Is latest generation necessarily better with golf clubs?

[JP1000]

I'm a high handicapper blah blah blah.   I have PXG gen 2 hybrids (4, 5, and 6h) that I hit really well, and suit my course.  Logic has it that subsequent generations (I think PXG is up to gen 6 now (?)) should be incrementally better.  I've tried gen 4 and 5 hybrids and for the life of me, I cannot hit them well.  Maybe its my bad swing.  But I go back to the gen2 and I'm confidently and consistenly hitting them well.  I'm sticking with these gen 2s.   Just curious if others have experienced the same.   I'm not a PXG fanboy, I also have TM, Ping, and Callaway in my bag.  But these old gen 2 PXG hybrids are solid.    p.s.: PXG doesn't seem to hold value, you can pick these gen 2s up for dirt cheap these days.

[Valtiel]

Not only are hybrids one of the more common clubs to see older versions of in bags (even the pros), the Gen2 PXG hybrids are particularly popular and exist in multiple pro's bags. Hybrids are often comfort clubs and aren't subject to the same degree of incremental technology gains as drivers, so don't try to replace them unless there is a reason to. 

[philly2kuk]

I played a TM rescue dual from its release in 2004 to last summer. I was never fit for it properly, on paper it should not have fit me but everything I put against it lost out until I got my ts3. That included some clubs that I was fit for.

 

Hybrids and fairways I’ve found you can get away with older models as you want them to go a specific distance. I wouldn’t worry, if your pxg works for you then why change? I only took the dual out as I found something that fit the yardage gap much better that I was equally confident with.

[Ghostwedge]

With drivers I will say yes. Irons\putters its a push. Hybrids....maybe.

I finally replaced an old Ping hybrid this season with a TM SIM hybrid (better shaft) My son still plays a old TM rescue hybrid and smokes it every time. 

[MtlJeff]

Over time incremental gains add up.....I believe the average jabroni's handicap over the past 20 years is down almost 1.5-2 shots. Like from 16 to 14

[cgasucks]

If you are a high handicapper who hits off all over the face and all over the place, then you'll need all the help you can get with the latest and greatest.  For those who hit it solid most if the time then one will get very little benefit from a club made in 2023 vs a club made in 2003.

Edited October 10, 2023 by cgasucks

[T Creer]

PXG seems to have the old Taylormade/Callaway disease of producing clubs every 6-9 months. They seem to compete against themselves. Not seeing anything different form line-to-line. 

[phizzy30]

To answer your question, newer isn't always better, especially when it comes to hybrids and irons, IMO.  Hell, I still have a tour issue rescue '11, 2 hybrid in my bag that's seen the better part of over a decade.  My current set of irons are blades and has no new tech in it whatsoever.  Finding what works for you even if it's the older stuff is critical especially irons and wedges IMO. 

[bombs]

Were the old/new the exact same loft/lie/shaft/swingweight/grip/etc?

If not it isn't a fair comparison. 

[JP1000]

On 10/10/2023 at 4:22 AM, philly2kuk said:

I wouldn’t worry, if your pxg works for you then why change?

Not worried at all!  I;m sticking with the gen 2s.   I'm just posting a personal observation (probalby not really a revelation), but it calibrates for me that I should not be chasing the latest and "greatest" in equipment.  Find what works, that is all!

[JP1000]

On 10/11/2023 at 6:03 PM, T Creer said:

PXG seems to have the old Taylormade/Callaway disease of producing clubs every 6-9 months. They seem to compete against themselves. Not seeing anything different form line-to-line. 

I agree.  I like PXG and their gen2 hybrids work for me, but I think maybe PXG is challenged these days in distinguishing/diferentiating themselves from the competition.  Hence just pumping out equipment on an accelerated cycle.  Just my uneducated 2 cents.

[JP1000]

19 hours ago, bombs said:

Were the old/new the exact same loft/lie/shaft/swingweight/grip/etc?

If not it isn't a fair comparison. 

You have a good point.  The subsequent generation hybrids I tried were XF designation (ie version that is "easier" to hit vs gen2 which did not have XF option.  Surprisingly the older gen2 worked better for me.