Clone Golf Clubs

Often called discount golf clubs, clones are clubs which can be described as "technology followers" or "generic brands." Their characteristic features are:

1. They reflect technological and design trends pioneered by others,

2. They are considerably cheaper than equipment offered by the top brands.

No. Absolutely not. Respectable clone club manufacturers do not attempt to mislead or suggest that what you're buying is an original brand club. Nor do they violate any trademarks, copyrights or patents. Instead, they follow (as far as is allowed by law) innovations developed by others to offer cheaper alternatives to branded equipment.

Such manufacturers are a well-respected part of the golf equipment manufacturing community.

The counterfeit issue is a separate one, where unscrupulous traders produce imitation clubs or clubs bearing an uncanny resemblance in design and name to a more famous alternative. Any club, for example, going by the name of Big Berta or TailerMade should set alarm bells ringing - stay well clear of these!

In clone golf clubs, the shafts and grips tend to be sourced from the same brands used by the big name club manufacturers. The clubheads may even be built in the same outsourced factories, and they use the same quality materials.

So how do they differ?

First, the brands are at the forefront of technology. They are always going to be first into the marketplace with the very latest designs and innovations. Clones are following behind, though often only by a matter of weeks.

Second, brands have their own unique look, image and associations. You're buying that as well as the physical product.

Third, brands have a greater presence, so pro shops etc. are more familiar with the products and thus the support infrastructure may be better than for clone products.

Clone clubs cost up to 75% less than the branded equivalents, yet offer the same quality? How can that be?

The answer mostly lies in advertising and marketing budgets. The brands spend an awful lot of money on, for example, TV and magazine ads, sponsorships and player endorsements (millions and millions).

They inevitably have to pass this cost on to the customer.

Clone manufacturers save on marketing and advertising, and thus pass the (immense) savings onto the purchaser.

Provided you go with a reputable clone manufacturer, you can't go wrong. You'll get a modern quality club at a very reasonable price. But if you want the very latest gear, or a club with a particular "name" or are uncertain about purchasing from a less familiar source, then consider a brand.