Recommendations for a High School Golfer

[MaxEntropy]

M wife's friend is seeking advice for new clubs for her son. The husband knows little about golf, so she reached out to me. The kid has been playing (very) used clubs and is looking to upgrade. My understanding is he had a full bag fitting where they tried to sell them $4000 worth of clubs. I asked what the specs were to try to find deals for them for something similar, but apparently the fitter won't respond to the requests, which I find very bush league. He is ok with (gently) used and basically needs/wants everything except putter. So far, I have searched Callaway Pre-Owned, 2nd Swing, Global Golf, and @GolfSub70. Apparently he's relatively high swing speed (he remembers the fitter recommending stiff, but not X) and averages ~93 for 18.

Anything else I should consider? Used prices seem very high to me right now, so I'm tempted to suggest my wife's friend call Sub70 and see what they can put together for him.

[RollingGreens]

You can always use the BST forum. Lots of clubs moving on GolfWRX. If he has a better understanding of his specs it would make it easier to weed out what he was fitted for

[MaxEntropy]

10 minutes ago, RollingGreens said:

You can always use the BST forum. Lots of clubs moving on GolfWRX. If he has a better understanding of his specs it would make it easier to weed out what he was fitted for

Good thought! I was texting with him earlier today to try to get a sense of what he remembered and basic stats, but he doesn't recall much. It makes it tricky, but if he's playing old hand-me-downs, I would think almost anything close should be better for him.

[RollingGreens]

Yea standard L/L/L and have it adjusted if need be. I can’t believe the fitter won’t release his data. Seems like a low move to me

[Kansas King]

If he doesn't know what he wants or needs I would recommend going the Maltby/Hireko route and getting a new set built for a fraction of what you would spend elsewhere. Sub70 and the other DTC companies wouldn't be a bad choice either but you're unlikely to beat the pricing you will get from a company like Maltby (Golfworks). The best part of a cheaper custom set is that if he finds he wants something different in a year or two, you're not taking a bath trying to sell $1000+ in clubs. Contrary to what many say, the depreciation on Maltby and Hireko stuff is actually really low relative to just about any other options out there with the exception of buying used. You can get a full set of assembled Maltby STi2 irons from Golfworks for around $175 and you probably be able to sell them in a year (assuming no major shifts) for $100 - $150. Not a bad way to start. 

Edited July 29, 2021 by Kansas King
STi2 pack is only $169 from Golfworks

[scott80109]

I would take him to a different fitter that will find the right shafts for him, and won’t be offended if he takes the specs and shops around. Then I would shop used, or go to Sub 70 to buy new. $4000 for a full bag with premium shaft options sounds about right, but probably overkill for what he needs. Maybe even check out the vendor sites to see if they have any demo days or fitting events. They’ll usually fit you in a stock shaft vs the club fitters who try to put you in the most expensive shaft they can. 

[heavygolffeels]

Do they pay the fitter? Never head of not being able to have your specs. That's the main point of being fit. The clubs are secondary. 

[ST3LTR0]

That fitter is bush league. I think getting him a reference without knowing his swing/needs is a little difficult. Honestly I'd suggest maybe he goes to another fitter if possible to get a sense of direction at least. If that is unreasonable than what others have suggested is good in Sub70 or the BTS threads. Also I'd check out ebay as a lot of sellers use that and generally you can find a few who don't know the quality of what they have. 

[Dr Strangelove]

If standard length, lie and loft, I would recommend just getting a used GI set from one of the major OEM's.  In the $200 - $400 range.  From the Classifieds section here or eBay.  For example: Titleist AP1/2, Ping G25, Mizuno Hot Metals...