How to Know if You Need to Replace Your Golf Clubs

Golf clubs wear out over the years or with more or less frequent use. Sometimes they simply stop accompanying you in your evolution as a player. It is normal to wonder how to know if you need to change your golf clubs if you have been using the same ones for a while and want to continue progressing and improving your game.

At Handmade Custom Clubs we design and manufacture custom golf clubs. In this article, we will help you detect the signs that indicate that it is time to replace your clubs.

What wastes golf clubs?

Golf clubs wear out with frequency of use. Constant hits and, in general, the passage of time, contribute to the natural wear and tear of your equipment. 

Are my golf clubs worn out? Signs of wear

The most common signs of wear on golf clubs are:

They have lost consistency in distance and precision

This is one of the first signs that your clubs have run their course. If you notice that, without changing your technique, your shots are unpredictable or drift to one side, it's very likely that clubface wear or a loss of shaft stiffness is affecting your performance.

Physical wear and tear

Check your clubs carefully:

• Grip wear: A worn, cracked or harder than normal grip are signs that the grip is worn out. This wear affects the grip and, consequently, the consistency of the swing. 
• Clubface Wear: If your clubface is worn, ungrooved and generally very used, it may be time to replace your golf clubs.
• Shaft wear: If your shaft is damaged, it may be time to replace it. This directly affects the transfer of energy in each swing.

Other factors that can determine if you need to change golf clubs

Your own evolution as a player

If you have improved or modified your technique, it is normal that your golf clubs have fallen behind. For example, you may have improved your swing or changed your stance and the clubs you were using are no longer suited to your progress.

The advances in technology and design themselves

If your clubs are several years old, you are probably missing out on the benefits that the latest innovations offer. Golf is a sport that is constantly evolving. New models of golf clubs are lighter, have designs that maximize the center of gravity and distribute weight better. It is normal to want to upgrade your clubs to more current models from time to time.

So how do you know if you need to replace your golf clubs?

Here are some strategies to help you know if it's time to upgrade your equipment:

Has your performance worsened?

If you notice that you have lost consistency, it may be because your golf clubs no longer adapt to your new technique or swing, so it would be important to do a detailed study to assess whether this is the case. 

Check the equipment

Inspect each of your clubs for the signs of wear we mentioned earlier on the grip, clubface and shaft.

Consider booking a fitting

During a fitting session, with technologies such as TrackMan, high-speed cameras and measuring templates to evaluate energy transfer, point of impact and shaft stiffness, along with many years of experience in the sector, a professional clubfitter can tell if your clubs no longer fit your swing and if you just need to replace a component or if you should replace the entire set.

Compare with the latest equipment on the market

Look for the latest models and compare them to your current equipment. Improvements in materials and design can give you more distance, accuracy and forgiveness on every shot, which could justify upgrading your old clubs. You can visit our Online Golf Store to learn about the latest developments.

Choosing new clubs and getting it right in the process

Now that you've figured out how to tell if you need to replace your golf clubs, you can now analyze your situation and consider whether it's time to replace your clubs or not. Remember, the clear indicators that you need to replace your equipment are both the wear and tear on your clubs and changes in your game.

A professional fitting is the most reliable tool to determine which shaft, loft and features best suit your height and swing speed. Trying different brands and models will help you feel the difference in design and technology. And although the investment is significant, choosing a set adapted to your style can save you successive purchases in the future, prevent injuries and give you back the spark you needed to enjoy every shot.

At Handmade Custom Clubs we are specialists in creating Custom Golf Clubs

If you have noticed that your shots have lost their magic, at Handmade Custom Clubs we review your equipment and your way of playing to find the perfect option that will renew your confidence. Our Online Golf Store offers different personalized proposals, and if you are looking for an exhaustive analysis, we invite you to book a fitting. There we will evaluate your swing, your posture and your preferences, in order to design the golf clubs that best suit your game.