When you find that a top quality Callaway driver costs ,500 new and less than 0 used, the thought of buying used golf clubs has to come to mind. That can be a great move, but make sure you consider a few of these simple guidelines before you decide you’re about to get a great deal.
Before you plunk down your cash, make sure that what looks like a good deal really is one. To see of it is a bargain, compare the price with a new club of the same brand and model. A new Ping putter may run up to $100 or more. A used one that costs can definitely be a good deal, but only if the quality is still there.
When examing the club, look for obvious problems, such as worn grips.
Cracks or splits in the rubber or leather are not just a sign of age. Grips can be replaced. But they also suggest less than stellar manufacturing or poor care. Rust spots on club might indicate that the clubs have been left out in the rain and sometimes the seller might have cleaned them off to hide the neglect.
The effects of weather on a grip are not so easy to erase and few sellers will want to spend the money to replace one when they’re getting rid of the club. On the other hand some might, knowing that a few dollars invested can fool you. Take Caution. Re-gripping your club may cost you just a few dollars to or more. Even if you’re willing to spend the extra money right away, you’re buying a club that is not in great shape. Reconsider.
Closely examine the clubface of the used club you are considering purchasing.
Almost all used clubs will have some wear, but if the sweetspot shows a shiny area, indicating excessive wear you might want to give it a pass. A clubface like that will cause your shots to be less accurate, which may be the reason the previous owner is offering them for sale in the first place.
The grooves should have well defined edges. They’re there for a purpose. If there are dents in the surface, you should move onto the next one. Those will cause your flight angle to be off.
Also test the shafts.
Grafite shafts are slightly less durable than steel, but they are lighter weight. They’ll dent easier. Double check the shaft and make certain it is still perfectly round. Dents, grooves and other forms of club abuse will throw off your swing because they affect flexibility and torque. The effect is subtle, but real. Test the shaft by trying to gently twist the head and grip in opposite directions. This should be extremely difficult. Therefore the shaft is weak.
Even steel shafts can suffer damage. Even if there are no sign of dents, a steel shaft can get bent. That can happen from a missed swing, or an angry golfer who decided to whack the club into the ground or a tree. Any slight deviation may suggest that a club may have been bent. Straightening a golf club back to its original shape takes specialized equipment. If they did get close, it will still weaken the club, affecting flexibility and balance. Move on.
Even a better way of buying used clubs is buying certified pre-owned golf clubs from Callaway. Callaway certified clubs must pass a 10 point inspection. You can also try them for 90 days under real life conditions and if you are not satisfied, they will buy them back. Callaway certified pre-owned clubs also come with a 12 month warranty. Buying certified used clubs may be a great way to save money, or a way to trade up to some better clubs.
Buying used clubs can be the really smart way to go, especially for those relatively new to the game. It can be a cost-effective way to find out if your dedication to the sport justifies spending hundreds or even thousands for high-quality new clubs. Once your golf game is up to snuff, you may want to go that route. Or, you might just find a great bargain on a used club after all.
