New clubs buying tips

tmq

I've played about twice a year for the last 20 years, so never enough to build any consistency or improve my game. I'd like to get better so as to enjoy the more frequent golf trips that my middle aged friends seem to be having. I need new clubs, as I don't actually own any at the moment (have been borrowing). I'd describe myself as an "improver" (25% good shots, 50% ok shots, 25% terrible shots e.g. shanks, duffs).
I know there's lots of buying new clubs threads, and I've read quite a few, but have a couple of specific questions.
In particular, I read this... http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057175027

So it seems second hand is the way to go for value. I've looked at lots of adverts.ie but have a few specific questions:
Size - I'm about 5'8" and never get any great distance (which I'm not that worrid about). Very few of the ads mention size... should I be asking, or is just standard size fine for now.
Brand - I read somewhere that Ping are supposedly forgiving for players of my standard... should I be particular about brand?
Type - the thread above says cavity backs for beginners are best... true?


My budget is about 250. If there's any shops that have a good second hand range I'd be keen to check some out before buying online.

BigChap1759

At the moment I'd say go for standard size - you can always choke down on the grip if you feel they are too long for you so not an issue.

You're after game improvement irons which are usually large cavity heads with some offset to help players square the clubface at impact.

Ping -0series are great GI irons although they are on the more expensive side.

Are you looking to spend 250 on a full set including woods, irons etc?

These look like great value

http://www.adverts.ie/irons/ping-g5-irons/7284576

tmq

yeah ideally 250 for the full set...

Did you mean another Ping series? (Can't find 0 anywhere!)

And that ad does look good value. My only thought is it says its blue dot, which from reading is for slightly shorter arms - I think I've slightly longer arms than average.... I'll have to measure! I don't know if it would make any noticeable difference, but I don't want to make it harder for myself than necessary.

BigChap1759

tmq wrote: »

yeah ideally 250 for the full set...

Did you mean another Ping series? (Can't find 0 anywhere!)

And that ad does look good value. My only thought is it says its blue dot, which from reading is for slightly shorter arms - I think I've slightly longer arms than average.... I'll have to measure! I don't know if it would make any noticeable difference, but I don't want to make it harder for myself than necessary.

Sorry, meant Ping-G series. Ping will adjust their clubs to any colour dot you want free of charge - just need to cover postage. I'd say spend 100/150 on irons then other €100150 on a driver(€30) and 3 wood, putter and one wedge, probably a SW at 56 degrees with some bounce. and a bag.

You can sometimes get a full set on adverts or donedeal - post the link on the forum here and I'm sure the members would be more than happy to help and give their opinions

McGaz23

Just to jump in to this thread,
I'm looking at buying a decent set of secondhand clubs, apart from the online selling sites do many of the golf shops stock secondhand clubs? If so can anyone recommend a good one around Dublin or the North East?

Dtoffee

Mc Guirks and American Golf always have second hand sets and the value is usually far better than you get online if you are not looking for a specific model. Most online sellers are genuine, but always remember that you are buying without any guarantees and the last thing you need is to find that you have blown your budget on a fake/copy or stolen set of clubs.

Hope you both get sorted and get good use of your 'new' clubs.

BOB81

McGaz23 wrote: »

Just to jump in to this thread,
I'm looking at buying a decent set of secondhand clubs, apart from the online selling sites do many of the golf shops stock secondhand clubs? If so can anyone recommend a good one around Dublin or the North East?

I'd give the golf studio shop at celbridge driving range a go, good selection of second hand stuff generally and you'll be able to hit them there before buying too

tmq

http://www.adverts.ie/irons/taylormade-tp-mc-irons-3-pw/7832479

Any thoughts on these? (I've been getting more keen on the Pings the more I read, but these seem ok too..?)

BigChap1759

I just sold a set of these and I'd say you want something with a larger head and more forgiving - this would be a players cavity not a game improvement iron. I would go for Ping G series, TM Rocketballz, TM RAC - a game improvement iron

charlieIRL

tmq wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/irons/taylormade-tp-mc-irons-3-pw/7832479

Any thoughts on these? (I've been getting more keen on the Pings the more I read, but these seem ok too..?)

What part of the country are you? I traded in my TM burners against my new irons and the shop will be selling them off. Can enquire for you? They were in excellent condition and had new grips fitted last year.

tmq

So it took me awhile, but I just bought some second hand G5 irons.... look pretty good.

So next is woods, putter and bag. I've no idea on the woods, but I might go to a shop and try some second hand ones.

Any suggestions on what degrees for the woods? I've always struggled with driving, and often just use 3 wood as I can't get the driver away. I have enjoyed using hybrids in the past, so might try get one of those.

stockdam

I have G5 irons. They are decent and easy to hit.

What driver do you have? The large headed ones are fairly easy to use but if your swing isn't good then you may find that a driver gets you into too much trouble.

I find hybrids easier to hit than long irons but stay clear of low lofted ones (2 or 3 iron ones).

tmq

i haven't a driver of my own, which might be part of the problem...

I think I'll definitely get a hybrid. If I get a hybrid, I presume I wouldn't use a 5 wood...? So a driver, a 3 wood and a hybrid?