SPY VIP GolfSpyC Posted December 7, 2016 SPY VIP Share Posted December 7, 2016 VUGA Let's be honest. Soft goods don't exactly move the needle. There are myriad reasons why that's the case, but suffice it to say, consumers just don't get those same giddy feelings when they're perusing the fall collection of brand "X" as they do awaiting the latest driver, whose embargoed photos leaked several months earlier. But as much as this is about a new company and a differentiating technology, it's also serves as a proxy conversation for the continued movement away from mainline and toward the decidedly niche. We're seeing it in every corner of the industry (Snell, PXG, Toulon, Lambcrafted, XPHLEXXX, etc) and Chris Engel's venture, apparel and accessory company VUGA, it the most recent example. VUGA? IS THAT REALLY A WORD? Yes. It's a Zulu term used frequently by Nelson Mandela which loosely means "opportunity and new beginnings." In that context, it's more than a brand-name for Engel, a native South African, who spent the last decade working in product development for TaylorMade-Adidas. THE SKINNY: VUGA (www.vugabrand.com) is a line of golf apparel and accessories created by an avid golfer for avid golfers. As a result, all of the pieces are meant to be worn and used on the course. The fact they can be enjoyed at the office or in a casual setting is a nice bonus. The style is decidedly classic, yet sophisticated. Don't expect any wild colors or designs. The overall quality is top shelf. From materials and design to functionality and finishing touches, VUGA is on par with other quality vendors (see: Peter Millar) and technologies (see: Gortex, Dri-Fit) The logo is meant to catch your eye, but not to detract from the product itself. Some companies are logo driven (think Under Armour) whereas others are product driven (think Footjoy). It may seem like a distinction without a difference, but for Engel, everything he does is intentional. SO WHAT'S DIFFERENT? VUGA Tech for one. It's not so much about what the performance fabrics do (wick moisture, dry quickly) - it's what they don't do. As in smell. Most anti-bacterial fabrics use some type of coating to repel odor causing bacteria. This coating eventually wears off and the garment takes on a permanent smell. Conversely, VUGA Tech uses a proprietary process which is inert in the yarn and lasts a lot longer. That's a huge difference. Suffice it to say, you will wear this shirt out before you "smell it out." Engel understands as a small start-up, he can't afford any lags in order fulfillment or dropped balls with customer service. To that end, the initial product line is limited (expect to see pants/shorts and belts in the spring), but the online ordering process is simple and if it's on the site, it's available. What they lack in volume and economies of scale is more than offset by a leaner operation where major costs associated with advertising and player sponsorship are non-existent. In general, retail prices are 30%-40% less than competing brands of similar quality. Bottom Line: I get it can be difficult to get excited about clothing, but like I said before, this isn't entirely about that. The bigger picture is Engel is traveling a path similar to other industry veterans, venturing out from the often-confined office space of large OEMs. A leaner operation and control over the entire creative process should yield a variety of benefits for the consumer, not the least of which as a product line driven by primarily by quality rather than profit. The formula of “premium quality at reduced prices†is a nice calling card, but only insofar as the ability of the vendor to make good on both elements. Thus far, he's nailed it. The initial line effuses quality and when you look at what you're getting per dollar spent, the value is significant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperDave Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I'm sorry, I don't understand. I just looked this stuff up and polos are $65. I know that's less than Nike, Adidas and others, but I can get nice polos that last year's for $25 or less. Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpc2828 Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I agree, way too expensive for golf clothing, I wait till it goes clearance and then maybe I'll think about it. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I don't think the prices are out of line with other major clothing brands initial releases. I am not really a "performance fabric" kind of guy but I like the style of the polos and jackets. The website has no indication of sizing like most sites have, and I would never purchase anything online without knowing that the size is close to what I need. I'm not paying return shipping to find out the correct size. Today's clothing lines are ridiculous in their size variations. Some brands XXL is other brands XL or maybe even L. “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fozcycle Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I have not looked at the prices, but, from what I see in the pics posted here, the design is very clean looking and very likable. Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy Driver: 0311 XF 10.5* w/Project X Cypher 40 gram Senior shaft or 0811 XF 12* w/Evenflo Riptide CB Senior shaft Fairways: 0211 5W & 7W w/ Evenflo Riptide CB regular shaft and Tour Edge E521 9W w/Fubuki HD50 regular shaft Hybrid: None in bag at the moment Irons: Titleist T300 5-PW w/Fubuki MV Senior graphite shafts w/Golf Pride Tour Wedges: Edison forged 49*, 53* and 57* wedges with KB PGI Senior shafts(80 grm). Putter: 33” Evnroll ER6R or ER2 or Bellum Winmore Model 707, or Nike Method Core Drone w/Evnroll Gravity Grip Bag: Vice cart bag(Black/Lime). Ball: Snell MTB Prime X, Maxfli Tour/S/X CG, Titleist Pro V1x or Titleist TruFeel Using Shot Scope X5 and Pinned Rangefinder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djahubes Posted December 8, 2016 Share Posted December 8, 2016 I like what I see on the website. With 15% off first order am going to give it a shot Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP GolfSpyC Posted December 8, 2016 Author SPY VIP Share Posted December 8, 2016 I'm sorry, I don't understand. I just looked this stuff up and polos are $65. I know that's less than Nike, Adidas and others, but I can get nice polos that last year's for $25 or less. Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app In terms of quality, this is a step up from Nike/Adidas. They wear better and in my experience, last longer. More in line with something like Peter Millar which is priced well above the $65 mark of VUGA. Don't know if the typical bargain rack shopper is likely to be impressed by what VUGA offers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP GolfSpyC Posted December 8, 2016 Author SPY VIP Share Posted December 8, 2016 I don't think the prices are out of line with other major clothing brands initial releases. I am not really a "performance fabric" kind of guy but I like the style of the polos and jackets. The website has no indication of sizing like most sites have, and I would never purchase anything online without knowing that the size is close to what I need. I'm not paying return shipping to find out the correct size. Today's clothing lines are ridiculous in their size variations. Some brands XXL is other brands XL or maybe even L. That's great feedback - For me, the jackets/pullovers run a bit smaller than other brands, which I prefer if I'm wearing them on the course. So if you're between and like it to fit looser, go up a size. If your good with something a bit slimmer, stay with what you'd normally wear. Polos run pretty much true to size in my experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonnythec Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Vuga is a terrible name..just saying. Sent from my iPhone while sitting at the 19th hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP GolfSpyC Posted December 9, 2016 Author SPY VIP Share Posted December 9, 2016 Vuga is a terrible name..just saying. Sent from my iPhone while sitting at the 19th hole. How so? I actually think it's kind of a cool story, but then again, I like history, world affairs and the backstory to companies, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McaseyM Posted December 9, 2016 Share Posted December 9, 2016 Nice clean lines, That blue zip mock is sweet, as are all the jackets. I know BarbaJo loves himself a nice mock. Where's Zinger for a full MGS review?? Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy What's in my bag: Driver : F9 10.5, Fujikura Speeder 757 TR Fairway F9 15.5° Aldila Rogue White 80X Hybrid: King F7 18° KBS Tour PROTO Hybrid 95 S+ Irons: z585 4i - 6i, z785 7i-PW, Nippon Modus 120X Wedges: CBX 50.11, 55.11, 60.10 TT DG S400 Black Putter: Honey Badger 34" Ball: Q-Star Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPY VIP GolfSpyC Posted December 10, 2016 Author SPY VIP Share Posted December 10, 2016 Nice clean lines, That blue zip mock is sweet, as are all the jackets. I know BarbaJo loves himself a nice mock. Where's Zinger for a full MGS review?? Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy I've had a chance to work through most of the line - It's solid all the way around. Current fav piece might be the quilted jacket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpandrun Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 How so? I actually think it's kind of a cool story, but then again, I like history, world affairs and the backstory to companies, etc. I have no problem with the name and think it's pretty cool that he is using a term that means something to him and also represents what he is doing (a new beginning for himself). 2016 M1 10.5 Fujikura Pro 60 Stiff Callaway X2Hot 3W Aldila RIP Stiff Callaway X2Hot 19° Matrix Radix S7 Stiff Ping i25 4i-PW KBS Stiff (soft-stepped) Titleist SM7 52 8° F Stiff Titleist SM7 56 8° M Stiff Titleist SM7 60 4° L Stiff Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 34" Superstroke Flatso 2.0 Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 grips Snell MTB Red (Optic Yellow) Powerbilt TPS Cabretta Tour Glove Callaway RAZR Laser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpandrun Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 I really like the blue jacket shown, might have to look into that one. 2016 M1 10.5 Fujikura Pro 60 Stiff Callaway X2Hot 3W Aldila RIP Stiff Callaway X2Hot 19° Matrix Radix S7 Stiff Ping i25 4i-PW KBS Stiff (soft-stepped) Titleist SM7 52 8° F Stiff Titleist SM7 56 8° M Stiff Titleist SM7 60 4° L Stiff Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 34" Superstroke Flatso 2.0 Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 grips Snell MTB Red (Optic Yellow) Powerbilt TPS Cabretta Tour Glove Callaway RAZR Laser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDGolfHacker Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 The product line looks great! As long as the quality is there, I would buy it. MDGolfHacker TSssWhat's In This Lefty's Bag? Driver: TSR2 11° Project X HZRDUS Black 4G 60g 5.5 Flex Fairway Woods: F8 3W Project X Even Flow Blue 75g shaft Fairway Woods: Hybrid: TSR2 18° Graphite Design Tour AD DI-85 Shaft Irons: 2021 T200's 4-GW AMT RED shafts Regular Flex Wedge: Tour Satin RTX 4 Wedges in 52° and 56° 2 Dot Putter: Gray Matter TDP 2.2 32.75" Bag: Three 5 Ball: PRO V1 / Z*Star RangeFinder: In search of new range finder Social Media: Facebook: MD Golfhacker Twitter: @mdgolfhacker Instagram: mdgolfhacker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpandrun Posted December 13, 2016 Share Posted December 13, 2016 Are the jackets more of a slim fit? I have wide shoulders and I have a round shaped belly but I'm not what would be considered fat by most. I normally wear an XL but slim fitting clothes are tight around my midsection. 2016 M1 10.5 Fujikura Pro 60 Stiff Callaway X2Hot 3W Aldila RIP Stiff Callaway X2Hot 19° Matrix Radix S7 Stiff Ping i25 4i-PW KBS Stiff (soft-stepped) Titleist SM7 52 8° F Stiff Titleist SM7 56 8° M Stiff Titleist SM7 60 4° L Stiff Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 34" Superstroke Flatso 2.0 Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 grips Snell MTB Red (Optic Yellow) Powerbilt TPS Cabretta Tour Glove Callaway RAZR Laser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayjay0808 Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 I like the clean lines. Nothing flashy but just classy! In my bag: Driver: Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS 10.5* (set to 9.5) UST Lin-Q Gunmetal 6f5 Wood: Tsi2 15* Project X RDX Black 70 6.5 Hybrids: King Utility 19.5* Diamana Tensei White Pro 90TX Irons: Cobra King Tour MIM 4-PW Dynamic Gold 120 X100 Wedges: Milled Grind 3 50*, 54*, 58* Tour Issue S400 Putter: Nashville Z1C 34" Ball: Pro V1x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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