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Replacing the Nike balls

• oldbones29 2,035 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 1:40 AM

  Maybe wgt should think about replacing the Nike balls with the Costco Kirkland Signature balls. According to reports, they perform just as well as the top major brands, and sell for about half the price. There must be something to it as, Acushnet Holdings, the maker of Titleist, has filed suit against Costco for patent violations. Costco has filed its own suit saying their ball doesn't violate any patents. Sales of Titleist are down, while Costco's balls are selling at a great pace. They sold out in 2016, and Costco says that this year they will be available only while supplies last. Actually sales of all golf supplies are way off, as fewer people are playing these days, and the demise of some of the sports retailers.

• oneeyedjohn 9,581 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 2:12 AM

  Hey, oldbones, good to see u back.

  Contentious as ever, I love it.

  I am moderated, and I cannot alter my "appearance".  Many people , fellow members have commented on that , and they think it sucks.

   

  Acushnet make a good product.

• MainzMan 9,591 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 3:46 AM

  I don't believe WGT can just put any name they want to their virtual balls, there has to be a contract between them and the manufacturer.  We have to wait and see what will replace the current, very extensive, range of Nike balls but you can bet your own balls it won't be any cheaper than the ball being replaced.

  I believe Callaway has suffered a big loss recently.  I have switched from my long loved and trusted L33 ball to the L51 Volvik and have to say it's a big improvement.   I found the Callaway just wasn't playing the same as it used to, or how I always remembered it playing anyway.

  The Volvic is obviously a bit of a price hike but within my budget and the results are promising so far.

• 1,866 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 7:39 AM

  oldbones29:

  Costco says that this year they will be available only while supplies last.

  Captain Obvious?

• lonniescott711 4,207 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 8:31 AM

  MainzMan is correct before WGT can use the Costco immage or name in representation they must first have permission to do so . Every ball and club outside of the WGT line is here under permission and contracted by the companies that make them in real life . Ping Taylor Made Calloway and all of the other companies have given WGT permission and the rights to use their logos as well as the images of their product for use in the game .

  With Nike`s exit from the golf industry as far as balls and clubs go it has caused a shake up . Those players who were once endorsing those products have now changed sides and Callaway doesnt really have any winning players endorsing their golf line . Phil is ok but he`s not a top 10 tour player and all that you see as ads are for the ball . No ads for clubs or other golf related items .

• oldbones29 2,035 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 9:56 AM

  Yes I know WGT needs to be in a contract with someone to use the name. my post was more tongue in cheek, as WGT would never replace a 700 credit ball with a ball half the price, but has the same performance. 

• MainzMan 9,591 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 10:59 AM

  What the hell happened to you John?

  Did you make your user pic a pair of jugs of the none toby kind?

• lonniescott711 4,207 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 11:05 AM

  Well the month will end next week . So weshould be getting an update but no telling . WGT drug their feet on removing the clubs as well as with the nike balls . So still no word as to the when just like before . To me it wont matter as Im a cheap skate when it comes to buying balls . I play the L35+ Cally ball at 300 credits and thats as high as I will go .

  I dont forsee any new clubs for the higher tier players but may get a surprise with new Cleveland wedges if any new clubs at all . But with so many options with the nike balls WGT could spread the ball specs around to what we already have and not even bring in a new brand to replace nike . Other than the Volviks none of the other ball brands have ever had a spec upgrade just a graphic change .

  So they could cover the entire line with full upgrades

• borntobesting 9,710 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 11:05 AM

  oneeyedjohn:

  Acushnet make a good product.

  So does Callaway who obviously makes the Costco Kirkland balls as they have Callaway's patented hex dimples.

  So how about Taylor Made's new top balls the TP5 and TP5x.

• hpurey 11,505 Posts

  Wed, Mar 22 2017 11:40 AM

  LOL   wasn't Acushnet going againt Callaway back in 2009?    They (Acushnet) do make a good product but FFS, cost is too high and I can't find yellow Pro v's  LOL.