I have these same discussions with my golfing buddies. Some think you can buy a game with more expensive equipment, others say Garbage!! Truth is, different shafts alone can make a difference so a club is not a club. Same components-head, shaft, grip but different materials, flex, length, etc. Take 2 identical clubs and put them on a machine and there shouldn't be any difference in distance, variation from center, etc. Take 2 identical clubs and put them in the same person's hand and there shouldn't be any significant differences. But take 2 identical clubs and put them in 2 different person's hands and their will be differences. We do hear differences. I don't have the reason why I know there is a difference in SQ and I'm not sure I'll ever know. And do I really care at this point? i have many other much more important things to ponder..............