Top Makes.

[RGuk]

There was a bit of "moment" in the range shop trying to decide which the top makes were and which makes were, um, sort of, cough, cough, second division.

In alpha' order we plumped for
Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist and Wilson Staff. That's 8.

Trying to think of the next 8 proved a bit tricky, because everyone has their own "opinion" usually formed by gear that has treated them well or badly.
I voted for MacGregor (obviously) and there were calls for Cleveland, Srixon, and many others.

Anyone disagree with the top 8? any to go in or come out?

Vote now for your favourite kit!....must make irons/woods/putters so no niche boys please!

Anone voting for Slazenger

 

[andiritchie]

I would say top 8 makes are- Titleist,Taylormade,Callaway,Mizuno,Nike,Ping,Cobra and Cleveland

next would say Macgregor,Srixon,Wilson Staff,Bridgestone and Adams

 

[HTL]

In the UK or in the world?

Woods = Taylor made
Irons = Mizuno
Wedges = Titleist
Putter = Odyssey
Balls = Titleist

As for the top 8 brands, not in order. Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Srixon, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist and Wilson Staff.

 

[RGuk]

Woods = Taylor made
Irons = Mizuno
Wedges = Titleist
Putter = Odyssey
Balls = Titleist

That's got to be about right, hasn't it.

 

[RGuk]

As for the top 8 brands, not in order. Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, Srixon, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist and Wilson Staff.

So Nike out and Srixon in? I'd have thought (though I have no idea whatsoever) that Nike would outsell Srixon.

I'm intrigued about Cleveland.....should they be in, or should we extend the premier league to 10??

 

[HTL]

Its the way I want my bag to go mate, looking at a new driver early next year as my Dd6 is clearly broken as it keeps hooking the ball these days. Seen the TM burner for £100 and very tempted.

 

[andiritchie]

You would be suprised how many people play cleveland maybe just in my area,they make some quailty products and some be in over Wilson Staff who do make great clubs just not too my taste

 

[andiritchie]

Taylormade do make quailty woods r7 fairways standout for me

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the original top 8 are probably about right but it is dependant on the criteria. Is it based on their best UK available product, market share or something different.

As for splitting into categories I would say probably

Woods = Titleist
Irons = Mizuno
Wedges = Mizuno
Putter = Odyssey
Ball = TM

 

[andiritchie]

Woods-Cobra
Irons-Mizuno only because they cater for a wide range
Wedges-Titleist
Putter-odyssey
Ball-Titleist

 

[ball_basher]

i would say srixon in defo..... out with taylormade

 

[CarpeDiem]

Miura just for club quality has got to be up there

 

[Basher]

Depends really.
There are the well known makes such as Titleist, TM, Callaway etc. If you frequent DG shops they'd have you believe John Letters, and Adams were up there with the big boys.

Let's face it though, most gear is now made in the far east. I have a beautifully crafted all American Taylor Made Driver, erm, it was assembled in USA, the head's from China!!!

Many golfers get their heads turned by whatever the tour pro's use. Even John Letters gear is now being used by an English tour player (Philip Archer)
If he started winning several events would you think JL equipt would become a preferred choice?

 

[Herbie]

I too go with the first post on this one, maybe move ping up a notch.

 

[RGuk]

As for splitting into categories I would say probably

Woods = Titleist
Irons = Mizuno
Wedges = Mizuno
Putter = Odyssey
Ball = TM

Just goes to show....

around here it's all Cally and TM woods, Odyssey putters, and Pro Vs.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I don't buy specifically because Segio or Ernie or Phil or Tiger plays with a club as realistically there gear is much too difficult for a muppet like me. I look for quality, and playability and don't mind paying a competitive price if it is something I feel will benefit my game.

Not sure Letters will ever recapture the name they had in the 60's and 70's when they really were a sought after brand. I think there will come a point though where market saturation and economic climate will force some brands to go back to being market specific (remember when Mizuno were only known for their wedges?) Some players will continue to dominate and some will survive due to good business models (MD and Benross) but like F1 and the world rally championship I can see some of the bigger boys feeling the pinch and remodelling their golfing branding and products. Srixon for arguments sake may move back into the ball sector (which was where they first acheived brand recognition back in the 80's) and players like Cobra, Cleveland etc may go back into producing mainly drivers. It may not happen next year but if the worlds economy does go into a full recession for several (3-5 years) I see marked changes.

 

[RGuk]

You would be surprised how many people play cleveland maybe just in my area,they make some quality products and some be in over Wilson Staff who do make great clubs just not too my taste

It's weird, is it not?

Nobody plays Cleveland around here, seriously!!
At mine, Titleist irons are probably the favourite (Pro sells 'em) and, at a guess, Ping or TM drivers. Very few at mine play Cally woods, but at the "other" course, I'd say they were #1.

 

[time_vans]

Can't see any mention of my beloved Benross......
I'll get my coat!

 

[RGuk]

I've not had the pleasure of trying any Benross kit, mainly because I have an aversion to grafalloy graphite. Also, if I try something (pro shop, range shop, AG, DG) I like to "believe" that I'd actually buy it. The prices for their kit are way cheaper online, so I wouldn't feel good about trying and then hitting the 'net with my C-Card.

Hard to argue that a) they are making quite a market and b) everyone seems very happy with the gear. Similar with MD.

 

[andiritchie]

I suppose word of mouth gets people using Cleveland gear they do make some damn fine woods,the lads i play with use Callaway ft5s about 5 of them and Titleist 905rs thoses players are stuck in the past with there drivers even the 905r is too modern for them,everytime i pull my yellow cobra out the comments come out'its the most vuglar club ever made'