The NEW 2024 Golf Clubs Are A RIP OFF?... But WHY?
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2024
- The NEW 2024 Golf Clubs Are A RIP OFF?... But WHY? When buying new golf clubs especially in 2024 budget has ever been more important... but, golf clubs have also never been as expensive. During my reviews of the recent golf clubs releases, Taylormade QI10 Max Driver, Ping G430 Max 10k Driver, Callaway AI Smoke Paradym driver. PXG Black OPs Driver and even to some extent the Cobra Darkspeed driver. So many of you guys commenting have been annoyed and upset by the pricing set by some of these big brands, in this video I talk through why pricing may have gone up... and how you can get a great deal on a driver that can perform great for you for a much better price.
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Whilst we keep buying, they will keep charging ! the reviews always make us think a new driver will mean more distance when most likely lessons and practice would more likely work !
Exactly. Humanity is stupid and capitalism, which I am a fan of, profits off of stupid people
Correct mate
Fully agree 👍🏻
However there is no question that these new drivers are far more forgiving ….
ABSOLUTELY! Instead of 600 for a driver, go spend 300 on lessons, and you’ll hit if farther, straighter, and develop a short game!
Got myself a brand new wilson D9 driver for £150 and its been amazing. It has 0 adjustability but it works for me!
In Canada these clubs cost 1000$. Absolutely absurd.
I guarantee that a high handicap golfer with no fitting will see NEGLIGIBLE difference in an AI Smoke and a Rogue ST. ESPECIALLY if they are upgrading from like a 10+ year old budget driver. Just save money on a 3-4 year old model and be blown away by the difference from your old driver.
James has proven to me "used" is just as good as the latest models and a better value. My current driver is the Cobra LTDx, which I was fitted for brand new three years ago. Last season, it felt very "dialed in", so I wouldn't dream of changing it because I'm convinced there's nothing to be gained.
If you were fitted for it brand new three years ago, how is this point you're making about used relevant?
A well-fitted modern driver (within 5-7 years) is always going to perform well enough.
The question here isn't whether somebody can justify buying the new one if they've been fitted into a recent one.
It's whether buying a fitted new one is better than buying a used/off the rack used one for a deal.
Depending on how long you keep a driver, and how much you play, a few hundred more dollars to have the right thing for you is pretty easily "worth it" to many people.
My whole set of Wilson irons cost the same as one of these new 2024 drivers, 2 years ago. I think you pay for the R&D that goes into each design.
As a high handicap golfer I tend to buy new drivers but “last years” models are a good way to keep prices lower. Last year I bought a new Callaway Rogue STMax (2022) for £340.
I go 2 yrs .. LTDX $250 brand new. The technology doesn't advance that much from 1 yr to the next.
You can get Tour Edge's prior year Exotics drivers for less than $300 starting in February - March and they test out very competitively to the premium brands.
Also you can always sell your old driver so the pain is not as much.
@nobrien1 Unfortunately, few people get to see many of the cheaper manufacturers tested and reviewed on RUclips, because of the dominance of the big guys in the market
I grabbed a Rogue LS Triple diamond with an Aldila Rogue shaft for around 200 GPB/ 379 AUD. Literally a third of a brand new Ai Smoke!
Glad to see you’ve come round to my way of thinking. New irons and woods are ridiculous prices, the consumer is really paying for the huge sponsorship the manufacturers give to already wealthy professional players. Good for you James👍
Totally agree with you James they are getting ridiculous in price now but I tend to buy say last year's model instead of keeping up with the jones 😊
I’m priced out of golf now !
Both club membership & equipment
I’ll do a few society days a year but that’s it now
Yeah. I got my Cobra LTDx in blue at a golf show used for $208. It'll be a while before I give that thing up. It's a beast.
James, all valid points regarding the used club market and the ridiculous prices of new drivers. One thing I wonder is, if more people go to the used market, will those clubs now go up in price as well? Simple economics, supply and demand. Keep on golfing!⛳
I tested a stealth 2 plus last year. I gained 6 yards over my current SIM. I was offered £60 for my SIM as a trade in, i did laugh. To buy a club in this case of a driver for close to £500 for 6 yards makes no sense. It's the same this year, more about forgiveness this year, not outlandish distance claims. I agree with some other comments if we stop buying, prices will tumble. The Titleist driver you said about James, with the £300+ upcharge shaft 😊. Nice low spinning shaft but hate Titleist clubs
hi james which type irons would be best for a course with mostly bare lies?
If you want new, but last years model! Today’s prices really aren’t justified. Sporting a G425 Max bought brand new last year for £300. That’s £150 off!
I completely agree with this! I waited until the Triple 💎 got to a price I felt comfortable at.
Callawaypreowned got it for 350$ after tax and it was like new. And I took the original plastic off the head this past weekend…so glad I waited and saved 200
Well spoken James the new woods and irons are fabulous but the prices are crazy. The only brands offering great value are Cleveland and Wilson. The big brands for a full bag are now costing between £2800 to £3300 for a full bag of 14 clubs and remember that like a car they depreciate heavily.
A couple months ago I bought a Rogue ST Triple diamond for $205 "almost new" condition from Callaways pre-owned site. Head was in shrink wrap.. why pay 3 times that?
Would you recommend upgrading the ping g430 LST to the 10k James?
It’s always amazing to me that even mid and high handicap golfers are willing to spend that kind of money for a driver. The truth is, most of those golfers won’t see a big enough impact on their game to justify that kind of money
I've proven that! 😀
I used to swap my Ping every couple of years when they were about £350. I'd get a good trade-in so it'd cost me under £250. I then had my G25 for about 8 years (due to the rising prices) before swapping it last summer. I did a bit of shopping around and in the end, I did manage to get a 'new' (rather than 2nd hand) driver. It's a 2-3 year-old model Callaway Mavrik (American golf had the best deal, shock horror!) and with the trade-in of £80 for my Ping it was just £200 cash. So, no fitting and a limited choice but, it's a great bit of kit, albeit with 3-year-old tech, but much more than that in my old Ping. Made an adjustment up to 11.5 degrees and hey presto finding some more forgiveness and distance. SHOP AROUND FOLKS!
You are absolutely correct James! The cost of drivers and some fairway metals is obscene. The only real positive of going with a new setup is you can get fitted properly. So if you get an older driver with ample amounts of adjustability you just need to be certain you pick the best degrees face and correct shaft. Then you should be able to dial it in… 🙏🏼
I agree James I've been looking at srixon drivers do you test them
Totally agree. A number of years ago I bought Cobra Speedzone Xtr for $299 new. In the Matte version, still looks great. I tested against Mavrik, was also $299. I have gotten better and needed to lower spin, for Xmas this year I got myself a Rogue Max LS for $212 like new condition from Callaway Preowned. If you watch the sales you can get 25-40% off. I got 35% before Black Friday sale which is why the price was so low. Bought new Rogue St headcover for another $10 off eBay.
Well done James!!! About time some said this!!!! I spend a fortune on golf clubs and that’s my fault. But these prices are ridiculous!!!!
I love my Wilson Dynapower driver from last year, I got the titanium version and it was half the price from the other big brand competitors when I got it. I highly recommend it if you need to try something new.
I barely came back to golf last summer after a 20 year hiatus. I was massively impressed with all the new tech in modern clubs as the last set I owned were Callaway Berthas from the 90s. I have to say as a newer player coming back to the game nothing is more off putting than the marketing of 3 clubs by every manufacturer. I've been trying to get friends who have never played to partake and they said it's too overwhelming with everything going on and I get it. After investing time to learn about all the modern drivers thank to youtubers like yourself. The next hurdle I found was the pricing. I took your advice of buying a PXG driver during the $199 holiday sale and I have to sale its my first modern driver and though its not as packed with tech, it has had great value. I've managed to bring my game back from starting at 115 on my first game and ended with an 82 to end the year. I guess what i'm saying is THANK YOU for bring us information that can help guide us in purchasing new/used gear.
In the fall of '22 I took full advantage of the apparent clearance of the PXG 0211 driver ('21 stock I believe). It was being "blown out" in the USA for $99 and the accompanying deal here in Canada was $155 (plus tax). I can honestly say it has performed well and could be the best value I've found in a driver. I just can't justify the prices for new to myself nor have that conversation/confrontation with the wife.
Did the same here a couple years ago. 2022. All delivered for $119 PXG O211. Works wonderfully. Sure you can’t move weights but lead tape works wonders.
I work at a golf course in the southeast, USA....2 years ago a Callaway rep game by with the new models in our proshop. We said something about 500 dollar drivers and he smiled and said, "As long as people are willing to pay it, we'll keep charging it."....Folks, it's on us to stop paying these prices, and eventually they will lower them.
The older driver closer to the 10K drivers is the Ping G400 the MOI on it was near 10K and the price is going to be much less then the "new" 10K drivers.
And that is the Driver I play ,Bought an Cobra Radspeed 2 years ago from E Bay good deal but have not gamed it as the ping G400 still Smashing it!!
Can you get fitted for an older model on discount or do they only fit on you for the newest drivers to upsell you?
Probably not but note the recommended specs for shaft flex, loft, swing weight and then search for an older model that matches those. That’s my plan anyway!
I am a high handicapper I am using a Titliest TSI2. I have two questions is this a forgiving driver that I should stick with. I am open to suggestions definitely can’t afford these prices.
I love my golf but find it expensive.
Paid £10 for a 30 year old Yonex driver.
Hit it further and straighter than my mates who have new/expensive drivers.
New clubs do help, but think it has alot to do with who's using them.
Did the same with some Ping o-Size i3 Irons the other day, picked up a 3-SW set for £147 and they are quite frankly beautiful to use.
There is a lot of snobbery in this sport and that's where the money comes from.
I have never bought a new driver , played golf sins the late 90’s always bought secondhand clubs 1-2 years “old” driver sometimes retrofitting them. My friends always get the latest , but on the course there’s no difference in performance. This year I got the so so very old Stealth 2 driver secondhand for 200£ 😃
Love the content! Keep up the good work.
The first and only driver that I bought as new was made of persimmon ! Woods/Rescues I stick to 2 or 3 years behind.
My Irons 6 to PW I have always had fitted and bought new. My SW is 20 years old !
James I agree the price on the new drivers are obscene. They are great looking and have tech, but my theory is having more sense than money. I bought last year's PXG driver and sold my stealth 2.
Hey James, thanks for the daily video, i appreciate the effort. I think new drivers are like new weight control placebos, some of us can’t help but try and buy yardage or accuracy regardless of the cost. Better to spend on lessons with the old driver in my opinion. That said, sure would lke to try all the new ones, like placebos; couldn’t hurt🤑
I'm with you . I have always wait for next year and get the drivers or just the driver head, i always have a shaft from the previous year to put on. I wait until they drop to about 200 -250 dollars. and to be honest can't tell any real difference . have the epic flash and rogue st they play the same for me.
I love the budget stuff that you do. I got a Mavrik driver a couple of months ago from The Golf Factory in North Tyneside. It was about£150 and I got a good trade in on a couple clubs. Would getting a brand new driver improve my game? No.
For this year I’ve got second hand driver and fairway woods, Caley irons, second hand vokey wedges and a Costco putter. Kind of suitable for my level of play.
James a great video I agree that the cost of new drivers is due to the economic conditions. Great advice new is not always true. Made me think as I return to golf this year that I need to look at second hand clubs along with irons, hybrids, & woods.
Just a remark on driver profit...I had a very good friend whose wife worked for Hitchiner Manufacturing. At the time Hitchiner built a manufacturing company in Mexico to produce Callaway Golf clubs. (With his wife in Mexico we had a great summer of golf!) This included the Titanium head Big Bertha drivers for a cost of around $15 finished (head, shaft, grip etc.). Retail was around $300 producing a 2000% gross profit margin. Not too shabby. Maybe the production cost of a new driver is a little higher today but with retail pricing of $500 to $600 a margin of 2000% looks conservative. Epilog: Hitchiner shut down the Mexico plant and built a plant in China to reduce unit cost!! Probably wouldn't happen today as labor costs in China have skyrocketed...
I just picked up the Callaway Rogue ST LS Triple Diamond new from Callaway's preowned ebay store for $215 total, highly recommend buying a year or two old clubs
You can join a club for £600 and play as much golf as you want for the price of a new driver.
Get some second hand clubs and actually play, practice, make some good mates and have a laugh.
If your equipment is glaringly wrong for you like using senior flex 12 degree driver when you’ve got a fast swing yes equipment will help you stop spraying it high and right. But swapping a ping G425 for a ping G430 get a grip, your massive slice isn’t going anywhere.
Agree totally! 300 EUR I am willing to spend. Got myself a Mizuno unspoiled demo 230Z last month for that price. Considered myself very lucky as that's a current model. Quite an upgrade from my old 2014 Callaway.
I bought a Mizuno 220G the same way for $140 US. It's clear that it hasn't been hit. It's replacing a Ping i25 that I bought the same way.
Great video! I agree clubs have gotten ridiculously expensive. Especially since the average golfer will see minimal gains compared to the price they pay. Second hand is the way to go in my opinion. True everything has gotten more expensive but as long as the consumer continues use to buy at the higher prices manufacturers will keep asking for more. Really enjoy the content you give us James!
Question is what yardage more do you have to get out of a new driver to warrant the price tag
James,
I agree with the total rip-off feel of the new driver prices. However, if you go for a fitting, the only clubs available are the new versions. If you don't understand, like most of us, the difference between shafts, it becomes nearly impossible to find a driver to suit yourself. The manufacturers can charge these amounts because we live in an I Phone era, and the marketing is so effective that they know that people will follow the shiny new stuff.
I also blame RUclips, as well. If the influences all reviewed these clubs but recommended NOT to buy them, and we didn't, the prices might drop, but I understand they won't as they don't want to miss off the manufacturers. In the end, the only way to bring cost down is to not buy the new clubs. One final point, you focus on drivers, but the relevant cost of the whole ranges has gone up. Fairway woods over £300, irons nudging £1000, suddenly you can understand why new players are spooked about golf.❤
Being a Titleist guy, I have always like the bar format on the setup. I have a previous model and a hybrid with the weight bar. The biggest problem I have had with Titleist is the changing of the weight configuration with each new club. Having to buy different weights for each driver sucks. Anyway, I always, at least recently, buy off the used market. I am envious of your golfclubs4cash option. I have found nothing like it in the states.
This is an insightful video James and thank you for hi-lighting and I hope manufactures take notice.
I know this might not be on every golfers mind but is there also a question around how ethical are these companies are. Like where are the clubs being made and are those who are making seeing the reward of how much drivers cost now. I don’t know the answer to this but would be interested to know.
A good budget driver could be the new Wilson carbon 🤷♂️. Seems a good price for a modern driver.
I just used 3 different on line "inflation Indexes" and found that an item that cost $300 (USD) in 2004 would cost an average of $490 today. I agree with you the cost is to high but inflation is a big part of that. Also if you are able to trade-in a relatively current driver the actual cost isn't quite as bad.
Im a mid handicap and have owned a few different modles ,taylormade, callaway, srixon and cobra drivers but this year's core Qi10 for me has been the best in the area of dispersion and excellent forgiveness im getting mine Saturday. But that's just me go out and hit the new ones and find out what works for you. Mabye the older ones work good for you .
Got my 983K off eBay for $35 and it looked brand new. Saved so much money I bought a Ping ISI for $40 too. Nice to have options.
I bought my current driver 2 years ago pingG425 can't really complain about the driver but when I comes to the amount of money you pay for a new Ping driver they could at least give you a decent head cover that doesn't fall apart. I know it might be a stupid little thing but when you're spending that much money every part of it should be quality
I was fitted into a TSr1. I didn't buy it because it's $600!! I'm planning on getting, but then I saw this vid. I found that TS3 at my local shop for $239. They also had some new TSi models still in plastic for $329. When I'm ready to buy I'll try all three and if the $600 club out performs the others.
The least expensive driver to own is the one currently in your golf bag. Alternatively, consider updating your driver's shaft via a fitting and potentially updating your driver settings to align with your new shaft as a way to maximize your current driver's distance and accuracy potential. It will cost you much less than a new driver and you gain a fitted stick as your gammer. .
Superb advice!
James this is exactly what I do, I stay a year or so behind on versions. I save a ton of $$$. My bag is all high end shafts and great clubs for what it would cost for a couple new clubs
Great point big J . Knowing your numbers will help find the best driver for the individual. New or pre owned
At last, someone calling out the extortionate prices of some of the maunfacturers! Re why, it's not inflation, it's because they can. The big players - Taylor Made, Callaway, Titleist, PING - know there's a lot of people out there who always want their latest, shiniest thing and are willing to pay any price to get it. So they bring out a new model every 6-12 months, hardly much different to the previous but marketed as the greatest thing in the history of golf.
In addition to the option James Robinson outlined - buying second-hand clubs - there’s two other options:
1. Buy the run-out model of the club you want.
2. Buy cheaper (but not necessarily worse) brands (as with the big names the extra you’re paying is largely because of the name and not because of higher quality).
Re #1, when the new model comes out, the manufacturer drops the price on their old model to get rid of inventory. Retail stores should do the same but (here in Australia at least) it appears that many of the larger retailers are so under the thumb of the manufacturers they can’t sell the old model - it’s the new model or nothing. You need to go to a retailer that specialises in clearance stock to get the item you want, making for a hassle as you run around town trying to track down the item you want.
I’m in the process of upgrading all my clubs at the moment, for the first time in about 17 years, so this is all quite relevant to me. I had a shortlist of the clubs I wanted, compiled over November and December, went into the store in January for a fitting and was told that most of what I wanted wasn’t available: the model had been superseded, was no longer on sale and the new version is heaps more expensive!
For example, top of my list for a driver was the Cobra Airjet Max, retailing for about $650 (Australian dollars). I’d already dismissed all the overpriced, overhyped, overmarketed Callaway, PING, TaylorMade and Titleist offerings and settled for a cheaper but no worse Cobra club. The Aerojet was at least $200 cheaper than those brands' drivers.
I go into the store, no Airjet, has been replaced by the DarkSpeed, which isn’t available (and, at the time of writing, is still not available). Advertised pre-order price is $1,000! After pre-order the price will come down to about $800 but that’s still an increase of $150 on the Airjet.
So right now I’m thinking, screw Cobra. I’ll rather get something like a Tour Edge E723 or Wilson Dynapower Titanium, costing around $550. I was happy to spend $650 on the Airjet but not $800 on the DarkSpeed.
I could get the Airjet from one of the online or clearance stores but there’d be no fitting and I don’t want to give Cobra any of my money. Cobra’s loss is Wilson or Tour Edge’s gain.
I got fitted for a rogue st. Remembered the settings and instead of nearly 500 when they first come out I found a virtually brand new one for golf clubs for cash advertised on ebay for 225. Absolutely love it
PxG sales are always good. I picked up a 2022 0211 10.5 driver from £199.00 in January last year. Might not be custom fit, but a lesson and some practice on the range has me hitting it 250-260 yards
I buy but then upgrade at Sheffield pro golf and they give good prices. This keeps costs down if you want the newest stuff. I’m settled in my bag at the moment so will be a few years before I change things.
I got fitted for TS2 when it came out and bought an upmarket shift. I skipped TSi and have just bought a mint TSR2 head only from the USA and kept my old shaft. Equivalent £250. Equipment is not the panacea. Practice and lessons. The most forgiving driver won't help a cold top.
You don't have to spend £300 to get a good driver never mind £5/600.
I picked up a Srixon ZX7 with a Small Batch Riptide shaft for £149.99 from Golf Clubs 4 Cash and it's as good as anything I have tried.
There's always bargains out there if you don't want to spend silly money.
I got fitted for Tm. Stealth graphite shaft irons in November for £699, the new Qi irons same spec are £939 and reading reviews of them both not much between them. 🤔
Perhaps it would help if the various manufacturers didn't operate price fixing And allow retailers to be competitive. I understand this even applies to the previous years models where retailers are told when and by how much they can discount the old model
I was able to pick up a used Stealth 2 Plus with Ventus TR shaft for $250 from Global Golf. That's less than the shaft alone costs new and that is crazy.
The new PXG Black Ops driver is $650!
I cannot understand people who say €1.99, £299.99 or $999.99. I know James mentioned £300 a bit but mentioned £299.99 just as much if not more :(
Rant over.
I totally agree with people saying new drivers are overpriced and that there's much much much better value in the 2nd hand market if you're prepared to shop around a bit.
I don’t think I have ever bought a brand new driver. I feel once you find a shaft you love, then switch out the head for a newer version if you like (same brand makes it easier). Wait a couple years and grab a nice newish g430 10K head for $250 (I play Ping).
It will be interesting to see if direct to consumer brands begin eroding market share of big consumer brands. One of the issues with titliest cobra ping etc is $$$ spent on marketing and supply chain markups. I noticed you playing Tacoma irons this year so you are an example of a better player using direct to consumer brands. If the direct consumer brands can develop a remote fitting process for average players they could do very well
Gotta say I agree that $300 is my sweet spot for buying a driver. I have spent a little more on a few occasions but I always wait a few years to get an “older” new driver!!! I make decent money but I cannot justify spending that much money on the latest and greatest when the difference is minuscule at best! Thanks James
Would really like to see a comparison between the ping g400 max vs g430 max 10k.
That shaft is 200 from Pxg or 250 in new Callaway alone
What do you do with all them new clubs you get I'll be quite happy to take a new set of irons off you if it helps
Wanted a new AI Smoke until I saw the prices, went with a used Rogue ST Max LS instead, snagged it for $199 in like new condition. I'm excited, but I do wish the new drivers didn't cost so much.
Yes. The equipment is getting out of hand price wise.
I buy prior years models and/or demos after testing. Saves me $$
Your spot on again james..drivers are way too expencive..ive just brought a new rogue max stil in plastic for £300..result..
I'm waiting for the new AI Smoke TD to be bought buy someone and have them return it. I'll be monitoring the certified Callaway pre-owned site. Bought the Paradym TD for $300 off the site last year. and... to help me save a few bucks now, I just got fitted for Fujikura Ventus TR Blue shaft for $350 as opposed to spending $600 for the new driver and the stock shaft.
So what are your views on a custom fit? I have just been fitted for the first time (driver and fairway) and 2 shafts alone were £600. I play off 4 and have been playing for 40 years+ but have never had a full fit apart from irons. The difference is unreal but i know i have paid for the privilege. I have bought last years models on many occasions but the shafts as i found out are not suited. 2hrs on GC quad has evidenced this.
James - if you are to be fitted, there is no real alternative to spending a lot of money is there?
All it would take is for us the local golfers all would just not buy a new driver's for two or three seasons prices would drop. A warehouse full of unsold drivers would get there attention.
i picked up a Brand New Callaway Triple Diamond still in the wrapper from Golf Clubs 4 cash for £300. 10.5 stiff with the Mitsubishi Kai'li shaft. Great value
Everyone - at what point does metal fatigue come into play?
In Canada it is safe to safe an avid golfer (with a family) is playing at most 40 times a year. Not including range time.
While I know the difference in new drivers is slight year-to-year … I’d love to see the difference is from a well loved driver to the exact same driver model with low rounds.
According to one site, the original Big Bertha Titanium Driver (2004) MSRP was $315.00 (USD) which is just over $500.00 in today's money. I remember someone interviewing Ely Callaway about the price they set for this driver and he basically said it's the feeling of hitting the driver that sets the price. I also think originally they where setting the price to be closer to $500.00. Maybe someone on here knows for sure.
The original titanium Big Bertha was the Great Big Bertha that came out in the mid 90s.. later the Biggest Big Bertha. I think the GBB was $399 originally.. accounting for inflation probably like $600 today.
Great video, great comparison and a much better idea than splashing huge money. You've shown that you can get value for money if you look around. Drivers and other golf clubs are getting way too expensive.
I got my big Bertha new 2 years ago and bought a couple year old model for cheaper. I decided to try the Kirkland irons for the price as an upgrade as well. I don’t mind losing a few yards to save money.
In the last few weeks, I bought last years paradym for around 300. Apart from tour pros, I don't really see the value in buying new clubs every year. I was replacing a nike covert tour driver because I wanted more forgiveness as I tend to not hit the middle often, but I certainly won't be buying clubs every year..... Especially not driver
I'm always looking in the second hand market for good deals on past season clubs. Found a Cobra RadSpeed for $170 and you can't tell it was ever hit, looks new
Hi James, I'm glad you have brought this subject up because these new golf clubs are just getting silly with their prices. As if golf isn't dear enough. Well done.
Spot on. They have been putting the prices up for the last 5years pushing the boundaries that little bit more each year, you only have to look at the the price of the so called top golf balls, I have player the Callaway Chromesoft for years now as they used to be a great ball at a reasonable price and then they suddenly jumped to £45 +, I will not be using them no longer.
With all the tech they keep saying justifies the price tag for new drivers we all should be hitting them over 400 yards now as they have improved distances by 10yds each and every year since I can remember 🤔🤔🤔
I went and hit the QI10 max over the weekend, and I was hitting last year’s Paradym about 20 yards farther and it’s 200 cheaper!
As someone who just bought the new PXG with a tour ad shaft. I was really considering a used driver at half or 2/3 of the price.
I purchased the ping G425 just after the G430 came out, the difference was the price. Now the new ping G430max 10 is out. The difference to the average golfer is the 425 has a 26 gram weight and the 430max 10K has a 28 gram weight. My 425 has 10K MOI as does the new G430. The new g430 might have a different shaft, a different look but $300 difference is not a value to the average golfer. I can order a 28 gram weight and have the new look for less, just the weight cost. I guess the hardest job for a club maker is the marketing, selling the new worded technology to get us to buy it.
James I'm a senior on a fixed income. I play allot of golf but it's because I work at a golf course one day for no pay but get to play golf for free. I can't afford a new golf club and have never been fitted. Things are just to expensive
£599 for a new basic driver with a stock shaft will soon rise to £600-£1000 when you get custom fitted for a different shaft. That's getting on for 1/2 or 1/3 etc of your annual club memberships......
So much for the pros and others talking about "growing the game".
It's pricing people out of the game
I just picked up a used PXG gen 5 0311 driver for $180. The deals are out there and spending $400 more on a new driver to get 5-10 extra yards is definitely not worth it to me.
My days of brand new are probably over. Not because I cant. It’s why. My Epic and generic PXG 0211 works fine. Same philosophy as buying vehicles. A couple years old is 30-50% less. Kudos to those that buy new. It widens our used options.
I agree that the prices are ridiculous. I wanted a new driver, (at least new to me) so I got one, Found a SIM 2 MAX, great deal. You can get an entire set of decent irons for what they are charging for the club you only hit maybe 14 times per round.
James I’ve been golfing for 18 years and I only buy a driver after a year of its release. Because you go to local golf shop and and usually get $150 on average off last years latest and greatest. Good thing about clubs they don’t expire so a year or two after a driver releases you can get great equipment at a good price.
I just picked up a Callaway Epic Max LS from Amazon brand new $199. Performing better than my Stealth 2. Also saw a Cobra SZ for $189
There's a lot of contradiction - get fitted, buy second hand etc. I tried the new Qi10 the other day at the driving range - stock shaft didn't work but the shaft in my existing M1 was much better. So buying 2nd hand could be a lottery.
Just bought a Paradigm X ex demo (looks like it's hardly been hit) for £199. Came from a pro shop and he even put my desired shaft flex in it.
Callaway XR driver against the paradym and the smoke.... using a 15 handicapper or someone with slower swing.
Get them to fit it them self eg loft for fade/draw bias