Partners with Vicon Motion Systems and Bentley 3 To Produce Breakthrough, Proprietary 3D Clubfitting Technology
(Vista, CA – January 19, 2010) Fujikura Golf is introducing Enso™, a breakthrough and proprietary 3D clubfitting system that uses advanced motion tracking and biomechanical performance technologies to produce golf’s most precise clubfitting system.
Enso uses Vicon’s proprietary high-speed motion capture and video cameras as well as custom designed software to capture in real-time, multiple dynamic measurements of the entire golf club including shaft deflection, club head speed and impact location. Enso provides an easy-to-use interface and extensive reporting capabilities to help golf professionals and professional club fitters prescribe the correct club to any level of golfer.
Enso is the initial technology produced by the newly formed partnership of shaft design and manufacturing leader Fujikura, Technical Academy-Award winning motion tracking company Vicon Motion Systems, Inc. and accomplished biomechanical sports performance company Bentley 3.
“Enso is the next evolution in clubfitting that brings the art and science of clubfitting to golf in an easy-to-use technology,” David Schnider, President and COO of Fujikura. “It is the first and only solution that can actually measure the performance of the golf shaft before impact. In fact, Enso measures the deflection of the golf shaft during the complete swing at a very high frame rate and with sub-millimeter accuracy. We like to think of it as true science meeting the Golf channel with a bit of Hollywood mixed in.”
Measures A Shaft’s Efficiency In A Split Second
“Enso will measure swing efficiency, showing a golfer if the grip, shaft or club head is helping or hurting his swing efficiency in a split second. Enso will then make a recommendation of which shaft and club head combination will produce a higher overall efficiency. If a golfer has a higher efficiency, he will transfer more energy from the shaft to the ball, creating faster ball speeds with optimal launch conditions. The performance benefit is simple, the ball will fly longer and straighter,” says Schnider.
“Vicon is very excited to see our 25 years of biomechanics based software and award-winning cameras transform the golf fitting experience. Never before have golf professionals or club fitters been able to see such fine detail with true data to validate their prescriptions. Vicon is proud to provide the most accurate data in the motion capture industry, and by partnering with Fujikura and Bentley 3, we have been able to develop a full-scale solution specifically for the golf market. There is also the cool factor, now golfers are using the same technology used for the latest blockbuster films and video games,” says Douglas Reinke, CEO and President of Vicon.
“For years, coaches and athletes have been looking at only impact and ball flight to correctly fit equipment to the golfer. Enso allows us to integrate biomechanics with motion tracking technology, now we can accurately measure swing and shaft performance before impact. This data produces a more precise fit and it enhances the golfer’s experience,” says Michael Bentley, President of Bentley 3.
Enso’s superior performance was demonstrated through tests including Shaft efficiency, Shaft Kick, 3D Shaft Deflection and 3D Impact. Select PGA Tour Players and accomplished amateur golfers have experienced the Enso system and already benefitted from its superior clubfitting capabilities.
Fujikura, Vicon and Bentley 3 formed its partnership to fully leverage their integrated and leading technologies in shaft design, manufacturing, motion tracking and biomechanical knowledge to create a more precise and advanced clubfitting system. Together this group created Enso.
Fujikura is the primary supplier to many national brand OEM’s offering both proprietary and brand product shaft designs. Fujikura products also can be custom fitted through its network of over 900 Charter Dealers. To learn more about Fujikura, visit www.fujikuragolf.com.
Academy Award®-winning Vicon is the world’s preeminent developer of precision technologies and software focusing on human movement analysis combined with CG imaging. For over 25 years, Vicon has provided innovative solutions for customers in Biomechanics, Sports Performance and Engineering as well as the Film, Visual Effects and Games markets. For more information, visit www.vicon.com
Bentley 3 LLC, headquartered in Encinitas, CA, is a company which specializes in developing and designing technology and educational training programs to enhance biomechanical performance and sports specific skills. B3’s initial focus on golf has revolutionized the golf swing through the first complete motion capture and analysis system. Visit www.bentleythree.com for more information.
This strategic partnership is introducing its innovative clubfitting technologies at room 205A at the PGA Merchandise Show January 28-3o. The room will be open for media and customer demonstrations of the new technology.
Contact:
Brandon de la Cruz, Fujikura Golf, (760) 598-6060, bdelacruz@fujikuragolf.com, Tara Valgoi, Vicon Motion Systems, (303) 268-3916, tara.valgoi@vicon.com, Marni Bentley, Bentley 3, (603) 318-1842, mbentley@bentleythree.com
