FootJoy replacement spikes: Most fell out

[ChipNRun]

Need advice (and reality check??) on replacing soft spikes...

 

Got standard FJ Originals in 2019. Started using in 2020 as other shoes started wearing out.

As of this month, Originals had about 30 rounds, spikes wearing badly.

 

Stock spikes = PiViX/Champ with FastTwist system.

 

Went to Galaxy, was told any of newer FastTwist 3.0 spikes would work. Got the Pulsar FastTwist 3.0.

 

Removed old spikes, scrubbed out the screw lock wells with soap and tooth brush; rinsed out, blew with hair dryer and let dry overnight.

 

Put in new spikes; a couple didn't go in flush with sole, so I removed and reinstalled.

 

Went out and played 18 today. On one green, a spike came loose so I put it into my pocket. My footing seemed unstable on some shots.

 

At end of round, I removed shoes and saw the results to left. Ended up with 6 of 7 spikes missing from left shoe, and three toe spikes missing from right shoe.

 

So...

- Do PiViX spikes work better than Pulsar spikes?

- I had to remove several of the original spikes using a Pulsar Ripper tool. Would this have damaged the screw lock wells?

 

Shoes have a few nicks and stains, but are structurally sound. Any ideas on replacing spikes?

[cristphoto]

My initial thought is they weren't installed properly. Although you get a gold star for properly prepping your shoes for new spikes. 🙂  In all the years soft spikes have been out I can't recall ever having one fall out (I have the optional Softspikes wrench - not the little cheapie chrome tool some stores sell and also install them myself).  For proper install you normally hear two clicks from the spikes.  On the latest ver. 3 spikes the first click isn't really a click but more of a feel thing.  Then after that you get a true click. Don't think that by turning until you hear 3 or 4 clicks they get tighter. You then risk stripping the receptacle and spike. To confirm the spike is properly installed grab it and try to wiggle it.  The spikes base should stay firm against the shoe's sole. If it wobbles it wasn't installed correctly. You mentioned pivix/Champ spikes.  Did you install these or a Softpikes brand model? For the last several years I've used Softspikes Pulsar models and they work fine.  Like you all my spikes go into a Footjoy brand shoe.  

 

[ChipNRun]

For replacement, I used the Pulsar FastTwist 3.0 spikes. These supposedly are back-compatible to earlier FastTwist system, which were in the FJ Originals.

 

When I installed the new spikes, after the first click the screw simply wouldn't turn any more.

 

I guess maybe I should have searched out the PiviX/Champ spikes.

 

Part of my dismay is sticker shock. I still remember in the 1990s when metal spikes faded out. Back then, the price jumped from 10 to 20 cents per spike for replacements. Now, it's 80 cents to a dollar per plastic spike that won't stay put.

[bellken]

I haven't bought replacement spikes in a few years - yikes, the price has gone up. If Golf Galaxy is close enough, explain your problem to them, and, ask if they will check your spikes after you install them.

 

With the price of replacement spikes, I am glad I have switched to spikeless. 

[MattM97]

Sounds like you didn't install them correctly if they just fell out or the FastTwist 3.0 doesn't work in these. I'd contact SoftSpikes and ask them. 

 

All my Soft Spikes it's always 2 clicks to secure them and I think I've only had 1 come loose ever but not a big deal. Also the ripper tool wouldn't damage anything it just grabs onto the rubber to have it come out easier since the pin holes are usually useless after a few wears. 

[cardigan]

The softspikes replacement guide say that the fast twist 3.0 should work.  You absolutely need 2 clicks for them to be installed properly.  Maybe you just didn't seat them properly or try twist them hard enough to get the second click.  See the post below.

 

 

[@_the_crook]

I've used a T-handled Softspikes branded wrench for years and two clicks is the way to go.

those little tools may not provide enough leverage.

[ChipNRun]

I got some more spikes and used a T-bar type spike wrench to install.

 

As noted by Chazzz,

"The trick is to have the correct wrench, start it in the correct spot, and then turn to the first click, then REALLY TURN HARD to get the second click."

 

The problem was the little Softspike finger wrench. I couldn't get enough leverage with it to get the second click. T-bar gave second click. 

 

Used shoes in two rounds, including helping hunt for balls on 45-degree upslopes, and clomping across exposed tree roots. Didn't lose a spike! 

 

Thanks to all for advice.

[thezinfan]

Sounds like you have a solution but I use Pulsar and PivX on shoes interchangeably. That definitely isn't the issue.

[Sportbronco]

Ok, here's a gud one!!...I have a pari of, all white FJ's, they are like 25+ years old HOWEVER they are pristine and look new, I always use shoe trees in all my shoes....went out the other day, played 18 and lost all of the Screw Lock Wells and spikes, of course....what am I to do now? Again altho old, these shoes are beautiful condition so I still anticipate the response of....go buy new ones....are actual scerew lock wells available?  Much Thanks, all.  

[@_the_crook]

these folks have a great reputation for rebuilding FJ shoes.

 

https://www.larossashoerepair.com/services/footjoy-shoe-repair/

 

 

[Sportbronco]

Hello @_the_crook....checked out the link you kindly provided https://www.larossashoerepair.com/services/footjoy-shoe-repair/ and thanks. The prices they charge strongly suggests just buying another pair of golf shoes sad tho as mine, other than the soles with losing some of the screw lock wells and spikes due to their age, are in such pristine condition. 

 

Do appreciate your time n' auggestion.