Golfers are almost sure to have encountered the Top Flite brand in golf stores across the globe whether it be golf balls or golf clubs.
With the number of brands available, golfers often wonder is Top Flite a good golf brand.
In this article, we will look at whether Top Flite is the right brand for you.
The brand was introduced to the world in 1971, more than half a century ago, when the first Top Flite golf balls were launched.
Although the brand is 50 years old, the company behind it is much older. Operating under the Spalding brand until the release of Top Flite golf balls.
Are Top Flite Golf Clubs Any Good?
Generally speaking, Top Flite clubs cannot compete with premium brands on quality but are competitively priced.
Pros
- Affordable
Top Flite golf clubs are priced extremely competitive to enable them to still sell clubs. This is ideal for golfers that work to a strict budget.
- Ideal for beginners
Sets are sold in off-the-shelve box sets providing beginners access to all the clubs required to enjoy a game immediately. No additional investment is required on wedges and putters.
Cons
- Not a premium brand
Top Flite is no longer a premium brand that produces high-quality clubs but rather depends on the affordability factor for sales.
- Suspect quality control
The quality produced by Top Flite is suspect and many complaints have been registered about the clubs falling apart soon after purchase. It is not aimed to be a long-term solution to your playing set.
What Products Does Top Flite Make?
Golf Balls
Top Flite was the first company to introduce 2-piece and multi-layered golf balls.
Callaway used the company to set up their popular range of golf balls that are now produced in the original Top Flite ball manufacturing facility.
Some Of The Top Flite Golf Balls Available Today Include:
Top-Flite XL Distance Yellow golf balls is Top Flite’s longest 2-piece construction using a High Resiliency Core combined with the cut-proof Ionomer cover. Distance is enhanced through the use of Top Flite’s Distance Dimple Technology.
Top-Flite XL 7000 Super Straight golf balls – is similar to the XL Distance but offers a straighter ball flight due to the dimple aerodynamics and Slickote coating that produces much less spin.
Top-Flite XL 7000 Super Soft golf balls produce a similar distance as the XL Distance off the tee. Its fiery core aids you to hit the ball farther and straighter and adds to feel around the green.
Top-Flite XL 7000 Super Long golf balls produce low spin off the clubface with its ionomer cover offering more distance than the Supersoft off the tee.
Top-Flite The Gamer V2 golf ball is a 3-piece performance that produces more feel than any other Top Flite golf ball around the greens without sacrificing distance.
Golf Clubs
Top Flite complete box sets feature the full range of golf clubs with graphite and/or steel shafts.
Furthermore, it includes a bag to minimize the investment required if you are not sure about your long-term interest in golf.
Women’s Golf Clubs
Women are generally shorter than men and need lighter clubs to produce maximum speed and distance.
Top Flite caters to this market with their specialized women’s clubs.
Junior Golf Clubs
Juniors need assistance to get the ball airborne and maximize distance. Top Flite’s junior clubs are also extremely affordable to promote interest without breaking the bank.
Accessories
Gloves, tees, umbrellas, caps, golf bags, and other accessories.
Are Top Flite Golf Clubs Good For Beginners?
Top Flite makes golf clubs for every level of golfer but has had no success in attracting professional players to the brand.
Beginners will benefit from the playability of Top Flite golf clubs, but it won’t assist them in getting their handicap much lower than a mid-level.
Are Top Flite Clubs Good?
Depending on your expectations, Top flite golf clubs can be classified as good clubs.
It will serve you well if you are an occasional player with no desire to become a low handicap golfer.
It is also ideal for golfers that want to test the water before committing to golf.
Who Makes Top Flite Golf Clubs?
With its long association with Callaway people still ponder whether “Is Top Flite Made By Callaway?”
Several changes ocurred in ownership starting involving its original parent company Spalding, investment companies and Callaway.
The brand was then sold to Dicks Sporting Goods in 2012.
Although Dicks Sporting Goods, which owns Top Flite now, is renowned for its retail footprint, it is not known for its manufacturing capabilities.
Top Flite Golf Clubs are manufactured and assembled at the Company’s state-of-the-art facility in Costa Mesa, California. This facility conforms to the environment-friendly conditions as set out by the EPA.
The Top Flite Golf Company was established in April 2003 after it was acquired in a leveraged buyout by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. It sold off Spalding and its whole line of balls to athletic wear maker Russell Corp to service debt.
When Did Callaway Buy Top Flite?
After a storied past where buyouts failed and financial concerns, Callaway purchased Top Flite in 2003 and sold it 9 years later to Dicks Sporting Goods in 2012.
The pre-packaged bankruptcy agreement included other brands in the Top Flite stable such as Strata and Ben Hogan brands.
Is Top Flite A Cheap Brand?
Top Flite golf balls and clubs are lower than premium clubs raising the question of whether Top Flite is a good golf club brand.
There are cheaper brands in the market, generally, knock-offs of premium brands.
Would Top Flite Suit Your Golf Game?
So, what happened to Top Flite Golf?
Well, it still exists, and Dicks Sporting Goods is working hard to re-establish the brand through its network of retail outlets as well as other resellers.
Have you tried Top Flite golf balls or golf clubs recently?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
FAQ
What does XL mean in Top-Flite?
In terms of golf balls, “XL” stands for extra long. It is a claim made by the company that their golf ball will travel farther than a regular golf ball. Top flite has been selling golf balls with “XL” imprinted on them for 30 years.
Is Top Flite still in business?
Unfortunately, no. Top flite is no longer in business, so they are not producing more goods. Top flite was sold for $20 million to Dick’s supporting goods in 2012 after almost a decade of making golf equipment.
Are top-flight good golf balls?
Yes, top-flite balls are of excellent quality. Top-flite golf balls are made up of very durable materials. They have a rough cover but feel soft. These balls fly long and straight and are easy to play with.
