Callaway Fakes

[electroleum]

They're getting better - buyers beware

We all know that the amount of fakes in the golf world has increased to a very large number, but the majority of them were pretty sloppy & easy to spot.

Last week I took in a Callaway BB04 7iron from a customer to get it repaired because the shaft broke at the hosel. Just a routine warranty return.

Callaway called a few days later - they're sending it back because it's counterfeit. This fake looked so authentic that I took it in without even raising an eyebrow. Even after comparing it to pictures of legitimate BB04 (we have none in stock to physically compare to), I'm stumped as to how it was different.

The customer was obviously a bit upset. He bought them second hand from a guy at his golf course, so he'll obviously have a few choice words for him. My hope is that he can work with Callaway to help get to the root of the forgery.

[TM golf guy]

Scary stuff :tongue:

 

Can forged irons be as easily faked?

 

Forged irons aren't copied as often because of the cost involved with the actual forging. In theory it certainly could be done, but it is a lot less likely.

[ifixclubs]

they can make forged looking cast heads...i've seen plenty of fake mizunos from china...also fake callaways,nike's,titleist,taylormades,yes putters.....it's pretty safe to assume that if the copiers can make a buck off of the knockoff theyll make it...

[Hoosier Bogey]

Callaway and Cleveland both recently sent out press releases about the number of fake clubs on the market. In fact, I believe Callaway said they would not be returning fake clubs and the golfer (and should the pro shop take it in via trade) are out of luck. It does two things:

1) Keeps someone else from getting duped;

2) Allows Calllaway to try and determine who made the club so they can shut them down.

 

Of course, maybe these companies would have fewer problems if they returned some manufacturing to the U.S.