Who is left as "quality" (whatever that means) component makers? The only ones I can think of are
- Wishon
- Golfworks
- Hireko
- Swing Science
- ValueGolf for Pinhawks
- DTG for In1Zone (I think they have other heads, too, but I have no experience with them)
Are any others going concerns? I notice that the number of irons Hireko are producing have been trimmed considerably.
Maybe Hireko will be coming out with a new model to update the XV as the clearance flyer they emailed has them marking down the XS woods. I think I saw that they were considering eliminating one of the iron heads next cycle, that the tour blade, pro, standard, and XT models would be reduced to two or three, but I might be wrong or confused about that. And with the PowerPlay Juggernaut and the two thin face Dynacraft models -- it's a pretty full iine. DTG carries more models but many are open foundry clones -- they really only have the Inazone single length irons and the Patriot Revolt that are their own design in irons, and the Inazone and Felon woods. And I've been happy the last couple of years with my 2002 ti-face, ridiculously strong loft Bridgestone Access VP-02 irons, I can't see even trying any irons for at least another couple of years. It's been tough for the component companies -- the amount of used equipment out there is staggering -- even at the bare minimum of about $15-$20 an iron to make your own, you can find new old stock OEM for that price, so it makes it a much tougher sell. I've been buying shafts more to try in older drivers or to replace whatever might show up in an EBay bargain. But I haven't been buying many heads lately -- last ones were the EZ-PZ wedges from DTG last year.
My only complaint with components is the quality of their paint jobs, most chip like crazy
I think the quality and finish of the new heads I just got from Golfworks is really good. Got the new moment tour VI and KE4 TC hybrid heads, outstanding finish on these.
Really enjoying the Inazone Shadow 2 wedges through 3 months and so far the finish is holding up. Those are the only recent components I have used, and even at that I was so lazy I paid DiamondTour to assemble them.
johnnydoom
IMO, they are the best iron offerings at DTG.
Glad they are working out for ya
Spuzz They work great. Only problem is I’ve played with mixed wedges for so long I now need to look at the loft angle on the sole to be sure I grab the right one with the matching pair. But it was a great recommendation from you, and a good shaft match by DTG. I’m hitting them as good as any wedges I’ve had.
It seems like it happened overnight about 10 years ago. Suppliers folded, new product dried up, prices doubled. The reality is a nice set of component irons doesn’t make sense to build if the price exceeds 125 dollars. Components need to be the latest looks and technology to offset the OEM advantage. I know I don’t need an adjustable driver and I believe the Wishon stuff about not really adjusting loft at all but that doesn’t matter. Adjustable drivers , like automatic transmissions are here to stay, and if it’s a component it can’t cost more than 100 bucks. Hollow, blade like irons with hot faces are the thing. Golfworks got it right but not for 35 or 40 bucks a head. Hireko has one at a decent price but that’s about it. Where’s the PXG knock? I know it won’t come back again, just wishful thinking.
I remember when getting the Golfsmith, Hireko and GW annual catalogs were fun to receive with lots of new stuff every year. The Golfsmith Clubmakers Catalog had all kind of club heads, tools, specs and lots of information.
Rickochet The Golfsmith Clubmakers had all kind of club heads, tools, specs and lots of information.
Agreed.
After the local distributor left town along with the Custom Club Shop (Cliff B and Ashton golf), interest waned for me.
Golfworks is the only major left and while they are great for supplies, their hard goods are too expensive for me.
It is what it is.
I miss the Golfsmith lines. Snake Eyes RULED!
GS had a chance to really put component club building on a level playing field with the OEM brands when they picked up Lynx and Macgregor branding. The names still had a bit of recognition and they needed to move quick. They chose to charge their brick and mortar customers for the right to sell their product. I can remember placing a large order and asking for a snake eyes banner. When I checked my bill they charged me for the banner. A little bit of advertising and product support materials might have given them a fighting chance.
