The Karakal line starts with their X-Tack model. Available in standard wrap styles as well as a variety of textured grip models -- one of the really distinguishing things about the Karakul line is the broad array of colors offered. There is basic black, of course. After that, there appear to be few limits to what they can do with color. You'll find options called Checker White/Red/Black, Camo Blue/Black, Red/Silver, Pink/Grey, and Yellow/Black -- a combo that looks somewhat like a bamboo stalk. Each grip is quite unique, and there is something for almost anyone.

Next is the Power V line -- this is a traditional player's line, meaning a firmer, simpler grip with less frills and color choices. There are still five color options in this grip in both wrap and wrapless designs. If you prefer less cushion and more direct feel in your grips, this is the line for you.

Perhaps the broadest offering is the putter grip line. Again the X Tack is the core of the line and is the standard size putter grip with another splattering of color choices being offered. There is also the XX Tack -- an upgraded version touting superior cushion and extra-absorbency. Karakal offers two versions of an oversized putter grip, starting with the Jumbo V. Large putter grips are designed with the idea that they will reduce wrist action in the putting stroke, thereby eliminating the unreliable distance control so many of us suffer from. With that thinking, if big is good, then bigger is better, right? In comes the Jumbo 10 putter grip. Despite its obviously large dimensions, this grip is the same weight as a standard putter grip. Instead of being a nightmare of balance and club building issues, the ability to offer a same-weight grip makes it easy to try one with no other adjustments. Finally, there are grips for long/belly putters. At 21" long, these are most practical for the belly putters, but this length gives you plenty of real estate to find the hand position that works for you.

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Almost unbelievably, the Apollo golf shaft company had its start in England nearly 150 years ago -- not as a shaft manufacturer then, to be sure, but that wasn't far behind with the first tubular steel shaft patent being granted to them in 1913. That was 14 years before the R & A Club would recognize and allow the use of steel shafts in clubs for competition. These days, you don't have to look far to find an Apollo shaft in a golf bag, including those on the PGA Tour. Perhaps the most notable is the Apollo Hump shaft played by U.S. Open Champion Jim Furyk and PGA Champion Vijay Singh.

To address every Apollo shaft offering would take days (and pages and pages of review) so I'll just touch on a few of the highlights. The Apollo Acculite, is perhaps the best known of their shafts. Available for both irons and woods in steel and graphite, the breadth of the Acculite line is as much or more than many manufacturers' entire line-up. Broadly speaking, the central idea with the Acculite line is they are lighter in weight than their comparable competition. By making the shaft 20-30 grams lighter, you give the club maker more options for head and grip combinations, while still allowing the overall club to remain as light as possible -- without sacrificing good ball flight characteristics. Reducing the overall weight of the club (and a lighter shaft does just that) will generally increase distance. The knock on many of the lightweight offerings is that the ball "balloons" (e.g. shoots too high in the air) because the dynamic performance of the club can't be maintained at the lower weight.

Another nice option from Apollo is the Balistik series. This is a long-time favorite among club makers because each shaft can be trimmed to result in any of four (4) flexes (L, A, R or S). This keeps inventory down, of course, and therefore cost and turn-around time to your finished club.

The last one I'll mention here is the Red Steel Stepless iron shaft. The idea of a stepless (continuous taper) shaft is nothing new -- but who said iron shafts have to be chrome? Apollo has given this shaft a durable red finish that, if nothing else, will get you and your clubs noticed. If you're looking to make a statement with your golf clubs, this is certainly one way to do it.

As you would expect, Apollo offers their shafts in all of the standard tip and butt dimensions for either component golf clubs or OEM retro fits. While prices will always vary, the Apollo shafts have always been, and should continue to be, an excellent value.

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Accuflex shafts have recorded wins on both the PGA and Nationwide Tours as well as the World Long Drive Championships. With five basic shafts currently available in their line, it's possible to find a shaft to fit your game -- whether you're a Tour player or in the 4th Flight at your local club. The top of the line shaft is the Accuflex Creation 80: designed for Tour players, these were made in an initial run of only 500 shafts (that's pretty rarified air, for those not familiar with production run volumes). Using their unique "long butt" section and quick tip taper, this shaft produces a high launch angle with low spin, just the ingredients for maximum carry on the ball. At 80 grams, this is a heavy shaft and with a high kick-point, best left to the pros. Available in Regular, Stiff and X-Stiff flexes. There is also a Creation 65 version of this basic shaft that is lighter weight and designed for the better (but not Pro) player.

Next comes the Assassin 2 shaft, which is simply the standard length version of their World Long Drive shaft. With more middle of the road characteristics, this shaft is said to appeal to about 95% of all golfers. Weight variances range from 65-69 grams, and with a mid kick-point, this shaft is much better suited to the average golfer. Also available in Regular, Stiff and X-Stiff flexes.

For those seeking a little something different, try the Accuflex Evolution Nano shaft. Using their nano-composite technology, Accuflex is able to increase the surface area of the shaft (at the molecular level) and fill the voids that are a natural part of the composite golf shaft production process. By controlling these voids, they are able to make a stronger shaft while at the same reducing the weight and creating a shaft that recovers quickly with less deformation at impact. That translates to increased distance and control for the golfer. The Nano comes in Regular and Stiff flex.

If your swing speed is a bit on the slower side -- perhaps you are a senior player -- you may want to try the Accuflex Acculaunch 60. With weights starting at only 60 grams, this shaft is designed for swing speeds all the way down into the 70-80 mph range. When fit properly, however, this shaft has produced great distance results, even at those slower swing speeds.

When compared with many of the more well-known shafts on the market, Accuflex shafts offer an affordable alternative for nearly any budget -- without sacrificing performance.

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In my experience, a golf glove is either a very personal item -- treated with reverence and respect -- or just another crutch golfers use when a shot goes awry. To get the most from your Kasco Ever Soft golf glove (or any golf glove for that matter), lay it out flat when done for the day and allow it to dry out naturally and slowly. Washing the glove is rarely a good idea as it can remove the treatment that will help to keep it soft. supple and usable, round after round.

The Kasco Ever Soft glove is available in the always popular white leather and includes a "button style" ball-marker typically found on golf gloves.

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Keep in mind, though, this is a premium shaft and you are paying to drive this Ferrari. The shaft is played on the PGA Tour and is also standard in many of Titleist's player sets. I wouldn't recommend these to anyone other than single digit handicappers, unless you have a huge wallet and you are trying to impress your friends. For half the price, you can get True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts -- the number 1 shaft on the tour.

Finally Project X has a non-Flighted alternative with the tapered tip. Both irons are slightly softer than the True Temper Standard irons with a more satisfying feel -- unless you go to the True Temper Dynalite SL (20% lighter) or the True Temper GS 75 (the same weight as graphite).

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The idea of the discreet taper design is to deliver more energy into the golf ball. This shaft delivers the maximum amount of energy of any shaft and fires the ball up faster with a trajectory that flattens out quickly.

I recommend these irons to mid to low handicappers that can appreciate this fine instrument of beauty and control. The price is significantly higher than the True Tempers, thus you should only shell out for these if you can realize the value.

However, if you are in that elite class, you may want to check out the Project X Flighted as well. These bad boys are hot on the tour because they have a different kick point for each club in the set. The long irons have a lower kick point to get them up and flying high, while the shorter irons have a higher kick point for a lower, controlling trajectory

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"Graphite or Steel?" That is the question.

The main thing to consider is weight vs. control. Graphite shafts are less than half the weight of steel, and you naturally swing faster and achieve more distance. Of course, you faster swingers don't necessarily need the extra distance you get from graphite, but you sure can appreciate less vibration traveling up your forearms.

In addition, graphite is gaining on steel. My man Matt Kucher plays Aero-Tech, a steel fiber shaft. He seems to have done alright with them, too -- 2 wins and 24 Top Tens. Unfortunately, those come with a bigger price tag then these Grafalloys.

Grafalloy is a reasonably priced graphite shaft that has a very pleasing feel with descent control. The shaft features a Micromesh Tip technology that stabilizes the shaft at impact. These ProLaunch Reds are stiffer with a low ball flight, designed for you faster swingers.

Slower swingers should hit the Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue Iron shaft. Those of you looking for a less expensive alternative should check out these lighter steel alternatives: the True Temper Dynalite Gold SL Iron Shaft and True Temper GS 75 Iron Shaft.

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The main thing to consider is the flex. Flex is the amount of bend in a shaft when you swing it. The general categories are as follows: L (ladies), A (senior), R (regular), S (stiff), and X (extra stiff). If the flex of your club is too stiff, then you will lose precious distance from lack of kick. If the flex of the club is too light, then the club will be flippy and hard to control.

This ProLaunch Blue Iron shaft is designed for slower swingers. It is a very light and flexible shaft that helps high handicappers get the ball up and flying high with ease. Faster swingers should hit the ProLaunch Red that is stiffer and has a lower trajectory.

Both of these shafts weigh less than half than steel shafts providing added distance. For a cheaper alternative in steel, you might appreciate these light versions of the standard True Temper Dynamic Gold. The Dynalite Gold SL is 20% lighter than standard steel, and the GS75 is about the same weight as graphite.

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At this point, you are asking, "Why don't I just try graphite?" You very well might want to consider that. A company called Aero-Tech has perfected the feel of their graphite so much that Matt Kucher has become a convert. The rest of the PGA Tour is not with him, yet. The standard True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft is the most popular shaft on tour.

I recommend these sticks for mid to high handicappers looking for a steel shaft that throws the ball up high quickly and has 70% less vibration then your standard steel shaft. Better players should take a look at the True Temper Dynalite Gold SL shaft. This shaft is lighter but has a lower, more controlling ball flight.

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The True Temper Dynamic Gold standard shaft is the #1 shaft on the PGA Tour, and everywhere else for that matter. The downfall of these tested irons is that with the superior feel you get by using steel shafts, you sometimes get that nasty vibration that radiates through your hands into your wrists and elbows. Don't even think of playing them on a cold day. Ouch!

Sensicore is a system of inserts that absorb 70% of the vibration. That's almost like playing graphite -- but not quite. (Check out the Aero-Tech graphite shafts that Matt Kucher is playing.) You can get the Sensicore shafts in any of the True Temper Dynamic Gold Shafts, including the SL, the GS75, and the High Launch shaft.

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