2011 Hot List Category Leaders

VIEW THE COMPLETE 2011 HOT LIST

By Mike Stachura, Stina Sternberg, E. Michael Johnson, Max Adler

Photos by Jim Herity

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THE CATEGORIES

Our four judges evaluated candidates for the Hot List in four weighted criteria.

1. PERFORMANCE (45%)
Based on interviews with our player panelists, independent robot testing and other sources, the judges assessed the utility of each product. Simply put, this is a grade for what happens to the ball when it's struck by the club.
2. INNOVATION (30%)
In consultation with our technical panel and based on company interviews and our review of company technical documents, this grade reflects how a specific technology advances the category and how it's explained to the public and our editors. In addition, our judges assessed the commitment of each company to fitting the majority of golfers.
3. LOOK/SOUND/FEEL (20%)
Using input from the panelists, our judges evaluated the excellence of the visual, auditory and tactile experience of using a particular club. The more the club reflects our understanding of what a golf club should be, the higher the grade it receives.
4. DEMAND (5%)
An assessment of the reputation, interest, intrigue and excitement about a particular product, considering market presence, tour use, relative value and consumer satisfaction through consulting research by Golf Datatech, other published resources and a panel of leading retailers.