MGS testing opportunities

[cnosil]

I like many others only apply for things that I am interested in testing or have the time to test.   I have had the opportunity to be a part of the most wanted testing so I have tested a lot of the clubs already.

[Krispy]

We try to social media the hell out of every one of these opportunities (is 'social media' a verb?) - but some things resonate more than others. The Matrix shafts opportunity went pretty well for shafts - it moved the needle more than any other shaft testing we've done in the past couple of years. It didn't get the same love or attention on social media because the day that went live was the day TaylorMade's sales was announced, so it just got lost in the shuffle.

 

We have a couple coming up in the next two weeks that are very interesting, but they probably won't create the same kind of buzz as PING or Callaway, but that's just the nature of the beast. We try to collect products across a pretty wide spectrum that we think will be of interest to our membership - sometimes we hit it, sometimes we miss it!

I really hope one in the next few weeks is the bombtech grenade driver. I'm interested to see how they perform.

[L.I. Rich]

I'm an infrequent contributor, yet basically daily reader of the forums. Until recently (to the best of my recollection), I haven't requested to participate in any testing for exactly the reasons others have stated. If I commit to something, I want to give my best, so if I anticipate that other commitments would prevent me from executing and reporting a high quality review, I don't bother with putting my name in the hat.

 

I am amazed at the review opportunities that MGS has presented over the years. Very cool.

 

Cheers!

[Brjpool]

I try to put in for opportunities that I feel I can give a good review on. I didn't put in for the ping i200 because I feel like that is above the skill level in play. Probably not the best person to test a crossover type iron.

 

 

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[jayjay0808]

I agree with most here that in order to do the review service you have to have some level of interest in the product. I like many have stated already only apply to the products I think I could provide a serious complete review. 

[MattF]

I too am in the camp of not applying for anything that I'm not interested in. Also, because I was just picked to test the skygolf watch, I won't apply for anything for a while as I don't want to seem greedy. 

 

What I can't stand, is the blow ins. They apply for testing and do nothing else with the site, then get all pissed off if they're not picked and not come back. Obviously the site is better for it, but c'mon, how about you contribute, you might find you like it a little bit.

[ole gray]

I too am in the camp of not applying for anything that I'm not interested in. Also, because I was just picked to test the skygolf watch, I won't apply for anything for a while as I don't want to seem greedy. 

 

What I can't stand, is the blow ins. They apply for testing and do nothing else with the site, then get all pissed off if they're not picked and not come back. Obviously the site is better for it, but c'mon, how about you contribute, you might find you like it a little bit.

They are missing the best part of MGS if they don't join in the community and enjoy all the other benefits. Testing is a good thing however don't overlook the good times to be had at MGS!

[Kanoito]

I believe the time we have available to test is limited, so it only makes sense to focus your energy into one thing at a time.
Ideally, a minimum of 2 rounds and 2 range sessions per week.

 

I didn't apply for the PING irons and wedges for example, cause I just don't get along with PING and I would also be biased going in.

[kevin1889]

It's really nice to see so many genuine members on this forum. It's been a big help for me in just the past month since I joined and you can tell those who are in it for some free stuff vs. those that really buy into the mission of MSG.  I agree with most posters here that I would only submit for products I'm interested in but also add that I wouldn't submit for products that I just can't test to the degree they should be tested.  For example, with the Epic Drivers. I don't think it would be fair for me to test because in my experience, a driver can (and should be) custom fitted, the shaft can make such a big difference. I wouldn't want to test a product like this and compare to my current driver that has a custom shaft, loft, etc.  just wouldn't be fair, no matter how much I would love to have an Epic.  I don't share the same perspective for irons (as long as they aren't player/tour irons) or tech.

[chershey]

It's really nice to see so many genuine members on this forum. It's been a big help for me in just the past month since I joined and you can tell those who are in it for some free stuff vs. those that really buy into the mission of MSG.  I agree with most posters here that I would only submit for products I'm interested in but also add that I wouldn't submit for products that I just can't test to the degree they should be tested.  For example, with the Epic Drivers. I don't think it would be fair for me to test because in my experience, a driver can (and should be) custom fitted, the shaft can make such a big difference. I wouldn't want to test a product like this and compare to my current driver that has a custom shaft, loft, etc.  just wouldn't be fair, no matter how much I would love to have an Epic.  I don't share the same perspective for irons (as long as they aren't player/tour irons) or tech.

Yeah, that's a great point about the driver testing. The equipment companies often only gives you the option of the stock shaft to test, and that may not fit you, so unless you're willing to put a shaft in yourself that you've purchased, you might not know if you are getting the optimum numbers from the driver. If they really wanted to prove their driver is better, they should give you the option to go get fitted somewhere in your area for the driver and then send it to you with the specs you were fitted for. Then you could do a great review on the driver with no doubt that it's set up perfectly for you. When I did my putter testing for MGS, one of the first things I did was to get the putter bent flat to my specs and replaced the stock grip to one that fit me better. I don't think my testing would have went as well as it did if I didn't make the putter fit me better.

[McaseyM]

It's kind of interesting when you go through the applications when it's time to select testers. You see a lot of familiar names - people who only post to apply to test. And those are the ones who have profile pix.

 

Just so everyone knows - no profile pic = zero chance of being picked.

 

Also, it's interesting to read some of the comments in the blog, especially seeing so many people applying in the blog comments. What's more interesting is the more explicit we get with application instructions, the more we get people applying in the blog comments. The boss says there are people who get forums and people who don't, and you can't turn one into the other.

 

 

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C'mon, those guys do have 2 posts.....The other is In the classified section!

Love it when they say "lm a member of several forums (WRX) with a good reputation...AKA I don't want to pay any selling fees

 

Almost better are the guys that say "same testers get picked" or "I donated and didn't get picked"

 

First, the equipment gets spread around nicely, usually a good mix of regular members and 1-2 newbies.

 

Maybe they just saw Shankster, Ole Grey or Dawg Daddy's names because they're involved in almost every discussion.

 

As for donating, do it for the right reason and. It expect to get anything out of it. I see it as a way to say thanks

 

 

 

 

 

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[Shankster]

my handle is unforgettable. Sorry.

 

 

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[GolfSpy Barbajo]

It's really nice to see so many genuine members on this forum. It's been a big help for me in just the past month since I joined and you can tell those who are in it for some free stuff vs. those that really buy into the mission of MSG.  I agree with most posters here that I would only submit for products I'm interested in but also add that I wouldn't submit for products that I just can't test to the degree they should be tested.  For example, with the Epic Drivers. I don't think it would be fair for me to test because in my experience, a driver can (and should be) custom fitted, the shaft can make such a big difference. I wouldn't want to test a product like this and compare to my current driver that has a custom shaft, loft, etc.  just wouldn't be fair, no matter how much I would love to have an Epic.  I don't share the same perspective for irons (as long as they aren't player/tour irons) or tech.

 

Callaway gets this about the Epic - they want to make sure the testers we select do go through a basic fitting process to make sure they get the right shaft out of their no-charge upgrade collection.  Smart move on their part...

[Golfspy_CG2]

So if I sign up as a new member and put "spy" in part of my name, but still don't load an Avatar, I must be a shoe-in right...

[Sparksjr]

Callaway gets this about the Epic - they want to make sure the testers we select do go through a basic fitting process to make sure they get the right shaft out of their no-charge upgrade collection. Smart move on their part...

Very smart move and i didn't realize the test club would come with shaft choice. That's pretty rockin

 

 

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[StrokerAce]

Funny....some people who may do a search for "best driver 2017" or like a page on Facebook or run across MGS on Instagram or Twitter in some other way see it as a way to "get a (very expensive) free [x]!" .... and are off and running; they don't realize the work you are expected -- rightly so -- to put in so that you can provide true unbiased feedback.

 

If you read/know the MGS mission that is what they are all about - cutting through the crap and getting to the heart of the matter.  Is this [x] worth it or not?  And that, along with many other things, is why people are here.  Don't sell me b.s. about adding an extra 24 yards or any of that other crap, is this worth my hard-earned money or not?

 

One of the best ways to determine that is to put it into the hands of **real** people and let them take it for a drive and have them give a thorough and honest review.

 

As others have said - it is really an honor to be selected as a tester considering the huge number of applications but that is a somewhat of an unwritten contract between you and the staff at MGS.  "we want you to test this and we have a certain level of expectation in regards to your feedback".  It takes a -- real commitment -- to provide a quality review and if you aren't up for it then you honestly shouldn't bother asking to be selected.

 

And this isn't a hit-and-run either.... you aren't prevented from adding additional feedback after the various stages of the review are complete.  Months, years, seasons later - is it still working as you expect, hope, thought?  Did it break/fall apart/stop for some reason?  Let's hear it!

 

I'm not in marketing and sales but I've read a lot of articles about tricks and things that can be employed to get you to buy so I'm already skeptical.  I love coming here and reading the reviews because it really both simplifies things and gets right to the crux of the argument.  

 

I don't envy the staff that are tasked with choosing testers.  In some cases there's a good bit of background and info to go on and in others it purely is faith.  So far I think they've done a good job in the people that they've chosen.  I'm sure there are cases where they'd change some things but all-in-all the reviewers have done good work and the guys at MGS should give themselves a pat on the back.  

 

Looking forward to seeing more and more good reviews this year!

[revkev]

I've been fortunate enough to do a number of reviews.  Generally speaking I will only apply where I think that my comments might be of benefit to the community and there's something about the product that grabs my attention.

 

I'm not at all surprised that Ping Irons and a hot new Callaway driver would garner such interest.  I also think that the limited number of testers may have reduced the number of applicants for the Cobra irons. 

 

I put in for both sets of irons but won't for the driver.  My current driver fits well - I wasn't able to gain any appreciable yardage at a driver fitting that I went to last spring and don't see that this would happen now - I just don't hit the ball far enough to gain much from a different driver - give me the right loft with the proper shaft on any driver and I'm going to get a ball speed of 130 or so, launch angel around 15 spin rate in the low 2000's and carry of about 210 - I'm confident that I can get this with any driver from any OEM - right loft/shaft combo - so what would it prove?  I'd end up saying - nice driver - looks great - unlikely to purchase because the .7 yard gain isn't worth $440. 

[Golfspy_CG2]

Well Said Stroker  And Preach Rev!!

[StrokerAce]

Well Said Stroker  And Preach Rev!!

 

 Thanks man... cool avatar... even though I'm a Duke fan!

[Golfspy_CG2]

 Thanks man... cool avatar... even though I'm a Duke fan!

HA!!  You can blame MDGolfHacker, he made it for me after I posted  somethng last week about wanting a cool Avatar.  Also props to Shanskter for sending me one as well that was very cool. 

[L.I. Rich]

Callaway gets this about the Epic - they want to make sure the testers we select do go through a basic fitting process to make sure they get the right shaft out of their no-charge upgrade collection.  Smart move on their part...

Wow, that's very interesting!

[Rtracymog]

I'm in the same boat as many. I've only put in for like 1 or two things. I have the benefit of working in a golf shop that carries a lot of stuff. I can demo certain clubs any time I want, so it doesn't make much sense for me to take an opportunity away from someone.

 

 

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[Rphall003]

I reckon I'm a little late to the party so I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said. I couldn't agree more with what's already been said....I will not be entering the epic review as I've already played it it's not for me and I'm afraid I couldn't give an objective review! I have entered several review opportunities but they were all items I was very much interested in. Good luck to all who receive the opportunity to review items and I look forward to hearing from you!!

 

 

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[cksurfdude]

Anecdotally, I'd started out, as many others I suspect, reading equipment reviews in the MGS forums before becoming an active participant. For me, the real player comments meant a lot more .. and carried a lot more weight .. than major mag "star" or medal ratings.

 

I was fortunate to become a tester .. in a product I was *very* interested in .. and as Rev and others said only applied where I felt I had the potential to get some real utility out of the product and then could return meaningful feedback.

(So, no, my name is not in the Epic list either.)

 

In fact, I believe the testing opportunity actually helped improve my game a bit - I had to actually pay attention to what the club was doing when it impacted the ball and then to what the results were.

 

As it turns out, the clubs - the Hogan VKTR hybrids - were not for me .. as a less than "better player" .. but then I still get to give that feedback to the community and to any other casual readers.

 

So.. the tester experience helped me become more knowledgeable about hybrids and also helped steer me into making better choices for my own bag!

[HeathS16]

Sorry off topic. Where are the 5 likes?! I've been waiting for a post with 5 likes! It's like the phantom.

 

 

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put in a like I'll try to help you out I agree with pretty much everything said, I apply if it is something I would be genuinely interested in testing. Plus just the opportunity is thrilling, get the chance to be selected to test hyped products! Heck yea! I love that it is a way members can give back to the mgs community.

 

 

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[Shankster]

Quick someone like post #43 so we can eclipse the 5 like mark!

 

 

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[revkev]

cksurfdude -  I fully agree that certain testing opportunities create the opportunity for the tester to improve his game.  For me it was the SCOR testing vs. my Wilson short irons.  I hit so many irons head to head on a par 3 course that summer that it got to where I was extremely dialed in for anything between 120 and 90. 

[cksurfdude]

 

 

Quick someone like post #43 so we can eclipse the 5 like mark!

Yeah, that would be .. _Epic_ .. .. ..

(ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)

[dang3rtown]

I do apply for almost everything. I have two reasons for this. One, only testing stuff you think you'll like is a form of bias. Go in with an open mind. Irons are too, "GI" you don't, "get along" with brand X? You've never tried this stuff, how do you know? Maybe it will work great for you, maybe that will inspire another person similar to you to give it a shot! On the other hand, if you go in with the attitude of, "I'm gonna love this!" That isn't exactly an unbiased opinion either!

So, my second reason for applying often is, I really like reviewing things. I love equipment, I love testing it out, I love sharing what I found with other people. The review process itself is fun! In fact, the only reason I haven't applied for much recently is because I was selected for the Ping irons and I want to focus on giving them a proper review.

Now, I'm not taking a dig at anyone who tests left often for the reasons I stated above. Those are all excellent reasons, they just aren't reasons for me! Happy testing!

 

 

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[Shankster]

Dang3rtown, I like it! If you ain't trying you ain't winning.

 

 

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