| The most fun part of starting any new | | | | off the progression of lofts throughout the |
| activity is often getting the gear, and the | | | | set as well as make it difficult for you to |
| same is true for golf. There's a certain | | | | adapt to the feel of your set. Sometimes golf |
| pleasure derived from going to the hardware | | | | courses will assemble a set of clubs made up |
| store and picking out your first golfing | | | | of old sets that have lost, missing or broken |
| glove, buying your first box of balls and of | | | | clubs. While the price is attractive, you'll |
| course, your first set of clubs. But these | | | | be better off paying a bit more and getting a |
| days, the choices are overwhelming, | | | | full set from one family.Shafts: Make sure |
| especially for someone that's new to the | | | | the graphite shafts don't have worn areas or |
| sport. And while there are a plethora of very | | | | other indentations that could cause weakness. |
| high quality golf clubs idea for beginning | | | | Test the torque by twisting the grip and head |
| and budget minded golfers, there is also a | | | | in opposite directions. If there isn't great |
| thriving market for used and barely used | | | | resistance, it's a sign of weakness. For |
| golfing equipment that might also be suitable | | | | steel shafts, look down the shaft to make |
| for a player not ready to make the equipment | | | | sure it hasn't been bent back into shape by a |
| investment of a scratch golfer, especially if | | | | frustrated golfer. Also, make sure all shafts |
| you're not sure just how much you're going to | | | | in a set are the same so the clubs feel |
| play or if you'll really stick with it. So | | | | similar from shot to shot.Prices for New |
| here are some tips on things to look for when | | | | Clubs of the Same Model: Sometimes you can |
| shopping for used golf clubs:Grips: Look for | | | | find a brand new set of clubs for less than |
| cracks and worn areas in the grip. Make sure | | | | what that set is selling for used. It sounds |
| you won't have to immediately re-grip the | | | | crazy, but it happens more than you think, |
| clubs, which can add anywhere from $5 to $18 | | | | especially now that you have direct access to |
| per club to your costs. The last thing you'll | | | | the distributors via the internet. If someone |
| want to do is start paying for repairs before | | | | buys a set and decides to sell it a year or |
| you even make it on to the greens.Clubheads: | | | | two later, the set may be in great shape and |
| Face wear is what you're looking for. Clubs | | | | can justifiably be priced high. But in the |
| that have been used for a long time might | | | | meantime, the manufacturer may have steeply |
| have a shiny worn spot right in the center of | | | | discounted new sets to make room for newer |
| the face. You really don't want these because | | | | inventory, because of discontinued production |
| the clubface won't hold the ball as well, | | | | or numerous other reasons.Ask to Demo the |
| which will be frustrating for a new golfer | | | | Clubs: Just like a car, you can't really tell |
| trying to master the basics. So make sure the | | | | how well a set of clubs will perform for you |
| grooves still have well-defined edges and | | | | until you take them out for a few swings. |
| stay away from clubs that show indentations | | | | Even at a garage sale, you should be allowed |
| in the clubface because these will affect the | | | | to at least take a few swings in the front |
| ball flight.Set Consistency: Line up and | | | | yard (hint: use whiffle balls). Any retail |
| compare the clubs throughout the set. Make | | | | shop will allow you to demo the clubs using |
| sure they all appear to come from the same, | | | | real balls.Good luck in your hunt!GARY GOLD |
| original set. You don't want to purchase a | | | | is the webmaster for Visit him there for |
| set of clubs consisting of different shaft | | | | more articles on finding the perfect set of |
| types and different models, or where there is | | | | golf clubs and other tips to improve your |
| not a normal progression of lengths from club | | | | game. |
| to club. Mixing and matching can also throw | | | | |