Do golfers constantly argue the merits of one club or ball over another based on price or did they get over it years ago?
Just wonderin'.....? :rolleyes:
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Do golfers constantly argue the merits of one club or ball over another based on price or did they get over it years ago?
Just wonderin'.....? :rolleyes:
Golfers are much worse than we are, and they spend a whole lot more money. Think that $2 is a lot for a fly that you might lose in a tree? Try $5 or so each for a Titleist Pro V1, a ball that you're sure you're going to lose.
Equipment and gear is a huge part of golf, much more so than fly fishing. And the arguments rage about drivers, putters, you name it. Even the shirts are more expensive.
Guys are really into gear, let's face it. I mean the money people like me spend on vises for fly tying is ridiculous. I mean, come on, it holds the hook! But no, we've got to have one that spins around. In line, on axis. Made of space-age steel. But it really is part of the fun, truth be told.
Eric
Never made a lick of Difference to Sage. Look at any model of Redington. The top model, after Sage took over, was IDENTICAL to Sage's last mid-range. The next lower model of Redington was IDENTICAL to Redington's previous top model...and so on. My RS2 is identical to the FSF I bought, which is the previous top of the line, with the exception of the red tip wrap. (though this was pre-Sage)
Orvis used this same strategy years ago with the Silver label line of rods. They were high end blanks with cheaper hardware that sold for about 2/3 the price of the top of the line. When they discontinued them about 10 years ago, they had a "fire sale"...real deep discounts. I picked up a. 8' 6" 5wt for $150 with the 25 year warranty. nice rod, especially at that price.
As well as the TRIDENT "TL" not the TLS. The TL was the top of the line and sold for the upper $500. Had what was called the anti dampening cork or something like that. Anyway, I had a 9'6" 6 weight that was probably the best rod I have ever had. Someone else must have thought so as well as they took it.
while all this is true and valid, we (golfers) don't argue the merits of say calloway clubs vs. ping or taylor made, we simply play the clubs that best suit our games and swings. we don't make claims to our gear being better than our buddies. and much as I would love to play pro v1s or nike one platinums, I choose to play bargain balls but am choosy about them. they have to have the right feel. sounds a lot like fishing to me.
I'm every bit as passionate about golf as I am about fishing, which I suppose is neither here nor there. but I do build and fish bamboo rods tie and fish classic wet flies and dries, I could care less what anyone else is fishing (unless they want me to build them a rod) nor will I argue about it.
I have heard nothing but good things about the helios line of rods and find their jewelry peerless. good on them for offering the same rod w/ different trim and a slight increase in weight. not an orvis basher by any stretch of the imagination and I own some very nice orvis tackle. their reels and fishing bags are very nice.
oh I own and regularly tie on three vises two of which are true rotary. I need them all.
to tell someone they need this or that to enjoy themselves in their pursuit is silly and smug.
I feel compelled to say that I like "Orvis Stuff." Without looking at the price tag as an indicator of quality, I think most all the Orvis products are very desirable. That aside, and regardless of price, I still want a Z-Axis more than any other fish stick. It's going to take a long time to save up the loot, but from what I've test cast, the Z-Axis is my favorite.
I think the whole point of the Hydros introduction is that Orvis isn't selling the Helios at $700. Otherwise, they wouldn't do this. But they can't just drop the price without upsetting the people who did buy them and hurting their future credibility on pricing. Soooooo...make an excuse! Change out $10 worth of hardware and drop the price $200. Make a big deal out of how this "down-graded" the rod and adding that extra .01 oz makes a $200 difference. I just wish more outdoor writers would call a spade a spade instead of writing thinly disguised marketing pieces for big name brands in exchange for demo and consignment product and calling it a review. It's dishonest.
I'd much rather see Orvis say, "In today's economy, the Orvis company is giving fly anglers a bailout! We're knocking 30% off the price of all of our fly rods until further notice." Now you've got a $500 Helios without all the BS and they're heroes instead of used car salesmen. I really don't understand who is running the marketing departments at America's business schools these days, but it's gotta be a bunch of folks who rode those short busses mentioned earlier.
From what I have gathered, the rod companies that offer life-time warranties, double the cost figuring that each rod will be replaced at least once. Of course, most are now adding a fee to fix or replace. What would happen to the price if the warranty was tossed? Would you buy a $350 top shelf rod without one?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Rod beauty is in the hands of the becaster.