Start with identity, not the price
A used listing can describe a set accurately enough to sell it while leaving out details that matter for a specification lookup. “TaylorMade M2 irons” does not distinguish the 2016 and 2017 generations. “Titleist AP2” does not identify the generation code.
Before you compare numbers, ask for clear photographs of the cavity, face, sole and hosel. Match the head to a generation-specific manufacturer source. Look for the family and generation together. Treat the shaft label as a separate piece of information; a previous owner could have changed it.
1. List the clubs actually included
Write down every club in the listing, including the wedge labels. A manufacturer table may cover a wider range than the seller's set. It does not prove that a used set includes every listed club.
Check for missing irons, duplicate club numbers and mixed generations. Mixed sets are not automatically unsuitable, but they require you to look up each relevant head instead of applying one table to the entire bag.
2. Ask about the build history
Useful questions for a seller include:
- Were these bought in a standard or custom build?
- Have the lofts or lies been adjusted?
- Have any shafts been replaced, extended or shortened?
- Are the shafts and flex labels consistent through the set?
- When were the grips replaced, and are there any loose components?
An honest “I don't know” is still useful information. It means the factory chart should be treated as a reference until the actual clubs are measured.
3. Inspect condition separately from specifications
Look closely at the faces and grooves, sole wear, hosel area, ferrules, shafts and grips. Photographs can reveal obvious wear or damage, but they cannot establish hidden structural condition or guarantee authenticity.
If something looks cracked, loose or unusual, ask a qualified repair shop to inspect it before use. A low price does not resolve an uncertain condition. This reference does not authenticate clubs from photographs or decode serial numbers.
4. Compare the right measurements
Once you have identified the head, open its model record. Read the build note before using the table. Check the units and the generation, then compare the actual club's length and any professionally measured loft or lie.
When a seller supplies a length measurement, ask how it was taken. Different setups can produce different results. A claimed quarter-inch difference is difficult to interpret without a consistent measuring method.
5. Allow room for the work you can verify
A set may need grips or professional checks. Request an actual quote for work you are considering rather than relying on a generic repair-cost estimate. Do not assume a head can accept any bending adjustment or replacement part.
The goal is to understand the specific set on offer: what it is, what is included, what has changed and what remains uncertain. A complete factory table helps answer the first question. It cannot answer all four.
Reference sources
Use TaylorMade's product archive and Titleist's previous-model archive to locate primary model information. Sources checked September 27, 2026. Our checklist is an original buying aid, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of condition.
Read more about loft, lie angle and measuring length.