2011 Callaway RAZR-X BLADES

[STD000]

[color=#1C2837]Yeah, a new rebadged version of the X-proto[/color]

[designdog]

Callaway needs to rethink their marketing and product development strategy. They have been attempting to differentiate models via brand names and badges rather than actual product benefits. As a result they now have too a broad product offering that is diluted and not competitive. What really is the difference, as example, between their Diablo and X irons? Additionally, Callaway risk losing their more upscale, more conservative customers by throwing RAZR badges on everything. What, precisely, does "RAZR" mean? What does it contribute to the protos and (former) X Forged?

In my experience when a product starts getting multiple names with no real meaning to them, the product looses its image, and becomes undervalued. Cutting out the bottom edge of the X forged and renaming it "RAZR" hardly adds value to the product - it demeans it. As a result, Callaway no longer has the simple, unadorned, classic iron in its portfolio. Those customers will go to Mizuno and Titleist.

Callaway's golf products aren't exactly flying out of the stores anyway. If I were running Callaway's marketing department, here is what I would do:

[list][*][b]Get back to core values.[/b] Callaway was a technological innovator. That is their strength. They should sort out their product line and toss out everything that does not have a bona fide technological advantage over competition.[*][b]Weed out the brands.[/b] There are too many brands with too little real value. They need to identify discrete market segments and match ONE brand to each.[*][b]Clarify the product life cycle.[/b] Two years seems typical. With fewer models they should be able to have them all stocked by the Master's.[*][b]Split up into three segments. [/b]If Callaway really sees a "gangsta" market a la Diablo, they can better approach it, and not risk alienating their traditional customers, by developing three discrete business: a "Diablo" golf business, a "Chevron" business for the upscale and professional segment, and - much over due - a "Woman's" segment with clubs actually developed and marketed for the ladies. Drop those products outside of these businesses - if they do not fit the market segment, they don't warrant the resources.[/list]
A key concept to the above is to manage all three business as independently as possible, and to not let products/badges/advertising proliferate all three.

I really liked the X Forged 09, and the Protos. (Actually I would have named them Forged Cavity Backs and Forged Blades, because that is, in actual fact, what they are, and what we see them as. These value-less names are insidious!) I once met Mr. Callaway when they were first getting in the ball business, and I had much respect for him. There is no other golf company that I would rather buy from, that I am not buying from - if that makes any sense to you.

[Sean2]

I think the X-Prototypes are the nicest looking irons ever made. But, that's just my opinion. I [b]finally[/b] went out and bought a set, despite the experts telling me I should play a GI set of irons. I'm not getting any younger and I said, "Screw it, I really want to own a set of irons I also love to look at." The irony is I hit the X-Prototype's better than any GI I ever hit. I wish now I hadn't waited so long to get them.

Anywho, I like the look of the X-Proto's better than the RAZR's. Callaway must have had a good reason for doing it their way however. I'm sure they had focus groups, did market research, and all that jazz before committing to production of an entire new line.

[chisag]

[quote name='tinman' timestamp='1293102978' post='2855554']
How can you come on here & call people that you do NOT know "uneducated"?[i][b]Obviously, something struck a nerve[/b][/i].I thought the post was humorous.It was not meant to be taken personally;unless you fit the description.
[/quote]

... Ya think? ; ) Merry Christmas !!!

[Roscoe P Coltrain]

We as US citizens have the right to say whatever we want and whenever we feel. Now does that make it right well that's the on going debate. Hiding behind your key board to be off color is the easiest way to be who you really are. That goes for all chatrooms, blogs and any other opinion related forums. Just keep to the topics and there will never be a problem and no one will ever call you out. Just my 2 cents. Merry Christmas Y'all..

[chisag]

[quote name='designdog' timestamp='1293131922' post='2856154']
[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1293123264' post='2855925']
I'm sure they had focus groups, did market research, and all that jazz before committing to production of an entire new line.
[/quote]

Maybe.
[/quote]

... They also have to appease retailers and buyers. Believe it or not, Bridgestone had more than a few retailers refuse to carry the J33 irons because they had no "shelf appeal". I think better players almost universally admired the J33's. Ironically, after much nashing of teeth, they came out with the J36 lineup and got hammered for the blue paint fill and flashy stripes!!! Obviously they still want to keep in touch with the taste's of their audience, but you can tell by the J38's that they finally decided they were dammed if they did and dammed if they didn't... so they just made the best performing iron they could make and let the chips fall where they may, knowing they would loose some market share for lack of "shelf appeal". Imo the J38's were one of the best irons released at last years PGA Show. I ended up putting the AP2's in my bag because I felt they had the best all around performance of all the new irons. After attending the last 7 PGA Shows I can say this with conviction, I would [i][b]NOT[/b][/i] want to be a marketing director.

[Fornesto]

I just purchased an x-proto 3 iron head from the bay. if i like then i will probably look for a conforming set of x-protos. the razr version looks to be identical other than the badging and I will always opt for the cleaner look.

[Bob57]

Certainly mis labeled as a muscle back. Perhaps RC should review what real musclebacks look like. Of course anyone that designed the new razor forged cavity backs is losing touch with reality anyway. Too many trips to Japan are starting to sway him over to those awful game improvement messes of the mid 90s.

[BirdieBob]

Yes, a rebaged Prototype for sure with the same design in tact. The former unfinished (Plain Jane) Prototype now looks like a finished iron AND takes its position in the line-up with the rest of Callaway's RAZR irons. Basically, all Cally could do as it is a very popular iron with their Tour Pros and us blade players.

[boabola]

They were no longer "prototypes" a long time ago. That label is at the end of it's marketing usefulness.
They would look great with just the "V" and nothing else...that would be classy. I'm sure this rebranding coincides with the new groove rules and these are CC. Still a great looking iron though.

[branover1]

[quote name='DieHard519' timestamp='1293209098' post='2857408']
Callaway sucks
[/quote]

If you're going to write "Callaway Sucks" you should probably follow that up with some sort or explanation of why they suck. Otherwise you just sound like an immature @@@****.

[drugazi]

are they exactly the same other than the stamps?

[Ramathorn]

1. Not too sure I agree on re-badging a set of irons with no changes, with all the resources Callaway has they couldn't improve on their design?!?!?!. 2. Is it just me or does Callaway seem to make the cheesiest club line names? (Razr, Diablo, Octane) Keep it simple Callaway!!!!!!!

[LEFTY-8]

Now the only question is, are they available in left hand?

[tembolo1284]

I might look for a set of the protos...the RAZR name is just a killer!

[VTHOKIES]

I like the looks of the RAZR Muscle Backs and the name does not bother me at all. I am a traditionalist when it comes to clubs and these look fine. It's all about the performance to me and not really about the looks. I love the looks, feel, etc of my Titleist 710 MB's but these look fine. I would like to try them out someday and see how they perform. I have heard a lot of good things about the X Proto's and would love to try these out.

They would have to perform exceptionally well to kick the MB's out of my bag though.

[dans37]

why put prototype on the if there no longer prototypes???

[Fornesto]

[quote name='dans37' timestamp='1293302162' post='2858639']
why put prototype on the if there no longer prototypes???
[/quote]

cause it looks cooler silly

[Shug Wy Tee]

x-proto great looking club, who cares about the name printed on back.

[TourTempo]

[quote name='tinman' timestamp='1293102978' post='2855554']
How can you come on here & call people that you do NOT know "uneducated"?Obviously, something struck a nerve.I thought the post was humorous.It was not meant to be taken personally;unless you fit the description......Relax & pull up your pants-PLEASE.
[/quote]


Haha, I don't fit the description but times have changed, simply put my mind is open. It is very common for even the most educated be absolutely ignorant of other cultures. Obviously I've struck a nerve in some people, sorry. Anyways back to the blades which I believe look great and perform like a champ(Phil).

[JB lefty]

I couldn't care less what they want to call them. I know I just want a set.

[mwgolfpro]

If anyone is interested...I have a set of x-protos with s300 and dual durometer grips in excellent condition. Bern played for about 7 rounds and a couple range sessions. I think I'd be willing to get rid of em if the offer was good. Pm me if ur interested.

[sallyboy7153]

[quote name='Shug Wy Tee' timestamp='1293332660' post='2859040']
x-proto great looking club, who cares about the name printed on back.
[/quote]

Here, here! Totally agree!!

What if you were absolutely in love with the X-Prototype set! And the looks weren't bad for u and you thought these were the irons for you without a doubt! Then all of a sudden they changed the name to RAZR and kept the club as is, no changes! Would you really not buy it because of 4 letters on the back? It just doesn't make sense to me. Yes stupid name but not too terrible compared to some others out there. Idk I guess the name doesn't really bother me if my ball striking and iron game has improved.

[chip75]

I just thought shouldn't Callaway have called these RAZR BACKS?

[arkboulder]

[quote name='chip75' timestamp='1293483922' post='2861172']
I just thought shouldn't Callaway have called these RAZR BACKS?
[/quote]

I like that name!

WWWOOOO PIG SOOIE!!!! GO RAZORBACKS! Chomp on some Buckeyes!

[sallyboy7153]

[quote name='chip75' timestamp='1293483922' post='2861172']
I just thought shouldn't Callaway have called these RAZR BACKS?
[/quote]

You know what? YOU should be working in the R&D for Cally cause that's really not a bad name. Nice job I really like it!! Who is that again Arkansas, Alabama?

[chip75]

[quote name='sallyboy7153' timestamp='1293496978' post='2861361']
[quote name='chip75' timestamp='1293483922' post='2861172']
I just thought shouldn't Callaway have called these RAZR BACKS?
[/quote]

You know what? YOU should be working in the R&D for Cally cause that's really not a bad name. Nice job I really like it!! Who is that again Arkansas, Alabama?
[/quote]


Arkansas. Though I was thinking of the 'killer pig' movie by Highlander director Russel Mulcahy...

[attachment=704006:Razorback_movie.jpg]

[sallyboy7153]

[quote name='chip75' timestamp='1293546108' post='2862123']
[quote name='sallyboy7153' timestamp='1293496978' post='2861361']
[quote name='chip75' timestamp='1293483922' post='2861172']
I just thought shouldn't Callaway have called these RAZR BACKS?
[/quote]

Ahahh!! Got ya.

You know what? YOU should be working in the R&D for Cally cause that's really not a bad name. Nice job I really like it!! Who is that again Arkansas, Alabama?
[/quote]


Arkansas. Though I was thinking of the 'killer pig' movie by Highlander director Russel Mulcahy...

[attachment=704006:Razorback_movie.jpg]
[/quote]

[Fornesto]

 

just shafted up this conforming 3 iron head i got from the bay with a black kbs tour s. This version definately looks better. Callaway are you listening?

 

 

[Gareth]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1293123264' post='2855925']
I think the X-Prototypes are the nicest looking irons ever made. But, that's just my opinion. I [b]finally[/b] went out and bought a set, despite the experts telling me I should play a GI set of irons. I'm not getting any younger and I said, "Screw it, I really want to own a set of irons I also love to look at." The irony is I hit the X-Prototype's better than any GI I ever hit. I wish now I hadn't waited so long to get them.

Anywho, I like the look of the X-Proto's better than the RAZR's. Callaway must have had a good reason for doing it their way however. I'm sure they had focus groups, did market research, and all that jazz before committing to production of an entire new line.
[/quote]



Good post Sean.

I shouldn't even look at the Proto's but whenever I hit one they are just beautiful forgings and not nearly as hard to hit as some would lead you to believe.

Not fussed by the label job on the RAZR version as the original just looked spot on.