Why Nike equipment is so expensive.

I bought a nice large waterproof backpack from Nike yesterday for $40. I didn't struggle with my run later that day so I guess some people are just better at making adjustments.

Unlike in many sports, equipment really, really matters in golf. It's not that good equipment makes a bad golfer better. It's that good equipment allows a good golfer to really use his skills. Sort of like a fine instrument.

My brother was an All American golfer. He got new irons and shafts before his senior year of college, and had his worst start since sophomore year of high school. Switched back to the old clubs halfway through the season, and right away finished runner up in one of the biggest college tournaments of the year. Apparently the new irons didn't allow him to shape his shots as much as the old ones. It turns out he also needed far stiffer shafts than you can get at most golf shops, because he produced so much power that the shaft would still be way too bent at the moment of impact. The only way he could play with the newer equipment is if he reduced his power, and just accepted the fact that he'd have to shoot straight every time. (Personally, I thought he was an idiot for getting new clubs at the beginning of the season, instead of in the fall, but there you go.)

As for the quality of Nike clubs, I've heard mixed things. It's worth remembering that slight differences matter a great deal at the PGA level, and that it's not just about good club vs. bad club, but rather about whether the club suits the golfer. Also, whether a club is good for a PGA professional has little to do with whether it's good for a recreational golfer. Good recreational clubs have huge sweet spots, but also don't give you the same kind of control over spin that a professional golfer needs.

Yes, but my main point was that they were willing to shell our $250 million for a 24 year old golfer on the off-chance he wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

In fact, he seems to have mental issues right now.

And I believe Nike have given ever more once again to ‘Tiger!’

Will he ever win a major again one wonders.

Anyway, all this must be reflected of the cost of their athletic gear.

If they were stupid enough to give me 250 large, I just don't think that I'd care about playing bad.

Nike equipment is expensive because a LOT of people are willing the pay for it.

end of thread

Yeah, I was responding to the other guy about equipment mattering.

The thing about consumers paying for marketing is that it's often offset by economies of scale. You can just as easily pay through the nose for an artisan manufactured product from a company that does zero marketing.

It's also untrue that marketing expenses have to be covered by sales. Sale prices are set by what the market will bear. Marketing expenses are often an attempt to change what the market will bear, and as such, they can constitute an investment rather than an ongoing cost of doing business. This is especially true when a company is trying to break into a market. Nike is still trying to get a foothold in the golf market, and it's entirely possible that it's willing to accept some losses to do it. At the very least, I'm sure they're willing to forego optimal profit margins today in hopes of having a larger market share and higher margins in ten years.

(Also, I don't really agree that Nike equipment is expensive. It's pretty competitive with other brand name sports equipment. It's only expensive compared to generic brands.)

" ... all this must be reflected of the cost of their athletic gear."

I think you are right. Nike products are over-priced so that when you buy them at the outlet store, they are still making a huge profit -- enough, in fact, to pay professional athletes and golfers ridiculous amounts to use their products.

Nike running shoes are pretty much useless as well

first off, no professional sponsored golfer hits with their sponsored equipment. all pros use miura clubs just branded with their sponsor. it doesnt matter what golf equipment you use if you dont use it correctly. thats the case even for professionals. so rory's decline in performance has nothing to do with his sponsor. actually learn about golf before you make wild accusations about a sponsor man

you are making absolute statements....that completely discredits you.

Nike equipment is expensive because there are so many people stupid and wealthy enough to buy it.

Their track gear sells mainly because of the bright colors.