When is the best/right time to change equipment?

[One Planer]

Genuine topic for discussion.

Over the last few weeks there have been a few threads about people swapping their irons (more than once in some cases), others switching drivers and then struggling for form with the new equipment.

This got me thinking a little. Is there a best/right time to change equipment?

Can equipment stop a player hold back a players progress (for whatever reason)?

Over to you gentlemen(....... and ladies)

When do you think equipment should be changed?

 

[Monty_Brown]

I've said other, because I think it depends on the player and where they are at with their game. Really, I mean any of the above in terms of the options listed.

For example, a player who starts out with a set of basic game improvement irons shows steady imporvement and then gets to, say 14 hcp. At that point you could argue they would notice the benefit from better clubs, and, dare I say it, some element of C/F.

Also if you're loaded and love buying new gear, then why not keep up with the latest models if it makes you happy?

Then for a low hcp player, when grooves start to wear, I'd say they are good enough to feel the benefit of new clubs, even if it's a new set of similar clubs. Or, they're good enough to get the most out of new technology, so may be that rare player who can get the extra 6 yards out of a driver that the manufacturer claims.

 

[Mattyboy]

I am an 'other' - when you firmly believe that the change will improve your scoring. Simples........

 

[StrangelyBrown]

When you want to.

 

[mattcross1977]

I have just changed my irons at the end of the season as I felt my G15's were a little too big on the sole and made some shots feel dead at times - went for the R11 irons and they have been an excellent addition to my play immediately. I think this time of year is the best to change due to very little competitions being played etc.

Ultimately if you are striking the ball well and are changing because of ball flight or feel then any time should not really affect you that much, if however it's because you keep slicing, hooking, topping or fatting the ball etc swapping the clubs will make very little difference at all IMO - just my 2 pence worth so please don't shoot me down.

 

[stevie_r]

is it when you have a wedge of cash burning a hole in your pocket and you are a bit of a magpie?

Seriously though, wear/tear is a factor I suppose but probably when you genuinely believe it will be beneficial enough to your game to make it a worthwhile investment.

 

[jeardley]

I usually cant walk past somthing new and shiny, but ive been playing my 690s since 2002 so its time for a change.

 

[DaveM]

In my case I have not changed for 15 years or so. But due to a lay off from neck problems. I am changing to a graphite shafted set to get more club head speed from a reduced swing. Max swing now is only a 3/4 swing. Plus I just fancy a change with restarting again.

 

[SimonS]

Just to be sure... does the "When old/excess wear and tear" refer to the golfer or the clubs?

 

[One Planer]

Just to be sure... does the "When old/excess wear and tear" refer to the golfer or the clubs?

Dealers choice

 

[Junior]

When the old ones misbehave. Hence i'm always looking at drivers !!!!

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Peter Alliss once said that the average pro would beat the average player with a rolled up umbrella and a hockey stick, probably still true, however that doesnt stop my garage filling up with vital bits of kit, I could easily equip a fourball in all respects and can still play like a complete knob,

 

[Swinger]

I'm guessing RickG voted for every year but only because there was no 2 or 3 times yearly option!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm torn between reaching a certain standard and when they are old. If you start with GI or super GI and then start tumbling towards low teens there could be an argument that better player, less cavity etc clubs will give enhanced feel and performance and may help take the next step towards 10 and below.

If you've had clubs for a good few years, the playability of the shafts and the heads must diminsh with age. Granted for most golfers that dip won't be too apparent but with progress made in peripharal weighting, enhanced sweetspots and the array of shafts, older clubs may not necessarily be as forgiving and easy to hit as modern versions and so could be holding the game back.

Of course, if you are swinging like a demented windmill in a force 10 then no amount of technology or the latest shiny sticks will help and so there has to be a balance between getting a swing that works to a certain level and the lure of all things shiny

 

[Imurg]

There is no right time really.

Do you have the money?
Are they as good as your old ones?
Will HID notice?
Could they help you play better?
Are they worn out?
Do you hate them?

These and many more questions have to be answered.

I change when I want to.

 

[Smiffy]

When you want to.

Is the correct answer.

I've just changed my irons. There was nothing wrong with my i15's, I just fancied a change.
I hate this time of year with the clocks going back and a little bit of retail therapy cheered me up.
I work long hours, so as long as the essentials are being paid, then why not?