What Golf Purchases Did You Make in 2023?

[tony@CIC]

We often think about our on- course performance when it comes to a review – this is a bit of a different twist. Here’s my commentary with a max positive rating of 5 thumbs up– on the golf stuff I bought this year – some good, some not so:

Shotscope X5: As an unofficial beta tester (sarcasm the other X5 users will understand), the X5 is finally a stable platform. It does everything I need it to and has numerous capabilities that I don’t currently utilize. FYI, I play the same 27 holes at our Club 90% of the time, so I don’t utilize distance to hazards, etc. I do use analytics to confirm improvement resulting from lessons/swing changes. Customer support is best in class, and enhancements to the app and desktop are great but the battery usage takes it down a notch. Not sure why anyone would utilize ARRCOS especially now with ShotScope CONNEX.  

Golf Balls: I’ve been a fan of DTC balls for quite a while, having been initially converted to Snell from the Titleist family. However, I did stray for a while in 2023 trying both retail and other DTC brands. Some of the brands included Bridgestone, Oncore, Maxfli, & Callaway, but I always seemed to come back to the Vice family. The performance is as good if not a bit better and you can’t beat the value proposition especially when they have their sales or free shipping promotions. My wife and I have tried Pro Plus, Pro, Pro Soft, Tour and Zero. We’re both convinced the Pro is the best for both of us – I get the neon green and she likes the green drip. Buying the same brand for the 5 pack discount really helps the budget. 

Golf Gloves: I started out 2023 with a couple of new FJ gloves, after all when you see a right-handed glove in a store you have to buy it – lefties will understand. They seem fine but in Fl summer golf, ya gotta have extra pairs. I tried a few other brands, including cheap ones (Wilson?) they were worse.  My son bought me a couple of Claw gloves thinking it would help since the back of the glove is mesh. Wow I sweated more in those Claw gloves then in my FJ’s. Then I discovered PGA Tour Superstore gloves – holy cow they had a great selection of gloves for lefties and 2 pack for $20. I’ve used them for the past 8 months, they wear well, stay soft and you can’t beat the price. 

Drivers: The past 2 years I’ve been a Taylormade fan. I’ve tried Callaway, Cobra, Titleist, and I was an Official tester for the 410 SFT in 2020. In 2021 I got fitted for a driver at Club Champion, at the time the SIM 2 MAX D was the best for distance and dispersion, but while I didn’t go for the CC price tag $900., I did eventually buy a slightly used SIM Max D at Global Golf for just over $300. When I got it, it turned out to be brand new and probably some retailer’s excess inventory. I love that driver and shaft combo (Fuji 49G Airspeeder R Flex). Much improved distance over the 410 but I really missed the sound of that Ping. This year I decided to pull the plug and buy the Stealth 2 (Fuji 50g Speeder NX Shaft R Flex) based on reviews for sound. I opted for the regular Stealth 2 since my normal swing path is a draw and I don’t need a draw biased driver. I picked up a few more yards and I love the sound. 

Hybrids: I’ve carried a Ping 410 22* and 26* both with Tensi Blue shafts for the past several years and love them – while they’re the worse for wear I don’t plan on parting with them. I had a 20 + yds gap between my 22* and my 14.5*  Radspeed 3 Wood so I pulled the plug on a Ping 425 19* recently with an Alta shaft. I’m not a fan of Alta shafts but so far the club has worked well for me and filled in the yardage gap. I’ll give it a tentative 

Wedges: This is the most disappointing purchase given the hype of Indi wedges. I love my short game and practice it all the time. My wedge bag profile is 52* RTX 3, 56* SM9 and a 60* Eye 2 Glide 3.0. I’m spot on with these wedges for distance and dispersion, but they were getting a bit worn and the thought of a little extra spin on the green tempted me to change.  Indi recommended Recoils since I’ve got Recoils on my irons. I’m all over the place with distance – I’ve practiced a lot to try and make them work – but it’s just not happening. BST?  

Putters: While not a purchase (I was the MGS Official Tester 2023 for Zebra), it still deserves a commentary. My Zebra AIT4 has exceeded my expectations and will definitely stay in my bag. As I mentioned in my reviews, not sure it’s the putter or the initial confidence it inspired in me – it doesn’t matter, I putting exceptionally well with it! Read my review for additional details. Will my 2018 Odyssey O Works Black find its way to BST? Maybe . But in the meantime, the Zebra is a definite

Shoes: I was a FJ fanboy and I still have 3 pairs. However, I discovered Addias Chaos spikeless with their larger nubs compared to the FJs on the sole and the Chaos have been exceptionally stable on wet slopes. So far, I’ve added 2 additional colors to my collection. My wife has a pair as well. A potential 5 but cleaning takes it down a notch (yes I am a bit fussy) 

Pants: PGATour SS 5 pocket long pants. Yup we do wear long pants (at least in winter) here in Florida. Love the slim design, lightweight fabric and the $40. Price tag. While not waterproof they do block the wind on those chilly 60* mornings. They could be a 5 if they sold the pants in a 29” inseam 

Grips: An MCC+4 user for years, I’ve switched up to CPX for all but my wedges. They feel slightly softer and seem to wear better than the MCC. When the CPX came out a couple of years ago, I had an ok experience with the nubs on the grips wearing off quickly on my Driver. GP must have been a bad batch because the replacement was fine and showed very little wear. I still have the MCC+4s on my wedges with 3 ½ wraps since I want a less tapered grip on them 

So, there you have it! Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with the majority of my purchases. At same point I’ll probably upgrade the wedges to current models (SM10 for the 52 & 56 and latest Glide Eye 2) but everything else stays in the bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 22 by tony@CIC

[golfgame]

*****  BUYER BEWARE  *****

Cut Red balls have been known as a cheap ball that plays well and goes far.  

For me that has been the case but not any longer.  I purchased 2 doz in October and because of the weather in Tennessee, I did not get around to playing them until December  The first three balls that I used cracked after just several hits each.  

I contacted Cut Golf and they offered to send a Doz of Cut Gray of Blue as a courtesy.  They have since rescinded that offer saying that they will not replace any balls purchased on Amazon.  Can one assume that they will not replace their product purchased anywhere?

[sirchunksalot]

@tony@CIC I saw these were on sale at the PGA SUPERSTORE last week and was almost tempted since I've wanted to try the Glide wedges due to their spin retention in wet conditions. I just couldn't pull the trigger since my SnakeBite wedges still have plenty of grooves. 

[tony@CIC]

hmmmm verrry interesting. We're headed to the LPGA Drive On championship Thursday and the PGATSS is just a few minutes away. I'm definitely stopping by. 

Thanks for the heads up. 

[tony@CIC]

2 hours ago, golfgame said:

*****  BUYER BEWARE  *****

Cut Red balls have been known as a cheap ball that plays well and goes far.  

For me that has been the case but not any longer.  I purchased 2 doz in October and because of the weather in Tennessee, I did not get around to playing them until December  The first three balls that I used cracked after just several hits each.  

I contacted Cut Golf and they offered to send a Doz of Cut Gray of Blue as a courtesy.  They have since rescinded that offer saying that they will not replace any balls purchased on Amazon.  Can one assume that they will not replace their product purchased anywhere?

Maybe Cut should rebrand to PreCut? Seriously, this kind of lack of customer service won't take long to get around the golfing community. 

[sirchunksalot]

21 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

hmmmm verrry interesting. We're headed to the LPGA Drive On championship Thursday and the PGATSS is just a few minutes away. I'm definitely stopping by. 

Thanks for the heads up. 

You're welcome! I know these normally go for around $200, so I thought it was a really good deal. 

[golfgame]

25 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Maybe Cut should rebrand to PreCut? Seriously, this kind of lack of customer service won't take long to get around the golfing community. 

Yes Pre-Cut or made to Cut!

[GolfSpy_APH]

For fear of ... well just fear of reliving the money spend I will re frame from posting in this thread as to it pertaining to the topic. 

Golf purchases were made... and many of them. 

[Josh Parker]

25 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

For fear of ... well just fear of reliving the money spend I will re frame from posting in this thread as to it pertaining to the topic. 

Golf purchases were made... and many of them. 

I'm not doing it either for that exact reason!!  haha 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

9 hours ago, sirchunksalot said:

@tony@CIC I saw these were on sale at the PGA SUPERSTORE last week and was almost tempted since I've wanted to try the Glide wedges due to their spin retention in wet conditions. I just couldn't pull the trigger since my SnakeBite wedges still have plenty of grooves. 

 

9 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

hmmmm verrry interesting. We're headed to the LPGA Drive On championship Thursday and the PGATSS is just a few minutes away. I'm definitely stopping by. 

Thanks for the heads up. 

I play the Ping Glide 4.0’s and can’t recommend them enough. Just so good. 
 

And at that price they are a steal

[sirchunksalot]

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BNG said:

 

I play the Ping Glide 4.0’s and can’t recommend them enough. Just so good. 
 

And at that price they are a steal

I was tempted... Badly, but with the Kingsmill trip coming up I thought I might want to be frugal. 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

2 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

I was tempted... Badly, but with the Kingsmill trip coming up I thought I might want to be frugal. 

That’s a trip I wish I could make

[sirchunksalot]

5 minutes ago, GolfSpy_BNG said:

That’s a trip I wish I could make

I wish you could make it, too. It's going to be a fun time with a lot of great members. 

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, sirchunksalot said:

I was tempted... Badly, but with the Kingsmill trip coming up I thought I might want to be frugal. 

Who knows,  maybe you will get to try other clubs and find something you like better. 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

13 hours ago, golfgame said:

*****  BUYER BEWARE  *****

Cut Red balls have been known as a cheap ball that plays well and goes far.  

For me that has been the case but not any longer.  I purchased 2 doz in October and because of the weather in Tennessee, I did not get around to playing them until December  The first three balls that I used cracked after just several hits each.  

I contacted Cut Golf and they offered to send a Doz of Cut Gray of Blue as a courtesy.  They have since rescinded that offer saying that they will not replace any balls purchased on Amazon.  Can one assume that they will not replace their product purchased anywhere?

Crazy my friend in Virginia swears by Cut balls. We were just texting about them after I got off the course. I will definitely beware of them as I already was.

[Kenny B]

On 1/3/2024 at 6:58 AM, tony@CIC said:

Will my 2018 Odyssey O Works Black find its way to BST? Maybe

 Enter me to win --

Kenny B

HCP 9.7

Ping Sigma G Doon

[Fred Mitchell]

5 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

For fear of ... well just fear of reliving the money spend I will re frame from posting in this thread as to it pertaining to the topic. 

Golf purchases were made... and many of them. 

Our struggle is real.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Okay, maybe I will spill on one portion. I did make a switch to Vice golf balls! 

[Shannon Severson]

My first stop is always MGS before any intended purchase. The reviews here give me a good baseline of which to base my purchase. I always try the top choice and then go from there. Srixon ZX irons were on my to try list, I however like the Pingi230's better. The g430 Hybrid was next and that I did purchase because it is a machine, best hybrid I ever hit. Balls, well, that is user preference. However, I do test them, I do mush them and always Titleist is at the top, but for me, the Vice Pro is a close second. I only wish they would review the sellers on Ebay for these second hand balls as I refuse to pay retail for anything I am going to lose. I pay on average $1.25-1.50 a ball for Titleist and Vice. I have a few resellers that I target and never refurbished, always recycled. 

[JeffK]

I picked up a Garmin G80 Approach. Good on the range for distances and club speed and the GPS is great fro the course. Graphics are pretty good for the price of the unit. I picked it up for A$650, about US$430, which is close to what a good GPS alone costs.

[MFSOT]

Too many

[Domino1]

T350s. 6 thru 48w with tensei red shafts and a tsr1 5 hybrid with mmt shafts.

Just added a 4 hybrid tsr1 with mmt shaft 

[BigMacQue]

13 hours ago, Michael.Sandoval33 said:

Crazy my friend in Virginia swears by Cut balls. We were just texting about them after I got off the course. I will definitely beware of them as I already was.

The Cut balls that I've used were all bought directly from Cut, and I have had no issues with them at all. Given that the refinished ball market can be a bit of a scam, not sure I can hold Cut's decision to not honor a purchase made elsewhere against them, when it comes to refunding or replacing balls. I hate to say it, but perhaps yours weren't really Cut's, or we're refinished Cut balls. 

Edited January 22 by BigMacQue
Fix a typo

[daf678]

Purchased t200 irons and have been quite an improvement for my game. It improved my game by 6 strokes a round

[BigMacQue]

The usual: balls, gloves.  I did buy a second pair of shoes, bought a set of wedges for my grandson and bought him a Titleist 15 degree fairway stick. That's about it for me last year.  If we do this again next January I'll include the Sun Mountain bag I just bought.

[golfgame]

6 minutes ago, BigMacQue said:

The Cut balls that I've used were all bought directly from Cut, and if had no issues with them at all. Given that the refinished ball market can be a bit of a scam, not sure I can hold Cut's decision to not honor a purchase made elsewhere when it comes to refunding or replacing balls. I hate to say it, but perhaps yours weren't really Cut's, or we're refinished Cut balls. 

Well, they start out offering Cut Gray or Blue as what they termed a courtesy.  I can't believe that Cut balls sold by Walmart, Amazon, or any other major source are anything other than new balls.

[saz0418]

On 1/21/2024 at 6:35 AM, golfgame said:

*****  BUYER BEWARE  *****

Cut Red balls have been known as a cheap ball that plays well and goes far.  

For me that has been the case but not any longer.  I purchased 2 doz in October and because of the weather in Tennessee, I did not get around to playing them until December  The first three balls that I used cracked after just several hits each.  

I contacted Cut Golf and they offered to send a Doz of Cut Gray of Blue as a courtesy.  They have since rescinded that offer saying that they will not replace any balls purchased on Amazon.  Can one assume that they will not replace their product purchased anywhere?

I purchased 2 boxes of Cut Red from Amazon.   Exactly the same issue.   First one split off the 10th tee in the first round of use.  A second one split-- but I don't know when-- I noticed it chipping around before a round a few days later.  I reached out to Cut and they were going to send me a box of Cut Gray.  That was 8 weeks and 3 follow-ups later.  No replacement balls.   Such a disappointment.  I cracked a 3rd one on my launch monitor after about 10 hits.   I threw the rest away.  My CUT DTC journey is over -- but I really wanted to like these balls. 

 

[golfgame]

Just now, saz0418 said:

I purchased 2 boxes of Cut Red from Amazon.   Exactly the same issue.   First one split off the 10th tee in the first round of use.  A second one split-- but I don't know when-- I noticed it chipping around before a round a few days later.  I reached out to Cut and they were going to send me a box of Cut Gray.  That was 8 weeks and 3 follow-ups later.  No replacement balls.   Such a disappointment.  I cracked a 3rd one on my launch monitor after about 10 hits.   I threw the rest away.  My CUT DTC journey is over -- but I really wanted to like these balls. 

 

I'm all in with you.  I've played them in the past without issue.  So disappointing that a company attempting to grow will not stand behind its product.  I guess the adage of you get what you pay for stands tall here.
I only bought the Reds for fall play and all of the leaves we deal with.  My favorite ball is the Maxfli New Tour S, which is a great ball.  It has a great price point at Dick's.

[style79000]

I bought this year. A complete Taylor Made stealth 2 series:
Driver 12
Wood: 3,5,7
Hybrid: 5,6,7
Irons: 8,9,P, 50°,54°and 58°.
and finally a Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5s putter

[Modepaz]

2023 was a good year . Replaced my old Callaway Hawkeye irons with Srixon z585’s ( love them!). Replaced my old callaway steelhead III 7 wood with a Cobra LTDX max 7 wood. Replaced my putter (alien golf power mallet ) with a Cleveland 10.5. TBH I’ve seen improvement in all aspects lol love all my new gear.