Buy a complete set or build a set??

Hello, I'd just like to start with saying im new here and thought id try this forum thing out. I've been contemplating whether I should buy a complete set or build a set starting with a set of irons. I have an old cheap off brand set from about 12 years ago and i thought it was time to upgrade with new technology and just better overall clubs.Originally i was looking at the Adams Tight Lies Plus complete set since it had everything i feel Id probably need. But I recently got a job at a golfsmith opening up in my area soon and thought "hmm maybe with my employee discount and the perks of working at a golf shop maybe i can build a set more to my personal liking." So then i started looking at the Adams Idea Black CB3s.As theyve made the CB line more forgiving over the last few years. I'm a 24 handicap and CB3s may be out of my league but I'd like to add that i started playing when i was 14 and stopped around 19 bc alot of friends i played with moved away. But i recently started playing again this season and am addicted again so i dont mind maybe getting some clubs i can grow into sort of speak. Any advice would be great on whether i should buy a complete set or build a set and if its build a set suggestions on equipment would be great too.

Looks like golf is getting a bigger place in your life, both as a job and as a player.  I would suggest you buy a set of irons, and then learn how to assemble golf clubs once you start working for Golfsmith.

When selecting the irons, at least get a static fitting. In this basic fitting, the club fitter checks the length and lie of the golf clubs, and the grip thickness to make sure the club fit you OK. Also check swing speed to see what flex shaft you need. Or, Golfsmith might give you a more complex fitting so you can offer the service to customers.

As far as the irons, Golfsmith might be able to pair you with a used set that fits you, or could be tweaked a little to fit you. Or, use the employee discount to get new irons. If you'll be a player's rep who sells clubs, you want to be familiar with the new models so you can give advice to customers.

As far as building your own clubs, you would need both the how-to knowledge and the shop set-up. I went to the GolfWorks club fitting, assembly and repair school in February. (GolfWorks is owned by Golf Galaxy/Dick's). We learned about shop set-up options. A basic reshafting station would cost about $500, and bending machines can run from $149 (very basic) to $1,400 (premium). Then there's swingweight scales, economy for $50 and digital for $320. Besides the cost, your set-up space could easily claim a bedroom or half your garage. And, you need to allow for ventilation.

Golfsmith also offers a full line of club making equipment. Check out a Golfsmith or GolfWorks catalog to get an idea of what's involved.

HInt: Buy your new irons from Golfsmith, and then tell them you want to learn club repair and assembly. Very likely they will coach you and let you use their equipment to build your set. If you show promise, you might get to go to the Golfsmith clubsmithing school.

Congrats on your new job, and keep us posted!

Definitley start out with a set of irons.  I can count on one finger the number of decent, amateur golfers I've seen who have a bag that matches entirely.  You will find that you'll want/need different types of clubs (wedges, hybrids, FWs) to fill the different sorts of holes and discrepancies in your game.

Thanks for the responses guys. That was kind of what  i was leaning toward. Its pretty rare to get an all in one type of set and feel you have everything you need but the tight lies set does look like it would be pretty close. I just didnt like the fact that there was no 3i/3h and i kind of like swinging a 5i so a 5h put me off a little too. but from all the completes i saw that was the best i could find that would suit my game. Well if i buy piece by piece starting with an iron set i would have to get a driver as well considering mine is like swinging a tiny piece of metal on a stick. Its probably equivalent to swinging a 3 wood now a days. I know ill be able to fitted for clubs once my new job starts up but any suggestions on iron sets and driver for about a 24 handicap with a bit of a fade/slice??