THE GREAT BIG BERTHA IRONS 2023

[Green Valley]

2 hours ago, erock9174 said:

True but I think the thought process with these is similar to say a XXIO club where the stock shaft is meant to complement the overall build design. These come with a light weight but higher end nano core UST helium shaft. 

Great point

[JohnnyCallaway]

On 10/28/2022 at 1:30 PM, PingPoncho said:

What other irons have same size as these in terms of width and length and thickness?

 

Are new irons considered to be super game improvement irons?

In simple terms they are Super Light, Super game improvement across the board designed for slower swing speed players that also want PREMIUM (Cant emphasize that word enough) components. YES the price point would be considered high but they have everything but the kitchen sink built into them. Think of getting an AMG with every option available AND a GC Squad built in. Are they for everyone? No. There is a niche consumer for these and we came up with something that skips nothing. Much like the Epic Max Star.

[JohnnyCallaway]

On 10/28/2022 at 2:42 PM, iNeedMoreGolf said:

If thats true about the irons being $449 per iron... thats insane. They can expect to sell a tottal of 1 set if thats true.  That would be about $3000 for a set of 7. Thats unthinkable. The ball better be at gimme range every shot into the green. Matter of fact... the club should swing itself at that point. A whole entire set should cost about $3000 not just irons... that can't be right somehow.

We released the Epic Star Max last year as an introduction into that higher end market and it did VERY well. I understand the remarks around the price point but keep in mind they were designed knowing that to make something with this feel, this weight class and performance it would require the best components and materials available. 

[JungleJimbo]

4 minutes ago, JohnnyCallaway said:

In simple terms they are Super Light, Super game improvement across the board designed for slower swing speed players that also want PREMIUM (Cant emphasize that word enough) components. YES the price point would be considered high but they have everything but the kitchen sink built into them. Think of getting an AMG with every option available AND a GC Squad built in. Are they for everyone? No. There is a niche consumer for these and we came up with something that skips nothing. Much like the Epic Max Star.

@JohnnyCallaway Hi JDub... will we see these GBB irons in your WITB? 🙂 

[JohnnyCallaway]

On 10/30/2022 at 10:47 AM, Klubster said:

Everything old is new again.  Is there really an improvement in technology every year or two?

The days of clubs getting substantially better year after year are more or less behind us BUT each line gets a little faster and if anything a bit more stable. At least for Callaway thats the case. I do think Iron technology trends up in performance AND or performance in tighter packages more often than any other part of the bag. 

[JohnnyCallaway]

Just now, JungleJimbo said:

@JohnnyCallaway Hi JDub... will we see these GBB irons in your WITB? 🙂 

Im not the target target for this line. Now my dad and his playing buddies? ALL DAY LONG. 

[JohnnyCallaway]

On 10/31/2022 at 5:27 AM, Tiptx1122 said:

You won't see many irons to date with those features either as it's more of a gimmick. They are trying to push the envelope like TM with the Carbon age.  Something they tried years ago and it didn't work and they are mad, plus upset that PM defected LoL!  Companies have reached the end with technology limits so now they are looking at ways to sucker people into spending more money than what they are worth.  I don't see the Concept name from Titleist doing all that well or titanium face P790's. 

Appreciate the opinion. Every company in the game is trying to push the envelope further and further. 

"Something they tried years ago and it didn't work and they are mad, plus upset that PM defected LoL!"

 

Dont understand this quote however. Every OEM has swung and missed and hit it out of the park. The club game like any other business is a game of ideas, calculated risks, sure things and wingers that really worked. It's by no means a perfect ecosystem. I do think we try things all the time in the hope that WE/YOU/ME/US the consumers find something that helps us break through. Im sorry you think that it's a grand conspiracy to work over the consumer. It's not. 

[Red4282]

2 hours ago, Green Valley said:

What is your set make up?

7-aw 2021 apex pro mb, 5 and 6- apex tcb

[Tiptx1122]

4 hours ago, JohnnyCallaway said:

Appreciate the opinion. Every company in the game is trying to push the envelope further and further. 

"Something they tried years ago and it didn't work and they are mad, plus upset that PM defected LoL!"

 

Dont understand this quote however. Every OEM has swung and missed and hit it out of the park. The club game like any other business is a game of ideas, calculated risks, sure things and wingers that really worked. It's by no means a perfect ecosystem. I do think we try things all the time in the hope that WE/YOU/ME/US the consumers find something that helps us break through. Im sorry you think that it's a grand conspiracy to work over the consumer. It's not. 

Whatever reasons for such a jacked up price they will be a big disappointment when all people can get is less than half the price they paid for them when they go to trade them in or sell them. These could sell for a whole less less than the asking price as this would have helped Callaway out more in sales. 

[Green Valley]

9 hours ago, JohnnyCallaway said:

Im not the target target for this line. Now my dad and his playing buddies? ALL DAY LONG. 

Is this club a Target for 10 to 14 Handicapers?

[Red4282]

5 hours ago, Tiptx1122 said:

Whatever reasons for such a jacked up price they will be a big disappointment when all people can get is less than half the price they paid for them when they go to trade them in or sell them. These could sell for a whole less less than the asking price as this would have helped Callaway out more in sales. 

If you are thinking resale when buying a set of clubs, you’re doing it way wrong.

Edited November 2, 2022 by Red4282

[iNeedMoreGolf]

12 hours ago, JohnnyCallaway said:

We released the Epic Star Max last year as an introduction into that higher end market and it did VERY well. I understand the remarks around the price point but keep in mind they were designed knowing that to make something with this feel, this weight class and performance it would require the best components and materials available. 

The clubs do look nice. I think the woods lineup look very good. I know thats going to be great. Im a callaway guy first and foremost always. Got me my first 79 😢😭 😊😃😎

[mister2cool]

10 hours ago, Tiptx1122 said:

Whatever reasons for such a jacked up price they will be a big disappointment when all people can get is less than half the price they paid for them when they go to trade them in or sell them. These could sell for a whole less less than the asking price as this would have helped Callaway out more in sales. 

You clearly still don't get the concept of super premium. This isn't comparing a Maserati to a Toyota, it's for someone whose Ferrari must be one of a kind, and it doesn't matter if this one actually goes faster or not than the 10 others sitting in the garage. Do you really think they care about resell or trade in? 

 

As mentioned earlier, when PXG came along with their $400/iron offer, celebrities flocked to them because it's a status symbol, like their Rolex and gold chain. As @JohnnyCallaway mentioned, Epic Star line did very well so there are plenty people who are willing to shell out top dollar for that status symbol. Some may call it having more money than sense, it's more like most of us would never get to experience that level of spending habit. 

Edited November 2, 2022 by mister2cool

[Tiptx1122]

5 hours ago, Red4282 said:

If you are thinking resale when buying a set of clubs, you’re doing it way wrong.

Oh but they will end up reselling them as people with that kind of money to burn will after they stink the course up after shooting over 100.  A lot of People like that do have more money then sense and are never satisfied and always got to have the latest and greatest or at least think they do. If they want to spend their money for the status symbol they should go to TourSpec.com as they have a nice Majesty Sublime 50th Anniversary Driver for well over 5K plus some nice irons for well over 12K. Remember its the Indian not the Arrow or at least for those not looking for a status symbol. 

[mister2cool]

1 hour ago, Tiptx1122 said:

Oh but they will end up reselling them as people with that kind of money to burn will after they stink the course up after shooting over 100.  A lot of People like that do have more money then sense and are never satisfied and always got to have the latest and greatest or at least think they do. If they want to spend their money for the status symbol they should go to TourSpec.com as they have a nice Majesty Sublime 50th Anniversary Driver for well over 5K plus some nice irons for well over 12K. Remember its the Indian not the Arrow or at least for those not looking for a status symbol. 

They have got them all in their indoor golf gym 🤣

These would be the first thing I buy after I win the Powerball... 

Edited November 2, 2022 by mister2cool

[Red4282]

1 hour ago, Tiptx1122 said:

Oh but they will end up reselling them as people with that kind of money to burn will after they stink the course up after shooting over 100.  A lot of People like that do have more money then sense and are never satisfied and always got to have the latest and greatest or at least think they do. If they want to spend their money for the status symbol they should go to TourSpec.com as they have a nice Majesty Sublime 50th Anniversary Driver for well over 5K plus some nice irons for well over 12K. Remember its the Indian not the Arrow or at least for those not looking for a status symbol. 

Ok its their money, why you concerned about that?

[Tiptx1122]

35 minutes ago, Red4282 said:

Ok its their money, why you concerned about that?

I don't care how anyone spends their money. I felt the same way about PXG when they 1st came out.  I'm just stating a fact that Callaway is sticking their neck out and trying to reap the benefits that PXG did at 1st by being so greedy. So Bob wants to get rid of them for his new line maybe as you can't tell me they will perform better than a nice set that is 2X less expensive. I like how the Gen 5's came down in price but will Callaway ever do that...No and neither will Majesty line of clubs. It's just opening the door for other brands to build expensive sets that cost a whole lot less to make than what they are trying to sell them for. Good job Callaway for at least they for now still have affordable sets of clubs but we haven't seen the 2023 prices come out yet for them.

[Red4282]

3 minutes ago, Tiptx1122 said:

I don't care how anyone spends their money. I felt the same way about PXG when they 1st came out.  I'm just stating a fact that Callaway is sticking their neck out and trying to reap the benefits that PXG did at 1st by being so greedy. So Bob wants to get rid of them for his new line maybe as you can't tell me they will perform better than a nice set that is 2X less expensive. I like how the Gen 5's came down in price but will Callaway ever do that...No and neither will Majesty line of clubs. It's just opening the door for other brands to build expensive sets that cost a whole lot less to make than what they are trying to sell them for. Good job Callaway for at least they for now still have affordable sets of clubs but we haven't seen the 2023 prices come out yet for them.

Hate to break it to you but Callaway is a business and there job is to make money. You can see that as greedy… but its not an important health care drug that you need to live, its a golf club that is completely optional

Edited November 2, 2022 by Red4282

[Tiptx1122]

33 minutes ago, Red4282 said:

Hate to break it to you but Callaway is a business and there job is to make money. You can see that as greedy… but its not an important health care drug that you need to live, its a golf club that is completely optional

Thanks for sharing that as Im just glad it wasn’t PING doing this then there would some hate. If your Ok with it I'm Ok with it. It’s ok Callaway keep up the good work but I’ll pass. I must be getting Old as I can remember when Sugar Daddy was just a piece of candy

Edited November 2, 2022 by Tiptx1122

[Canyonaro]

On 10/29/2022 at 7:38 PM, Red4282 said:

I think you missed my point. Several others spoke to it better. My point is, there is a segment of golfers who pay $100,000+ initiation fees to join a country club, and pay several grand a month in dues. 3k for irons is chump change to them.

They don't even ask. It just goes on the monthly bill from the club. These are for rich boomers dying to get back a few lost yards & yes they will sell. 

 

Seems like a lot of people on this thread never heard of Honma. 

[Klubster]

I think the Rolex comparison is valid.  Is it more accurate than a Timex?  Does it appeal to everyone?  Could you use something cheaper and get the same results?  Still they sell over one million Rolex watches a year.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Interesting views on economics here lol. Supply and Demand is a real thing. It's not like Callaway woefully entered this segment without doing research. $3.29B company probably knows a thing or two

[Jon Gee]

On 11/2/2022 at 9:00 AM, Red4282 said:

If you are thinking resale when buying a set of clubs, you’re doing it way wrong.

Correct.  I just bought the clearance PXG 0211 driver at the crazy price of $129. You know what the trade in value at 2nd Swing is? $108, new not used. Drive that car off the lot......you know what happens

[Red4282]

2 hours ago, Jon Gee said:

Correct.  I just bought the clearance PXG 0211 driver at the crazy price of $129. You know what the trade in value at 2nd Swing is? $108, new not used. Drive that car off the lot......you know what happens

Haha well i was thinking more along the lines that if you are going to purchase something, you usually intend to use it, love it and keep it for a while. If you are worried about resale before its ever been bought, you have one foot out the door already. 

[mister2cool]

2 hours ago, Red4282 said:

Haha well i was thinking more along the lines that if you are going to purchase something, you usually intend to use it, love it and keep it for a while. If you are worried about resale before its ever been bought, you have one foot out the door already. 

Well that's not necessarily the case with golf clubs. We experiment with different things and you sort of know what it would cost you base on resell value. If it ends up not costing us much to do an experiment, it makes it easier to do more. One reason Scotty putters are popular because people know they can sell it and get most money back. 

However the target consumer group for this model of GBB is definitely not the ones who are concerned about resell or trade in value. 

 

[Red4282]

45 minutes ago, mister2cool said:

Well that's not necessarily the case with golf clubs. We experiment with different things and you sort of know what it would cost you base on resell value. If it ends up not costing us much to do an experiment, it makes it easier to do more. One reason Scotty putters are popular because people know they can sell it and get most money back. 

However the target consumer group for this model of GBB is definitely not the ones who are concerned about resell or trade in value. 

 

You are describing a typical wrxer lol. I honestly dont think the vast majority of people are experimenting like this though. Most are buying something because they plan on using it for the foreseeable future.

[braincramp52]

On 11/2/2022 at 9:00 AM, Red4282 said:

If you are thinking resale when buying a set of clubs, you’re doing it way wrong.

Sorry Red, but If you buy clubs to keep and play for years then what hell are you doing here at WRX?? You need to turn in your WRX member card.🤣

[Red4282]

4 minutes ago, braincramp52 said:

Sorry Red, but If you buy clubs to keep and play for years then what hell are you doing here at WRX?? You need to turn in your WRX member card.🤣

Haha hey, Im guilty as everyone else, but at least my Intent is there… 

[tbowles411]

26 minutes ago, Red4282 said:

Haha hey, Im guilty as everyone else, but at least my Intent is there… 

We tell everyone of our customers that think of the "next club" that the golf club is a tool, just like any other and not to get wrapped up with the resale and all.  Thankfully, most of our customers are thinking, if I spend this money, I'm keeping it for a while.  It's not usually the Wrx guys, but we can sometimes get through to them.  My favorite is getting them to realize when you hit a piece of metal on the ground enough, it's eventually going to mark up and not be perfect forever.  You'd be surprised how many people want us to refund clubs for being "defective" once they've been used for a number of rounds because they're scratched.

[Tiptx1122]

This should not affect the sales of their existing product at all, one way or another as they know the less expensive products will sell. Callaway is just jacking it up to see if they can get some of the more wealthy retire's to spend their moldy cash and just maybe see if they can join the others who have been cashing in on price gouging before the recession hits.  Get it while the getting is good as some will buy them and they know it