MGS Forum Review Testimonials

[mpatrickriley]

In preparation for next season (already!), we're looking to continue to build the great community we have here in the MGS Forums. Many of us (including me) initially found our way here through the review opportunities. Promoting those opportunities is a great way to draw in new like-minded members to our Forums.

What we'd like to do is collect your testimonials about the value of the Forum reviews, both as a reviewer and as someone reading the reviews.

Many of our members have been able to participate in a review. If you were trying to convince a friend to sign up on MGS and participate in a review, what would you say? How has the review process been helpful to you? What have you gained by doing a product review for the MGS Forums?

All of us have followed along in the reviews of others as well. How have you found those reviews to help you? We've already got a thread here asking if you've purchased gear because of MGS reviews, but that thread includes both Forum content and the posts on the main site. Here, try to keep your comments to being about the reviews you read in the Forums. How have the Forum reviews guided your own gear purchases?

If you comment, understand that your testimonial may be chosen as a blurb in upcoming article for MyGolfSpy.

[mpatrickriley]

I'll throw mine in to begin.

Getting a chance to review a set of PING G700s opened my eyes to the level of help offered by modern clubs. It caused me to reflect on the whole meaning of why we play golf with one kind of club rather than another, which was a deeper place than I expected to go.

As a reader, I've been introduced to brands like Evnroll and Tommy Armour that might not otherwise have been on my radar. I love that in the Forums, you get to know the kind of golfer who's writing up his review, so that you get a sense whether his review is applicable to your own game. That information is far more valuable than generic thoughts about a club.

[SmoothG]

There is no better way to see how a club will perform for the average golfer than to actually put that club in the hands of an average golfer!  I read just about every review and it helps me narrow down my choices before I go to the shop to demo.  With family, work etc... I don't have time to demo every possible new club but I can get a good handle on which direction I want to start by reading reviews.  I'm much more concerned/interested in whats in the weekend golfers bag rather than what is in the pro's bag.  The pros bags look pretty but I already know, I can't hit pretty "pro" clubs. 

The best part about doing a review is that it actually gets the reviewer to think critically about is truly important and what they can look past.  For example, I always thought looks were very important to me but turns out at address many clubs look similar.  Each reviewer gets a chance to learn more about their game by working through the review criteria.  

[PMookie]

As a reviewer, it became increasingly clear that a ball “review”, or a club “review” isn’t JUST about if it’s “good” or not. It’s whether or not it’s a good club for the tester, but also that it lives UP to the marketing the OEM says about what the club SHOULD do! I’ve watched HUNDREDS of videos on YouTube and very rarely does the reviewer actually say if the club does what it’s “supposed” to do! Here, that makes our reviews different, and holds the OEM accountable.

The other aspect as a reviewer is that this is the only site who’s told me to be HONEST in my review. The two other sites for whom I reviewed clubs and balls flat-out told me “nothing negative”. Well what good is that?!

So as a reader, the previous point means EVERYTHING about MGS reviews: I’m going to read an HONEST assessment, not guaranteed marketing material for the OEM. I know for sure that mine and the others’ reviews of the Ft Worth Black irons didn’t help the relationship with Hogan Golf, but we were HONEST.

OEMs give-out clubs like candy to “influencers”. They tell the influencer that clubs won’t keep coming if the review is negative, so watching these folks say everything is great is such BS. MGS is the ONLY place one can go and KNOW the reviews are honest! The ONLY place......

And honestly, the companies that keep providing gear for reviews here at MGS, especially after some negative reviews, are companies I’ll do business with because it shows honesty and integrity matter to them as well. A company can’t get better making gear if they don’t hear the negative... Good-on those OEMs that come to our readers searching for the truth too!!!

 

 

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[hartrick11]

As a tester and a weekend golfer, being tasked with providing a detailed review of a set of wedges led me to specifically practice in a focused way that I don't generally do, and really helped my short game! I also enjoyed the posts from fellow reviewers and questions from readers because they made me think about different things that I wouldn't have otherwise. As a result of having to think outside of my normal process, I am a little more detailed in my pre-purchase research now, which I think will save me money in the long run.

I think the coolest part of the review process as a reader is that we can see a detailed look at specific golfers, understand where their games may overlap with ours, and apply their thoughts to our game. Even better, if something isn't covered in a review that you would like to see, you can just ask, and the testers will graciously answer! Short of your own fitting (and even in addition to one), these unbiased reviews can help to make you feel comfortable about where you are spending large chunks of your money that you can't duplicate with a brief range demo or by reading paid testimonials.

 

 

[JAGolfore]

I joined the forum in 2014.  I was building golf clubs more back then and I started out in the club builders section.  As an avid golfer I started to read the forum more and see the opportunities  for me to test and give honest feedback on products.  The first review I ever did was for Super Stroke cord grips (irons or woods).  I was surprised that I was chosen to review the product, but happy to do so.  I gave an honest review and it has lead me to many more great opportunities to review great golf products.  Over the years (5 now) I have tested everything from rain gear to sets of irons.  I have given what I hope are funny and honest reviews.  Not every product is going to be the best for every golfer, but what I have learned over the years here is that you never know what will work for you unless you try it.  My best round ever came while testing the Ping G700 irons.  

I would tell someone that wants to join this community that it is exactly that, a community.  If you want to have great conversations and have honest feedback then this is the place for you.  Golfers of all ability can come here and learn about the game and hopefully take something out of it. 

[chisag]

... MGS rocks. I love reading and posting reviews here. Honest, truthful and every review helps someone to everyone. 

[tony@CIC]

... MPR this is posted a little tongue in cheek but mine probably won't be shared because as much as I absolutely love the MGS forum and it's members, I think I have been banned from commenting on any MGS articles because I called them out on SPAM and their driver pop up ads. I don't mind a banner on top or the side of articles but every time I try and read something I get multiple pop up ads blocking my screen basically doing the very thing MGS says they are protecting us from. I guess I am missing something. 

Nothing wrong with sharing your comments. Just curious what browser you're using and have you enabled the privacy settings. I primarily access MGS on my pic and don't get the pop up ads. Hopefully they don't start showing up on my pc.


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[goaliewales14]

As a tester, one of the biggest reviews I've had a chance to be a part of was Martin Chuck's Tour Striker Academy.  This review changed everything to me!  Before the review, I was just a new golfer that was struggling, and didn't see any sign of improving my game.  During that review, Martin broke down where my swing was going wrong (everywhere, but I could hit the center of the club face) and showed me what a swing should look.  The following season I dropped 4 strokes in my handicap.  I've always been able to evaluate my swing on video when I'm struggling.  Being able to be reviewer for MGS has been one of the most exciting things about being in the golf community.  This forum allows you to provide honest and truthful reviews about products in golf.  

Those honest and truthful reviews is one of the reasons I'll always come here to see about new products on the market.  This forum isn't one that will kick you off because you don't like a product, and all of the reviews are backed with data.  If we're looking at clubs, we'll always try to get on a launch monitor to analyze between old and new.  Showing whether or not the new products are actually worth buying if you bought the old.  This forum is truly about empowering the player!

[HardcoreLooper]

I've had the extremely good fortune to review a set of clubs I'm still using (shout out @Cobra_Yagley) that came with a stat tracking package I still rely upon (shout out @gregarccos ) and a putting trainer (shout out @PuttOUT) that has greatly improved both my putting and my daughter's putting.  As a tester, I've learned that:

1. I play better with game-improvement irons.
2. Keeping stats tells you where to focus your practice.
3. A company can put thought, skill and craftsmanship into set wedges.
4. A device that makes practicing fun and addictive is a device that gets used rather than ending up on Craigslist.

As both a tester and a reader, my favorite part of forum testing is the conversation.  The readers really help determine the direction that the reviews follow.  The people writing for the blog really have a limited amount of time to respond to reader questions before they're on to the next assignment.  Here in the forums, we can have a review thread with over 1,900 posts. 

That's going deep.  

 

[romeopapazulu]

As others have already said, the background reviewers give about themselves can provide so much more meaning to a review.  They may have a pretty negative experience with a club or product, but when they explain how it deviates from their preferences or dig deeper into why it didn't work, I can still deduce that I should give it a shot because our preferences are polar opposites. 

As a tester, I can't see how your game could get worse even if the product wasn't a good fit.  If it is for a club, aren't you also still hitting the old club to verify that the new one works better or not?  Maybe if you are already playing 18 holes 6 days a week you aren't increasing your time on the range or the course, but many of us will be putting more than normal time in to get a review done.

I have learned more about my old putter in the last three weeks as a result of the current putter testing than I did in three months beforehand. The Elevado performs better in some aspects.  My current gamer is better in others.  The heightened awareness required during the testing to figure out the "whys" is invaluable to learning about your own game.  So whether the Elevado ends up in my bag or not, I am confident that I will be improved by the end of this.  

[Kanoito]

Definitely!
MGS reviews open up a whole new world of possibilities... brands you've never heard about or brands you just refused to try for X reason. After the reviews, you realize some of the biased is justified while others not so much. MGS helps you keep an open mind and strive for YOUR best fit, not what others play or what OEMs are selling.

As a reader, the first thing I do before purchasing golf gear is search in the forums/blogs for a review (official or unofficial) and use that as a baseline for my decision.

 

[fixyurdivot]

MGS is, IMHO, the best source of unbiased information on golf equipment and accessories.  Having been fortunate to be selected to test the PING G410 driver, and more recently the MaxFli Tour balls, has been really fun and the fulcrum for me finally updating my 30 year old irons.  Even better is all the history of both forum member testing and MGS Hit Squad testing to use for research in deciding on products for improving one's game.  

[Aubrey40]

I was able to review a putter grip a while back. The review process made me appreciate the details of something as simple as the grip, how old habits are the equivalent of "boiling the frog" when it comes to the slippage of our games. These details are the same things I look for in the reviews of others - for me, this grip helped me feel the position of the back of my left hand - crucial for keeping putts online and my not missing to the right. If you can relate the product to its fix, it helps others. If you just say wow, I made more putts, you are a pull quote on the manufacturer's packaging.

[jddaigneault]

I’m relatively new to the forum, though I’ve been a fan of the website for awhile. I love the data provided on the site, it really helps me to have confidence in what I’m looking to get. 
 

I was given an opportunity to do a ball test as well, and it is a lot of fun! It is a great experience to hone in on the little details of a product, and truly get a better understanding of how differences in equipment impact your game. Not only that, it’s an awesome feeling to know that you might be helping others gain insight into a product. 
 

I’ve always been one to nerd out over the little details, and have been learning a lot about club making and club fitting. I really appreciate mygolfspy for giving me an opportunity to jump in on a test! 

[sirchunksalot]

I still remember the first review I read on this site. A couple of years ago I decided to start doing research on a new set of irons and I had it in my mind to buy a set of Callaway Steelhead's. I watched YouTube review after YouTube review, and finally did a Google search and ended up here. It was a breath of fresh air to hear about the experiences of regular golfers instead of people who make money to give their opinions. I'm not a professional, so why should I think their game would match mine?

I love the honesty that our members bring to the testing of products. I've seen quite a few pieces of equipment that has not performed as advertised, and you all have informed us of the fact.

Getting to test equipment has radically changed how I go about purchasing the tools of the trade, and it has helped me to become a more consistent player. Before, I would buy stuff solely on brand recognition and now I'm a believer in the be your own brand mantra. I want things in my bag that help me play my best, not something that makes me look like I know what I'm doing.

I have talked to several people about joining the site and the potential of testing. I tell them that it's a very thorough task and the members here will challenge you in ways you can't imagine. It really makes you think and pushes you to test the limits of your game. It's a truly rewarding experience.

I'm also quick to tell them that the community here is great. You all are very encouraging and will build other members up and not tear them down. Personally, I love hearing about the success each and every one of you have and want to lift you up when things go wrong.







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[Kenny B]

I've been fortunate to conduct a few tests, and each test has pushed me to do the very best job I can because all the great forum members are watching and counting on me to provide them information.  Testing is not an easy job... done right.  

Some of the equipment has been great; some not so much... for me, but I know that any information that we can provide during a test may be helpful to some other golfer.  That's what forum members should do, help out other members as best we can.  I'm looking forward to what 2020 will bring.

[ole gray]

Being a tester is a privilege that is not given but earned through forum participation and honesty.  Testing is fun however it also includes hours of working with a product.  Reviewers at MGS come from all walks of life and their opinions are interesting. Have I been influenced by reviews, absolutely!  The results from the top driver, irons, hybrids, putter, etc. are no joke. Many hours and balls struck with the best equipment available for analyzing results prove a point.   It's unlike a hog looking through a corn bin for  the  ear that came from a prominent brand, it's more like the fat rascal finding the ear that has the most nutrients. 

[Steve2100]

When I first came upon this website a few years ago I was amazed at not only the large golf community here but also the honest, unbiased reviews of everything golf.When you read the reviews from the members you can see all the effort and hard work that is put into them. And when your lucky enough to be picked for a review (thanks MGS and Wilson Golf!) you feel a responsibility to carry on this tradition. Its not taken lightly! Thanks to MGS , Wilson and ALL the other reviewers who came before me that set the bar so high!

[SteddyGolf]

I truly enjoy reading all the reviews. Honestly prior to any golf purchase of any kind from shoes to range finders I always stop by MGS for incredibly useful feedback and recommendations.

The only issue I have with the members review is formatting. I’d love to see a format that brings the bottom line up front in a singular paragraph easily understood in a single reading. Obviously the supporting information and testing would follow but it’s nice to get the meat and potatoes without trying to digest a 2000 plus word meal


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[PlaidJacket]

2 hours ago, SteddyGolf said:

I’d love to see a format that brings the bottom line up front in a singular paragraph easily understood in a single reading. Obviously the supporting information and testing would follow but it’s nice to get the meat and potatoes without trying to digest a 2000 plus word meal

Well said. I don't read that many reviews top to bottom as they drag out too long for my taste. Personally I'd prefer the testers receive the equipment (scrap the silly unboxing) and after a few weeks post their photos and results. All at once. I'd also just have 3 people participate. A low, mid, and high Hcp'r.

[knightsofnii]

As a reader I've gained insight on equipment as it pertains to people like me (handicap, distances, age  etc).  These reviews in conjunction with MGS staff tests and reviews directly affected my choice for a new driver and new balls.  As I consider other equipment, I always check the member reviews if they're out.  

 

As a reviewer, I learned a bit about the effort and commitment to yay or nay a product.  By the close of the reviews I had pretty much forgotten any branding influence or opinion and was focused solely on data and results.  Reviewers also get some insight into the scope of the efforts MGS goes to to bring these reviews to fruition.  It is truly an incredibly huge mountain to climb.  

 

I would wish to see these reviews expedited somehow.  The consumer needs these results months prior, if they're considering new product, the member reviews often follow six months past when products hit shelves.  How do we do it sooner?

I think the review teams can be matched to hypothetical products, perhaps before the product is even available.  We all know Ping will come out with a G420, G500, or H driver or something.  Taylormade probably has M10 prototypes already.  We can pick reviewers for such things so that they can have product in hand for review weeks, rather than months, after release.  I understand a lot of that relies on if/when a company donates, sells, or makes available x sets of product to MGS.  Just my $.02

[Golfspy_CG2]

On 12/11/2019 at 10:01 AM, knightsofnii said:

As a reader I've gained insight on equipment as it pertains to people like me (handicap, distances, age  etc).  These reviews in conjunction with MGS staff tests and reviews directly affected my choice for a new driver and new balls.  As I consider other equipment, I always check the member reviews if they're out.  

 

As a reviewer, I learned a bit about the effort and commitment to yay or nay a product.  By the close of the reviews I had pretty much forgotten any branding influence or opinion and was focused solely on data and results.  Reviewers also get some insight into the scope of the efforts MGS goes to to bring these reviews to fruition.  It is truly an incredibly huge mountain to climb.  

 

I would wish to see these reviews expedited somehow.  The consumer needs these results months prior, if they're considering new product, the member reviews often follow six months past when products hit shelves.  How do we do it sooner?

I think the review teams can be matched to hypothetical products, perhaps before the product is even available.  We all know Ping will come out with a G420, G500, or H driver or something.  Taylormade probably has M10 prototypes already.  We can pick reviewers for such things so that they can have product in hand for review weeks, rather than months, after release.  I understand a lot of that relies on if/when a company donates, sells, or makes available x sets of product to MGS.  Just my $.02

I can answer this.  When a company launches a product it's main concern is getting ample supply out to retail so there is plenty of stock.  Nothing worst than building up a new iron and then not being able to supply all the demand. 
 

Now, it may seem like how big impact of sending out 4 sets of irons or 4 drivers that go to MGS going to make in the supply to retail.  Remember it's not just MGS but a few other forums as well as the growing number of YT reviewers.  Add all these together and it could definitely affect initial supply. 

Also we do over 20 forum testings a year.  They have to spread out. Can you imagine us trying to conduct 20 testings all in a month to two month timeframe.   We as staff all have other full time job responsibilities and even the thought of trying to select testers for 3 to 4 testings a week is well....

Now all my excuses aside.  I am working With one OEM on something very unique and very much what you are asking for. Stay tuned,  If it pans out like I think it will, it'll be really really neat. 

[knightsofnii]

2 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

 

Also we do over 20 forum testings a year.  They have to spread out. Can you imagine us trying to conduct 20 testings all in a month to two month timeframe.   We as staff all have other full time job responsibilities and even the thought of trying to select testers for 3 to 4 testings a week is well....

Now all my excuses aside.  I am working With one OEM on something very unique and very much what you are asking for. Stay tuned,  If it pans out like I think it will, it'll be really really neat. 

Oh believe me I get it.  And I realize the insane efforts you all put in.  I'm just brainstorming really.  Nothing but ❤❤❤.  Can't wait to see what you're working on.  

[No3PuttLaLa]

This is a fantastic opportunity for the MGS community. Getting the opportunity to test equipment you have been wondering about, allows you to see if it lives up to the hype without spending the $ up front. You get the benefit of helping fellow golfers spend their money wisely. Whether on a great product you were excited to try, or one that was overhyped. Being lucky enough to be chosen in 2018 and 2019 for reviews, I have enjoyed the process of beating the equipment up and giving honest, unbiased opinions.

[Reesedw]

As someone who also has participated in Multiple reviews, and Follow along on most (not all). I think collectively we do an amazing job of being open, honest and most of all transparent in our assessment of products. I agree IF we could get mostly clubs and balls before release or at the very least as soon as announced than our opinions and concerns would be more helpful and useful to all looking to spend their hard earned money and these days a lot of it..

I also agree that some of the reviews tend to get long winded (mine included). As a tester I want to get as much information out as possible to allow my review to be useful, yet sometimes we get carried away trying to get too much info, including fluff.. Possibly Streamline the template for reviews to help keep it to just the facts and have specific points to include with less subjectivity.. Yet have an area for subjective responses.. If your a 5 hndcp you probably want/need different thoughts then a 18 hndcp and vice versa.

 

Just my thoughts..  

[Heavye1026]

Haven't had the privilege to be selected to test myself but have read 99% of the member reviews.  Knowing clubs are in the hands of golfers like myself, every day hacks, with flashes of greatness once in a blue moon, I know I'm reading an honest, not sugarcoated review.  I only read MGS reviews when doing research on clubs i'm interested in picking up. Can't wait to see what the 2020 season brings to us!

[Sluggo42]

All my drivers have been driver of the year from in here. I don’t think the average joe who doesn’t dwell in here has any idea what they’re missing- and it’s too bad for them. Every topic golf is so well covered from so many angles...

[Jbmullin]

The value and learnings I have taken away from these forms and the people who contribute to them is likely unmeasurable. The club tests, the most extensive ball test I would bet anyone has ever done, constant opportunity for members to try and keep new equipment , its been an amazing discovery.

I never understood the value of a proper club fitting , the value of finding the correct shaft, grip, base lining current club vs one your testing.. maybe I was uneducated but I am not any longer.

I was lucky enough to be chosen last year (hopefully again this year) to test the NX9 range finder, and it was a great experience and I was most appreciative of the lists provide on expectations of testing, the standards are high, its just not , here you go , fill your boots, its designed to provide value back to the fellow forum members.

I visit almost daily to see what others have tested, their opinions of them and if it’s something I should also consider , I wont make any wild claims like being 17 yards longer than last year (shot at Taylormade intended) but I know my golf game has improved based on the information shared and discussed on these forms.




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[GolfSpy_SHARK]

I enjoy reading these posts. Find myself every day checking in and getting into new posts and reviews. Has shown several different pieces of equipment I probably normally would have not considered.

the open discussion is fantastic and have really enjoyed reading the back and forth as well as comradely. Hopefully get to play with a few of you out on the links this year!