Dear Callaway, You lost a customer today...

[hogan234]

[quote name='Ugo DeRosa' timestamp='1321474956' post='3808931']
[quote name='pickerjohn' timestamp='1321474231' post='3808895']
This has always been Callaway's policy,
and every other OEM I know of. If modifications
are not done by them, then no warrenty.
You can fix it yourself with lead tape or leaded
epoxy.
[/quote]

+1. Sorry to hear about the issues, but the result would have been the same no matter what OEM club you are playing. It is OK to be upset by this policy, but just understand Callaway is not alone in this policy. Good luck finding a company that will honor a warranty if they do not perform the shaft change in-house.

From my personal experience with Callaway, they are head and shoulders above any other golf company in terms of customer service. There have been tons of posts on golfwrx about Callaway CS over the years, and I believe the consensus is they are the best, so I am not alone in my opinion.

Having said that, I do feel your pain, and nothing wrong about be upset about it. Just be aware of this industry policy the next time you swap driver shafts.
[/quote]

I agree. Any OEM will void a warranty if it was modified by someone else. Having said that, Callaway has the best CS out there. Most likely, they would have replaced your club promptly and w/o going through retailer. I once had an Odyssey headcover's rubber pulltab tear. They sent me a new one. Tough to find that kind of CS out there.

[papichulosteve]

this whole thread is a joke. the OP is crying sour grapes over a 3 year old driver that was altered outside of Callaway's watch. he voided the warranty, whether he knew it or not is of no consequence. Every company has the same policy, you alter the club the warranty is voided, its the risk everyone takes when they reshaft, bent or otherwise alter a club.

and as for comparing your situation to that of Phil Mickelson's, easily the most asinine comparison ever...remind me again how much money you've brought into Callaway through advertising and PGA Tour wins?

[youngwaldo]

I had the same thing happen to me way way back where I drilled a hole in the back of one of my bobby jones fairway wood filled it with foam to deaden the sound and I mistakenly sent it to them to fix shaft and they refused. All companies will not replace altered clubs.

Wk

[Dscvrr St Louis]

Okay, here is the one dissenting occurance...at the GG I work at a customer brought in his Ping G20 and had us reshaft with a Prolaunch Red. Hit played it a couple of weeks, ranged it a few times and the face developed a small dent..probably from sand on a range ball. We called Ping and they said, no go, since reshafted...we told the customer. He called Ping on his own, explained the situation, being a 2 month old club. Ping wanted to see the face damage...we sent it back. Ping called him to say that they would replace the head, only if they were allowed to put a stock X flex shaft in the club for him...obviously he agreed. Ping sent him a brand new club, they didn't return the other shaft, not like he was out a ton of money anyway.

So..apparently they are all not 'set in stone' on the reshafting issues. Depends on who you talk to and how you talk to them.

just sayin

[golfpromt]

I think we ALL need to make sure to use this as an educational lesson. My point being:


[b]Make sure you NEVER remove the tags from your pillows or Mattress![/b]

[Skaffa77]

[quote name='mantan' timestamp='1321480947' post='3809419']
[quote name='Skaffa77' timestamp='1321476910' post='3809107']
[quote name='teeituphigh' timestamp='1321475047' post='3808937']
To be honest, I think your a little out of line on this one. You tried to save a few bucks by not going to Callaway to get the shaft put in and have all the warranties still in place and this is what you get.
If you filled your Toyota up with diesel and it broke down would it be Toyotas fault or your own? (maybe not the greatest analogy) but you get my drift.
Just saying, that in all my dealings with Callaway they have been nothing but awesome and I have read on here that some people have the same feelings as me....they are touted as the best in the business I think.
[/quote]

Yeah...the car analogy is not the best in my opinion. A better analogy (especially with cars) in my opinion would be using an independent (certified) mechanic for service work or repairs on your car. That work the mechanic provides should not void your automotive warrenty.

In this case, the OP had a professional installer put in the shaft and the club had some defect. In my opinion, if an owner can provide proof of service by a professional (possibly a golf retailer who carries Callaway equipment), I believe that Callaway (or other manufacturers) should cover defects.

I know that is not the case, but it's sad that I can't have service done by a qualified local professional without it voiding my warrenty.
[/quote]

That's closer...but for the most items it's not a term that an independent mechanic will void the warranty.

A better example may be a computer or laptop that clearly has a label saying 'removing this part will void your warranty.' Even though a lot of people are qualified to fix it, the terms are clearly out there.

I understand the OP being frustrated. But Callaway (or any other OEM) can't try to determine the qualifications of every clubbuilder. And while it's highly unlikely the work he did caused the damage, it becomes a very slippery slope once they start warrantying 3rd party work.
[/quote]

I totally understand what you are saying, but my point is that there should be a base level of certification that qualifies a local fitter to pull and install shafts...just like there are certified auto mechanics or computer technicians who can complete service work without voiding a warrenty.

Automakers attempted to push the local certified mechanics out of the picture when they focused on their own shops and turning those for a high profit. Essentially, they started to restrict automotive specs and void warrenties because they tried to illustrate that independent certified mechanics were less qualified. I believe it either took some legal or Congressional action to restrict that type of behavior.

I get it...they don't want to average idiot screwing up equipment and getting a replacement under warrenty. That's fair, but let's be honest...removing and installing shafts isn't rocket science, just like automotive work isn't brain surgery. There's base level training and knowledge required so a professional doesn't screw it up, but the current policy is a cop out and forces the consumer to use a less efficient (and potentially more costly) method to get service work completed. Just because it's that way for all OEMs doesn't mean it's right or the ideal solution.

I completely agree that the professional should have some level of competancy (not "Joe Blow" down the street), but to me that's where a professional installer should have training and certification to be honored by the OEM's. It seems that the industry as a whole lacks a standardized program to be certified or qualified to do club work. Personally, I think if a golf retailer or pro shop sells an OEM's clubs and provide services for equipment, they should also be trained/certified to provide basic club work on the OEM's equipment (shaft removal/installs, loft/lie adjustments, etc) without voiding the warrenty.

I guess you can call that wishful thinking...

[Socrates]

It is wishful thinking. How would they determine whether you were competent ? Who would determine that (guys going thru for example the Mitchell Program can pass but are still not very good)? Would they use methods and products that the OEM would deem acceptable? Are they going to send that authorized repair shop a whole bunch of special tools or goods? Who would administrate those that are deemed authorized? All of a sudden you have a major headache for the OEM all for the sake of a small number of issues (in the grand scheme of things). As you can see, it is not really a feasible plan of action.

There never is going to be a standardization of anything in the golf industry. Heck they can't even agree on how to measure length and you want them to set up a program on comprehensive repair? It will continue as it has for decades, with guys learning on their own and upgrading their skills at their own dime just because they enjoy it. Some even turn it into a vocation, but there always is that caveat that we are operating outside of the OEM's world and everything that we do to improve golf equipment likely voids the warranty.

p.s. I pull off all those tags on mattresses and pillows!

[RookieBlue7]

I don't understand the outrage about this. First, your clubfitter expert pulled the shaft and likely did like he does with every reshaft and heated then extracted. You're lucky the head didn't explode as the composite head us held together by a laminate that breaks down with heat. The weight is also epoxied in, guess what? Epoxy is designed with a breakdown temperature to soften it so it'll come apart. You don't have to get all the way to the breakdown temp to weaken the bond, though. My guess is he also didn't use an excessive amount of heat shield(or any at all more likely) as one should if they're going to attempt to pull the shaft instead of cutting and drilling it out.

Second, it's explicitly stated in their warranty (as well as any other OEM on the planet) that alterations to their product voids the warranty. Why didn't you order the club from Callaway just like you needed it? You'd have a warranty then. Let me guess, it was cheaper to buy it stock, find your own shaft and have it installed. That's the risk you take.

To me, Callaway went above and beyond by telling you that if you were to install a stock shaft in it at this point they'd then warranty it. They gave you the workaround for your situation. A member has also offered you a shaft for it so you can do exactly that. To continue to complain is only serving to prove that you're just wanting to continue to air a complaint for the sake of complaining. Why not go to your clubwork guy and ask him to repair it or replace it since his reshaft is likely what caused your problem anyway?

The problem is there's a sense of entitlement in today's society. The truth of the matter is you voided the warranty, not Callaway. It's not their fault you decided to take a risk and void your own warranty. That's entirely your own fault. They've given you a remedy to get this fixed. Either exercise their generosity or quit complaining. I don't even play Cally product, save the one wedge of theirs I own. I just don't like when people complain about a written and easily findable policy.

[B5G4B]

I'll tell you what. Since you are so outraged by Callaway, send me the damaged head so you don't have to look at it anymore. I promise I won't throw a $20 stock shaft in it and send it back in for a brand new one...........

[Splitter]

[TM_HOYER]

Most equipment today is replaced not repaired. You will find plenty of threads where someone sent in an old model driver with a defect and received a current model driver with a stock shaft back. You will also find threads where people had non-stock shafts and complain because the driver was exchanged but the non-stock shaft was not received back. Be happy that Callaway told you that you needed to send in the driver with the stock shaft. It will prevent you from losing a non-stock shaft.

[Skaffa77]

[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1321554072' post='3813973']
It is wishful thinking. How would they determine whether you were competent ? Who would determine that (guys going thru for example the Mitchell Program can pass but are still not very good)? Would they use methods and products that the OEM would deem acceptable? Are they going to send that authorized repair shop a whole bunch of special tools or goods? Who would administrate those that are deemed authorized? All of a sudden you have a major headache for the OEM all for the sake of a small number of issues (in the grand scheme of things). As you can see, it is not really a feasible plan of action.

There never is going to be a standardization of anything in the golf industry. Heck they can't even agree on how to measure length and you want them to set up a program on comprehensive repair? It will continue as it has for decades, with guys learning on their own and upgrading their skills at their own dime just because they enjoy it. Some even turn it into a vocation, but there always is that caveat that we are operating outside of the OEM's world and everything that we do to improve golf equipment likely voids the warranty.

p.s. I pull off all those tags on mattresses and pillows!
[/quote]

I completely understand your point...where is the standard, who makes it and who monitors it...right? That concept isn't lost on me.

I'm just saying that this isn't rocket science nor does it require a ton specialized tools or training. A golf retailer who stocks/sells OEM clubs likely has a relationship with that OEM. OEMs can trust these retailers to sell their equipment, but not provide basic maintainence service for them? That's like an auto-retailer telling me that Jiffy Lube can't perform a basic oil change because newer cars require specialized equipment and training. Basic is the key word here...I'm not talking about adjusting the internal weighting or hot melt or anything extreme that permanetly compromises the integrity of the club.

If the retailer who stocks an OEM product has a "professional" who is paid to provide club repair/maintenance service, they [b]should [/b]have some level of training or expertise on performing that service and also have some basic equipment knowledge. Gripping a club, removing/installing a shaft, modifying loft/lie isn't that different amongst major OEM's and it's a pretty standard type of maintainence/upgrade that really shouldn't compromise the equipment. If the OEM has specific information about certain clubs (heat level around carbon fiber), it's not hard provide that retailer with information on performing club maintenance.

Again, I know it's wishful thinking and I'm being an idealist here.

I'm fully aware of the OEM's policies, so it didn't suprise me in any manner....my arguements are a bit more philosophical. If I were the OP...I would take Callaway's suggestion on installing an original shaft and sending it to them for warrenty coverage. At least they gave you a way to be covered...

[pccasstpro]

I have to agree with Callaway on this one. First off if you been playing golf and buying equipment for more than a year everyone knows OEMs policies . Reshaft = void warranty , come on ! Sorry to the Op you are SOL!

[Socrates]

[quote name='Skaffa77' timestamp='1321561423' post='3814549']
I completely understand your point...where is the standard, who makes it and who monitors it...right? That concept isn't lost on me.

I'm just saying that this isn't rocket science nor does it require a ton specialized tools or training. A golf retailer who stocks/sells OEM clubs likely has a relationship with that OEM. OEMs can trust these retailers to sell their equipment, but not provide basic maintainence service for them? That's like an auto-retailer telling me that Jiffy Lube can't perform a basic oil change because newer cars require specialized equipment and training. Basic is the key word here...I'm not talking about adjusting the internal weighting or hot melt or anything extreme that permanetly compromises the integrity of the club.

If the retailer who stocks an OEM product has a "professional" who is paid to provide club repair/maintenance service, they [b]should [/b]have some level of training or expertise on performing that service and also have some basic equipment knowledge. Gripping a club, removing/installing a shaft, modifying loft/lie isn't that different amongst major OEM's and it's a pretty standard type of maintainence/upgrade that really shouldn't compromise the equipment. If the OEM has specific information about certain clubs (heat level around carbon fiber), it's not hard provide that retailer with information on performing club maintenance.

Again, I know it's wishful thinking and I'm being an idealist here.

I'm fully aware of the OEM's policies, so it didn't suprise me in any manner....my arguements are a bit more philosophical. If I were the OP...I would take Callaway's suggestion on installing an original shaft and sending it to them for warrenty coverage. At least they gave you a way to be covered...
[/quote]

My point of view comes from experience. Back in time, I worked for a small golf club company and at one point we decided to allow a few retailers have the raw components and custom assemble the clubs as they fit them (as you say, it's not rocket science). That was all well and good until they went one further and assembled clubs with their own custom shafts and grips. When the customer had problems (broken shafts, cracked heads) and the guy who originally assembled the clubs either no longer dealt with us or the customer disagreed with the retailer. All of a sudden we had to honor all the work and come up with whatever they made the clubs with. It didn't take long for us to say "screw that" and implement the same kind of warranty that every OEM currently has. "We build it, it breaks, we fix it. You mess with it, your problem." We were a small company with less than 5 million in sales. Just imagine what crazy stuff would happen with a 1 billion dollar company.

[Cwing]

[quote name='RookieBlue7' timestamp='1321555169' post='3814051']
I don't understand the outrage about this. First, your clubfitter expert pulled the shaft and likely did like he does with every reshaft and heated then extracted. You're lucky the head didn't explode as the composite head us held together by a laminate that breaks down with heat. The weight is also epoxied in, guess what? Epoxy is designed with a breakdown temperature to soften it so it'll come apart. You don't have to get all the way to the breakdown temp to weaken the bond, though. My guess is he also didn't use an excessive amount of heat shield(or any at all more likely) as one should if they're going to attempt to pull the shaft instead of cutting and drilling it out.

Second, it's explicitly stated in their warranty (as well as any other OEM on the planet) that alterations to their product voids the warranty. Why didn't you order the club from Callaway just like you needed it? You'd have a warranty then. Let me guess, it was cheaper to buy it stock, find your own shaft and have it installed. That's the risk you take.

To me, Callaway went above and beyond by telling you that if you were to install a stock shaft in it at this point they'd then warranty it. They gave you the workaround for your situation. A member has also offered you a shaft for it so you can do exactly that. To continue to complain is only serving to prove that you're just wanting to continue to air a complaint for the sake of complaining. Why not go to your clubwork guy and ask him to repair it or replace it since his reshaft is likely what caused your problem anyway?

The problem is there's a sense of entitlement in today's society. The truth of the matter is you voided the warranty, not Callaway. It's not their fault you decided to take a risk and void your own warranty. That's entirely your own fault. They've given you a remedy to get this fixed. Either exercise their generosity or quit complaining. I don't even play Cally product, save the one wedge of theirs I own. I just don't like when people complain about a written and easily findable policy.
[/quote]



well done.

[sandiegonative]

[quote name='Skaffa77' timestamp='1321561423' post='3814549']
I completely understand your point...where is the standard, who makes it and who monitors it...right? That concept isn't lost on me.

I'm just saying that this isn't rocket science nor does it require a ton specialized tools or training. A golf retailer who stocks/sells OEM clubs likely has a relationship with that OEM. OEMs can trust these retailers to sell their equipment, but not provide basic maintainence service for them? That's like an auto-retailer telling me that Jiffy Lube can't perform a basic oil change because newer cars require specialized equipment and training. Basic is the key word here...I'm not talking about adjusting the internal weighting or hot melt or anything extreme that permanetly compromises the integrity of the club.

If the retailer who stocks an OEM product has a "professional" who is paid to provide club repair/maintenance service, they [b]should [/b]have some level of training or expertise on performing that service and also have some basic equipment knowledge. Gripping a club, removing/installing a shaft, modifying loft/lie isn't that different amongst major OEM's and it's a pretty standard type of maintainence/upgrade that really shouldn't compromise the equipment. If the OEM has specific information about certain clubs (heat level around carbon fiber), it's not hard provide that retailer with information on performing club maintenance.

Again, I know it's wishful thinking and I'm being an idealist here.

I'm fully aware of the OEM's policies, so it didn't suprise me in any manner....my arguements are a bit more philosophical. If I were the OP...I would take Callaway's suggestion on installing an original shaft and sending it to them for warrenty coverage. At least they gave you a way to be covered...
[/quote]

I'm with Socrates, what you're asking for is wishful thinking. There is no way OEMs will ever allow modifications to any club regardless of the difficulty. Just because a company sells golf clubs, does not mean they know the first thing about club modification. In addition, what you consider "basic" may not be do others.

We live in a golf world were you can get almost anything customized. Grip, grip size, shaft, shaft length, tipping, swingweight, loft, lie, color, etc, you name it and there's an OEM who will and can do it for you. The only thing the OEMs ask is that you get your customization done by them through an authorized retailer.

I'm sure if the OP could have gotten the driver with the correct shaft directly from Callaway for the same price that it cost him to buy one off the rack and change the shaft, he would have. He tried to save a few bucks and in the end it bit him.

Let's be frank, its all about saving money. In the financial times we are in, I completely understand and sympathize with trying to save money. However, you get what you pay for and in this case you lose your warranty when you don't abide by the OEMs rules.

[Ugo DeRosa]

[quote name='alexH' timestamp='1321498493' post='3811031']
Callaway are fools.
So they won't fix the head per their policy, fair enough, maybe. So they should offer to send him the weight so he or his club maker can epoxy it in properly, as they failed to do in the first place and they get some goodwill and probably some free publicity on here.

More generally If you can show a manufacturing defect caused the head failure they can screw these scam attempts to avoid liability. Don't confuse their policy with your legal rights. Otoh if the fault is caused by the shaft fitter they should take care of it.
[/quote]

First, welcome to golfwrx.

I must say though, your statement about the OP's "legal rights" against Callaway is wildly misinformed and inaccurate. You are the one who is very confused about "legal rights". Nothing in this fact pattern would give rise to any right of the OP to sue Callaway over this matter. Sorry counselor, I wish you better luck with your next post on this site....

[stage1350]

Their policy on warranties is about as loose as any company out there. There is no certainty that your clubfitter didn't overheat the head causing the malfunction.

Buy a new clubhead and reuse the current shaft. Or get an OEM shaft and send it in. Your call.

[bubbagump]

[quote name='mkay' timestamp='1321489935' post='3810203']
Bad service by callaway. Even though the warranty was voided, the head sent back should be enough,and its pretty stupid really, THEY KNOW the head has these problems, they know the weight can fall off, they know it can crack etc. Which is why they SHOULD replace the head, even though its against their policy.

I guess thats another reason we like ajustable drivers

Had it been a R9 or an R11 head, TM would just send you a new one.
[/quote]


Only matter of time before "that" guy posted.



Anywho, I went out and tried to shove a turbo and cold air intake on my Nissan, now it wont run. I dont know what to do with it and it just sits there. I know that I voided the warranty by installing aftermarket parts but I think its still their problem. Nissan refuses to send me a brand new Z. Can you believe the nerve of them?! I for one, will never own another Nissan.

[avgjoe]

[quote name='bubbagump' timestamp='1321580025' post='3815803']
[quote name='mkay' timestamp='1321489935' post='3810203']
Bad service by callaway. Even though the warranty was voided, the head sent back should be enough,and its pretty stupid really, THEY KNOW the head has these problems, they know the weight can fall off, they know it can crack etc. Which is why they SHOULD replace the head, even though its against their policy.

I guess thats another reason we like ajustable drivers

Had it been a R9 or an R11 head, TM would just send you a new one.
[/quote]


Only matter of time before "that" guy posted.



Anywho, I went out and tried to shove a turbo and cold air intake on my Nissan, now it wont run. I dont know what to do with it and it just sits there. I know that I voided the warranty by installing aftermarket parts but I think its still their problem. Nissan refuses to send me a brand new Z. Can you believe the nerve of them?! I for one, will never own another Nissan.
[/quote]




but are you gonna give it away?

[Ugo DeRosa]

I would be willing to bet that the few people in this thread that are complaining about Callaway, if it was their business, they would have the worst return policy on earth. These self-centered, selfish, naive, "the world revolves around me", "screw everyone- I'm gettin' mine", "the world owes me", "just scream hard enough and I will get my way", "all corporations are evil, I paid my $ so this company owes me for the rest of my life", "it is never my fault" sort of people would never allow a liberal return policy if it was their company. It just goes against their nature and world view.

And yes, I do have an axe to grind with these types...... I used worked at Nordstrom, while putting myself through college and had to endure customers like this all day, everyday. They spend $80 on a pair of jeans, wear them until they are ripped, stained and have holes, then they come in all p**** off, demanding a refund or a new pair of jeans, give them the new jeans, they wear for another year, destroy them, they come back in, all indignant, demanding money or an exchange, repeat, repeat. They ruin things for everyone. Seriously, we had customers get new jeans every 6 months for years, so the $40 initial profit ended up costing the company hundreds of dollars in free jeans. Ridiculous.
Ok, now I feel better.

[MadGolfer76]

Had a very similar thing happen with a Callaway Ft-3 Tour. Darn composite heads! Pretty awesome performance, but the weight plate came off on the range one day. Sent the thing to GG to have them replace it (they said they had a part for it, but turns out they didn't). Figured, what they hey, I will have it reshafted at the same time. They cut the shaft and drilled (darn composite heads), only to learn they didn't have the part. Cally wouldn't honor the warranty because it was voided.

Good news is that GG came through with a new Ft-9 Tour, so no hard feelings. Too bad about the boycott. More Cally stuff for the rest of us, I guess.

[ajgoodal.704]

Not sure why anyone would be pissed at a company who basically informed you of a way to circumvent their warranty policy on a club that probably wouldn't have a warranty anymore had no alterations been made. The way I see it is that they actually gave you a very generous option and since you didn't like the option you've decided to not play their equipment anymore and then whine about it on the internet. Looks just like the poster for the 'entitled' generation. The Facebook generation that looks for sympathy via a Status update. You all know what I'm talking about.

[Pweb44]

[quote name='mantan' timestamp='1321480947' post='3809419']
[quote name='Skaffa77' timestamp='1321476910' post='3809107']
[quote name='teeituphigh' timestamp='1321475047' post='3808937']
To be honest, I think your a little out of line on this one. You tried to save a few bucks by not going to Callaway to get the shaft put in and have all the warranties still in place and this is what you get.
If you filled your Toyota up with diesel and it broke down would it be Toyotas fault or your own? (maybe not the greatest analogy) but you get my drift.
Just saying, that in all my dealings with Callaway they have been nothing but awesome and I have read on here that some people have the same feelings as me....they are touted as the best in the business I think.
[/quote]

Yeah...the car analogy is not the best in my opinion. A better analogy (especially with cars) in my opinion would be using an independent (certified) mechanic for service work or repairs on your car. That work the mechanic provides should not void your automotive warrenty.

In this case, the OP had a professional installer put in the shaft and the club had some defect. In my opinion, if an owner can provide proof of service by a professional (possibly a golf retailer who carries Callaway equipment), I believe that Callaway (or other manufacturers) should cover defects.

I know that is not the case, but it's sad that I can't have service done by a qualified local professional without it voiding my warrenty.
[/quote]

That's closer...but for the most items it's not a term that an independent mechanic will void the warranty.

A better example may be a computer or laptop that clearly has a label saying 'removing this part will void your warranty.' Even though a lot of people are qualified to fix it, the terms are clearly out there.

I understand the OP being frustrated. But Callaway (or any other OEM) can't try to determine the qualifications of every clubbuilder. And while it's highly unlikely the work he did caused the damage, it becomes a very slippery slope once they start warrantying 3rd party work.
[/quote]

I too was thinking along the same lines where say a person took their car to an independant shop and modified their engine but after the work was completed on the modified engine the transmission starts to slip constantly so they expect the dealership/car manufacturer to repair the transmission. It would not be out of line for the dealership to void the warranty on the transmission due to the fact the vehicle engine was modified by an outside source.

While I can see what the OP is saying that changing the shaft with a professional club builder, who sounds like he has a sort of working relationship with Callaway, should have no relation to the weight coming off the head. All OEM's that I know of have a disclaimer as part of the warranty where any modifications to the club will void the warranty and this CS rep was basically following the rules as laid by company policy. The fact that the CS rep left the door open and presented a possible work around is better than a flat out no that could be stated. Any OEM will stand behind their product for certain life cycle of the product as long as it can still be said to contain all parts original to the factory.

[NPVWhiz]

I'll throw my two cents in here. Buying the OEM shaft and putting it back in the club just trick/dupe/fool Callaway into replacing the head under warranty is a dishonest way to go through life.


The reason that the work costs more to have it done at the OEM is that they will then stand behind the product later on. While I can understand that the OP's view of it is that the cold weather caused the weight to come off, the much more sensible explanation is that the heat to the head weakened the epoxy that Callaway used to put the weight on, and that weakening caused the bond to fail and the weight came off.


When your local clubmaker says "There's a risk in heating a Callaway composite head", what he's really saying is "I'm charging you a cheaper price because there is a risk to heating a Callaway head, and if something happens to the head as a result of the excess heat, I'm not covering that. I don't charge you enough money to cover that. If I did, then it would be the same cost, and you'd just go to Callaway and have it done"

A warranty is not a freebie. The anticipated costs of warranty work have to be built in to the pricing, unless you want to lose your job as an executive at Callaway. I've had many hosel plugs go through the bottom of the bore of the older TM heads, and I didn't once call TM to replace the head because the plugs went through due to my own reshafting work on the heads. You heat the hosel up, the plug deforms, then when you hit a few balls, it slips through the hole. This isn't TM's fault. This is my fault. Recognizing that, I did what any [s]mature, thoughtful[/s] aggravated golf nut [s]individual[/s] would do, which is figure out how to solve the problem for myself.

My sense is that your point about how they would treat Phil as compared to yourself fairly well sums up the mistakes you've made in the process so far. The bottom line is that the individual responsible, if at all, is the clubmaker that did the reshaft. If they didn't tell you explicitly that heating a multi-piece composite Callaway head has risks, then they did you a disservice. Your clubmaker could make an effort to contact Callaway to find out if a replacement weight is available, then if so could replace it.

Every once in a while, when you take a shortcut through the woods, you end up in the poison ivy. My gentle advice is to get out the Calamine and move on. Callaway's stuff is cheap on Ebay.

[homergolf]

In my experience, Callaway has the best customer service in the industry. Sorry about your experience, but as others have pointed out, any warranty is voided if the club is changed by someone other than the manufacturer, which is an understandable policy.