To switch or not to switch?

idrive400yards · September 9, 2006

Cobra to SMT?

Hello everyone!

I have a dilemma and maybe with your input it would help me make a choice. Through a local reputable clubmaker whom I've had experience dealing with, has approached me and a fellow LD'R with setting up a longdrive team(that is not the dilemma). My dilemma is: He can set us up with SMT. We would have to purchase 6 heads(at a very very cheap price) and we would become SMT staff members. We would also get SMT gloves and staff bag, but would have to purchase the shafts ourselves and he would install them gratis. Now I currently play Cobra with no backing whatsoever and after hitting the SMT Encore, I kinda like the head and have numerous lofts to choose from whereas Cobra won't sell low lofts anymore. The second thing is PRICE! This opportunity will cost me roughly $1,000. for just the heads and shafts, then also the expense for LDA and PRO PLAYERS TOUR membership(which is just renewable dues anyway). Money is tight right now and the only way to swing the shift is to sell off the Cobra's(not too many people in the market for low lofts). Do I just get new shafts for the Cobra heads that are missing shafts(only 2) and risk caving heads without being able to have the heads replaced in the lofts that I need or just switch?

Your opinions will help me make the choice because from what I've read here everyone for the most part gives great advice!

Sorry for the long post, it would be longer but I don't want bore you guys any further.

Thanks,
Idrive400yards.

scotte · September 9, 2006

I was in a similar situation once, go to your local chamber of commerce and tell them what you do and that you want a sponsor who is looking for some "cheap advertising". The secratary picked up the phone for me and I had a sponsor in less than 24 hours. good luck

idrive400yards · September 9, 2006

Never thought of that one, become a walking billboard and keep Cobra and Buy SMT. Anyone else?

shotclock · September 9, 2006

SMT is a BIG name in long drive. Mike Tait is a very good guy to deal with. The heads are going to be covered if they break. I say go SMT.

I see you break your shafts as well look into Graman shafts they have a lifetime gaurantee against breakage( although I am sure there is an asterik in there somewhere.)

If I was in your shoes I would contact Mike Tait personally and ask him why you should play SMT. You never know what you might get.

hayesie · September 10, 2006

I don't really like this being my first post here, I've spent a lot of time at another forum, but let me first say, no of course I do not work for SMT at all, (currently no SMT in my bag for that matter), however:

SMT is a great small company, trying to take the component industry forward. Like Shotclock said, give SMT a call . . . you will talk to Mike, or one of the other 2 or so people he has on his staff. He will take care of you if he can.

And again, like Shotclock said, if the club heads break, he WILL replace them. Literally, you take one, cut it in half with a chop saw, send it back to SMT, a new one will be in the mail that day for the price of shipping. Best gaurantee in the business, hands down.

All that said, GolfWrx.com looks like a great forum, and I can't wait to read more.

idrive400yards · September 10, 2006

I know about the warranty that SMT has but have heard some nightmares about how long it takes, although, from what they said about being a staff member that shouldn't be a problem, and if one head breaks anyway, I'll have 5 more in the bag anyway.

Hey hayesie, welcome to golfwrx!

shotclock, do you happen to know the Graman shaft websight? The shafts that I broke alot of was the Penley ETA, and I have since switched to the AccuFLEX Ultraboom and is by far the most sturdiest of the shafts that I have hit. I have also seen Graman shafts hit by other players but haven't talked about the shaft much.

Thanks for the advice, but what I don't understand is no love for Cobra?

shotclock · September 10, 2006

Graman shafts are becoming more and more popular look for all the posts on FGI.

Graman website is www.gramanshafts.com

Xt1ncT · September 10, 2006

The NZ LD Champion - Davyn Nola - raves about SMT. He holds the NZ record at 428 yards which he used an SMT for.

idrive400yards · September 13, 2006

Well I 'm getting 2 Graman UL540 shafts in 2x, they say it would equal up to my 3x AccuFLEX Ultraboom, in terms of flex, so I'll have them installed in the heads that I have left to do some testing, I'm glad I have a builder that will do this for me at no charge because I'll be switching everything around, test, then do it all over again. Accuflex is still my number one choice though but will test with an open mind and treat the Graman just as bad as I treat the Accuflex,(swing speed I mean) no holding back so I have true readings and comparisons. In terms of SMT, called and spoke with Mike Tait, he is offering the same deal as my club builder so that is still up for grabs. Any other opinions about this or with experience with Graman shafts feel free to add on!

Thanks again for your input,

idrive400yards