Golfers out there?

[RC Vikings]

I'm all about knockoffs, and Taylor-Mades were the clubs I was drooling over back in high school. Where do you buy knockoffs? Can you get them fitted? Do I need to?

Sorry, dumb questions. Really out of touch.

Regarding drivers, I've always been of the opinion that long drives are really overrated. Keep it in the fairway and work on your short game (a lot more fun than the driving range anyway). You really think it's worth it, or do you just like flexing off the tee?

I don't like knockoffs. I think a person is better off buying a good used set then a new knockoff set. I think they put an inferior shaft in those clubs. As far as length if you want to score well anymore you've got it hit it long. These new drivers are so good that a person really can be long and fairly straight. You're young go out there and hit it hard. You can play that short and down the middle game when you get to be 60.

[Donuthole]

I don't like knockoffs. I think a person is better off buying a good used set then a new knockoff set. I think they put an inferior shaft in those clubs. As far as length if you want to score well anymore you've got it hit it long. These new drivers are so good that a person really can be long and fairly straight. You're young go out there and hit it hard. You can play that short and down the middle game when you get to be 60.

A True Temper shaft is a True Temper shaft, no? My knock-offs come with the same shaft as most top-quality name brands. Unless you're talking graphite. But who uses graphite-shafted irons?

[RC Vikings]

A True Temper shaft is a True Temper shaft, no? My knock-offs come with the same shaft as most top-quality name brands. Unless you're talking graphite. But who uses graphite-shafted irons?

My experience with knockoffs is very limited and maybe it's not fair to some of the quality guys off there. I had someone I worked with who bought some and the heads kept flying off on the irons and the shafts keep breaking on the woods.

[Donuthole]

My experience with knockoffs is very limited and maybe it's not fair to some of the quality guys off there. I had someone I worked with who bought some and the heads kept flying off on the irons and the shafts keep breaking on the woods.

That sounds like an "assembly" problem, as far as the irons go. Which is a fair point, and is why I would recommend buying knock-offs locally. That way you know who built them, and you have someone to "hold accountable" (channeling my inner KWhitt) if something does go wrong.

I've never played with knock-off woods, so I can't speak to that.

[OhioBlue]

there's a difference between the quality offered by 'component' golf manufacturers (eg golfsmith) and that which comes from your average 'clone' knock-off that you'd see on ebay or in a bin at walmart.

And that difference from what I've read (and I follow golf equipment quite religiously if you can't tell ) is quite substantial.

Bang golf for example makes great driver heads. Throw one of those on a Harrison shaft (they have a range from entry level to quite pricey, but average out still less than other name-brand 'exotic' shafts) and for a hundred and change you've got a great driver. Or other brands apply here as well.

but i personally would be wary of the clone knock-offs that are dirt cheap. Sure a DG shaft is a DG shaft (dynamic gold, the classic true temper steel shaft). but the head of the iron is what directs the ball. A crap casting with inferior quality control and design is going to get you the results you paid for. It's not too hard to research companies online so if you go the component route I'd read up a bit first.

[Katy Lied]

there's a difference between the quality offered by 'component' golf manufacturers (eg golfsmith) and that which comes from your average 'clone' knock-off that you'd see on ebay or in a bin at walmart.

And that difference from what I've read (and I follow golf equipment quite religiously if you can't tell ) is quite substantial.

Bang golf for example makes great driver heads. Throw one of those on a Harrison shaft (they have a range from entry level to quite pricey, but average out still less than other name-brand 'exotic' shafts) and for a hundred and change you've got a great driver. Or other brands apply here as well.

but i personally would be wary of the clone knock-offs that are dirt cheap. Sure a DG shaft is a DG shaft (dynamic gold, the classic true temper steel shaft). but the head of the iron is what directs the ball. A crap casting with inferior quality control and design is going to get you the results you paid for. It's not too hard to research companies online so if you go the component route I'd read up a bit first.

Couple more comments if you're going the component route:

True temper shafts are so cheap there is no way an iron should feature a true temper substitute. We're talking $6. The disparity between graphite shafts and substitutes is much more substantial, so you're going to see lots of graphite knock offs for your woods. Harrison is a great shaft maker, but they too have entry level shafts, so you cant rely on the name only. I'm partial to Fujikura, but those V2s by UST are also great, if you avoid their cheaper lines.

You didn't mention how old you are, but if your swing speed has slowed considerably, I'd look at senior flex shafts. They are terribly misnamed. You don't have to be say... 48 or so to use senior flex, you can be 25 and use them if you need the extra power boost in your swing. When I was rehabbing my shoulder I couldnt handle my stiffer shafts, and switched out to senior flex for a while.

Your heads have the greatest variation in price, so if you like one of the head knock offs, count yourself lucky and spend your money on another part of the club.

If you're looking to minimize the number of clubs in your bag, I'd omit the 5 wood and get your 3 and 4 in hybrid.

Dont get the arthritis grips unless you actually have arthritis. You'll fall in love with the comfort grip, and you'll shoot better in the short run, but you'll probably ruin your stroke in the long run.

[Guest]

I bought a set of Cleveland irons (TA 6's) a couple years ago and have been more than happy with them.

Do it. Do it now.

I play a set of Form Forged TA3s. They're seven years old. Cleveland stopped making them about four years ago. Nice sticks. Though I'm not sure I still have the game to play blade-like clubs.

[landpoke]

I play a set of Form Forged TA3s. They're seven years old. Cleveland stopped making them about four years ago. Nice sticks. Though I'm not sure I still have the game to play blade-like clubs.

I most definitely don't have the game to play blades. I need a sweet spot the size of a watermelon.

[BlueHair]

Ideally, of course, you can be both long and accurate.

That's what she said.

[jay santos]

Diamondtourgolf.com is a great web site for knock-offs. You can pay to get fitted at a golf shop, or go to a Golf super store and pretend to be interested in a new set and steal all the info from them as they fit you. Either way. Then choose your knock-offs at diamondtourgolf. IMHO, you end up with a better set. Get the grips and shaft you like. Mix and match your long irons and wedges and all that easier. The shaft is the most important component in the golf club and you can get an equal or better shaft by customizing with a knock-off company on the heads.

[BlueHair]

Diamondtourgolf.com is a great web site for knock-offs. You can pay to get fitted at a golf shop, or go to a Golf super store and pretend to be interested in a new set and steal all the info from them as they fit you. Either way. Then choose your knock-offs at diamondtourgolf. IMHO, you end up with a better set. Get the grips and shaft you like. Mix and match your long irons and wedges and all that easier. The shaft is the most important component in the golf club and you can get an equal or better shaft by customizing with a knock-off company on the heads.

How can I tell which brand they are knocking-off? My brother's father in law has a knock-off of a Taylormade 3 wood that I can absolutely crush. I'm not sure if it just fits me well or if it just a better club than I normally hit. I would like to buy a set of Taylormade's, but I can't justify it since I only golf about 10 times per year. I wouldn't mind springing for some fakes.