Buying Second Hand Clubs

faffingaround

I'm looking to buy second hand clubs (I'm also overseas)
Seems like I can get full sets of very established brands for 250-450 euro.

Would it be fair to say that if the owner and user of the clubs was of a similar height then the clubs would suit me?
I have some friends who play golf and a lot of them have mentioned getting clubs that match their swing.  Getting measured so to speak!
Is this really necessary?

I am a beginner and have very old clubs at the moment and am certainly no hot shot!

The Rape of Lucretia

faffingaround wrote: »

Would it be fair to say that if the owner and user of the clubs was of a similar height then the clubs would suit me?

It would. Unless they are really something very odd (made of a 6'8" giant, or cut down for a kid), they will be fine to get you going. Spend less rather than more for something that you generally like the look of.

faffingaround wrote: »

Getting measured so to speak! Is this really necessary?

Certainly not 'necessary' at all. At the best, it is a debatably useful process that is possibly of use to elite golfers. At the worst, its a nonsense for all.

Enjoy taking up the game!

dan_ep82

It's always a good idea to get a check for length and lie. Any club pro can do it for a small charge. In America most of the big chains (GolfGalaxy etc)will do it aswell,I presume this is where your based?

I'm average height and fit into standard lie/length going by everyone else but I got fitted at .25" longer and .5° flat.

Mantis Toboggan

dan_ep82 wrote: »

I'm average height and fit into standard lie/length going by everyone else but I got fitted at .25" longer and .5° flat.

Not sure this would make a difference to someone just starting out. OP just buy a relatively cheap second hand set and bang away. If you're still playing golf in 18 months then maybe consider an upgrade.

dan_ep82

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Not sure this would make a difference to someone just starting out. OP just buy a relatively cheap second hand set and bang away. If you're still playing golf in 18 months then maybe consider an upgrade.

I agree, I meant he isn't guarenteed standard clubs going by someone elses height alone.

Still no harm getting checked for static measurements at the same time, maybe the OP is 6ft or 4ft

prawnsambo

As a rough rule of thumb, you'd have to be around 6' or taller or less than 5' 6" for any length adjustment to be necessary from standard length clubs. Even then, it's small enough: 0.5" either way. If you're very tall, best to get extra length as you'll be very stooped over with the shorter clubs.

A good second hand set of irons should be in the region of £100 on eBay. Golfbidder would be a fair bit more expensive, but there'd usually be more choice there. Drivers can be picked up in the £60 - £80 range. I'd leave it at that and maybe add fairway woods or hybrids later as you get more experienced.

zep

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Not sure this would make a difference to someone just starting out. OP just buy a relatively cheap second hand set and bang away. If you're still playing golf in 18 months then maybe consider an upgrade.

While I agreed he should not spend big only starting back I would suggest he invest in something a little newer with a bit better forgiveness. Might help him to be still playing in 18 months 😀.

backspin.

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Not sure this would make a difference to someone just starting out. OP just buy a relatively cheap second hand set and bang away. If you're still playing golf in 18 months then maybe consider an upgrade.

I agree, if you are only starting out there is no point getting fitted. What will suit you today is unlikely to suit you in 2 years time when you are striking the ball better and probably harder.

If i was you if you like the feel of them (not too heavy or too light) and how they look then go for it.

bmay529

There are a few things I think can make the game that bit easier and therefor more enjoyable
1) Shaft flex: Regular, stiff, extra stiff in woods and irons. The faster your swing speed the stiffer the shaft should be to give some control, otherwise you can find yourself all over the place if the shaft is too soft.
2) shaft length/lie: Assuming a male, standard shaft lengths seem to be designed for a player of about 5' 10" "ish". For example I am 6'2" and was fitted for half inch longer than standard and 2 degrees more upright. This can be described as +1/2 and 2 up. It means that the toe or heel instead of the flat base of the head of the club as the case be are less likely to catch the ground first which could effect direction of a shot.

I would suggest you get a fitting in a couple of shops and make a note of what they are recommending with a new club, such as a stiff or regular shaft, longer or shorther than standard, etc. It is important to go to a few shops unless you trust the fitter as they can give different recommendations so if two say you need stiff shafts then it is likely to be correct. Also a stiff shaft from one brand can have a flex similar to a regular shaft from another. Make a note of your swing speed and post it here for some more advice. Have a look at second hand clubs online on sites like Golfbidder (UK), Callaway Pre owned (USA) but you need to be careful of what is offered on local sites such as adverts.ie or donedeal or try local pro shops.

Going second hand is a great idea as there are lots of excellent clubs a few years old that are almost as good as new and a fraction of their new cost especially if you can fine a good set.

mike12

Nothing wrong with adverts.ie or donedeal lots of pro's posting gear on them.
M2 driver the older version can be picked up cheap now and is a super club.

ShivasIrons

Without seeing a golfer in person it's hard to give advice but with the information given, he's a beginner, there's one bit of advice that can be given, the clubs need to be forgiving.

So sets like Titleist AP1, The Ping G series, Taylor Made M2, Callaway XR etc would suit best.

The club length to give the correct posture is important and a shaft that matches how fast a player swings the club is also important. These measurements can be taken quickly and a wrist to floor chart which is shown in an earlier post is a good one for a length fitting.

With these details a suitable set can be selected and can be new or used depending on budget. Without these details a set could be too long, short, light or heavy and can impact how a swing develops.

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Certainly not 'necessary' at all. At the best, it is a debatably useful process that is possibly of use to elite golfers. At the worst, its a nonsense for all.

I find these quotes interesting to say the least, anytime I see one there is never any information given to back up these statements, just stating an ill informed opinion.

The question I've never seen answered by someone saying custom fitting is a waste of time is do all clubs perform the same? If they don't, and I'm pretty sure every golfer can agree on this, then how do you pick the club that performs best for the golfer?

Even the beginning golfer needs some form of measurement, it doesn't need to be too detailed just length alone sometimes.

Imagine a runner asking about shoes being told, go for this model they're great, size 9 is the average so you'll be fine with that size.

backspin.

There is no doubt that some level of fitting is important. Imagine going into a 2nd hand golf shop and picking up a senior flex, 70g Shaft, Swing Weight C11 and comparing it with a 130g X Stiff shaft with swing weight D4. There is going to be a large difference. Other factors can be important too such as grip thickness, shaft length, lie angle etc.

The biggest problem with us amateurs getting fit is a lack consistency. Its hard to determine exactly what suits some people if they are hitting it all over the face and swinging erratically at the fitting. A good fitter should match you to something close enough though.

prawnsambo

backspin. wrote: »

There is no doubt that some level of fitting is important. Imagine going into a 2nd hand golf shop and picking up a senior flex, 70g Shaft, Swing Weight C11 and comparing it with a 130g X Stiff shaft with swing weight D4. There is going to be a large difference. Other factors can be important too such as grip thickness, shaft length, lie angle etc.

The biggest problem with us amateurs getting fit is a lack consistency. Its hard to determine exactly what suits some people if they are hitting it all over the face and swinging erratically at the fitting. A good fitter should match you to something close enough though.

I think there's too much information for a beginner to absorb. Or to be even useful tbh.

If they're of average height and the chart above has them fall roughly into a regular shaft length, then the best thing for them is a set of regular length and shaft flex game improvement irons. The whole point of buying a second hand set, is that they're good but inexpensive and can be changed when their game requires it, with minimum financial pain.

And the vast majority of second hand clubs will be of that type, so there will be plenty to choose from. I would keep away from the less well known brands and the cheaper ones as it's very hard to know their value and cheap stuff like Dunlop, Wilson and Slazenger are pretty poor.

Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Cleveland, Mizuno, Cobra and Nike (who although have stopped manufacturing, did produce good equipment) would be worth looking at and you'll be able to get information on them more easily than the lesser known brands.

Golfbidder.co.uk, donedeal, adverts, eBay are all good places to start looking. On eBay it's probably best to narrow the search to a particular brand at a time rather than a wide seacrh for iron sets. There are thousands on there. You can buy from the UK with a parcel motel or DPD UK address.

backspin.

I agree if someone is average height strength etc. A set of GI reg flex standard irons would be the way to go.

big_drive

On a side not has anyone used DPD parcel wizard for buying clubs?

I’ve only seen about it. Can pick up your parcel in petrol station, shops, etc
Also offer a uk address to buy from uk

prawnsambo

big_drive wrote: »

On a side not has anyone used DPD parcel wizard for buying clubs?

I’ve only seen about it. Can pick up your parcel in petrol station, shops, etc
Also offer a uk address to buy from uk

My wife uses the DPD parcel wizard, but not used for golf clubs, so far.

But extraordinarily, they drop the stuff right to my door. Three times she's used them so far and never had to collect.

Kingswood Rover

We are hoping to eventually buy our own 9 hole golf club, the one we play with...i mean on

ShivasIrons

backspin. wrote: »

The biggest problem with us amateurs getting fit is a lack consistency. Its hard to determine exactly what suits some people if they are hitting it all over the face and swinging erratically at the fitting. A good fitter should match you to something close enough though.

This is also one of the big misconceptions as well. A lot of golfers think when they hit a good shot they're swinging like McIlroy and when they hit a bad shot like a bad version of Jim Furyk. That's there's a colossal difference between the two swings.

This is not the case, factors such as swing speed, club path, loading and releasing of the club stay very similar. These factors determine shaft flex, weight and are easy enough to determine and make recommendations from. So you can have high handicappers that need X flex and variants and low handicappers that need R flex and variants.

It's factors such as where you hit it on the face, club face control and low point control that dictate how predictable the shots are. These are the factors that higher handicappers are poorer at and where big differences in shots come from. These factors determine what forgiveness clubs should be.

ShivasIrons

backspin. wrote: »

I agree if someone is average height strength etc. A set of GI reg flex standard irons would be the way to go.

But we don't know this about the original poster so this can't be said, just that game improvement clubs should be looked at.

Also the average person in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s are more then strong enough to use stiff flexes rather then regular but then again we don't know until there is some idea how they can swing a club

prawnsambo

I'd say the OP is sorry he asked.

michael1930

Find a pro that you like and take a few lessons, then ask the pro for 2nd hand club recommendations. This gets you started or continues you on a path to good golf plus the pro will recommend appropriately. This is a form of fitting. He/She may even have some clubs that he can sell cheaply.

Mantis Toboggan

Not sure there's any point in taking lessons if he doesn't even have clubs.

My experience with new players taking up golf is not to burden them with big costs for clubs, fittings, lessons or to get too technical. It's similar to how etiquette keeps lots of people out of the game, especially young people.

OP invest in a relatively cheap set of GI irons and hit the range/course and have fun.

The Rape of Lucretia

ShivasIrons wrote: »

Imagine a runner asking about shoes being told, go for this model they're great, size 9 is the average so you'll be fine with that size.

I think it is the proponent's reliance on pat false analogy arguments to support their belief, rather than a rational, or justifications from first principals within club fitting itself, argument that raises the alarm about its credibility.

I mean, golf clubs are not like chairs. Sure, we all know that we dont all have the same size, shape, and weight backside. Which is why we all get our chairs, couches, kitchen chairs, etc custom fitted to suit our particular derrière, and need distinct ones for everyone in the house. Or when travelling, take our portable seat adaptor with us so we can somehow survive for the short duration necessary, the seats on public transport. What else are we going to do - sit on a chair made to suit someone else or some sort of impossible one-size-fits-all chair ? Clearly a nonsense. Obviously there is no such chair. Like there is no one size ass. So we have the whole custom fit upholstery industry behemoth all over the world. But we know we need it and it stands to reason.
But custom fit golf clubs ? Pull the other one.

neckedit

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

I think it is the proponent's reliance on pat false analogy arguments to support their belief, rather than a rational, or justifications from first principals within club fitting itself, argument that raises the alarm about its credibility.

I mean, golf clubs are not like chairs. Sure, we all know that we dont all have the same size, shape, and weight backside. Which is why we all get our chairs, couches, kitchen chairs, etc custom fitted to suit our particular derrière, and need distinct ones for everyone in the house. Or when travelling, take our portable seat adaptor with us so we can somehow survive for the short duration necessary, the seats on public transport. What else are we going to do - sit on a chair made to suit someone else or some sort of impossible one-size-fits-all chair ? Clearly a nonsense. Obviously there is no such chair. Like there is no one size ass. So we have the whole custom fit upholstery industry behemoth all over the world. But we know we need it and it stands to reason.
But custom fit golf clubs ? Pull the other one.

Stunningly bad comparison.....
When you take a seat in the driver side of a car, What's the first thing you do before you start to drive... You get the seat into the correct position for you leg length/Arm Length... you adjust the Mirrors... you essentially are fitting the driving position to your build/Shape/Size what ever you wish to call it.

Look, we all know you are not into fitting and that's cool. I have been a fitter for over 20 years and I can say in my experience and the experience of people i have worked with, Trained and fitted Getting the right club type and specs has a hugely positive impact on performance. conversely you can have a negative impact if you get it wrong, Which obviously I never do😂...... We all get it.... it's not your bag.....

ShivasIrons

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

I think it is the proponent's reliance on pat false analogy arguments to support their belief, rather than a rational, or justifications from first principals within club fitting itself, argument that raises the alarm about its credibility.

I mean, golf clubs are not like chairs. Sure, we all know that we dont all have the same size, shape, and weight backside. Which is why we all get our chairs, couches, kitchen chairs, etc custom fitted to suit our particular derrière, and need distinct ones for everyone in the house. Or when travelling, take our portable seat adaptor with us so we can somehow survive for the short duration necessary, the seats on public transport. What else are we going to do - sit on a chair made to suit someone else or some sort of impossible one-size-fits-all chair ? Clearly a nonsense. Obviously there is no such chair. Like there is no one size ass. So we have the whole custom fit upholstery industry behemoth all over the world. But we know we need it and it stands to reason.
But custom fit golf clubs ? Pull the other one.

You still haven’t answered the question. If all clubs don’t perform the same, and this is pretty apparent, how do you choose clubs then?

prawnsambo

On second thoughts, I think the OP was just faffing around.

prawnsambo

ShivasIrons wrote: »

You still haven’t answered the question. If all clubs don’t perform the same, and this is pretty apparent, how do you choose clubs then?

We're talking about a beginner here. No matter what clubs he chooses, they'll be the least inconsistent part of the equation.

kod12

Just getting started out in the Golf a complete novice and want to pick up a set of new or second hand clubs. Now im 6 foot 6 so I will probably need customization on the clubs but not sure where to start.

Am i better off getting fitted in a Golf shop and getting sized clubs for my height?
Most of the ones on Donedeal I cant see if there has been any alterations to the Club length.

Many thanks in advance

spacecoyote

kod12 wrote: »

Just getting started out in the Golf a complete novice and want to pick up a set of new or second hand clubs. Now im 6 foot 6 so I will probably need customization on the clubs but not sure where to start.

Am i better off getting fitted in a Golf shop and getting sized clubs for my height?
Most of the ones on Donedeal I cant see if there has been any alterations to the Club length.

Many thanks in advance

At your height, chances are standard length & lie probably won't work for you.

You could try look for a golf shop that don't charge for a custom fit but have a bay for hitting, somewhere like American Golf in Tallaght, for example.

You could try hitting a few sets, get them to measure you up, and work from there. If they say you need 1" longer & 3 deg upright, etc... then you could try find a second hand set that matches up, or bite the bullet & order a custom set through a shop.

kod12

spacecoyote wrote: »

At your height, chances are standard length & lie probably won't work for you.

You could try look for a golf shop that don't charge for a custom fit but have a bay for hitting, somewhere like American Golf in Tallaght, for example.

You could try hitting a few sets, get them to measure you up, and work from there. If they say you need 1" longer & 3 deg upright, etc... then you could try find a second hand set that matches up, or bite the bullet & order a custom set through a shop.

Class Advice thanks for that ill set up a fitting there. Is there shops that sell second hand set? Im in the Kildare area

the gold studio in Celbridge do second hand clubs and advertise some of second hand stock on adverts.ie, depending where in Kildare your based or how far you willing to travel I think Progolf in Athlone have second hand stock or golfstyle in Galway if you want to really travel have a very good selection. There is also Cole golf in Naas and i think Halpenny (new store) in Newbridge but not sure what there second hand stock is like

kod12

ronnoco13 wrote: »

the gold studio in Celbridge do second hand clubs and advertise some of second hand stock on adverts.ie, depending where in Kildare your based or how far you willing to travel I think Progolf in Athlone have second hand stock or golfstyle in Galway if you want to really travel have a very good selection. There is also Cole golf in Naas and i think Halpenny (new store) in Newbridge but not sure what there second hand stock is like

Great thanks for that ill give them a look. Ill head to american golf and get fitted and take it from there