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Hey! Golf Companies – This is What I Want To See

BY Tony Covey
Jun 19th 2014
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Well shit, I’m bored.

In case you haven’t noticed, late June puts us deep in the golf equipment industry’s version of the summer doldrums. There ain’t much of anything new to talk about. Sure, TaylorMade’s SLDR Irons, and SLDR S metalwoods are only just finding there way to the store shelves, but even the industry’s most prolific releaser of new warez has more or less taken its turn at the podium.

My name is TaylorMade and I haven’t announced anything in 1.5 months.

Somebody get these guys a chip.

For equipment junkies like us it’s downtime. Take a vacation, or at least a nap. You’ve got some time. If you crave something new for no other reason than you want something new, it’s going to be a few more weeks.

Of course, the lack of latest and greatest presents its own opportunities for discussion or at least speculation. As chaotic as the industry often is, it’s never totally unpredictable.

Something is Coming

Maybe the patent and trademarks we showed you earlier this week are for the Titleist 915. Maybe they’re not, but it’s all but an absolute certainty that there will be a 915.

When was the last time Mizuno didn’t release 2 or 3 sets of irons in the fall? The MP Craft driver just cleared the USGA, and there’s the small matter of that JPX 850 Prototype that Luke Donald was testing at The Players. Something is coming.

What about Bridgestone? It’s been 3 years since the J40 series launched, and not for anything, rumors are swirling that they’ve got MONSTER (like really big Godzilla-sized MONSTER) plans for 2015.

You think Callaway is ready to call it a year? I don’t.

And what about TaylorMade? New putters (whoopee) are all but a given, but will be there more? I hope so.

It’s been a down year thus far, and it stands to reason that everyone who has got the product to do so is going to take their best shot at fixing the numbers.

What You Want vs. What You Need

Philosophically it’s pretty simple. Some companies design for what you want. Others design for what you need. For some of you (not me) they’re the same, for others…polar opposites, but it’s all good. For now I’m not really interested in what you need, but I definitely want to know what you want.

The fall release season will be here before you know it, so you tell us…what do you want, and who do you want it from?

I’ll give you a few to get us started.

:: I want to see a company come out with the next titanium material for a driver
:: I want a shaft on my driver I can adjust the length and the flex, damn that would be nice
::I want Mizuno to release a true follow up to the MP-59 iron
:: I want IGotcha to create a 36′ version of their ball retriever (kidding…I think)
:: I want to see a company come out with one app or device that combines ALL the cool technologies currently on the market
:: I want TaylorMade to release a titanium-faced version of the Mini Driver
:: I want Bettinardi to release an affordable Fit-Face JAM putter with a sick finish
:: I want SuperStroke to knock about 30% off the cost of a grip. While we’re at it, Trackman could do the same

What Do You Want?

State your demands below.

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Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

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Tony Covey

Driver Titleist TSi3	3-Wood Titleist TSi2 13.5°
5-Wood Titleist TSi2 18°	7-Wood Titleist TSi2 21°
Irons (5-9) PXG 0311 GEN5 T	Wedges Vokey SM9 (46° F, 50° F, 54° D, 60° T)
Putter PXG Blackbird	Ball Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash

Tony Covey

comments

Join The Discussion

Alex Kalionzes

10 years ago

I would like to see more companies make BLADES like Mizuno does, but maybe 1-2 degrees stronger. I would like to see PROS play blades again… they hit the ball far enough and it’s time to see who really has great talent and who is carried by great technology. I would LOVE to see the end of “proprietary” shafts as stock on irons (looking at you Ping) then charging an “upcharge” to put a stock shaft like a Dynamic Gold S300 or other “generic” on them. The shaft costs you the same and you claim to custom build them, so why pull that “upcharge” crap? Finally, I would like to see a 3-PW stay as the standard set for players irons and the 4-gap/approach/whatever be an option without upcharge. If I wanted another wedge and to build a bigger gap between my last iron and my driving iron/hybrid/fairway wood, I would choose it myself as an option.

Tim Habedank

10 years ago

I want a website that will allow me to compare clubs over the last 10 years.

Example: I currently hit x24 Hot Irons. I switched to these from RAZR X after I bought the RAZR X Irons brand new. I found the x24 Hots at a goodwill and bought 4-AW for $28, hit them for a week and saw my scores improve. Now I want to know how they would compare to TM Rocketbladez.

Idea: Have one person hit hundreds of different clubs and make them all comparable through Carry, total distance, launch angle, and a + or – yards offline.

Steve Barry

10 years ago

1. I want a driver where you can finally change loft/lie/face angle separately. Have an adjustable cog as the adapter that doesn’t change shaft graphics and grip alignment.
2. Take Callaway’s Apex/Pro iron shaft model to every OEM. Want steel? All steel shafts they stock are the same price. Graphite? More than steel, but all at the same price point. This was a big deal and a big change. They didn’t stock everything or the crazy exotic ones, but what they did offer would fit just about everyone out there. DG, PX, KBS (Tour-V, C-Taper, Tour)…all same price. Heck, throw Nippon in there and you’d be about set for good. Maybe not for all lines, but for each OEMs premier lines, this makes sense.
3. OEMs should have heavier weight shafts as stock options. Don’t need to stock them on the shelves, but at least make 7Xg shafts available in drivers, 8Xg shafts available for fairway woods, and 9Xg shafts for hybrids so I can order them without having to pay an upcharge for simply a heavier shaft.

Tem

10 years ago

Jim Mclean, the famous Golf instructor gives this invention perfect thumbs up! It’s real-time visual feedback ‘glove-invention’ to perfect your golf swing,

Please, check it out help support this goal.

http://www.game-inglove.com

http://www.game-inglove.blogspot.com

Thank you

Robert Locati

10 years ago

I want to see a golf bag made with all the features I want/need! It’s basically a lightweight hybrid bag, but with full pockets on BOTH sides! They could also make the hip pad area into a pocket, if I want to make it a pad, I can stuff a jacket in there.

Basically, I want the Nike Performance Hybrid carry bag, but with FULL POCKETS ON BOTH SIDES! I don’t carry, I use a push-cart, but like the legs for the range/practice area.

– Stand bag
– Lightweight
– Angled for push-cart or ‘neutral’
– 14 Full length dividers.
– Removable shoulder straps (keeps it clean on the cart)
– Full pockets on both sides or make the hip pad area into a removable pocket.
– Cooler pocket for at least 3 ‘beverages’
– All the normal tee/ball/velcro/caribiner attachments

T dogg

10 years ago

I want to see at least 3 stock shaft options (low spin, medium, high) that way I won’t have to pay shaft up charges to make a club work.

Dan

10 years ago

Golf companies sending out new clubs, shafts, etc. that really make improvements either in forgiveness, distance, adjustments, etc. Not just a rehash of whatever they have had on the shelves for a couple of months.

Tom T

10 years ago

I’m bored with it all. I think we all are. The golf companies release too much crap, 2 or 3 times a year. The latest crap is supposed to blow the doors off the crap they just sold you 2 months ago. Don’t you see, there isn’t much innovation left to be done. We are down to different colored drivers and irons with slots. (but wait, the new ones have even better slots than the first ones) My new PINGS honestly don’t perform any better than my 5 year old set. Equipment really can’t make you a better golfer. Maybe we should all try to actually become better golfers. Which brings me to my wish: I would like to see the major golf companies seriously invest in instruction products. Golf instruction/training would improve by leaps and bounds if the major companies did it, not some dude on an infomercial. Please big golf guys, we need better archers, not arrows.

flaglfr

10 years ago

Agreed sort of.
One of if not the biggest differences between new irons and older ones is the de-lofting of the current models. This and longer clubs are the main reason for more distance out of newer Irons.
Cause??? Everybody wants to hit the 170 yard 7 iron. It’s no wonder the tour guys can whack a 7 iron 170 yards. They are hitting the loft (and in some cases length) of an old style 6 iron. I am attributing the rest to better conditioning and MUCH better ball characteristics.

Many of us older guys will remember the days you used to put your “players” ball away and grab a rock flight when you needed to hit something far or in windy conditions. That no longer has to be done with today’s ball technology and cover stock.

Even if it is a Pro Staff. :-)
Sorry… Couldn’t resist!

Max

10 years ago

I want vokey irons!

Ryan

10 years ago

1. A quality launch monitor that is affordable (under 2k)
2. Bring back more Titanium woods and introduce titanium hybrids
3. Stop adding length to clubs and delofting to try and add distance
4. More customized options when buying all clubs
5. The next real innovation in laser rangefinder tech (the jolt certainly wasn’t it)
6. TM bring back the burner bubble shafts and color scheme (updated with new tech)

Dr Evil

10 years ago

I want sharks with fricken laser beams attached to their fricken heads

LBH

10 years ago

genius!

Elliot

10 years ago

I want Ping to re-issue their ISI irons with their updated technologies.
Wish that copper heads still allowed to be manufactured. Man those sticks were great looking.

Gil B.

10 years ago

I want Cleveland to re-create the feel and performance of the 900 Forged wedge series with the latest groove and Rotex face milling technology. Their latest designs are harsh and hard feeling and deserve a tune-up. And I don’t care if they’re limited as to the finish. I prefer the RTG or Black Pearl but I want feel and responsiveness. Their latest designs and materials don’t do it.

Dave S

10 years ago

Really intrigued by Game Golf. Sorry if you’ve already reviewed it, but if not, I’d really like to see that put to the test. If it really does what it claims, it’s a gamechanger… not only can you concentrate on playing w/o worrying about how many strokes you took, but it will tell you how far you hit each club. This is something most people (including myself) could really benefit from as I’m guessing most people THINK they know, but are probably quite a bit off.

David W

10 years ago

I agree!

toots

10 years ago

David W

10 years ago

I would like to see golf courses employ galleries so we can save strokes from lost balls like the pros do.

toots

10 years ago

Nicely done guys. Interesting stuff.

Here is what I would like to see:

Players irons with max game improvement technology. Example: Ping G series with no offset and thinned out top line. I feel like we have players irons, GI irons and some mixture of the two but the mixed irons always have too much offset IMHO…especially in the long irons. You have a great iron like the I20 and then the I25 comes out and goes the opposite way of what I would have hoped.

David W

10 years ago

Not arguing your point (I like your idea a lot), but have you hit the i25? I like it much better than the i20.

toots

10 years ago

No. I haven’t. What do you like about it? I think the thicker sole and more offset would bother me but I am open to change.

Marvin

10 years ago

I wish every manufacturer would sell iron the way they sell wedges. Instead of “lofting up” the number, why don’t just honestly put the loft (degree) there. Modern PW now has 45/46 degree, compared to older PW (49/50).

I want to be able to gap my own bag. Some people love 3 degrees gap, while some others prefer 4 degree gap. Some like to use hybrid instead of long iron.

markb

10 years ago

Every single manufacturer prints their iron specs right up front: loft lie length etc. Just click one page deeper on the website.

Trouble is, those numbers don’t translate into universal distances or ball flight characteristics. One club with a certain shaft and 45 degrees of loft will go further than another head with a longer shaft and 43 degrees of loft. To fixate on loft degrees is insane. Do all 9.5 degree drivers go the same height and distance? Of course not.

Anthony D

10 years ago

Titleist re release 680MB

Maybe the 670 as well, for the people that need a little more launch.

Get an OEM to explain to people why flatter lie angles are better for your swing and ball flight, rather than upright and just flail away with your arms. upright and cavity = training wheels

dave

10 years ago

660mb

Regis

10 years ago

Like to see all shaft manufacturers including stock shafts provide international code info

Keith Ruby

10 years ago

I want manufactures to make a proportionate amount of gear for lefties and retailers to carry a fair inventory of newly released equipment for lefties!
When retailers offer special discounts on equipment I want them to carry left hand inventory. To often there is never enough or any inventory of special discounted equipment!

Mark

10 years ago

As a retailer, I would like to walk down my left handed section and not see 5 year old models still sitting on the shelf.. We pride ourselves on the fact that for years we made sure we carried all the major brands new products in Left Hand. Based on the percentage of our business we can’t bring in LH models from everyone every year. We have a fit cart with woods and irons from every manufacturer in LH and we do a nice amount of fittings and business, but to expect a retailer to bring in everything is asking too much.. The discounted product you wish for means it is something that we make far less margin on, so we will never fill our racks with closeout product in LH, it is unfortunate I agree, but business is business.

dave

10 years ago

I guess there just aren’t enough SINISTER golfers out there…

DL

10 years ago

I would like to win an all expenses paid trip to play the top 100 ranked golf courses in the world, at my convenience.

markb

10 years ago

Here we are in June complaining that there is no new product to talk about. When new product does get released, the first thing we say is, “OMG they are such marketing whores, they just put out something last quarter/year/decade!”

When asked what products we’d like to see, all we can come up with are pie-in-the-sky fantasies or demands for good stuff at 1/2 price. How about a magnet ball attracted to cups? Or Holly Sonders clones as caddies? Or Trackmans free if you adopt a kitten from your local shelter?

No wonder manufacturers struggle with new releases when we don’t know what we want or what’s even possible.

AWOL

10 years ago

I’ll take two Holly Sonders caddies………..

JimmyO

10 years ago

1) Standardization of shaft flexes/torque/kick point, etc. It’s crazy that this hasn’t been done yet…

2) Titanium fairway woods that don’t cost an arm and a leg. $450 for a Ping Rapture fairway? Full titanium drivers consistently sell for under $200… I still play a Callaway Hawkeye that is longer than anything out there. Imagine if that had the new face thickness technology and improved perimeter weighting?

Tom

10 years ago

One of my pet peeves. Why can’t manufacturers test their shafts & put flex, torque, kick point, etc. on a sticker on the shaft. Buy one labeled X-stiff & it’s a stiff, buy a stiff it’s a regular or X. Manufacturing standards really need to be tightened up & consumers have the right to know what they’re buying is what they’re getting.

BTW, how did this get side tracked to Wilson’s FG Tour balls? I tried ’em, I liked ’em.

Super Tuna

10 years ago

If you’ve got time and want a neat story, ask Mr Wishon about the attempt to standardize the shaft industry

AWOL

10 years ago

JimmyO i couldnt agree more with you. I’m so bitter about shafts and their variances. To go with that i would like a low spin shaft with great feel and 2 degrees of torque or less without having to be a Tour Designs, Oban or Diamana shaft that cost $400. The closest i ever found was a v2 shaft but they feel a little boardy to me. I’m open to suggestions!?!?! I would like to also see all drivers that are adjustable to be truly able to adjust face angle independently. I would like to see Ping come out with something truly innovative. I think their products are starting get stale. Of course they are still great performers. Also while im at it TMag should have all balls seamless by now, (WTF) if Top Flite, Maxfli, and Bridgestone can make seamless balls for less than $20. Even more bizarre is how TMag owns Maxfli???

RobS

10 years ago

Hey AWOL, have you tried any of the AXE Xcaliber Tour series from Robin Arthur? I tried the tour hyrbid and now they are slowly taking over my bag. I can get the T6+ for under $60 which means that I can now try any driver and have a high kick/low spin option if I hate the stock offering.

RobS

10 years ago

Double post. Can you delete the one above please?

AWOL

10 years ago

To be honest im not sure i even heard of that brand before i will try to find someone who has them. Currently i spent a stupid amount of money on the Fujikura Speeder 757. Which is an awesome shaft and a staple in the shaft industry but i would like to not have to spend that much money everytime. Although it works good in my r1 we all know if you throw a different head on it the performance can change. So i will keep an eye out for them. Thanks

Steve Barry

10 years ago

I’ll comment on the AXE shafts as well. They’re solid. Not well known (yet) but I tell you what, for the price, they’re tough to beat. I’ve hit all sorts of exotic shafts and I’m playing the AXE fairway version in my 5 wood right now and it’s a great performer. I don’t remember the cost of the shaft, maybe $35-40, so I bought two for kicks.

RobS

10 years ago

Hey AWOL, have you tried any of the AXE Xcaliber Tour series from Robin Arthur? I tried the tour hybrid and now they are slowly taking over my bag. I can get the T6+ for under $60 which means that I can now try any driver and have a high kick/low spin option if I hate the stock offering.

dave

10 years ago

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loran

10 years ago

I would like to see a club fitter that actually fits you for clubs properly. Paid $150 for a driver fitting at Cool Clubs in Scottsdale – Taylormade R1 w/ Oban 7.2 x-flex shaft. Fitted at GolfTown in Sask – Titleist 913 D2 Stiff RIP Phenom. Fitted in Ontario – Titleist 913 D2 Regular flex Diamana S+ Blue. ????? Everyone says to get fitted, but if I get a (vastly) different result from each fitter (all were PGA Approved), who am I supposed to trust? BTW, I play the FG Tour and for the price you’d be hard pressed to find a better ball.

dave

10 years ago

1. Were these all at the same time, or at different times when you were replacing an old driver? Swing changes between fittings? Indoor v. Outdoor? Were you warmed up?
2. How were the results? Specs (ball speed, launch, spin, dispersion, yardage)? Did you play the drivers listed?
3. Unless you’re fit using proprietary software, you probably won’t see the same Head/Shaft/Flex from fitter to fitter.

Then, obviously, you have to filter through fitter preference and tendencies. That’s where feedback and communication are crucial – you have to tell the fitter your performance goals, feel preference, ideal trajectory for your eye, etc. You also have to decide whether to chase perfect or promote/eliminate a certain shot…

Bottom line, it’s an art that’s becoming more of a black and white science the more technology creeps in.

My recommendation would be to get a fitting directly from an OEM. Such a subjective process but this route should be the most consistent result.

Usually I’d be able to find 2 or 3 flexes that a player could get away with as long as shaft weight, torque, and length (and head weight) were adjusted accordingly…

However, your x Oban and reg Diamana are probably not equivalent.

Loran

10 years ago

Hi Dave – good questions:
1. All driver fittings were within 1 month of each other while I was trying to replace my 44″ Taylormade Burner ’09 with stock stiff shaft. All were indoor on a simulator. All gave me the opportunity to warm up (although the one in Ontario was rushed). No swing changes (although the guy at the clubfix tried really hard to have me change my swing right there).
2. In all cases, my current ’09 Burner had the best numbers (and not just by a little bit). The ‘fitter’ in Scottsdale kept making suggestions to tweak my swing so it would work better with the combos he was suggesting. I thought a fitter’s job was to fit my swing, not to pick a combo then fix my swing to work with that combo… The other fitters at least left my swing alone, but said I would need to adjust to the driver because I was used to the old one, which makes some sense.
3. I agree, and am even willing to accept that there are variances between identical shafts. However, my statement still stands – how in the world did these fittings benefit me? I eventually got an r1 head and put a fujikura 6.2 EXS shaft in it. Smash factor went from 1.45 to 1.48 and launch increased from 8deg to 11deg. I lost a bit of distance and accuracy (longer shaft) to start, but the more I use the combo the better it gets.

I guess my question is, at the level of an amateur – are our swings really that repeatable that any club can possibly be fit correctly?

Mark

10 years ago

All the companies not release any new product until it is truly better than the product before.. I can still hit my 510tp driver from TM as far and as accurate than anything on the market.. If an iron is the same loft and length as my current gamer, they go the same distance.. There really hasn’t been anything worth buying, since I can’t stand the feel of adjustable woods, in years.. Slap a new coat of paint, tell people it launches higher with less spin, and its more forgiving, yet handicaps stay the same.. Club manufacturers are a joke.

Rob Samson

10 years ago

I personally like this one: “I want a shaft on my driver I can adjust the length and the flex”

But I have a whopper of an idea which involves bounce on a driver. Target demo would be weekend warriors who bottom out their driver before impact. Same people who bought the Hammer is who I’d sell this to. Instead of yelling “POW” I’d be yelling Bounce! in my infomercial.

Aaron M

10 years ago

I would like to see putter fittings and adjustability become what driver fittings and adjustability are today. This means adjustable putters in length, loft, and possibly lie from most manufacturers such that you only have to buy one and adjust it to you. It means a putter fitting system that is affordable, available at many different outlets, and possibly even in the form of a smartphone app.

Adam

10 years ago

All that pretty much exists today Aaron. unless I misunderstand your descriptions. With the exception of loft.

M. Buzz Rayman

10 years ago

– I want Callaway to produce a player iron, like the Apex line, with less bounce and offset.

RobS

10 years ago

1) How about a Callaway follow up to the Chrome Series, or should I say more manufacturers providing a Tour ball that flat out performs for about $30 like the current Project (a) and previous Chrome series?

2) A driver that is truly adjustable for loft and lie.

3) More yellow urethane golf balls

4) Software that combs through all (most) possible combinations of club heads and shafts to recommend what your set make up should be. I’ve heard (for the last 10 years of so that HotStix does something like this but I’ve never actually seen it. Does it exist? Where does it exist?)

5) More availability of testing counterweights when getting fit for clubs. Balance Certified used to have weighted rings you could put on the top of the grip to see which, if any, counterweight worked for you. I just flat out play better with a 40g CW in my driver as it allows me to find the slot easier from the top, but there is no way for me to do a apples-to-apples comparison with my old driver when getting fit for a new driver. Bring the rings back! Or sell them to me.

6) More computer analysis and video at the driving range. Kind of like what PGA Superstore has, but outside or like Trackman, but easier to find.

7) More active marshals on the golf course so I actually have a shot at a 4 hour round! Or some sort of communication between carts that flashes in bright letters that you really need to let those behind you play through.

8) Universal RFID chips in all golf balls and a universal detector so that I can finally find that sucker. I saw it go right over here, but now it is just gone! That way I don’t have to play some proprietary rock ball that has a chip and cost $40/dozen and performs like $9.99/dozen.

I guess that is all for now.

Nick

10 years ago

I’d like to see a shaftmaker or OEM brand use graphene.
They say it’s a miracle material but no one has brought out a graphene product yet.

Christian

10 years ago

A ball with a GPS tracker.

Golfer Burnz

10 years ago

I want a design your own putter app. After you design and tweak your putter, you put in a quarter and the putter design is loaded into a 3D milling machine or 3D printer. When all the milling is done, out pops a putter head to your specs, like a gumball out of a gumball machine. From there they would have a shafting and fitting station, and then on the the gripping area, where you would have a plethora of grips and heads covers to choose from. Last but not least would be the stamping and paint fill area, to customize and trick out your new custom putter.

NicSherman (MmmmmmBuddy)

10 years ago

I would love to see some of the Major OEM’s make some Green Grass only product in hard goods. We have all seen the Dicks and GG only set makeups. How about a little something for the stewards of the game?? Imagine if the hottest club on the tour was only available at green grass accounts… It would be VERY good for golf.

Eric

10 years ago

Oh yeah, and Golf balls with GPS locators in them.

Max

10 years ago

I want to see companies offer an option to go with a traditional glued shaft and head, rather than just offer the adjustable model.

I want to see more customizable stamping on wedges and irons.

I want to see a custom color option for golfpride new decade grips.

Lastly, I want golf shoe companies to go back to the traditional look without pricing them around $300 a pair.

Eric

10 years ago

I want an affordable “quality” launch monitor!!!! Like $200 range. C’Mon man!

Bill

10 years ago

I have been tinkering with designing and experimenting with a training club…right now in the form of a driver…that embeds a sliding light weight (ball bearing?) inserted inside the shaft. This would allow a golfer trying to improve his backswing by audibly signaling you when it the shaft gets up on plane behind your head at the top (the bearing rolls from the clubhead end to the butt end as you swing the handle up into the correct position and get on plane….and if you overswing, that bearing will roll back down to the clubhead end and you’ll feel and/or hear it happen). This is obviously strictly a mechanical solution. I also ponder over such a training club fitted with an inclinometer mated to a sending unit and a battery-powered horn/speaker that would emit an audible signal when the proper backswing has been reached…in the form of a loud beep or a vibration felt in the grip.Why? I’ve always been afflicted with a less-than-ideal backswing; hours spent trying to groove a longer swing works fine in a static situation or in front of a mirror, but fails me out on the golf course when it counts. Muscle memorization combined with neural feedback is what is needed to turn the tide. Thoughts?

TOM

10 years ago

D LIKE TO SEE PUTTR LISTED AS FACE BALANCED OR OR WHAT DEGREE TOW OUT OR END

Bluch

10 years ago

I would like to see a driver in the C8 to D1 range for men with slower swing speeds over the age of 75.

Blucher

10 years ago

wow. Didn’t know lower swingweights were for ages 75 and over.

Wacko 1

10 years ago

Silly MGS, Drjacko spoke all of our mind because clearly we had to question your mental sanity when all golf related tests MUST be performed using the greatest prov1 or v1x! WHAT were you thinking to invalidate an entire long duration data driven test using some third world communist Wilson ball that no one has ever heard of? Don’t you understand even though everyone is using the same ball for controlled purposes, the Wilson ball randomly spawns communist wings and not go where the putter hits it because when Wilson made this ball they were using the principal “**** physics”? I am so disappoint you made such a wacky deal with such a terrible company that ruined this once a year putting test just because of your leftest biases.

Sprout

10 years ago

I want to see a continuation of SCOR wedges into mid-irons; or a manufacturer that takes it to that logical conclusion, where you can choose lofts from 20-40 with a progressive cavity back design.

That would make me so happy.

Kenny B

10 years ago

Me too

Sprout

10 years ago

Salty Grips for the rest of the clubs in the bag.

Cork rocks.

Matt F

10 years ago

+1000 for this!

Drjacko

10 years ago

Dave,

Thanks for putting words in my mouth. Its obviously a sore topic, but hey, I am well aware of rankings. It is a legitimate question: why use a ball that isn’t the one that doesn’t leap out as one of the more popular in terms of volume purchased or any other other criteria. But hey, it sounds like it suited you. Did all the others use that ball day to day? Probably not. Does that make my question more legit?

Hey if you want to imply I implied you were cheating by wacky deal, that’s your prerogative. I didn’t. But I could have put it ‘ What kind of wacky criteria did you use to earn the Wilson the putter test gig’. Gosh, sorry for the wording. Because that criteria seems to have been your personal preference.

Dave Wolfe

10 years ago

Drjacko,
I can only respond to the words you post. If you were wondering why the FG Tour was used then asking “Why was the FG Tour used in the putter tests?” sends a different message than the implied negative in “wacky deal”. I think you had an honest, and valid question, but you phrased it in a way that could easily come off as accusatory.

To clarify my personal preference for the ball, I like how it feels off of the putter and I feel confident that the roll it gives is consistent. These are the two main factors that I would need a test ball to do. It doesn’t matter to me what name is on it. The fact that it is a ball that the testers do not regularly use actually adds to the test, removing any bias that could exist if some of the testers regularly play a ball and others do not.

Drjacko

10 years ago

I’ll leave the aggro aside. I meant something else than what you inferred in your response.

You want to play single ball to standardize test scientifically. Your criteria for your choice is your preference. See how the former goes out the window? What’s the deal there? I can’t help it, its just wacky. :)

1) Do all golfers play that single ball, that you like? I know I got stick from some weirdos but how many of your testers use that Wilson in real life?
2) Do serious players stick with their individual preference of major OEM ball?
3) Do different balls react differently to putterface? ie distance control? Not to mention the vagaries of clickiness, hardness, feel, sound etc?

The whole thing suggests itself. You get your testers to bring their own new preferred balls. They have to be ruled legal (no Bald Eagles), they have to be new.

Sure, you might leap on point (3) to turn the whole argument in your favor but in the end you are really asking your readership who are playing different balls to trust your findings based on YOUR chosen ball. In the name of scientific method.

Isn’t it better to embrace that variation provided by the testers own “normal” than provide the artificial population?

Dave Wolfe

10 years ago

You make a good point, but let me put it to you this way. What if variation in ball influences putter accuracy from tester to tester? How would one differentiate between the most accurate putter and the most accurate putter/ball combination? Adding variables is just not a solid plan when one wants to draw a singular conclusion.

As for results, I do ask the readers to trust these findings based upon the way that we tested, and then to go out and try the putters out for themselves. That should include rolling the putters with the balls that they usually play. Of course someone will see different trends with different balls, that’s why I eliminated that variation.

The ball that is used standardizes the test, regardless of the ball used. I picked the ball, but I also picked all of the other parameters for the test. I selected what I know is a solid ball for the test, but I would be fine with high quality ball, as long as it was consistent with the testers. I don’t want the additional variable. I’d be open to suggestions as to what the best ball would be, but I only want one ball used.

I get what you are saying, I just don’t agree that using multiple balls would give a data set that’s easier to interpret. I look at it this way…

When Tim and I went to PING, we learned that all of their club testing is done using ProV1x balls. Does this mean that what they see with the ProV1x is not valid for a ProV1, or Hex Black? I don’t think it does. It just means that when you vary the club, and keep the ball constant, it’s easier to assign the cause of variation to the club.

I do appreciate your ideas and input, and I see how someone playing the ball they are used to playing could affect the data, but at this point, I like the consistent ball design better.

David W

10 years ago

When you are testing something you have to set standards for the other areas of the test or you won’t get accurate data for the part you are testing.

Flaglfr

10 years ago

To me it doesn’t seem to matter if you use a ball made by the Kung Pow Chicken Institute. As long as the balls are all made by the same vendor to the same specification, it is as close as you can get.

Adam

10 years ago

-I’d like to see surefit hosels in the irons off the rack and not just the fitting cart. Common Titleist
-I’d like to see pure grips (that can be quickly changed) on fitting carts so I can try clubs in the midsized grips that I need
– GC2’s need to implement a laser system to help align units with mat and or target on projector screen
-While we are wishing for a 30% reduction in trackman cost why not make it 80%….we are just wishing..I’m sure it wont affect the results
-Laser range finders should have a proximity alarm that sends a warning to your cell or some other beeper sort of unit. Once more than 50 yds away form your bag it goes off….i’m tired of driving all over the course looking for my buddies laser.

Tyler Mossey

10 years ago

My favourite suggestions so far.

David W

10 years ago

Your laser suggestion would have been nice when someone went into my bag and took my $350 Leupold at a driving range!!

Adam

10 years ago

Well in the case of theft lets add a remote self destruct.

Sen

10 years ago

This might be a little far in the future… but eventually I want to carry only 5 clubs and can be completely adjusted(transformed? on demand) based on need, flex/lie/loft w/e: 1 driver(D-5wood), 1 hybrid(2-6H), 1 iron(2-9), 1 wedge (w/e it is), 1 putter. Wouldn’t that be nice?

David W

10 years ago

Heck yes!!!

Sen

10 years ago

Well it looks like it’s not too far into the future: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dv8sports/dv8?ref=nav_search

flaglfr

10 years ago

Now it you can only get that by the USGA and the R&A…

drjacko

10 years ago

I want to know what wacky deal got the Wilson FG tour ball the gig for the putter tests.

I want a proper ball fitting service that takes into account all the major OEMs and not the usher you into a brand and stay there.

A section where popular favourite clubs a few generations old are put to the test with the latest and greatest.

Dave Wolfe

10 years ago

I’m not sure what you are implying by “wacky deal” but here is how that clandestine deal went down:
1. I played and liked the FG Tour
2. I asked Wilson if they would like to be the ball sponsor for the putter test.
3. They said yes

If there is something more to the deal that you are aware of, please let me know. Obviously, it must involve artificially ranking their putters higher. Please see the last place finish for the WS blade for confirmation.

Adam

10 years ago

were you wearing giant novelty sunglasses when you asked them…cuz that would be kinda whacky

I'm Titleist

10 years ago

Silly MGS, clearly he meant all golf related tests are invalid when it’s not performed using the greatest prov1 or v1x.

markb

10 years ago

The only thing “wacky” about the FG Tour ball is you’re wacky if you don’t try it. I heard the hype (which is nearly universal) and then I tried it. Phenomenal ball, every bit the equal of the ProV1. Slightly softer than the current ProV1 so it even gives the impression of being more like an old school balata ball. I question a lot about the MGS putter tests, but not their use of the WS FG Tour ball. The perfect choice as none of their testers could complain about over-clickiness in the ball being used.

Super Tuna

10 years ago

It costs money, but there is what you seek for a ball selector. See this site: http://golfballselector.com/golf/generic!home

I’ve used it a few times and it’s actually really good presuming you’re honest with what you want in a ball/what your game is like and have your fitting numbers.

iMike74

10 years ago

This is what I want! (And in the last point also what I need)

1) Apex Hybrids
I would love a Callaway Apex-hybrid series that matches the cool looks (and quality feel) of Apex-irons. Black, Silver and sleek. Ideally with some cool tech built in and a number of shaft options.

2) Ben Hogans irons for medium golfers
My assumption is that the first realses for the new Eidolon-made Ben Hogans are forged clubs for better players to get the desired feel. But I would love to see a game-improvement offer as well.

3) Better shaft offerings for wedges.
I would like to see more good, slightly ligher shafts for wedges that still have a good feel and distance control. You can get them from better club makers, but why are there not more in the standard offers.

4) Shank eliminator
Some for of trainingtool that really helps you cure “the s-word” for good, not only make it better…! Whoever invents this should be voted straight into the hall of fame…

Hans

10 years ago

Ditto on #4

Hans

10 years ago

The shank eliminator is line up with the toe on the inside quarter of the ball. It’s cured me from wedge to long club.

Flaglfr

10 years ago

imike,

Good luck in seeing apex anything from Hogan. I don’t think Callaway sold the rights to the Apex name when they sold Hogan. Hence the Callaway Apex irons. It’s a pity if the new Hogan won’t have the old name. It should.

That said, I would love to see new Hogan irons that have the same feel as the old Hogan irons had. I played them for many years. And yes, the Apex shaft was better too than anything True Temper has put out IMHO. Oh wait, I think they bought Royal Precision so technically (I Guess) they produce the project X shaft. And yes I am one of those guys who still has a Hogan den caddy in their house. How’s that for a brand that leaves a mark?

The Scor wedges have a bit of a harsh feel to me. Hopefully, they can do away with it in the new Hogan line. Legend goes that Mr. Hogan threw out an entire line because they didn’t live up to his standards. Let’s hope the new line holds that quality tradition.

John Barry

10 years ago

Of course I want to see more crazy color combo golf clothing, that goes without saying.

An affordable putter with an adjustable weight system that goes from 10 grams to 60 grams.

Adjustable shaft length would be great.

Andy W

10 years ago

How about a review of that “3bays” thing that plugs into the hole in your grip, has an app for Smart phone, does swing speed, etc.., all for under $200. IOWs a mini trackman. Have you already done a blog on this?

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