Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Vibram Gets in the Game with Unique Rubber Disc Golf Putters

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vibram is changing the course of disc golf with the introduction of two putter styles and a mini course marker, all made of Vibram rubber instead of the traditional plastic. Disc golfers throw discs from a tee area to a target (hole), completing each hole in as few throws as possible. Discs of various profiles (driver, mid-range and putter) with different flight characteristics are used, depending on the distance and terrain, just as woods, irons and putters are used in traditional golf.

“Usually, plastic has been the material of choice for discs,” explained Vibram Open Tournament Director Steven Dodge. “The Vibram X-Link rubber compound offers a step up in both grip and durability. Over the life of the disc, this will lead to a more consistent flight, which is the overall goal.”

The exclusive X-Link Vibram rubber compound offers many advantages over the traditional plastic material including more durability in hot and cold conditions and better grip, which leads to greater flight consistency. Designed by Quabaug Corporation, the exclusive North American manufacturing licensee for Vibram, the putters and mini will be launched at the Vibram Open at Maple Hill in Leicester, Mass. August 14-16.

Unlike plastic, which tends to shatter in cold and become floppy in heat, Vibram disc putters withstand extreme temperatures for consistent flight regardless of weather. The Vibram putters also resist scuffing, denting and warping, resulting in more reliable throws. As with all products made by Vibram, grip is paramount.

The VP (Vibram Putter) is a driving putter available in standard or firm X-Link. Referred to by one field tester as “the greatest driving putter ever made,” the VP will be released at the Vibram Open. The Summit, with a name borrowed from Vibram’s hiking legacy, is a straight putter for anhyzer (slice) approaches or drives. The Vibram Mini, boldly emblazoned with the Vibram logo, gets style points as a course marker. Expected MSRP for each putter is $17.95. Both putters and the mini will be available at Pinnacle Retail stores on August 14th.

About Quabaug Corporation and Vibram

With proven technology and a 70-year history in the manufacture of soling for footwear, Quabaug Corporation is uniquely qualified to offer disc golf products that capitalize on the superior resilience of rubber. Located in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, Quabaug Corporation employs 300 people and manufactures Vibram® shoe soling and QuaBoing® resilient rubber surfacing.

Quabaug Corporation also offers dog toys, training tools, leashes and collars in its line of Vibram® Pet Products. These include Vibram balls, sticks, discs and the Shooey Chewie tug toy, which are all molded in the USA from rubber compliant with California Proposition 65. In addition, they provide specialized hoof protection products for farriers.

Vibram is a registered trademark of Vibram S.p.A of Italy. Quabaug Corporation is the North American manufacturer of Vibram products under exclusive license. Visit Vibram at www.vibram.us.

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