Has anybody ever...

[Snake]

...A/B'ed a name brand club with a "based on" club (not an outright counterfit)? For example: Cleveland HiBore vs. Diamond Tour Tour Response No Low or Taylor Made R5 Dual vs. Pinemeadow Command Q2 . I have recently resumed playing golf after about a 20 year hiatus. Since I am extremely rusty, I bought a set of Pinemeadow clubs to re-learn on and I'm really happy with them. But I'm curious as to how these types of clubs compare to the clubs they are based on by someone who could actually tell the difference. Muchas gracias!

[Genericity]

Basically how I understand it is that two things really differ with counterfeit/knock offs vs. the major equip. manufacturers.

First is the materials aren't as good. i.e. the metal composites are not as optimized or as pure as that used by a major equip. manufacturer. I think it is purely cost based (Costs more to use the good stuff like titanium vs. steel).

Secondly is that the quality control and consistency throughout the product line is usually of a lower quality. Things that may affect club play like swing weight, lofts, metal thickness, etc. may be different from two clubs that are supposed to be "identical."

Additionally major equip. manufactuers conduct alot more R&D.;