What Earns Your Money?

Josh Babbitt November 22, 2024 47 Comments

Let’s assume you are going to buy something new for golf. Be it new equipment, apparel, accessories, bag, etc. What makes you jump in other than just looks?

Is it history with a brand? Perceived quality based on others thoughts? Perceived value?

What stands out that earns your money?

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Josh Babbitt

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Josh is the Publisher of The Hackers Paradise and co-founder of THP Media with his wife Morgan Babbitt. Together they share a passion for golf, and they travel the country in the THP Tour Van bringing their love and knowledge of the game to golfers everywhere.

47 Comments

JTinMO says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:29 pm

Brand recognition and history mean a lot. If it has to be a blind buy online, a solid return policy is an important one to me.
G8rJimbo says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:32 pm

Brand, history, reviews, sometimes just the curiosity of wanting to try it. If I’m on the edge of buying but not sure, the price may even ‘suade me. Then there’s the impulse buy. Definitely have been known to do that.
JetSpeed says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:32 pm

It’s gotta be in the high quality tier for whatever the category is. (If you’re going to do it, do it right).

After that, looks, feel, reviews, etc. When I take the time to research a product properly, I rarely end up regretting the purchase and enjoy what I’ve bought each time I go to use it (golf and non golf).
JW Smoove says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:37 pm

History with a brand, frequently.

Maybe, if known, how that brand grows the game for future players.
BuffaloPlunger says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:37 pm

Definitely value and feel. I don’t want to just pay for a name
TWright971 says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:40 pm

History with the brand, reviews both here and elsewhere online, general buzz that has me excited.
Templet0n says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:42 pm

I dont think it is one thing but a sum of the parts. I am not really one to ever pay full retail. So, there needs to be incentive. For clothing, it is pattern and fit. lots of golf clothing fit me funky. large is usually too short, XL is like wearing a tent in shirts. So I have try everything on and see how it feels. Golf pants are hard as well because for some reason these golf brands think there people taller than 5’11 dont exist and the longest inseams are 32 inches… So I have to be picky.

for gear, there are lots of factors as well. I am willing to play anything, but it comes down to looks, feel, does it fit in my bag, what about my game makes this a need, what will I also have to change because of this. Buying a club is a lot like changing a chandelier. You end up rebuilding the house because of it.
F.N.G says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:45 pm

History with a brand aka “trust”

Then after that it is the tech factor. Do I think the product is an evolution or a revolution. If it is the later it is on order. Example. Ai putters, ti fusion, p790, max 430 10k.

Then there is the tour sauce side of it. If I get a chance at some tour issued stuff, it is hard to turn down trying what the pro “really “ play.
MikeG says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:47 pm

Immediately I look into the brand and if it’s one I trust. I don’t mind paying $$ if I am getting value in return.
Tywithay says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:49 pm

For me it’s usually if there’s some technology or innovation that piques my interest. Brand recognition and really means nothing, because they’re all making good equipment for the most part and I assume the products will be of good quality. Value is always in consideration as well. If two things are similar in performance and one costs significantly less, that’s an easy choice.
Pops says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:53 pm

In the past it has been history with the brand. Played that brand almost exclusively for many years. Although I’ll still lean in that direction I’m a firm believer in the performance factor of that club. Future purchases will be driven mostly my demos and fittings. I’m sure there will still be a few spur of the moment purchases however. Those are mostly driven by THP
jlew says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:55 pm

Brand, relationships and history will be the first things that come to mind when thinking about spending $$.
CBaker says:

November 22, 2024 at 2:57 pm

Looks are huge for me, but outside of looks:

My own personal history with the brand
Reviews and thoughts from others I trust
bsbmike says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:13 pm

Somewhat brand and history…I’m driven by tech stories and reviews. Most of the time curiosity will get me to spend money and test something for myself
Slowmo says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:14 pm

when it comes to apparel it’s looks, brand, and fit. For equipment it’s all performance, though certain brands always get first shot.
That post says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:14 pm

A big part of it can be the tech story. But probably the majority of it is excitement level and feedback I read here from reviews and in threads if I’m completely honest. That gets me in the door then performance and a few other factors get my wallet out.
WLG1952 says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:20 pm

Past history, and knowledge of the item I want to spend money on..
echico says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:28 pm

If looks are out then.

Do I need it? Does it provide something I am missing? Can I trust it? Does it provide value?

I don’t get too caught up in brands as there are a number of high quality brands out there. I do take fliers here and there but for the most part if it is replacing something it needs to be as good or better than what it is replacing.
DataDude says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:33 pm

This is a good question that is hard to answer. I generally have a generic idea for what I want. From there I do a lot of research on the internet and narrow that down to a specific item and then search out the best value way for me to obtain it.

What am I looking for in the research part? It really depends a lot on why the desire hatched in the first place. I’ll try any brand, but certainly have some biases. I hate flashy marketing, but really enjoy testing where there is a consistent variable between products. I love seeing the same person or a machine hit all the clubs. This appeals to me as a logical way to see how clubs compare to each other.

For apparel I am very color and application oriented. If I want a golf shirt, it almost always starts with some desire for a certain color. This spring I wanted an orange shirt so I searched all the orange ones out and then figured out which one I wanted based on value.

I’m definitely not an impulse buyer. I spend a lot of time churning before I purchase anything.
Pharaoh says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:35 pm

Brand trust, feedback from trusted sources, value
JDax says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:50 pm

History with the Brand & feedback here…
Ludin says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:52 pm

I tend to gravitate towards perceived quality. I want to know what I am buying is going to hold up. I am a big buy it and use it for a while type.
jimbetts says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:53 pm

For me it’s brand history and reputation. Of course I like good looking equipment, but I need to know that the company will stand behind its products.
Dougie says:

November 22, 2024 at 3:53 pm

Improved performance, regardless of product. No need to just get another of something newer just because it’s “latest and greatest”.

Performs the same but looks better would be enough to get the nod though.
PKorf says:

November 22, 2024 at 4:07 pm

I used to be concerned with value. I’m not anymore.

Quality as I perceive it based on my experiences and some others input. Reputation in the marketplace. Competitive price point. I’m sure there are some other factors. But that’s off the top of my head
Redd says:

November 22, 2024 at 4:18 pm

– my history with a brand
– perceived quality based on THP thoughts
– perceived value
– innovation
– the willingness of the brand to be different
Raiderboost says:

November 22, 2024 at 4:54 pm

I’d say value and the overall thoughts and opinions of this community.
Raiderboost says:

November 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm

[QUOTE=”PKorf, post: 12748491, member: 38677″]
I used to be concerned with value. I’m not anymore.

Quality as I perceive it based on my experiences and some others input. Reputation in the marketplace. Competitive price point. I’m sure there are some other factors. But that’s off the top of my head
[/QUOTE]
See I kind of see value as a lot of what you mentioned. If I can get a lower price shirt/pants that I know will be comfortable and have good feedback here then I will. But I would also be willing to spend more for another brand it I know that it would be better/last longer. One of the things I’ve noticed since I started getting some of the more premium polos such as Peter Millar, Greyson, Johnnie-O, etc. is that I’ve noticed they seem to last longer and be a little more stain resistant. I’m willing to pay more for that and have one that I can get more use out of in the long run.
AuzzieMatt says:

November 22, 2024 at 5:34 pm

History with a brand for the most part. But, I’ve been venturing out and have been very pleased with pretty much everything I’ve bought.
hedley_lamarr08 says:

November 22, 2024 at 5:39 pm

Previous experience but that has really waned with my last couple of iron purchases.

I can’t quantify this statement: it just depends on how much I like the product. Some of it is intrigue.
mson says:

November 22, 2024 at 5:52 pm

My experience with the brand probably plays a huge role along with feedback here on THP. The feedback would be more than just numbers/performance, but includes quality, customer service, etc.
Jeff Spicoli says:

November 22, 2024 at 5:59 pm

History with the brand starts at number one for me when it comes to clubs and performance gear. I have a strong affinity towards Callaway so that’s where it starts. I know I am buying quality equipment and there is great customer service that comes with it.
Bosco... says:

November 22, 2024 at 6:33 pm

Value, as determined by the boxes I’m wanting to check.
BigMac says:

November 22, 2024 at 6:49 pm

History with the brand and their reputation, THP reviews, actual performance when I test them.
djt311 says:

November 22, 2024 at 6:51 pm

Brand and history are probably at the top for me when taking my money
dAS0 says:

November 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Past performance from a brand will raise a product to the top of my list. I will read up on reviews from those who have used the product early, but with some reservations if it was sponsored. I will want to see performance, especially if it is clubs or something that has moving parts. Show me the data!
checkered says:

November 22, 2024 at 7:02 pm

I’m looking for performance over what I currently have usually. I can’t afford to get the latest and greatest just because, so I try to ensure I’m moving to something better when I do make a change. That said, brand absolutely plays a factor as I’ll always look for Cobra or Callaway first and foremost. THP reviews help a ton in my decision and will drive me to make a purchase even when I am not sure on a performance gain sometimes.
DataDude says:

November 22, 2024 at 7:18 pm

[QUOTE=”Raiderboost, post: 12748591, member: 55623″]
See I kind of see value as a lot of what you mentioned. If I can get a lower price shirt/pants that I know will be comfortable and have good feedback here then I will. But I would also be willing to spend more for another brand it I know that it would be better/last longer. One of the things I’ve noticed since I started getting some of the more premium polos such as Peter Millar, Greyson, Johnnie-O, etc. is that I’ve noticed they seem to last longer and be a little more stain resistant. I’m willing to pay more for that and have one that I can get more use out of in the long run.
[/QUOTE]
I agree. Value to me is a ratio of quality to price. Some expensive things are a great value and some inexpensive things are not.
PiratePenguin says:

November 22, 2024 at 7:50 pm

Brand quality/reputation
Recommendations from other THPers
Sometimes just a new tech I really think will work for me if the price isn’t too high – worst case sell it or something, no worse than gambling, right?
ScoFoBG says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:04 pm

[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12748327, member: 53139″]
I dont think it is one thing but a sum of the parts. I am not really one to ever pay full retail. So, there needs to be incentive. For clothing, it is pattern and fit. lots of golf clothing fit me funky. large is usually too short, XL is like wearing a tent in shirts. So I have try everything on and see how it feels. Golf pants are hard as well because for some reason these golf brands think there people taller than 5’11 dont exist and the longest inseams are 32 inches… So I have to be picky.

for gear, there are lots of factors as well. I am willing to play anything, but it comes down to looks, feel, does it fit in my bag, what about my game makes this a need, what will I also have to change because of this. Buying a club is a lot like changing a chandelier. You end up rebuilding the house because of it.
[/QUOTE]
If you need help getting 34″ inseam pants, there are definitely some options out there from the major players. Feel free to message me if there’s something you need and I’ll find it for you.
Bernoulli says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:06 pm

Brand and reviews here on THP are where I begin
ScoFoBG says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:09 pm

I don’t buy much equipment, but when it comes to apparel, FIT is the #1 factor for me. If I find a brand that fits me right, that is probably going to be the only brand I wear for a while, especially if they have a wide range of offerings. Many companies don’t even make bottoms in my size which eliminates them almost immediately. I’ve been wearing Travis Mathew for since like, 2011 and that’s pretty much covered me for tops, pullovers, hoodies. Strangely enough, they don’t make my size in bottoms but I give them a free pass since everything else is so good.
Templet0n says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:32 pm

[QUOTE=”ScoFoBG, post: 12748942, member: 42778″]
If you need help getting 34″ inseam pants, there are definitely some options out there from the major players. Feel free to message me if there’s something you need and I’ll find it for you.
[/QUOTE]
You’re awesome! Thanks!
Bosco... says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:34 pm

[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 12748858, member: 47057″]
I agree. Value to me is a ratio of quality to price. Some expensive things are a great value and some inexpensive things are not.
[/QUOTE]

?

Price is what you pay and value is what you get!
GolfTravelDude says:

November 22, 2024 at 8:35 pm

A need and a view that the item performs well for someone with my characteristics. Value pricing a plus. Pretty brand agnostic.
K.P. says:

November 24, 2024 at 9:26 pm

I make my living in Quality Control, so it plays a large factor. I also want to know what people are saying, so feedback is huge for me as well.
Sox_Fan says:

November 24, 2024 at 9:32 pm

Brands that I have positive past experiences with get the first look. Definitely lean higher quality and will shop around to get the best value for that quality. Forum reviews and feedback certainly weigh heavily as well.

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