Golf digest "obsolete list"

[Meddle]

Anybody else have reactions/objections to the list? If you haven't seen it, here's the link: http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equip.../obsolete-list

I was pretty shocked to find my irons on there, released in 2008, and now considered "obsolete". I'd really like to know what criteria are taken into consideration in making this list. It's a pretty good idea for an article though, they should just be more specific regarding how they judge the clubs, like they are with the "hot list".
Also, the fact that they said in the magazine that there would be an expanded list of clubs online, except that there isn't, is upsetting.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Titleist 775's are still on there. Stricker still uses those, i belive.

[Shindig]

I like how the online version doesn't give the battery that says how much life is left in them.

I like how a driver I've been thinking of picking up is on the obsolete list.

Well, if this causes more people to trade theirs in, it will create a larger supply and might diminish demand for the clubs. Since I want to buy one on that list, I approve of this happening, as it should result in a lower price and greater selection for me.

[Randy4h]

Since a huge amount of advertising dollars in Golf Digest comes from club manufacturers, I'm not surprised there would be an article telling you that you should really be buying new clubs, and not to use those "obsolete" clubs you bought two years ago. Since the number of new golfers has leveled off (or even dropped) the manufacturers are having a tough go of it right now. Golf digest, and other publications, know who pays the freight.

[Pete405]

I don't know why anyone would really care about such a ridiculous list.... If you like a certain club/clubs whats the difference if their considered "obsolete"?? I just now got rid of my Taylor Made Firesole Irons, and Driver and i'm sure those would be considered BEYOND obsolete. My nephew is actually playing with my irons and he absolutely loves them.

[Hollister]

Pah, I don't care. My irons are a 2001 design and not really comparable to the Ben Hogan FTX. But they are really beautiful and I do not intend the abandon them any time soon.

I had to buy a new driver because of the regulations to enter a tournament (TM 540XD). I was really upset then.

When hitting a single digit handicap, I am willing to reconsider...

[Gordon McTavish]

This is why I consider Golf Digest advice to be redundant. From the hybrid page, regarding the Mizuno MP Fli-Hi: "We don't consider iron-like hybrids for the Hot List anymore. They're too hard to hit." Then why is the Ping G15, "Shaped like an iron with a large appendage on the back," making an appearance on the 2010 Hot List?

[uttexas]

Golf digest is obsolete. They are now catering to the wealthiest 1% of golfers more than ever. I can't read their swing tips anymore--they haven't kept up with modern and more accurate ball flight laws.

They are obviously trying to get their readers into the habit of buying new drivers and irons every two to three years (ridiculous)

[Leftygolfer]

What a joke. Technology hasn't changed hardly at all. I bought a new driver this year thinking it is time and I went back to my old one. I just got the 775s and they are nice clubs.

[Hollister]

  uttexas said:

Golf digest is obsolete. ...

Make that every year... I hate printed golf mags - you can not see things in action, and you have to try the stuff for yourself anyway. Moreover, they are mostly outdated. Hurray to the internet mags and forums!

Back to the topic: can't see why a 20+ handicapper like me needs the up-to-date gear. I need practice and tuition. That way I can gain the 15+ yards on my driver much cheaper.

[Shindig]

  Hollister said:

I had to buy a new driver because of the regulations to enter a tournament (TM 540XD). I was really upset then.

Do you mind if I ask why you had to change drivers? I'm just a bit confused by this, and want to be forewarned in case I end up needing to do the same.

(unrelated: great user icon!)

[Shorty]

What adisgustiung and shamelss piece of "journalism", sucking up to the manufacturers who obviously aren't selling as much as they'd like to. Apparently, Mizuno MP-60 irons are "OK to use". Makes me sick.

[Deryck Griffith]

  Shorty said:

Apparently, Mizuno MP-60 irons are "OK to use". Makes me sick.

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw that. That has to be the craziest thing I have ever seen.

[Hollister]

  Shindig said:

Do you mind if I ask why you had to change drivers? I'm just a bit confused by this, and want to be forewarned in case I end up needing to do the same.

Ooops - not really related to this post, but surely obsolete clubs. The face of my driver was too springy for tournament use - and my model did not have the needed grooves on its face... Here is the official list of

nonconforming drivers . Yours is not on the list, but be aware when buying a used older driver.

[sean_miller]

I agree with upgrading drivers. A lot of the first generation oversized game improvement "clown shoes" were not good - IMO. Plus the new ones are so thin, they probably do wear out.

I've said it many times: people who attempt to buy a fix for an inefficient swing (and a lack of practice) will always shell out big dollars for the newest "high tech" golf placebos. Some of the clubs listed are obsolete, but most aren't. The gimmicky crap ones always have a short shelf live. Some soon-to-be obsolete models out right now are easy to spot. Look at which ones wouldn't be worth the cost to dismantle them to recycle the metal.

Note: most of the equipment listed in the "best looking irons" thread is very timeless - it'll never be obsolete.

[endrant/]

[goblue107501]

As said before, that is nothing but a ploy to get people to think their stuff isn't good anymore and buy new stuff. I have two clubs that are so old they are beyond obsolete. The 983 driver is 7 years old and the Callaway 3-wood is 15 years old. There isn't a thing wrong with either of them. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again. I will not get rid of either until I can find something that I can hit further, straighter, and more consistent. Quite frankly, such a club does not exist for me. If it does, I wouldn't be able to pay what is needed to buy it anyway so I don't even bother.

There is nothing wrong with your clubs that are a little old. Yes, there are some technology advances and there might be better clubs out there, but if you can't hit them better, what does it matter.

[jamo]

I believe my mother put it best when she said: "it sounds like the manufacturers made this up to get people to buy new clubs." Basically mom, yes.

[basesloaded190]

  DavidFehertysBike said:

Titleist 775's are still on there. Stricker still uses those, i belive.

Stricker uses the 755's. Only reason i know is because i too play those.