Buy used vs Brand new Irons

[MillerLowLife]

As we get closer to the Ryder Cup for 2016 and I realize winter is just around the corner. I want to optimize my equipment in the bag for next season. So I keep asking myself this question... Should I get fitted for all new irons (looking into Srixon z965) and spend upwards of a grand OR would it be worth while to get fitted for shafts in my used TM Tour Preferred MB's? Would I really benefit from having brand new irons? Granted, I understand either way it would be good to get the right shaft options but would I see any relative benefit with new irons?

 

What are your experiences with just buying used irons and did you ever decide to get fitted for irons, what benefits did you see?

[Nessism]

New or used is a matter of personal preference, what's critical is that the clubs you play are suitable for your swing.

[LaymanM]

New or used is a matter of personal preference, what's critical is that the clubs you play are suitable for your swing.

 

This! It is also easier to test new, because of the options available in fitting cart

[dsmil]

I bought my current set used, with shafts that I have used and liked. I was then fitted and it was confirmed that those shafts were good for me, but I could use a lie adjustment. I had a fitter tweak the lies and I was good to go. Much cheaper than buying new. If you have no idea what shafts are good for you, you could always get fitted for shafts first, buy a used set with those shafts, and have a fitter tweak them if necessary.

[bubbagumpshrimp]

My first set (Ping i2's) were purchased used. I didn't know any better at the time, but they were nowhere near what I needed. The length was WAY off, the lie angle was way off, and the grips were too small. The shop I bought them from, the guy...I think...was more focused on just selling a set of clubs than getting me into a set of clubs that would work for me.

 

My second/current set (Ping G5's) were purchased new. They were fitted to me. I still remember when I took them out for the first time thinking "wow...THIS is what a set of irons are supposed to feel like." Looking back on it...to me...it was a significant amount of money ($800 back in 2006). I think they were worth every penny. I would definitely consider getting another new fitted set at some point.

 

That being said...If you you're someone that can get away with a standard/off the shelf set of clubs....I would go used in a heartbeat.

 

If you're someone like me though (requires extended shaft, larger than standard grips, and upright lie), the odds are pretty much zero of finding a suitable used set that doesn't require at least $150 to get it where I would need it (defeats the purpose of going used/trying to save a buck).

[MillerLowLife]

I bought my current set used, with shafts that I have used and liked. I was then fitted and it was confirmed that those shafts were good for me, but I could use a lie adjustment. I had a fitter tweak the lies and I was good to go. Much cheaper than buying new. If you have no idea what shafts are good for you, you could always get fitted for shafts first, buy a used set with those shafts, and have a fitter tweak them if necessary.

 

Im starting to think a brand new set won't produce more return than my current set of irons. Thinking it would be best to test out some different shafts at the PGA Superstore like x100 vs s300 that I currently have. Then once I figure that out new grips.

[MillerLowLife]

My first set (Ping i2's) were purchased used. I didn't know any better at the time, but they were nowhere near what I needed. The length was WAY off, the lie angle was way off, and the grips were too small. The shop I bought them from, the guy...I think...was more focused on just selling a set of clubs than getting me into a set of clubs that would work for me.

 

My second/current set (Ping G5's) were purchased new. They were fitted to me. I still remember when I took them out for the first time thinking "wow...THIS is what a set of irons are supposed to feel like." Looking back on it...to me...it was a significant amount of money ($800 back in 2006). I think they were worth every penny. I would definitely consider getting another new fitted set at some point.

 

That being said...If you you're someone that can get away with a standard/off the shelf set of clubs....I would go used in a heartbeat.

 

If you're someone like me though (requires extended shaft, larger than standard grips, and upright lie), the odds are pretty much zero of finding a suitable used set that doesn't require at least $150 to get it where I would need it (defeats the purpose of going used/trying to save a buck).

 

Interesting, thanks for the input. I'll post back in here once I get on the trackman at PGA superstore and see if I see any difference.

[jimb6golf]

If you can find clubs that match your specs and are in good shape why not save a few bucks and buy them used. There's lots of places to buy them used and I've had good luck in the past. It's all about finding the clubs in decent shape. And don't forget you'll likely want new grips on them after you buy them too, so a little more money to spend.

[trumb1mj1]

New or used may be a matter of preference, but buying new is for suckers.

[Jack Pearsall]

Almost always JP buys a few years back, used. Mostly, he doesn't feel the new stuff is really any better than older stuff. Perhaps in terms of shafts, but then, it can take a long time to find your shaft, so he is not in any hurry to find something 'better'. It can be overly expensive to change out for the pursuit of that new, best thing. So what if he uses Voodoo shafts, he likes them and they work well for him. He just bought his first adjustable driver this year....so he is pretty slow to change.

[PutterFingers]

I paid for a fitting and then bought used. Found a set of irons I wanted with shafts that fit me well, then paid a few dollars to have the lie angles adjusted per my fitting.

 

I saved hundreds over buying the same irons brand new, enough to buy a driver and fairway wood.

[ptambrosetti]

MORE IMPORTANTLY, if you do go get fit - see a PGA Professional.

 

Dick's, Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, etc... all have hourly wage people that more often than not don't know how to properly fit you and their indoor launch monitors are almost always off. You may spend an extra $100 but it is worth every penny.

 

Went to Edwin Watts last year to try the new Titleist T-MB Irons and according to their launch monitor was carrying the 7-iron 215 yards... I ran out to my car grabbed my own club and was hitting it the same distance. I asked the sales guy why it was so off and he told me so that people get confidence from their new set and (without saying it outright) will be more apt to make a purchase on the spot.

[mike_dmt]

Once you know what shaft works for you, as long as it's not something super exotic, you'll likely find them on the 'Bay.

 

I found my Mizuno's online. 3Ballsgolf.com, if I remember right, and saved almost 50% because they were "used". Half of them still had the plastic on them.

 

I went to a fitter, had the lie adjusted, put the grips on that I liked, and was still $100's less than new.

[Bigmean]

Used all day long.....but I am 5'10 and a half and own a loft lie machine sooooo....I agree, if you are off standards you have little choices used

[dunn]

Find your current set with shafts you want already in them, buy em........then sell the ones you have.......prolly cheaper than reshafting current set.....or find srixon z945 with shafts you want, they are cheap right now and pretty much same club as z965......

[MillerLowLife]

Used all day long.....but I am 5'10 and a half and own a loft lie machine sooooo....I agree, if you are off standards you have little choices used

 

Haha wow. So how many players really need the lie adjusted? What equates to needing the lie adjusting in clubs for ones swing?

[sheppy335]

I went with buying new used heads and getting fitted for Shafts, It worked for me.

[jaymay82]

I never buy anything new. A single club could be hit once and off the bat, it can be had for at least $30 to $50 bucks off.

[MillerLowLife]

I never buy anything new. A single club could be hit once and off the bat, it can be had for at least $30 to $50 bucks off.

 

shootz brah

[jaymay82]

I never buy anything new. A single club could be hit once and off the bat, it can be had for at least $30 to $50 bucks off.

 

shootz brah

 

Howzit baddah. You know da kine, no make fun of me laddat. Shoots cuz, spock you lataz.

[LHGolf4]

I prefer to buy used, however sometimes that can be difficult to find the specs you want in a used set when you are left handed. So you either settle for something not quite what you want or just buy new.

[Juice1121]

I've gotten fit for new clubs and loved them. I've gotten fit for new clubs and hated them on the course.

 

I've bought used and loved them, I've bought used and hated them. The irons I am playing right now I had never hit them before, I had never even tried the shafts before.

 

I do feel that when I have found a club online that I really liked and worked for my swing that I got lucky. Getting fit for new clubs feels much more reliable that I will like them once I finally pull the trigger.

[dunn]

I just bought brand new in wrapper mp54 clubs for $400.........if you don't have to have current irons ( and my last 5 sets were) they aren't that expensive.......players cb's or MB don't change, they just repaint or rebadged and make em look a lil different......I actually prefer some older models to newer ones.......common sense and some shopping you can do very well buying clubs for very reasonable prices.......

[solarbear88]

Was custom fitted ages ago for a set of Wishon 752. I have since found it hard to replace them.

 

Only found out recently that the person who made them did something very interesting based on my fitting. Basically, during the fitting I struggled to hit the 6 and 5 iron consistently unless I choked down a half inch. So what he did was started the set at the normal length down at the GW and went up by a smaller amount than usual so when you got to the 5 iron it was 1/2 an inch shorter than normal. Worked brilliantly.

 

Currently, I bought a set of Ping iE1 and after a few range sessions got the local pro to do the same sort of length and can report that it seemed to help a lot..

[WidespreadPanic]

I just bought a used set of MP33's and its the best purchase I've ever made. Yes they were cheap, but they are in great condition. I can't imagine spending $1k+ would've benefitted me any more. Now obviously that's not the case in every situation, but i feel like it was this time around.

[dekez]

I prefer used. Best time to buy is Oct - Nov. Best time to sell is Masters week. I often make 20 - 40 bucks while getting a newer used set.

[rlee323]

I've bought new irons from maltby and see no difference in performance as another option.

[5yddraw]

I prefer buying irons new. I only get irons once every 3 or 4 years and I get them with my specs after a fitting.

[MillerLowLife]

I never buy anything new. A single club could be hit once and off the bat, it can be had for at least $30 to $50 bucks off.

 

shootz brah

 

Howzit baddah. You know da kine, no make fun of me laddat. Shoots cuz, spock you lataz.

 

 

hahaha thank you for the lol

[NRJyzr]

Used all day long.....but I am 5'10 and a half and own a loft lie machine sooooo....I agree, if you are off standards you have little choices used

 

Haha wow. So how many players really need the lie adjusted? What equates to needing the lie adjusting in clubs for ones swing?

 

 

I'm about 6' tall and have fairly short arms, I need to play something in the 63° range for a 5 iron lie angle (I spec as white dot on the Ping static fit, fwiw, and yes, I know it's only a starting point). I was playing standard lie irons when I started and faded everything, the fitting helped explain why. ;)

 

 

To be topical, I've generally bought used. I think I've only bought two set of irons new, in my early days of playing golf. I've been solidly in the Xstiff range until recently, when I feel I've dropped to borderline S or X, and when combined with the lie angle already mentioned, I'm not a stock fit for anything. Seems easier then to buy used and refit them.

 

Since I do my own clubwork, the whole process is not terribly expensive, and still generally cheaper than buying new. <shrug>