Takomo Golf – Premium Products, Affordable Prices

When Sebastian Haapahovi considered golfing again a couple of years ago, he began to look out for new golf equipment – He couldn’t believe the cost.

“It was over $1,500 for the set of hollow-bodied irons I was looking at,” he says.

The shock to the system inspired Haapahovi to action and he saw an opportunity. A year down the line, he had started his own golf equipment manufacturer with a business model designed to deliver consumers premium golfing equipment at reasonable prices.

Haapahovi has a background in IT and has been involved in online start-ups in the past. He recognised by looking at the supply chain of the main manufacturers that he could save golfers money by offering a direct-to-consumer service.

When it comes to selecting equipment, the discerning golfer seeks a blend of premium design, style and functionality to inspire confidence and deliver results. Generally, that level of performance comes at a high price. But Takomo can offer premium quality golf products at a far lower price than manufacturers using re-sellers. For as little as $459, you can buy a set of customised Takomo irons, delivering clean and elegant design together with robust functionality and performance.

The club components are manufactured at carefully selected factories in Japan, Taiwan and China and the clubs are assembled and shipped from the company’s main warehouse in Hong Kong.

Early in 2021, Takomo released its first iron – the 101. The 101s are distance irons with a hollow-body design, targeting players seeking extra distance and forgiveness. Haapahovi chose that type of iron for the launch as it appeals to a broad spectrum of players.

“Beginners can use the 101 as they are highly forgiving, but lower handicappers appreciate the sleek styling and power,” he says.

Finland is a country known for its timeless design and Takomo takes the Scandinavian mindset to golf. The firm now produces golf irons, wedges and equipment of exceptional style and quality to suit players of all standards.

The current Takomo range features a selection of irons, wedges and other equipment and is continuing to grow.

The 101T iron is the advanced version of the 101, with a smaller offset and blade head. It’s a distance iron for better players seeking a combination of forgiveness and ball speed. The 201 is a forged cavity back iron, aimed at good players. It provides a little more workability while still retaining forgiveness.

The 301 CB and MB irons are the newest additions to the Takomo catalogue. Both irons are a one-piece design, forged from soft S20C steel. MB is a muscleback blade design while CB is a cavity back design. They are built for the scratch golfer who is seeking clubs offering great workability; clubs that give them the ability to shape approach shots with pinpoint accuracy while being able to reliably reach out and find greens from longer distances. The MB and CB irons are extremely affordable for their category, starting at just $649. They are available separately or as a combo set.

"For us, this was the next logical step," says Sebastian Haapahovi. "Our mission has been to create beautiful, high-performing clubs for all golfers at a fraction of the price compared to the rest of the market. We needed a product that our more advanced players would stick in the bag. We’ve achieved this with the 301 line.”

Takomo may work on a direct-to-customer basis but that doesn’t prevent them offering customisation options. You can choose to adjust lie angle, shaft length and grip size in the irons. The company offers KBS steel shafts as well as Fujikura graphite shafts. From 2023, Nippon, True Temper and Takomo’s own graphite shaft “Obsidian” will also be available.

Also available via the Takomo website are the Skyforger wedges which provide a soft feel and precision around the greens. There are four lofts available, and the wedges are priced at just $89 to $99. Completing the Takomo line-up is the super stylish Pikku Sunday carry bag. Made of vegan leather and recycled polyester, it marries looks and practicality and is available in black and white. Takomo are launching a driver and fairway woods this fall.

One of the great things about Takomo’s offering is the company’s excellent returns policy. Once you have your Takomo kit you can spend time testing the clubs before deciding whether or not to keep them. It’s a good indication of the quality of Takomo equipment that the company can afford to offer such a policy. They’re confident very few people will be sending the clubs back once they get them in the bag!

Takomo sets a benchmark for affordable quality when it comes to golf equipment. The design and performance of the products is equal to those from premium manufacturers who charge far higher prices. The Finnish company offers a breath of fresh air at a time when costs seem to be rising across the board – Great golfing products at great prices.