Custom Fit trip to the US?

[jay65]

Hi guys,

 

I did bring this subject up in the middle of another thread, but I'm afraid it got lost in translation.

 

I'm from the UK, and I'm considering a trip over to the US to be fitted for some Ping equipment.

 

To cut a long story short, over here in the UK, Ping UK only do their fitting for a Driver and Fairway wood from that particular Clubs stock shaft. In this case G25, they only fit from the Stock TFC 189. If a customer doesn't fit that shaft, then tough, basically.

 

There is no opportunity or facility to be fit for any of the Custom Shafts that Ping has available, so it's all a bit of a farce over here.

 

My question is, over the pond, in the US do you guys get the chance to be fit from at least a few of the Ping Custom shafts? or is the policy the same over there? I want to keep to a registered Ping Fitting Centre/Demo/Fitting Day, and not an independent, so I am wondering if any of you guys think its worth while paying for the trip over to be fit over in the US. I will be combining it with a bit of a holiday, but I don't want to come over to be fit by Ping if its the same policy over there of Fitting all customers into the stock shaft, because that's all they have.

 

Any advice?

[coops]

Blimey,
I'm surprised there isn't a proper Ping fitting available in the UK.

Maybe consider Mizuno, who do have dedicated fitting centres... or Titleist, likewise?

Of you're going to make a trip of it to the US, don't just go to a Ping demo or so called 'fitting day' as i suspect you'd be looking at sales reps with as much talent as a Dixons salesman trying to flog you an extended warranty on a dishwasher. Find a proper Ping fitting centre, should be a few choices.

[jay65]

[quote name='coops' timestamp='1384882730' post='8172670']
Blimey,
I'm surprised there isn't a proper Ping fitting available in the UK.

Maybe consider Mizuno, who do have dedicated fitting centres... or Titleist, likewise?

Of you're going to make a trip of it to the US, don't just go to a Ping demo or so called 'fitting day' as i suspect you'd be looking at sales reps with as much talent as a Dixons salesman trying to flog you an extended warranty on a dishwasher. Find a proper Ping fitting centre, should be a few choices.
[/quote]

Oh, Ping do have a National Fitting Centre over here, but its a shambles. They only fit from the stock shafts. So if they don't fit, its too bad. I've just been speaking to one of the guys from Ping USA, and he couldn't have been more helpful and informative. At Ping HQ in Phoenix they have every single Custom shaft they off for Customers' to try. And have mobile Ping nFlight system which recommends shafts based on a players swing characteristics, and on the software is every single Custom shaft that Ping Wrx offer.

Now that's a proper service! Ping UK? Take heed!

[TomMatreyek]

Most Ping fitters here will have a variety of shafts to try

see this link for the Ping fitting cart http://www.ping.com/fitting/cartprog.aspx

that is the cart I've seen at most Ping fitters but if you are going to be in the Phoenix area then you should try to stop in

From their website:
[size=3][background=rgb(233, 233, 233)]
[color=#747474]
PING offers free walk-in indoor fittings in our Fitting Department Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 4:30pm MST. Group tours of our factory (assembly areas only) are conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00am. Reservations are required, and no children under 9 years old are permitted. Call 602-687-5385 for more information, and please plan ahead as space is limited. PING is closed on holidays.[/color][/background][/size]
Best of luck

[jay65]

[quote name='ol' hogan pro' timestamp='1384885440' post='8172910']
Most Ping fitters here will have a variety of shafts to try

see this link for the Ping fitting cart http://www.ping.com/fitting/cartprog.aspx

that is the cart I've seen at most Ping fitters but if you are going to be in the Phoenix area then you should try to stop in

From their website:


[size=3][background=rgb(233, 233, 233)][color=#747474]PING offers free walk-in indoor fittings in our Fitting Department Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 4:30pm MST. Group tours of our factory (assembly areas only) are conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00am. Reservations are required, and no children under 9 years old are permitted. Call 602-687-5385 for more information, and please plan ahead as space is limited. PING is closed on holidays.[/color][/background][/size]
Best of luck
[/quote]

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply.

As I've said, its stock shaft to fit from over here, or nothing!!

Anyhow, no point in keep moaning about it, as the aim is to get fit properly and clearly Ping UK aren't going to do that. So looks like USA here I come!!

[natedd]

Not a shot at jay here, but I wonder how many people don't truly fit on to Ping stock shafts and how many people claim they don't fit because they aren't sexy high end shafts.

[jay65]

[quote name='natedd' timestamp='1384887823' post='8173114']
Not a shot at jay here, but I wonder how many people don't truly fit on to Ping stock shafts and how many people claim they don't fit because they aren't sexy high end shafts.
[/quote]

Oh I see what you are getting at, and I certainly think there is an element of truth in that. But I like sexy!!! Lol.

Seriously though, I tried the Ping TFC189 at Ping Fitting event, and it genuinely just didn't suit me at all. And no other offerings to try.

In conclusion, we are going to plan a trip over to the US for the whole family, combine a holiday and a trip to Phoenix to Ping HQ.

[dirthead]

If you are coming to the US, then just come to Phoenix and get fit at the Ping factory. I've been fit there multiple times. They have all the shafts right there for you to try. Most fittings for the public are done indoor with a simulator. If you give them a call and explain the issue, and that you are flying in from the UK, they might fit you outdoor, as they have a range on property. That's a big MIGHT, but it's worth a try since you would be traveling so far just to get fit.

[jay65]

[quote name='dirthead' timestamp='1384890826' post='8173402']
If you are coming to the US, then just come to Phoenix and get fit at the Ping factory. I've been fit there multiple times. They have all the shafts right there for you to try. Most fittings for the public are done indoor with a simulator. If you give them a call and explain the issue, and that you are flying in from the UK, they might fit you outdoor, as they have a range on property. That's a big MIGHT, but it's worth a try since you would be traveling so far just to get fit.
[/quote]

Thanks for that reply. I actually spoke to Matt at Ping who is currently with the Golf Wrx guys previewing the new Ping stuff, and he gave me this info too. Sounds like a great set up over there. So I have to speak to my family and see when would be the best time to come over (Kids schooling and all that). Then we will do some planning.

Thanks again for your input.

[TigerStrong]

I'll start the process for you...

what's your handicap? UK or US either will work...

[dirthead]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1384891264' post='8173444']
[quote name='dirthead' timestamp='1384890826' post='8173402']
If you are coming to the US, then just come to Phoenix and get fit at the Ping factory. I've been fit there multiple times. They have all the shafts right there for you to try. Most fittings for the public are done indoor with a simulator. If you give them a call and explain the issue, and that you are flying in from the UK, they might fit you outdoor, as they have a range on property. That's a big MIGHT, but it's worth a try since you would be traveling so far just to get fit.
[/quote]

Thanks for that reply. I actually spoke to Matt at Ping who is currently with the Golf Wrx guys previewing the new Ping stuff, and he gave me this info too. Sounds like a great set up over there. So I have to speak to my family and see when would be the best time to come over (Kids schooling and all that). Then we will do some planning.

Thanks again for your input.
[/quote]

Let me know when you come. Maybe we can get out for a round of golf while you are here.

[jay65]

[quote name='dirthead' timestamp='1384891630' post='8173474']
[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1384891264' post='8173444']
[quote name='dirthead' timestamp='1384890826' post='8173402']
If you are coming to the US, then just come to Phoenix and get fit at the Ping factory. I've been fit there multiple times. They have all the shafts right there for you to try. Most fittings for the public are done indoor with a simulator. If you give them a call and explain the issue, and that you are flying in from the UK, they might fit you outdoor, as they have a range on property. That's a big MIGHT, but it's worth a try since you would be traveling so far just to get fit.
[/quote]

Thanks for that reply. I actually spoke to Matt at Ping who is currently with the Golf Wrx guys previewing the new Ping stuff, and he gave me this info too. Sounds like a great set up over there. So I have to speak to my family and see when would be the best time to come over (Kids schooling and all that). Then we will do some planning.

Thanks again for your input.
[/quote]

Let me know when you come. Maybe we can get out for a round of golf while you are here.
[/quote]

Sound cool to me. I'll let you know if and when we may be coming over.

[natedd]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1384888310' post='8173160']
[quote name='natedd' timestamp='1384887823' post='8173114']
Not a shot at jay here, but I wonder how many people don't truly fit on to Ping stock shafts and how many people claim they don't fit because they aren't sexy high end shafts.
[/quote]

Oh I see what you are getting at, and I certainly think there is an element of truth in that. But I like sexy!!! Lol.

Seriously though, I tried the Ping TFC189 at Ping Fitting event, and it genuinely just didn't suit me at all. And no other offerings to try.

In conclusion, we are going to plan a trip over to the US for the whole family, combine a holiday and a trip to Phoenix to Ping HQ.
[/quote]

Given what you have posted about this issue, I had no doubts that you weren't getting on well with the TFC shafts. Mine was just a more of a thinking out loud question.

My dad is a diehard Ping guy and was fitted by one of their better club pros at his home course, but that didn't stop him from hitting a dedicated fitting center with multiple OEMs with tons of options a couple of years later while he was on vacation. If you are in a position to do something like this there is no reason not to do it.

Have fun and post a wrap-up thread once you make the trip.

[oldracer]

sounds cool........in Arizona why not also go to Cool Clubs in Scottsdale, check out their website, awesome, more choices than you can poke a shaft at!!!!!!

[jay65]

[quote name='natedd' timestamp='1384894132' post='8173686']
[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1384888310' post='8173160']
[quote name='natedd' timestamp='1384887823' post='8173114']
Not a shot at jay here, but I wonder how many people don't truly fit on to Ping stock shafts and how many people claim they don't fit because they aren't sexy high end shafts.
[/quote]

Oh I see what you are getting at, and I certainly think there is an element of truth in that. But I like sexy!!! Lol.

Seriously though, I tried the Ping TFC189 at Ping Fitting event, and it genuinely just didn't suit me at all. And no other offerings to try.

In conclusion, we are going to plan a trip over to the US for the whole family, combine a holiday and a trip to Phoenix to Ping HQ.
[/quote]

Given what you have posted about this issue, I had no doubts that you weren't getting on well with the TFC shafts. Mine was just a more of a thinking out loud question.

My dad is a diehard Ping guy and was fitted by one of their better club pros at his home course, but that didn't stop him from hitting a dedicated fitting center with multiple OEMs with tons of options a couple of years later while he was on vacation. If you are in a position to do something like this there is no reason not to do it.

Have fun and post a wrap-up thread once you make the trip.
[/quote]

Great! I think I made the mistake when I first came onto GolfWrx that it being a predominantly US Forum, that I was going to change the mind set of OEM's over here, and touch a few nerves in the UK. But I have recently come to the conclusion that the changes that are needed in the UK to match the Customer care in the US, is simply a bridge too far. It's just not going to happen, so instead of ranting continually about things, as I have done, its more important to get what I need as a Golfer, and if its as simple as jumping on a plane to the US, then I'm wasting my time here in the UK, under the misguided hope that things are going to change to put us in line with the US.

I'm actually quite upbeat about the prospect of coming over with the family. If OEM's want to fester in their own indifference in the UK, whilst my family and I are enjoying a great trip over to the US, then that's fine with me. Lol. I'm sure they won't lose any sleep over it, more importantly, neither will I. Haha.

[stebed]

Jay, Where abouts in the UK are you based? I am a UK based club builder and can fit you for a G25 with a decent selection of shafts. Ping do have some options over TFC as the pro I work with just got a Speeder from ping but I can offer most shafts, it's just down to where you are based really.

[jay65]

[quote name='TigerStrong' timestamp='1384891601' post='8173470']
I'll start the process for you...

what's your handicap? UK or US either will work...
[/quote]

I'm a 4 handicap over here in the UK.

[TigerStrong]

[quote name='jay65' timestamp='1384953819' post='8177032']
[quote name='TigerStrong' timestamp='1384891601' post='8173470']
I'll start the process for you...

what's your handicap? UK or US either will work...
[/quote]

I'm a 4 handicap over here in the UK.
[/quote]well if you have the coin I would fly to Phoenix, Arizona and make two trips...one to Ping and the other to Cool Clubs...between the two you will be able to come up with an amazing set of sticks...good luck

[PreppySlapCut]

If you don't have the VIP connection to get a full on Tour fitting at Ping, don't even waste your time with the public access fitting (the tour of the facility is fun for nerds, though). Head over to Cool Clubs and let them handle everything. The fitting and, just as if not more importantly, the build quality, are second to none.

[jay65]

Thanks a lot for all the info and advice guys. It's really appreciated.