Suggestions For A First Vintage Set

[RSinSG]

I've been thinking about getting a vintage set for a while now, but am unsure where to start. My first set was some MacGregor Golden Bear's but I realize those are basically department store clubs and probably not worth what they are asking for them on eBay. Another club I used to play back in the 60's was Powerbilt Citation, but I only had a driver and 3 wood.

 

I don't want to drop too much into a set as it likely will not get that much use, but I don't want to waste my money on junk either.

 

Any suggestions?

 

I've also been considering the Ping Eye 2 driver and woods as I already have my Eye2 irons from the early 80's. I figured I probably could play that set as I still take the irons out occasionally.

[stevemcgee99]

I'd get any macgregor, Wilson, hogan clubs from the late 50's to early 80's. Don't spend more than $50 on a full set 2-P and that will narrow your search.

[Fellaheen51]

[quote name='RSinSG' timestamp='1439327521' post='12118988']
I've also been considering the Ping Eye 2 driver and woods as I already have my Eye2 irons from the early 80's. I figured I probably could play that set as I still take the irons out occasionally.
[/quote]

Picked up a set of Ping Eye 2 woods (D, 4, 7) recently because they were in great shape and dirt cheap. I was pleasantly surprised how well they hit despite the somewhat "unusual" head shape. Especially the 7W, very nice, get about 165'ish with it, could easily be a hybrid replacement. That would be a good "classic kit" starting point being that you already have the irons. Add a vintage Ping putter of your choice and you have a nice classic set to play.

As Steve mentioned ^, Wilson's seem to be a high value, low cost option to begin experimentation with vintage clubs. Hogan's are always a solid option, but they command a premium, especially if in good condition.

Do some "thrifting", always a great way to pickup clubs to try with minimal investment. Just takes a little time and patience to do the legwork necessary. Lots of nothing usually, but with some modest education of what you're looking for, you will find some great clubs for .01's on the $. But be advised, it can become very addicting once you begin finding some stuff.

[jonnygrouville]

Don't go too old. Going straight back to irons from the 1950s with all original components is quite a leap. I was lucky to start with some 1967 irons which had been re-chromed and re-shafted with stiff dynamic golds in the 1980s and hardly used since. Not miles away from picking up a modern blade.

If you have an affinity to MacGregor, nice to keep that going.

Good point about Wilson though. Quality kit, plenty of it around and you can build a nice bag as I like having one make for woods, irons and putter as more people used to do that in the past.

Purely based on what is on eBay at the moment...

Bullet backs...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wilson-Staff-Model-DYNAPOWER-Bullet-Back-Irons-3-Thru-9-1969-70-/161787763708?hash=item25ab4d5bfc

Sandy Andy...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-R61-Sandy-Andy-Wedge-MRH-Steel-HS7952-/271936559184?hash=item3f50ae9850

Woods. Nice...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-WILSON-STAFF-II-TOUR-BLOCK-1-3-4-WOODS-R-FLEX-STEEL-SHAFTS-NICE-/390544842425?hash=item5aee495eb9

And even if vintage golf doesn't turn out to be your bag, you can still get a putter you could use for the rest of your days...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-Staff-8813-Putter-Steel-Shaft-painted-Original-Leather-Grip-34-5-inch-/291522096199?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43e0122c47

Pretty mint vintage bag for less than the price of a modern putter.

[Coralray]

I'm a big advocate of MacGregors with the entire set factory 1/2" long, like '57 M89 Colokrom Tourneys and up through the '64 FC 4000 M9s. If you are a good ball striker these irons are like scalpels and can be wielded with precision. Later models came with rubber grips and are easily replaced. Leather models are usually hard and slick. Early to mid-50s MacGregor woods are peerless. 693 Armour is the King. Eye-O-Matic 3 and particularly 4- woods are great playing pair. Throw in a Wilson '57 black button Sand Wedge and a Bristol Tropicana and pretend your Jack, like me.[attachment=2903704:image.jpg]

[Ironmaster Oddities]

Sounds to me like you have some pretty good stuff already. Powerbilt woods are hard to beat. A little shallower and more pancake shaped than 'MacGregor woods. But great, playable woods. On these threads, you have a wide range of opinions on the Ping clubs. IMO,ping was the original nail in the coffin of classic, forged clubs. But there is no denying that Eye 2's are vintage clubs. Probably close to 30 years old. Put them on your bag along with a classic putter and you are ready to go.
Uncle Bob

[RSinSG]

Waiting for my Eye2 D, 3w, 5w to arrive. Going to reshaft my 2-sw Eye2 irons and put the old Pal putter back in use. I'm interested to see what kind of scores I can get out of my old set. I may take it back another 15 years if I like doing this and get the MacGregors. Now that I have my main bag all set I need to find something to fill the need to buy something. I already have too many shirts, hats, balls, shoes etc.

[Ironmaster Oddities]

[quote name='RSinSG' timestamp='1440713640' post='12220644']
Waiting for my Eye2 D, 3w, 5w to arrive. Going to reshaft my 2-sw Eye2 irons and put the old Pal putter back in use. I'm interested to see what kind of scores I can get out of my old set. I may take it back another 15 years if I like doing this and get the MacGregors. Now that I have my main bag all set I need to find something to fill the need to buy something. I already have too many shirts, hats, balls, shoes etc.
[/quote]
Back in the ping era, virtually all irons were shafted stiff from Karsten. So you may not need to reshafted 'em.

[RSinSG]

^^^ My mistake - I meant regrip. They are stiff already. The grips are circa 1995 or so and a little hard.

[sbboudreau]

Hit the thrift stores, yard sales etc. I just got a full set (irons and woods) of Golden Bears and five extra clubs with a bag for $10 at a yard sale.