Club test reviews - how accurate??

[rstyle]

You see these extensive driver, putter, club reviews on popular golf magazines.
How reliable do you think they are considering that nany of the brands have ads in the magazine.

How abot course reviews? Do you think the courses pay a fee to be reviewed or to get good reviews?

[DaveLeeNC]

I find them pretty much worthless. Tom TenHCap'er saying "I just couldn't miss with Tayzunoke BombBlaster 460" isn't helpful to anyone except Tom TenHcap'er (IMHO).

dave

[TCCcaddie]

I agree just becasue someone may be the same handicap as me it doesn't mean that he has the same swing type, swing speed, and likes as i do with my clubs. A club will only be good if its good for you.

[misterbrister]

In addition, I think there's some built in bias on clubs, balls, etc. Honestly, who is going to tell you "I spent $300 on a driver, and it's just okay"?

[NM Golf]

Choosing golf equipment is so based on individual preference that I cannot see choosing a club based entirely on a review. But, reviews have their place as a starting point. You can normally whittle down a list of clubs by reading reviews. The first Cleveland HiBore drivers come to mind. They got awful reviews by just about everyone. The reason being, they were awful clubs. So someone could have, and many did, skip trying that particular club. I mean why waste your time. So read with a grain of salt and try several before you buy.

By the way, the HiBore XL came out and got much better reviews

[TourSpoon]

Club reviews and product reviews in general are not the best measuring stick especially when the winning product has a 2 page color ad in the magazine. I love the reviews and tests that never say anything negative about any of the products. That's just bogus. Like NM said, they are a starting point if nothing else.

[allin]

Choosing golf equipment is so based on individual preference that I cannot see choosing a club based entirely on a review. But, reviews have their place as a starting point. You can normally whittle down a list of clubs by reading reviews. The first Cleveland HiBore drivers come to mind. They got awful reviews by just about everyone. The reason being, they were awful clubs. So someone could have, and many did, skip trying that particular club. I mean why waste your time. So read with a grain of salt and try several before you buy.

I think there is value in hearing about smaller, new or comeback companies. It allows you to get a feel for what they are about and maybe give them a try. Adams, Nickent, Tour Edge, Sonartec, Bobby Jones etc. They may have what you are looking for and hopefully their competiton keeps the big boys from gouging us.

[Jeepthrills]

I gave them some creedence when I was buying my irons. However, it really comes down to how you feel with the club. I found myself only believing the ones that agreed with me. For example, in one of the mags a guy said about the 775's that they were the perfect club for the 15 that wants to become a 10. I liked that so therefore it was true. In one of the other mags they said that they were a decent club, but that there were better clubs out there. Clearly a complete lie. OK, maybe that's harsh but it ultimately came down to me hitting all of the clubs I was considering side by side. I hit the Titleists the best and went with them despite what the one magazine said.