Takomo - cautionary take

[BadPutter]

Hey guys - wanted to share an experience I had with Takomo recently.

I recently received a new set of Takomo 101 irons with graphite shafts. On 3 of the 7 irons received, I cannot screw in my Shot Scope club tag to the butt of the grip - it seems like the hole in the grip is blocked. I can't even fit a small wire or pin into the grip hole, whereas on the other 4 irons, I was able to do so without issue. Note my irons were ordered 1/2" long. So, I messaged them asking for help.  Their response was:

"We are using the extra weight on the grips to balance the swing weight. Those extra weights may sometimes block the butt. Unfortunately, we can't help you with this."

Hmmm... Not the response I was anticipating.  So I wrote back, asking if they could escalate my issue to a manager and let me know whether or not there is anything that Takomo is willing to do here. They wrote back again:

"We hear you, but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do here. Custom set requires special adjustments so that we can meet the wanted swing weight. We will learn from this and look for other options in the future."

Now, I can think of several ways that they could address my issue. But the fact that they flat out said that there is nothing that they can do, to me is baffling. Needless to say, this is the first and last time I will buy from Takomo, which is a shame because the DTC concept makes so much sense. I'll likely take a good look at Sub 70 or PXG for my next clubs - happen to be in the market for a new 5-wood and hybrid.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Interesting experience. Also kind of strange they were worried about SW and basically counter balancing your clubs. That may or may not throw off feel. Did you ask for a specific SW or were they just matching their website specs?

[edingc]

29 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Welcome to the forum.

 

Interesting experience. Also kind of strange they were worried about SW and basically counter balancing your clubs. That may or may not throw off feel. Did you ask for a specific SW or were they just matching their website specs?

Yes, one of the concerning things here would be that the weights are only in some of the clubs. Obviously head weight can vary a bit, but counterbalancing some clubs and not others if they are all +1/2" from standard seems odd unless a heavier swingweight across the set was requested. Assuming (and this varies) 5 grams in the grip is roughly one swingweight point, you would think to match "standard" D2 swing weights across a set of +1/2" long clubs you would need to add at least some weight to the butt end of every club.

Couple thoughts here:

1. Not surprised by Takomo's response. If they do usually use counterbalance weights to hit a swingweight then that is their process. Their return policy states that custom clubs are not refundable, maybe they could have offered to fix it at your expense in shipping.
2. I don't know that I'd trust the customer service rep's explanation and that it's not just an excessive buildup of tape at the end of the grip. I've seen that before. What happens if you take a drill bit at low speed to the grip hole? 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

3 hours ago, RobGNA said:

Now, I can think of several ways that they could address my issue. But the fact that they flat out said that there is nothing that they can do, to me is baffling.

And what exactly are the ways you thought of that they could do to help you with your non refundable custom ordered irons?

 

How do they play? Have you had the swing weight checked to see if they met the requirements?  If the only issue is not being able to screw in your shotscope sensor, then I don’t see the problem. 

[BadPutter]

So, they were built with Obsidian graphite shafts, 1/2" long. I'll accept that this is a custom build, and accept their no return policy here on this one. But to answer your question, they could have:

- offered a discount on another club/set of clubs

- paid for regripping and the butt to be bored-out

- sent me 3 new grips and let me bear the labor cost of regripping

- offered to replace the 3 clubs (the "custom" order here is not that unusual, but I do get the logistics)

For me having Shot Scope tags in all my clubs is a big deal; but to each his own. Anyway, the point of my post is be aware of Takomo - if you order a set of custom clubs and there is a problem with them, you may be left to deal with it on your own.

[RickyBobby_PR]

13 minutes ago, RobGNA said:

So, they were built with Obsidian graphite shafts, 1/2" long. I'll accept that this is a custom build, and accept their no return policy here on this one. But to answer your question, they could have:

- offered a discount on another club/set of clubs

- paid for regripping and the butt to be bored-out

- sent me 3 new grips and let me bear the labor cost of regripping

- offered to replace the 3 clubs (the "custom" order here is not that unusual, but I do get the logistics)

For me having Shot Scope tags in all my clubs is a big deal; but to each his own. Anyway, the point of my post is be aware of Takomo - if you order a set of custom clubs and there is a problem with them, you may be left to deal with it on your own.

I don’t get the warning.

Your upset because they didn’t offer a discount on another purchase to appease your inability to use a product on a club that takomo doesn’t offer.

Didn’t regrip custom built clubs for free

Didn’t give you free product that would change the build of the clubs you custom ordered 

Didn’t offer to take clubs back and probably build them the same way.

I don’t see where the issue is with the company’s response. They build the clubs you wanted and based on what was needed to meet the specs they applied weights. Sorry but this is unrealistic expectations and an unwarranted warning

[GolfSpy_BNG]

All of your options cost them money for no reason other than you can’t install the sensors. 

48 minutes ago, RobGNA said:

Anyway, the point of my post is be aware of Takomo - if you order a set of custom clubs and there is a problem with them, you may be left to deal with it on your own.

The only problem you have stated so far is that you can’t install your sensors.  Not the swing weights are off, the lengths were wrong, wrong grip, wrong club head, damaged, or anything else that would warrant any type of action from them. 
 

Again having the sensors installed may be a big deal to you but unless you specifically told them to leave the grip hole open so you can install the sensors(which I’m sure you didn’t because honestly who would) Takomo did absolutely nothing wrong from the info you provide. 
 

This sounds more like buyers remorse and a chance to complain than a warning to the membership here. If anything I see it as a compliment to Takomo for actually taking the time to hit the Swingweight when other oems may not. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

I had to do this with arccos sensors in my stroke lab putter, but can you clip the sensor screw to make it shorter and then it would work? 

Always tricky with custom orders and I will say I am bias as I have s good relationship with Takomo and a close friend who well in all likelihood bought his with the wrong shafts and practices on a mat too much bent the shafts just had his whole set replaced and this is 3 months after purchase.

[TylorJudd]

Ya I think this may be a bit of a stretch to throw on Takomo. Ya, in today's day and age, they probably could have and should have a disclaimer against club tags and the possibility of weights in the butt. But they acknowledged that they will learn from this and that's all we can do is to trust. If you can't give a DTC the benefit of the doubt while praising their place in the industry, they won't succeed. You also, knowingly, bought from a DTC knowing that those companies do not operate like your usual over-the-counter OEM's. There have to be mistakes to make progress, it is always unfortunate when we are in that situation but as a shot scope user, the tags work flawlessly when glued to the top of the grip. It really is no big deal.

[TylorJudd]

And as a shot scope user who has 301's on the way, I will verify this in a few weeks in our awesome threads in the forum. Timing on this one kind of sucks, but you could have found like-minded people experiencing the same issue and found creative solutions along the way. This place is full of knowledge, it is really worth a look from all sides for any topic.

[russtopherb]

If the OP didn't tell Takomo that he wanted to install ShotScope sensors, then I don't see why there needs to be a "warning". It's an aftermarket part when you think about it. I think Takomo handled this properly and fairly. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

I can understand the disappointment.

Especially where it works in some and not in others. 

Maybe we are missing a few pieces of the Puzzle and maybe it could also just be added grip tape?

There are solutions to make the sensors work without having to replace the irons etc and being custom orders it is not a simple replace and or refund. 

Hopefully some of the suggestions and advice to enable the sensors to work with the existing Clubs works for him and he can be happy with the he current clubs. 

[golferguy2727]

If it were me, and I'm not suggesting anyone should listen :-), I would drill out the grip end of the shaft enough to get the sensors in.  I lack patience and elegance, and I'm pretty sure I would not notice any resulting SW issues.

It's a bummer situation, and hopefully they do reflect on this for future custom or even routine club orders (ie question, do you use club sensors?).

[RickyBobby_PR]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Maybe we are missing a few pieces of the Puzzle and maybe it could also just be added grip tape?

The OP stated that Takomo said they are using weights in the grip and that they sometimes block the hole. Not really any mystery if it’s tape or the weights. If it was tape the sensors would be able to go thru like the other clubs

[TR1PTIK]

The Shot Scope tags are inexpensive RFID tags encased in plastic. If it's really that big of a deal, modify the tags until they fit. Absolutely unreasonable to expect Takomo or any other club company to try and accommodate you unless it was specifically stated in your custom order. Cut the tags down, get some double sided tape or super glue and go about your business. Problem solved.

[GolfSpy_APH]

22 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

The OP stated that Takomo said they are using weights in the grip and that they sometimes block the hole. Not really any mystery if it’s tape or the weights. If it was tape the sensors would be able to go thru like the other clubs

I read that and am aware. Just simply saying it could also be something else. Yes it is what was said or told to him, however without the grip being removed we dont know 100% for sure. The 100 series my friend had when I regripped them did not have any weights and some did have a bit of excess tape in the ends. Just saying. 

Of course I could be way off base, but to me seems we don't have 100% clear picture is all. 

[Caddie1966]

Why don’t you ask ShotScope if they have a solution for you?

[RickyBobby_PR]

Two posts in 9 months and both in this thread. I think the op was expecting others to take his side and bash the company for bad customer service. 
 

 

[BadPutter]

A few points - this is definitely a 1st world problem, and I'm sure I'll find a solution for not a ton of cash. Still, in this case there was an issue (you could say problem, defect, or flaw) with the build of these clubs, and the manufacturer was unwilling to help fix it. Of all the clubs I have bought over the years, some custom, others stock, I have never had this issue - companies like Shot Scope, Garmin, and Arcos design their club tags in the way they do because the little hole at the end of the grip is so universal. I seriously doubt that had I paid a local club builder to build a set of irons, and 3 of the 7 had this issue, that the club builder would tell me "tough luck" because I hadn't specked-out a hole for a club sensor. When my company screws up and we hear about it from a customer, we do everything reasonable to make it right. I appreciate companies who do the same - I work with them every day. So if you believe that Takomo acted fairly here, then by all means give them your business, and if you don't, then use caution.

[GolfSpy_BNG]

2 hours ago, RobGNA said:

A few points - this is definitely a 1st world problem, and I'm sure I'll find a solution for not a ton of cash. Still, in this case there was an issue (you could say problem, defect, or flaw) with the build of these clubs, and the manufacturer was unwilling to help fix it. Of all the clubs I have bought over the years, some custom, others stock, I have never had this issue - companies like Shot Scope, Garmin, and Arcos design their club tags in the way they do because the little hole at the end of the grip is so universal. I seriously doubt that had I paid a local club builder to build a set of irons, and 3 of the 7 had this issue, that the club builder would tell me "tough luck" because I hadn't specked-out a hole for a club sensor. When my company screws up and we hear about it from a customer, we do everything reasonable to make it right. I appreciate companies who do the same - I work with them every day. So if you believe that Takomo acted fairly here, then by all means give them your business, and if you don't, then use caution.

Few points here 
 

First

There was no problem/defect/flaw/issue with the build other than you can not install a non factory sensor in the end of the grip.  Which means the only problem/defect/flaw/issue is yours not theirs.  
 

Second

Your example of a LOCAL club builder doesn’t work.  Takomo is based out of Finland not an hour away or whatever you consider local. 
 

Third and most important

Your example of your company screwing up and making it right doesn’t work either. Takomo did not screw up from the info you are providing.  Again unless the specs of the clubs are not what you requested, then you got what you ordered.

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

3 hours ago, RobGNA said:

A few points - this is definitely a 1st world problem, and I'm sure I'll find a solution for not a ton of cash. Still, in this case there was an issue (you could say problem, defect, or flaw) with the build of these clubs, and the manufacturer was unwilling to help fix it. Of all the clubs I have bought over the years, some custom, others stock, I have never had this issue - companies like Shot Scope, Garmin, and Arcos design their club tags in the way they do because the little hole at the end of the grip is so universal. I seriously doubt that had I paid a local club builder to build a set of irons, and 3 of the 7 had this issue, that the club builder would tell me "tough luck" because I hadn't specked-out a hole for a club sensor. When my company screws up and we hear about it from a customer, we do everything reasonable to make it right. I appreciate companies who do the same - I work with them every day. So if you believe that Takomo acted fairly here, then by all means give them your business, and if you don't, then use caution.

Zero issues other than you can’t use an aftermarket or if it’s that you didn’t tell the brand you planned to install.

if the clubs were in spec and to your request then the company fulfilled their obligation. 
 

I know you feel slighted and think that they owe you something  especially at their cost but they owe you nothing and have done nothing wrong 

 

[OdinSnipes414]

On 5/18/2023 at 12:55 PM, RobGNA said:

Hey guys - wanted to share an experience I had with Takomo recently.

I recently received a new set of Takomo 101 irons with graphite shafts. On 3 of the 7 irons received, I cannot screw in my Shot Scope club tag to the butt of the grip - it seems like the hole in the grip is blocked. I can't even fit a small wire or pin into the grip hole, whereas on the other 4 irons, I was able to do so without issue. Note my irons were ordered 1/2" long. So, I messaged them asking for help.  Their response was:

"We are using the extra weight on the grips to balance the swing weight. Those extra weights may sometimes block the butt. Unfortunately, we can't help you with this."

Hmmm... Not the response I was anticipating.  So I wrote back, asking if they could escalate my issue to a manager and let me know whether or not there is anything that Takomo is willing to do here. They wrote back again:

"We hear you, but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do here. Custom set requires special adjustments so that we can meet the wanted swing weight. We will learn from this and look for other options in the future."

Now, I can think of several ways that they could address my issue. But the fact that they flat out said that there is nothing that they can do, to me is baffling. Needless to say, this is the first and last time I will buy from Takomo, which is a shame because the DTC concept makes so much sense. I'll likely take a good look at Sub 70 or PXG for my next clubs - happen to be in the market for a new 5-wood and hybrid.

 

Sounds like to me you just didn’t like the answer you are were given! If it was essential for you to have them when you custom order them make sure you let them know hey I have shot scope I need to screw into the clubs! And if there was a true poor experience you should provide some proof to be seen!  Sorry you can’t get your scope in! I like to dile my clubs in the old fashion way and that’s with practice at the range or a screen! I do have a drill and drill bit that could help you too!

 

 

 

Edited May 21, 2023 by OdinSnipes414

[TylorJudd]

Typically when dealing with a product that costs ~$1000 vs one that costs ~$200, you would presume if concessions need to be made to bring the two together, the lesser valued item would make the concession. It's pretty tough to take a core piece of equipment like an iron, and expect it to fit into an accessory and not the other way around. 

[golfr]

On 5/18/2023 at 1:55 PM, RobGNA said:

Hey guys - wanted to share an experience I had with Takomo recently.

I recently received a new set of Takomo 101 irons with graphite shafts. On 3 of the 7 irons received, I cannot screw in my Shot Scope club tag to the butt of the grip - it seems like the hole in the grip is blocked. I can't even fit a small wire or pin into the grip hole, whereas on the other 4 irons, I was able to do so without issue. Note my irons were ordered 1/2" long. So, I messaged them asking for help.  Their response was:

"We are using the extra weight on the grips to balance the swing weight. Those extra weights may sometimes block the butt. Unfortunately, we can't help you with this."

Hmmm... Not the response I was anticipating.  So I wrote back, asking if they could escalate my issue to a manager and let me know whether or not there is anything that Takomo is willing to do here. They wrote back again:

"We hear you, but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do here. Custom set requires special adjustments so that we can meet the wanted swing weight. We will learn from this and look for other options in the future."

Now, I can think of several ways that they could address my issue. But the fact that they flat out said that there is nothing that they can do, to me is baffling. Needless to say, this is the first and last time I will buy from Takomo, which is a shame because the DTC concept makes so much sense. I'll likely take a good look at Sub 70 or PXG for my next clubs - happen to be in the market for a new 5-wood and hybrid.

 

 

Wow, some of the responses here are super defensive of this OEM.  It is highly unusual for an OEM golf company to use a counterweight under the grip to get a swing weight.  If a company was doing that, I'd expect them to tell me since that is a weird solution to dealing with weight.  In fact, some people don't like the feel of counterbalancing regardless of the swing weight.   I would have expected them to tell you when you ordered that they would have to counterweight to get the length and SW correct.

What you're really describing, in my opinion, is a set of clubs that's being made in an odd way.  counterbalancing under the grip is not how I'd expect an OEM to get swing weights right.  I don't think the shot scope sensors being installed is really the issue, I think the issue is the manufacturer counterweighted some clubs to hit swing weights, a very atypical way to accomplish that, without tell the customer.   If that was the industry standard method, like adding tip weights to get a SW, I would get their response.  But it's just not. 

As others have said, if you drill a tiny hole through the opening, you might be able to get the sensors in.  I hear you though, I don't think this was appropriate or the correct way to build your set without your knowledge.

[TylorJudd]

4 minutes ago, golfr said:

 

 

Wow, some of the responses here are super defensive of this OEM.  It is highly unusual for an OEM golf company to use a counterweight under the grip to get a swing weight.  If a company was doing that, I'd expect them to tell me since that is a weird solution to dealing with weight.  In fact, some people don't like the feel of counterbalancing regardless of the swing weight.   I would have expected them to tell you when you ordered that they would have to counterweight to get the length and SW correct.

What you're really describing, in my opinion, is a set of clubs that's being made in an odd way.  counterbalancing under the grip is not how I'd expect an OEM to get swing weights right.  I don't think the shot scope sensors being installed is really the issue, I think the issue is the manufacturer counterweighted some clubs to hit swing weights, a very atypical way to accomplish that, without tell the customer.   If that was the industry standard method, like adding tip weights to get a SW, I would get their response.  But it's just not. 

As others have said, if you drill a tiny hole through the opening, you might be able to get the sensors in.  I hear you though, I don't think this was appropriate or the correct way to build your set without your knowledge.

Counter balancing under the grip is standard practice, especially when counter balanced shafts are not an option. Someone who tinkerers around may throw weighted tape under the grip, but this is a standard practice to achieve desired swing weights. 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

13 minutes ago, golfr said:

 

 

Wow, some of the responses here are super defensive of this OEM.  It is highly unusual for an OEM golf company to use a counterweight under the grip to get a swing weight.  If a company was doing that, I'd expect them to tell me since that is a weird solution to dealing with weight.  In fact, some people don't like the feel of counterbalancing regardless of the swing weight.   I would have expected them to tell you when you ordered that they would have to counterweight to get the length and SW correct.

What you're really describing, in my opinion, is a set of clubs that's being made in an odd way.  counterbalancing under the grip is not how I'd expect an OEM to get swing weights right.  I don't think the shot scope sensors being installed is really the issue, I think the issue is the manufacturer counterweighted some clubs to hit swing weights, a very atypical way to accomplish that, without tell the customer.   If that was the industry standard method, like adding tip weights to get a SW, I would get their response.  But it's just not. 

As others have said, if you drill a tiny hole through the opening, you might be able to get the sensors in.  I hear you though, I don't think this was appropriate or the correct way to build your set without your knowledge.

Most of the responses here have zero to do with the oem. The responses would be the same if the title was Titleist or Callaway. There are a few oems that will not adjust the swing weight of a club unless specifically asked for a certain swing weight. In this case Takomo used weights in the butt section of the club instead of drilling out metal of the club head which can change the characteristics of the head.  He got exactly what he ordered from the details he provided which in itself makes this come off as a complain to complain or buyers remorse type deal. It’s like complaining that the grip you picked out at the putter fitting now won’t fit in your putter well of your bag. 
 

Also please let us know how to correctly counterbalance a shaft that was order to get to the right swing weight without doing it under the grip

[RickyBobby_PR]

30 minutes ago, golfr said:

 

 

Wow, some of the responses here are super defensive of this OEM.  It is highly unusual for an OEM golf company to use a counterweight under the grip to get a swing weight.  If a company was doing that, I'd expect them to tell me since that is a weird solution to dealing with weight.  In fact, some people don't like the feel of counterbalancing regardless of the swing weight.   I would have expected them to tell you when you ordered that they would have to counterweight to get the length and SW correct.

What you're really describing, in my opinion, is a set of clubs that's being made in an odd way.  counterbalancing under the grip is not how I'd expect an OEM to get swing weights right.  I don't think the shot scope sensors being installed is really the issue, I think the issue is the manufacturer counterweighted some clubs to hit swing weights, a very atypical way to accomplish that, without tell the customer.   If that was the industry standard method, like adding tip weights to get a SW, I would get their response.  But it's just not. 

As others have said, if you drill a tiny hole through the opening, you might be able to get the sensors in.  I hear you though, I don't think this was appropriate or the correct way to build your set without your knowledge.

It’s not really on the company to say they will do X to get swing weight instead of Y especially when the customer doesn’t specify they want to install an aftermarket product in the grip.

How is it a weird way to counterbalance? What other way is there?

The bolded part is literally the problem. The build was done to the OPs specs. There’s nothing wrong with the build