Golf Digest Hot List 2010

[Meddle]

Guys, I highly doubt that Golf Digest is getting paid off by brand name golf companies. That said, the technologies used by even knock-off companies are very similar, so I expect that the differential for these clubs when tested are small. Still, look/feel, performance (even if it is just and extra 5 yards), innovation, and the other categories all make sense and are really important when looking for a new set of clubs. GD isn't telling anyone that they will knock of 5 from their handicap if they buy new clubs, just which ones perform and look the best out there.

[jamo]

Oh wait, then again, I play two sets of irons that are more than 10 years old. lol

My name is Nike MachSpeed, take me to to your leader...

[RandomRaiderTTU]

I looked over a few things in the hot list.

Overall I wasn't that impressed. Seems to me that there is a lot of variance on each item.

About the only thing I came away with wanting to look at after reading that is the new Cleveland CG15 wedges.

For the person who wanted a review on the i15.

I recently bought a new driver and the i15 was in my top 3. A very sweet swinging club. In fact, based on feel alone, it might have been tops in my threesome.

Now, to find that, I went to PGA Superstore and hit everything they had. Settled on the Ping i15, Adams Speedline 9032LS, and the R9 460. Just didn't seem to get the distance out of the i15 was my only knock, but it's still high on my list.

[sean_miller]

Blades and long irons are dead. If you have them you should throw them in the garbage.

Or better yet, recycle them, by sending them to me!!!

Persimmon woods with S rated steel shafts and blade and mallet putters? Dead. Send those too.

[wolverine_man]

My name is Nike MachSpeed, take me to to your leader...

I just lol'd

[rebby]

Blades and long irons are dead. If you have them you should throw them in the garbage.

Don't forget, the 3-wood is dead too. That's just nuts! The guys at GD would HATE my bag!

[kfowler]

I was reading the new equipment issue in Golf Digest last night. One thing that caught my eye was an article they plan on doing in May on if your equipment is outdated and costing you strokes. For example, they said if your driver is over two years old, you're technology is outdated and you're leaving strokes on the course.

I think this will be pretty interesting to see. I've got two TM Dual Rescue Circa 2005 that I've been wandering about. It'll really be fun to contrast to my Dad who kept the same irons for 20+ years. He's updated himself quite a bit recently but still.

[sean_miller]

I'd wager a dollar this is a concerted effort to get people into the golf shops, replacing perfectly good clubs. Hey GD, you can't squeeze blood from a stone. Unless you're a mini-tour players or a top (way up there) amateurs, spend your money on the course. The beer cart girl and your local PGA professional need your money more than the CEOs at Adidas and Acushnet.

How many people gaming $400 drivers, $200 3-woods (why is a quality driver 2 x the price of a similar fairway wood - WTF?), $1200 iron sets, two or three $100 wedges, a $250 putter, and hitting $5 balls are actively working on their overall games by getting lessons (including video analysis) and working on their fitness (including leg and core stregth and flexibility).

There are no magic bullets.

[B Keller]

I look forward to reading the HL, ball test and this list, but it is informational only. I don't plan purchases on an ad generated magazine.

I look for real person reviews, my own experience, and pro advice.

[Clambake]

it is bull crap they are bribed and unfortunately most golf companies do this there was actually an

Ah, if it was on the web, then it must be true......

[B Keller]

it is bull crap they are bribed and unfortunately most golf companies do this there was actually an article on this on the web.

I read that article too. IF true it is disturbing and I would love to know who did it.

But as it is, it is just another website so it must be taken with a grain of salt.

[plugged]

I can't believe the rancor on this thread. The Hot List, while not not incorporating a rigorous scientific methodology, at least is more objective and incorporates a better cross-section of reviewers (PhD's high-, low-, and mid-HC'ers, editors) than the average "hey, me and my two buddies looked at tihs driver and we like it a lot" type of review. Consequently, I give their review at least as much attention, if not more, than anything I read elsewhere. It is very difficult to have a completely objective evaluation of any golf equipment since it is such a subjective issue.

I would also say that this type of review is a great public service. The average golfer (avid and casual combined) probably changes out their clubs every 5-7 years and individual clubs every 2-3 years. That's a lot of clubs that will be sold regardless of whether the Hot List is published or not. At least this gives folks a place to start (or supplement) their research.

[Quinn07]

I honestly read the Hot List for more of the enjoyment to see how they rank the products than to see what I should buy based on their rankings. Regardless of how the products end on the list, it really comes down to what clubs feel good to me and do they work for me. I just happen to enjoy the feel of Callaway equipment and can't really complain with their performance. There is a big box store up here in the north called Golf Town that actually tries and use the Hot List as a marketing tool and often displays the "Gold" emblem from the Hot List with the product listing in the store. I assume there are people who shop based on this evaluation, just curious if anyone on the forum does...

[Leftygolfer]

There is no doubt that there is a huge bias towards the big guys. It is a very biased review of clubs and only favors ........It is about as unbiased as MSNBC.

[Shindig]

To me, the hot list is a great way to find which clubs to get used in a year or two. That reminds me, I'll soon need to dig up the 2008 hot list.

There is no doubt that there is a huge bias towards the big guys.

Which is why Titleist is always getting gold metals, and companies like Tour Edge barely get mentioned?

[sean_miller]

To me, the hot list is a great way to find which clubs to get used in a year or two. That reminds me, I'll soon need to dig up the 2008 hot list.

They could give Tour Edge a Platinum Medal - they don't sell it where I live.

[plugged]

They could give Tour Edge a Platinum Medal - they don't sell it where I live.

And there it is. The Hot List could tout the most obscure makerin the world, but what good is it going to do if nobody can try them out.

BTW, I did read a quote in this year's comments that just about all the big boys make quality equipment, so the differences are usually very subtle.

[Shorty]

as far as i know the ball test comes the moth after the hot list, at least that's how it worked last year.

Why should the Titleist drivers have received silver rather than gold? Just because they sponsor a million players and spend gazillions on advertising doesn't mean they are better than other companys' offerings.