How important to your game are good clubs?

[t_dog_lxi]

I am an avg golfer, (20-25 handicap) and I am loking to upgrade my clubs to some Callaway's. I was wonderng if like alot of other things
"you get what you pay for". If I spend $150 on a used set of cheap knock off clubs, is that going to affect my game? As apposed to spending $800 on a set of X-18's. Is that difference going to be big enough to justify spending an extra $650?

It's like softball bats. I can spend $100 and get a decent bat. BUT if I spend $300 I can get a bat that hits the ball harder, faster, and further dramatically.
Is it the same with clubs is what I am asking.

Hope I didn't confuse your guys, because I got myself abit :$

[TourIQ]

I am an avg golfer, (20-25 handicap) and I am loking to upgrade my clubs to some Callaway's. I was wonderng if like alot of other things
"you get what you pay for". If I spend $150 on a used set of cheap knock off clubs, is that going to affect my game? As apposed to spending $800 on a set of X-18's. Is that difference going to be big enough to justify spending an extra $650?

It's like softball bats. I can spend $100 and get a decent bat. BUT if I spend $300 I can get a bat that hits the ball harder, faster, and further dramatically.
Is it the same with clubs is what I am asking.

Hope I didn't confuse your guys, because I got myself abit :$Hi t_dog_lxi

The quality that goes into the assembly of the clubs is far more critical than the name that is stamped on the bottom of the sole. How consistent they are assembled on swingweight, frequency, length, weight, loft, lie, spine alignment, etc. will go a long way in either having consistent yardage gaps between each iron or having a set that is all messed up. Clubmakers who do actual testing of heads do know which drivers and fairway woods are explosive on distance, and not all heads are created equal.

When my son got new MP-30's in left hand we 'blueprinted' the set before it ever hit a ball. Within a year he shot a course record '64' to a club that is 54-years old. Yes everyone regardless of handicap can benefit from having a high quality set of clubs.

My nephew went to the World Jr. 9-ball championship in Japan a few years back. When he would find a better cue his game would improve 10 to 20% within 1 week. You can't be a good carpenter with a bad hammer ...

[hogannut]

I am an avg golfer, (20-25 handicap) and I am loking to upgrade my clubs to some Callaway's. I was wonderng if like alot of other things
"you get what you pay for". If I spend $150 on a used set of cheap knock off clubs, is that going to affect my game? As apposed to spending $800 on a set of X-18's. Is that difference going to be big enough to justify spending an extra $650?

It's like softball bats. I can spend $100 and get a decent bat. BUT if I spend $300 I can get a bat that hits the ball harder, faster, and further dramatically.
Is it the same with clubs is what I am asking.

Hope I didn't confuse your guys, because I got myself abit :$
You're comparison is correct, and yes don't buy the cheap knock off's. However it doesn't mean you have to go and spend huge $. First of all at your handicap you should be playing a game improving club. What you should do is go to a golf store and look for clearance clubs. These clubs are models that have been changed from one model year to the next. Often these clubs can be up to 50% off.

Another road is to go to a club fitter and get fitted into a set of Golfsmith clubs. Golfsmith is good equipment and will serve you well if assembled properly. A good club assembler is at the Markham Dome. This is the way to go in my opinion as they will custom fit you to the proper shaft and proper head.

The 3rd opotion is to go to TGW.com and clearance houses like that. They have brand new discontinued equipemtn.

[Pingnut]

I think you'll find there isn't a whole lot of difference between the X14 - X16 - X18 Pro Series irons. It's important if you want to save money to know what you need in terms of shaft flex / length and lie angle before you buy. You should be able to find something that fits you on Fleabay that won't break the bank. Nows a good time to be looking as well - once the Masters rolls around - equipment prices start to rise again.

[t_dog_lxi]

Thanks for all the help YET again guys. Your involment with helping others is an asset to this websight.

Basically with your comments and opinion's I am going to hold off for now on buying clubs, and instead find out what I need in terms of shaft flex / length and lie angle first. After that I will go out and find me a set of X-14's or 16's due to the cheaper price, and similar performence.

Again I thank all of you for the help. ;)

Terry

[DavidY]

Thanks for all the help YET again guys. Your involment with helping others is an asset to this websight.

Basically with your comments and opinion's I am going to hold off for now on buying clubs, and instead find out what I need in terms of shaft flex / length and lie angle first. After that I will go out and find me a set of X-14's or 16's due to the cheaper price, and similar performence.

Again I thank all of you for the help. ;)

Terry
If you are considering new irons, I believe that the discontinued Ben Hogan BH-5 are priced as low as $350 at GT. I have read that the BH-5 are very similar to X-14 (or X-14 PS), but with a better shaft. Wilson Staff Di5 irons appear to be well priced at less than $400 too.

Dave

[Focker Singh]

Originally when you start the learning the game the most common mindset is to not spend a lot on namebrand or expensive clubs just incase you dont like the game or find out that you`re not going to play the game often since its rather a big purchase for some of us. I do know that buying a good set of clubs makes learning the game that much easier and shows better results. This itself might make you enjoy the game more and play more often. Bear in mind that a new beginner should not be starting off with less forgiving clubs like blades or forged irons and should start with perhaps a used good set thats forgiving or "game improvement" clubs. To answer your question, YES, good clubs are important for your game! Good luck.

[Junior]

The key I think is to find clubs at a place where you can hit them and try them before you buy them. Then find a club that you like and feels good for you. May not be something that feels so good on the ego but will feel better on the course. I have a set of T Made RAC OS's that I bought last year. I find them great as game improvement clubs, ball always seems to fly well unless I totally mess something up. Most companies make a club in that range. I didn't buy them for the name, to be honest when I bought them I took 5 different clubs and hit them, paying as little attention as possible to the name or price of the club.

Good luck with your club search.

[Fore The Golfer]

You do get what you pay for.
That said, when you buy expensive off the rack clubs, a large portion of your money is going to marketing and advertising budgets, and of course endorsement contracts.
You will find true improvement in your game by finding a competent custom club fitter/builder in your area.
Good clubs are clubs that are fit to you!

[t_dog_lxi]

You do get what you pay for.
That said, when you buy expensive off the rack clubs, a large portion of your money is going to marketing and advertising budgets, and of course endorsement contracts.
You will find true improvement in your game by finding a competent custom club fitter/builder in your area.
Good clubs are clubs that are fit to you!
It's all true. That's why I came to this board. I know that in here you won't find the mark ups on prices, and such. Plus I can find daily help.

I am not a new golfer so to speak. I have been golfing for about 5 years. Not alot, but just enough. I am looking to get into it more, and since I saw the video of my swing I have NO CLUE how I ever got a ball to the hole in 4 shots :confused: . So that's why I am starting from scratch.

[itrcb4]

Hi t_dog_lxi

Though big company spend a lot of $$ into marketing etc, they also spend more $$ over the smaller companies.

Callaway is known for their game-improvement clubs and you can have best of both world by starting at:

www.callawaypreowned.com (http://www.callawaypreowned.com)

Their rating is too conservative. I got a "like new" club and they look to be in better shape than a club on shelf at Golf Town.

2cents.