Barberakb
USAF / Go Cowboys!
I actually like reading it. I don't put any stock in it at all but being honest here, I still enjoy it if that makes sense.
2014 Golf Digest Hot List
I like reading it, don't really pay much attention to it though....never know until you hit it yourself. Most of the drivers on there received pretty similar reviews here too, I'd say it's quite possible there are more than a few that would be considered "Gold Star" quality....I don't see why GD's view on the same equipment is so scrutinized.
A list like this is going to be tainted because they will not totally kill a big advertisers marquee product release for the season. Enough said
SmoothC83
New member
Precisely.
I will look at and read the list, and actually put a little stock into it until just a little over a year ago (THP anniversary earlier this month). I also used it to see some of the lesser known (to me anyway) manufacturers and their offerings.
Will I read it this year? I am sure I will. If I have some concerns or questions, I will come here to get a much more unbiased opinion.
Will I read it this year? I am sure I will. If I have some concerns or questions, I will come here to get a much more unbiased opinion.
Miller Time
Twitter - @joshmlr
I remember the TM guy that played with us at Mission Inn talking about how pumped they were about the SLDR getting such good ratings from the Hot List. Didn't sound like a guy that knew it was going to happen or that it had been purchased. But I don't really pay much attention to the Hot List. I'll read it, of course, but THP is a much better place to find out info on what equipment is good. That's how I found it in the first place.
I agree. Just went to the Golf Galaxy website and they are the "official retailer of the 2014 Hot List". Also offering free shipping from the list. It's become the ultimate sales pitch for the average golfer who just wants a new club(s) in the bag.
KnightLightPro
Active member
KnightLightPro
Active member
And I can vouch for Marc saying it's one of the best drivers he's ever hit. Man can hit it a country mile with the SLDR.
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cpljohnst
Go Jackets! Go Sun Devils
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I think both you and TNTCigarguy made the hot list!
KnightLightPro
Active member
I think Trevor is awesome, but after seeing Trevina, the Hot List is definitely not the list he is on.
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johnny201
New member
I like to get my reviews here.
Philly Golf Guy
#PGG
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I'll give them credit for their riff on the Altitudes:
"No need for a table at the 19th hole after a round: The topline on these is wide enough to serve a tray of drinks."
"No need for a table at the 19th hole after a round: The topline on these is wide enough to serve a tray of drinks."
Nebgolfer
Active member
A little late to the party, but just read the list and wanted to chime in. This is the first hot list since I've been an informed consumer, and had my eyes opened in a rather large way. A lot of clubs that get great reviews from THP were middle of the road on the hot list, and it really makes me question GD's motives with the list.
Wanted to comment on this though. Whenever someone comes into the forums asking about clubs, do we ever say "go pick out a big bertha, it's the best for everyone"? No, we tell them to get fit because pretty much any club from an OEM might fit them. Seems there is a lot of parity in the golf equipment industry, and I think you're seeing that reflected in the host list.
Wanted to comment on this though. Whenever someone comes into the forums asking about clubs, do we ever say "go pick out a big bertha, it's the best for everyone"? No, we tell them to get fit because pretty much any club from an OEM might fit them. Seems there is a lot of parity in the golf equipment industry, and I think you're seeing that reflected in the host list.
tucsondivots
Fairways and Greens
Golf Magazine's Top 23 Drivers appears less biased? They identify all the testers and details of their swings. THP reviews and member's inputs are the must read before I make any equipment purchase.
I think any niche industry kind of runs into this (craft beer has the same problem) where demand gets equal footing with actual performance. And demand is created through excitement about the product, which is generated through advertising and good showings at critical events. Showing at critical events involves spending money and creating excitement about your product. It's a vicious cycle that freezes out smaller manufacturers. Your product might be revolutionary, or at least really good, and you'll still get no love because you just haven't generated enough "buzz." In the case of golf, that means getting the product into the hands of pros (which requires money to sign them to sponsorship contracts) and advertising (which also requires money). The result? The same companies win and max out the "demand" category because they have money. They have money because they've invested a ton in advertising in magazines and paid players to bag their products. Then people buy their product based on seeing what a great score they got in those magazines and the fact that many golfers buy things based on what that magazine says. The end result is the magazine looks self-serving and too many golfers end up with gear that doesn't suit them...leading them back to the magazine for more gear info. It's a lot of vicious cycles.
It also tends to push certain narrative because what the critic seeks in an item is often contrary to what even the average aficionado enjoys (in the case of beer, IPA's stopped being about a hoppy well-balanced beer and became a contest to see who can make the bitterest beer possible).
My father, who's a much bigger cigar smoker than I am, described critically acclaimed cigars as "a brick with a habano wrapper to the side of the head." All balance or nuance forgotten in favor of potency.
Parshooter36
New member
Like or not, the hot list sells clubs. I just had a buddy who has all Cleveland clubs ask me about the new Big Bertha and X2Hot drivers. When I asked him if he was going to try the new Cleveland drivers he replied "they aren't on the hot list, so the must not be any good". Sad but true.
coers
@andrewcoers
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That happens a lot and its going to continue. We all know here what are some of the best clubs out there and especially to go get fitted so they fit to you. Say I use to be that way to and I am glad I found THP so I can find the real knowledge of us Hackers on what the best clubs are.
I see the hot list and think sales. I see reviews from the guys here and think ok, that sounds good. Maybe it's because I'm a member here but I trust the reviews from people on this board more than those in most magazines.
Tapping Away
- Thread starter
- #72
I read today that the manufacturers actually have to pay golf Digest fees to use advertise that they won a medal. Thus, golf Digest essentially is better off giving out more and more gold medals because that means more and more manufacturers pay them to advertise that they won something
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Just received my monthly issue of GolfDigest and skipped past the Hot List. Just way better reviews here at THP where marketing doesn't trump on course reviews.
Between the hot list and the ads what did you manage to read?
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