Iron Set for Beginners and Clones

[Everardo]

An option I have been considering lately is going the clone route. I hear that they are pretty decent and the cost is very appealing. Another plus is that you can assemble your own golf clubs. I've been wanting to try it for years and I think this is the perfect opportunity. It would be hard to mess up and even if I do they would be cheap beginner clubs.

I've made a few comments below, hopefully they help.

1. Clones : All in all I HATE clones, they are essentially stealing another companies designs. While some clone companies quality may be better than others they are still not on par with that of the established brands. I mean really think about why they are so much cheaper. The knock off companies are not spending money on research and design and definately not much on quality control. Heck it wouldn't be hard for me to have my own brand of clubs. I'll try to find a copy of a report that an independent company did comparing clones to others. Needless to say the clones lost almost every category.
2. Components : Please do not group all component companies as clones (I know you weren't doing this just throwing this out in general.) For example I have been very selective in which component companies I offer at my shop. I offer Nakashima, Swing Science and am now adding KZG. These are all component companies that are producing their own designs and they are also commited to a high quality product for the long run.
3. Clubmaking : I'm a certified club maker and fitter and I'm still learning more everyday. While I think eventually it is a great hobby/business to get into I do NOT recommend a beginner golfer building his/her first set of clubs. Think of it this way, would you cut your own hair? This is by no means a slam on your abilities it's just that I personally do not feel that you can objectively fit yourself for a set of clubs.

Sorry for the semi-short reply, I’ll try to comment on the other items like cost when I can get some more free time.

[slackhouse]

spending money on namebrand clubs isn't for everyone. some people feel like a nike sumo is better than a clone/component because it says nike on the side. that is not necessarily the case. also, namebrand clubs cost so much money because you are willing to spend that much on their products. yes, they do r & d and that cost money. but, they also spend millions of dollars on marketing and endorsement deals.

Bottomline: if Tiger didn't use Nike clubs, we'd all be able to get them for much cheaper.

[Philbo]

Bottomline: if Tiger didn't use Nike clubs, we'd all be able to get them for much cheaper.

Not entirely true... the reality is that to be a major player in a market that is really only dominated by a few brands, you must be able to differentiate yourself in some way from competitors.

In Nike's case, they obviously have a massive marketing advantage in the form of Tiger, but they must also continue to provide great products in order for the general public to purchase them, and thus, generate revenue for the company. Endorsements, R+D etc... are a necessary evil in the world of equipment manufacturing, not to mention golf. The revenue they generate then goes back into the company to develop even better products and thus, continue to innovate. Without being in the industry, there is a reason why most of the big manufacturers set prices around the same price point, that is, because they are working along very similar margins. We have to remember that golf clubs are a luxury item and these club manufacturers cannot generate sufficient revenue by selling at high volumes and low cost. It just cannot happen, thus, they must set a high price, thus high margins and inevitably have lower turnover. "Clone" manufacturers obviously don't do this. They have no endorsement costs, use inferior products, have next to no R+D costs, and thus, are able to sell at a lower price point, albeit, i would imagin selling at a similar % margin compared to the big names. Tiger probably represents a large portion of their endorsement expenses, however, if you look at the names in the Nike stable, there aren't really that many. Compared to other brands, it seems as though others have a much larger representation, at least in terms of sponsored athletes than Nike, so cumulatively, without knowing exact figures, endorsement costs arguably be seen as being much the same across all brands. That is probably why nearly all the brands price their clubs at a similar level. Although i do partially agree that the Tiger factor will probably make the clubs more desirable for some, they still must set them at a price that represents their value. Ie. just because Tiger uses them doesn't mean you can set them at $1 million dollars, nor does it mean that they can set prices below cost. the price of clubs, whether consciously or subconsciously will create some degree of status and pedigree to the untrained individual. If they were to price cheaply, people would automatically assume they are of inferior quality. The reason we pay the price we pay is because companies spend a great deal of money marketing products to make them desirable, and the reality is, we pay it!!! It a matter of striking the balance between the positive and negative effects of pricing high and low. You cannot tell me that a clone company will sell the same quality product as the big names. It just does not happen...

[Snake]

Here's how I look at it. Some of my friends have name brand clubs, some have clones. I have tried both and couldn't tell the difference. I sucked just as bad with TMs and Callaways as I did with the clones. Some of you experienced, low handicap golfers may be able to tell the difference, but your average noob won't be able to. That's why I bought my Pinemeadows and I don't regret it at all. For my level of play, they have been great clubs.

[Everardo]

Bottomline: if Tiger didn't use Nike clubs, we'd all be able to get them for much cheaper.

That may be true but it wouldn't dimish the price by that much to match it with clones. However most club companies pricing is pretty much inline with the others

[Striper]

I have purchased clubs from Pinemeadow Golf and Giga golf for the last 6 years. I have been very satisfied with their clubs and service. I've bought woods, irons, putters, and hybrids.

If there is a difference in quality and performance, I can't tell. I'm not saying that they are better or worse, I'm just saying that I can't tell the difference and neither can most of the people who try my clubs.

A full set of irons typically costs less than $200 with both.

Both companies have better return policies than you find in most golf shops. Giga will take their clubs back in 30 days for ANY reason and give you a full refund.

Neither company claims that their clubs are the same as OEM. Both say that they are similar in look, feel, and performance. A laptop from Dell looks, feels and performs similar to a laptop from HP or Sony. Let the consumer decide if extra value exists and if they are willing to pay for it.

[Snake]

I have purchased clubs from Pinemeadow Golf and Giga golf for the last 6 years. I have been very satisfied with their clubs and service. I've bought woods, irons, putters, and hybrids.

Nice to know I'm not the only one on the forum that feels that way! Although am I hoping that one day I'll either be so good or have so much money that I don't mind paying extra for R&D;, advertising, endorsement deals and mark ups. I guy can dream, right!

[TMa_golf]

I have the SV2 driver. I never really thought about clones, but after trying out the SasQuatch Sumo 2, I wanted in my bag specifically for the noise it makes after launch. Lame, I know haha. But $400! Screw that. But a couple of months later, I came across a clone website. The SV2 was only up for $40, so I bought it. The sound came with it, a slightly smaller head (which I like instead of a US Navy vessel attached to the end of my shaft), and overall, it rules. I only use it as a fun club, perhaps when I'm ahead in strokes or something. But when I do use it, I feel like it's the same as the Nike brand. I even whipped it out on a long drive competition, and won it with 319 yards. I highly recommend it if anybody is getting it.

[ks8829]

Many golf stores offer used sets for a reduce prices that you can try at the store, driving range and maybe out on the course.

I recommend the Mizuno Comp EZ clubs because they are a quality oversize forged iron set for beginners that you can buy on ebay from $150-$250. The only down side is unless you have already hit them you won't know if they are the right set for you personally.