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Clones, also known as knock-offs, are very easy to identify, as they are usually made of a similar design and color as the real deal but with differences that allow them to fly under the patent infringement radar. The re-sellers of these clubs will generally let you know what club they are trying to emulate. They may have a totally different name and may sport certain design and cosmetic differences.

Don't be fooled however, these clubs are anything but similar to the clubs they are trying to copy. In order to lower prices, cloned clubs will be made of less expensive materials; for example, they will use alloys instead of pure steel or titanium. Also, the construction of the clubs will be different with a lesser degree of tolerance. Cloned clubs may be heavier (or lighter), shafts may be stiffer (or softer) and swing weights will not be consistent from one club to the next.

Top-tier manufacturers spend millions of dollars on research and development tying to perfect their golf clubs. These costs are obviously passed on the consumer, thus justifying the prices. On the other hand, cloned clubs, which can be up to 75% cheaper than their real counterparts, cannot claim to have superior technology backing them up. They produce a cheap and inferior product and the consumer ends up paying the price on the course.

Knock-off resellers will recommend that you purchase these clubs, especially if you are new to the game. Why spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on Callaway, Taylor Made or Titleist, when you can have the same or similar club in a clone? As a beginner, you are told, you won't be able to know or feel the difference.

Our advice is to steer clear of these clubs as they will not allow you to improve your game over time. You may learn how to master the swing, tempo, and follow-through and hit the ball in the sweet spot every time. However, if you use inferior products, you will most certainly be at a disadvantage on the course as the knock-offs you have purchased are not true with every swing.

If you're new to the game, purchase a used set of clubs made by one of the branded manufacturers. As these clubs are infinitely more precise and exact in their production, they will allow you to work on your swing without having to worry about the performance of the clubs. They also sound great ' ping!!! Furthermore, you should be able to get a great deal on used sets, some of which might look brand new.

Remember, you get what you pay for. Wouldn't you rather have a set of Callaway's or Taylor Made?