Callaway Introduces the I-MIX!!!

Well...I have returned from the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando and the golf manufacturers have done it again. Just when you thought that they could not come up with anything bigger or better because of limitations initiated by the USGA and the R&A, it is a recent change on their part that has given rise to golf's newest technological advance. A rule was recently changed to allow golfers to play with adjustable clubs. Since Callaway already utilized an interchangeable shaft system for their fitting cart, it made sense for them to market this technology to consumers. Their new I-MIX system lets the consumer basically buy heads (right now limited to the FT-I and the FT-5) and shafts ala carte. The individual heads also come with a special wrench that can be used to lock any shaft that Callaway offers onto the FT-I or FT-5. You also have to buy the shaft from Callaway because it is specially fit with a threaded tip. Callaway is not the only company trying this new technology. Nickent had a interchangeable shaft system at the Show, and rumor has it that Taylor Made and Ping have systems in the works. Both Callaway and Nickent expected March deliveries for their new systems.

Now that I have delivered the facts, I guess I need to let you know my opinion on this new technology. Overall, I think the whole idea of interchanging shafts is a neat idea. I do think, though, there are some issues that only time will tell:

• Durability - This is the main issue with me. Will these shaft/head connectors hold up to real play on the course and will it hold up to consumers twisting that wrench? Again, I guess only time will tell.
• Cost - Costs for the consumer will definitely be higher for this technology. Callaway already has a high price point with the FT-I and FT-5 ($499 & $425), and this new technology will add approximately $150 - $250 to the price tag (hard to estimate because of the difference in shaft prices). Taylor Made's system (which is to include an R7 head, two top level shafts, and extra weights) is rumored to have a $999.99 price tag. I don't think this is as big an issue as other people do. I wholeheartedly believe that, if the technology is sound, there are some golfers that will buy it. This, in turn, leads to a trickle down effect. In a year or so, prices will fall to allow more golfers to try this technology.
• Golf Industry - Will this new technology put clubfitters and/or club repair businesses out in the cold? I don't think so. For one thing, many traditional golfers will not trust this technology and the price will keep the majority of golfers (whether they want to or not) away from this new technology. It is, though, a hot topic on some clubfitting blogs that I have read recently. Most clubfitters on these blogs are not big fans of the interchangeable shaft technology. I guess, again, only time will tell.