Orlimar

Overview

Orlimar is a golf equipment manufacturer known for producing affordable, quality clubs and accessories designed for golfers of all skill levels and demographics. The brand gained prominence in the late 1990s with its innovative TriMetal fairway wood, which became one of golf's most popular products through aggressive infomercial marketing. Today, Orlimar positions itself as a value-oriented alternative to premium golf brands, offering performance equipment at a fraction of high-end prices while maintaining functional design standards.

History

Orlimar was founded in 1960 and gained significant traction in 1997 when Jennifer King and Bruce McKinnon introduced the TriMetal fairway wood, which saw sales jump over 3,000% between 1997 and 1998. The company was later sold to Michigan-based King Par in the early 2000s, which attempted to revive the brand with products like the Driv-Brid hybrid in 2014. In 2016, Hireko Golf, a Japan-founded component company with over 40 years of industry experience, acquired Orlimar and relaunched the TriMetal with modern specifications, establishing the brand as part of Hireko's portfolio alongside other golf brands.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Orlimar products are manufactured through component sourcing and assembly, with Hireko Golf managing production logistics from its City of Industry, California facility. The company utilizes established manufacturing partnerships and component suppliers rather than in-house production, allowing for cost-efficient manufacturing that supports its value-oriented pricing strategy.

Notable Products

• TriMetal Fairway Wood - Iconic shallow-face fairway wood featuring tungsten weighting and low center of gravity for easy ball launch and distance
• Intercept Single-Length Iron Set - Game-improvement irons designed with uniform length for consistent swing mechanics and improved playability
• Driv-Brid Hybrid - Hybrid club combining driver and iron characteristics, launched by King Par in 2014 to positive reviews
• ATS Junior Golf Clubs - Youth-focused club set designed for junior golfers developing their game

Reputation

Orlimar is recognized as a budget-friendly golf brand that delivers functional performance without premium pricing, appealing to recreational golfers and value-conscious players. The TriMetal fairway wood maintains strong brand recognition as a historically significant product that democratized fairway wood technology in the 1990s. While the brand lacks the prestige of premium manufacturers, it is respected for honest value proposition and practical design. Some criticism exists regarding limited innovation compared to major competitors, though Hireko's stewardship has stabilized the brand and maintained product quality standards.