Without a doubt, brands such as Taylormade, Calloway, and Cobra offer top-notch quality no matter what model you purchase. Although these brands might be synonymous with golf, they are not very affordable.
Golf must be accessible to all, irrespective of price. So, clone irons are the best alternative for branded golf clubs. Clone golf clubs are supposed to work and feel like top brands at a lower price.
Before getting into the brands, let us look at the definition of a clone golf club.
What is a Clone Golf Club?
Clone clubs are golf clubs whose function and feel are comparable to that of branded golf irons. This means that they are likely made of the same material, same grip, and the same features. Apart from the actual sourcing of the parts, there is little to no difference between branded clubs and clone clubs. The most important area of distinction is the affordable price.
Now that we know what a clone golf club is, here are a few of them that are comparable to big brands.
1. Pinemeadow PGX Single Length Iron Set
Pinemeadow is a famous clone brand that is well known for its high-quality golf sets. Its PGX single-length iron set is made to imitate the Cobra One Length irons that are known for their consistency. Pinemeadow has been active since 1985, which is a testament to its good quality.
The set comes with 7 clubs that are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. As the heading iterates, all the irons are 37. 25 inches. The PGX set offers a balanced center of gravity, which constructs the perfect conditions for launches. In addition to this, the clubs are also more forgiving and consistent, leading to easier shots. However, seasoned golfers may find the clubs very lightweight.
Apart from sets, Pinemeadow has a wide range of products, including wedges, drivers, putters, and hybrids, all at super affordable rates.
Check Latest Price2. Tour Edge Hot Launch E521 Iron-Wood
Tour Edge is another reputed clone club brand that is comparable to Taylormade’s irons. This company is quickly gaining status as a unique brand on its own. Its most famous hot launch model is said to be comparable to Taylormade’s pricey clubs.
The E521 is a highly customizable club that provides a brilliant feel. You can choose between Mitsubishi Fubuki Graphite and KBS Max 80 Steel for your shaft. In addition to this, you can pick the flex and loft according to your requirements.
Tour Edge has produced the E521 for increased ease of use with its thin face and heel-weighting. Bear in mind, though, Tour Edge’s products are not as cheap as other clone companies. The cheaper price results from the fact that the company is gaining traction as a golf club heavyweight.
Check Latest Price3. LAZRUS Premium Golf Irons Set
Lazrus is a great clone brand that has a make that is similar to Callaway’s. The best part about Lazrus clubs is that they are offered at 1/4th of the price of branded clubs. The 7 club set is highly revered and comes with stepped steel shafts and custom golf grips. The company also vouches that they use the same factories as “top” brands in the world.
It is no doubt that Lazrus uses high-quality materials for its clubs. Their irons come with deep grooves that give golfers more control over their shots, more spin, and great consistency. Lazrus is best for mid to high handicappers who hit the course occasionally. This brand is not suitable for regular golfers as it offers moderate forgiveness and does not feel as good as other pro brands. If you do not like the set, Lazrus does have a very fair return and guarantee policy.
Check Latest Price4. iDrive Hybrid Senior Clubs Set
iDrive’s clubs are very similar to the make of a Cobra or a Cleveland. Their hybrid sets are ideal for senior golfers. The aerodynamic design of the iDrive Hybrid reduces drag and helps seniors cover more distance with slower swings.
The clubs are also made of graphite, which is a light material that is easy to work with. The thin face reduces the center of gravity and promotes a favorable launch angle. Not to mention, seniors can experience increased accuracy in their shots.
However, the iDrive Hybrid set might not feel as good as bigger brands. But, the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages for these irons.
Check Latest Price5. Aspire XD1 Complete Golf Clubs Set
Aspire is another reliable brand that produces well-performing golf clubs. The XD1 series is reputed for its aerodynamic design, which allows golfers to cover more distance. The shaft of the woods is made of pure graphite while the shaft of the irons is made of steel. Users can expect more forgiveness and accuracy in their shots with this set.
The thick putter grip is reliable and consistent. In addition to this, you can customize the length of your clubs before ordering. The set comes with a dual strap golf bag with ample space.
The Aspire XD1 set comes with a few disadvantages. It is made for occasional golfers with slower swing speeds as the club heads can loosen up if used regularly. Apart from this, the body gets visibility worn out after frequent usage.
Check Latest PriceWhat Should You Consider Before Buying Clone Golf Clubs?
1. Price
Affordability is the main reason why golfers look for cloned irons. They provide almost the same quality and performance that expensive and branded clubs do, at a fraction of the latter’s price. Bear in mind that if the price is too good to be true, it is probably a knockoff.
2. Legal boundaries
Clone golf clubs are essentially made in the same factories as branded ones. They do not infringe on copyrights or patents. They are owned by legitimate lesser-known companies that put time and effort into building their brand. Knockoffs or imitation clubs are illegal as they pretend to be a certain company. So, be careful to not invest in knockoffs as they are low-quality and illegal.
3. Scope for customizations
Most clone companies will offer customizations to their customers. This is because they do not have a rigid requirement about how they want their clubs to look or feel. So, they are more likely to tailor their clubs to suit users. Look for such companies that are more customer-friendly and open to changes.
4. Technology
There are new advancements being made regularly in the golfing industry. Some brands choose to catch up, while others do not. If you are looking for a clone golf club that mirrors the tech of a bigger brand, then be sure to check out its specifications on its website. Overall, it is best to go for a company that implements state-of-the-art technology.
5. Research
Although clone brands do implement the technology of bigger brands, not all of them will give you satisfactory performance. Do your research about the brand that you are interested in. This includes looking at customer reviews, online forums, and professional reviews that tell you how these clubs truly perform.
FAQS
1. Are clone golf clubs legal?
Clone clubs are not illegal. They are produced by well-known companies that put in equal time and effort into their clubs as branded ones. Such companies ensure quality and consistency in their products. Clone golf clubs do not violate patents or copyrights. The most they do is implement the same technology that bigger brands use. But, not all clone golf clubs might work as well as branded ones. So, it is best to invest time in researching clone brands, their reputation, and customer reviews before purchasing clone golf sets.
However, customers should be mindful of counterfeit golf clubs. Such products are easily recognizable by their cheap quality of materials, bad function, and general feel. These clubs are definitely illegal and a waste of money, even if they are very cheap.
2. Why are clone golf clubs cheap?
Before we get to why clone golf clubs are cheap, let us briefly understand how branded golf clubs are manufactured. There are two processes that branded clubs are made from; casting and forging. Casting involves using pre-made molds to make golf clubs. However, branded companies keep switching up the structure of their clubs and constantly improving them. So, they introduce new molds through forges. This process involves heavy machinery and expensive equipment. Hence, branded companies price their products at a higher cost.
Now, clone golf clubs just follow the same process of the brands that they imitate. Sometimes, they even use the same castings that big brands use. Then, they use the same components and sell them. Clone golf clubs are cheaper as their manufacturing processes are less expensive when compared to branded clubs.
In addition to this, big brands spend a lot of money in advertising and marketing their product. On the contrary, clone clubs do not have to put that much effort into attracting customers.
3. Are clone golf clubs customizable?
Yes, clone clubs are customizable. If you need a few tweaks to improve your game, then many manufacturers offer a variety of options for you to choose from. Some companies help you make specific changes as well.
4. Do clone golf clubs and branded golf clubs differ in performance?
Clone and branded golf clubs are made using the same technology and design. This means that you will likely get the same performance from both irons. You might see minute changes in the shaft and grip. However, unless the club is a knockoff, you will not see a huge difference in your game.
There might be a few defects in your cloned golf club. This includes chipping or tarnishing. But, most of the time, these defects will not affect your game.
5. Is it risky to buy a clone golf club?
Reputed brands usually give you a level of guarantee with your clubs. A lot of clone manufacturers also do the same. However, like always, it is best to check the warranty and the benefits offered by the company that you are interested in buying from. So, it is not very risky to buy a clone golf club, as companies have a flexible return and exchange policy, provided that you are transacting with the company after researching them.
Conclusion
Clone golf clubs are perfect for beginner golfers or leisure golfers who do not want to invest a significant amount of money into their equipment. Companies such as Pinemeadow and Tour Edge are reputed and beloved for their high-quality irons at affordable rates. Be sure to do a background check on the manufacturer of your choice before you purchase from them. This will help you select the best clone golf club that will complement your game.
Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Tom Fiore
Hey ! I'm Tom. I have been playing Golf for most of my adulthood and have an experience of about 10+ Years. I love to guide people on their golf journey and share my experience of playing Golf, using products and all the tips I have for people out there ! Thanks for reading my blog.