No name vs. Brand name, significant for a newer player?

The more I read the more I feel like I made a poor decision going with "clone" type clubs. Brand name is not a big deal to me, but I am wondering if it will hamper my play as I progress over the next few years.

Pinemeadow has a good reputation and had A+ customer care / service. The clubs feel good to me, but as a guy pretty new to golf, would I be better off with used clubs from Ping, TM, Titleist, etc? So far I would say no, but as stated, I am pretty new. If so what recommendations do you all have as far as cheap iron sets?

Sorry if I am creating a lot of threads. I do search and try to find a lot out before I post. As always, thanks everyone.

It would be in your best interest to go to a golf shop to get dynamically fitted.

But there is also the consideration regarding what kind of resources (money) you have at your disposal.

If I were you… I would pick up some “top of the line” used clubs (commensurate with your swing specs) and go from there.

When it is all said and done, how much does something like that cost? I am a senior in college so money is a little on the tight side and I want to be able to play if I spend some money on changing clubs haha.

I am more or less wanting something to grow with. I feel like what I have is good for that, but as I said before, I have read a lot that suggests it would be better to go with name brand used clubs.

I played with no name clubs for years (had a set of Knight Virage clubs that I bought from Wal-Mart for $200) and while there is a difference in feel and performance from those to the Titleists and Mizunos Ive been playing since then, Im not so sure thats really all that important for a new golfer.
However, if you are to the point where you are getting serious about your game, then you owe it to yourself to buy a quality set of namebrand clubs. Some clones are very nice clubs, but IMO they dont have the quality and feel of a good set of namebrand clubs.
You can often get used clubs pretty cheap on Ebay (thats where I buy most of my clubs), you just need to make sure that you buy from a reputable seller.

Personally, I think you are OK for now. Having a daughter with less than a year to go at schooll, I am willing to bet that your life will be getting a bit busy real soon. Studying, graduation and landing a job will most likely take precedent. If you are striking the ball fairly well with what you have, you might want to wait until your swing has settled down before getting fitted and putting out the big bucks.

To the OP...did you read this?

http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/club...der_boxed_sets

Getting fitted could cost you nothing (if the place at which you are getting fitted believes that you plan on making the purchase from them), or it could cost you between $50 - $75, and others could go as high as $100.

As for used clubs, there are lots of on-line options: 3Balls.com, Callaway pre-owned, etc. But in the final analysis it really comes down to how you “feel” standing over the shot. If the clubs you’re gaming right now feel good to you then there really is no reason to make a change. I mean… why spend the money on equipment when you spend the money on playing regularly.

I checked out the Pinemeadow website, and they have been around since 1985 - 25th anniversary coming up in a year when some golf brands are shutting. Are they cloners - copying famous name brands with slight logo changes - or a small regional firm that does their own design? Big question on offbrand clubs is quality control. If they work OK and don't fall apart, what's the problem?

It sounds you got decent clubs for a modest price, so enjoy and don't let the snobs get you down. Once you graduate and your life stabilizes, consider getting custom fitted for clubs. They might be a name brand, or they might be something newer in the Pinemeadow line. Also, check the Bag Drop column link which NormH3 sent you.

Cant say for irons but theres a definate difference between a name brand driver and say a Pine meadow Bloc, I tried one and it was total crap sounds like a tin can. Their cheaper than the real thing for a reason and its not just cause they dont have commercials stay away

Well that is not one of their higher rated products, so i wouldn't expect much from it. It is a square driver which do tend to sound like aluminum bats. The club is only like $49 I would hope it is cheaper than the real thing lol. The Bloc line was not a good line for them based on reviews. The Command and Excel lines are much higher rated.

Thanks. No I had not, but I just did, nice little article. I would rather stick with my Pinemeadow stuff over the box sets. I have a few buddies and relatives that got the box sets. They can be pretty cheaply made. And if I am going to spend $500 for the "higher end" box set I would sooner by used top end clubs.

There are plenty of quality component brands out there without spending top dollar or getting cheap knockoffs. If you'd like, PM me and I can send you to other forums I frequent where you can get good quality 2nd hand clubs at MORE than reasonable prices and plenty of help with what you need by a bunch of good people.

They're effectively 'cloners' if you will, and I entirely agree with you, what's the problem?! They keep their costs down by not advertising at the PGA, and not keeping up with the very latest R&D; but if they've been around for 25 years I expect you'll get quite a reasonable club for a very good price (or they wouldn't still be around)... and given the criteria they sound perfect for a newer player!

Personally it sounds to me like you made a great choice!

Of course it will hamper your progress. You can only play your best if you spend at least $800 on an iron set.

Seriously though, I'd stick with your current irons, and try a different club here or there over the years. When you're ready to move up from clones, you'll know.

imo, what you have is fine for now. once you get serious about the game, then go out and get yourself some better clubs. theres nothing wrong with what you have to learn the game with. im sure they are just fine quality-wise

Alright. Sounds good everyone. Thanks for the input.

Great advice, in time you will be able to buy what you want, for now go play cause you have what you need.

You are fine with what you have, but I would take them to a club fitter to make sure the lengths and lie angles are appropriate.

Once you are consistenty breaking 90, think about upgrading.

I learned golf and played with hand me down clubs for my first six years in the game. (clubs were made for someone 5'8''--I'm 6'5'') It instilled some poor posture habits in my set up.