Do we have far too much equipment to choose from?

[KeefG]

Just reading various threads about clubs & custom fitting & offset this and draw bias that and it got me thinking...

Do we really have far too much gear to choose from these days?

Back in the day of Persimmon drivers and the like, did they have a plethora of different set ups to choose from between shafts & loft etc.

All these new draw bias drivers and the like, are they just assisting bad players to hit better shots? Should manufacturers instead not supply this type of kit and make said player play with "regulation" gear that makes him learn what he's doing wrong?

I understand the role that technology has in todays game, and also in every walk of life, but is it starting to go too far?

 

[USER1999]

The manufacturers will make what sells, and everyone wants an instant fix. It is us golfers who create the problem, with wanting shiny new stuff to fix problems rather than lessons and hard work.

 

[Herbie]

I dont think there is too much on offer, what I feel there is too much of, is the lack of understanding that you first need to understand the game and how to play it before you can intelligently purchase what is on offer.

I think a lot of people are happy to indulge themselves as a marketing victim, but not so quick to take lessons.

 

[haplesshacker]

I do wonder if there is just too much stuff around. Not just of golf kit, but everything.
Just look at how much over production of cars there has been. I just can't see the need for it all.

Contradictory I know. But I'm a capatilist at heart, but waste does annoy me. Especially when it's brought about by greed.

Ultimately choice is good. It enables us to believe that we do actually have the choice to choose. Indeed, we can be choosy about the choice choosen. Or we can choose to not choose any of the choices on offer and choose not to choose them! But is that a free choice, or is it that we really don't have any choice at all. Despite the choices available!

Confused!!

 

[bobmac]

I do wonder if there is just too much stuff around. Not just of golf kit, but everything.
Just look at how much over production of cars there has been. I just can't see the need for it all.

Contradictory I know. But I'm a capatilist at heart, but waste does annoy me. Especially when it's brought about by greed.

Ultimately choice is good. It enables us to believe that we do actually have the choice to choose. Indeed, we can be choosy about the choice choosen. Or we can choose to not choose any of the choices on offer and choose not to choose them! But is that a free choice, or is it that we really don't have any choice at all. Despite the choices available!

Confused!!

You want choices? here's two spades, take your pick

 

[mono217]

Yes we do. We have too much equipment. We are spoilt for choice.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have to say even back in the 80's we suddenly became swamped with affordable metal headed drivers etc and the market opened up to game improver clubs (ping eye BB TM Burner etc) and so the seeds were sown.

I think there is a lot of gear otu there but personally I can ignore 60% of it as its either aimed at game improver or low handicappers (full cavity and blades). For the remainder there are some manufacturers I don't like out of personal preference and so it would need something pretty special to tempt me to use their gear and so I guess I'm pretty much down to the usual suspects. Then its about testing the latest offerings and of course the price.

 

[Basher]

It's a matter of supply and demand.

The manufacturing companies bring out new stuff and avid golfers MUST have it!

Look at Taylor Made. We recently saw the release of the r7 drivers and hey presto! When the novelty wore off, here we go again, this time with the r9. Loads snapped up already.

How many of us are gear whores? We have to get the latest gear. Personally, I intend to hold onto my current sticks for a year or two more before contemplating change. I tend to ignore the spiel that accompanies new gear as I'm positive it will NOT revolutionise my game!

 

[RGDave]

I'm not fussed about all the kit.....I read very little into most things. I wouldn't "blame" the manufacturers for making it.
I don't personally believe that draw bias drivers make players lazy. I have one (out of three), and I still try as hard as ever to hit the ball the way I want to hit it. I admit, I worry less about the slice with it, but essentially I'm after the same thing, straight path and square face. It doesn't draw (I don't/can't draw the ball with a driver) unless you hit exactly the same path and face that would give a draw anyway. If you met the exact physical criteria chances are the draw bias would just give you a bit more "hook"....

I don't like offset irons, but if it keeps you straighter, so be it. I also don't think even the best G.I. irons are going to offer much more than a marginal improvement in quality of distance/strike. A bad shot is a bad shot. A good shot is a good shot. One that's "nearly" good might fly a bit better and reach full distance easier with a forgiving iron. We've all got to hit the ball!

Confusion probably does sell gear; even I've bought multiple gear before settling on a particular "type" of club.

Knowing what I know now, I'd not have bought either of my premium drivers...not in the spec I have....

 

[TWM]

I certainly played better in the 1960s and 70s with the gear on offer then. Since I started golf again three years ago I have had ten drivers and have just ordered my fourth set of irons. At yesterday's medal, TRIUMPH, there was one person with a worse score than me.