Thoughts on buying one year old clubs?

[Hacker60521]

Hello! I’ve had this thought rattling around in my head for a while and I’d really appreciate the expertise of this group.

I’m fascinated that as soon as 2024 versions of clubs come out, the “mint” and “like new” clubs from last year are significantly reduced. For example, if you go to an online used club seller, a Taylormade Stealth 2 in “mint” condition is about $100 less than a new one from PGA Superstore. Two questions for the group.

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

Thanks in advance!

[cnosil]

31 minutes ago, Hacker60521 said:

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

Thanks in advance!

1) If they are the correct setup for you I say go for it. 

2) I primarily buy used clubs.  Great way to save money and get nice equipment.  Remember,  the first time you hit a club it is used.   I have a local shop that has a great supply of used clubs and takes trade ins and have bought drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters.   I have also bought used from some of the various online stores.

[RickyBobby_PR]

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

I agree with cnosil on this. If they fit ones swing then go for it. It they don’t then there’s a chance ones swing/game can take a hit because the person is fighting the club rather than the club working with their swing.

If someone doesn’t care and just wants something new to them then also go for it.

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

I rarely buy used and if I do it’s just to test to see what some of the hype was about. If I’m looking to actually replace a club I’m either self fitting or going to get fit for a new club

[Parshooter36]

I buy almost all of my clubs from the previous year.  In my experience when it says mint or like new most of the time it still has the plastic on the head.  

[StrokerAce]

I liken it to buying a new vs used car. some people want something that has *never* been used/touched/etc. awesome.

I'm in the other camp where I'll let someone else pay the depreciation cost and get something slightly used. Just bought a 2023 car with less than 10k miles and saved thousands. 

With the exorbitant prices being charged for new clubs today, if I can find something that fits right and is slightly used I'm all about it. I mainly look at shaft and head/grooves. I can swap grips. I saved a couple hundred doing this with a G425 over the 430. 

[Bossfan]

I’ve had ones that were fine. I have had couple of others that weren’t good but I was able to return them. 

[barney_bogey]

New clubs from previous generations are awesome. I took a little heat from buying wedges that were three years old, though new.

My thing is, if they were good enough to play on tour three years ago, they are fine for the work scramble.

B

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I would typically go to my clubs demo days and get fit for the current equipment. Armed with my specs I would put them in a draw and wait for the next model release. Then I would hunt all the discount golf store websites and pick up the item for half the original price. Still new in the wrapper.

I let someone else take the hit if I’m getting used. But I only purchased from reputable companies like Callaway Pre owned or something like that.

But make sure what you are getting fits you and your swing. I was fit in the past to standard lengths, lies and stiff flex. Those days are gone and now with a quality fitting I’m plus 1/2”, 1-1/2 degree flat and regular flex. So hunting for one year left over equipment got harder. Adding a shaft extension and adjusting the lie is always an option for me. I just hate spending thousands of dollars on equipment. Plus having five plus sets sitting around makes it even harder to justify the want because It’s definitely not a need.

[THE GOLF GUY]

Edited February 23 by THE GOLF GUY

[cnosil]

13 minutes ago, THE GOLF GUY said:

So with my Taylormade Stealth 2 (10.5*) I compared it with the Q10 Max and I thought that the Stealth outperformed the Q10.

So back to the original question, a year isn’t enough time for technology to make a difference but with someone playing an M4 or M5 there might be enough progress in technology to help and be worth the money to update . Thanks  

The OP didn't say how old his clubs were,  he simply asked if buying last years model would be acceptable.    You even indicated that you felt you got better performance from an older model so you supported what the OP was asking.

[THE GOLF GUY]

[Rob Person]

I have bought a couple of used clubs off marketplace. They were cheap enough that I could resell them when they weren't for me.  Except for this TM burner 2.0. I can't stand this driver, and neither can anyone else, so I guess I was the sucker this round on it...heh

 

I'll agree with above. When I get fitted, it will arm me with enough knowledge to know what won't work for me.

Edited February 23 by Rob Person

[THE GOLF GUY]

Ha…. I moved to another home after I retired. My last home had 15 drivers ( one being the Burner 2.0)22 fairway woods , 7 sets of irons ( a set of Hogan GCD’s midsize irons still in the box ) ,too many wedges to count and finally 31 putters . I decided to get rid of most of the clubs by donating them ,but kept my Hogan GCD set and a couple of reliable putters that has served me well . Anyway , you never know what you will find at estate , yard and garage sales ! 
My latest find was an old Scotty Cameron for 5$ and a week later bought a set of Ping Eye2 beryllium copper for 50$ ! I still have some of my old golf shop machines and tools , so I use them to clean , brush and fix up clubs that I find . It’s another hobby that I enjoy . Incidentally, I cleaned up the Scotty and kept it

Edited February 23 by THE GOLF GUY

[Sir Putts Alot]

Too old, they aren't any good now.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Of course the new stuff grabs attention, but there is normally nothing wrong with the previous seasons gear. 

Sometimes it's harder to get fit for it properly because standard or stock options are only available which doesn't always work for all, but on general no reason to not take advantage of the deal!

[GolfSpy_APH]

I figured I should also add in that even going back several years you can find great clubs and great deals. It isn't or doesn't have to be just a year old. Drivers such as the G400 still hold up well and several iron models year over year hold up really well. Then 3 woods - or woods in general. So many of those are fantastic clubs year and years later on!

[Usmcgyrene]

Buying last year's clubs can be a great way to update the bag on the cheap. I've been doing that a long time. Back in the old days, I'd play clubs for a decade until they were well worn. Nowadays, since the technology race began, I update every few years. Most of the time, you can buy leftovers still in the plastic for a massive discount.

[richmscott]

I have played both and pre-owned clubs are just fine. I've had to change shafts in pre-owned irons and made money selling the old shafts then what the new shafts cost. I do recommend you look at the BUY SELL TRADE sections in this and other forum sites

[RobbieW]

20 hours ago, Hacker60521 said:

Hello! I’ve had this thought rattling around in my head for a while and I’d really appreciate the expertise of this group.

I’m fascinated that as soon as 2024 versions of clubs come out, the “mint” and “like new” clubs from last year are significantly reduced. For example, if you go to an online used club seller, a Taylormade Stealth 2 in “mint” condition is about $100 less than a new one from PGA Superstore. Two questions for the group.

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

Thanks in advance!

I would buy used as long as the set up was correct fit for me. Problem I find is club fitting companies usually only sell the latest gear. 

[berkeleybob]

20 hours ago, Hacker60521 said:

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

Thanks in advance!

1. I’m not sure I know at “mint” or “like new” means. Are we talking about clubs that have like fewer than ten rounds on them?

What I have done is buy previous model clubs (fairways, hybrids and irons) that have been demos. As a lefty, I’ve noticed that demo models don’t have the same mileage on them as their RH counterparts. I don’t know if they would qualify as “like new” but because they haven’t really left the bay, they are pretty shiny, and I’ve been able to hit with them first before committing, something I can’t do with an online seller.

2. As for whether I would buy used … Putters, I would, yes, if there was a model I really wanted but couldn’t afford new, for example, the Cobra King 3D Printed Grand Sport (no real rational reasoning behind it, it’s just shiny).

Woods, irons, maybe but probably not online. I follow an FB buyer/seller/trade group, and I’ve never pulled the trigger with them. Just too many specs to worry about. I always worry someone’s leaving out a detail unintentionally like “-2° flat” or “7-iron loft was bent to 32°.” I suppose I like fewer unknowns.

I might do it for wedges if I’m looking for a particular loft and bounce that can’t be found in shops anymore. It’s hard to screw up a wedge, right?

Edited February 23 by berkeleybob

[ChuckZ]

If you are looking to save money, great way.  Buy previous year new models from reputable online discounter.  Do not recommend eBay.  To many fakes on eBait.  ha..ha.. First go to fitter get your numbers on the model you want.  Once you get the clubs take them to a local repair shop and they can set up the clubs to meet the numbers from you fittings.  Normally about $5 a club.  Takes a few minutes to to set up the correct lies +/-.  I purchase new clubs every other cycle (four years).  I use to buy secondhand clubs, but nothing like a properly fitted set of new clubs.  Just me. I do not keep old set, sell it to friends and they a glad to get.  Buying old wedges is a gamble.  After a year of use (or about 75-100 rounds) they loose they edge and value.       

[Julius]

Assuming they are the right fit for you (loft, shaft, etc), then I definitely do not have a problem with it.  Despite all of the grandiose claims every year from the OEM's, there is just not that significant a change year to year.  Today to 10 years ago - sure. But year to year it is very incremental.  I am totally ok with it and do it myself sometimes. 

[Q22Golf]

I say go for it! I’ve done this before. I try to check out the club quality with my own eyes and if truly like new then it should still be good!

[Hans...not Franz]

Finding your numbers are the first step to success . Once you know then purchasing pre owned can be a great way to save a few bucks . Also you can negotiate with a used item where a new is price protected . 

[mrusso4]

If they are something you are interested in and have hit them I think go for it.  Almost every club I have bought has been a previous year. With how far the tech has come there is little difference from one year to the next. 

[Owengeorge13]

21 hours ago, Hacker60521 said:

Hello! I’ve had this thought rattling around in my head for a while and I’d really appreciate the expertise of this group.

I’m fascinated that as soon as 2024 versions of clubs come out, the “mint” and “like new” clubs from last year are significantly reduced. For example, if you go to an online used club seller, a Taylormade Stealth 2 in “mint” condition is about $100 less than a new one from PGA Superstore. Two questions for the group.

1. What are your thoughts on buying one year old “mint” or “like new” clubs?

2. Would your thoughts change on buying used if it was a driver (including fairway and hybrids), irons, or putter?

Thanks in advance!

You can always get something retrofitted.  I play with someone who buys clubs and then brings them to truespec golf to get retrofitted into them.  He did it with his whole bag.  He says he reduced is price by half.  He would  spend a lot of time at demo days.  When the clubs went on sale he would buy them.  Then get them retro fitted.

Edited February 23 by Owengeorge13

[CaptStang]

Hi, as long as the clubs spec out for your game, you will be able to spend less and get a similar result from 2024 models...love to save $$ on equipment personally!

[kovek]

Most of my equipment is pre-owned. It's very important to make sure they have the right spec. If you find a few options, it's better to pay a little bit more for the one that suits you the most. 1 year old is nothing for golf clubs unless the owner is a PGA pro.

I would say you could buy a good 20 year old putter and it will perform the same as a new one for the same price

If you have the chance, I'd find a good fitter that tells you the best specs for your swing and doesn't try to sell you the newest $600 drivers

Good luck!

[gajrsports]

Only if it fits your specs!  Get lessons if beginner, then get fitted, if you are serious about taking up the game.

[Matumbo]

This is what I tend to do to try to save some money. I bought last year’s models of my current irons set. There were new, but highly discounted. Stores like Callawaypreowned, from what I can tell, will sell things that are older models and list them as “like new” for cheaper even though they can be brand new, never hit. I’ve bought several clubs like that. 
 

As far as new technology, I don’t think there’s usually much of a difference year to year (at least not enough to warrant me buying new clubs every year).