The 70th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando offered a smorgasbord of golf equipment, apparel, gadgetry and technology.

More than 800 vendors — from industry heavyweights to newcomers seeking a piece of the action in an $84 billion business — recently flooded the spacious Orange County Convention.

Here are some items that caught attention:

Since OTTO’s 2022 debut, the autonomous ball-fitting machine has slimmed down and thrived in a new relationship.

Pairing man and machine while partnering with FlightScope’s tracking technology has helped Bridgestone Golf tighten its grip as the leading ball-fitter.

“We track golf balls and they make golf balls,” said Alex Trujillo of Orlando-based FlightScope, a pioneer in launch monitors. “They’re the expert in their ball and how it performs. We provide data, they enter it into a piece of software and OTTO came about.”

Bridgestone's OTTO autonomous ball fitter in conjunction with Orlando-based FlightScope Cart was among many things to see at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

Big, bulky and on wheels, the original OTTO did not always fit in. The Gen2 model is slim, sleek and portable, earning OTTO an invitation to many more courses.

Each version works the same. Golfers enter an unmanned kiosk, type in their email and then make three swings.

After each strike of the ball, OTTO applies an algorithm to 15 years of data based on more than 350,000 fitting sessions along with 20 parameters provided by FlightScope Mevo+ — itself a slimmed-down version of golf’s original launch monitor.

A recommendation from Bridgestone’s vast, innovative lineup quickly follows. The company offers nine ball brands, the latest being the E9 Long Drive for those able to generate swing speed and create compression.

OTTO matched yours truly with the E12. The low-compression ball is suited for slower swing speeds and features larger dimples to encourage better clubface contact.

Bridgestone Tour B golf balls are among the many items at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

Pairing golf ball and golfer is a more critical union than one might think. Data shows seven of 10 golfers improve by using the correct ball, according to Elliot Mellow of Bridgestone Golf.

OTTO has streamlined the process.

“We’re trying to keep elevating ball fitting,” said Adam Rehberg, a senior marketing manager. “We don’t want to become complacent.”

As the game’s demographic changes, the lines have blurred regarding on-course decorum. Once a reserved if not stuffy sport, golf has turned up the volume — with Bing Crosby giving way to Drake.

The Bushnell Wingman View ($199) makes self-control and mutual respect a click away while also encouraging a little trash talk among friends. Of course, the industry leader in rangefinders still dials in the distance of the next shot at more than 36,000 courses worldwide.

A remote control atop the 1.5-pound device detaches to allow golfers to control the sound or double-check yardages without returning to the cart. A digital screen on the Wingman provides distances to the front, middle and back of the green.

The Bushnell Wingman View, a Bluetooth speaker with built-in GPS and remote control, at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

The Wingman also offers first-tee introductions and storage for 10 phrases of one’s choosing — anything from “Nice shot” to “Ever consider tennis?”

Even so, there are limits.

“There’s times for a place for fun and music, but you got to know when you can and when you can’t,” said Nathan Duke, product manager at Bushnell. “A lot of times I would find myself running back to the cart to go turn down my speaker when another group pulled up on me. Now I can do it from my pocket.”

The cylindrical Bluetooth speaker features a magnet with Bushnell’s BITE technology to keep it firmly attached. The Wingman IPX7 ($149) plays music and provides distances but lacks a magnet. Unlike the View, it is waterproof.

A Wingman mini ($99) is a compact version, but the speaker still packs a punch.

Remote control for the Bushnell Wingman View, a Bluetooth speaker with built-in GPS, at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

If practice makes perfect, then imperfect practice makes for problems.

Noah Wolf developed Tour Aim to help golfers eliminate bad habits and guesswork on the driving range.

“We’re trying to solve that 100-year-old problem of, ‘Why do I hit it great at the range but like crap when I get to the course?’” Wolf said.

Poor alignment to the target often is the root cause.

Tour Aim ($89) features a solid board 14 inches long and 3½ inches tall. Drilled holes are available to insert standard 48-inch alignment rods. Golfers can set up the training aid to work on putting, chipping or the full swing.

Looking to dial in the 7-iron? Place the board on the ground, Tour Aim logo skyward, and slide an alignment stick through the hole at each edge of the board. The configuration mimics the railroad track alignment pattern golfers seek yet often fail to create.

Noah Wolf of Tour Aim Golf demonstrates his products during the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

The key is placing a third alignment rod through a hole in the center of the board, thereby extending down the target line “to train the eyes and brain,” Wolf said.

Kim Wolf of the husband-wife team said, “We’re trying to encourage better practice habits so people aren’t going to the range and mindlessly pounding balls.”

A fourth alignment rod can be placed in another hole to guide the proper takeaway or follow-through paths for clubs ranging from driver to pitching club.

“If you hit [the fourth rod], you are off plane,” Noah Wolf said.

Flip the board upright to practice putting. Two rods inserted into the board frame and another into the center of the board above the ground hones the putter head’s path and trains golfers to see down the putting line.

Tour Aim Golf featured at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

Training aim and alignment trimmed Wolf’s handicap from 11 to 6 in three months.

“Golfers go out to the range and they’re aimed here and looking over there and just swinging away thinking they’re hitting it great,” he said. “Then they go to the course and their brain changes to things like ‘Aim, alignment, target,’ and they haven’t been practicing those things.

“We’re trying to create disciplined range players.”

In golf, the less moving parts the better.

This applies to a solid and repeatable swing as well as staying organized. To wit, a quality golf bag can be as important as what’s in it.

Zero Friction, best known for its three-pronged aerodynamic tees and colorful gloves, continues to spread its wings and has landed in the golf bag marketplace.

The Wheel Pro Push Cart gives golfers options to push, carry or place the bag on a golf cart.

“You get everything in one,” said Michael Wahlund, the Chicago-based company’s national sales coordinator. “It’s easy, simple and efficient.”

Zero Friction Wheel Pro, pushcart golf bag with removable wheels, at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

The bag ($349) features two easily removable wheels and a retractable handle to allow golfers to turn a push cart into a 5.3-pound carry bag with a stand. A pouch is included to store the wheels.

A 14-way divider accommodates a set of clubs. Several spacious pockets, including one specifically for an iPhone, allow golfers to store personal items, golf balls, gloves, a rangefinder and sunscreen, etc.

The product, which debuted in 2022, is ideal for high school golf teams packing a van or golf buddies carpooling.

“You can comfortably fit four of these in the back of an SUV or sedan with good trunk space,” Wahlund said.

Those willing to pay the price for further ease can opt for the Wheel Pro Stride model.

The remote-controlled bag has a built-in electric trolley, eliminating the need to transport two bulky items. At a weight of 35 pounds — 24 with the wheels and battery removed in order to place on a golf cart — the Stride is a sturdy all-terrain vehicle.

While it offers the storage of the Push, the Stride boasts a cooler with space for a six-pack and two magnets able to secure rangefinders and Bluetooth speakers.

Zero Friction Stride electric golf bag trolley at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

A good swing begins from the ground up, making a good shoe a critical albeit underappreciated piece of equipment.

While style matters, comfort and performance are key. Puma’s Ignite Elevate checks all the boxes.

A thermoplastic polyurethane saddle wraps one’s foot to offer support while Ignite’s high-density foam promotes maximum cushioning.

“It’s very, very comfortable straight out of the box,” said Andrew Larson of COBRA/PUMA Golf. “You can go play 18, flip around and play another.”

Puma Ignite Elevate golf shoes at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

More aggressive traction lugs and a new radial pattern also create considerable grip for a spikeless shoe.

“We increased the amount by almost 200% from our previous version,” Larson said. “That was a big focus in this shoe.”

An easy-to-clean waterproof TPU film less than a millimeter thick on top provides the final touch for a shoe now 2 ounces lighter (11.8 total). Available in seven colors, the stylish Ignite Elevate ($130) will hit the stores March 1 and soon be making tracks.

“A shoe like Elevate, you can put it on and not feel like you’re wearing a golf uniform,” Larson said. “You’re not going to be click-clacking around the grocery store.”

Most golfers don’t need another $500 driver. Pretty much everyone can use more speed.

Kirk Jones of Jacksonville will add mph without breaking the bank.

The Distance Builder ($100) features three weighting systems in one club. The club is 20% heavier with all three weights attached. This builds strength and flexibility similar to using a donut on a baseball bat. Remove two of the weights to make the Distance Builder 20% lighter than a standard club and stimulate fast-twitch muscles.

“You experience the sensation of swinging a golf club faster than you’re capable of,” Jones said. “It frees you up.”

Kirk Jones, president and CEO of Golf Fundamentals, demonstrates the Distance Builder trainer at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

Jones, president and CEO of Golf Fundamentals, recommends golfers make a modified baseball swing rather than bend over in golf posture. While keeping the head still, take the club back to ear height and forward to ear height.

Spend five minutes, three days a week swinging 10-15 times with the heavier club, followed by 10-15 swings with lighter club and repeat with the standard club (featuring two weights). Train both sides and build up to 10-15 minutes.

“You will build strength and work your fast-twitch muscles,” he said. “It works. The science is there.”

Users also will improve balance and swing sequencing.

Kirk Jones demonstrates his Distance Builder trainer at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)

“You can change your swing with this,” Jones said.

Jones, 62 and a native of Hollywood, grew up around Hall of Fame golfer Julius Boros and his family and has worked with South Florida legends Dennis Walters and Dr. Gary Wiren.

Over the years, Jones learned less is more, except when it comes to swing speed.

“I want to fix one thing that fixes 20, not give someone 20 things to fix one,” he said.

This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osgators.