FORE!! Axel & Hudson – The “ensemble”
Fore!! Axel & Hudson is the child, no pun intended, of apparel designer Paul Nguyen. Before forming the company, he designed for Lucky Brand, Babystyle and Baby Nay. The garments are primarily made from very soft and eco-friendly bamboo/spandex.
I was thrilled to learn that Fore!! Axel & Hudson wanted to submit some products for me to review. On October 28, 2012 my little boy babe Seve was born. Seve’s name was inspired by golf legend Seve Ballesteros and outfitting him in some killer golf related, classy and comfortable baby threads sounded great.
One problem, the sizes I received were on the large size. So I had to wait from June when the product arrived, to October when the little guy had gotten big enough to fit in them. He’s still a bit small for them, but I couldn’t wait much longer to get this piece done and send some love to Fore!! Axel & Hudson.
Featured in this article are a few items which are in black headers below.
Crinkle Plaid Driver Cap
Straight out of Scotland, or at least it looks like it, is the Crinkle Plaid Driver Cap (first picture). This is a fantastic piece and when Seve doesn’t mind having it on, he looks very dapper. The cap is made from 100% cotton and has adjustable leather side tabs. Lots of room to grow into on this one.
Sizes range from 48cm to 56cm. No, my head isn’t that small unfortunately.
Nice golf polo and striped shorts… click to zoom
Poncho Stripe Shorts
Once again, master Seve has cooler threads than me. In this case, his Poncho Stripe Shorts (first two photos). These are 100% cotton so they are soft and comfortable. The front fly zips and the waistband is an adjustable elastic, which is great for kids as they grow.
Sizes for this $44 retail ($31 on sale) item are the same range as the Linen & Stripe Vest, which these shorts go well with: 12 months to 12 years.
Gray Linen & Stripe Vest
Available in sizes from 18 months to boys 10/12, this vest (first photo) is more stylish than anything I have in my own wardrobe. This slim cut vest features leather insets and welt pocket details.
Retail on this vest is $54.00 but the Fore!! website has them on sale at $38.
Shirts
Master Seve has a couple of great Fore!! Axel & Hudson golf shirts. Pictured in the “ensemble” (I don’t even have an ensemble) with the vest and Poncho Stripe shorts is a great, 3-button v-neck polo with plaid collar insert which matches the pocket accent.
Killer orange golf polo – click to zoom
Seve also has a fantastic orange polo with fabric so soft it feels like silk (last picture). The buttons and pocket configuration are very stylish. Wish I had a shirt like that…
Conclusion
Not only are the pieces very stylish, they’re super durable yet soft. I need to see if I can get Paul Nguyen to make the same pieces in an adult XL!
It has been a blast taking the photos of baby Seve for this review and I can tell Seve digs the threads.
Related Links
Hooked On Golf Blog FORE!! Axel & Hudson photos
FORE!! Axel & Hudson website
Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts
1st Tee
Me: “Gentlemen, I’m going to warn you before the round. I’m going give you all the opportunity to get out of your bets for $2.00 each right now. I’m wearing special underwear which is guaranteed to help my golf performance and I’ll surely win $4.00 from each of you by the end of the round.”
My Opponents: “Yeah? We’ll take our chances.”
Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts – Kinetic Health Gear
I’ll try anything to shave strokes off my game. The bottle of scotch with the lampshade didn’t quite work but it was fun trying.
The latest thing I tried was the Opedix CORE-Tec shorts. These are performance shorts for athletes (and me). This high compression set of shorts features built in tensioning systems which are designed to support/help the core of the body, back, hip and knee joints during physical activities.
Opedix CORE-Tec Technology
The CORE-Tec shorts provide support to the body’s kinetic chain, the network connecting your bones and joints. Better kinetic health prevents soft tissue injuries and stresses as well as helping reduce joint pain and stiffness.
The CORE-Tec shorts are tested to improve core stability and balance. while reducing low back pain (a bit one for me), muscle fatigue and joint pain.
A 4-way stretch material in these shorts helps blood flow which aids in performance and muscle recovery.
The fabric in the CORE-Tec shorts, similar to many golf apparel items, wicks moisture away from the body.
The breathable material also possesses anti-odor fiber technology.
On The Course
I’ll have to admit that the first time I used these shorts wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. That’s primarily because wasn’t wearing them properly. The top of the shorts is built to extend quite a ways above the beltline, and even the navel. I had them too low, not benefitting from the back support.
The 2nd time around was far better. With the shorts higher I had the nice compression in my lower back, which I need badly since I suffer from arthritis in that area. The support in the hip area was very beneficial as well. At the end of that round I felt no stiffness or aching, unlike a typical round.
An unexpected and great benefit I’m experiencing with the CORE-Tec shorts is the feeling I get in my thighs. Easy girls. I can’t quite describe it, but it did feel like they specifically had more energy.
Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts
Critiques
I have three critiques for the Opedix CORE-Tec shorts. The first is the price, $165. Yes you read that correctly. I realize golfers are crazy and will spend $500 on a driver as easily as they will $6.00 for a bad domestic beer in the cafe, but $165 is pretty steep for undies, no matter how great they are.
I found with certain golf shirts tucked in, that I really had to cinch my belt down hard because the combination of polyester fabric in the shirt with the shorts, caused my golf shots to fall down!
Last critique is some instructions. The tag on the shorts tells me all about the features and their benefits, but doesn’t tell me how to wear them. I threw away the box, so perhaps I missed the instructions there.
Conclusion
Regarding my first paragraph, I did manage to win three skins in my small group and some individual bets, about $30. I gave my opponents the chance to back out because of my fancy underwear and they declined. Their mistake. If the shorts are the reason I won the $30, I’d only need to wear them five more times to break even on the cost.
In all seriousness though, $165 is a little steep. Well, not a little. But for those who suffer back and joint pain anywhere from the mid back to the knees, the $165 may be worth it.
Related Links
Opedix Website
At the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this past January I did my usual stop at the OGIO booth to see what cool new golf bags or accessories they were presenting. I was surprised by what I found: new OGIO golf apparel. At the time I wondered what they were thinking. The golf apparel market is flooded. Now that I’ve had a chance to do my first OGIO apparel review, I’m happy they entered the golf apparel market. Here’s why:
OGIO Roller Polo
OGIO Roller Polo
The new OGIO Roller Polo ($80 retail) is a short sleeve golf shirt made from 100% polyester. I really like polyester vs cotton. The benefits of a “poly” are great: no shrinking like cotton, no wrinkles like cotton, lasts much longer than cotton, wicks moisture away from the body unlike cotton. So if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not a cotton fan.
Looks/Comfort
This shirt is very good looking and stylish. Love the knits and trim. The fabric is amazingly soft. It feels softer than just about any cotton, bamboo or silk golf shirt I’ve worn.
Other Benefits
In addition to all the great benefits above, the Roller Polo provides UV (ultraviolet) protection. Anti-microbial qualities in the fabric keep the polo fresh.
Sizes/Colors
The Roller Polo comes in the following sizes: small, medium, large, X large, XX large.
Roller Polo colors: Alloy, Alloy Black, Blueprint (pictured), Signal Red
On The Course
The most important qualities a polo can offer me on the course are, in this order of importance: performance, comfort, style.
In the performance area, this polo is fantastic. During all parts of the golf swing the polo never binds or catches. No tight spots.
In the comfort department, as mentioned previously, the fabric of this shirt is mega-soft. This polo is one of the most comfortable golf shirts I’ve ever worn.
In the style department, this baby is uber-cool.
Conclusion
There is a lot of trial and error when creating a new product line. OGIO has done a fantastic job with their new apparel line and the Roller Polo is a fine example. The Roller is stylish, comfortable, easily cared for, and high performance.
Well played OGIO. Well played.
Related Posts
Hooked On Golf Blog OGIO product reviews
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
