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Testers Wanted! Titleist SM10 and Stix Golf Clubs ×
Testers Wanted! Titleist SM10 and Stix Golf Clubs

jddaigneault

 
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Test Comments posted by jddaigneault

    Posted

    On 6/21/2022 at 10:51 AM, Berg Ryman said:

    So I do hate to bump, but considering we're nearing the part of this review where we would need to make a decision as to keeping the driver or sending it back, figured I'd come back and inform you that DDC is still accepting memberships for the start of the 2022 season when they can reload their stock. If you didn't laugh, you'd cry.

    Also, complaints are now starting to come in through the BBB page for them and are now going unanswered, leading to them being an F rated business.

    Crazy how this ended up. I was so stoked to do this review. Really turned out to be a bust. 

    Posted

    18 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

    No problem Jaime, again this thread should be held up to show that people aren't paying for positive results here with testing. We're not going to hide away from the shadows if the company wants to operate there. Again, I could see this idea getting folded into company only offerings like what Taylor Made is doing, but a decentralized platform just seems unlikely to work

    You would think customer service is paramount to a company like this. This was my first “club” test, so it was a disappointment it went in this direction but I agree with @GolfSpy_APH it goes a long way towards showing the forum tests are supposed to be about honest experiences. 

    Posted

    10 hours ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

    Yea, that's how I was trying to figure out the rough calculations. I would hope that this was factored into the overall business plan, but it's possible there were some unrealistic assumptions going in. Like if they paid $330 for a driver and a member bought it for $500 (33% sounds like a reasonable difference in what they pay vs. sell for, and they deduct member fees from sale price), they could be sitting on up to two other used drivers that they also paid $330 for -- maybe they assumed they could get $330+ for each of those other two drivers, but reality could be less. E.g. if selling directly to 2ndSwing or a similar place, us individuals will get less than that for a used or even new driver, so they'd need some kind of agreement to get higher buybacks; if they try to sell themselves, they might just be sitting on used inventory --> eventually taking a loss. They do say that they donate a portion of the returned drivers to charities, but the donation model makes it seem even less realistic to make this a sustainable model. 

    Side note: jumped over to their website FAQs to find that last bit of info (what do they do with the returns?), and considering they aren't taking new members, I found it kinda funny that I was getting bombarded by these pop-ups -- either this is misleading (as I've heard about these notifications in the past), or they're reporting renewals in the pop-ups. 

    image.png.6a4e2b0faf4ba1ebc3c17d299e1c24f6.png

    You’d definitely have to think they have some type of deal. Taylormade gives AJGA golfers 40% off, so I assume wholesale has to be in that range. I wonder if they do not keep a large inventory, so that they do not get hampered down by unsold stock. 

    Posted

    3 hours ago, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

    Someone recommended DDC to me after hearing I just ordered a newly fitted driver -- my gut reaction was "it won't work for me" because of shaft options (play an X, and even if it's a "stock offering", it's normally the heavier version that requires custom ordering anyway), but decided to look at it anyway before writing it off, just for kicks (that's also when I remembered about the MGS test offering last year). 

    These reviews are exactly what I expected and super helpful for the market. DDC does have a target market, but especially based on @jddaigneault's review, I'd say their market is not guys like me (FWIW Berg's review helped as well, but the X limitations is what I needed to see). Some of the other data confirms I wouldn't have been happy signing up for the service, like the shipping costs for the replacements, and the fact that they haven't stocked the new products (moot point though - signups are still closed). 

    Especially after seeing they are closed for new sign-ups, it got me thinking that they might not make it much longer (I like to speculate 🤔 I've seen services take this kind of step and then their next step is "dissolve"; others come back and thrive, but both lack of sign-ups and lack of new product does not point in the right direction). That also got me thinking about their business model - it's a great idea if they can keep the service working, but it felt doomed from the start unless they are getting huge discounts on the new drivers or have some kind of second-hand contract that gets them top dollar on used clubs. Just spit-balling numbers...for a returned driver, after considering their cost and what they can get secondary, they're probably hoping for breakeven but more likely somewhere around a ~$50-100 loss per driver -- that's assuming they sell to a secondary retailer, but if they try to sell themselves, they're probably just sitting on a bunch of used inventory with high balances in AP (could also be a reason for not getting the new inventory). Someone that quits after a year then gives them at most $360, but more likely only a ~$100-200 gain depending on how many drivers they went through ($360 minus ~$50 each); a purchase nets them $150-200 on the one driver, minus how many returned clubs it took to get there (so purchases might even be breakeven for them). Even if my numbers are off a bit, it would be really difficult to cover cost of operations -- the returned drivers are cutting into already-thin margins on driver sales, so they'd need some other revenue stream to keep up (do they have that?).  

    Glad the review helped! I agree, I’m unsure how they make money. I do know that wholesale for clubs is significantly under market value, so I’m assuming they have wholesale accounts. 

    Edel SMS Wedges

       194

    Posted

    And I have access to a practice facility with two full foresight simulator bays, so it would be awesome to see the difference in the numbers. 

    Posted

    4 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

    And another update. I'm been playing the G425 Max now for a few rounds with the Alta CB 55, it's been ok for accuracy, but I don't feel as if I'm getting the distance performance out of the club I was looking for. Part of me believes that the shaft weight and lighter shaft with a different kickpoint might be leading to a well centered strike, but higher spin leading to a more accurate flight, but lesser distance.

    Curious I looked at the the shaft switch option to see if the AV Raw Orange or the Tour 65 was available. The 65 was and I went through the process until I got to the payment screen. They wanted FIFTY DOLLARS to exchange a shaft. I'm sorry, but that's preposterous. Also, I thought about exchanging with my final upgrade request... turns out the upgrade process is currently frozen as, and this is a direct quote from the DDC website.

    "Upgrade requests are temporarily unavailable. We're working to replace the 2021 driver options with the new 2022 options. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we make this transition."

    I mean this honestly, I don't want to bury DDC, but this isn't a good sign or good business practices.

    That’s crazy. I keep thinking “screw it let’s just try the PING for funsies” but I’m terrified of the ridiculous cost. I could sell the Callaway and buy a new PING and not spend that much. 

    Posted

    My final review is up!

    Great thoughts from @Berg Ryman already there, and I agree with much of his assessment. As a few of you have mentioned, there are some things about the service that are less than optimal. Hopefully DDC will iron those issues out or another company will fill the void. 

    Personally, I see this working a lot better within an OEM as opposed to across them. It keeps people brand loyal but allows them to test out the different options to see what works. Perhaps a way to keep someone leasing instead of buying? I’m not sure how it works, but you have to think someone will fill the space. 

    Posted

    I’m starting to wonder if Dollar Drive Club is going out of business or something. It appears they are not allowing new members, and they still do not show any of the new drivers on their site. The 2022 most wanted winner PING G425 is there, but that is a 2021 driver. This has proved to be a real disappointment. I was excited about the prospect of testing a couple of the new 2022’s out on the course. It does not look like this is going to end up being a possibility. 

    Posted

    I’ve been trying to keep an eye out on the DDC site for the new release drivers, but have not seen anything about them yet. I will keep checking back!

    Posted

    8 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

    So, coming back to the thread here to say I've centered on what will be Driver 2 in the bag. I'm just waiting for the weather around me to get a big more 'wintery'. It's been a weird start to winter here in CNY, warmer than expected (gonna be 64 on Thursday!!!), wet but not much in the snow department. I think that'll be changing a bit as the calendar turns to 2022 and I do want to test the shipping capabilities in less than ideal conditions. Plus, I do have three hours of Trackman time to burn at Club Champion in Victor after I bought my irons and wedges from out there, so hopefully some good numbers.

    As to what is coming my way... well, I guess once you've hit Bryson's driver the only other choice is to take on Brooksie's. 

    Nice! I’m anxiously awaiting the new drivers. It was awesome hearing about Stealth. Bryson seems jazzed about the new cobra offering as well. I recently got into a new ventus shaft that I really like so I can’t wait to try some new heads out. Im still thinking I’ll get a fitting once new stuff is released and then test #2 and #1 from the fitting to see how those go. 

    I’d also like to test out some of the shipping stuff with regard to shaft swapping as I think it’d be helpful for the forum. 

    Posted

    7 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

    An interesting update, all drivers on the website right now are listed as 'upgrade only' because as I am being told right now through the chat, memberships for the season are closed and will reopen for nearer the start of next golf season.

    So what this means for us testers as people already with memberships we can still "upgrade" our drivers aka send them back for new ones that they have in stock right now, but for those looking to try the service, they're on hold until the 2022 lines come out and DDC reopens everything in what they told me in chat was closer to February 2022. 

    It seems reasonable and actually, fairer to do that this way, instead of asking people to pay for service that wouldn't get much use in some spots of the country due to golf courses closing. I was kind of upset at first but the more I reflect on this, it's actually a good move on DDC to make sure you don't part with your money if you're new to the service and allows them to restock fairly for 2022.

    Great information! I haven’t been checking the site much as we await new stock and word from the higher ups about shipping and whatnot. I’m anxious to try something new, the Epic Max LS is not the one for me. Little too fade biased for my liking. 

    Posted

    22 hours ago, HomeTownKid said:

    Just curious if DDC will be adding, mainly how quickly will they be available, all the new stuff that is coming out right now, i.e. the new Mizuno ST-G 220. Also do they have the full lines of the big 5 available? 

    They have the big five, plus Srixon. Not every head is available in every loft/handedness. I’ll check periodically if/when Mizuno pops up, but the current Mizuno isn’t there. I’m definitely curious to see how quickly new stuff shows once the new year brings us new toys!

    Posted

    I got a couple more rounds under my belt with the Callaway. I know I’ve mentioned this, but it’s really fun to be able to have it out on the course without freaking out. I’ve been working on making the fade a bit gentler. It definitely feels more right side biased than my M5. Ultimately, if I can’t work it out I can always swap it out for another driver!

    Posted

    21 hours ago, cnosil said:

    So here is my question. I read people talking about the drivers they selected and the performance on the course.  That’s nice but the review is about DDC.  Do you believe the average consumer can get benefit from this model?  Will they find a driver that works for them by experimenting like this?   Why is this better than going to a brick and mortar and hitting a variety of drivers especially if you need to rely on a launch monitor to check performance.  Can you get non stock shafts?   Other than the big advantage of being able to hit the club on the course why should I use DDC….although that is probably something you will answer in the final review.  

    I’ve been trying to keep updates centered around DDC, and I think it’s worth note that having the time with the driver to try it without freaking out you made a mistake is a really important element. 

    18 hours ago, RollingGreens said:

    Does it feel like OEM shortages have been noticeable in the DDC inventory?  Does anyone have anything negative about the current model of the DDC early on?

    I think the shaft offerings have been quite a disappointment so far. I don’t know if that’s COVID or business as usual, but I didn’t see anything I was excited about when I ordered the Callaway. There were also some heads only available in lefty. I’m really interested to see if that’s just end of season stock, and there will be a nice selection when new stuff comes out. 

    Posted

    Got out on the course again yesterday for 9, and the new driver helped me make 3 birdies! I’m getting used to the sound of the epic, it is definitely different. I’ve checked the DDC site a few times, but there aren’t any new shaft offerings so I’ll continue to use the AllFit adapter on my Accra shaft until something new comes out to try. I am not sure this is going to end up my gamer, but it is really nice to be able to have an extended on course test. I find it takes time to trust the driver, and while our time together started off with red flags, I’m starting to develop a fondness for it. 

    Posted

    I’ve now been on the course twice with the new driver, once with the stock shaft and once with my Accra. 

    About the driver…the epic max LST definitely hits bombs. I’ve noticed it is forgiving, but definitely has a right side bias. I really have to turn over to hit draws. The sound of kind of funky, and will definitely take some getting used to. It also has a higher ball flight than I’m used to, despite being a 9.0 head.

    About AllFit adapter…this is pretty cool! I was bummed to see it doesn’t operate like a traditional callaway sleeve, but swapping heads is a simple process which seems like it will pair really well if DDC if you have a shaft you enjoy. Worthwhile purchase!

    About Dollar Drive Club…I really like that I’m two rounds in with this driver. As a mid-capper, I can’t just pick up any club and pure it out of the gates. There’s going to be an adjustment period as I get dialed in. Knowing that I can keep using this driver, and if it ends up not being a winner I can just return it, is really cool. It definitely adds a sense of confidence that I’m going to find a driver I will fall in love with. At a fitting you can pure a driver and feel really good about it, but when you take it to the course every bad shot feels like a stark declaration that you made a $500 mistake. I think DDC will help you either settle into a driver with confidence, or provide the flexibility to always swap out heads on your never ending tinker quest. 

    My next step is to hit the range with the launch monitor to see a head to head comparison between the M5 and the Epic to see if there’s anything in the numbers to help me decide which direction to go. 

    Posted

    1 minute ago, goaliewales14 said:

    Hey Testers!  2 really quick questions for each of you.

    1) I know it was already mentioned as to which drivers you guys will be looking at throughout this process, but did any of you try to go to PGA SS, or anything like that, to hit them first to narrow down the list of possibilities from the website?  If not, are you worried about grabbing the wrong head, example SIM2 vs SIM2 Max, in the process?

    2) From my review of MGS's TRUEGolfFit mixed with Global Golf's UTry program, we determined that getting fit into the correct shaft was a huge factor.  At the time, TGF didn't have a shaft recommendation and Global Golf was VERY limited in which shafts they had to send.  How much do you think shafts will affect your perception of this review?

    I hit a few of the options, but definitely not enough. I plan to get fitted once next years drivers come out and use DDC to test the two finalists on the course. 

    Shaft is proving to be a challenge. The stock for DDC is very low. I plan to put an AllFit adapter on my Accra shaft and use the same shaft across all the heads I try. I may also go hit with a ventus shaft to see if I prefer that. 

    Posted

    21 minutes ago, jlukes said:

    I might have missed it, but to the testers get to keep or have the option to buy the driver they like the best?

    I’m not sure how this is going to work. I hope so! Based purely on the DDC website, we’d get $365 off retail of the driver we like at the end of it all. 


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