There is plenty of room in the golf industry for players who wish to sell their golf equipment for significantly less than what top brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping are selling for.
The concept of selling equipment for significantly less than the big brands might not sound too enticing for some budding entrepreneurs, especially those who understand the dynamics of making big money.
However, Sub 70 Golf has managed to prove that it can work. It has learned that spending nothing on advertisements, not sponsoring top tour players, and trading directly with customers online is a sound business model and strategy.
It is perfectly possible to create value for money while still competing favorably against the big boys. Surprisingly, it is one of the small players that deliver quality products on the market.
In the next section of the article, we will take a deep dive into Sub 70 Golf as a brand, its strategy, what it offers, and who it appeals to.
What You Need to Know About Sub 70 Golf
Sub 70 Golf is one of the outstanding direct-to-consumer (DTC) equipment companies based in a small town in the Chicago suburbs.
This golf company has primed itself as an innovative player in the growing direct-to-consumer market.
While it still has a lot of work to do, it has certainly made a statement by delivering quality products at nearly half the price of the competition.
Sub 70 Golf understood that so many golfers are tired of cashing out over $500 for a driver or even $100 for a set of irons.
Recently, Sub 70 Golf launched a line of golf clubs promising factory-direct prices for handcrafted custom equipment to ensure you are happy with what you get.
Their initial line features multiple sets of irons and an option for most of the clubs in your bag.
The only difference is that Sub 70 Golf offers are priced much lower than what you get from the competition.
How It All Started: A Passion Project
Jason Hiland, the founder of Sub 70 Golf, has been in the golf business for over two decades. Therefore, Jason possesses a deep understanding of managing a prosperous golf business.
As we speak, he is the owner of some successful businesses in the industry, with Sub 70 Golf being the culmination of years of product design and sourcing.
Sure, Jason understands that the company is a substantial underdog in the golf equipment market, but he and his team are passionate about the business. They are willing to do things their way.
Top golf companies, especially in the equipment manufacturing fields, have a tendency of exerting control over anyone who writes about them.
This is not the kind of privilege that small players like Sub 70 Golf have. Nonetheless, they are willing to be refreshingly honest and passionate about their offers.
The good thing with Sub 70 Golf and Jason is that they don’t try to make outrageous claims or promises to their potential customers, like many companies who are fighting to get their attention. In fact, they don’t claim to have superior technology that outsmarts their competitors.
Instead, they focus on delivering quality products that get less resistance from golfers. Most of its offers are products of strong attention to detail and reliable customer support.
Their business model seems to be working for them because they interact directly with their customers. The goal is to offer golfers superb products at significantly lower prices.
They manage to do so because they cut out the middleman and reduce marketing expenses, which normally require a hefty budget.
Who It Appeals to
The Sub 70 Golf model banks on brand-weary customers who are tired of chucking out thousands of dollars for a piece of golf equipment.
It is for golfers who believe that they can get the same equipment offering virtually similar performance for a bargain.
It might also appeal to consumers who are ballsy enough to invest their cash in golf equipment from a relatively unknown entity.
Sub 70 Golf has established itself as the go-to brand for golf enthusiasts who value customer service but also prioritize top-performing golf equipment for a reasonable cost.
Besides the online store, Sub 70 boasts a brand-new, state-of-the-art fitting studio for golfers in Europe.
It has shown to its customers that it is possible to enjoy golf without spending a fortune on golf equipment.
How Sub 70 Golf Fits In Going Forward
The Sub 70 Golf brand isn’t trying to make better golf clubs or equipment than anyone else.
What they do is try to build quality products at a price that beats the competition. They also focus on excellent customer service.
Based on our assessment, we feel that they have a decent chance of competing in the tightly competitive golf equipment market. But it is going to be very difficult to challenge the status quo in the near future.
The big original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are always going to win out because they have financial muscle and are pulling the strings of the industry from top to bottom.
With that said, there is a growing percentage of golfers who are open to experimenting with smaller direct-to-consumer brands that offer them a more personalized experience and better value for money.
There is a new trend with notable companies like BombTech, who have taken a slightly different approach to direct marketing by building a small warehouse in Vermont.
We believe that Sub 70 Golf can excel most if they maintain the current business model of delivering quality products, impressive customer service, and friendly prices while still running some shops or studios where they can interact with their customers.
If they focus on brand loyalty and exceptional service, they will register a significant increase in customer base, as word of mouth usually brings more customers.
Top Sub 70 Golf Products
Sub 70 Golf offers a range of quality golf equipment, including fairway woods, drivers, irons, hybrids, putters, and wedges. Apart from this, it also offers gloves, golf balls, and head covers.
Perhaps the most popular products are its forged irons, including the 659 CB and 649 MB TR models. We will discuss some of these products here:
1. 949X Fairway
This fairway wood is fairly universal in its playability and appeal. It takes up the mantle of the previous models in its customizability and forgiveness.
It does so while utilizing nascent technologies that lead to improvement in ball flight, spin characteristics, and trajectory for golfers in the single- to mid-teen handicap category.
In most aspects, the 949X stands out strongly against the competition. This metal is adjustable, super clean, and has a serious pop.
We also appreciate the fact that it is available as a 3, 4, 5, and 7-wood, making it ideal for golfers who don’t love hybrids.
Price: $199
2. 849D Driver
The 849D driver represents an improvement in design and technology. It offers value for golfers who are looking for assistance and forgiveness.
We love the fact that it maintains the same general design characteristic and customizability of the 849 Pro driver.
From our test, we found the 849D to offer a better gaming experience. We were able to reach a swing ball speed of about 144 mph and a distance of 280 yards.
So, anyone with a handicap of 10 or above is an ideal candidate for the 849D.
Price : $279
3. 699 Irons
The 699 irons are an alternative to PXG 0311 XP Gen4, Ping G425, TaylorMade Stealth, or anything along those lines. Many people love this model because it has a wafer-thin carpenter steel face.
The face has been precision CNC milled to allow for maximum face flex and ball speed.
In addition to this, the 699 model features a modern cast hollow body that blends a good helping of forgiveness with decent looks and a stunningly attractive price.
Price : $480
4. 659 CB Forged Irons
Currently, Sub 70 Golf has three main sets of irons available for sale.
The most prominent one is the 659 CB forged irons.
This model is the next iteration of the award-winning 639 CB irons.
It has the same head size and offset as the 639 model but with additional weight added to the bottom so as to lower the center of gravity.
It also adds some forgiveness on off-center hits.
Price : $660
5. JB Forged Wedge
The JB wedge is ideal for golfers with a variety of short game shots in their bag because it provides a tantalizing option on the green.
Sub 70 Golf master club builder and former professional golfer Jeff Bushnell designed the wedge.
This wedge will easily compete with any premium wedge out there. We say so because it offers quick response on shorter shots.
With its versatility, you may naturally lose some forgiveness, but that is only on full approach shots.
Price: 105
Closing Remarks
Sub 70 Golf debuted as a direct-to-consumer brand that manufactures high-quality golf equipment without the nauseating price tag.
While it is one of the new entrants in the industry, it has already developed into one of the most promising disruptors in golf.
What has made it outstanding is that it believed that buying a new set of golf equipment should be straightforward and inexpensive, something that resonates with some golfers.
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