Opinion on blemished custom Ping order

[wundej]

I'm looking for feedback on a custom G400 Max that I ordered from Golf Galaxy. Basically ordered custom length, swing weight, Tour shaft from ping at gg.

 

It arrived on Friday and took the plastic off the head and noticed a small spec in the middle of the front of the crown and a faint paint scuff on the turbulator next to the hosel. I hoped it was just debris, but the spec is a paint blemish. I called Ping and they said to take it back to GG and have them process the return and reorder a new one. Took it back last night and they said they didn't have time to do it because it would take a 1/2 HR to do an they had a lot going on and were closing.

 

Am I just being picky, or am I right to want a pristine club when I paid $450 for a new custom item direct from the mfr? I would like to use the club but if I go to return it again today, I'd probably still be a week away from getting the replacement. Not sure if there is a good method to touch it up. If it wasn't right in the center, it probably wouldn't bother me much.

 

Here are a few pics

[balladm]

I think you are being too picky. Go crush it and it won't matter what it looks like. I wouldn't have noticed those marks.

[Sparky14]

I would not be bothered by it either. One round and it will have plenty more to look at.

 

But you obviously are bothered, so take it back, otherwise it will eat away at your soul forever. I'm sure Ping will take care of you.

[brkuck]

If it bothers you to the point where you are putting up this topic, then send it back. Many will say it doesn't bother them, while some will say the opposite. You paid for it and if you believe it wasn't sent in perfect order, return it.

[Swisstrader98]

Wouldn’t bother me in the least but some people are more bothered by such things and if you’re one of those people, just need to wait it out until they get it fixed.

[Glaze22]

Just think of it this way. If you want to return it, no big deal. BUTTTTT you take the chance of them sending another head back that is not exactly to your specs. Not saying Ping can get it right, but what happens if they dont, then you have to send it back again, wait again, get really mad etc.. Its just a chance, but do what you have got to do.

[squishyy]

You missed circling the area on the lower right side of the picture where the paint overlaps onto the face.

[Drew26]

Whether the blemish warrants the return or not is entirely up to you. Obviously Ping isn’t questioning it and they are ready, willing, and able to make it right. The real problem here is Golf Galaxy. The whole “we’re about to close...it’ll take a half hour...we have a lot going on...” is complete BS. They would have lost my business permanently after that nonsense. But for the sake of the necessary transaction my next calls would be to the GG manager and then to Ping if need be to let them know how one of their authorized reps were treating Ping customers.

 

Anyway, the blemish and what you choose to do is entirely your business and between you and Ping. GG is merely the middle man and the true issue.

[Birddog2]

I would take it back to Golf Galaxy, get a refund and buy somewhere else. Don't have time for a customer...see ya. I would let Ping know too.

[Belmont148]

Refund at GG, then go order from a local pro shop. Probably get it cheaper too.

[NEhomer]

Seems like a quick dot with a black sharpie would do the trick.

[sandtrap]

Too picky, but I usually buy slightly used

[jeffrey r]

Seems like a quick dot with a black sharpie would do the trick.

 

Yeah, personally, I've black sharpied way worse than that, and it's generally fine. With those minor blemishes, literally a dab or two with the sharpie and I think you'd be good to go. I'd likely go that route, but this is your club, not ours. I am not condoning GG's behavior when you brought it in, but if you want this addressed, go back at a time with more cushion, and they'll get it done. Then you'll be out the driver for who knows how long, etc.

[VNutz]

For a brand new item you paid full rate for, you have the right to be picky and get a club that's perfect from the start. That said after a round or two you might forget it entirely.

[Rosco1216]

That matte will pick up more than that after one round and a few times taking a headcover off and on. Just take it as is and enjoy it.

[ProphetLogic]

How close do you have to take pics to get the detail in the grain on the face like that? I'd say picky is a nice way to put it.

[tatertot]

How close to you have to take pics to get the detail in the grain on the face like that? I'd say picky is a nice way to put it.

 

To say the least.

[wundej]

Thanks for all the honest opinions, I appreciate it. Main concern with the sharpie is that they often don't look black in direct light, but may be good enough.

[wundej]

How close to you have to take pics to get the detail in the grain on the face like that? I'd say picky is a nice way to put it.

 

To say the least.

 

You can easily see both marks at address. Picky/anal/call it what you like. I was just curious if other people have seen stuff like this on new heads. Normally buy used, but kinda expecting a clean head for a new club.

 

Anyone that has tried taking pics of items to highlight imperfections knows it's difficult and sometimes close ups are the only way to really show them. The detail is merely a result of a properly focused picture.

[GoIrish17]

It wouldn't bother me, but it's your money. If it bothered you enough to start a thread here, you're never going to stop noticing it.

[ryuartz]

How close to you have to take pics to get the detail in the grain on the face like that? I'd say picky is a nice way to put it.

 

To say the least.

 

You can easily see both marks at address. Picky/anal/call it what you like. I was just curious if other people have seen stuff like this on new heads. Normally buy used, but kinda expecting a clean head for a new club.

 

Anyone that has tried taking pics of items to highlight imperfections knows it's difficult and sometimes close ups are the only way to really show them. The detail is merely a result of a properly focused picture.

 

That would bother me, especially when it's new. Second option would be http://www.golfpaint.com/paint-and-items/ping/

[SubaruWRX]

I think it will look worse if you try to fix it. Leave it alone.

 

Either keep it and play it (my personal choice).

 

Or send it back and let Ping take care of it.

[hybrid25]

The blemishes are small, but I can see the OP's point and desire to have a brand-new looking Club. $450 is a lot of money to pay for a driver so it should come perfect. As you look down at the club while addressing the ball, those blemishes would probably be looking back at you. I get picky when I buy brand new because I expect it to be brand new looking. Funny thing is, although, after the first day of use you might find some similar marks on the clubhead from general usage. Nothing stays new forever in this world.

[blink3665]

You missed circling the area on the lower right side of the picture where the paint overlaps onto the face.

 

That paint on the face should definitely be noted.

 

I would take it back to Golf Galaxy, get a refund and buy somewhere else. Don't have time for a customer...see ya. I would let Ping know too.

 

A half hour to process a return? Why, are they training a new clerk to do it?

 

Half my clubs have cosmetic things wrong with them. BUT this isn't my club. YOU paid good money to get something that is brand new. As the customer you should get the product you paid for, in the condition you paid for.

[SubaruWRX]

BTW, the turbulators and dragonfly stuff in the crown would bother me more than that tiny tiny speck.

[wundej]

BTW, the turbulators and dragonfly stuff in the crown would bother me more than that tiny tiny speck.

Very true. It's ugly with all that stuff. I'll run by GG this afternoon (different one) and if it's going to be a hassle, I'll give up. I generally keep my stuff pristine, which is really why it bugs me. I sell stuff often so like it to be as clean as possible.

 

Thanks again for all the feedback. I realize it's all personal preference and I have to be ok with whatever I decide.

[payerasjl]

ehhh. i wouldnt be able to resista nother 2-3 weeks without my driver for those blemishes.

 

ping has been slacking. messed up 2 times on a custom i-200 order. first sent them with the wrong shafts, then with the wrong grips!

[straightshot7]

Personally I wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of a return if everything else with the club is correct.

 

If you don't want to pay for that Ping paint someone posted, I'd try a dark gray sharpie like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Permanent-Markers-Chisel-1927296/dp/B00UHUKL1Q/ref=pd_sim_229_1/143-8230152-8897046?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UHUKL1Q&pd_rd_r=37FHJESTGJFV9PQKCE02&pd_rd_w=rw32y&pd_rd_wg=hnmiy&refRID=37FHJESTGJFV9PQKCE02&th=1

 

I bet that would take care of that little spec. If not you can always go a little darker with a black sharpie afterward.

[zzyzxx33]

Those marks would drive me nuts! I don't buy many new clubs, one new club in the last 8 years or more. Thus, I would want it to be clean and if I cause an imperfections than so be it.

[hybrid25]

Ok, you just spent $450 on a brand new driver and some are suggesting to touch it up with a sharpie or a type of paint? Psychologically, when you look down while addressing the ball those points will always come into focus and give you a negative thought. I would take it back to Golf Galaxy and suggest they give you a discount, or a full refund or a brand new driver. This is just my opinion and I am quite picky when it comes to buying new stuff.