BUYING USED GOLF CLUBS
Buying used golf clubs is not for everyone, the primary reasons being (1) that they were made for someone else, so aren't going to be suitable for them, (2) they're old technology, (3) there's no warrantee; and (4) there's no returns policy.
These are valid concerns if you're buying on eBay from your average seller, but there's no reason why you can't have the same piece of mind buying used as you would with new........with a little effort and some common sense. Here are some tips for buying used clubs online:
o Determine your measurements so that you can make sure you get clubs that fit you. Go to one of the websites mentioned above for an online fitting
o Find out from the seller what length the clubs are, type of shaft, grip size and lie angle. If they can't tell you, then don't buy from them......unless you're happy to take a punt on getting the right fit
o Buy from an online store that has a formal inspection and rating structure for their used clubs. For example, Callaway Pre-Owned has separate ratings for the grip, shaft, face, sole and top of the club
o Stay with the better known manufacturers. Lesser known names aren't necessarily worse clubs when used, but the craftsmanship that goes into, for example Ping, should carry over to used clubs as well
o Don't assume that you can't get a warranty or returns policy on used clubs. See Section 2 above for online stores that offer warranties and returns policies
o Consider paying a little more for piece of mind. You might get a better price on eBay, but consider the risks
o Keep in mind that woods with alloy heads are more susceptible to aging than metal woods as the alloy is softer
o Before you buy those used clubs, check how much they're selling for new. Occasionally, it's possible to pick-up a new set for less than used as online retailers may heavily discount older stock......worth a quick check.
If you can't, or don't want to, buy a new set of brand name clubs I reckon buying used from a recognized online store is the next best thing. You'll get similar terms to new clubs, and you can make sure that they're the right fit.
Buying used golf clubs is not for everyone, the primary reasons being (1) that they were made for someone else, so aren't going to be suitable for them, (2) they're old technology, (3) there's no warrantee; and (4) there's no returns policy.
These are valid concerns if you're buying on eBay from your average seller, but there's no reason why you can't have the same piece of mind buying used as you would with new........with a little effort and some common sense. Here are some tips for buying used clubs online:
o Determine your measurements so that you can make sure you get clubs that fit you. Go to one of the websites mentioned above for an online fitting
o Find out from the seller what length the clubs are, type of shaft, grip size and lie angle. If they can't tell you, then don't buy from them......unless you're happy to take a punt on getting the right fit
o Buy from an online store that has a formal inspection and rating structure for their used clubs. For example, Callaway Pre-Owned has separate ratings for the grip, shaft, face, sole and top of the club
o Stay with the better known manufacturers. Lesser known names aren't necessarily worse clubs when used, but the craftsmanship that goes into, for example Ping, should carry over to used clubs as well
o Don't assume that you can't get a warranty or returns policy on used clubs. See Section 2 above for online stores that offer warranties and returns policies
o Consider paying a little more for piece of mind. You might get a better price on eBay, but consider the risks
o Keep in mind that woods with alloy heads are more susceptible to aging than metal woods as the alloy is softer
o Before you buy those used clubs, check how much they're selling for new. Occasionally, it's possible to pick-up a new set for less than used as online retailers may heavily discount older stock......worth a quick check.
If you can't, or don't want to, buy a new set of brand name clubs I reckon buying used from a recognized online store is the next best thing. You'll get similar terms to new clubs, and you can make sure that they're the right fit.
