Congrats! You’re probably here by accident … but that’s okay.
While I have you, I must know. Do you know what a takedown is?
It’s a word often thrown around in the sneaker world (more specifically, basketball shoes). But it’s very, very applicable to golf.
And before you click away, let me dangle the carrot a bit. Takedowns are taking over … and that’s good news for your wallet AND your game.
Let me explain.
WTF is a Takedown?
A takedown (or takedown model) is simply the little sibling of a flagship product. Think iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro.
The Pro has an extra camera, higher refresh rate, and a few other bells and whistles. The regular iPhone 16 keeps most key features (including the same computer chip) but skips some premium extras.
It’s also cheaper. Way cheaper.
A takedown gives you most of the same functionality, tech, and features as the expensive flagship—just without the price tag that makes your wallet cry.
Are you starting to understand? A takedown model is positioned as a more “budget” friendly alternative to a flagship product, that has MOST of the same functionality, tech or features as the more expensive option.
As I said earlier, this is very prevalent in the world of sneakers. Nearly every signature athlete on NIKE’s basketball payroll has a signature model and a more affordable takedown model. It lowers the barrier for entry into that product line, from say $200 to $150.
This idea has been around golf for years, but it’s starting to take off in the present day.
Here’s what I mean.
Takedowns are taking over golf
Our golf shoe testing this year? Dominated by takedowns. The PAYNTR All Day SC beat its more expensive big brother to win our spikeless test. The budget-friendly Under Armour Drive Fade crushed the pricier Drive Pro for best value.
I recently compared the NIKE Victory Tour 4 ($200) against the Pro 4 ($150), and guess what? The cheaper takedown model outperformed in both price and performance.
This goes beyond shoes:
- Remember PXG’s 0211 line? Those were essentially takedowns of their premium stuff, lowering the barrier to entry (and they were the first new irons I bought).
- Why drop $399 on the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift when the $299 A-1 Slope works just as well?
Like I said, a way to lower the barrier to entry.
Love to see it
The takedown takeover is real, and it’s something I love to see. Golf is only getting more expensive (brutal), but when the performance gap between flagship and takedown products shrinks, both your game and bank account win.
What do you think? Are you seeing the same shift I am?
Fake
1 year ago
Tour Edge still offers a nonadjustable driver for $250. Not sure if it’s a great purchase compared to what is out there in even the $300 price range, but it is there.