buying used equipment

[Triclone]

As a poor college student and now with the economy I think a lot of people are starting to look at used equipment. I know that I have bought several used drivers and a set of irons, I have has good results from all of it. What is everyone else idea of buying used equipment over new?

[tjy355]

As a poor college student and now with the economy I think a lot of people are starting to look at used equipment. I know that I have bought several used drivers and a set of irons, I have has good results from all of it. What is everyone else idea of buying used equipment over new?

I buy used all the time.

I found a Cleveland Launcher 460 Comp at a Play It Again Sports for $40 that has yet to be kicked out of my bag. One needs to know a little about what they are looking at, but I would recommend a used set of pro-line clubs over a new set of department store clubs anyday.

[PiKapp23]

I have bought a lot of used equipment the last few years and have had great success. The stores I have bought used from have a 30 day 'Satisfaction Guarantee' so that I can return the items for full credit. This allows me to test equipment on a course in real play to make sure it's the best equipment for me. That is what I am currently doing with the Mizuno MP-60 irons. I still have a couple weeks to try them out before my 30 days are up. If I decide they are not for me, I can return them and purchase something else, new or used, without losing any money. That's the problem I have with purchasing new. A few years ago I bought a set of irons new and decided within about 2 rounds that the shaft was too flexible for me, but I couldn't return them without losing a lot of money on the deal. They felt fine in the store, but I didn't like them in real life. Had I bought those used it wouldn't have been a big deal.

[Big Padrigo]

I've bought 2 vokey wedges and a ping redwood from ebay and have been very happy. The first set I ever bought for myself was a set of ping zings that were second hand. I think the same rules apply in that if you know what you like, because you've hit the clubs, and know the fit you need then you can be very successful. I have a bid right now on a couple of callaway wedges on ebay that are +1/2" and 3 degrees upright, which is the fit for my irons. Getting these clubs this way will save me $120, which is a great deal.

[Dpricenator]

Everything I have, except my shoes is used. Including my bag. I'm not about to afford a new set for $800, but the same set 4 years old in good condition was $230 on Ebay. Works for me.

[Zeph]

I bought a set of Mizuno MP-57 from eBay a month ago. Paid half of retail price, the clubs were slightly used. You can see they've been used to hit some balls, but it's no more than I wear it during one round. It's a real bargain buying almost new, slightly used clubs for half the price. If you buy locally you'll be able to see the clubs yourself, no problem. Buying online does have a slightly larger risk, but as long as you buy from powersellers f.i. at eBay with over 1000 items and 99% positive feedback you are pretty safe.

I bought from the seller Timtheputterman . He's got some of the best prices and very good feedback. Spent some time searching him up on Google first, would not think twice about buying from him again, very pleased with the clubs.

Golf equipment can last very long if you treat it well. Hitting golf balls and some turf with a compact iron lump won't wear that fast. So, unless you go around hitting rocks all the time the clubs can use them for many years. Most players buy new equipment when they want it, not when the equipment is worn out.
Edit: Getting the clubs checked once a year or every other year can't hurt you, some clubs can change angle and lie. Also, changing grips is a very good investment. It's pretty easy to do yourself, it'll take some time the first time, but once you get it down you'll wonder why you never thought of that before. You can also get grips from eBay for a nice price, not used mind you.

[Stacey_E]

My irons and fairway woods I bought used. I also bought my 60* very slighty used, looked to have been played once or twice with no range work at all. I did buy the rest of my wedges new since the difference in price on 3 wedges new and used is about $150. It's worth it for me to have that confidence of (yes just slap me now) new grooves. I did buy my putter new so I could get it fit just the way I wanted it. I bought the hybrid new because it was an unhit demo still in the plastic and I got a little price break there.

IMHO used in every club is perfectly acceptable. I'd be a little picky with my wedges when buying used, especially if I couldn't see them in my hand first. Buying used is also sooo much more economical. Used clubs can usually be hit before buying them as well. That is a big plus to me!

I just bought a set of MX-23s in 5-PW with graphite shafts. They were in an unbelievably cherry condition given that the set has been discontinued a few years. The older man that owned them could not have played with them more than 10 rounds, and with a very slow swing speed at that. For $150 dollars I got what would have been $600-$750 new, even in 2005 dollars! That's a HUGE savings for someone on a budget. I highly doubt I would see any improvement in playing MX-25s or MX-200s.

[RocketSauce]

i buy A LOT of equipment. MOST of it is usually newer used stuff. heres a pic that shows about 2 months worth of purchases, and actually this is only HALF of the pile... you can get some AWESOME deals with slighlty used equipment, and even new older equipment. in fact, i just bought my Precept Tour Premium irons BRAND NEW IN THE ORIGINAL BOX for $175 and they are 6 year old irons.

[Zeph]

Out of curiosity, do you buy clubs for everyone on your local course? If that's half of 2 months shopping, how many clubs do you have, or need?

[golf_junkie27]

Regardless of what the economy looks like, I will always buy used equipment. Golf equipment, like cars, unfortunately, generally have poor resale value. With the cycle of irons, drivers, putters, etc being so short, it makes no sense (at least to me) to purchase new golf equipment. I'm better off spending the money on greens fees and lessons.

[RocketSauce]

Out of curiosity, do you buy clubs for everyone on your local course? If that's half of 2 months shopping, how many clubs do you have, or need?

well, i only NEED 14 clubs. i just like to buy equipment and try stuff out

[Zeph]

I'm in the same situation with portable audio equipment, it's really fun. You don't have a picture of your collection?

[DavidFehertysBike]

Wedges and putters are the only clubs i will not buy used. But aside from that, ill take a used club in good condition over a new one any day if the price is right.

[RocketSauce]

I'm in the same situation with portable audio equipment, it's really fun. You don't have a picture of your collection?

nah, all the clubs are just stuffed into several different staff bags. i do have some cool collectible stuff though that i will NEVER hit

[Zeph]

Agreed on that one DavidFehertysBike, wedges and putters I prefer brand spanking new. Most important are the wedges, a putter treated well and used normally doesn't wear at all, but a new club is always nice. Putting has a lot to do with the feel and look. If having a new putter helps on confidence then maybe it's worth the extra dollars.

[ks8829]

I think I bought all my equipment from ebay used and I am happy with their performance.

[George]

I bought a combination of new and used equipment. I got all my used equipment from ebay, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

[lumpuckeroo]

I have bought a lot of equipment used off of eBay along with new. I would say I have bought 2 or 3 sets of woods, 2 sets of irons, several hybrids, wedges and countless putters. To date I have not had any issues or been taken.