At Ironfinder, we understand that most people prefer to buy new stuff. So, naturally the question is asked: How do you determine the condition of one previously owned golf iron from another? Ironfinder strives to be conservative and consistent in making evaluations on condition and offers the following guidelines as our standard for which we assign condition. Ironfinder also posts actual pictures for used clubs so that you can make your own determination of the condition. Our condition rating reflects the head, not the shaft or grip. Shafts and grips can be replaced; heads cannot.

We will use this chart to illustrate the condition of 3 different Hogan Apex #3 irons. The irons shown are all different and were from our stock.

Excellent

Shows little sign of use. Face should have its original luster with light scratches; only very minor or no scratches on sole; back should look like new but could have bag nicks. Shaft should be like new with no defects. The previous owner of these irons bought them and did not play much.

Good

Shows normal play. Chrome may be worn or dingy, but not worn through the sole or face; may have minor "bag nicks", faint freckles, or mild scratches, etc. Shaft may be original with light scratches from entry/exit of golf bag or may have been re-shafted with a good quality replacement but not damaged. The majority of used irons fall into this category.

Fair

Playable but not the best looking club in your bag. Chrome may be worn through sole/face, but score lines and other markings should be playable; any dings or scratches must not be so bad as to affect playability; significantly more freckles and possibly some light rust. Could be re-chromed. The shaft may be original or a good quality replacement and playable.

New: New means NEW! Never been used on a golf course/range. Never struck a ball. Often the head is still in the manufacturers shrink wrap. No marks except possible "shop scuffs". These are light marks that sometimes occur when an unprotected head comes in contact with store fixtures or other irons. These marks, if present, are usually only noticeable when held at an angle to the light. New irons are usually purchased directly from manufacturers, close-outs or retailer liquidations. Rarely, are they purchased from individuals who had never played them. The idea is to play golf, right!

This leaves POOR which is not desired by anybody, so we don't bother listing them on our website. Poor condition means the club is either unplayable due to defects on the sweet spot or cosmetically unacceptable. Things like heavy rust (on non-rust models), extreme chrome loss and rock dings or scratches that would affect the flight of the ball. We just throw away clubs that are in this bad of condition.