Callaway to try the Component route

[Weirfan]

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080115005248&newsLang=en

prices for the parts are a tad on the expensive side IMO at $435 and $500 US for the heads but people will pay that I guess........but at a low of $620 to a high of $930 for a driver I am not sure how many??

[Pingnut]

There are some pictures of the system and heads on www.bombsquadgolf.com (http://www.bombsquadgolf.com) (you have to register), plus pictures of Tour line of clubs available through select outlets.

[Kace]

It's a very interesting concept.

Copied & pasted from GolfWRX.com - http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=134770 (http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=134770)

After the USGA recently announced a rule proposal allowing different forms of adjustability for golf clubs. Once the announcement spread last year, the race was on among manufacturers to find new ways to incorporate this into their golf clubs. Callaway has just announced their the new I-Mix line of drivers that takes full advantage of adjustability. Inspired by the constant tweaking done to drivers from week to week on tour, the I-Mix will incorporate the FT-5 and FT-i club heads along with over 50 different shaft models that are fully interchangeable with the new I-Mix connector system. In 2008, Callaway will begin selling the FT-5 and FT-i club heads unshafted with the new threaded hosel so golfers can select their ideal head and shaft combinations. The FT-i will be available in either draw or neutral weighting with 9, 10, and 11 degree lofts. The FT-i Tour will be availble as the Low Center of Gravity model in both draw and neutral with lofts of 9.5 and 10.5 degrees.

http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix01.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix02.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix03.jpg

The key to the I-Mix system is the threaded cap screw that is attached to the shaft. The screw is machined from 6-4 titanium which not only saves weight, but ensures a durable, corrosion free system. The club and shaft screw together and are secured with the I-Mix wrench which allows the golfer to have a safe, secure fit; but still provides easy disassembly and reassembly when needed.

http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix04.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix05.jpg

Callaway has realized the potential of adjustability with their Opti-Fit weighting system which provides up to 50 grams of discretionary weight which can be moved to provide golfers with either a draw or neutral bias, depending on their ball flight needs. I-Mix pushes that technology one step further now that golfers can easily move between draw and neutral heads, lofts, and shaft combinations to find the perfect launch conditions for the conditions and course they face.

However, club heads are only half of the magic formula to make a great golf club. To complement the club heads, Callaway will be introducing 65 shafts from many different manufacturers including Aldila, Graphite Designs, Fujikura, Mitsubishi Rayon, UST, Matrix, and Grafalloy. Each manufacturer will have a variety of shaft models and weights so golfers can pick the perfect setup to achieve their desired ball flight.

http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix08.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix09.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix07.jpg
http://upload.generationdub.com/images/i-mix06.jpg

[Weirfan]

lets not forget that this is not a new concept whatsoever, but one that has been around for quite some time ( someone on another forum said 10 years)

The Club Conex system and Nakashima H-tec have been out for a few years already....and both have been used quite successfully by many people.......it was due to be copied by the larger OEM's....remember that they have to come out with something new every year to sell drivers....

You can expect pretty much each of the big players to come out with their own connect a shaft driver and their own series of shafts

you can also bet that these guys are going to be quite smart and proprietary about their offerings and that the connectors used by one company will not fit the heads of another company, this way you will have to go back to them when you want to try a new shaft.

also count on the fact that the connectors will already be installed in the shafts and likely that it is not an installation that can readily be removed and reused without compromising the shaft.........that would defeat their goal of being able to be the only person to sell you a shaft for for their head.

It is smart, and much like when they made all their shafts .350 so that people had to go back to get their shafts from the manufacturer.........hopefully , like the invention of the various after market adaptors That peed the OEM's off royally cuz peeps can do their own reshafts and use whatever shaft they want, somebody comes up with an option and connctor that can be used in these heads so that we dont have to pay the rediculously inflated shaft pricing that they are commanding..............

[Kace]

The Club Conex system and Nakashima H-tec have been out for a few years already....and both have been used quite successfully by many people.......it was due to be copied by the larger OEM's....remember that they have to come out with something new every year to sell drivers....

But wouldn't the big difference between the technology in those clubs compared to this "new" technology in the Callaway clubs is that the USGA has now approved of this technolgy and these "new" Callaway clubs are conforming. (Holy run on sentence Batman!)

[Carlton]

Indeed, Golfsmith etc were selling club connex system for some time now. Then Callaway and TM came out with the fitting carts last year and now Callaway is leading the pack and putting it out into the market first. I wouldn't surprised if other OEMs follow suit depending on how the market adopts this new trend.

Glad I'm not a betting man 'cause Gwain would have taken all my money..

http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=23030&highlight=2008

[Weirfan]

But wouldn't the big difference between the technology in those clubs compared to this "new" technology in the Callaway clubs is that the USGA has now approved of this technolgy and these "new" Callaway clubs are conforming. (Holy run on sentence Batman!)

what new technology? there is nothing new here between what has already been in existence for some time, adjustable driver heads have been around for a while, and as far as I am aware the Nak Htec was submitted for approval well before any of the OEM heads and it is USGA approved

the difference I guess between the Nak and these new heads to come out is that with other systems , like the club connex their intention was for fitting purposes but they were perfectly useable on the course.........the Hi tec was designed for use on course as well as fitting

the concept is solid, a far cry from a proper fitting proceedure but an attempt by the big brands to move in the right direction with theor drivers yet still rake in big $$

Indeed, Golfsmith etc were selling club connex system for some time now. Then Callaway and TM came out with the fitting carts last year and now Callaway is leading the pack and putting it out into the market first. I wouldn't surprised if other OEMs follow suit depending on how the market adopts this new trend.

Glad I'm not a betting man 'cause Gwain would have taken all my money..

http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=23030&highlight=2008

hardly a surprise, he is well connected as others here are , with the success and ingenuity of other such systems but in particular , the Nak system it did not take a rocket scientist to see that once the Nak was approved that others would follow.........maybe the tail wagged the dog here , I dont know


well you can also bet that he will have some shafts as part of the selection available

[Kace]

what new technology? there is nothing new here between what has already been in existence for some time, adjustable driver heads have been around for a while, and as far as I am aware the Nak Hitec was submitted for approval well before any of the OEM heads and it is USGA approved

Hence why I put the word new in quotations.

And I was asking about the USGA because I didn't know if the Club Conex system and Nakashima H-tec were USGA approved before the Callaway system was.

[Weirfan]

Hence why I put the word new in quotations.

And I was asking about the USGA because I didn't know if the Club Conex system and Nakashima H-tec were USGA approved before the Callaway system was.

club connex no I dont think that a club with this attachement was ever submitted to the USGA...but with the ruling I guess that it is legal for play now

The Nakashima HTec, yes ! the press conference on the release of this head was actually released exactly 3 years ago and the USGA approved the new adjustability rulings in Feb 2007 but was looking at them since 2005 according to this
http://www.usga.org/equipment/notices/club_adjustability.html



and dont forget the Alpha and Versus driver heads which also preceeded these new offerings:


Fri. June 1, 2007
2007-06-01 - Versus Golf Officially Announces the SX.1 (Shaft Xchange) 460cc Driver
DULUTH, Ga. — Versus Golf (www.versusgolf.com) is excited to announce the release of the SX.1 (Shaft Xchange) Tour Fitting System. This new patent pending offering from Versus will become the benchmark for complete driver fitting. Absolute versatility is now available to all PGA Professionals, clubfitters and golfers alike with the SX.1.

The SX.1 is a shaft x-change system with many industry leading technologies, such as utilizing the highest grade materials like the CNC milled titanium shaft adapter. An interchangeable weight ring is included to custom tune trajectory and swingweight. This weight ring is inserted through the bottom of the titanium shaft adapter. The SX.1 shaft adapter has 16 splined slots for smooth insertion and provides extreme strength and durability. Custom weighted screw nut easily attaches the shaft with the body in a reverse screw so as to never come loose during play. The SX.1 also utilizes our proprietary "Soundforged X" titanium face insert for silky smooth feel and "Muscle Crown" technology to redirect energy back to ball contact.

"We are very pleased to see all of our hard work reach completion and come to market," Versus Golf CEO and Chief Designer Scott Son stated. "We designed the SX.1 to provide PGA professionals, clubfitters and golfers the ultimate fitting system. The versatility and durability of the SX.1 system is what separates ours from the few competitors in the market. We have addressed all the key issues that our customers were seeking in a fitting system. Issues like tuning trajectory, swingweight, flexibility and durability to name a few. The SX.1 is what we like to call a "Fitt N Play" system. Once a golfer gets fitted properly with correct loft and shaft, they can go out and play the exact same spec driver of the SX.1 or our complimentary standard fixed club in the VS.II out on the course. Make no mistake that the performance of the SX.1 is unrivaled in the industry. Nothing comes close."

SX.1 Specs:

CC: 460
Headweight: Custom
Lie: 57
Face Angle: Square
Face Height: 58mm
Hosel I.D.: .335
Shaft Depth: 35mm
Club Legth: Custom
Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5 (HL)


Versus Golf is a premium golf equipment manufacturer dedicated to providing golfers outstanding distance, feel, forgiveness and options in its lines, which consists currently of drivers, fairway and hybrid metals. The Versus line of metalwoods have been widely accepted by golfers throughout the world with tremendous enthusiasm for its unique combination of performance, feel and appeal. Versus Golf is also dedicated to bringing true innovation in performance technology to the golfing. Company founder and CEO Scott Son's vast experience on the equipment side of the golf industry will insure that Versus Golf's customers will play the finest quality equipment with the latest in technological advancement when they hit the course. For more information about Versus Golf, visit www.versusgolf.com or call 770.755.5806

[tourdeep]

The system looks cool, but I think that for the average person the price point is to high and it adds another degree of confusion to something that most already regard as confusing. JMO I do however the idea is cool.

As far as sales volume, I wish there was an emotion icon for BELLY FLOP!!!!!

[Weirfan]

The system looks cool, but I think that for the average person the price point is to high and it adds another degree of confusion to something that most already regard as confusing. JMO I do however the idea is cool.

As far as sales volume, I wish there was an emotion icon for BELLY FLOP!!!!!

I agree considering that most OEM's from the past year could be bought for $199 this X-mas at places like Targetlines.......about the price of Callaways new entry level shaft..........head performance as we know will not differ so not sure why the additional 300 bills????

The quotes are MSRP as far as I know and they are extremely very high for a threaded hosel on a head.

by inflating the price they , accomplish the goal of the perception of a superior product while increase margin as well as now they are the only ones that can sell you a shaft for your head....and thus will profit from these sales as well which will be sold at a premium of course

It remains to be seen how this takes off, the Htec by Nak , while getting raves from its users is not a head that everybody everybody bought and that was with a connector that you could remove. Unless Callaway has a trade in program there will be a limited aftermarket for resale of shafts for their system ( but then again maybe better upfront fitting will remove the need for such?)

[TORAIDER]

...Unless Callaway has a trade in program there will be a limited aftermarket for resale of shafts for their system (but then again maybe better upfront fitting will remove the need for such?)


Wow, can you believe they are charging $185 to $435 for the shaft upgrades? :eek: :cookoo:

I can't imagine they will care about the excess shafts and hosels once they make their margins after the inital purchase.

[LowPost42]

I think this is great! For a minimum investment in inventory, I can show clients that there's OED stuff that performs just as well as the OEM stuff, and at a fraction of the cost! Sweet!

[Weirfan]

I think this is great! For a minimum investment in inventory, I can show clients that there's OED stuff that performs just as well as the OEM stuff, and at a fraction of the cost! Sweet!

I do think that their plan is to cut into the custom fit by clubmakers work by guys like you and I..........you think it will accomplish the opposite?

maybe at those prices......I guess one can even fit the Htec with a primo shaft for almost 1/2 of the top end Cally unit and I have yet to see a Cally head that can outperform or look better than a Nak

[Rough Ranger]

1) if the tail does wag the dog (NAK coming to market / USGA approved), I think the dog will get the $$$, which is too bad.
2) still like the NAK set up better as you can also alter the cub face angle. Won't be long before this is standard fair.

[LowPost42]

I do think that their plan is to cut into the custom fit by clubmakers work by guys like you and I..........you think it will accomplish the opposite?

maybe at those prices......I guess one can even fit the Htec with a primo shaft for almost 1/2 of the top end Cally unit and I have yet to see a Cally head that can outperform or look better than a Nak

I think it would be absolutely hilarious of this was the route taken.

I may even intentionally setup my Cally fit system at Cally specs. You know, 46" drivers on 9° heads.

Then let them hit my Connexed 11° 919THI on a 44" shaft, and see how much better they like it.

It's a nice idea (Cally going as component), but I don't see how it will effectively work when it'll still be overpriced.

Even if it backfires and folks want to spend the extra $$ for something that says Callaway (assuming these folk also assume that more $$ means more quality), then I'm simply elevate the price of the Wishon gear I sell. No biggy. I don't mind fat margins at all!

[RRyders88]

guys, our pricing is cheaper than the online US retailers!! don't bash this system, now in at golf town at only 329 for an ft-5 head and 379 for an ft-i. its a no brainer. shafts from 150-350...just last week and ft-5 was 469 ( i know cause i bought one and it broke) sent it back and got an i-mix for 10 bucks more, only 479 with the option to change the shafts very easily! im very impressed, and thinking about an ft-i head too as they're the LCG tour heads!

[Cybergolfer]

[quote=Carlton]Indeed, Golfsmith etc were selling club connex system for some time now. Then Callaway and TM came out with the fitting carts last year and now Callaway is leading the pack and putting it out into the market first. I wouldn't surprised if other OEMs follow suit depending on how the market adopts this new trend.

Glad I'm not a betting man 'cause Gwain would have taken all my money..

http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=23030&highlight=2008[/qu

ote]
Actually TM brought out the r7® CGB MAX LIMITED before Callaway