How do Golf OEMs Test New Products? | Episode 205

Michael Vrska is back to discuss the ways that new golf equipment is testing in quality control before being released to the public. He and Adam discuss everything from testing perimeters, design of experiment, and even a little bit about manufacturing tolerances. This discussion is truly a golf nerd's delight!

Follow Michael on Twitter at @vgolfman.

Golf Equipment and Trends | Episode 161

Really helps the fallen arches.

On today's episode the GU family welcomes Matt Hackett to the team as he and I discuss what he's currently playing in his bag, where he sees golf equipment trending, and what the future of the GU Podcast. Follow Matt on Twitter at @matthewliam.

Controlling the Message of Golf Equipment Reviews

Blogs have long been used as an outlet for golf equipment manufacturers to get the word out on new products through the eyes of amateur testers. While websites like Golf.com and Golf Digest continue to be the mainstream sources for equipment reviews, others like The Hackers Paradise, Plugged In Golf and My Golf Spy have established themselves as trusted alternatives. However, as with any industry, times are changing in the golf equipment space.

Availability of new product to review is becoming scarce for many websites, GU notwithstanding. This is not a criticism as much as an observation in today's industry as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are choosing to be more strategic to whom they send new product. Reactions to this shift have been mixed, to say the least, but looking at things from the viewpoint of an OEM, anything that can be done to control a message is probably a good thing for their brand.

Of course, there are always two sides to any story.

When popular golf YouTuber Mark Crossfield recently published a vlog entitled "TAYLORMADE HATE ME" in response to that company's decision to no longer send him equipment, Crossfield caused ripples across the independent media landscape. In his vlog, Crossfield references an email from TaylorMade which provides more than adequate reasoning for their decision. Of course, Crossfield disagreed and proceeded to record himself coming to terms with this gross injustice for nearly 20 minutes.

This isn't rocket science: when you sign a sponsorship contract with an equipment brand (Titleist), don't be surprised when competing brands choose to no longer send you free stuff.

Regardless, this is yet another example of a freelance journalist showcasing a false sense of entitlement to an audience who is only hearing one side of the story.

Golf equipment reviews are the most popular articles on our website. For whatever reason, followers of GU and our podcast like to read our thoughts on new golf equipment. This is true for everything from golf instruction books to accessories for your golf cart. As a result, I've had the privilege of trying out some really cool stuff over the years and have connected with a number of awesome marketing and PR contacts.

At no point does any of that guarantee me anything in terms of new products to review. Ever.

During a recent text exchange with a marketing director from a well known brand, the topic of new product reviews came up. My contact explained that his company recently decided that the practice of sending products out for review was becoming stale. There was nothing more frustrating to him than to see their brand featured on a blog's front page today, only to be replaced by an entirely different brand tomorrow.

The return on investment for an OEM has dwindled, especially if no correlation between a product review and sales of that product are seen.

As was discussed in a recent GU podcast episode, there is nothing "free" about receiving golf equipment to review. Shipping costs alone can cost larger companies tens of thousands of dollars a year on top of the cost to actually make the equipment. While a drop in a bucket for some, this can become a significant budget line item for others.

In addition, golf is one of the very few industries that does not require media to sign a contract or lending agreement to review a new product. Ninety percent of the items I've reviewed, for example, I've been able to keep or give away in a contest. The rest I have to ship back to the manufacturer on my own dime.

Is that inconvenient? At times. Am I entitled to being able to keep anything? Absolutely not.

Everything is strategic in business. Golf OEMs have to make hundreds of important decisions a week in order to stay ahead of competition in a space that still falls under a luxury category. While independent media can be vitally important contributors to spreading the word on new products, companies have every right to have input on how that message is conveyed. Some choose to be more involved than others.

Out of the sake of transparency, many of you know that I've partnered with Cleveland/Srixon Golf. While the details of this partnership will remain private, theirs was always a brand I preferred compared to others. Their products help my game throughout the bag more so than any other brand, period. Our mutual respect and trust in one another made this an easy decision for everyone involved.

Does that mean that my opinions on other brands will become biased overnight? Of course not. But I also know that perception is reality, and this decision will likely cause other brands to look the other way.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and frankly, shame on me if I thought anything different.

Golf is a game first and a business second. Playing this game requires certain resources, equipment included. But when a media outlet or personality takes the stance to discount the credibility of a brand simply because they chose to not participate in a review, that accomplishes nothing.

Instead, you come across looking childish and ignorant to how business works.

Fix My Game: Do you have the right golf equipment for your game?

Buying the right golf equipment for your game can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the wide range of options at your disposal. Walking into a PGA Superstore, Golf Galaxy, or browsing any of the major online golf warehouses can be confusing and intimidating. Throw in the growing used golf club market and the number of possible choices can be paralyzing. How can any golfer expect to make the right purchase decision for his or her game? Is there such a thing as finding the "right equipment?" Are golfers leaving shots on the golf course without even knowing it?

I'd like to find out.

This will be the first in a series of blog posts in which I will document my search for the right golf equipment for my game. But first, I want to address what I believe to be the biggest first step any golfer should take before buying equipment.

First Things First -- Get Fitted

This shouldn't be a shock to anyone: I am a huge proponent for getting fit for your golf clubs.

Last year I visited Club Champion near my hometown for a full iron fitting. That visit was coordinated by my friends at Miura Golf, after which I left with a custom set of gorgeous Miura Golf MB-001 irons. Still in my bag as of the time of this writing, the MB-001s are the finest golf clubs I've ever hit in my life.

I also walked out with my iron specifications, which include a lie angle of roughly one-degree flat. No more standard sets for me, sadly. (4-iron through SW below; golf shafts are True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT Tour Issue S400)

Finally, the biggest context point to remember is I went into that fitting while considering only one brand. I did not try any iron models from any other brand.

Why is that an issue?

Simply this: could another iron model set to the same specs perform better than my current gamers?

My Plan

As many of you know, I don't hide the fact that I have tried many different types of golf equipment. The most popular posts on this blog are equipment reviews. I've worked with many companies to not only try their equipment, but to play it on a regular basis.

My plan is to work with any golf brand that wants to help me find the best clubs for my game. This will go beyond simply spreading the word about a new piece of equipment. I am truly interested in finding what's best for me, and to use data to help make that decision.

If I try something that doesn't work for me, I will give those pieces of equipment away to readers of this site.

This will be a work in progress, but I plan on documenting my journey through video, the Golf Unfiltered Podcast, and written updates as they come.

Stay tuned for more info!

Interested in helping out with my journey? Contact me via email at golfunfiltered@gmail.com!

5 Golf Companies to Watch in 2015

The year is still young, but many golf companies have already unveiled their newest pieces of golf equipment to the masses. If what we've seen so far is any indication of what's to come throughout the year, golfers everywhere have a lot to look forward to in terms of equipment.

Which companies should you keep on your radar for 2015? These are our choices for who will make the biggest impact this year.

Be sure to click on the page numbers below to see our picks.

Bettinardi Golf

I may have a soft spot for this Tinley Park-based company, but Bettinardi Golf has been a major player in the short game department for years. Besides, when a player like Matt Kuchar relies on their putters for his game, golfers like you and me should pay attention.

In addition to a full upgrade to their high-end precision putters, Bettinardi is also gearing up to release their first set of wedges in 2015. Expect big things from them this year.

Wilson Golf

They might not be the flashiest company on the market, but Wilson Golf is doing everything they can to get inside your golf bag this season. With over a century of experience in the sporting goods industry, it's safe to say Wilson knows what they're doing, too.

Their most exciting product release so far in 2015 is the Wilson Staff Infinite putter, which Padraig Harrington used to win the BANK BRI Indonesia Open in December. Featuring a unique counter-balancing system to ensure a repeatable stroke, the Wilson Staff Infinite putter is sure to make a huge impact in the amateur market.

Nike Golf

Let's face it: when you've got Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods playing your golf equipment, you're probably doing something right. Nike Golf is a powerhouse in this industry, and late-2014 equipment releases ignited the golf world.

Enter Nike Vapor -- the newest additions to the Nike Golf equipment family. Already staples in both Rory's and Tiger's bags, this club series is quickly making waves due to their high quality and incredible performance on the course. Rumor has it that Nike has another club series release in store for late 2015, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

Bridgestone Golf

It has been awhile since Bridgestone Golf released a new line of clubs, but the world was introduced to their new J715 driver and J15 club series over the last couple of weeks. If these clubs are an upgrade to their amazing J40 club series from 2013, then golfers everywhere should take note.

In addition to their new clubs, Bridgestone has long offered an industry-leading golf ball fitting process that fans of premium golf balls should definitely check out. Hey, if Freddy Couples, Matt Kuchar and Lee Trevino prefer these golf balls, maybe you should pay attention.

Callaway Golf

Certainly no strangers to the limelight, Callaway Golf might very well be the most exciting golf company in 2015.

They've already announced an upgrade to their incredible Big Bertha drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. Before that Callaway unveiled their Big Bertha iron series (which boasts to be two-clubs longer than what you're playing now). If that wasn't enough, their new Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball will hit stores in mid-January.

Bridgestone Introduces J15 Iron Series for 2015

Covington, Ga. — Bridgestone Golf, the #1 ball-fitter in golf and a recognized industry innovator, will unveil its new J15 family of forged irons at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show.  The J15 forged iron options continue Bridgestone’s tradition of offering the best-performing, precision-engineered irons in clean and classic designs with cutting-edge technologies guaranteed to enhance the iron play of a wide range of players.

“Bridgestone has had a cult following since we first introduced the J33 forged irons a decade ago, largely because of our clean, classic designs and Japanese precision engineering,” said Josh Kinchen, Golf Clubs and Accessories Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf, Inc.  “We have maintained that heritage and incorporated some really innovative new technologies that will make this our best performing and deepest offering of premium forged irons ever.”

The J15 forged iron family is comprised of 4 models each designed for very different players, but all featuring Bridgestone’s new Sure Contact Sole.  Sole heel shaping is integral to producing the desired turf interaction players want because this is the first part of the club that contacts the ground.  Keeping this in mind, Bridgestone engineered each of the four J15 forged models with a heel sole that is unique to each club within each set.  Furthermore, all sole heels have now been integrated into the forging process ensuring unparalleled consistency and alleviating the problem of inconsistent hand finishing techniques.  Below are more specifics about each model:

1.     J15MB Muscle Backs

• Constructed of premium Carbon Steel for superb feel
• Ultra-compact head design affords maximum shot shaping workability and versatility
• Bridgestone’s narrowest and flattest Sure Contact Sole ensures optimal contact and increased turf interaction for aggressive swingers
• Played on Tour by Davis Love III

2.     J15CB Cavity Backs

• Constructed from premium forged Carbon Steel for incredible feel
• Compact head design provides tour-level control and shop shaping capability
• Wider Sure Contact Sole ensures consistent contact and turf interaction with added forgiveness better players can appreciate
• Played on Tour by Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker

3.     J15DF Driving Forged Irons

• Compact two-piece premium forged Carbon Steel design for ideal balance of feel and forgiveness
• Utilizes a hidden, hollow cavity between the front and rear of clubhead to provide incredible repulsion for more distance and relocation of discretionary weight to perimeter for added forgiveness
• Mid-Round Sure Contact Sole ensures better control and forgiveness

4.       J15DPF Dual Pocket Forged Irons

• Constructed from premium forged Carbon Steel for incredible feel
• Utilizes a Turbo Rubber Design that allows saved discretionary weight to be moved to perimeter for increase forgiveness and higher M.O.I. while enhancing feel at impact
• Mid-size head shape provides Tour control while offering confidence inspiring appearance at address
• Wide, rounded Sure Contact Sole allows for consistent contact and turf interaction with minimal resistance and added forgiveness on off-center hits

Each of the J15 Forged Iron models come standard with True Temper® Dynamic® Gold DG Pro shafts and will be available in 3-PW.  The standard 4-PW sets will feature a street price of $789 for J15MB, J15CB and J15DPF, while standard set for J15DF will be available at $879. The J15MB, J15DF and J15DPF will be available in right-hand only models, while the J15CB irons will be available in both right-hand and left-hand versions*.

The J15 irons will be available February 1, 2015 at specialty golf shops and through www.bridgestonegolf.com.