Are "Glued Drivers" Becoming Obsolete?

[llamont]

Hello

 

With a large number of professional golfers trending towards adjustable driver heads, I am interested to read the different opinions concerning glued drivers being relevant moving forward? I have played both head types (TMag R9, R11, and now a Cleveland SL 290). Thus far the SL 290 has won the #1 spot. Thanks.

[MtlJeff]

I would guess the vast majority of people rarely adjust their drivers, so it's not like glued is obsolete. But for production and inventory purposes, adjustability is probably here to stay. It does make it tougher for tinkerers or guys who buy a lot on ebay. I hope there are a couple of companies (like Cleveland who is holding out right now with their Classic XL) that continue to offer glued because those are the ones i'll buy

i might be wrong but off the top of my head i think the Classic XL is the only current driver from a major OEM to have a lefty glued offering.

[Jspangler]

I believe the adjustable heads make it easier to fine tune your driver during fittings. With fittings really coming to life, a way to fine tune your clubs to the degree only makes sense.

[kwooten31]

I think there dying away, with the tuning and the ability to change shafts on a whim I think most people rather have that ability then not have it.

[stage1350]

Given the ability for the OEM to reduce SKUs and stock, it's going to be the future.

[pdaero]

I definitely prefer glued heads, but I also prefer something more traditionally looking and near square. With that in mind, I definitely like a few of the adjustable woods.

[1970.gpp]

More than likely, glued drivers will be a thing of the past if adjustable drivers continue to improve. Adjustability is nice, but it isn't the end-all, be-all...

[Matty T]

Adjustability is very nice from a fitting stand point. As for myself, I have never adjusted my driver (dont see a need to do it). I just switch between 2 shafts and I like the ease of doing so.

[RRFireblade]

Deja vu.

[ABgolfer2]

Never hit a non-glued driver so I don't care, but I would like to try an adjustable hybrid.

[2zlinks]

Since heads are maxed out the only way to get more yards is through fitting. As mentioned earlier adjustable drivers make the fitting process much easier so yes I believe they are on their way of the dinosaur.

[2zlinks]

[quote name='ABgolfer2' timestamp='1364078467' post='6674149']
Never hit a non-glued driver so I don't care, but I would like to try an adjustable hybrid.
[/quote]

The first part of your post is like one hand clapping. Non-glued is adjustable so you should care because most companies are going with adjustability.

[ABgolfer2]

[quote name='2zlinks' timestamp='1364078958' post='6674199']
[quote name='ABgolfer2' timestamp='1364078467' post='6674149']
Never hit a non-glued driver so I don't care, but I would like to try an adjustable hybrid.
[/quote]

The first part of your post is like one hand clapping. Non-glued is adjustable so you should care because most companies are going with adjustability.
[/quote]

Sorry, I missed some words. "Never hit a non-glued driver, but I'm not in the market for a new driver anyway, so I don't care either way . . .



. . . and yes I agree that having a ton of drivers with slightly different specs on display versus a few adjustable ones does not make sense for retailers. Consumers just want whatever is "hot".

[MelloYello]

Do the math. If I own a store I have to carry 3 or 4 lofts in right handed. I have to have 2, 3 or 4 shaft flexes for each of those lofts. I have to accommodate the head models (Tour, Non-Tour, Draw, etc) and then try and do some of that for the left-handed golfers as well. Oh, and the ladies need stuff too!

Glued drivers force A LOT of stock to go to waste or simply sit around for way too long. Or worse, you walk in and I don't have what you're looking for so I lose the sale.


The process of testing and buying drivers in the future might be more akin to walking into Subway than what we know today.

[jmvargas]

no..

[Upgrayedd]

Sell me your old glued drivers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvZgwtpPmLY

[LeftRev]

I guess you could make the case either way... that OCD people, like me, would either love adjustable drivers because of the constant tinkering one can do to get it right...or that we would dislike them because we never think about the game because of the tinkering! I happen to fall into that latter group. I had a tour Fast 12 LS that I hit well but I couldn't stop adjusting it...thinking I could make it better. I sold it and bought a Launch Lab and couldn't be happier.

Don't ask the makers of lead tape their opinion about whether glued drivers will become obsolete. I have spent a small forturne with them over the years!

Rev.

[larrybud]

I can't wait for adjustable irons and wedges so one can tinker with loft on each to get their gapping correct!

I see no downside or adjustable clubs.

[mrballance]

I like the idea of adjustable drivers but I find myself worrying about the quality. I had an R11 that I loved but couldn't get it to stop making this little rattle, messed with my mind until I sent it on it's way. Tried another one and couldn't repeat the magic.

[mantan]

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1364066767' post='6672779']
Given the ability for the OEM to reduce SKUs and stock, it's going to be the future.
[/quote]

I see this being the driving the issue more than any real benefit to most golfers.

[baseballfrk8998]

I enjoy the ability to swap out shafts on a whim. For most people, this isn't important. For me, it's awesome.

[Thrillhouse]

There are too many advantages of adjustable woods for the oem's to go back to glued.

[Vindog]

Like ABgolfer, I have never played with an adjutable driver and alaso am not in the running for a driver purchase. I probaly will have no qualms goin to one, when/if the time comes.

I don't think, however, that glued drivers have one foot in the grave quite yet.

[hef63303]

I wonder if any Tour Players have their adjustable drivers glued in place.? For instance, you occasionally read about a player, that uses an adjustable driver, that is described as having switched to a driver with more or less loft, due to conditions. Wouldn't they just change the settings on their gamer?

[Thrillhouse]

[quote name='hef63303' timestamp='1364089558' post='6675279']
I wonder if any Tour Players have their adjustable drivers glued in place.? For instance, you occasionally read about a player, that uses an adjustable driver, that is described as having switched to a driver with more or less loft, due to conditions. Wouldn't they just change the settings on their gamer?
[/quote]

No because you can't adjust loft without affecting face angle so if you want a different loft and the same face angle you need a different head.

[Jamboy72]

It's just too cost efficient to have adjustable clubs...we have to stop and think for a minute as to why OEM's went this way in the first place...easier to fit...easier to inventory and just more efficient overall...I don't think we're going back...but if we do, I'll gladly watch the golf channel in standard def for a weekend!

[wolfpack]

Looks I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.

[Wooderson]

They are dying and its a shame. Adjustable drivers do make fitting easier and are better for business. The negative is glued drivers perform a minute amount better than adjustable. Ping swears their adjustable hosel does not add mass to the heel of the club. I would be amazed if true.

[Vindog]

[quote name='wolfpack' timestamp='1364090277' post='6675351']
Looks I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue.
[/quote]

classic

[Ozsouthpaw]

[quote name='Thrillhouse' timestamp='1364089637' post='6675291']
[quote name='hef63303' timestamp='1364089558' post='6675279']
I wonder if any Tour Players have their adjustable drivers glued in place.? For instance, you occasionally read about a player, that uses an adjustable driver, that is described as having switched to a driver with more or less loft, due to conditions. Wouldn't they just change the settings on their gamer?
[/quote]

No because you can't adjust loft without affecting face angle so if you want a different loft and the same face angle you need a different head.
[/quote]

So whats the purpose of the adjustable base plate on th R series . I thought it was to offset the opening or closing of the face when adjusting loft