Clone/Knock off golf equipment (fw woods)

[BillDolfski]

Short version: Are clone golf clubs an acceptable route for a beginning golfer (only looking at fairway wood sets)?

I started playing golf this year and I decided it was time to get my own set of golf clubs. Luckily, I knew somebody that had some used clubs for sale and I've pretty much gotten my beginner set sorted out, but what I don't have are fairway woods.

I got a loaner set (of random ones, btw) but I've decided to go ahead and get my own because I really want to have a complete set and only play with it. So I've been looking around at fairway woods (I'm sure you all know what a daunting task that is) and I'm not sure what to do. I'm terrible at the game, I'm just learning... so I'm not interested in spending a lot of money because I don't think that great clubs are going to make me a great golfer.

Anyway, I've stumbled around companies that have more reasonably priced clubs that seem to get some good reviews and I started realizing that most of the clubs are just more "affordable technology," but clones of more expensive clubs.

Any thoughts on if they are worth using for the price?

[Crey23]

Short version: Are clone golf clubs an acceptable route for a beginning golfer (only looking at fairway wood sets)?

Bill I would actually stay away from fakes/knock-offs...You never know what you will get. You may get a real head with generic shaft, or all might be a copy.

Take a look at companies like Adams, Wilson, McGreggor ...they make a good product, but atleast you know is made with in specification, and you get what they say you are getting. McGreggor just went under so I suppose their clubs must be pretty cheat right now. Taylor made 2007 models are selling very cheap too. Take a look at reputable websites such as: www.tgw.com << good prices and shipping starts at $6.99 www.rockbottomgolf.com << great bargain hunter site, I bought my first driver and hybrid for $60 new from them. Also you may try some reputable used sites such as: www.globalgolf.com << I bought my putter from them, for $40, a great buy. I hope this helps you make up your mind. I have bought knock-off off of ebay, and almost broke a simulation bay at a local pro-shop when the head of my driver flew off the shaft. Also, check your local pro shops, they often have used equepment in fairly good conditions for very reasonable prices.

[BillDolfski]

^^
Most helpful.

Did find some MacGregor's on one of those sites for $60 a piece.

[BigTazz53]

I agree, may also check walmart/kmart/target for full set w/bag.
Saw some the other day I think are Wilsons or Dunlops.
Ad from Target Tour Logic
Not the best but good starter set imo

[BillDolfski]

I agree, may also check walmart/kmart/target for full set w/bag.

Thx, but I have everything I need but the fairway woods.

[piper_clap]

Some people have a big thing against Clones/Knock offs.

Counterfeit clubs are a dicey proposition, but you can purchase from a quality component manufacturer with confidence. Golfsmith, of course is the biggest and easiest to find, but also check out the stuff from Hirekogolf.com or GigaGolf.

My current driver was purchased used from Hireko Golf, and my dad plays hybrids from the same place. I have no concerns at all about the quality and performance of those clubs. Personally, I'd rather spend the same amount of money and get my clubs from a place like Hireko than Wal-Mart. You'll get a higher quality product from the entry level Wilson stuff, and you'll actually have some recourse should something need to be changed.

[ham_man]

Check the used racks at your local golf store. You might be able to find a few years old fairway wood for cheap (~$50). Put a new grip on it, and it might as well be new.

[wrx_junki]

No need to go with clones since used clubs are super cheap and probably comparable in price. Sometimes even new clubs lately are priced super low. I'm sure you can find some great deals out there in this time of recession.

[DES NUTTZ]

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for

[lumpuckeroo]

No need to go with clones since used clubs are super cheap and probably comparable in price. Sometimes even new clubs lately are priced super low. I'm sure you can find some great deals out there in this time of recession.

I agree, no reason to go with knock offs when there are OEM clubs out there for a very reasonable price.

[fendermallot]

check out pinemeadow. They're a local corp. for me, and everything I've ever heard about them has been positive.

[nykfan4life]

don't get knockoff clubs.. buy used clubs a couple model years old from name brands... a lot better deal in the end. keep your eyes out for macgregor(someone mentioned this before, i know) closeouts

[dmband8985]

+1 on Hireko... The Acer XK line (speaking about the irons) is top notch and was featured briefly in the Golf Digest Hot List Budget Guide for 2009. They are a legit company with lead by respectable people in the industry. You can feel safe you are getting a quality product from them. gigagolf is pretty solid too from what i hear

[frogger]

We are in a recession so it seems like the used golf club market is better than ever. Check ebay and craigslist as well as your local shop's used rack for great deals. I just picked up everything in my signature except the bag for $225 off craigslist.

[tatertot]

I wouldn't even settle for used. Between clearance sales and ebay, there are always deals on new stuff that's a couple of years old. I got everything in my signature - brand new, never touched a ball - for $475, and that includes paying full price for the CG14.

[wrx_junki]

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for

I don't think this applies to all cases. You can get some super good deals out there right now. My #4 hybrid was $20 off this website and is a quality club and not some junk. I hit my Ben Hogan's just as well I do Callaway X-20's which are considerably more expensive.

[Mr.Scarface]

gigagolf.com are like Hireko. They make custom-fitted clubs at great prices. Why buy used equipment, which you don't know how it was treated? The P2 clubs I bought from gigagolf are similiar to Pint G10s. They have True Temper shafts (You customize your shafts, grips, etc), with the +1/2 length and +2 degree lie I needed. I bought 5i-SW and a 2Hybrid (already had a driver and 3-4i Hybrid) for less than $190.

Gigagolf has a 30 day playability warranty, which means you can return the clubs for a refund within 30 days. Try to get a full refund after playing with your OEM clubs..........won't happen.

[piper_clap]

don't get knockoff clubs.. buy used clubs a couple model years old from name brands... a lot better deal in the end. keep your eyes out for macgregor(someone mentioned this before, i know) closeouts

There's a difference between "knockoff" and quality component clubs.

I've seen a friend's counterfeit ping irons fall apart in his hands. On the same note, ever set of irons I've ever owned were custom-built component clubs. I've never had a head fall off or a shaft fail. Sure, the resale value isn't the same, but I can buy two sets of irons with the same amount of money. But the value and performance is definately there.