Club Condition - What do you care about in used clubs?

[Pearson10M]

So I thinking of getting some new clubs.  I currently game Wilson C200's, which I have gamed for 3+ years and I think are in pretty decent condition.  They are GI irons and although I think they are overall, but I may be starting to out play them.  I hit the the new Srixon ZX5's and loved them, but if I spent $1100 on new clubs, I could also get divorce papers, so I am thinking a set of the previous model since I have read that the new model isn't much different than the previous Z585 model, which I can get for about 50% of the new in very good to excellent condition.

What does everyone look for? I know the that the club face is where the action is, but what about the sole? Re: sole, what do you consider abused or poor conditions.

 

The rating system for some on-line shops are all over the map of what is considered good, excellent, mint.

Thanks in advance.

[Hawkeye77]

Good pics of the actual irons, then go from there if there are questions.

[RainShadow]

Woods and Hybrids: No sky marks or dents

Irons: Pics of faces and soles for wear. Topline, toe and hosel for chatter and deep scratches.

Type of shaft and grip condition.

Price according to how beat they are, how much I really want that particular model and age.

 

 

Edited February 27, 2021 by RainShadow

[j_giesler]

Look for the On Spec podcast on this exact topic, RB does a great job explaining what to look for.

 

For me, condition of face/groves is #1.  Making sure shafts match is important too. I don’t worry a ton about grips because I do my own, but might be a thing to consider if grips are going to add $50 plus to your ultimate cost.

[tannyhoban]

I don't worry about grips because 9 in 10 I will replace them. If shafts are steel no pitting, bends, dings. If graphite no rubs or bag wear marks, paint chips.

 

Make sure the lengths are right.
 

Faces and soles have to be very clean.  I can't stand seeing wear on the face unless I put it there. Light chatter ok if older and I really want them. No rock dings on soles.

 

If they are bendable and look too flat or upright by a little I'll take a flyer and adjust them myself.

 

I find so many good lightly used deals on recent releases at the shop I frequent it'd be crazy to buy new.

 

[nitram]

Find something that meets your criteria for brand, model, shafts, and if the pictures are on par with what you think is club condition. Once you zero in on something that meets your requirements ask intelligent questions and be patient. As an example, I recently purchased a set of Miura CB57 from the BST here on WRX as eventual replacements for what I'm playing, after looking for almost 3 years. Again, be patient and make sure to get what you want. Secondly, the Z545 is my pick of the litter in the Z family and can be found for half of what the new ones are going for. Good luck!