Heard of Maltby/Golfworks?

[WUTiger]

Maltby/GolfWorks has basically three parts to its operation.

First, it serves as a wholesaler and retailer of standard golf components such as shafts, grips and golf shop assembly hardware and related materials. They handle wholesaling for True Temper, Mitsubishi, KGB and most major shaft makers, as well as some Maltby in-house shaft designs. (Note: They do not handle proprietary shaft models custom made for a specific OEM club model - no Callaway-only or TaylorMade-only shafts).

Second, it produces component heads for all categories of golf clubs. They do all their head design in-house. You can got direct-to-customer to them and have them build the clubs for you, or you can get the components and do it yourself. Related to head design is testing of OEM irons and shafts to get the Maltby Playability Factor ratings.

In our area, if you want a reshaft, smaller golf shop will often have you order the shafts and grips from GolfWorks and bring them to the shop once they arrive.

Third, it has basic through advanced training on club and shaft fitting, assembly and repair. Along with brand specialty schools offered by OEM such as Callaway and TaylorMade, the GolfWorks Academy is a major source of professional training in this area.

I attended the basic three-day fitting, assembly and repair course in 2012. Half the class were OJT industry pros, the other half (including me) were golf hobbyists who wanted to learn more about working on clubs.

As far as Maltby-component clubs, they are durable and can undercut the major club manufacturers by 25-50% on cost. Only drawback: resale or trade-in value is not very high, outside the Maltby users community.

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History note: Golf Galaxy bought the Maltby/GolfWorks operation in 2006, and Dick's Sporting Goods bought the Galaxy operation in 2007. Original owner and designer Ralph Maltby is largely retired.

[dufferifick]

I used Maltby MO4s, forged musclebacks to win my club championship in 2007,

The competition wasn't too keen during that year. 

[4zim]

Well, on the second hole yesterday, the head of my 7i broke off and flew half way down the fairway. I guess too much repeated trauma…

I am likely going to get a new set of Maltby clubs since the price can’t be beat. The irons/shaft I’m using now were off the rack and don’t seem right for me. Will likely go with the STI2 and just need to decide on a shaft. 
 

I’m headed to Ottawa in 2 weeks where Maltby have a shop and do fittings. Hopefully I can get in and pick the right shaft for me from the paks they offer. Hard to beat the price, especially at this point in my golf journey. 

[bcannon0521]

I am in the market for some new irons. I have been looking at the Maltby line and trying to figure out which ones I should go with. I need budget friendly thats why I am looking into these. Currently I play old Callaway razr X irons with true temper shafts. What is the recommendation for game improvement and forgiveness

[ChetlovesMer]

15 hours ago, bcannon0521 said:

What is the recommendation for game improvement and forgiveness

What ever you do, ignore the Maltby Playablity Factor. 30 years ago that was exposed as total nonsense. It is even more nonsense now. I'm always shocked when somebody brings that up. 

[Deepred]

On 9/15/2024 at 9:51 PM, bcannon0521 said:

I am in the market for some new irons. I have been looking at the Maltby line and trying to figure out which ones I should go with. I need budget friendly thats why I am looking into these. Currently I play old Callaway razr X irons with true temper shafts. What is the recommendation for game improvement and forgiveness

All of their designs are very forgiving. If you tend to miss on the toe side and those shots end up short and right. The KE4 Max or the KE4Tour+ will greatly improve those misses.

The design philosophy of all the Maltby clubs is center of gravity below the ball centerline and the clubs horizontal center in the center of the club face. Most Callaway clubs are designed the to the same basic idea. 
The Golfworks customer service staff usually does a good job of answering questions. 
 

[WillieT]

On 9/16/2024 at 1:27 PM, ChetlovesMer said:

What ever you do, ignore the Maltby Playablity Factor. 30 years ago that was exposed as total nonsense.

I’ve bought club repair supplies from Golfworks and it’s always been quality stuff.  Dipped into the build mode for a few clubs as part of an experiment - used their TS1 forged heads (8i-9i-PW) along with Apollo shafts  - long story short the clubs turned out well and fit my game well.  Regarding the Maltby Playability Factor table - I’ve tried to understand it and how they arrived at the numbers.  I am still confused….

[ChetlovesMer]

12 hours ago, WillieT said:

I’ve bought club repair supplies from Golfworks and it’s always been quality stuff.  Dipped into the build mode for a few clubs as part of an experiment - used their TS1 forged heads (8i-9i-PW) along with Apollo shafts  - long story short the clubs turned out well and fit my game well.  Regarding the Maltby Playability Factor table - I’ve tried to understand it and how they arrived at the numbers.  I am still confused….

I lifetime ago, early to mid-90's I actually took a club fitting and building course. I remember learning a lot and we all got to build up at least one set of clubs. I actually built three sets. I fit a set for myself, a friend and my dad and built up sets from components. It was a good time and interesting as well. 

Anyway, we used all Dynacraft and Maltby components. It was a really good value back in those days. I played those clubs for several years. I still have the Dynacraft putter around here someplace.

The funny part was one of the first things we were taught in class was to ignore the Maltby Playability Factors. 👍😁👍