Replacing Clubs

I have a 5-hybrid and a 4-hybrid for some 4-5 years already and they look a little worn. Is there a recommended time to change them or will I be able to continue to use them for a couple more years ? And of course the other question is whether technology for hybrids has moved on over the past years to make it worthwhile replacing them ?

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This is a good question about equipment in general. I’ll try to answer the question more “globally” (I’ve changed the subject heading to indicate this).

The only clubs in your bag that really can wear out are your wedges. The rest (irons, hybrids, driver, fairway woods) will really not have a major decline in performance even with visible wear on the face. Any modern equipment should last you at least 10 years. However, the reason you might want to change would be alterations in your swing (the clubs might not be appropriate for you anymore), or advancements in technology. A good rule of thumb is that about 3-5 years between product cycles might show you a bigger jump in performance. You don’t know until you test!

Here is an article I did on wedges that shows why it might be a good idea to replace them every few seasons

https://practical-golf.com/how-often-should-you-change-your-wedges/

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After about 4 years I used to convince myself that my driver shaft isn’t as stiff anymore and I need a new one. Definitely wasn’t, but once I had the thought in my head I couldn’t get it out and ended up getting a new driver :slight_smile:

Just upgraded drivers due to differences in swing from 3 years ago and the change is drastic. Old club no longer “fit” from loft and shaft standpoint. My old driver “good” drives are now my decent drives and I’ve gained minimum 10 yards of carry, not to mention lower spin to help with some roll if it’s dry.

I am a pretty serious golfer definite tinkerer. I concur with Jon that wedges are the one piece of equipment that need to be changed out more regularly than the other categories of clubs. My 4 hybrid and 5 wood have both been in my bag for 6 or 7 years. Not because I have not tried to replace each numerous times, but because nothing I have tried has matched or exceeded theit performance. Both are very well worn but still perform quite well.

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Great thread. My irons are roughly 15 years old (Nike Pro Combos), and I’m looking at replacing them next spring. Does anyone have feedback or input on the Sub 70 irons (699 Pro)? I’ve heard quite a bit about them, and most reviews seem pretty positive. Just a little hesitant about the DTC for irons. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Feely311 there is a thread about the sub70’s. I’d watch it, I’m sure there is going to be great feedback. Also Jon wrote a really great article about the sub70’s.

Wedges will wear down quick especially if practice with them a lot.

Personally I tend to stick with the equipment that I have but if you are practicing a lot and playing a lot it is a good idea to look at you clubs and you can even have them evaluated by a pro to see if they are meeting your needs. We are all different with different swings and our swings CHANGE through the years too. Have your coach recommend what you should do. Most club fitters are trying to sell clubs, not let you keep playing with the ones you have. Not always the case but that is my two cents on the subject!

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Great point. If you are going to make a major swing change, it’s very possible that something like your lie angle on your irons needs to be adjusted. If those aren’t done correctly, you’ll have a much harder time hitting the ball at your targets. I played with irons that were too upright for several years, and didn’t realize it was the reason I will pulling the ball so far left of my target. Once I made the adjustment I could really feel the difference.

I agree with the general consensus above but want to add that the wear can indicate a problem especially if you see performance issues on the course. Hit my ~8 year old 16* wood great on the course twice yesterday but was getting about the same distance I expect it off my 20* hybrid. Also recently had the face crack on my 18* hybrid. I would recommend taking them in to a shop with a simulator and checking their performance against some of the newer models.

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I agree with everything above. I will say if you have a club you loved, but it seems to have lost its mojo then maybe look closely at it or have a pro check it. I’ve had a couple of fairly new clubs fail and I am by no means a big hitter. I had a 2016 Cally hybrid that I couldn’t hit straight anymore at the end of last year. I brought it to the fitter I got it from and he noticed that the face had deformed. It was hard to see without a straight edge, but the toe was actually slightly concave. Callaway was nice enough to replace it even though it was out of warranty. They said faces are so thin now that sometimes they fail…and the toe is the spot on most of my clubs with the most wear lol.

Hi guys. Not hybrid specific, but I recently changed my 10 year old irons for the new tech and showed the results in this video.

I used data from GCquad to get accurate feedback.

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@Sub70_Jay is a great resource for any sub70 questions. I game the 699 utility and love it.

If you know your build specs, they will make you an amazing set of clubs for a great price. If you don’t know your specs, they can help you figure them out.

Everyone I have worked with at sub70 while ordering was fantastic. I ended up getting a custom build and walked through the order with Jason, the ceo… he followed up to make sure I liked what I had ordered.

They simply deliver. Great performance and great service.

I love the dark background, are you in witness protection? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Great video!

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Great share. Thanks @Craigers. Really appreciate the input.

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I need to work on the lighting. Was trying to keep the projector screen as “ambient light free” as possible.

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I need that GCQuad in my life

Part of my clubs remodel was installing two gquads… it somehow got moved to the bottom of the list and is the one thing they haven’t completed…

Did we completely remodel a room I’ve literally never seen used? Yes.

I’m really hoping it happens soon… I have plans for it!

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