I have just started and I'm trying to get some feedback about the following sets
Hippo Hiptec
RAM 3G
Wilson Tour RX hybrid
before going and buying my first set of clubs. Also my wife is keen to play and I am wondering if we could share a set (maybe graphite) being both beginners. In this case would it be better to buy a lady set (Hippo magia or Ram 3g lady) as a starter set?

Have you had a look at Master Golf? www.mastersgolf.co.uk
My father bought a set a few months back (Z510 set - £240) and for value for money they are great. The set he bought has the hybrid clubs as well so for a begineer they are ideal. I've had a whack with them and totally recommend them. They have also had good reviews in the mags to...
Hope this helps! H

I would advisse against buying a starter set.
The components are usually made of cheap alloy and prone to breaking.
the shafts are very low quality and that will lead to bad shots.
Best to start out with a forgiving set of irons with hybrids in the set rather than a 3 and 4 iron,something like the MD blackhawk and Benross VX Combo.
Then add a driver/3wood and putter/bag.
A bit more expensive but generally worth it as they will last you much longer.
Would advise against sharing with your wife as the flex for a man and woman on shafts if completely different.

Thanks for your comments. Would you recommend graphite or steel for beginners. any pros/cons?

graphite, as it's a bit more flexible than steels. Steels would be good if you could generate a fast club head speed through your game, but as you're just starting the graphite will help speed the head up too, due to their whippiness..

Hi Mate. I have a set of 2nd Hand Mizuno MX-17's for sale if you are looking for a good forgiving set of irons for someone to start with. I bought them when I first started and they have done me proud (i now play off about 18). They have been well used but I only want £110 for them. I think they go for about £160 2nd hand on golfbidder.

Giorgio, get down to your nearest pro shop and speak to a teaching pro.He/She will fit you and your wife with something suitable.Do NOT try to play with the same clubs as your wife.Unless you both have similar swing speeds and strength it would be a recipe for disaster for one of you.

Hi,

when my wife and I started to play a couple of years ago my set was purchased from www.thesportshq.com and I have been a happy customer ever since.
I have a full set of Texan clubs,trolley,bag,covers all for under £130 and I got my wife a set of Ram Daley clubs around the same price.
Cracking value and very good gear - we buy a lot of our golf clothing and accessories there too - unless you have unlimited funds this or a second hand set would be my choice for beginners.

Whatever........enjoy playing together

Beginners sets are not all crap with cheap shafts!!!!
I have just got myself a set of wilson reflex clubs which include:
Driver,3 wood,3&4 hybrid all with very good graphite shafts that don't flap about like the cheap set's have and the irons are wide sole deep cavity with true temper shafts.(blinkin good)
The putter is a good mallet style design and also feels very good.
Plus you get a stand bag all for £169.
I also asked about the ram 3g package and was warned off due to some had been returned with faults, plus this set is better.
This package is more than just a beginners set and to be honest(you won't hit the ball any better with tour branded clubs)
Yes avoid the shit you get at superstores but don't avoid good value for money.
Hope you get on ok.
Garry...

http://www.clickgolf.co.uk/9916.html

dandy don suggestion is good but I don't want to go above £ 200 per set and am more inclined to start with something more basic and to upgrade later. I haven't even played 18 holes yet so..
my teacher pro has suggested hippo hiptec as a good starter set. trying to figure out if ram and wilson are as good or even better alternatives in the same price range. or better if there are strong suggestion not to go for them at all. all your info are really appreciated.
thanks
giorgio

If your teaching pro has suggested the Hippo set for you then go with him.He knows your abilities etc.

Roy has just hit the nail on the head!
(If your teaching pro has suggested the Hippo set for you then go with him.He knows your abilities etc.)

I have found that it takes months & years of practise and it don't happen overnight.
Start with a good beginner set and have a go a hitting some of the clubs in the set in question.
Just look out for shafts on the woods, see how much they flex(you don't want them too flappy) and hold the grip of the wood then grab the clubhead a try to twist it.
It should feel stiff and not twist much this is a good sign of a good shaft with plenty of torgue.
You might think what the hell is he going on about?
A good starter/improver set you will be able to grow with and as you progress you will really start to get a feel for your clubs and be happy with them a year down the road!
Best of luck.
Oh and have lessons with a pro, golf is a skill that you will never forget!
Garry
Ipswich

I have not tried the Hiptec but started out with Hippo OSIV set. These served me very well and I can thoroughly recommend. Can be picked up new for about £140.00. When I upgraded, I gave them to a mate who still loves them.

My wife started with a Ram V-Force set but never really got on with them. She has since moved on to a set of MD Golf blackhawks and she is much happier.

I bought a set of RAM G Force clubs as my first set.

4-PW, 1,3 & 5 woods, utility 3 wood/iron plus a putter. Complete with stand bag and headcovers for the woods and hybrid.

As a beginner, the clubs got a fair bit of stick (multiple fat shots at the driving range)
I did manage to break the heads off the 3 & 5 woods (I blame my incompetence) These were immediately replaced by the shop I bought them from. Big up Direct Golf!

Let's be honest, they are a starter set for a beginner (just like me)They cost me £200 for a full set. As far as I'm concerned they are a cracking beginners set. OK, in time I may buy better quality clubs, but for now they do for me.
I don't profess to be Tiger so have no immediate use for high cost better quality clubs. As my game progresses I suppose I will upgrade but for now I'm satisfied.

I suppose it's all down to personal choice. I started playing the game so wanted the full set and a relatively cheap set at that. I got exactly what I wanted.............for now, lol

Teaching pro could be selling you his 'old' stock. New models released soon knock down the value of stocks. Rams are good and cheap. I've been playing for 20 years, and have recently switched to Rams, Best clubs I've owned even though my handicap is increasing ( that's me not the clubs) Hybrid sets are a LOT easier also.

I can't comment on any of these, but when you are looking at the budget end of the market it is good to look at the ones with the named brand components. You should look for irons which are made from steel not an alloy. Shafts are the engine of a club and shafts from a companies like Apollo, True Temper or Precision will ensure quality. The grips will no doubt be branded, but if you look at the tops and see Golf Pride, Lamkin etc will ensure quality.

As some others have noted, used clubs are also a great way to pick up a cheap set and often have better value. Somewhere like golfbidder is a fairly risk free way of buying second hand clubs.

Enjoy the chase!!!!