Drivers Released Since 2010

Interesting statistics from http://www.mygolfspy.com/drivers-since-2010-released-inforgraphic/

Taylormade and Callaway each released about 5 drivers a year on average.

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Given so much sale for TM items, I am not surprised  TM had most models released.  Seem now days all you have to do is just wait a while (less then 6mth) and your club is replaced by mew model.  Makes one wonder if these companies were over charging first place......

These golf manufacturers launch new drivers much more than putter albeit the latter is used more often than the former in a round of 18th ... I can't fathom ...

It's an ever-changing landscape I guess... Many would say that in the past, manufacturers do not churn out as many products over a certain period but now, it seems like they are introducing a new product right after you have just bought the not-so-latest driver...

I guess it's a case of demand vs supply... The market reciprocates with new product launches, the companies will keep churning them out...

As a golf equipment addict, it's kinda good news for me but bad news for my wallet... And maybe the missus...

I believe if they push out too fast, it will hurt them as well, too many left over stock, resellers will slow down their order.

Can it be a marketing strategy to flood the market or that they have individual R&D teams racing each other internally within the company to see which team can get the next innovation out to e market in the fastest time without considering if that's the best tech the company as a whole can arrived at during that given point of time?

They can brag about all about the incremental technology (and yes, since most of us are suckers to new gadgets) but its very much a case of getting the market share (or not losing market share). If you look at mygolfspy statistics above, its very much between two obvious companies.. Relate that to battle of smartphones between Samsung and Apple in recent years, in particular to their timing of launch (i.e. Samsung tends to launch their new galaxy model just before the new iphone model).

kissthegreen wrote:

They can brag about all about the incremental technology (and yes, since most of us are suckers to new gadgets) but its very much a case of getting the market share (or not losing market share). If you look at mygolfspy statistics above, its very much between two obvious companies.. Relate that to battle of smartphones between Samsung and Apple in recent years, in particular to their timing of launch (i.e. Samsung tends to launch their new galaxy model just before the new iphone model).

Good analogy ...

Interesting article in mygolfspy web site.... 

http://www.mygolfspy.com/how-one-man-changed-the-golf-industry/

Unlike Auto dealers, where most cars are ordered for customers, most golf retailers must to buy bulk purchase from manufacturers (least in North America) and this short product life cycle is hurting retailers (Dicks sporting good example) as before they have chance to sell at profitable level. 

Instead retailers are stuck with not so latest stuff and end up sold to deep discount others "discount seller".  At end it will hurt manufacturers them selves as they are pretty much "biting hand that feed them" sort of speak

it's a matter of corporate survial, i guess. innovation (better known as clever marketing) is a bare minimal in such open competition. i supposed it is also because there is demand (by golfers like us always with the psychological desires for that few yards in distance and better accuracy).

The days of TM pushing out "latest and greatest" products frequently and aggressively are probably numbered.

http://www.mygolfspy.com/adidas-cuts-golf-workforce-closes-adams-hq/

timlim wrote:

The days of TM pushing out "latest and greatest" products frequently and aggressively are probably numbered.

http://www.mygolfspy.com/adidas-cuts-golf-workforce-closes-adams-hq/

Numbered because Callaway also jumped onto the bandwagon?

Keep it coming!!
There's still much room for innovation in golf.
I hope more makers jump into the bandwagon and push out more products.
Love to see new ideas for better performance, better feel, better material, better whatever.
For one, the SLDR Mini Driver with the idea of a small head, long distance, high-loft, low spin is interesting.  Must be technology right?

And somehow the JDMs seem to be more modest in this aspect..

Without fail, each brand will claim 5, 10 yards longer with each new model. In theory (and by logical conclusion, however improbable it is) we all should be averaging 300 yards drive by now. Somehow, my distance has not increased. If anything, it has become shorter over time most likely due to age. If this is the experience shared by a majority, does that mean the technology innovation by the big names still lags behind our rate of aging?

No matter how new the technology and how much they improve, it is still limited by the regulations. It won't go too far. The technology is gearing towards more forgiving and easier to hit straight with mishits.

Ultimately if the arrows can't advance too much, perhaps should improve the indians?

From a purely consumer point of view, I completely love the fact everyone is throwing out more new stuff all the time.  Not because I like buying the new stuff, but because it means older models lose value extremely quickly.

You can get a very good driver from the 2008-2009 era for most below $50, some friends will even give it to you cos they have no space in the house.  I seriously doubt if using new drivers against these older models will make a difference to scoring at the social golfer skill level.

Derek wrote:

From a purely consumer point of view, I completely love the fact everyone is throwing out more new stuff all the time.  Not because I like buying the new stuff, but because it means older models lose value extremely quickly.

You can get a very good driver from the 2008-2009 era for most below $50, some friends will even give it to you cos they have no space in the house.  I seriously doubt if using new drivers against these older models will make a difference to scoring at the social golfer skill level.

Hi Derek,

I'm a new golfer and looking for a good driver for a newbie that doesn't cost a bomb. Do you have any recommendation on which drivers to go for?

Thanks!

Cheers

pick any 3 year old ping or taylor made driver. cheap cheap at the far east shopping center shops. 

like it keep it. dont like it. sell away. start again.

our forum marketplace is a very good place to start btw.