Technology Improvements Since 2002?

[TussinMan]

Currently playing on a hammy down set of entry level wilsons that are estimated to be either 2001 or 2002. 

How much of an improvement would I see if I switched to something more modern ? (noticeable increase in accuracy, higher trajectory,  and more distance ?). 

I asked my local PGA pro and he basically said "technology improves enough to warrant new irons every 5 to 10 years.  After 5 years, they're getting old, after 10, they're old" 

 

Edited April 24, 2019 by TussinMan
typo

[dennyjones]

Your local PGA pro gave you good advise.   The newer clubs can have lighter shafts, better accuracy and more distance.   They are superior to older technology.

[pganapathy]

I would suggest you go to a fitting and hit your existing clubs along with new clubs and see the difference.  You should ideally see better length and dispersion.  In that case look for new clubs as it will help your game.  Your pro is right.  Over 15 years there is definitely improvement to be found in the clubs

[TussinMan]

The area I live in (Dallas) is very saturated and there's a ton of businesses that exclusively sell used gear. 

What type of price range am I looking at and what should I know beforehand ? 

Also do  I go full set or are there 5 or 6 clubs that I should mostly focus on ? 

[Piz]

Technology is over-sold.  No golf club is going to improve your game.  There is stuff that is, on average, easier to use; but at the end of the day it is the Indian and not the arrow.

[pganapathy]

Buying a few clubs as opposed to the entire set only makes sense if your current set has clubs worth keeping.  If the entire set is the Wilson hand-me-down beginner clubs, then a full set is better.  The only club you may decide not to change is your putter, if that is currently working well for you.  There are pro's that have won tournaments with cheap putters.  That is a club where a lack of technology is not as big an impediment.

If budget is a constraint, then looking at buying clubs more gradually, but ideally replace your entire bag

[TussinMan]

15 hours ago, Piz said:

 There is stuff that is, on average, easier to use

That's actually mostly what I'm looking for. I figured it's oversold but at the same time I would rather learn how to drive on a Honda Accord then learn on a big Econoline van

For used Market what should I be looking for ? (Any terms or variables I need to watch out for?)

Is it possible to get a good used complete set in the $400-600 range. I don't want to overspend but at the same time I'm getting lessons twice a week and the last sport I did I did for eight years so this is most likely something that I'm going to commit to so I don't want to skimp out

[Piz]

37 minutes ago, TussinMan said:

That's actually mostly what I'm looking for. I figured it's oversold but at the same time I would rather learn how to drive on a Honda Accord then learn on a big Econoline van

For used Market what should I be looking for ? (Any terms or variables I need to watch out for?)

Is it possible to get a good used complete set in the $400-600 range. I don't want to overspend but at the same time I'm getting lessons twice a week and the last sport I did I did for eight years so this is most likely something that I'm going to commit to so I don't want to skimp out

You don't even have to spend that much.  Tour Edge and Adams are just two of the brands that don't command a high price, on the used market, despite having produced some high-quality stuff.  You can find old reviews, on-line, to get some "idea" of what was hot and is no longer not.  Some clubs, like some cars, fall out of favor with the general public and sell for much less because of it.  The quality is still there but the "buzz" is gone...along with the high price tag.  

[MarvChamp]

10 minutes ago, Piz said:

Some clubs, like some cars, fall out of favor with the general public and sell for much less because of it.  The quality is still there but the "buzz" is gone...along with the high price tag.  

True. My buddy got fitted into a set of RocketBladez last week. 2012-2014 clubs but he said all his numbers were improved greatly. Best, -Marv

[Patch]

I would think that a good indicator of how much new technology relates to better playability, would be how much better the professionals play with the new technology. 

I mean, they have the best swings to take advantage of the newest technology. Probably a fine line there too.

How much has the average pro tournaments score improved since 2000?

Then again, perhaps the new technology can help the amature more than the professionals because the technology can hide more swing flaws.  

I use to buy clubs every 8-10 years, and saw minimum improvement in my game. I retired the old clubs because they were worn out.

[ncates00]

5 hours ago, TussinMan said:

That's actually mostly what I'm looking for. I figured it's oversold but at the same time I would rather learn how to drive on a Honda Accord then learn on a big Econoline van

For used Market what should I be looking for ? (Any terms or variables I need to watch out for?)

Is it possible to get a good used complete set in the $400-600 range. I don't want to overspend but at the same time I'm getting lessons twice a week and the last sport I did I did for eight years so this is most likely something that I'm going to commit to so I don't want to skimp out

eBay is amazing.