Our Standard
The 12-Point Inspection
Every club. Every time. No exceptions.
Face Integrity
Check for micro-cracks, deep grooves beyond spec, dents that affect face flex. A compromised face affects ball speed and consistency on every shot.
Shaft Straightness
Roll the shaft on a flat surface and sight down the length. Any bend or warp is grounds for rejection, regardless of cosmetic condition.
Grip Condition
Grip firmness, texture, and tackiness are assessed by hand. Slipping grips introduce swing inconsistency and are replaced before listing.
Hosel Fit
The hosel-shaft connection is checked for any play or creaking under torque. A loose hosel is a structural failure, not cosmetic wear.
Crown Finish
The crown of woods and drivers is inspected for deep scratches or impact marks. Minor paint scuffs are cosmetic; denting indicates potential structural stress.
Sole Wear
Every club's sole is examined under magnification. Wear patterns tell us how a club was played — excessive toe or heel wear can indicate swing path issues.
Ferrule
The ferrule (the plastic ring at the hosel base) is checked for cracks or separation. A loose ferrule doesn't affect performance but indicates how carefully the club was handled.
Loft & Lie Accuracy
We measure loft and lie on every iron and wedge with a calibrated gauge. Clubs outside ±1° of spec are flagged for professional adjustment.
Shaft Tip
The tip of the shaft (where it inserts into the hosel) is inspected for micro-fractures. Tip cracks are invisible to the naked eye but catastrophic at impact.
Paint Fill
Engraved numbers, logos, and alignment aids are checked for legibility. Missing paint fill affects alignment — a critical factor for putters and wedges.
Weight Ports
Adjustable weight ports on drivers and fairway woods are checked for stripped screws, missing weights, or corrosion. Loose weights shift swing weight unpredictably.
Overall Aesthetics
A final holistic assessment. Does the club look exactly as described? Photographs are taken post-inspection and matched to the listing.
Condition Grades Explained
Near-perfect. May have been hit fewer than 10 times. No visible wear.
Light play wear. Possible minor scuffs on sole or finish. Fully functional and performs like new.
Visible wear from regular play — sole wear, finish marks. Structurally sound. Priced accordingly.
We do not list Poor condition clubs. If a club doesn't pass inspection, it doesn't go on the site.
Ready to shop with confidence?
Every club at Smooth Swing has passed our 12-point inspection. No surprises. No guesswork.
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