Brand snobbery

[JTB]

No brand Snobbery here.

I recently change my irons from my old Tommy Armour EVO's for the Nike Pro Cavity 3-AW set. The choice of going to Nike wasn't based on any commercial I saw with Tiger or any other Nike Staff player in there. It came down to the overall performance/feel/consistency of the irons compared to the others I tried, (Cobra S3, TM Burner 1.0/2.0, TM Tour Preferred CB's). I also upgraded my old wedges to the Nike V-rev wedges a 56 and 60 again based on feel and price point.

[Bill Wood]

Accuform Irons - Wilson wedges - driver older smaller Taylor head with an Excalibre shaft, 3 wood Nakashima, 5 wood old Taylor and a Bullseye putter. (whatever gets it in the hole)

[mpare]

No brand snobbery here. I have the following in the bag: an Adams driver; a Nike 3 wood; various Hogan hybrids; Cobra irons; various models of Cleveland wedges and an Odyssey putter. While I have always loved Titleist and Wilson Staff, if it costs too much, it isn't going into my bag. But if it is reasonably priced, looks good and works, then it can find a home in my bag.

[shaner85]

Hey Pablo,

But in golf, Nike was not a big player until Tiger came along. So whenever I see a Nike golf product I see a basketball/soccer/tennis company who got into the golf game late, signed a superstar, and is selling their golf equipment based on the fact Tiger uses it.

I want to play the best equipment I can afford. I don't want to play a Nike ball because of the swoosh, or b/c the best golfer uses it. I want to know that it's better than a Pro V1.

Would you agree that RBK has done the same thing with Sidney Crosby? Do you/would you feel the same way about RBK hockey equipment as Nike equipment? How many hockey fans hate Sid the kid or the gear he endorses? I dont know that answer but I am sure there are haters out there... RBK jumped on his bandwagon pretty quickly...and into hockey equipment mfg late in the game in my opinion...Just like Nike did with golf...

I played hockey all my life and Easton, CCM, and Bauer were the lines of equipment I used. RBK (to me) was shoes first...Now they are into all the apparel, hockey sticks (with CCM and Taylormade now... ), gear, etc...because of Sid mostly (correct me someone if I am missing another athlete).

Having said all this, I wouldnt buy an RBK stick just cause Sid the kid is using it...It would have to be priced right, comparable quality, with some kind of technology advantage over Easton, Warrior etc..at same price point, and look good also. But I dont hate RBK equipment. I just havent given it a chance. I probably will at some point when I need another stick just to say I did.

I dont know how much(?) Tiger's persona makes the Nike brand easier to crack on...There are a lot of people that get rubbed the wrong way by Tiger, especially after his divorce. I, personally like watching the meltdowns...Shows he is human/crazy...

BUT...If I had to buy gear or get behind a brand and could only choose it based on which athlete is using it, then the Kid is my guy...I dont hate Tiger...I just like the Kid better...

Until he gets hit by a hockey stick through the back window of his SUV by some girl...LMAO...

I hope the comparison I am trying to make makes sense to everyone else reading this (it sounded good in my head when I tried to put it on paper)...

[JTB]

Shaner,

That theory might not be to far off, as it looks likes CCM and Taylormade are possibly making a hockey stick together.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ccm-ta...225500116.html

[jeffc]

I think Nike has come a long way but the Tiger effect is now working against them. They still produce some nice looking sticks though. For me the only brand I don't prefer is Callaway. Nothing about any of their equipment does anything for me. I also think TaylorMade has lost its way in some regards, I'm becoming less of a fan with their various offerings as of late. I like more classic style clubs for the most part and not really a fan of white heads, ugly graphics, and too much "stuff".

[shaner85]

Wow...that is interesting....thanks JTB...!

[shaner85]

I think Nike has come a long way but the Tiger effect is now working against them. They still produce some nice looking sticks though. For me the only brand I don't prefer is Callaway. Nothing about any of their equipment does anything for me. I also think TaylorMade has lost its way in some regards, I'm becoming less of a fan with their various offerings as of late. I like more classic style clubs for the most part and not really a fan of white heads, ugly graphics, and too much "stuff".

I agree, Tiger is slowly destroying everything they have built up as a tandem...

As far as TM...it seems like the trend is to make the club longer to get it to go farther...I cant swing a 46" driver nearly as well as a 44" driver (or even shorter)...

I wished they could dial it down sometimes...the RBZ thing I think sounds cheesy...It might work but seriously...Rocketballz...they must have been really struggling for ideas if that was there final decision...LOL

[Break68]

Shaner,

That theory might not be to far off, as it looks likes CCM and Taylormade are possibly making a hockey stick together.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ccm-ta...225500116.html

Just another reason for me to be a hater.
Taylormade and CCM suck.
I am all about Callaway and Bauer; I have played them both for many years.

[JTB]

I think TM shortened the length of the RBZ irons to the "Standard" lengths opposed to the extra 1/2 inch you were getting in the Burner Series irons. I don't really get what there doing with the White Heads, My guess is that the club will standout on TV / your local range, Everyone will know your playing a TM driver. They claim the white is to help "reduce the glare" but I know personally my black driver has never made me squint and think the glare was unbearable.

[shaner85]

I have never been a fan of Bauer skates, tried them once and dumped them...CCM makes great equipment as far as I am concerned...had 2 pairs of CCM skates in the last 12+ yrs...Only complaint is breaking in new skates of any brand.

[sebber]

Both CCM and Taylormade are owned by Adidas, so it only makes sense that Taylormade would work with CCM. Adidas also owns RBK, All in the family!

[shaner85]

I had forgotten about Adidas owning them both...

[Gropper]

Well as the resident Nike guy on this board, my owning of Nike clubs had very little to do with Tiger but to be honest probably had more to do with Jordan, i grew up watching Jordan play and became a big Nike shoe, clothing fan from then on, When i start golf i actually stayed away from Nike as there stuff wasnt very good. First real irons were Mizuno's. But as their clubs got better i moved more and more towards them, starting with the Nike Pro combos tours and SQ woods and pretty much through to todays irons except putters, never liked there putters. Vr pro Combos in the bag now.

But to go on what NoKids said, playing Nike clubs is not the norm and in fact i am usually diffrent then everyone I play with as very few use Nike in comparasson to the other. Using something diffrent is actually nice.


I also have had a big thing for Titleist, loved there wedges, fairways and Hybrids since the 909's. But this year is a big change I am mostly Titleist, 910 D3, 910F, 910H vokey wedges, balls and Cameron putter. These seem to be the only 2 brands i stick with.

i have a huge hate for Taylor made. Too many clubs with jacked up lofts and always so much better that if you dont upgrade your stupid. Just annoying and screwing there customers like no other.


Calaway never been a fan but they make ok stuff.

This is my take on it.

[Gropper]

Also in todays market if you really think that anyones equipment is inferior, then you just have issues with the brand. The top brands are all equal and there is a fit for every level and ability between all the diffrent lines they cary. I know top level players playing Nike and duffers playing Titleist. Its all a personal choice more then anything.

[adam]

Also in todays market if you really thing that anyone equipment is inferior, then you just have issues with the brand. The top brands are all equal and there is a fit for every level and ability between all the diffrent lines they cary. I know top level players playing Nike and duffers playing Titleist. Its all a personal choice more then anything.

I am a duffer who plays Titleist and I approve this message.
Nowadays most of the big brands create different lines of clubs for players of different levels. Anyone can pick their favourite brand based on looks/feel/distance/Tiger/Phil/Gropper and get a set of sticks that match their game perfectly.

[jeffc]

the good news is the selection has never been better. looks inspire confidence to me and we all know a lot of this game is in your head. Most of the time its the Indian, not the arrow. The best clubs are the ones that work for you.

[Gropper]

Adam, the only person who will ever play a brand of clubs because of me is my son, and even that wont last much past 10 years old. More then likely to piss me off he will want TaylorMade clubs. LOL

[nokids]

Hey Pablo,

Would you agree that RBK has done the same thing with Sidney Crosby? Do you/would you feel the same way about RBK hockey equipment as Nike equipment? How many hockey fans hate Sid the kid or the gear he endorses? I dont know that answer but I am sure there are haters out there...

Shaner, you are right. If I was taking hockey seriously I would probably buy CCM or Bauer instead of RBK because they've established longer track records in hockey than RBK. However, I don't take hockey seriously and have no idea what brands I'm using. It's a mix of all kinds of brands.

Your example made me chuckle because I do hate Crosby with the passion of a thousand Mel Gibsons.

[fundonny]

Mel Gibson against which religion?

[shaner85]

Pablo....the mel gibson reference is outstanding...LMAO...!

[Biffster26]

Just so you are aware Reebok owns CCM, Koho and Jofa so their products have been around a long time just under a different flag.

Shaner, you are right. If I was taking hockey seriously I would probably buy CCM or Bauer instead of RBK because they've established longer track records in hockey than RBK. However, I don't take hockey seriously and have no idea what brands I'm using. It's a mix of all kinds of brands.

Your example made me chuckle because I do hate Crosby with the passion of a thousand Mel Gibsons.

[shaner85]

[QUOTE=Biffster26;435844]Just so you are aware Reebok owns CCM, Koho and Jofa so their products have been around a long time just under a different flag.[/QUOTE

Thanks for that...I didnt know who owned who, but the point I was trying to make was just a comparison of companies that grabbed athletes and got into different markets to generate more revenue...

[Shushu]

Gents...been a looong time. I have no brand snobery either. Except maybe balls. For some reason I don't feel I make good contact with the cheaper balls....is under PROV1, TP, iTours.........

Started with Maxfli's as my starter set, within a year and a half I purchased Head irons. They were AWESOME. The heads kept snapping off the shafts so T&L gave me full reimbursement after using them for a full season. I picked up Mizuno T-Zoids (which I know Donny Vantage was verrrry jelaous over.....HAHA) Traded those in for Titlest 962's.....which I loved...but they were stolen. Insurance paid for TM Firesoles......which I loved but were also stolen (@ an RCMP golf tourney........stupid cops). Picked up Ping i3+ blades.....which I loved........ending up selling on here cause I just couldn't play with them anymore....no practice time. Picked up Mizuno MP-52's which I presently play. TaylorMade R7 Driver, R580 3 wood, Burner Utility club, TM Rossa Putter. All of my Taylormade product just ended up happening......wasn't in my grand design.

[GoingLow]

Pablo, I heard a good comedian one time and he stated " if you cheer against, or wish ill will on Sid the Kid.......it officially makes you a terrorist".......

I will give you a pass as you are not a canuck..........

Shaner, you are right. If I was taking hockey seriously I would probably buy CCM or Bauer instead of RBK because they've established longer track records in hockey than RBK. However, I don't take hockey seriously and have no idea what brands I'm using. It's a mix of all kinds of brands.

Your example made me chuckle because I do hate Crosby with the passion of a thousand Mel Gibsons.

[nokids]

Pablo, I heard a good comedian one time and he stated " if you cheer against, or wish ill will on Sid the Kid.......it officially makes you a terrorist".......

I will give you a pass as you are not a canuck..........

Im a Wings fan! That explains my hate for Crosby and the entire Pittsburgh organization. I hate their water boys too.

[Golfer100]

Just check my hockey equipment, Hespeler stick, CCM Tackaberry skates, CCM pads, Cdn Tire jock...I should get out more .

[Sunny D]

I'm a love the one your with kind of guy.... Used to love my PING's now I love my Clevelands... in time I will love something else. The only thing that has not changed in my bag including my bag is my golf towel. Got that years ago playing at West Point (yup that West Point).