Question:
Buy and play the knock-offs! I have a Big Bertha Knockoff called… <snip
Oooohhh, the boys down in Austin would cringe if they heard you call their clubs knock-offs! Golfsmith has been a prominent designer and supplier of golf club components for quite some time, and they are a very vocal opponent of "clones". They’ve earned a strong reputation in golf not by copying someone else’s designs and manufacturing cheap look-a-likes, but by providing a very good selection of high quality products at reasonable prices. I HIGHLY recommend them! — JIM TYKAL independent clubmaker http://www.mcs.net/~jtykal/golf.html Tel(847)884-5917 * Fax(847)884-7513
Response:
A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Jim: First off…where is this new store (from your e-mail address I assume you are here in Canada somewhere..(please say Ontario)) Secondly, from what I have read recently (and I have read ALOT) you can’t go wrong with components. Sure they don’t have the name on them, but I bet that they will be built a little better (ie swingweight, flex etc.) I plan on building a set of Dynacraft clubs in the nest few weeks. Good luck Candu Kid
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Jim: First off…where is this new store (from your e-mail address I assume you are here in Canada somewhere..(please say Ontario))
It’s in Vancouver. I just received my 97 catalog, a month later than our US friends, and called the Canadian 800 number. I was routed to the US where I was told that a Canadian price supplement would be mailed out in the next month or so. Secondly, from what I have read recently (and I have read ALOT) you can’t go wrong with components. Sure they don’t have the name on them, but I bet that they will be built a little better (ie swingweight, flex etc.) I plan on building a set of Dynacraft clubs in the nest few weeks.
If you aren’t already aware, there is a Canadian Dynacraft distributor. They are Criterion Golf and are located in Ottawa which is really convenient for me since I can save shipping costs. You can reach them at 1-800-387-5331 or http://www.criteriongolf.com. … John — My opinions are my own, until they’re worth something, at which point they become the property of my employers.
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Jim: First off…where is this new store (from your e-mail address I assume you are here in Canada somewhere..(please say Ontario)) It’s in Vancouver. I just received my 97 catalog, a month later than our US friends, and called the Canadian 800 number.
More specifically, the new Golfsmith store is in Richmond, BC, a suburb of Vancouver (and location of YVR-Vancouver International Airport). The store is about 30,000 sq. ft., and has a wonderful array of equipment, clothes, etc. They told me they also have an additional 20,000 sq. ft. of warehouse because they will be the distribution point for Canada. BTW, their 800# is 800-396-0099. From the post above it sounds like if you’re in Canada they will send you a C$ price list. Sorry, Ontario:-)
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I would also highly recommend the Golfsmith stuff. I’m on my second set and ADORE them. I built a set of RMC 270 irons with Rifle 5.5 shafts. They are great. I would not, however, buy a set of clubs assembled by GS. They charge a ton more than the components alone would cost. If you are reasonably handy – go for it, you won’t regret it. BTW, the only reason I got rid of my first set is because I enjoyed the building process a lot more than I thought I would and wanted to do it again. Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Response:
snip More specifically, the new Golfsmith store is in Richmond, BC, a suburb of Vancouver (and location of YVR-Vancouver International Airport). The store is about 30,000 sq. ft., and has a wonderful array of equipment, clothes, etc. They told me they also have an additional 20,000 sq. ft. of warehouse because they will be the distribution point for Canada. BTW, their 800# is 800-396-0099. From the post above it sounds like if you’re in Canada they will send you a C$ price list. Sorry, Ontario:-)
Sorry? this way I may be able to save some damn PST which I will have to pay when I order from Criterion (I knew about this one) Thanks to you both for the info Candu Kid "less than a month…and counting"
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In the last couple years, Golfsmith has become a "big name" in golf equipment. I, personally have not played them myself, but would consider them for my next set. I want to try and build my own, mainly for the satisfaction of making my own clubs, and secondly, because of the quality reputation they have established. — Regards, Ed Medlin I would also highly recommend the Golfsmith stuff. I’m on my second set and ADORE them. I built a set of RMC 270 irons with Rifle 5.5 shafts. They are great. I would not, however, buy a set of clubs assembled by GS. They charge a ton more than the components alone would cost. If you are reasonably handy – go for it, you won’t regret it. BTW, the only reason I got rid of my first set is because I enjoyed the building process a lot more than I thought I would and wanted to do it again. Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Response:
Buy and play the knock-offs! I have a Big Bertha Knockoff called the Big Bomber and I can just kill the ball with it. Right now my irons are Wilson 1200’s which I like, but when they get too old I’ll make my own set and play those. I have a good friend who made his own clubs and they’re sweet. Don’t get caught up in the advertisement hype. have fun, Steve
Big Bomber…. Was that made by one of the companies that recently was found guilty of illegally appropriating (*stealing*) the trade dress rights of Calloway and were forced to shut down their illegal operations? I agree "don’t get caught up in the advertising hype", but I would add "don’t get caught up in saving money if it means you have to buy from thieves", there are just too many legal alternatives. — Steve Cramer 614-885-0198 "just hit it!" -Me, on any golf course.
Dwight Williamson *** Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? *** All expressed opinions are mine and should not be otherwise construed.
Response:
A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Response:
Buy and play the knock-offs! I have a Big Bertha Knockoff called the Big Bomber and I can just kill the ball with it. Right now my irons are Wilson 1200’s which I like, but when they get too old I’ll make my own set and play those. I have a good friend who made his own clubs and they’re sweet. Don’t get caught up in the advertisement hype. have fun, Steve — Steve Cramer 614-885-0198 "just hit it!" -Me, on any golf course.
Response:
A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Jim I’ve got nothing but praise for GS clubs. As my first venture into clubmaking, I ordered 2 GS 5-irons (XPC-2000 and Trifecta), a driver (Tri-Rail) and several different shafts. The driver, shafted with a Precision UCV304 steel shaft, is without a doubt the best driver I’ve ever used – and I’ve tried lots, including Tommy Armour, Cobra and Callaway. All for around AUS$70, including the outrageous conversion rate, shipping charges and local sales tax. Not bad when you consider a Big Bertha is $400 and a GBB $800 out here. I’m going to build myself a set of XPCs and a Tri-Rail 3 wood as soon as my 97 catalog arrives. My only beef with GS is that it takes them forever to get a catalog out to Australia – 8 weeks last year, 6+ weeks and still waiting so far this year. They do, however, ship orders very quickly. Mario Mario Mirabile Melbourne, Australia
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This is kinda funny… I was using my work laptop, and fired up the newsreader program for the first time in a year. Upon exiting the program, I had 3 messages to post (from a year ago), and I missed the prompt, so they got posted…. again… So… since that time, I have built a set of the Golfsmith Forged irons, and I’m in love once again. I’m just a fickle guy… I really cannot imagine needing to buy/assemble another set; they are the
best looking clubs (to me) I have ever seen, and play beautifully. I can highly recommend them to one and all…<< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You only have one set? (g). I built and used the Tour Cavity irons last year and like them quite a bit. I just reshafted a set of Titleist Tour Models and am thinking of having my 18 yr old ones rechromed, just for nostalgic reasons. Steve C Conlon’s Custom Clubs-NJ http://www.hominyhill.com
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Ed… I have used Golfsmith clubs exclusively for the last 2 years, partly because of the value (price) and partly due to the satisfaction of assembling my own clubs. Everything from the driver to putter is from them. I just assembled my birthday present for this year, the new Tour Cavity irons (well, the PW & SW are the Forged heads), using the FM Precision Rifle shafts. I really cannot imagine needing to buy/assemble another set; they are the best looking clubs (to me) I have ever seen, and play beautifully. I can highly recommend them to one and all… Eric. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In the last couple years, Golfsmith has become a "big name" in golf equipment. I, personally have not played them myself, but would consider them for my next set. I want to try and build my own, mainly for the satisfaction of making my own clubs, and secondly, because of the quality reputation they have established. — Regards, Ed Medlin I would also highly recommend the Golfsmith stuff. I’m on my second set and ADORE them. I built a set of RMC 270 irons with Rifle 5.5 shafts. They are great. I would not, however, buy a set of clubs assembled by GS. They charge a ton more than the components alone would cost. If you are reasonably handy – go for it, you won’t regret it. BTW, the only reason I got rid of my first set is because I enjoyed the building process a lot more than I thought I would and wanted to do it again. Good luck! A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.
Response:
Greetings, Ed. I have been playing Golfsmith clubs for more than 20 years. My last set consists of the Sterling heads. Recently, I decided that it was time to try one of the "big" name brands. I tried irons by Taylor Made, Callaway, Titleist, and Cobra, but eventually I settled on Wilson’s Staff FS. I practiced and played with the Wilson’s for a few months, the whole time watching in horror as my handicap climbed. I reached a point that I went back to my Golfsmith irons, and immediatly began improving. I refuse to play with the Wilson’s again. I am selling them, and with what I make back from the sale, I am going to buy a new set of Golfsmith iron heads, probably the Tour Cavity’s, and pair them up with the same shafts that I used previously, the Grafalloy Attack. Now let me say that there is not a durn thing wrong with those Wilson Clubs. Many people have bought Staff FS irons and love them. However, you won’t go wrong with buying Golfsmith heads. I would recommend that you do not go with their shafts, but instead go with Aldila, Grafalloy, True Temper, or one of the major shaft brands, as there is a great range of quality in shafts, especially graphite. I believe that a golfer will play his best with a set of irons that most closely fills all his needs among all facets of the game most confortably. This includes full shots, half shots, punches, chipping and pitching, etc. I feel this might be why Payne Stewart, Corey Pavin, and a good number of other pros struggled when they switched club brands. Maybe they just did not "feel" right to them. One of the things I hated about those Staff FS irons was their fat topline, and their overall bulky look. I especially hated it around the greens. They just looked too fat to chip well with. I know that this may be mostly in my mind, but confidence in a club is a big part of playing well. To sum up, I believe that most if not all clubheads will be well suited to some golfers more than others. It is just one part of the club though. I believe the shaft is the heart of the club. Try to find a club head matched to a good quality shaft that has the proper flex, torque, weight, and kick point to best suit your swing. Then find the swing weight that feels the best, and the biggest part of finding the proper club for you is done. Perhaps getting all of those facets correct is a tall order for golfers. Good luck. Tim Leinweber "War does not determine who’s right, war determines who’s left." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the last couple years, Golfsmith has become a "big name" in golf equipment. I, personally have not played them myself, but would consider them for my next set. I want to try and build my own, mainly for the satisfaction of making my own clubs, and secondly, because of the quality reputation they have established. — Regards, Ed Medlin I would also highly recommend the Golfsmith stuff. I’m on my second set and ADORE them. I built a set of RMC 270 irons with Rifle 5.5 shafts. They are great. I would not, however, buy a set of clubs assembled by GS. They charge a ton more than the components alone would cost. If you are reasonably handy – go for it, you won’t regret it. BTW, the only reason I got rid of my first set is because I enjoyed the building process a lot more than I thought I would and wanted to do it again. Good luck! A very large Golfsmith retail store recently opened nearby. They seem to have a very good selection of the major brand names. They also sell their own clubs which they assemble in-house, and which are generally less expensive. Since they seem to have a good reputation for know-how and quality, I am considering purchasing their clubs. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has bought and/or used Golfsmith clubs recently, or who can offer a comparison to the major brands. Thanks.