• 09-18-2006
    andrew7
    Non-"Main Manufacturer" clubs, drivers etc.. the best?..
    I get fed up of seeing reviews on the main commercial manufacturers all the time...
    Anyone know if there are any reviews which compare the smaller manufacturers equipment with the big boys?....i.e. how does a Bang-o-Matic compare to a Nike SQ etc....
    Anyone...
  • 09-18-2006
    dorkman53
    Probably a good source for your interests is FreeGolfinfo. They have two main equipment forums, OEM, and General Equipment Discussion (non-OEM, where I think you will find these topics discussed considerably)
    [url]http://www.freegolfinfo.com/forums/tt.aspx?forumid=33[/url] ....(OEM)
    [url]http://www.freegolfinfo.com/forums/tt.aspx?forumid=11[/url] ....(General Equipment Discussion)

    You'll find lots of threads about Bang, SMT, KZG, Alpha, Ashton, etc., etc.
  • 09-18-2006
    poe4soul
    check out
    [URL="http://www.golftestusa.com/"]http://www.golftestusa.com/[/URL]
  • 09-20-2006
    RightSide
    [QUOTE=andrew7]I get fed up of seeing reviews on the main commercial manufacturers all the time...
    Anyone know if there are any reviews which compare the smaller manufacturers equipment with the big boys?....i.e. how does a Bang-o-Matic compare to a Nike SQ etc....
    Anyone...[/QUOTE]

    I was advised to purchase the Big Bang by a tour pro endorsed by a top-tier manufacturer and my PGA professional. I had never heard of the company until the recommendations.

    I play a Big Bang with a 7.5* loft and UST Proforce V2 46-inch shaft. It was either Bang or Cobra...due to the lack of lower-loft options for lefties.

    I was told "off the record" that the Big Bang is "better" than the Bang-O-Matic. So I went with the opinions given to me.

    Its feel is almost exactly like my old Titleist 975D. That's how I describe it to those who inquire about the club and have heard of Bang but have never tried their clubs.

    "I wish that was right-handed so I could try it" I've heard a few times.

    My trajectory is finally where I wanted it to be -- more roll and in, turn, more distance -- and my accuracy has greatly improved.

    HTH...
    RS
  • 09-20-2006
    Jorge Babarosa
    Great info... thanks to all!
  • 09-21-2006
    LyleG
    SMT golf is a dynamite company. The "encore" is a killer driver.

    [url]http://www.smtgolf.com/[/url]
  • 09-21-2006
    ironman
    KZG, SMT, Infiniti, Wishon...I'd trust their work.

    trivial details that may matter...or not:
    KZG forges in Japan, just like where TaylorMade gets their better 'Tour Preferred" irons forged.
    Wishon forges in Taiwan, in the same forges where Nike and TaylorMade goes to.
    btw: Wilson Staff forges in USA: Tullahoma, TN.
    Titleist, cheap b*stards, now forges in China (PRC), ...but I don't see thier prices being lowered.
    Question: anyone know where Ben Hogan, Callaway owned, forges their Apex & FTX?
  • 09-21-2006
    poe4soul
    I'd check out Alpha for drivers. They are used in the long drive comp's and they look and play great. The C830.2 has lofts in both right and left handed from 7.5 to 10.5 The Verson 2 driver has lofts from 4.0 up to 12.0 for booth sides.
  • 09-21-2006
    andrew7
    Thanks guys, but we are going a bit off topic. I know who the alternative manufacturers are, but would like to see comparison test reviews between their equipment and the main guys, Ping, Calloway, Nike etc etc....:)
  • 09-22-2006
    aceillini
    Tour Edge would fit as a non-major right now but the quality they are putting out especially with the Exotic line the are definately on the way up