Griff
Hey Man, Nice Shot
I have to put my 2 cents in as well. When we were down in Carlsbad and were talking with the GolfWRX guys most of them were just absolutely amazed at what THP was about. They were amazed that we had just selected a bunch of testers for the R11 FW and hybrids. They were amazed that pretty much any active THPer had the opportunity to participate in the testing. They were amazed that there wasn't some sort of VIP testing, because that is how it done over there (at least from their perspectives). There were 2 people there that weren't amazed and they were both in this elite testing fraternity. I love that THP puts these products into the hands of the general public and I don't think that should change because it is precisely this that makes THP such a unique place. I am sorry that some people feel that they deserve to be testers, I find this very strange! Is it okay to be a bit bummed if you didn't get selected to test out a product that you were very interested in? Absolutely! Is it okay to feel that for some reason you deserve to be a tester? Absolutely not! I love reading the reviews of the people out there. I follow many of them very closely and I follow even more closely the people who I feel has similar swing tendencies as me. If the testing wasn't the way it is I would never have figured out that G4L and me seem to be fit for very similar products. So when G4L says something is working or not working then I put more weight in his opinions. Again this is the beauty of the current testing paradigm; when you open up the testing population you are going to cover a much greater variety of swings then if it is a limited testing pool. Not to disparage other sites too much, BUT that is why when you go to other sites, they are preoccupied with blades, thin top-lines, and forged clubs. Because that is what the narrow pool of testers likes. Do you think the Mashie would have been able to find such love on other sites. I don't. Too much offset and a closed face, is what they would have said. But it just works! Do you think the Burner 2.0s would have had so much love? No too thick of top-line and too wide of a sole. But there are many THPers who have found a wonderful club for them because of that testing.
So to summarize my thoughts. I just feel that THP is a very uniquely special place, and it is uniquely special because each one of our opinions matter to someone out there. I think it should remain that way. Sorry that a small minority has to cause frustration, but they are the minority. I think it is safe to say that the majority of THPers like the way things are currently set up. If you guys need one or two more staffers to help with the load of testing requests from companies, then I think that is totally great, but I think the majority of testing should continue the way it is currently set up.
Well said. It makes no common sense to not test for the common golfer. How many of us need an open faced driver? How many of us need to shave with the top line of our irons? To change the way THP tests would be a mistake I think. Who cares how well a club performs when you hit the sweet spot? They ALL do great when you hit the sweet spot. It is here at THP that you can get feedback on how the common golfer hits their sticks. Crappy shots included.
JB and crew, I wouldn't worry yourself over this. You are all doing a great job and I am happy to be here. People will always have their personal quibbles. As long as you stay true to your vision it'll all be good.