The Best Option: Component Set or National Brand Set

[HytrewQasdfg]

The question is which is better for the average golfer: a set made from components such as Snake Eyes, Golfsmith, Maltby, Wishon, etc... (note I am not talking about clones, but component makers) or a set from a national brand such as Ping or Callaway?

By definiton a component set is customized to the golfer. Price wise, they would seem to run about the cost of a used national brand set (although I think Wishon can be pricey.) They also don't have good resale value.

National brands can be customized, but my guess is most golfers are playing the stock setup (either because of the price of customization, the clubs were bought used, or they just don't care about being fitted.) National brands are easier to resell, but they cost more to begin with.

There is also the psychologial aspect. Knowing you are playing the same brand the pros play can be a confidence booster. So though, can playing a component set that you know has been customized specificly for you.

[TyCobb]

I'll take the warranties that come with the National brand.

[glebert]

I love components, but I build my own. For the average golfer I think it is better to buy a properly fit set of name brand clubs.

[clearwaterms]

comparing used name brand to new component isn't fair. Also, considering resale in a club purchase is like considering resale in a boat purchase.

as a left handed golfer (who built his first set of component irons) the component world is more attractive as it fits my DIY nature. That being said, I have alot more options in the top tier brands for the left handed golfer.

finally, i think it varies from person to person. You should really hit them all and pick the one you like the most. that is the only way to know you are getting what you want. But don't be closed minded to certain brands or styles. In the end, golf clubs are tools. People should purchase the tools that work best for them.

I always respect the golfer who outscores me, not the one who out spends me.

[coffeediver]

My custom component set which should be ready when I get back from my scuba vacation in several weeks comes with a guarantee. One year for breakage and one month for playability satisfaction. If they cannot make it to my satisfaction by changing components I have the choice of money back minus the fitting fee.

Barry

[HytrewQasdfg]

I'll take the warranties that come with the National brand.

What gives you the impression that components don't come with a gurantee?

Plus, if you have a problem with the club it would seem to be easier to give it to the person that built it for you and have them correct it than it would be to ship the club somewhere (as you would probably have to do for a national brand.)

[HytrewQasdfg]

I love components, but I build my own. For the average golfer I think it is better to buy a properly fit set of name brand clubs.

I'm not sure I follow your logic. I agree that for the average golfer, building their clubs is not worth the trouble (or a wise move.)

But if they have the clubs built by someone, it would seem to me they would be just as well fit as a national brand. Actually, given that the component builder would have a wider array of shaft choices, they would probably be better fit.

[RocketSauce]

i dont think it really matters for the average golfer either way. if $$$ isnt an issue, then go for the name brand. if $$$ is an issue, get components. but for the AVERAGE golfer, i really dont think it makes much of a difference either way. there are some damn good components out there these days

[cigarnut81]

I'll take the warranties that come with the National brand.

Custom clubmaking supply companies such as Wishon Golf have a warranty as good as any brand name company!

Being custom fit is the best thing you can do for your golf game! A true custom fitting is impossible with the big brand golf clubs!

[clearwaterms]

Custom clubmaking supply companies such as Wishon Golf have a warranty as good as any brand name company!

Srixon offers head only packages to certified fitters.

True component club fitters are expensive. They choose top of the line components, Wishon, SMT, Srixon, KZG, etc. When comparing these clubs to top tier clubs, the price gap starts to close very quickly. The value is much more apparent in clubs from Hireko, golf works, etc. That doesn't mean they are bad clubs. But its worth noting that not all component clubs offer the same value that the original poster talks about.

[Lefty22]

A true custom fitting is impossible with the big brand golf clubs!

I believe this is incorrect.

One word - PING

[IcemanYVR]

A true custom fitting is impossible with the big brand golf clubs!

This statement is 100% false.

Companies like Mizuno and Titleist offer complete fitting. You have a complete choice of Grips, Shafts (Materials, Flexes) custom lies and lofts, and swingweight. When fit by a competent professional clubfitter, these clubs are as custom fit as possible. Another poster mentioned Ping, but I don't know the extent of their options... I would imagine them to very similar.

[Big_M]

i dont think it really matters for the average golfer either way. if $$$ isnt an issue, then go for the name brand. if $$$ is an issue, get components. but for the AVERAGE golfer, i really dont think it makes much of a difference either way. there are some damn good components out there these days

completely agree... either one is fine, just make sure you are fitted properly and get clubs that fit your game.

Custom clubmaking supply companies such as Wishon Golf have a warranty as good as any brand name company!

yes, many quality components have good warranties just as OEM's do.

NO, you are completely incorrect in the 2nd statement... You CAN get fit just as well with almost any companies clubs. I play Adams and I would suggest that my clubs fit me just as well as any golfer who goes to a Wishon clubmaker or other component clubfitter. Just for the record, there are guys out there building component clubs that don't necessarily fit "everyone" all that well... the clubfitting side is not imune to people who don't care or aren't as good at thier jobs.

[Beretta_Shooter]

For what it is worth I bought my first component club last month. It is a Maltby CT250 Pro with an Aldila NV 65 Stiff shaft. This driver is as good as any club I have ever owned. Totally changed my perspective on components.

[golf_junkie27]

You cannot go wrong with a set of component irons. As an example, one of the fitters I go to builds sets using KZG. These iron heads are double forged in Japan and are as good as any forged iron, available. (Snake Eyes also makes iron heads that go through a five-step forging process and are less than $20, each) He let me hit a set of KZG Tour Revolution Cavity Backs with Nippon Stiff Shafts and all I can say is "Wow." They felt every bit as good as both my Mizuno MP32s and Taylor Made 300s. When I asked him how much a set would cost me, the price was $500. That's for a customized set created to a specific frequency in the shaft, club weight, length, lie, lofts and grips. If I had the cash.... .

I say go for it. You can also get your wedges customized, too.

[chicagogolf]

There is no difference between national brands and components. All club heads pretty much come off the same assembly line. There are just a handful of places that produce them all. If anything, components (from reputable suppliers) are better because the iron hosels have 370 tips which allow for more customization in the shaft performance. I've played golfsmith components for years, and every time I switched to a national brand, I switched right back. Now I can't wait to get my WIshon clubs.

[chicagogolf]

or if you don't like parallel tipped shafts, you can use an adapter and stick a 355 in it. You really get the best of both worlds