Which reviews do you apply for?

[MDGolfHacker]

I apply for what I feel I can do a great job testing and fits my current skill and maybe my next level skills I'm trying to redevelop. I'll apply for most ball tests as it's kind of fun finding out how a new ball will work for you compared to your current setup. As a current and previous tester, it is a lot of work to do even the simplest of tests. When I did the E6 testing, I spent quite a few hours on and around the greens for a month or two plus course time to get a feel for how the balls reacted and played. I took a ton of pictures as well.

 

MDGolfHacker

[silver & black]

I don't apply for anything because I don't have the time to be thorough, or the desire to write a proper review. It wouldn't be right on my part to take an opportunity from someone who wants to do it... for the right reason.

[poprocksncoke]

Like others have mentioned, I only apply for something that I am interested in and fits my game.  There is not much of a point to apply for something that wont have a place in my bag after the review has been completed.

[00sportsman]

Pretty much everything I would say has already been said by someone else.  I think anyone who feels like they have something to contribute and is willing to put in the effort should feel comfortable applying.  I like to hear a variety of opinions from a variety of people with a variety of skill levels.  Every review I've read has given me something to think about or consider, whether they were people with high handicaps like mine, or +2's.  Some of the best reviews I've read have been by average players just being honest about their experiences.

[Nunfa0]

Living so far away ( New Zealand) means I have to read the fine print before applying. I apply for anything I can get and hopefully one day I will be chosen.

[Rickp]

Great thread! For my situation living in FL between a ton of courses the testing areas and weather are pretty good. Saying that I only apply for equipment that would be a good fit and fun to work with.

I did apply for the G400 driver but declined the Cobra and Cleveland Launcher. I felt the G400 was good for my game and a fun test the other two no. I don't want to ever get a test opportunity for something I'm not committed to.

 

 

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[GolfSpy_APH]

Great topic... for me I will only apply for reviews that are either a product I'm very interested in, or is something I could do very well at reviewing. There are also favourite clubs in my bag I have no intention on replacing so anything that falls under that I'd stay away from. Finally I have really gotten a lot of this site over the years and really would want to do a great job, so if timing doesn't work and I don't believe I'd be able to give it a fair shot or full review I don't apply.

These are great opportunities and so many members have done incredible jobs with their reviews so there are some big shoes to fill if chosen!

 

 

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[Brian A]

Reviews I think I could handle, or clubs that would be the updated version of mine to see how the new compares to old.

 

 

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[GolfSpy MPR]

Living so far away ( New Zealand) means I have to read the fine print before applying. I apply for anything I can get and hopefully one day I will be chosen.

 

This is the most unique answer so far. Interesting to read about a factor that many of us don't have to consider.

[Kenny B]

I find this thread interesting, and I feel that it probably confirms the information that MGS has on us when selecting testers.  When we put our name in the hat, MGS knows that we have an interest in the club (for whatever reason), and we are willing to commit to the time needed to provide the type of review that MGS Testers are known for.  I am sure that MGS has other criteria for selection, but selecting people who have responded in this thread will always be a good choice.

[dhartmann34]

I have to have some type of interest in the product and I have to believe I have the time to put into the testing. If both of those don't exist, I don't apply. 

[cksurfdude]

Two great points in here (in bold) I thought were worth re-iterating....

 

I voted "other."  

 

I've seen similar answers from some others here - It needs to be something that I'm going to be passionate about.  Working in tech, the Cobra Connect challenge was a perfect fit for me.

 

Honestly MPR, I'd love to see you do a driver review.  

...

1. "A player that loves the driver, hits it well and hits it every chance they get is likely to stripe it with just about anything you put in their hands.  I'd rather see a review from someone that hasn't yet found the driver that works for them."

...

2. "I also like reading critical reviews.  I like seeing who is a bad fit for a product as much as seeing who is a good fit.  Anyone who is willing to do the work and give a fair review to a product should feel welcome to throw their hat in the ring."

...

 

If MGS is looking for something in particular from their reviewers, I'm confident that they'll ask the right questions to get the data they need to make good decisions.

 

I think these two elements really add a lot of substance to the forum member reviews!

 

...

 

* Side note on the nature of "subjective" reviews...

Others have mentioned - and I very much agree - that reading another player's subjective commentary on the club can be very helpful; especially if they have described the type of player they are and how they play the game, so that the reader can put those comments into a good context.

 

For example, 'oh that guy struggles with big dispersion on his irons and even though I see the ((whatever brand/model)) GI set helped him with that ... I don't really have that same problem so I won't be looking at this model'.

 

IMO these subjective reviews go hand-in-hand perfectly with the MGS #datacentric Most Wanted Testing.

[Curly6]

I've tended to stay away from reviews mainly due to time constraints. I would want to be sure I can give the most comprehensive review I am able to, and I feel like time limitations would hurt that.

 

If I do apply, it is to something that genuinely peaks my interest, makes me feel like it could really help my game, or could stand a chance at taking a spot in the bag. I would make the time for a thorough review of it checked all of those boxes.

[MDGolfHacker]

Two great points in here (in bold) I thought were worth re-iterating....

 

 

I think these two elements really add a lot of substance to the forum member reviews!

 

...

 

* Side note on the nature of "subjective" reviews...

Others have mentioned - and I very much agree - that reading another player's subjective commentary on the club can be very helpful; especially if they have described the type of player they are and how they play the game, so that the reader can put those comments into a good context.

 

For example, 'oh that guy struggles with big dispersion on his irons and even though I see the ((whatever brand/model)) GI set helped him with that ... I don't really have that same problem so I won't be looking at this model'.

 

IMO these subjective reviews go hand-in-hand perfectly with the MGS #datacentric Most Wanted Testing.

Number 2 is a little tough though. I wouldn't want to put a high handicapper who just started in a test with blades. I guess within reason would be more apropo. It wouldn't make it fun for the tester or for MGS to showcase the strengths of the equipment.

 

MDGolfHacker

[downlowkey]

Other: I'm obviously in it solely for the money, fame, groupies, etc...

 

But seriously, I think the only requisite for reviewing equipment is the ability to apply critical thinking and accurately detail your observations. By nature and career choice, I am focused on improving products and processes. And at the risk of being overly critical at times, I hope my experience and examination will yield some unique product insights.

[MarcKilgore]

I got to review a putter a few years ago, but hadn't the time to really be able to devote to doing a quality review since then (big promotion at work - lucky me). Now that I've settled into the executive ranks and don't work ridiculous hours anymore, maybe I'll start throwing my hat into the ring again and stop being such a lurker.

[Rickp]

I got to review a putter a few years ago, but hadn't the time to really be able to devote to doing a quality review since then (big promotion at work - lucky me). Now that I've settled into the executive ranks and don't work ridiculous hours anymore, maybe I'll start throwing my hat into the ring again and stop being such a lurker.

Old saying, Been there done that

 

 

 

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[No3PuttLaLa]

Being committed to golf within the last year, I am still building confidence in my game and my gear. I have lowered my scores from 130+ down to a 103 average and continuing to drop as I put more focus into the game.

 

I have been on the forums for a little over a month (I believe) and I have applied for the Cobra Connect, PING, and the Cleveland HB. I love my current Cobra set-up so I was interested to see what the new versions had to offer. I have finally started getting consistent with my F6 Driver (278 yd Avg- When hit straight!), but still feel like there is something to be desired so I was VERY intrigued to try out a new one and see how it impacted my game.

 

I think I am a great fit for testing as a lot of golfers out there haven't necessarily been playing their entire life. Still finding my groove in the game, I feel that testing the product allows me an opportunity to share my experience with a good majority of the golfing population. 

 

I firmly believe confidence in your game and gear is a crucial part of golf. That being said, I am excited to try a new product that I feel can truly help me build that confidence in my own game. As I continue to get better and continue to lower my scores, I feel like I will be significantly more selective in which reviews I apply for.

 

*End Rant*

[Jbmullin]

I am fairly new on this page so I have applied for everytung so far but more so because I am interested in trying to find what will work best for my me.

 

I will admit I have a slight obsession with golf gear and I like reading product reviews and videos and then testing it for myself.

[cksurfdude]

Well, interesting update - I'm one of the three selected for the Cleveland Launcher HB driver review! I put my name in for that one as I was curious if this might be something that could actually help me hit a driver decently .. so keep an eye out for that up-coming member review thread!

 

Oh, PS:

So, no, I won't be entering any further review opportunities this season.

[McaseyM]

I usually only apply for things that I am truly interested in AND can put in the appropriate amount of time for. 

[revkev]

I apply to review equipment that I would be interested in if I were looking to purchase new equipment. I won't however do so if I'm working tomorrow n another review. For example I'd love to test the Hogan wedge that MGS is taking apps for but wouldn't dare apply (nor would I be selected.)

 

Not everything that I've tested has made it into my permanent line up but much has. Most have received good reviews though there was one, the SCOR 44, that did not produce as advertised. Good club but could not match my Wilson C100 for dispersion (my swing around 100 measured shots).

 

 

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[PING Apologist #9]

I'll apply for items I'm interested in that'll potentially help my game and not always clubs, though I WILL apply for everything PING for sure..!

[Chadlius88]

I have applied and will apply for reviews of products that interest me and could possibly find a place in my bag. As someone who lives less than 10 minutes from multiple courses and several ranges, I have the facilities and the time available to produce a quality review.

 

If something is way outside my skill level (bladed irons for example) I'm not going to apply for the review, because someone who the clubs will fit better could provide a much higher quality review than I ever could.