What Brands/Products Do You Want To See for Member Testing 2024?

[Fred Mitchell]

The new Ventus blue shaft coming out.

[William P]

The suspense is killing me!!!

[VernL4]

Maybe I'm late to the thread to add anything new, but I will go ahead and add my opinion just in case.

I recently bought a new set of clubs (TaylorMade). I don't foresee changing my watch (Garmin) anytime soon. Those two big-ticket items are set.

What's left for me to even consider purchasing? Bag, balls, putter, at home self-improvment training aids, and clothing/shoes. I'm really open to any brands if you present me with information that shows they are a good value. 

Edited January 30 by VernL4

[GolfSpy BOS]

3 hours ago, Owengeorge13 said:

When does the testing period for golf clubs begin?  Does it usually coincide with the opening of most players ghin accounts?

Where have you been man?!  We're already 6 tests deep in the 2024 testing season:

1. Odyssey Ai-One Putters
2. ODIN Golf Balls
3. Flight Scope Bonanza
4. Arias Chipper
5. Callaway White Box Testing
6. Fit For Golf

And the doesn't include the play-it-FOREward (patent pending on the name) opportunity with the Argolf Putters and Wedges!

 

But to answer your question more directly.  Our testing season has started, and opportunities will launch to coincide with OEM's ability to provide product and when we can block them in the schedule.  Sometimes this will be closer to the launch of a product, or it could be later when an OEM feels more comfortable with inventory levels, or it could just be random change that a week gets chosen.  It has nothing to do with playing seasons for us northerners as plenty of members are still playing golf and even those of us in colder climates can still test (albeit a different kind of testing) and follow up once on-course time happens.  

We take a great deal of care in selecting testers that have the appropriate opportunity to meet the requirements of the OEM on each test.  Some are looking for specific player profiles while others have less restrictions.

I'll take this opportunity to drive folks interested in testing to read this thread @GolfSpy_APH published in the fall:  

 

 

It's going to be another banner year for testing!

[Owengeorge13]

6 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

Where have you been man?!  We're already 6 tests deep in the 2024 testing season:

1. Odyssey Ai-One Putters
2. ODIN Golf Balls
3. Flight Scope Bonanza
4. Arias Chipper
5. Callaway White Box Testing
6. Fit For Golf

And the doesn't include the play-it-FOREward (patent pending on the name) opportunity with the Argolf Putters and Wedges!

 

But to answer your question more directly.  Our testing season has started, and opportunities will launch to coincide with OEM's ability to provide product and when we can block them in the schedule.  Sometimes this will be closer to the launch of a product, or it could be later when an OEM feels more comfortable with inventory levels, or it could just be random change that a week gets chosen.  It has nothing to do with playing seasons for us northerners as plenty of members are still playing golf and even those of us in colder climates can still test (albeit a different kind of testing) and follow up once on-course time happens.  

We take a great deal of care in selecting testers that have the appropriate opportunity to meet the requirements of the OEM on each test.  Some are looking for specific player profiles while others have less restrictions.

I'll take this opportunity to drive folks interested in testing to read this thread @GolfSpy_APH published in the fall:  

 

 

It's going to be another banner year for testing!

I live in Massachusetts just south of Boston!  It was 28 degrees today!  I’d like to test, but there’s still an inch of snow on the ground!  I would have loved the chipper, but I don’t think I could have given the product a fair review (if I was chosen).  That’s why I was asking, I’m hoping a lot of the opportunities happen when the weather changes where I live.

Edited January 30 by Owengeorge13

[Tom the Golf Nut]

With the HQ review of home simulators I noticed that that the Optishot Orbit was not tested. With Optishot partnership with Voice Caddy and Orion Software it could be good. Also there are no yearly subscription fees and includes 20 courses. Other courses are a one time purchase. This might make for a great test. Not very expensive either.

[Owengeorge13]

I’d really like to see a ping PLD custom fitting here.

[Gawinner]

I would like to see training aids, not gimmicks.

[GolfSpy_APH]

2 minutes ago, Gawinner said:

I would like to see training aids, not gimmicks.

That is an extremely fine line! 

However we do have a few in that space which should be interesting. Stay tuned!

[Rob Person]

any possibility of the chipping/putting simulator coming to tests?

[Nick_D]

On 12/29/2023 at 10:35 AM, frazzman80 said:

Oooh…and more ideas…

Motorized push carts…Motocaddy, Stewart, Alphard, MGI, Bat-Caddy, QOD Golf, Cart Tek, Super E Caddy, Axglo to name a few!

Also, I absolutely LOVE my TransRover bag. I’d love to see it officially tested and reviewed!

second on the motorized push carts!

[GolfSpy_APH]

6 hours ago, Rob Person said:

any possibility of the chipping/putting simulator coming to tests?

We have done Exputt in the past. They haven't reached out to us again. However there were several other companies we reached out to.

[EMacK1961]

I'd like to see the advancements in driver tech for this year. I'd also like to get into speed training and would like a side-by-side test/review of the different systems

[P Mitch]

Id like to see a comparison of drivers that claim to fix slices. to find out if there is one that actually works and still be competitive with regular drivers

[Wev40]

On 12/28/2023 at 2:30 PM, GolfSpy_APH said:

We are well into building our calendar, however that doesn't mean we don't want input from you the membership! 

Of course we won't divulge what we already have lined up, or if what you are requesting is already on the calendar. 

That being said we are still wanting to see what we can do for our membership and try to get the products you are all most interested in!

Fire away!

I'd love to see the new Wilson Staff Irons! beauty personified

[VernL4]

16 hours ago, P Mitch said:

Id like to see a comparison of drivers that claim to fix slices. to find out if there is one that actually works and still be competitive with regular drivers

I'm with you on this one! I recently had a training session and I told the instructor something similar about wishing the club could fix my slice. He said we just need to fix my swing. (I still think having a club that could do that would be easier...)

[BringerofRain]

Is it tooo obvious know to want to see the direct comparison between Kirkland and Taylormade. Lets see them numbers. 

On 1/30/2024 at 9:19 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

We got a few confirmations that are going to make jaws drop... 

[P Mitch]

years ago probably 20+ I had a King Cobra offset that I could hit straight as an arrow.  the shaft broke and I ditched the head, know i have learned how to adjust my stance and swing to deal with my slice.

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

4 hours ago, VernL4 said:

I'm with you on this one! I recently had a training session and I told the instructor something similar about wishing the club could fix my slice. He said we just need to fix my swing. (I still think having a club that could do that would be easier...)

The easy answer here is PING. Their SFT models are legendary for it. 

[VernL4]

9 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

The easy answer here is PING. Their SFT models are legendary for it. 

Wow, thank you for that info!!!

[ILMgolfnut]

I've been getting bombarded by emails from Hank Haney promoting the SF1 driver (stands for Slice Fix, I guess). Supposedly utilizes technology from Formula 1 race cars. At $299 with frequent specials, the price is somewhat attractive, but does it work?

[Erin B]

2 minutes ago, ILMgolfnut said:

I've been getting bombarded by emails from Hank Haney promoting the SF1 driver (stands for Slice Fix, I guess). Supposedly utilizes technology from Formula 1 race cars. At $299 with frequent specials, the price is somewhat attractive, but does it work?

Ask him to send out a demo.

[Erin B]

Hybrids and driving irons

[Rob Person]

Has anyone tried the makefield putters self fitting kits?  Might be worth a test?

[GolfSpy_BEN]

14 minutes ago, Rob Person said:

Has anyone tried the makefield putters self fitting kits?  Might be worth a test?

Paging @Golfspy_CG2

[KC Golf]

This is probably for headquarters, but would love to see the Putt View putting green system tested.  It looks great,  I have tried it a few years ago, but it seems a bit glitchy. But it was great.

[ILMgolfnut]

Just now, Erin B said:

Ask him to send out a demo.

The latest email was actually asking for people to test the SF1 for a year (with a payment up front, of course). A bunch of teaching videos thrown in with the driver for the $299.

[Golfspy_CG2]

5 hours ago, Rob Person said:

Has anyone tried the makefield putters self fitting kits?  Might be worth a test?

Yes as @GolfSpy_BEN says.  I have. However I just got the test kit this week and haven’t yet gotten to try them out.  I hope to get then out next week.  I plan to do a whole write up here.  Ideally maybe a We Tried it Article for the home page.  
 

I woll say this so far. The kit was extremely well packaged and incl used 2 beads, 4 shafts, wrenches, extra weights and putting disc- I assume for indoor practkce- and very detailed instructions on fitting.  
 

More to come 

[TylorJudd]

I could be totally wrong on this, but I can’t recall Ping being a test in recent memory. 
 

Also, Bad Birdies and Penguin. I’d love to see more apparel! Under Armour perhaps, or maybe FJ?

Wilson also seems to be coming back as a player as well!

[DonnieGolfs]

I love seeing the tech side of things, the wearables, sims, and the fitness app this year. Anything outside of equipment clubs I think gets me the most excited. I would like to see some golf mats or swing trainers in particular..