Tips on Buying Golf Clubs
From LoveToKnow Buy
Just as there are guides to buying anything, there are tips on buying golf clubs and even golf shoes. Buying gold clubs is as serious an investment as you make it. Asking yourself some important questions and knowing what to look for in a set of clubs will ensure you aren't wasting money on golf clubs that could just sit in your garage.
Purpose of Purchasing Golf Clubs
By asking a few questions before heading out to the local sports store, you will be able to determine what kind of golf clubs to get.
- What is my budget?: Probably the most important question to ask yourself. Obviously, the larger the budget the more advanced and brand-name set you can buy. Don't be discourage if you have a small budget because you can sometimes find great deals on good clubs.
- How much will I play?: Be honest with yourself. How often do you expect to play? Are you a weekend golfer? A daily, early morning type? Or maybe you get out to the course a couple of times a month. One big tip on buying gold clubs is to purchase them based on how much you'll play. You aren't getting your money's worth out of an expensive set of clubs if you only go once in a while.
- What is your goal in playing golf?: Are you looking to improve your game? Maybe just learn the game of golf? Nice clubs can help your game while cheaper sets of clubs is a good choice if you just starting.
Tips on Buying Golf Clubs
Size of Shaft
If you've ever bought a mountain bike, you know that the correct height is important; it makes everything comfortable. A golf club should be the correct length also, so testing it out the swing is just as important. Most sporting goods store and golf specialists have a section dedicated for testing clubs. Things to look for:
- Does the head of the club scrape the ground? The shaft is too long.
- Does the head of the club tap the top of the ball or completely overshoot it? The shaft is too short.
- Does the club feel off balance? Your body has a natural twist and you should be able to feel if a club isn't right for you.
- Can you swing the club at a good speed? Ask the golf club pro or salesperson (who should know about clubs) to observe the speed of you swing.
Flex and Shaft Material
There are five different type of shaft flexes that will affect your swing if not matched correctly. The flex is how much the shaft bends when the head impacts with the ball. You can sometimes get club fittings at most golf shops. The following types are available:
- Regular. Most sets you find in big box retailers are of this type. This is a good flex to start if you are a beginner.
- Extra Stiff. It's rare someone chooses this type of flex.
- Stiff. This type is a popular option for men.
- Senior.
- Ladies.
Shafts are made from graphite or steel. Steel shafts are heavier than graphite, but are more sturdy and you can worry less about cosmetic damage. Graphite clubs are lighter, but less durable.
Head Weighting
Good weighting does a few things:
- A correctly weighted head keeps the power behind the ball, making it go farther.
- Perimeter weighting absorb shock so that your swing isn't affect from the impact of the ball and beyond.
- Depending on how the head is weighted, you can either focus on lower shots or higher shots.
Used Clubs
Some tips on buying golf clubs that are used are just as important. Some things to consider:
- Is there rust on the club? Rust spreads so you don't want a club that has speck of rusts available to ruin your club.
- How is the grip tape? Does it need to be replaced or is it in good enough shape to use. Regripping a club takes time and doing it wrong can affect your swing.
- What do the grooves on the head look like? They shouldn't be shallow. Used clubs will have some sort of normal wear and tear, but they shouldn't be unusable.
Whether you are buying new or used clubs, knowing a few tips will help you find the right clubs for the right swing and gameplay style.
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This page has been accessed 120 times. This page was last modified 18:04, 30 September 2009.
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