(R)
and Steelhead X-14 Pro Series Stainless Steel Irons. Callaway Golf Company
also makes and sells Odyssey(R) Putters, including White Hot(R), TriHot(TM),
and Dual Force(R) Putters. Callaway Golf Company makes and sells the Callaway
Golf(R) HX(TM) Red and HX Blue balls, Rule 35(R) Firmfeel(TM) and Softfeel(TM)
balls, the CTU 30(TM) Red and CTU 30 Blue balls, and the CB1(TM) Red and
CB1 Blue balls. For more information about Callaway Golf Company, please
visit our Web sites at http://www.callawaygolf.com and http://www.odysseygolf.com.
SOURCE Callaway Golf Company
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Related links:
http://www.callawaygolf.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/124825.html
CONTACT:
Larry Dorman, Mick McCormick or Millie Speirs
of Callaway Golf Company, +1-760-931-1771
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