Is Buying Used Golf Clubs Really a Good Idea?

October 22, 2009 by Ram  
Filed under Golf Clubs

When you find that a top quality Callaway driver costs , 500 new and less than 0 used, the thought of buying used golf clubs has to come to mind. That can be a great move, but make sure you consider a few of these simple guidelines before you decide you’re about to get a great deal.

Before you plunk down your cash, make sure that what looks like a good deal really is one. To see of it is a bargain, compare the price with a new club of the same brand and model. A new Ping putter may run up to $100 or more. A used club that costs can be a good deal, if there is no damage and still of high quality.

When examing the club, look for obvious problems, such as worn grips.

Cracks or splits in the rubber or leather are not just a sign of age. Grips can be replaced. But they also suggest less than stellar manufacturing or poor care. Rust spots on club might indicate that the clubs have been left out in the rain and sometimes the seller might have cleaned them off to hide the neglect.

The effects of weather on a grip are not easy to disguise and few sellers will want to spend the money to replace one when they’re getting rid of the club. On the other hand some might, knowing that a few dollars invested can fool you. Buyer beware. Re-gripping your club may cost you just a few dollars to or more. Even if you’re willing to spend the extra money right away, you’re buying a club that is not in great shape. Reconsider.

Examine the club face of a used club you’re considering buying.

Almost all used clubs will have some wear, but if the sweetspot shows a shiny area, indicating excessive wear you might want to give it a pass. A clubface like that will cause your shots to be less accurate, which problably is the reason the seller is offering them in the first place.

The grooves should have well defined edges. They are there for a purpose. If there are dents in the surface, you should move onto the next one. Those can cause your flight angle to be way off.

Also check the shafts.

Graphite shafts are lighter weight than steel, but they are slightly less durable. They’ll dent easier. Double check the shaft and make certain it is still perfectly round. Dents, grooves and other forms of club abuse might throw off your swing because the flexibility and torque of the club may be affected. The effect is subtle, but real. Test the shaft by trying to gently twist the head and grip in opposite directions. This could be very difficult. Otherwise the shaft is weak.

Steel shafts can get damaged, too. Even in the absence of dents, a steel shaft can get bent. A bent shaft can occur when a golfer missed a swing, or decided to take his frustrations out on tree. Any deviation can suggest that a club has been bent. Straightening a golf club back to its original shape takes specialized equipment. If they did get close, it will still weaken the club, affecting flexibility and balance. Move on.

Even a better way of buying used clubs is buying certified pre-owned golf clubs from Callaway. Callaway certified clubs must pass a 10 point inspection. You can also try them for 90 days under real life conditions and if you are not satisfied, they will buy them back. Callaway certified pre-owned clubs also come with a 12 month warranty. Buying certified used clubs may be a great way to save money, or a way to trade up to some better clubs.

Beginner golfers can really benefit by purchasing used golf clubs. Purchasing used clubs can be a cost-effective way to find out if your dedication to the sport justifies spending hundreds or even thousands for high-quality new clubs. Once your golf game is up to snuff, you may want to go that route. Or, you just might find that great deal on a used one after all.