Trying clubs without buying

[Alohaed]

Hi all,
I, hopefully, this spring would like to get fitted for new irons at my proshop. Yet there are a number of brands/models I would like to try and would like to narrow it down to only a few . If I go to Golfsmith or Golf Galaxy, should there be a problem with me hitting some balls with a few brands, yet not purchasing? Would they pressure me to buy? I will however maybe buy a pair of gloves and/or a box of balls which I need anyway.

[sean_miller]

Be honest and polite and there shouldn't be a problem. Just don't waste too much of their time if you plan on getting the clubs on-line or off ebay. Most sets will have a demo version or you can get them taped up (which is never quite like hitting them uncovered - like having ____ with a ____ on).

[Dub]

It can be tough sometimes.

I had to demo some G10's, the current iron, at the time I was being fitted for my G5's(previous model).

It was not a very large difference..maybe a tad higher flight.

They may or may not let you demo a set. Truthfully, most of my club testing has been with other peoples stcks while playing or after a round. It pays to play with fellow club hos.

[Alohaed]

As I said, I plan on purchasing them at my proshop. Yet do not want to waste hours hitting many brands and models. I figure I would hit a couple in one store, then in another. Another reason, for my handicap, my fitters said I should not even think about AP1s, etc. Yet I would like to get the feel of them and see if I can actually hit them decent, along with MP52s, MP57s and Ping I15s. My iron play isn't all that bad. If I they are ok, I can at least try them with my local pro using their launch montor. THEN, if I don't like the feel of these, and/or aren't hitting them that well, I won't even bother at the fitting. I still obviously will use what is recommended after the monitor shows how I am hitting.

[sean_miller]

It sounds like you're getting some valuable information on retailers and so called clubfitters along the way.

If it was me, I'd avoid the person who vetoed AP1s based on handicap. Ask them at what handicap you should get the AP1s. If he or she answers with a straight face, leave the store. Someone who honestly believes the Titleist AP1s will eventually be the best fit for you (versus another typical mid-hdcp iron), then why not fit you for them, right then and there, and work with you to improve your game? It all sounds like BS to me.

It sounds like they have a plan for you to buy new irons with every slight improvement in your swing and drop in hdcp.

[Alohaed]

You maybe right. But this place is very reputable. Used by many golfers I know. Maybe they WILL let me hit some AP1s, MP57s, etc. They did mention once about mixing a set. And I look at it like my skis. Although, at the time, I was an intermediat skier, I purchased a set of advanced, to expert skis to force myself to improve. Rather than spend the money each skiing level I achieve for new skis. AND I only skied maybe 4 times per year. Whereas I golf dozens of times yearly. Although it can be different, as for the forgivness of the club, MOIs, offsets, etc. I DO want to enjoy the game too. But if demoing the clubs and the statistics show better shots with GI clubs, than what I want to hit, then I have no problem going with the GIs. I just want to see if I AM capable of hitting more advanced clubs.

[Dad-2-3]

Reputable or not, I wouldn't give my $$$ to someone who won't let me hit the clubs I want to hit.

[Alohaed]

I don't want to give the wrong impression of my proshop. I never said they won't let me hit any clubs I want. Sorry about that. I guess I am taking it the wrong way, because they want what is best for me. They simply said I shouldn't do the AP1s and also said I should not go with any brand or model in mind and let them(watching and monitoring me) decide what is best for my game. I will tell them I want to try those irons I have in mind though. Then if they won't let me, I will go elsewhere. I do agree with all you on that. Like I said, if it does appear those aren't the clubs for me, I will gladly go with with GIs, like the TM R9, or similar. Hey, I get frustrated enough with bad shots. So I won't be buying anything I can't hit, or that doesn't feel right. I ain't THAT crazy. : )

[Wahoo]

Hi all,

At my local Golfsmith, they don't seem to care if I just walk into the launch area and hit some of their demo clubs. If you show up when they aren't busy, and don't spend too long in there, I don't think it will be problem (this may vary from store to store).

[jamo]

They would certainly pressure you, but if they're good salesmen, they will let you hit as many as you want in hopes of getting you to buy. A happy customer is a paying customer.

[kpaulhus]

I can walk into my Golf Galaxy here in Jax, pick up any club in the store, tape it up and hit 20 balls. Put it back, buy one golf ball and they have no problem with me being there. I am in their Advantage club and usually kill them with coupons or rewards points so they know who I am lol. I got my Callaway uPro for under $300 because I saved up some coupons.

[Gioguy21]

I actually went to Golf Galaxy a week ago, hit just about every new iron that came out and flat out told him I could get a better deal on some Burner's elsewhere...he didn't care, in fact asked so he could try to get a set haha...more often than not I think yes, they are interested and aim for making money in their own store BUT they know if you have an enjoyable experience and help you, you'll indeed be back. Even if it's for balls, tees, or anything else...

[jamo]

I can walk into my Golf Galaxy here in Jax, pick up any club in the store, tape it up and hit 20 balls. Put it back, buy one golf ball and they have no problem with me being there. I am in their Advantage club and usually kill them with coupons or rewards points so they know who I am lol. I got my Callaway uPro for under $300 because I saved up some coupons.

Some times when i'm near a Golfers Warehouse (similar to Golf Galaxy) i just pop in and hit some balls. I can have a mini range session without buying anything. No one ever says anything, i buy so much stuff there.

[WUTiger]

Until about 2008, the big-name club makers would let you rent a set of demo clubs for $50 or $70, ship it to a local GG or GD, and you could test them out on range and home course for a couple of days - see what the head model + particular shaft did together. Also, if you bought a similar new set, the $$ applied to your purchase price.

A guy I play with said a friend of his played a different set about eight rounds in a row, testing things out to find his ideal set. (I hear that Mr. Eight went overboard on this compared to most people.)

Unfortunately, most companies stopped this last year, right about the time I decided to refit my clubs.

[kurisu]

If someone tells you the AP1s are not for a 30 handicap, then go see someone else.

I started 6 months ago with an old set of Cobra oversized irons from the 90's I borrowed, and when I had to give them back, I purchased the AP1s, and guess what, I hit them just fine, thank you very much.
Sure, I could play something easier, but I intentionally picked something that I could use and grow into for quite a while.

I say buy whatever you want if you feel you'll be able to master them with hard work and dedication. I'm not suggesting you buy blades, but buy something that you can feel comfortable with NOW, and that will still prove enough of a challenge to motivate you to work hard at it.

[Shanks A Million]

What's funny is, I buy clubs without trying them. It's all about how they look, proper fitting takes care of the rest.

But that being said, I would never trust a store that doesn't let you demo clubs. The only club in my bag I hit before I bought was the driver.

[tweaky]

As a clubfitter/maker I would build you a demo of whatever club you wanted based on the data we would assemble and let you decide whether you wanted to buy or not. I've been doing that for years and it works out for both of us. You get more useful, fact-based info (knowledge) and I build a database of clients with different swing types that help me to better fit future clients. I'm not a salesman, I don't have quotas, my overhead is low. No corporation standing over me. I can custom order hand-picked components to the specs I want from my suppliers- Alpha,SMT, KZG, Wishon, Nakashima, and more and be confident that they will come thru because they want their product to "get out there" without paying a pro to use them thus causing them to raise their prices in order to be competitive.
RANT RANT RANT
Sorry!
I'll step down now...
...for the moment...

[B Keller]

As a clubfitter/maker I would build you a demo of whatever club you wanted based on the data we would assemble and let you decide whether you wanted to buy or not. I've been doing that for years and it works out for both of us. You get more useful, fact-based info (knowledge) and I build a database of clients with different swing types that help me to better fit future clients. I'm not a salesman, I don't have quotas, my overhead is low. No corporation standing over me. I can custom order hand-picked components to the specs I want from my suppliers- Alpha,SMT, KZG, Wishon, Nakashima, and more and be confident that they will come thru because they want their product to "get out there" without paying a pro to use them thus causing them to raise their prices in order to be competitive.

Very similar to my experience when I got fitted. It was great and I love the new equipment.