- Staff
- #576
First off I want to say I have shamelessly skimmed this thread, so if I missed something vital you can all line up to kick me in the right direction.
Personally, I would say keep the testing the way it is. I've switched to Bridgestone e7 balls after reading the reviews on here, I've ordered a Mashie because of the reviews on here and in both cases, the reason I have is because the reviewers were just regular golfers, just like me, not paid professional reviewers.
As for the selection process, I would imagine, and imagine is the key word here that there is some manufacturer input into what they look for in testers as well as whatever factors are used by THP.
I've been a member of the site for less than a year and I was given the opportunity to test the Wilson Staff Irons. And testing is a lot of work, I've been spending more time at the range, played more rounds testing these than I normally would be this time of year, playing rounds and hitting the range when it's in the 40's out because testing isn't about getting free equipment, it's about giving a good and timely review of the product that others hopefully can use to make an informed decision. In most cases, depending on what you're testing it isn't "Free" either. You're spending extra time on the range and course, spending extra on range balls and rounds and as was mentioned, with Gas so high the extra money it takes going to and from courses to test.
As for the idea of a VIP testing program, I don't like it. To me it smells of the kind of elitism that many perceive golf to embody, and I think, keeps people away from the game. The whole "It's for rich old white guys" mentality.
Just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.
I liked this post and it brings up a very good point. Testing products isn't all about getting something brand new and free to play with. Sometimes, it means going to the range when you don't want to or playing in conditions you never normally would. Right when we got the TM irons, I found out that the only place in town with an open range went bankrupt and closed. I drove 3 hours round trip twice to test equipment so I could do my part. There is a big responsibility that not only includes testing, but also includes being available to answer questions and making sure that you are giving good, honest feedback.
Also, sometimes you get things to review that you aren't so crazy about. To me, it's how much attention you pay to those items that is a good measure of your ability to review products. Polara golf ball thread is a perfect example.