After much speculation and anticipation, OGIO is releasing its multi-patented carrying device called the Shling. The first units will ship to golf shops and sporting goods stores nationwide in April 2006.
"We know that our customers and retail partners eagerly await the Shling’s arrival," explains OGIO President David Wunderli. "But I assure you, no operation is more excited about finally getting this to our consumers’ hands than we are."
Mike Pratt, the company’s CEO and chief designer of the Shling, added: "This has been a labor of love – one with which we are enormously proud, and one that required a significant time and capital investment. We remained committed throughout to make this device the most comfortable, most innovative carrying solution anyone has seen. This first release is the culmination of passion, engineering prowess, and insights from some of the world’s leading product engineers."
Substantial engineering inspiration also was born out of the snowboard industry, where OGIO is an esteemed brand leader both for its gear innovations, and for its elite team of professional and amateur athletes.
Comfort First The Shling is an organically shaped, padded combination handle and yoke that fits comfortably around the back of the neck, resting securely on the shoulders. The 2006 OGIO Shling features suspended straps under the main bridge which provides shock absorption against the weight of a fully-loaded bag. The Shling’s flexible bridge and pads – innovations inspired by snowboard bindings – are designed to conform to the wearer’s shoulders, eliminating hot spots.
Like the original prototype, the Shling device sports two inset attachment points – one just below the back of the neck, and one below the front right shoulder. Straps are looped directly through the two attachment points, causing to the bag to hang naturally, nestled against the carrier’s back or side.
Custom Fitting In addition to the suspension points, a custom fit is secured by adjusting the width of the bridge, which can be made independently for each shoulder.
"Just like faces, body structure is not symmetrical," explains Pratt. "Our sliding adjustments allow for the width from neck to shoulder to vary on each side – providing a custom fit for anyone who wears it." Lengthening or shortening the strap attached just behind the neck allows for the Shling to slide forward or back, depending on personal preference and comfort.
The OGIO Shling is designed to fit average body types (typically men sizes M – XL). In addition to its availability on OGIO golf bags, the company also is releasing messenger bags outfitted with the Shling System.
"It’s so light!" When testing the 2006 OGIO Shling in golf shops, the initial response from more than 90 percent of all subjects was the same: "It’s so light!" Golfers were astounded at how much the Shling’s structure alleviated pressure against the back.
The patent-pending OGIO Shling’s unique, streamlined and adaptable form offers Straight-to-Twoâ?¢ technology, enabling users to immediately lift their bag onto both shoulders with one fluid motion. Its ergonomic design also instantly balances the distribution of weight.
The 2006 Shling will be available exclusively on two OGIO golf bags – the Flight and the Vision. Because the Shling requires specific, off-center attachment points on golf bags, the company designed two bags incorporating many of its most popular technological details to supplement the already groundbreaking design.
For more information about the OGIO Shling or to locate a retailer that will distribute Shling-enabled OGIO golf bags, call 800.922.1944 or 866.SHLING1, or visit www.ogio.com.
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