wmclarenf1 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 (edited) Curious how rebadging old designs is going to translate to big revenue Actually, this works very well to extend revenue and used to be known as line extensions in old school marketing speak. This happens a lot in the watch industry as well much to my chagrin. Take a look at Panerais, Hublots and AP Royal Oak Offshores (no offence to owners), different colored so called limited editions for every significant and insignificant moment but mechanically, no change at all because buyers of such tome pieces tend not to be movement motivated but perhaps more trend motivated? But it works and sells. We are more hard core JDM guys so no surprise this does not appeal to us but it will appeal to the less hard core and those looking to get some of the famed Epons. I donlt like it but if I were an executive at Epon with revenue KPIs, I'd do this. The previous re-ed must have worked well for them to continue this trend. Edited December 23, 2012 by wmclarenf1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted December 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Actually, this works very well to extend revenue and used to be known as line extensions in old school marketing speak. This happens a lot in the watch industry as well much to my chagrin. Take a look at Panerais, Hublots and AP Royal Oak Offshores (no offence to owners), different colored so called limited editions for every significant and insignificant moment but mechanically, no change at all because buyers of such tome pieces tend not to be movement motivated but perhaps more trend motivated? But it works and sells. We are more hard core JDM guys so no surprise this does not appeal to us but it will appeal to the less hard core and those looking to get some of the famed Epons. I donlt like it but if I were an executive at Epon with revenue KPIs, I'd do this. The previous re-ed must have worked well for them to continue this trend. Well said, it is very true that hardcore members who would give a thumbs down to the RF line as seen that done that, are in the small minority and not necessarily who Epon is targeting with the RF. There will be new AF models which are meant for the higher end enthusiast, while the RF models can still outplay many clubs on the market today for virgins to JDM and Epon. The AF701 is still my favorite performance iron from Epon and one of the best in the all around performance/distance/ease of use category of any brand, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxio Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 When companies water down a product (shafts in particular) there is a negative vibe to them even if they probably perform. No different here for the new Epon products. I don't see the need for them to go down this route. They have so many R&D and manufacturing assets at their disposal they could have made totally new products for the guys like me who can't drop $1,200 on an iron set. Rerelease show lack of concern of branding for buyers of the previous models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Tuna Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 I seem to be alone but I sort of like them, at least the irons. The two tone is nice, they seem to have a pleasing head shape and they're still Epon's so it's not like they've become unpleasant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xerobound Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Epon has the name and clout to pull in extraordinary club designers so I'm not worried there. I think they're throwing these rereleases out much in the same way bands throw out remix albums to buy some time and stay in the public eye until they've got actual new material to release. At least I hope. Ya. I think Epon will come out with something that will amaze us again. They just need some time to regroup... It's hard to keep producing "hits" every year! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmclarenf1 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 Ya. I think Epon will come out with something that will amaze us again. They just need some time to regroup... It's hard to keep producing "hits" every year! :) That's fair. For ME, their past few drivers have been misses. Just me of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxio Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 I would rather they skip a year if they are still developing product. I like the look of the 5version but whether you are a first time buyer or a repeat customer a rerelease of a product less than 3-4? Years old just doesn't sit right. Maybe it is just that, releasing something for the sake of releasing something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swisstrader Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 That's fair. For ME, their past few drivers have been misses. Just me of course. Same and a double miss with the Zero...i think they were they looking to create the world's most difficult driver to hit w that thing:) I'm sure there are people out there who swear by it, but felt like 98% of the reviews were duds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaleUK Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 I seem to be alone but I sort of like them, at least the irons. The two tone is nice, they seem to have a pleasing head shape and they're still Epon's so it's not like they've become unpleasant. I hear ya BUT it isn't cutting edge stuff from the worlds Best... Or at least one of the worlds Best!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corky3 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 103 is an improved 102, so a hit for me.... Im still intigued by the zero and maybe it was/is a bit strong for J.Public, but we were warned. Personally I would like them to come up with a Zero 2.0. The gold on these new releases is something that the Japanese seem partial to.... Honmas being the ultimate 'goldies' so maybe there is an attempt by Epon to attract a larger home market share? Anyway, Epon will always be worth keeping an eye on in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffer19 Posted December 23, 2012 Report Share Posted December 23, 2012 103 is an improved 102, so a hit for me.... Im still intigued by the zero and maybe it was/is a bit strong for J.Public, but we were warned. Personally I would like them to come up with a Zero 2.0. The gold on these new releases is something that the Japanese seem partial to.... Honmas being the ultimate 'goldies' so maybe there is an attempt by Epon to attract a larger home market share? Anyway, Epon will always be worth keeping an eye on in the future. But the RF would not be available in Japan so the 'gold' is not meant for the home market. Could it be that Epon is trying to break into the big box golf stores like d**ks and Golftown with a cheaper non custom line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiromikey Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 But the RF would not be available in Japan so the 'gold' is not meant for the home market. Could it be that Epon is trying to break into the big box golf stores like d**ks and Golftown with a cheaper non custom line. no way they will get even a toe into the door of the u.s. market without at least some up and coming pga golfer playing them (and winning) on tour and/or a barrage of infomercials and print ads talking about unbelievable distance increases. the vast majority of americans are bought and paid for customers and only follow the propaganda and hype...FACT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxio Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 Srixon and Tourstage couldn't get in with slightly lower offerings (701/701 tour, Zstar irons, Z101s). I guess these are for "other" JDM buyers as well. Those who would be buying Burner Forged, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoon Posted December 24, 2012 Report Share Posted December 24, 2012 The RF line is one thing but are we forgetting The AF series? Cmon guys they can't please everyone . AF line will continue To awe you guys. With the 302s personals, aftours I think epon will be fine. As will said, something left field and new is an eventuality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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