My daughter has gotten me back into golf, and frankly, at 53 I need to get out more. I quit after I had shoulder surgery but a few trips to the range has me feeling pretty good. sooo.....

Looking at some new sets and they range from $400 to $1800.

the last newer set I had was in 1996 Big Bertha set. I traded those off and built my own after a class at Golfsmith. (snake eyes). But those have gotten rusty and so I am looking for a new set.

So I am like fine, I will buy used. I am looking at the old Ping eye 2's and really do not know if I want to go that far back. But then I am interested in everything but the front runner is the Taylor Made RSI 1's they have a nice look, got great reviews (10 years ago)_but they are about $300 for a set, and most look pretty used. Same for Ping G30 irons as well.

But the forums say to NOT use used golf clubs over a certain age.

I care not that a 7 iron goes 170 yards, only that it is pleasing to the eye, feels good when in use, and 'improves' my performance by keeping me in play.

I was hoping to pick up a quality used set since it is the end of the season but I have not found any yet. Do you guys have any thoughts on 'used clubs'? Or should I stick to new?

I just 'took up' golf again using my 10+ year old Calloway Diablos. Pros at my club said use these until you get your swing back then you'll have the necessary skill(s) to evaluate new(er) clubs. I (not an expert) see no reason not house older clubs - IMHO.

Consider that the clubs current PGA members were winning tournaments with 20-30 years ago are still better clubs than you will likely be a player (I’m assuming, and no offense intended).

Point is, a good set of old quality clubs are still quality clubs even if technology has improved by a generation or two since.

Don’t spend $$$ on the newest bestest unless you’re going to be taking up golf as a serious hobby, IMO.

-Rob

Go to ebay ...get a used set of Ben Hogan Apex FTX 3-9,EW,SW Normal Flex (3) steel shaft.

Put on new grips if they need them.

Best clubs made, 200-300 in good shape.

Add a nice 11 degree driver.

Done

Unless you plan to play professionally I don't see why a good set of used clubs in good condition wouldn't be adequate for a newbie returning to the sport of golf. A good set of clubs is a good set of clubs new or used and for someone playing recreationally why bother with the expense of buying a new set of clubs which won't substantially increase your skill at golf? Plus consider how often will you play, you quit playing once will you lose interest again and have a set of expensive clubs gathering dust in your garage. If it were me I'd get a good set of used clubs, not the best clubs on earth and not the cheapest clubs on earth just a good set that meets my needs and won't bankrupt me.

I have played golf since 12 years old. 71 now. An older set of clubs will not hinder your enjoyment and you won’t lose much in performance. I would suggest any older Ping G series clubs. Designed to be “game improvement” with built in forgiveness. The irons are investment cast stainless steel thus can take a beating without looking that way.
Lots out there for low cost and in great shape.

Ping Eye 2's are some of the most sought after clubs, some of the originals are still expensive.

Great clubs, high level of forgiveness, stay away from pro level, blades anything in that arena.

Still have my original Eye 2's and a set of Callaway blades, the Pings are easier to hit especially with longer time off between playing.

any advice given is shit until we know how good you are. What do you expect to shoot if you go out this weekend.
What was your best round 10 years ago when you did play

If their heads look good (bottoms, edges and faces not battered or scarred up), and they fit you, I see no reason why used clubs wouldn't be just fine. They might need new grips.

My first full-time job decades ago was at a country club (I maintained the fleet of gas-powered carts). I saw a fair number of players returning from the course with their clubs having their shafts broken or kinked, a couple of the latter in multiple places. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure how that kind of damage happened.

Timdogg brings up a good point, what’s your skill level, are you looking at game improvement or players irons? You may also need to consider club length, lie angle, etc. For instance my clubs are 1/2 longer than standard and 1 degree upright. A few club manufacturers have free online fitting tools so it would be a good place to start to give you an idea on what to look for.

Callawaygolfpreowned.com has some pretty good deals and usually in great shape.

I'd look for something used in three to five year old range. These will have much of whatever the latest improvements are, and still be cheap.

If you are Joe average, and don't need longer shafts or other custom fits, a used standard set that age will serve you well.

Ping, Taylor Made, Mizuno, Callaway, etc. all make good clubs, and some players prefer the feel of one brand over another, but you don't know which you might like better at this point. Pick one, and if you start to improve and play more, then think about buying a newer set better suited to your game.

I assume you will want some game improvement clubs. If you were good enough to want something more in the "players clubs" category (i.e. under a 10 handicap or so), you wouldn't need this advice.

(And Ping Eye2s were good clubs. People still like them, but that is a lot of nostalgia. Those are 40 year old clubs. The tech has come a long way since then. I used them for years. But my last set were Ping G30s, and were a big upgrade. Even those G30s would be dated now as they are ten years old.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jhe888,

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Ping Eye 2's are some of the most sought after clubs, some of the originals are still expensive.

Great clubs, high level of forgiveness, stay away from pro level, blades anything in that arena.

Still have my original Eye 2's and a set of Callaway blades, the Pings are easier to hit especially with longer time off between playing.

Same here with me. Still have my Ping Eye 2 “Blue Dot” irons and I really like them because of the extra large sweet spot.

Like you I have not played for almost 10 years but I did pull out my 9 iron about a year ago to hit plastic balls in the yard. Had to grab a couple of real golf balls and needless to say I will need a lot of practice time before I ever get back on any course to play.

Costco Calloway Edge
I bought a set of these for my son... $549. I play at least once a week and prefer Taylormade (graphite shafts) but these are a lot of bang for the buck. I would purchase a 5 iron but for getting out and just playing these are hard to beat. Big sweet spot on both the irons and woods. The Odyssey putter is way above average and "free" with the set.

Even at 10 years old there's still value.
Especially the irons, putters and wedges.
Unless they are worn out or broken, why not hit a few buckets at the range to see how you hit them.
I will say the technology has improved the fairway, drivers and utility woods.
Get a feel for what you have then upgrade as needed.
Good luck.

I have a set of titleist 712 mb 3- pw with three vokey wedges I'm planning on selling excellent condition.

USED!!!!

Start here: Callaway pre-owned
Then look here Global
If those places can’t fit your needs, you are a better golfer than most of us!
If you have custom fit specs, the Callaway site usually has more options.

Quote from OP: “the front runner is the Taylor Made RSI 1's they have a nice look, got great reviews (10 years ago)_but they are about $300 for a set, and most look pretty used.”

No…just NO.
The RSI-1s are the reason they came out with the M2. The RSI faces were caving in. I know 1st hand, I had a set. Taylormade replaced them with M2s…those I also bent the face in on, and those M2s and got replaced by a set of M4s which are still in my bag.
I went through 2 sets and hadn’t replaced the grips on them yet! (I used to hit a LOT of balls on the range) The M4s are the oldest versions of “slot faced” clubs you should be looking at.

Try your old irons on the range as others have suggested. Yes, there is a TON of tech improvements since those, (especially in the fairway woods & drivers) but if they fill the need, invest in a multi-lesson plan instead. You’ll be miles ahead if you even just take 3 lessons from someone who knows their stuff.
Find out what you can still do and what you can’t.

Play with what you've got until you know what you want.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
Play with what you've got until you know what you want.

I understand pro shops at clubs have to make money, but I'm 6'6" and used these guys' fitting guide to size and buy perfectly good clone clubs:

https://www.pinemeadowgolf.com/

Kmitch, I think you are right on the taylormade RSI 1's. They either look like they were never played with or they took significant damage.

I really appreciate all of you guys help.

The story goes, my old 'snake eyes' set my daughter loves, and wants me to shorten them a 1/2" and re-grip them. I will then clean them up a bit.

I have placed a bid on eBay for a set of Ping G Irons from 2016. They have senior shafts so that will be a new experience . . .

The goal is to keep it cheap, get me outdoors, play a few rounds. The daughter and yes, the boyfriend (who's dad has never taken him to a driving range) have 7 more buckets of balls before we attempt a round of golf. (my idea was hit 10 buckets, last few buckets in 'sim mode' before we play a round).

So thank you Top Golf in Roanoke, for making this gen interested in golf and getting an old man outside for a few