I've been searching the web to maybe buying a 2nd hand set of irons.
It doesnt seem that much cheaper on ebay etc.
Is it worth chancing a bargain or saving the pennies for a new custom fit set ?

Personally I'd buy new and ideally from a local pro who's taken the time and effort to fit the clubs properly. However, if you do buy second hand then you can always have the lofts and lies checked and altered if necessary. What is vital is getting the right shaft for your swing speed - I suspect very few golfers know what their swing speed is and in many cases are using clubs with inappropriate shafts. I think Sergio Garcia recently commented along the lines of that as long as the grip, shaft and kickpoint are correct then the head design is of little consequence (he didn't exactly endear himself to his new sponsors!).

Basically, I agree with Tim, Phil. If you have enough natural talent and perseverance you can 'manage' with second hand clubs, as long as the toe doesn't stick in the air when you shape up to address the ball.
I've discovered in recent years that the right lie is paramount, so that all of the sole of the club makes contact with the ground at the right time to keep the clubface square at impact.
Because I keep my hands low - and I'm not tall - clubs I've had custom-fitted for testing are 4 degrees flat (compared with the standard lie).
Bottom line is start with second hand clubs, then try a wide variety of new clubs and once you've discovered you really love this game and that the clubs are an investment in your improvement, buy new and get them custom fit to the swing you have established.

try golfbidder.co.uk much bettr than ebay

I agree with Bob.

Its money well spent if you buy second hand and get into it so much to the point where you feel its worth spending on a new set.Its only money wasted if you cough up for all new only to find its not your thing.I did the same,got second hand first then the more i got into in the better and more expensive clubs i got,its justified if its something you are serious about.

I would tend to buy second hand off a pro or somwehere like American golf with a view to a part exchange deal against new if you take it up more seriously.If you buy off them and go back to trade in they tend to remember you and look after you better.

How much are you looking to spend Phil? You can pick up some good new irons for the same price as a set of big name second hand ones. There are some great bargains around on new "last year" clubs and you can get custom fit on some of the lower cost brands.

E-bay is like any other bid site, you have to see what is available and then go for it, but don't get discouraged.