Do you guys think these clubs are a good deal?

[benjamingrantdu]

Hi All,

trying to buy a set of clubs.  I golfed growing up - not a ton - but I don't have any clubs now that I live across the country from my parents.  Any opinions on the three sets of clubs from craigslist would be very much appreciated!

http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4863466081.html    $110

-------KING COBRA II mens' clubs

----- 3,4,5,6,7,8,9, PITCHING WEDGE AND SAND WEDGE

----- COBRA DRIVER, THREE AND FIVE WOODS
----- PUTTER
----- IZZO STAND BAG WITH RAIN COVER

or

http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4842915504.html $50

wilson irons and taylor made drivers

and finally

http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4854454465.html $200

Looks like very good condition but cannot really see what clubs there are

Again, any insight would be great. thanks

[95124hacker]

None of these sets really thrill me, personally.  Most of those clubs are pretty old (except the Cobra 460cc drivers).  Hard to tell from the last listing, but the irons look like Taylormade RAC irons, which are decent.

I've always bought used clubs either at Golfsmith or on eBay, and almost always I make sure the seller accepts returns. eBay lets you zoom in on images (usually), and eBay has buyer protection also.  I also avoid sellers with negative feedback.

Craigs List has the advantage of seeing them in person before buying.

I think you can find better deals online on 3-5 year old clubs. Golf equipment resale values really have gone down over the past 5 years, with OEM's like Taylormade introducing new clubs every 3 months that are "guaranteed to hit farther and straighter" LOL.

Also, if you are above or below "average" height, you may need clubs that are more fitted (either flat or upright lie angles).

[95124hacker]

None of these sets really thrill me, personally.  Most of those clubs are pretty old (except the Cobra 460cc drivers).  Hard to tell from the last listing, but the irons look like Taylormade RAC irons, which are decent.

I've always bought used clubs either at Golfsmith or on eBay, and almost always I make sure the seller accepts returns. eBay lets you zoom in on images (usually), and eBay has buyer protection also.  I also avoid sellers with negative feedback.

Craigs List has the advantage of seeing them in person before buying.

I think you can find better deals online on 3-5 year old clubs. Golf equipment resale values really have gone down over the past 5 years, with OEM's like Taylormade introducing new clubs every 3 months that are "guaranteed to hit farther and straighter" LOL.

Also, if you are above or below "average" height, you may need clubs that are more fitted (either flat or upright lie angles).

Also, you have no idea on the shaft flex for any of the clubs from the 2nd and 3rd listings.

[jmanbooyaa]

I agree with the above responses. The selection of clubs are very dated and as a person who frequents used clubs at GS and PGATSS there are so many better options out there that you can play around with before buying. My 1st question or advise would be have a price in mind and 2nd how much do you plan on playing. 3rd do you really need to have 14 clubs. Driver 3,4 or 5 wood, hybrid, putter and set of irons. Used driver from last 2 years in proper flex for your swing around $39 same for any type of woods and hybrids as low as $19. Irons will most likely be your biggest expense. Say $150-$199. Yes this is substantially higher than your above referenced prices but in my opinion if you plan on playing more and more would be a better option for enjoyment. Oh ya a used bag that maybe eBay. But back to what you posted those clubs without being hit could turn to be a pain and limit your enjoyment.

[tristanhilton85]

The first set you mentioned isn't a bad deal for an entire set of clubs. Yes, as other have mentioned, they are old, but if they are in good shape, and you don't plan on playing a lot, I see nothing wrong with them. However, for not much more, you could get a better set. Also, make sure you think about things like the condition of the grips, as if you need to regrip the entire set you'd be looking at doubling the price.

[cooke119]

I hit the new Callaway XR irons at GolfSmith, rally nice, the cup face technology appear to work for ball distance. I was looking at the new G30 irons but the XR are nice, think that will be the way to go for me, Now I just need to see what I get for a trade in  on my G15 irons. If I can get close to $200 the deal will be done. I'm getting the 6 through the Sand wedge. When hit correctly you done feel the club and the ball jumps off the face,.DO swing weight with the graphite shaft, lot surprising but the feel very soldid.

[WUTiger]

I agree with the above responses. The selection of clubs are very dated and as a person who frequents used clubs at GS and PGATSS there are so many better options out there that you can play around with before buying. ...

My advice: Get a warm-up lesson at a golf shop, and tell the pro you want help in selecting clubs. Remember, you've been away from the game awhile.

A good pro can match you up with some used clubs that will fit you. Shops get lots of clubs in trade-in, and want to sell them quickly to recover their money. Some shops will let you try out the clubs for 30 days.

For your re-entry, you mainly want a static fitting on the clubs: Make sure the clubs are an acceptable length and shaft flex, and grip thickness. For irons and wedges, have a lie angle check to make sure they're not too upright or flat for your stance/swing.

As for Craigslist, you don't get to hit the clubs first to see if they fit you. Also, Craigslist is a lot of person-to-person sales, and I question whether some 20HDCP player in Phoenix will let you return clubs if you don't like them.

[benjamingrantdu]

Thanks for all the good advice everyone!  I think I'll keep looking

[treebound]

Also get familiar with the PGA Valueguide website, it helps to keep you from getting bit too hard and gives you a fair idea of market values. You can also watch sites like GlobalGolf for values and might even find a set there. And keep an eye on chain stores that take trade-ins, inventory can change daily at times. One shop near me had maybe six Taylormade Stage2 used drivers in their used rack a week or so ago, two days later and they were all gone but other clubs showed up on their places.

[SavvySwede]

Set 1- serviceable, but pretty low end

Set 2- complete junk you at least will want a modern 400-460cc titanium driver

set 3- pretty good looks to be some rac LT2 irons which are just as good as anything out today and a good driver

And remember, everything on craigslist is negotiable on price. Email #3 and offer him like $140, if he rejects ask him what would be the least he might take for them. You likely won't have to pay $200 to get them.

[benjamingrantdu]

I'm liking this iron set a lot: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaylorMade-RAC-OS-2004-Iron-Set-4-P-RH-Reg-TM-Graph-New-Grips-Nice-Set-/291372126164?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash;=item43d721cfd4

But it would be nice to try clubs first.  I'm about 6 foot with disproportionately long arms

[treebound]

$400 asking price  Cobra set: http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4875414506.html

$250 asking price mixed Callaways and others: http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4871481516.html

$325 asking price Nike set: http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4866933389.html

$250 asking price Taylormade RAC's: http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/4868061903.html

Looks like lots of options in your area depending upon your budget.