Tour issue?

[devinh821]

I'm pretty much a noob for all of this awesome golf gear... So what exactly is the difference in the tour clubs and just regular clubs?

[tsmcanada]

They go way further

[RJRJRJ]

They drain your wallet at twice the speed of standard clubs.

[Mookie94]

From everything I've ever read not much, and nothing that will make a difference unless you're very very good.

Tighter tolerances, and made exactly how a particular player wants/needs it. It's cool to say you have it is the best thing for your average golfer as near as I can tell.

I'd ad some sarcastic unnecessary response to fit in too, but I'm too tired rite now.

[marrigo]

There is no "exact" difference, it varies. Some are exactly the same as retail, so are prototypes, some are made special for individual players, some are tweaked versions of what you can buy. In general they tend to be lower launch and spin, smaller heads, less forgiving, and for drivers and fairways the faces are usually more open.

[bruinsPATSirish]

$$$

[PaulChai]

[sub]For me, feeling from Tour Issue head is different (more solid/explosion) with a bit more distance. [/sub]

[llamont]

IMHO, "tour issue" is synonymous with, but not limited to: spending 3-4 times (plus) the msrp of the retail version; more player so less forgiving; open face at address when setup square (which is absolutely no good for a rookie; telephone pole rigidity; and lastly, a real test of ones nerves and/or patience for when the stars and planets align and you actually nut a shot out of this world.

[Sean2]

[quote name='marrigo' timestamp='1382057141' post='8018685']
There is no "exact" difference, it varies. Some are exactly the same as retail, so are prototypes, some are made special for individual players, some are tweaked versions of what you can buy. In general they tend to be lower launch and spin, smaller heads, less forgiving, and for drivers and fairways the faces are usually more open.
[/quote]

This pretty much sums it up. And, Tour issue is much more expensive.

[SurfinTurf]

Bragging rights.

That's just for starters.

Tighter specs, more importantly.

[fairwaysRoverated]

Smaller heads, difference in flight, tighter specs. It really depends whether your talking irons or woods. Woods will be smaller and more open and less spin. Irons will be smaller heads, less bounce in the soles, less perimeter weighting than the regular versions. Easier to work the tours as well.

[TJR]

Price depends on the source. I typically pay less for my tour issue clubs than retail, but I don't usually buy the most current models. As much as I experiment with clubs and shafts, cost is generally a consideration.

[nochct1]

Depends as there is a difference between prototype, tour only and tour issue

[nochct1]

[quote name='fairwaysroverated' timestamp='1382118841' post='8022329']
Smaller heads, difference in flight, tighter specs. It really depends whether your talking irons or woods. Woods will be smaller and more open and less spin. Irons will be smaller heads, less bounce in the soles, less perimeter weighting than the regular versions. Easier to work the tours as well.
[/quote]

Not for all tour issue clubs.

[MorikawaTMAG]

usually the only difference is that the clubs are built for people with high swing speeds, so sometimes smaller heads so the pros can put heavier shafts on them

[MGPT]

I've posted about this recently but I just picked up a Nike SQ2 tour issue 3 wood with an x flex shaft that I hit further than any driver I've ever hit and my swing speed is about 90-94. Go figure.

[Titleist84]

I think tour issued gear isn't nearly as sought after anymore as most club companies now offer adjustable drivers to open or close the faces, wedges with custom grinds, and exotic shafts. The only thing left is clubs with spot on specs, 60* really is 60*.

Prototypes are a different story. But it is a toss up on if the club is good or not. The club companies test out these clubs on tour before deciding to be released to retail. Or in a few small instances will make a prototype for a certain player on your but not release it to retail.

I've had two prototypes: Titleist 970 3 wood and Vokey TVD M grind wedge. Fun to have but I prefer to get custom fitted and is a lot cheaper.

[Titleist84]

I meant to say player on tour not your.

[Big Ben]

If your source is good tour issue can mean being able to hand pick exact specs, prototypes and very limited run clubs like irons with very little offset, etc. If its random Ebay stuff that doesn't suggest specifics it can also be off the wall extreme specs tossed out by the OEM unfortunately so KNOW YOUR SOURCE and be specific or there's no benefit to these clubs, not made out of majic pixy dust. I tend to agree with Titleist84, adjustable clubs and highly customized OEM options have changed the landscape for traditional tour issue gear. I must admit, it is fun to have a rare set of irons or a prototype driver or hybrid every know and then but it's far from necessary and it will cost you big paper...BB