To OEM or not OEM….??

There has been a lot of discussion on the AGCP forum posts this week in terms of OEM golf clubs – in terms of their quality and whether clubfitters like to reshaft OEM clubs for players or use other great heads – like those from Wishon, Alpha, Infiniti, Scratch, Bang, and others – for building clubs.

I personally have had great success both ways. OEM heads definitely make quality golf heads. They look great and play well. What often happens is that they are not coupled with shafts that are the right fit for players. I have sometimes found players playing shafts that are 1 to 2 flexes too stiff for them for example. But they can be rebuilt and when they have the right shafts and the right weighting that can play very well.

On the other hand, the quality of heads from Wishon and other major component companies are as good as OEM heads. And sometimes – not always, but often for irons – they are easier to build to fitting specifications than building with OEM heads. When you buy quality component heads you know the head weights you will get. And with some heads like those from Wishon you have the ability to add “hosel weights” and can easily vary club MOI/swingweight specifications.

The question then is – if you really like the OEM heads that you are playing with but think that the clubs are not a good fit for you – how do you find out? The easiest way to find out is to have your clubs regripped and have a clubfitter identify the specifications – overall weight, MOI/swingweight, length, shaft flex, lofts/lies – for your clubs. To correctly determine shaft flex you need to measure flex with the grips off.

So…………..the next time your clubs need regripped if you bring them to me I will also do a full set of specifications on them – no additional cost – and provide you with some ideas on how well they might fit your game. All you need to do is let me know you have read my blog!

Tony