Outperform, Outlast, Outmaneuver: New Ogio Golf Bags

October 2003-- Tension rods, retractable incline levers, and integrated transportation portals sound like the latest technological advancements to come from performance-driven automobile manufacturers. But you have to look further west than Detroit to discover the source of these new buzzwords. They are among the latest developments from "The Lab" at OGIO’s Utah facility. And they are about to show up on a golf bag near you.

In unveiling its 2004 golf collection, OGIO has poured all of its R&D resources and keeping the patent offices busy 24/7 into developing bags that redefine "ease of use." Four major innovations have been added to OGIO’s already technologically advanced golf bags: the RAIL (Rapid Access Incline Lock); the Hoode rain cover; the ZBP (Zipperless Ball Pocket); and OGIO’s redesigned club management system – the Woode II.

OGIO’s popular Stinger cart bag – first introduced in 2002 – has been put on steroids to accommodate all of OGIO’s new accessories. Other cart bags including the Boss Hogg, the Ego, and the Ice (women-specific bag) feature at least one of the company’s enhanced innovations.

The RAIL
As a stylized ladder system that is designed to fit universally on most golf carts, The RAIL – or Rapid Access Incline Lock – allows cart bags to securely deploy away from a cart at a 45-degree angle. On the bag side, The RAIL’s hinged arm is permanently attached to the cuff, while the extended section secures to a cart rack. When not in use and lying flush, the chrome—like bowed arm adds a futuristic flair to the bag’s design.

"The RAIL overshadowed everything we’ve been looking at," explains Kevin Kayhill, golf pro at New York Central Golf, who recently ordered several RAIL-outfitted Stingers for his shop. "It is so innovative and so different. We’re excited about OGIO’s line because it is so unique; the RAIL will be its key sales feature."

Hoode
OGIO’s Hoode is a zipperless rain hood that is featured on most of OGIO’s 2004 cart bag lineup. Independently measuring 17” high and attaching via clip portals on most OGIO bag cuffs, the Hoode provides instant, hassle-free access to a bag’s contents by simply pulling on one of the cover’s spring-like "jaws." Like a toothless Venus Fly Trap, the vertical-opening top automatically snaps back over the bag’s contents when a club is retracted, courtesy of fiberglass, overlapping tension rods that are sewn into the cover.

ZBP
The ZPB – Zipperless Ball Pocket – utilizes similar technology to the Hoode, in that hinge-less tension rods overlap near the bag’s base to provide one-handed access to a pocket’s contents. The simple motion of reaching into the pocket allows instant access, automatically springing back into place when a ball is removed.

Woode II
The Woode II – a 10” redesign of OGIO’s Woode club management system – is already gaining favor as the standard against which all golf bag tops are compared. The top combines “stadium-style” seating for irons, separate lined “private boxes” for woods along the bag’s side, and a separate, elevated putter port – all providing thoughtful, golfer-friendly access to clubs.

Ed Manley, an independent golf sales representative and a 40-year industry veteran, proclaims OGIO’s 2004 collection "the best golf line I’ve ever seen. There’s nothing redundant about this year’s collection. I’ve sold the Stinger to everyone I’ve called on – from private country clubs to off-course shops. It’s all about making the bags easier to use. No one has mastered this concept like OGIO."

In a final maneuver to enhance the certain popularity of OGIO’s 2004 cart bag collection, the company has reduced prices across the board. "Through a relentless pursuit of innovation in both manufacturing and operations, we have been able to improve efficiencies to production, and to the bottom line," says OGIO President David Wunderli. "OGIO strives to deliver more value, and nothing embodies this reality more than our new golf bag line." Prices range from innovation-laden Stinger at for $249.00 (MSRP), to the streamlined Amp at $139.00 (MSRP).

For more information about OGIO’s 2004 cart bag collection, or to preview the company’s entire 2004 golf bag line, visit www.ogio.com or call 800.922.1944 (in the U.S.) or 801.619.4100.

SOURCE Ogio