Are Used Golf Clubs Really a Good Buy?

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. Compare the price of a new club of the same brand and model. A new Ping putter may run up to $100 or more. A used club that costs can be a good deal, if there is no damage and still of high quality.

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. A club left out in the rain may have rust spots, but those could have been cleaned off before being offered for sale.

The effects of weather on a grip are not easy to disguise 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. Buyer beware. To re-grip your club, you may have to spend anywhere from a few dollars up to , some times 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 is worn shiny, you might want to give it a pass. A clubface like that will cause your shots to be less accurate, which problably is the reason the seller is offering them in the first place.

Grooves should have well defined edges. They're there for a purpose. If you spot some dents in the surface, perhaps it is wise to move onto the next one. Those will cause your flight angle to be off.

Check the shafts, too.

Graphite shafts are lighter weight than steel, but they are slightly less durable. They'll dent easier. Make sure the shaft is still perfectly round. Dents, grooves and other signs of club abuse may 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. A bent shaft can occur when a golfer missed a swing, or decided to take his frustrations out on tree. Any slight deviation may suggest that a club may have been bent. No golfer without special equipment could straighten the club back to its original shape. If they did try to straighten the club, it can still weaken it and affect the flexibility and the 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. Purchasing used clubs 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.