Our History

The Idea

The idea for the Wind Speed Flag (U.S. Patent 5,375,555) was born on a day at the beach. As swimmers came out of the water, they dried off and placed their wet towels on a line to dry. The wet towels hung down almost straight, while partially dry ones fluttered slightly in the breeze, and dried towels fluttered almost straight out. The idea was conceived to take the principle of the towels and create a flag with segments of different weight cloth. Each segment would react to the wind by lifting at different wind speeds, giving a clear indication of wind direction and velocity.

Testing

To test the validity of the idea, and to determine the exact weights of the cloth needed for the flag, a simple test program was devised. A truck with a calibrated speedometer was equipped with a pole mounting on the front bumper, allowing the driver to have a clear view of the flag. On calm days, the truck was driven at precise speeds and the action of the flag panels observed. Adjusting the weights of cloth in each panel resulted in a flag design that provided precise wind speed indication. Each panel lifts and begins to flutter at the wind speed shown on that panel.

Golf Flag Wind Carry Tests

For the Direct Hit™ flag for golf use, a second testing program was devised to indicate the amount of drift a golf shot would have under different wind conditions. A PVC pipe cannon was built from heavy Schedule 80 PVC. The cannon had a bore to large enough ensure that the golf ball would never contact the sides of the barrel. This meant that the ball would not be given a spin that would affect its flight. After a number of experiments with different types of wadding from the cannon, a potato, cut into 1 1/2"-2" slices proved to be the best. The potato slice could be cut to have a snug fit with the bore of the barrel, and the potato's moisture assured a smooth passage out the barrel. A small pocket carved into the face of the potato slice centered the golf ball and kept it from contacting the sides of the barrel. The potato slice and ball were then inserted into the ball with a ram marked to ensure that they were seated in the same spot every time.

Then a bag was used to take a measured volume of acetylene gas from a tank and transfer it through a valve into the breech of the cannon. The valve was immediately closed and an electric igniter used to fire the cannon, launching the golf ball. The amount of acetylene was varied until a consistent 150 yard shot range was established. Then multiple shots were made using different barrel elevations. Each time the shots landed within a close distance of each other, showing that the cannon was producing highly consistent carries.

The final testing phase consisted of firing the cannon on days with varying wind conditions. A laser level was used to ensure that the barrel was elevated at the same angle for each test. Tests were run on both calm and windy days. For wind tests, a Direct Hit flag, verified by an anemometer was used to determine wind speed and direction. Shot groups were made at varying wind speeds and at different angles to the wind, including directly into the wind. On days with a brisk wind, a cross wind was found to deflect the 150 yard shots by 11% or almost 50 feet from their normal line.