Let’s face it – golf clubs are crazy expensive. Finding ways to make your money go further is rarely a bad idea with this sport. With this fact in mind, can you get fitted for used golf clubs?
Getting a custom set can work wonders for your point average, but is it still cost-effective to get fitted for second hand gear? In this article, we’ll be exploring your options. We’ll discuss golf club fittings, their advantages, and how to save money when shopping.
Read on to up your golf game!
What is a Golf Club Fitting?
When buying a fresh set of clubs, it’s vital that you pick up options that will work for your play style. The loft, lie, length, weight, and other characteristics of a club can all help or hinder you a great deal.
The technology available to golf providers has exploded in complexity in recent years. LiDar scanners, tracking cameras, and a plethora of other gadgets are used to assess your skill as a golfer and recommend clubs that will fit your approach like a glove.
A good golf club fitting will take the following into account:
- Your experience level
- Your height
- Your handicap
- Your swing style
- Your accuracy
- Your budget
- More
You’ll then be given a series of recommendations that should work perfectly with the way you swing. It’s also possible to have the loft, lie, and other factors of a club altered to get an even more custom solution.
How Much Does a Golf Fitting Cost?
As you may have guessed, this kind of bespoke approach to an already expensive sport doesn’t come cheap. The final price you pay for a fitting is determined by the number of clubs you’re altering/ buying and the company you choose in your area.
In general, however, you should expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $200 for a custom fitting. While this may seem like a drop in the bucket, keep in mind that this is for the cost of your assessment alone.
For adjustments, new clubs, and other purchases, you’ll have to fork out market rates or higher.
In a Nutshell – Can You Get Fitted for Used Golf Clubs?
When taking a custom approach to golf clubs, there are two main options:
- Having an existing set of clubs adjusted.
- Being assessed and choosing from a list of appropriate recommendations.
In theory, both options are perfectly possible with second hand clubs. It’s just that many golfing stores offer custom fittings as a way of selling their more premium, brand-new products. This means your list of available options may be smaller depending on where you live.
That said, you might be able to find something that works for your requirements. A store might be reluctant to fit you for their used clubs, but you could always have the clubs altered if they don’t quite work straight away.
Just keep in mind that while used golf clubs can be a great way to save money, having them retro-fitted to suit your play style can be more expensive than you might expect.
Getting Fitted for Used Golf Clubs – Our Recommendations
So, you want to get fitted for second hand clubs. If you can’t find a store that will offer a fitting/ recommendation service for used clubs, the tips below may help.
Take Advantage of ‘Try Before You Buy’ Schemes
While it’s not quite the same as a bespoke recommendation, trying out clubs before you buy them can be a great way to test the waters before diving in at the deep end. Buying online? You can still test things out if you know where to look.
Sites like Golfbidder are well-known for offering high-quality second hand clubs. The good news? They offer a 7-day free trial that’s a cut above the rest. Don’t like the way a set of clubs feel? As long as you return them in the same condition as you bought them, you can get a full refund.
If you do happen to like the second hand clubs you’ve bought, you could then get them adjusted for even better results.
Find a Store That Has Testing Zones
Both American Golf and Direct golf have areas in their stores where customers can test out clubs before they buy – this includes their used options. Even without a custom assessment, this can be a great way to get an idea of what works for you.
Pay for a Fitting and Take Notes
Paying for a custom fitting doesn’t mean you have to buy the brand-new clubs they recommend. Find a decent fitting service near you and take notes when they give their feedback.
Which specific clubs did they recommend? Can you find these makes and models second hand elsewhere? Did they provide any general notes about the kind of clubs that might work best for you? Use the answers to these questions to find the best deal.
Get Your Existing Set Fitted
Already have a set of clubs? If you can find a good deal, having them retro-fitted is definitely an option. A good service provider will be able to tweak the dimensions and angles of your clubs so they truly elevate your game.
If you’re worried about breaking the bank, you could always start out with just having one or two clubs altered – you don’t have to spring for the full set straight away! We realize this is easier said than done, but do your research and only go with a provider that you think you can trust.
There are plenty of snake oil salespeople in the world of golf. Ask friends, look at online reviews, and try to find a custom golf fitting that’s worth its salt.
Final Thoughts
Custom fittings are a great way to improve your game, but they can be prohibitively expensive if you don’t know where to look. Our advice is to test out second hand clubs before you buy whenever possible.
When getting your existing clubs altered, it’s important to find a service that you know is good quality.
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