It seems to me that this lawsuit is a case of Taylor Made throwing their weight around. I don't see the blatant copying by Costco. The club cross section was particularly telling, they look different. I think Taylor Made is threatened by the price of the Costco clubs and by all the pub they are getting.
@@JimBeatmanthat is probably true. It is simply greed by Taylor made to do this. I have seen plenty of look alike irons that more closely resemble than p790 to the Kirkland.
I saw some people suggest that TaylorMade are suing because Costco is actually a huge entity with tons of money. TaylorMade hasn't seemed particularly interested in going after other clubs that are very similar to the K-Sigs and P-790s from smaller start-up companies like Caley or Takomo. So it seems like TaylorMade hasn't gone after those companies because they're so small that they likely wouldn't gain much from doing so. Those smaller companies would likely just be forced into bankruptcy and TaylorMade wouldn't see much money out of the deal. But Costco is different in the way that they actually could afford to pay out a massive lawsuit. I'll be interested to see how the whole thing shakes out though. If TaylorMade ends up losing, it'll be a massive loss for them because they'll have basically just advertised to the world that they think the K-Sigs are cheaper P-790s so why would you pay extra for the P-790s unless you were a real TM diehard?
Years ago, the very first Kirkland golf ball (the 4 piece that Mygolfspy loved and became a cult classic) led to threatened lawsuits by Acushnet (Titleist). Kirkland ran out of the balls. Kirkland later responded by bringing out a putter that was Scotty Cameron-esque and wedges that resembled Vokeys.
@@kooijbas Its a strategy price high get the wealthy brand aware fools on launch, then discount to still high prices to catch the wannabies, then final clearance at what is normal retail prices.
Fun fact here. The TaylorMade P790's essentially did the exact same thing to PXG in 2017, and they were sued for it. I was in a PXG driver fitting the other day and mentioned to my fitter that TaylorMade is suing Costco for the Kirkland Irons and he said "well that's funny, because we sued TaylorMade for their release of the P790's. They copied our hollow body TPE injection design. The settlement money pretty much paid for the entire PXG Gen 5 research and development." TaylorMade was sued in Sept. 2017 by PXG because of the P790 iron design. The lawsuit was for patent infringement of 8 PXG patents, specifically the original 2015 PXG 0311 irons which are hollow with thermoplastic elastomer injected into the empty chamber behind the hitting area. TPE increases the durability of the thin face while enhancing feel and sound and allows for heavy tungsten weights to be placed low in the club head. There was a settlement between the two companies in 2019.
There was money exchanged? I thought PXG realizing they weren't getting anywhere in the lawsuit, then made clubs with TaylorMade's Patents. (carbon crown above the face). TaylorMade Counter sued, realized it wasnt going any where also. and they basically said good-good to taking each others patents. TaylorMade won because they got to keep doing speed foam, and didn't care about the woods because of Stealth. PXG won because they got the best wood technology, and marketed the weights as their differentiating factor. (that they have a patent on) - PXG now suing EDEL for patent infringement after David Edel got out, and Coors is potentially going to make the company big. They have to or loose the rights to the exterior iron weights.
The pictures of the innards of the two clubs are very different. So where's the beef? The clubs don't look the same on the outside, either. Taylor Made is exhibiting fear of losing sales to Costco, and Costco is showing the world that it can make quality golf equipment to fit a smaller budget. The other problem Taylor Made faces is that Costco can only get better once it gets the hang of this product. Taylor Made is shaking in its boots that the golfing public might discover that much of the stuff it sells is overpriced and there are excellent options at lower prices.
If you are trying to compare club performance you should either use a machine, which has much more consistent club head speed, or look at the difference between club performance when you happen to hit with same club head speed and contact location. Then, if you want to discuss forgiveness with off center hits you have to show the data with same offset and club head speed. The only human input that a machine cannot do would be "feel". I am getting better, but am still mid handy capper. When I shopped for clubs the more expensive clubs showed greater distance, but I could not feel the difference. For the extra $300, I figured I would just use a 7 instead of an 8.
Most TaylorMade fans would not consider playing Kirkland Signature irons. Most budget golfers would not consider paying for new TaylorMade irons. If the top names come out with 3 or 4 models of clubs each year or two that are all very similar to the other big names, it is a stretch to think a new manufacturer would come up with something radically different. This is a bad look for TaylorMade.
This is exactly what I was thinking. TaylorMade suing Costco doesn't make any sense even at its most basic core, because Costco would not be cutting into TaylorMades buying audience in any way shape or form. I'd be shocked if anyone who owns those clubs even shops at Costco.
The target market for Costco is actually fairly high income families, so there's probably significant overlap in shoppers, BUT to your point, I'm an avid golfer and wouldn't be caught DEAD with Kirkland golf equipment. Not because it doesn't work, but because I don't want that brand on my equipment. Brand is HUGE in golf, and no amount of similar performance is going to substitute for reputation and brand image.
@@Michael-uc2pn None of the brands pay me to use their equipment so I don't feel loyal to any of them. I do realize I am in the minority thinking that way.
@@Chris54321 for me it really depends on what the loyalty is based on. For example, I'll swear by Mizuno irons, that's because they're forged irons made in Japan with quality steel, and I love how they feel. If they started making the same irons on the cheap in China, I wouldn't be loyal to them. Looks are also important to me, not necessarily a specific brand name but how the clubs look and the logo is part of that, unfortunately Kirkland's logo leaves a lot to be desired, nevermind that its basically a synonym for "knockoff". There's definitely a lot of irrational emotion in people's attachment to certain golf brands, but I think it's often grounded in how a particular brand's equipment looks, plays, or feels. I'd guess TaylorMade feels like Kirkland's clubs are infringing on at least one of those aspects.
Imagine an outsider (kirkland in this case) coming out with their first set of irons for $500 compared to TaylorMade that’s on 3rd or 4th generation 790’s for almost triple the price and the Kirklands are more consistent. Kinda like when Titleist sued Kirkland for “copying” the ProV1. The sad truth is Kirkland proves you can get quality for less money. Why wouldn’t TaylorMade sue…it’s about nothing more than greed and money they stand to lose! Golf is already an expensive sport/hobby and if it wasn’t for DTC brands it would be an “elitest” sport which it seems to be becoming.
Remember Kirkland and Costco lost the Titleist law suit and had to get rid of the four piece ball which was a complete rip off of the ProV1x. If I’m remembering correctly they had hired one of Titleist engineers who built that ball for them. I’m sure once the dust settles here it’ll be similar! Expect the next generation to be a much different design and look to them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see PXG look at it too, as the P790 was a rip off of the original 0317! TM got sued and there was a substantial settlement out of court over that. Pretty funny that now TM is suing someone over stealing their stolen tech! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
However, now imagine you invent something, and someone else steals your invention, produces it at half the cost in China, with half the tolerances, and sells it with their own brand name on it. I hate to break it to you, but patent lawsuits are a part of real life, and TM is well within its rights to sue, as these clubs are a clear clone.
I’d go with a used set of clubs that don’t have Kirkland plastered on them. Can get them for a similar price, and I can get them with the specific specs I want. Kirkland are fine for what they are, but if your actually serious about getting better, then just no.
@@j.a.1785 well if you’ve already been fitted, you can get used irons that are to your specs, unlike Kirkland. Plus you can trust their quality control is much better than Kirkland. Who has no say quality control in their manufacturing, since they are direct to consumer.
@@gisellesbikeseat my point was they go straight from the factory to the consumer as they are DTC. For example my Pings are built at the Ping factory by Ping employees doing their own QC. Then are sent to my club fitter who then does an additional QC to make sure everything is made to the Specs I ordered. Buying these 2nd hand I would trust the quality much better.
Just bought a new set of irons tried almost everything on the market and for me the Srixon zx5 mk2 out performed every other iron can’t wait to game them
These were sold out online very quickly with both drops of product, long before the lawsuit. but with the lawsuit, don't expect to see anymore sets of these new on the Costco website.
My feeling is, RUclips creators have made the comparison between the Kirkland Irons and the P790s and TaylorMade feels they are going to loose product sales based on those comparisons, when in actuality, they are in two totally different categories. If you are a "TaylorMade brand golfer", you will not be going out to buy a set of Kirkland irons to be your everyday gamer. You may buy a set to give to your son, daughter, brother or what have you, just getting into the game or wanting to upgrade due to the price and knowing they are similar to the P790s. In that case, you were never going to spend the money on the P790s to begin with. If you have the means to buy P790s you will, if you don't then you will buy Kirkland. My belief is TaylorMade just did a ton of free advertising for Kirkland, as did Titlist with the V1 of the Signature balls a few years back. Just my opinion.
Sort of understand. It’s more about the irony. So for example…I LOVE to pull out my Kirkland driver and out drive somebody that always buys the latest $600 driver etc. Or in this case share a cart with your buddy that spent thousands on a top of the line fitted set and pull out the kirklands and play better than him. So it’s kind of a mindfuck to the people you’re playing with. You’re not buying the club so much as the name. Just inversely to why we would normally pay more for a name.
@@shamilton6328 I love to hand my decade old Cleveland hibore to the guy with the cheap driver watch him marvel as it hits and feels way better than his current driver 😂 in fairness I tried hitting one of my buddy's new TaylorMade drivers and hated it. Gets great distance, feels bad and sounds like a baseball bat. It's definitely the Indian not the arrows, but a good Indian can appreciate better arrows!
I feel like if you have $500 to spend on new irons, 2nd hand is a much better way to go. Plenty of gently used sets of premium clubs at that price point. Pretty sure most used Ping irons can still be fit to your specs as well
yeh second hand is always a good shout, not much can go wrong with a golf club can it, as long as the shaft is in good nick and the head has no rust it will play like its almost new even if its 10 years old.
you just watched a video where a $500 set of irons performed nearly identical if not better to a brand new $1500 set and your advice is to buy used irons that you have no idea how theyre set up or taken care of? weird rationale on that one
@@dbrank28you'll probably be able to get those Costco irons in a few years for $100 (or less even at a yard sale). His point still stands, and again, not a whole lot they can go wrong with a golf club, you can visibly see whether it's been abused just by looking at the heads. The only reason to buy brand new irons is just if you want pristine new clubs that no one else has hit before, or you're good enough to be really concerned about having new grooves.
That 1st hit with the 4i on the Kirkland definitely dropped the avg and having owned the 1st gen of P790, that kind of drop off can happen with those as well on thinned or toe shots.
Most of us would hardly ever use a 4 iron in play, its far far easier to hit a hybrid in most lies on a course. Maybe off the tee in a long par 3 ok. Also distance is not an issue is it ? as long as its consistent you gap your bag.
@@miguelitoaniceto5882 because PXG patented the foam injected hollow body design first, in 2015 with the 0311 irons. In fact, PXG filed a lawsuit against Taylormade in 2017 when TM released the P790’s for 8 patent infringements. There was a settlement that, according to my PXG fitter, TaylorMade pretty much paid for the entire PXG Gen 5 research & development costs as a result.
@@Kremund62 this information makes Taylormade look even worse IMO. Thanks for the knowledge. I’m kind of getting sick of the big OEMs. My irons are Maltby now. I’m looking for a non OEM for woods. Admittedly I don’t think I can ever give up my Scotty putter and Vokey wedges.
@@miguelitoaniceto5882 Right? Like I can’t believe that more people aren’t talking about the fact that TaylorMade copied PXG to make the irons that they are now claiming Costco copied. It’s crazy. The price of golf clubs have gotten ridiculous, and these big names are charging so much for what likely costs them a small fraction to make. It’s just a d!¢k swinging contest right now. My golf spy has a page that shows the two irons cut in half, and they don’t look the same. At most, Kirkland is doing what they did to PXG by making similar tech clubs.
This was my thought. There are many small manufacturers making almost exactly the same clubs for much lower prices. Takomo, Maltby, etc. Could be simply that Costco has more cash to settle with.
Ik this been a while and you prob alr bought the irons but, 770 6 iron is like the 101t 7 iron in terms of club size and stuff but not loft , the 101s are more like the 790s/kirkland
The thing that people didn't like about older P790's is getting those jumpers when you hit them. The fact that there's a 20 yard disparity between them (good and bad ones you hit) is a bit worrisome.
Great comparison, shows the difference between the clubs when you go to a longer iron. However, cost difference is amazing. Only problem is that it's difficult (if not impossible) to get this brand in Ireland...small market, I'd imagine
I was a single digit for about 15 years. I'm older now and clubhead speed has intersected with age. I remember whenever I hit the range before I played, If I hit them well on the range, I played like crap. When I hit them like crap on the range, I had a stellar round.
I don’t think folk are getting the issue, doesn’t matter if its golf clubs or a hairdryer, R&D and intellectual property are protected. The statement that without Direct to consumer golf would be elitist, is also a misnomer. James opines about the used market, to have used clubs, someone has to buy new clubs. D To C have value, but getting fitted is expensive and residual value is also an issue. IF major OEM clubs are too expensive, why do they sell? Clearly some folk see them as good value. Folk say irons were £800 10 years ago, yet they are now £1500, inflation over the same period would account for that increase, membership at my golf club in in the last 10 years has gone from £800 to £1900 this year, petrol??? Food??? Etc. Direct to consumer are like supermarket own brand products, cheap have value to some but others turn their nose up. cost is an easy headline, but reality is everything is more expensive today, if you can’t afford them, don’t buy them, as James says there are alternatives, lets hope they have been designed legally. TM wont sue some of the D to C companies as they don’t have the money Costco do, i suspect Costco will settle out of court as they and others have in the past.
I currently own a set of 2023TP 790s, now I’m curious to try this Kirkland after the lawsuit, the reason is after looking at your numbers makes anyone wonder if Taylor made realize how good this iron really are. I feel the Takomos are much similar to TM than the Kirkland compared to the Taylor made. Why not suing the other golfing brands instead?
The issue is Costco is 500 and the Taylormade is 1300. You're almost a 3rd of the price for irons. At the end of the day it potentially takes money out of Taylormade's pocket and as many companies in America do, let's sue instead of competing.
It would seem that TaylorMade forgets that they copied the design of the Truss putter from an older Titleist putter. I do believe that there are many brands with an iron very similar to the P790
I was about to buy a set last year at Costco, that was in the store.. about time I researched to see the feedback. Could never find them in store and always sold out online.
The average guy won’t even notice the difference.. personally I prefer the Costco model.. cheaper cost than the Taylor made .. maybe the taylormade should cut there price!!!
I was playing 790's but with my inconsistent ball striking (Hcap 14) I found the differential between a well hit shot and a poor strike was really significant . Gone to Wilsons which are great, just as long but the poor stats are better.
If companies like Taylor made, would stop gouging they wouldn’t have to worry about other brands, showing the fact that you can make a premium club for a third the price and still be profitable. These brands have gotten so out of control and all. But we keep paying the price so they’re going to do it until we start switching to other brands and they lose sales they’re not going to drop prices.
Caley or Takomo if I was going budget hollow back irons. I've tried the Caley and was very impressed. Online custom fit too if you know your specs. Taylormade are making themselves look silly with the lawsuit. If people don't have £1200 to spend on a set of irons, they won't buy P790 regardless. They will seek a budget option
TM and other manufacturers should try lowering their prices instead of suing other companies and ripping off prospective customers with their ridiculous prices. £1100 upwards for a set of irons is a con, £500+ for a driver is too, and anyone who says it isn't has more money than sense. Manufacturers could also stop releasing half a dozen sets of irons and woods every year, its just not needed.
Dead Right Alan I think most average golfers throughout the world are peed off with being ripped off for the sake of greed we the everyday golfer have to pay for the pro golfer's equipment they play for nothing, it has gone beyond a joke now with prices for everything cars, food, Housing, have all gone up, if I want different golf equipment I have to wait for 2 or three years or more for the equipment to be at the right price, I'll give you an instance I can still buy Epic range of woods driver to 9 wood that is still like new or is new for 3/4 of the cost they were when brought onto the market new if the manufacturers want to complain about copyrights and patents then do as Cosco have done with their quality equipment don't do national advertising just display at a mean sale price for clubs that hit the right level in the everyday golfers pocket market, so just wait awhile and get what you want at the price you can afford, I'm a UK pensioner at 83 H/C off 12 I still play Wishon forged CB irons because they are in the right price market and I love them super easy to hit
I think what is happening is Kirkland is making clubs that are just as good as those name brand clubs for a fuckton less and those big names are worried that people will stop paying for them and buy the Kirklands. I mean why pay 1500 bucks a set when I can get just about the same shots out of a 400 dollar set
Costco sold out of those clubs just days after they were first displayed on the web site. TaylorMade made no difference to what looks like the sale of the best-selling golf clubs this year or their departure from the web site.
With the Costco clubs selling out so quickiy there are not that many sets around in comparison to the thousands of sets Taylor Made have sold. Not sure why big companies want to punish Costco for coming up with good, reliable products that sell!! So far, there have not been any lawsuits over the gloves, balls, putter, wedges, or driver. This is just another reason not to buy Taylor Made products!!
Of all the big OEMs, TM has stolen more tech than anyone else. Remember Adams, TM eventually bought them because they couldn't continue to justify stealing their tech. Then PXG sued TM couple years ago, which TM settled.
Played a pals set of Kirklands. Rubbish. Down a few mph ball speed. Down with spin measurably, too. Wedge was ridiculously inconsistent. But, if you’re a 20 handicap that plays twice a month? Sure, give them a try. Oh… can’t. Get them fit. Oh, can’t. Leave them alone if you want to get better. Play them if you’re just enjoying sunshine with the lads and save a grand.
That's exactly describing me and probably the majority of golfers I see out there. Recreational golfing while drinking beer with buddies. $1400 dollar clubs doesn't change my high handicap swing and play frequency. Kirkland, Takomo, etc. is perfect for players like myself. Taylormade are hypocrites anyway.
Those Kirkland irons in a year will have a really low resale value just like their wedges and putter , I work in a new and used golf equipment store and what we have seen is they have next to no resale value , now if you are one of those golfers who uses their equipment til its worn out then they seem to be a decent option with Takoma , Sub 70 , Caley and a few others but if you want cheap good quality with some resale in that category of club I don't think you can beat the PXG 0211 line which does have a good resale value , the other option is companies like Taylormade which sells a older line like the SIM2 for discounted rates and same with PING with the 425 line.
That’s correct for the guys who constantly buy gear , Costco clubs have little re sale value. But if you like to hold on to stuff and use them till the grooves are gone then it’s a amazing value
@@socalgolf9978 Kirkland clubs will be a knock around set for most guys. A cheap decent back up set, set to loan out to family and friends when they visit, or a set to leave at a 2nd house or cabin. No-one is buying Kirkland clubs thinking about resale value, and if anyone is, they are a fool.
People don’t seem to understand this lawsuit. It’s not about them being the exact same type of clubs, it’s the way that Costco marketed them and used tailor-made technology as a reference that is causing the lawsuit
Is TM also going to sue Caley? There irons look very similar too, the 01. Which leads me to a head-to-head testing of Costco vs Caley. The Caley is an extra $100, but comes with a better shaft.
I play old oversized cavity irons, Taylormade burners from the early 90s and aside from lower loft/more distance from newer irons of the same number, I honestly don’t see much advantage. I wish someone still made an oversized cavity honestly.
I’m thinking of changing my 12 yr old yonex irons and tried the p790s and titlteist t200 & t350. You’re right , there’s little difference, in fact the TM were a little shorter. They all felt harder and more snicky to me, not a fan. But the t350 are 5 to 10 yards longer but that’s through less loft not clever design. I may as well try and get the Costco irons .
@@purangesmith9053If they aren’t broke, don’t fix them. I was thinking about new irons, but have gone all in on the old ones. They work, they stay in the bag. 👍🏼
Why Taylor Made didn’t sue every brands that build hollow body clubs ? The differences won’t be larger with a ping or a cobra. Ok if you compare with other mass market retail brands you can find clubs in this category that are more different than the P790 like the new decathlon inesis 500 v2 issued this week that looks very different and perform allegedly better than the P790 (smash 1.45). Patent infringements trials became a big source of revenues and fame in the us.
I’m not James, but to answer your question, Takomo. Kirkland irons are just straight up tacky in comparison. Just the enormous Kirkland Signature logo plastered on the irons would be enough for me to lean Takomo, which actually look classy and premium.
Name brand buyers won't buy Kirkland, even if they are better. You can't show off with the Kirkland tag. However, they may buy a Kirkland set for house guests, etc...
Honestly I just think it’s funny people think the 2 clubs look the same. You could say that about 90% of the muscle backs ever made then…? Every company has stolen designs from previous club makers. The actual design hasn’t changed much since the 80s with blade type irons.
Taylormades 2024 clubs are irrelevant and overpriced. So the knee- jerk reaction by Taylormade is to file a frivolous law suit against the small guys in the limelight.
The basic fact is TM have to take into consideration all the revenue they have to set aside for paying their Staff Pro's. Of which they seem to be adding constantly. Costco do not need this so can spend money on R&D and still sell at low prices. Kirkland have charged a more premium price on their putter, so they are not all about the cheapness, they make quality products...Would you ever see a scratch player using them, doubtful but they would be great for 5 and above...I bought the set of wedges 3 months ago to replace my old MG3 wedges and they are every bit as good..
Only reason Taylormade should sue Costco is to try get new golfers to buy Kirkland’s, then if they get into golf, want to spend more they see this comparison so upgrade to the p790s
The KS 4 iron didn't seem to be as consistent as the TM. I am guessing the QC isn't as good. I don't think the KS really look that closer to the TM irons, whatever the KS filler is, it isn't the same as the TM filler.
i stopped playing golf for 6 years until recently (played solid for 22 yrs) when i returned i started researching clubs and cant believe the prices of irons now. six years ago £650 for 4-pw premium irons, now £1199 for 5 or 6-pw. good on costco for a premium set c/w good shafts and grips for £500
For what's it worth. I am about a 5 hdcp. I played the P790's and switched to the Kirkland. The Kirkland's are better. $499 and if Taylormade is smart they close their lawsuit before they piss off Costco and Costco starts destroying the golf industry.
It seems . While watching it . That your swing are not consistent. The first 4 with the 7 iron vs you're Tayler made. I would say the same eith the 4 . Your 2 sets of swings were not the same. To be far. You'd need a larger sample size and take the top 4 or 5 .
Pretty crappy that Taylormade has completely ruined this for the golfer who can't afford the 790's. You actually can't find any Kirkland golf clubs on Costco's site currently. I was telling my cousin about these because he is sorely in need of new irons, but can't afford the brand name higher prices. I wasn't a Taylormade fan before, and now I'm definitely not now.
TaylorMade is upset that they made a club similar to theirs and at a cheaper price. They are going to lose customers and money because people will buy the Kirkland Signature's rather than the TaylorMade's. If i was in the market for a new set then yeah I would buy the Kirkland before the TaylorMade. Caley golf, Takomo, Under 70, or even Maltby I would buy before TaylorMade, Callaway or other OEM brand name. I have Cleveland irons I bought a couple of years ago are still great got fitted but to me the price over 1k for irons is ridiculous. So yeah I would buy or look at the other DTC models. I have seen the cross sections and I dont see how they have a case to be honest
Costco is probably making more money per iron set than Taylormade. Anyone that works in the golf manufacturing business knows that there is a massive markup on golf clubs. 2/3 of the price of a new club goes to marketing. It’s the only way they can stay in business! I’ve been playing golf for over 50 years and average changing clubs about every 9 to 10 years. Costco isn’t spending anything on advertising and are probably making 70% profit on these clubs. RUclips does all their advertising for free. Wonderful concept.
Costco lawyers are back peddling already in their response to the lawsuit. Saying that they trusted an outside source to provide their clubs and that they should not be held accountable for any patent infringements . It’s exactly what they did when they lost their case against Titleist. Take it as you want but if you check Costco has been sued hundreds of time over this exact same thing in the last 25 years . They seem to take advantage of their position and blatantly disregard others patents. By being such a large company intimidating other companies. Hopefully Taylormade gets deep into Costco pockets .
Do you think maybe with constantly hitting the same club, it could create a vibration within the club head ? I feel like that's why they probably have the hollow pockets still filled with foam or rubber. But in real life, unless you really duff your shot, your not using that same club again for another 10-30 min. And jostling around in the bag will also dampen prolonged vibrationgs inside the club head. As well with human testing there is fatigue, which we all feel it at different rates and quantities, it's also a variable. It would be interesting to see if any kind of different ball combinations would work better or less with the Kirklands. I didn't catch what balls you where shooting, maybe a Kirkland ball and club would work even better ?
this is what you get when your not paying for tiger woods last divorce and some professional playing clubs that no one on here can buy, the costco looks a lot better, i swung a few and they are solid as fuck
This test is subjective. I'd like to see the clubs compared with a one of those mechanical swing machines that can reproduce each swing & hit exactly the same to measure each club's true performance and any deviation. That seems to only way to truly test any difference. Most people's swings are not consistent enough to appreciate any difference that may be included.
The lawsuit is definitely making me want the Kirklands more.
It seems to me that this lawsuit is a case of Taylor Made throwing their weight around. I don't see the blatant copying by Costco. The club cross section was particularly telling, they look different. I think Taylor Made is threatened by the price of the Costco clubs and by all the pub they are getting.
Throwing your weight around only works if your the bigger company … costco could buy Taylormade with the money they made today alone 😂😂😂
@@JimBeatmanthat is probably true. It is simply greed by Taylor made to do this. I have seen plenty of look alike irons that more closely resemble than p790 to the Kirkland.
I saw some people suggest that TaylorMade are suing because Costco is actually a huge entity with tons of money. TaylorMade hasn't seemed particularly interested in going after other clubs that are very similar to the K-Sigs and P-790s from smaller start-up companies like Caley or Takomo. So it seems like TaylorMade hasn't gone after those companies because they're so small that they likely wouldn't gain much from doing so. Those smaller companies would likely just be forced into bankruptcy and TaylorMade wouldn't see much money out of the deal. But Costco is different in the way that they actually could afford to pay out a massive lawsuit. I'll be interested to see how the whole thing shakes out though. If TaylorMade ends up losing, it'll be a massive loss for them because they'll have basically just advertised to the world that they think the K-Sigs are cheaper P-790s so why would you pay extra for the P-790s unless you were a real TM diehard?
Years ago, the very first Kirkland golf ball (the 4 piece that Mygolfspy loved and became a cult classic) led to threatened lawsuits by Acushnet (Titleist). Kirkland ran out of the balls. Kirkland later responded by bringing out a putter that was Scotty Cameron-esque and wedges that resembled Vokeys.
you mean desperation.@@jimmccoys5778
Let's be honest the Kirkland cut open look like they are built better
Is it just me, but James really wants to favour the TM’s but the numbers won’t let him.
I was thinking the same thing!
That's what people do to justify their purchases. Golf equipment is just ridiculously overpriced nowadays.
I hit the Kirklands. They are as good or better than the overpriced name brand clubs.
He really seems anti Kirkland in a lot of his videos
@@kooijbas Its a strategy price high get the wealthy brand aware fools on launch, then discount to still high prices to catch the wannabies, then final clearance at what is normal retail prices.
Fun fact here. The TaylorMade P790's essentially did the exact same thing to PXG in 2017, and they were sued for it.
I was in a PXG driver fitting the other day and mentioned to my fitter that TaylorMade is suing Costco for the Kirkland Irons and he said "well that's funny, because we sued TaylorMade for their release of the P790's. They copied our hollow body TPE injection design. The settlement money pretty much paid for the entire PXG Gen 5 research and development."
TaylorMade was sued in Sept. 2017 by PXG because of the P790 iron design. The lawsuit was for patent infringement of 8 PXG patents, specifically the original 2015 PXG 0311 irons which are hollow with thermoplastic elastomer injected into the empty chamber behind the hitting area. TPE increases the durability of the thin face while enhancing feel and sound and allows for heavy tungsten weights to be placed low in the club head. There was a settlement between the two companies in 2019.
There was money exchanged? I thought PXG realizing they weren't getting anywhere in the lawsuit, then made clubs with TaylorMade's Patents. (carbon crown above the face). TaylorMade Counter sued, realized it wasnt going any where also. and they basically said good-good to taking each others patents. TaylorMade won because they got to keep doing speed foam, and didn't care about the woods because of Stealth. PXG won because they got the best wood technology, and marketed the weights as their differentiating factor. (that they have a patent on) - PXG now suing EDEL for patent infringement after David Edel got out, and Coors is potentially going to make the company big. They have to or loose the rights to the exterior iron weights.
@@lucas668able”Settlement” = NDA. TM clearly paid.
The pictures of the innards of the two clubs are very different. So where's the beef? The clubs don't look the same on the outside, either. Taylor Made is exhibiting fear of losing sales to Costco, and Costco is showing the world that it can make quality golf equipment to fit a smaller budget. The other problem Taylor Made faces is that Costco can only get better once it gets the hang of this product. Taylor Made is shaking in its boots that the golfing public might discover that much of the stuff it sells is overpriced and there are excellent options at lower prices.
If you are trying to compare club performance you should either use a machine, which has much more consistent club head speed, or look at the difference between club performance when you happen to hit with same club head speed and contact location. Then, if you want to discuss forgiveness with off center hits you have to show the data with same offset and club head speed. The only human input that a machine cannot do would be "feel". I am getting better, but am still mid handy capper. When I shopped for clubs the more expensive clubs showed greater distance, but I could not feel the difference. For the extra $300, I figured I would just use a 7 instead of an 8.
Most TaylorMade fans would not consider playing Kirkland Signature irons. Most budget golfers would not consider paying for new TaylorMade irons. If the top names come out with 3 or 4 models of clubs each year or two that are all very similar to the other big names, it is a stretch to think a new manufacturer would come up with something radically different. This is a bad look for TaylorMade.
This is exactly what I was thinking. TaylorMade suing Costco doesn't make any sense even at its most basic core, because Costco would not be cutting into TaylorMades buying audience in any way shape or form. I'd be shocked if anyone who owns those clubs even shops at Costco.
The target market for Costco is actually fairly high income families, so there's probably significant overlap in shoppers, BUT to your point, I'm an avid golfer and wouldn't be caught DEAD with Kirkland golf equipment. Not because it doesn't work, but because I don't want that brand on my equipment. Brand is HUGE in golf, and no amount of similar performance is going to substitute for reputation and brand image.
@@Michael-uc2pn None of the brands pay me to use their equipment so I don't feel loyal to any of them. I do realize I am in the minority thinking that way.
@@Chris54321 for me it really depends on what the loyalty is based on. For example, I'll swear by Mizuno irons, that's because they're forged irons made in Japan with quality steel, and I love how they feel. If they started making the same irons on the cheap in China, I wouldn't be loyal to them. Looks are also important to me, not necessarily a specific brand name but how the clubs look and the logo is part of that, unfortunately Kirkland's logo leaves a lot to be desired, nevermind that its basically a synonym for "knockoff".
There's definitely a lot of irrational emotion in people's attachment to certain golf brands, but I think it's often grounded in how a particular brand's equipment looks, plays, or feels. I'd guess TaylorMade feels like Kirkland's clubs are infringing on at least one of those aspects.
Imagine an outsider (kirkland in this case) coming out with their first set of irons for $500 compared to TaylorMade that’s on 3rd or 4th generation 790’s for almost triple the price and the Kirklands are more consistent. Kinda like when Titleist sued Kirkland for “copying” the ProV1. The sad truth is Kirkland proves you can get quality for less money. Why wouldn’t TaylorMade sue…it’s about nothing more than greed and money they stand to lose! Golf is already an expensive sport/hobby and if it wasn’t for DTC brands it would be an “elitest” sport which it seems to be becoming.
Quite simply they are CCPA... Covering Corporate Profit Asses
Remember Kirkland and Costco lost the Titleist law suit and had to get rid of the four piece ball which was a complete rip off of the ProV1x. If I’m remembering correctly they had hired one of Titleist engineers who built that ball for them. I’m sure once the dust settles here it’ll be similar! Expect the next generation to be a much different design and look to them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see PXG look at it too, as the P790 was a rip off of the original 0317! TM got sued and there was a substantial settlement out of court over that. Pretty funny that now TM is suing someone over stealing their stolen tech! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Costco may lose this lawsuit also.
@@greythekid8955 Two words on why they WILL lose, legal precedent!
However, now imagine you invent something, and someone else steals your invention, produces it at half the cost in China, with half the tolerances, and sells it with their own brand name on it. I hate to break it to you, but patent lawsuits are a part of real life, and TM is well within its rights to sue, as these clubs are a clear clone.
The best thing for Kirkland /costco is this lawsuit. What great marketing. The 4 iron is a beast with that speed pocket.
Did you check the lies and lofts on the Kirkland irons. I would be curious to see if the specs are close to what they’re supposed to be.
if he didnt say then no
I would go with Kirkland based on price and performance
I’d go with a used set of clubs that don’t have Kirkland plastered on them. Can get them for a similar price, and I can get them with the specific specs I want. Kirkland are fine for what they are, but if your actually serious about getting better, then just no.
@@gdo3510unless you're getting fitted, then used or kirkland doesn't matter unless the golfer is a brand snob.
@@j.a.1785 well if you’ve already been fitted, you can get used irons that are to your specs, unlike Kirkland. Plus you can trust their quality control is much better than Kirkland. Who has no say quality control in their manufacturing, since they are direct to consumer.
@gdo3510 guaranteed the Kirklands are made in the same factory as some other well-known brands
@@gisellesbikeseat my point was they go straight from the factory to the consumer as they are DTC. For example my Pings are built at the Ping factory by Ping employees doing their own QC. Then are sent to my club fitter who then does an additional QC to make sure everything is made to the Specs I ordered. Buying these 2nd hand I would trust the quality much better.
Just bought a new set of irons tried almost everything on the market and for me the Srixon zx5 mk2 out performed every other iron can’t wait to game them
how are they?
These were sold out online very quickly with both drops of product, long before the lawsuit. but with the lawsuit, don't expect to see anymore sets of these new on the Costco website.
Why do you think we won't see any more new sets?
They look like two different clubs full stop 😮
My feeling is, RUclips creators have made the comparison between the Kirkland Irons and the P790s and TaylorMade feels they are going to loose product sales based on those comparisons, when in actuality, they are in two totally different categories. If you are a "TaylorMade brand golfer", you will not be going out to buy a set of Kirkland irons to be your everyday gamer. You may buy a set to give to your son, daughter, brother or what have you, just getting into the game or wanting to upgrade due to the price and knowing they are similar to the P790s. In that case, you were never going to spend the money on the P790s to begin with. If you have the means to buy P790s you will, if you don't then you will buy Kirkland. My belief is TaylorMade just did a ton of free advertising for Kirkland, as did Titlist with the V1 of the Signature balls a few years back. Just my opinion.
I actually think it is p790 size, but seems to play forgiveness wise closer to a p770.
I don’t know, I have the means to buy the TM’s but I don’t see why I’d spend the money on them when Kirkland has these
Who would be silly enough to pay 1k for a set of Kirkland's on eBay when the biggest selling point is the low price?
I remember when People were there to flip the Kirkland putters. Now the drivers
Sort of understand. It’s more about the irony. So for example…I LOVE to pull out my Kirkland driver and out drive somebody that always buys the latest $600 driver etc. Or in this case share a cart with your buddy that spent thousands on a top of the line fitted set and pull out the kirklands and play better than him. So it’s kind of a mindfuck to the people you’re playing with. You’re not buying the club so much as the name. Just inversely to why we would normally pay more for a name.
@@shamilton6328 I love to hand my decade old Cleveland hibore to the guy with the cheap driver watch him marvel as it hits and feels way better than his current driver 😂 in fairness I tried hitting one of my buddy's new TaylorMade drivers and hated it. Gets great distance, feels bad and sounds like a baseball bat.
It's definitely the Indian not the arrows, but a good Indian can appreciate better arrows!
Reason being Costco doesn’t sell them anymore. Classic supply and demand
I'm leaning more toward Takomo irons. Can you do comparison between Costco, Takomo and Caley?
Maltby is slightly better than takomo
@@hat4273how so? I’m also interested in these 3 budget brands
I feel like if you have $500 to spend on new irons, 2nd hand is a much better way to go. Plenty of gently used sets of premium clubs at that price point. Pretty sure most used Ping irons can still be fit to your specs as well
yeh second hand is always a good shout, not much can go wrong with a golf club can it, as long as the shaft is in good nick and the head has no rust it will play like its almost new even if its 10 years old.
you just watched a video where a $500 set of irons performed nearly identical if not better to a brand new $1500 set and your advice is to buy used irons that you have no idea how theyre set up or taken care of? weird rationale on that one
@@dbrank28you'll probably be able to get those Costco irons in a few years for $100 (or less even at a yard sale). His point still stands, and again, not a whole lot they can go wrong with a golf club, you can visibly see whether it's been abused just by looking at the heads.
The only reason to buy brand new irons is just if you want pristine new clubs that no one else has hit before, or you're good enough to be really concerned about having new grooves.
Great video James , but how many players will even use the 5 iron let alone 4 iron . 8 iron Costco looked more consistent.
Everyone I play with uses a five iron
I play a lot and can use a 5 iron , but hit a 6 iron further and more consistent than a 5.
That’s the beauty of golf all players different , great that your still playing at 78 and enjoying 🏌🏼♂️🏌🏼♂️🏌🏼♂️
Still on the website, but currently sold out. Bummer.
🎶 track? It’s *Pushing* by *Cushy* - and yes we are THRILLED to be your trusted provider.
ruclips.net/video/uwXEdDoGUWY/видео.html
// Epidemic Sound
I would like to see you revisit the cobra forged tec irons
That 1st hit with the 4i on the Kirkland definitely dropped the avg and having owned the 1st gen of P790, that kind of drop off can happen with those as well on thinned or toe shots.
Most of us would hardly ever use a 4 iron in play, its far far easier to hit a hybrid in most lies on a course. Maybe off the tee in a long par 3 ok.
Also distance is not an issue is it ? as long as its consistent you gap your bag.
Why sue Costco alone when literally every other manufacturer makes hollow body, foam filled irons? Doesnt make sense.
Exactly. I don’t see Taylormade saying anything to PXG or Ping…
@@miguelitoaniceto5882 because PXG patented the foam injected hollow body design first, in 2015 with the 0311 irons.
In fact, PXG filed a lawsuit against Taylormade in 2017 when TM released the P790’s for 8 patent infringements. There was a settlement that, according to my PXG fitter, TaylorMade pretty much paid for the entire PXG Gen 5 research & development costs as a result.
@@Kremund62 this information makes Taylormade look even worse IMO. Thanks for the knowledge. I’m kind of getting sick of the big OEMs. My irons are Maltby now. I’m looking for a non OEM for woods. Admittedly I don’t think I can ever give up my Scotty putter and Vokey wedges.
@@miguelitoaniceto5882 Right? Like I can’t believe that more people aren’t talking about the fact that TaylorMade copied PXG to make the irons that they are now claiming Costco copied. It’s crazy. The price of golf clubs have gotten ridiculous, and these big names are charging so much for what likely costs them a small fraction to make. It’s just a d!¢k swinging contest right now. My golf spy has a page that shows the two irons cut in half, and they don’t look the same. At most, Kirkland is doing what they did to PXG by making similar tech clubs.
This was my thought. There are many small manufacturers making almost exactly the same clubs for much lower prices. Takomo, Maltby, etc. Could be simply that Costco has more cash to settle with.
I've been looking at both of these and the Tacomo irons. Which Tacomo irons do you think are the closest to the P790s? 101ts? 201s? Thoughts?
IMO the P790 and Kirklands actually fall between the Takomo 101 and the 101T
Maltby TS1 im
@@mattaue what do mean? Takomo 101 is better?
Ik this been a while and you prob alr bought the irons but, 770 6 iron is like the 101t 7 iron in terms of club size and stuff but not loft , the 101s are more like the 790s/kirkland
The thing that people didn't like about older P790's is getting those jumpers when you hit them. The fact that there's a 20 yard disparity between them (good and bad ones you hit) is a bit worrisome.
Great comparison, shows the difference between the clubs when you go to a longer iron. However, cost difference is amazing. Only problem is that it's difficult (if not impossible) to get this brand in Ireland...small market, I'd imagine
I was a single digit for about 15 years. I'm older now and clubhead speed has intersected with age. I remember whenever I hit the range before I played, If I hit them well on the range, I played like crap. When I hit them like crap on the range, I had a stellar round.
For newer golfers that are coming out of the beginner stage into the casual/leisure golfer stage, the Kirkland irons are a no-brainer.
I don’t think folk are getting the issue, doesn’t matter if its golf clubs or a hairdryer, R&D and intellectual property are protected. The statement that without Direct to consumer golf would be elitist, is also a misnomer. James opines about the used market, to have used clubs, someone has to buy new clubs. D To C have value, but getting fitted is expensive and residual value is also an issue. IF major OEM clubs are too expensive, why do they sell? Clearly some folk see them as good value. Folk say irons were £800 10 years ago, yet they are now £1500, inflation over the same period would account for that increase, membership at my golf club in in the last 10 years has gone from £800 to £1900 this year, petrol??? Food??? Etc. Direct to consumer are like supermarket own brand products, cheap have value to some but others turn their nose up. cost is an easy headline, but reality is everything is more expensive today, if you can’t afford them, don’t buy them, as James says there are alternatives, lets hope they have been designed legally. TM wont sue some of the D to C companies as they don’t have the money Costco do, i suspect Costco will settle out of court as they and others have in the past.
I currently own a set of 2023TP 790s, now I’m curious to try this Kirkland after the lawsuit, the reason is after looking at your numbers makes anyone wonder if Taylor made realize how good this iron really are. I feel the Takomos are much similar to TM than the Kirkland compared to the Taylor made. Why not suing the other golfing brands instead?
The issue is Costco is 500 and the Taylormade is 1300. You're almost a 3rd of the price for irons. At the end of the day it potentially takes money out of Taylormade's pocket and as many companies in America do, let's sue instead of competing.
It would seem that TaylorMade forgets that they copied the design of the Truss putter from an older Titleist putter. I do believe that there are many brands with an iron very similar to the P790
I was about to buy a set last year at Costco, that was in the store.. about time I researched to see the feedback. Could never find them in store and always sold out online.
I had P790 (2021). Every once in a while, it would produce a shot that went 10 yards further.
I'm kind of in the middle. I've hit 790's and I ended up getting an M6 set. The bridge design felt better for me. And was around $700
As a ~22 handicap are these clubs for me? I’m getting better consistently, but would more forgiving clubs be better?
My question is, how do hollow bodied irons compare to urethane filled irons.
This does one thing for me as a consumer aboht to buy my next set of irons: look past taylormade completley. Itl likely be mizuno or wilson for me.
If you can afford them, Mizunos are the way to go. I've never known someone to love their Wilsons the way people love their Mizunos.
Do you plan on testing the Mizuno 24 series? Kind of done Kirkland to death if anyone wants to save money and get good quality it’s Takomo all day
The average guy won’t even notice the difference.. personally I prefer the Costco model.. cheaper cost than the Taylor made .. maybe the taylormade should cut there price!!!
I was playing 790's but with my inconsistent ball striking (Hcap 14) I found the differential between a well hit shot and a poor strike was really significant . Gone to Wilsons which are great, just as long but the poor stats are better.
If companies like Taylor made, would stop gouging they wouldn’t have to worry about other brands, showing the fact that you can make a premium club for a third the price and still be profitable. These brands have gotten so out of control and all. But we keep paying the price so they’re going to do it until we start switching to other brands and they lose sales they’re not going to drop prices.
Caley or Takomo if I was going budget hollow back irons. I've tried the Caley and was very impressed. Online custom fit too if you know your specs. Taylormade are making themselves look silly with the lawsuit. If people don't have £1200 to spend on a set of irons, they won't buy P790 regardless. They will seek a budget option
TM and other manufacturers should try lowering their prices instead of suing other companies and ripping off prospective customers with their ridiculous prices. £1100 upwards for a set of irons is a con, £500+ for a driver is too, and anyone who says it isn't has more money than sense. Manufacturers could also stop releasing half a dozen sets of irons and woods every year, its just not needed.
Dead Right Alan I think most average golfers throughout the world are peed off with being ripped off for the sake of greed we the everyday golfer have to pay for the pro golfer's equipment they play for nothing, it has gone beyond a joke now with prices for everything cars, food, Housing, have all gone up, if I want different golf equipment I have to wait for 2 or three years or more for the equipment to be at the right price, I'll give you an instance I can still buy Epic range of woods driver to 9 wood that is still like new or is new for 3/4 of the cost they were when brought onto the market new if the manufacturers want to complain about copyrights and patents then do as Cosco have done with their quality equipment don't do national advertising just display at a mean sale price for clubs that hit the right level in the everyday golfers pocket market, so just wait awhile and get what you want at the price you can afford, I'm a UK pensioner at 83 H/C off 12 I still play Wishon forged CB irons because they are in the right price market and I love them super easy to hit
Just noticed on the Uk Costco website the wedges have disappeared too
Great head to head James but I do think I would choose Taylormade
You chucked the 4 iron that’s why it was 40 yards short
I think what is happening is Kirkland is making clubs that are just as good as those name brand clubs for a fuckton less and those big names are worried that people will stop paying for them and buy the Kirklands. I mean why pay 1500 bucks a set when I can get just about the same shots out of a 400 dollar set
Hi James like you say more affordable and good for the future of golf courses if the big companys make it to expensive how can golf clubs stay open
Costco sold out of those clubs just days after they were first displayed on the web site. TaylorMade made no difference to what looks like the sale of the best-selling golf clubs this year or their departure from the web site.
With the Costco clubs selling out so quickiy there are not that many sets around in comparison to the thousands of sets Taylor Made have sold. Not sure why big companies want to punish Costco for coming up with good, reliable products that sell!! So far, there have not been any lawsuits over the gloves, balls, putter, wedges, or driver. This is just another reason not to buy Taylor Made products!!
Do we know when they were due to come to the UK before the lawsuit?
Of all the big OEMs, TM has stolen more tech than anyone else. Remember Adams, TM eventually bought them because they couldn't continue to justify stealing their tech. Then PXG sued TM couple years ago, which TM settled.
I play P790's and don't see Kirkland in the same bracket for quality but price is attractive.
Played a pals set of Kirklands. Rubbish. Down a few mph ball speed. Down with spin measurably, too. Wedge was ridiculously inconsistent. But, if you’re a 20 handicap that plays twice a month? Sure, give them a try. Oh… can’t. Get them fit. Oh, can’t.
Leave them alone if you want to get better. Play them if you’re just enjoying sunshine with the lads and save a grand.
That's exactly describing me and probably the majority of golfers I see out there. Recreational golfing while drinking beer with buddies. $1400 dollar clubs doesn't change my high handicap swing and play frequency. Kirkland, Takomo, etc. is perfect for players like myself. Taylormade are hypocrites anyway.
Those Kirkland irons in a year will have a really low resale value just like their wedges and putter , I work in a new and used golf equipment store and what we have seen is they have next to no resale value , now if you are one of those golfers who uses their equipment til its worn out then they seem to be a decent option with Takoma , Sub 70 , Caley and a few others but if you want cheap good quality with some resale in that category of club I don't think you can beat the PXG 0211 line which does have a good resale value , the other option is companies like Taylormade which sells a older line like the SIM2 for discounted rates and same with PING with the 425 line.
That’s correct for the guys who constantly buy gear , Costco clubs have little re sale value. But if you like to hold on to stuff and use them till the grooves are gone then it’s a amazing value
@@socalgolf9978 Kirkland clubs will be a knock around set for most guys. A cheap decent back up set, set to loan out to family and friends when they visit, or a set to leave at a 2nd house or cabin. No-one is buying Kirkland clubs thinking about resale value, and if anyone is, they are a fool.
It Appears based on Numbers the Kirkland Irons are more consistent.
That’s what I thought too but he keeps mentioning concerns of Kirkland’s consistency. Kind of seems TaylorMade bias.
@@mattaue Well one of those companies sends him clubs to review, so I'd imagine if push came to shove, where he'd put his allegiance
Why is there an ATM in the hitting bay?
People don’t seem to understand this lawsuit. It’s not about them being the exact same type of clubs, it’s the way that Costco marketed them and used tailor-made technology as a reference that is causing the lawsuit
What is the handicap range for these Costco clubs?
Is TM also going to sue Caley? There irons look very similar too, the 01.
Which leads me to a head-to-head testing of Costco vs Caley. The Caley is an extra $100, but comes with a better shaft.
How about comparing Cosco with a lesser manufacturer like Cleveland?
I play old oversized cavity irons, Taylormade burners from the early 90s and aside from lower loft/more distance from newer irons of the same number, I honestly don’t see much advantage. I wish someone still made an oversized cavity honestly.
I’m thinking of changing my 12 yr old yonex irons and tried the p790s and titlteist t200 & t350. You’re right , there’s little difference, in fact the TM were a little shorter. They all felt harder and more snicky to me, not a fan. But the t350 are 5 to 10 yards longer but that’s through less loft not clever design. I may as well try and get the Costco irons .
@@purangesmith9053If they aren’t broke, don’t fix them. I was thinking about new irons, but have gone all in on the old ones. They work, they stay in the bag. 👍🏼
Why Taylor Made didn’t sue every brands that build hollow body clubs ? The differences won’t be larger with a ping or a cobra. Ok if you compare with other mass market retail brands you can find clubs in this category that are more different than the P790 like the new decathlon inesis 500 v2 issued this week that looks very different and perform allegedly better than the P790 (smash 1.45). Patent infringements trials became a big source of revenues and fame in the us.
Kinda like when Adams was suing TM for copyright infringement on their hybrids and TM just bought them?
When will Costco irons be back in stock?
Hey James if you had $500 to spend on new irons between the Kirkland irons or the Takomo 101 irons which would you prefer?
I’m not James, but to answer your question, Takomo. Kirkland irons are just straight up tacky in comparison. Just the enormous Kirkland Signature logo plastered on the irons would be enough for me to lean Takomo, which actually look classy and premium.
Maltby ts1 im
False advertisement by Costco? Good luck Taylormade, Costco does not advertise, word of mouth only.
Name brand buyers won't buy Kirkland, even if they are better. You can't show off with the Kirkland tag.
However, they may buy a Kirkland set for house guests, etc...
Rumor is that Callaway is manufacturing the Costco branded golf products.
If a lawyer brought 6 manufacturer's irons in, case would be dismissed in about 7 seconds.
I was hoping he would talk more. I love when things are way over explained
These are also SMT 579 irons. It’s an open design
Honestly I just think it’s funny people think the 2 clubs look the same. You could say that about 90% of the muscle backs ever made then…? Every company has stolen designs from previous club makers. The actual design hasn’t changed much since the 80s with blade type irons.
Taylormades 2024 clubs are irrelevant and overpriced. So the knee- jerk reaction by Taylormade is to file a frivolous law suit against the small guys in the limelight.
The basic fact is TM have to take into consideration all the revenue they have to set aside for paying their Staff Pro's. Of which they seem to be adding constantly.
Costco do not need this so can spend money on R&D and still sell at low prices.
Kirkland have charged a more premium price on their putter, so they are not all about the cheapness, they make quality products...Would you ever see a scratch player using them, doubtful but they would be great for 5 and above...I bought the set of wedges 3 months ago to replace my old MG3 wedges and they are every bit as good..
Do the Both Clubs have the Same Loft?
Only reason Taylormade should sue Costco is to try get new golfers to buy Kirkland’s, then if they get into golf, want to spend more they see this comparison so upgrade to the p790s
Interesting as the TM has 1 degree more loft in the 4 iron at 21
The KS 4 iron didn't seem to be as consistent as the TM. I am guessing the QC isn't as good. I don't think the KS really look that closer to the TM irons, whatever the KS filler is, it isn't the same as the TM filler.
i stopped playing golf for 6 years until recently (played solid for 22 yrs) when i returned i started researching clubs and cant believe the prices of irons now. six years ago £650 for 4-pw premium irons, now £1199 for 5 or 6-pw. good on costco for a premium set c/w good shafts and grips for £500
😊
If we aren't making consistent contact the ball and the club aren't the problem. Chase your swing not the equipment.
For what's it worth. I am about a 5 hdcp. I played the P790's and switched to the Kirkland. The Kirkland's are better. $499 and if Taylormade is smart they close their lawsuit before they piss off Costco and Costco starts destroying the golf industry.
I wish, not available any more online...
It seems . While watching it . That your swing are not consistent. The first 4 with the 7 iron vs you're Tayler made.
I would say the same eith the 4 . Your 2 sets of swings were not the same.
To be far. You'd need a larger sample size and take the top 4 or 5 .
Definitely, but then how many shots does the average golfer hit. Certainly a different IMO
@@JamesRobinsonGolf well now. If you're like me and really depends on the day . Lolol
Allot
Pretty crappy that Taylormade has completely ruined this for the golfer who can't afford the 790's. You actually can't find any Kirkland golf clubs on Costco's site currently. I was telling my cousin about these because he is sorely in need of new irons, but can't afford the brand name higher prices. I wasn't a Taylormade fan before, and now I'm definitely not now.
i bought the lynx irons just like these. very good set of irons, looks better than kirkland
TaylorMade is upset that they made a club similar to theirs and at a cheaper price. They are going to lose customers and money because people will buy the Kirkland Signature's rather than the TaylorMade's. If i was in the market for a new set then yeah I would buy the Kirkland before the TaylorMade. Caley golf, Takomo, Under 70, or even Maltby I would buy before TaylorMade, Callaway or other OEM brand name. I have Cleveland irons I bought a couple of years ago are still great got fitted but to me the price over 1k for irons is ridiculous. So yeah I would buy or look at the other DTC models. I have seen the cross sections and I dont see how they have a case to be honest
This is one fight Taylormade is going to lose.
Costco is probably making more money per iron set than Taylormade. Anyone that works in the golf manufacturing business knows that there is a massive markup on golf clubs. 2/3 of the price of a new club goes to marketing. It’s the only way they can stay in business! I’ve been playing golf for over 50 years and average changing clubs about every 9 to 10 years. Costco isn’t spending anything on advertising and are probably making 70% profit on these clubs. RUclips does all their advertising for free. Wonderful concept.
Costco lawyers are back peddling already in their response to the lawsuit. Saying that they trusted an outside source to provide their clubs and that they should not be held accountable for any patent infringements . It’s exactly what they did when they lost their case against Titleist. Take it as you want but if you check Costco has been sued hundreds of time over this exact same thing in the last 25 years . They seem to take advantage of their position and blatantly disregard others patents. By being such a large company intimidating other companies. Hopefully Taylormade gets deep into Costco pockets .
Source?
Taylormade are hypocrites. They stole technology too.
It's not t valid test until you put the same shaft and grip in each head, and match the swingweights. Until then, too many variables...
Absolute nonsense.
Do you think maybe with constantly hitting the same club, it could create a vibration within the club head ? I feel like that's why they probably have the hollow pockets still filled with foam or rubber.
But in real life, unless you really duff your shot, your not using that same club again for another 10-30 min. And jostling around in the bag will also dampen prolonged vibrationgs inside the club head.
As well with human testing there is fatigue, which we all feel it at different rates and quantities, it's also a variable.
It would be interesting to see if any kind of different ball combinations would work better or less with the Kirklands.
I didn't catch what balls you where shooting, maybe a Kirkland ball and club would work even better ?
The average player wouldn’t no the difference with almost any club
It all comes down to can I hit them fairly consistently
this is what you get when your not paying for tiger woods last divorce and some professional playing clubs that no one on here can buy, the costco looks a lot better, i swung a few and they are solid as fuck
This test is subjective. I'd like to see the clubs compared with a one of those mechanical swing machines that can reproduce each swing & hit exactly the same to measure each club's true performance and any deviation. That seems to only way to truly test any difference. Most people's swings are not consistent enough to appreciate any difference that may be included.
Are they same loft???
I'm a big fan of Taylor made but not so much their newest stuff I still like their stuff from 10 years ago or so..