Yeah I know... it's absolutely ridiculous. I got a Synergy hockey stick for Christmas two years ago and I think it was about $140. It broke eventually (sweet) and I was not about to get another one. I went back to wood this winter and I liked it so much better. Can't go wrong with the old lumber. You do bring up a good point about the quality, it is certainly noticeable. I use my Dad's old irons. They're over 10 years old probably, but not to worn out though since my Dad is not a big hitter. I got the hand me downs when my Dad got a new set of Nike irons. The other day at the range I was hitting my 5 iron and just for shits I hit a ball with his 5 iron. The difference in distance and ease was amazing. Clubs are expensive, but quality definitely shows, you are right. The most important thing about golf is your swing. I caddied at a very nice country club last summer. I could beat about half the guys I caddied for with shitty clubs and they all carry $800 iron sets and $300 drivers. Many many many golfers waste their money on better equipment instead of getting lessons. You'd be surprised how many people there are that would rather spend the big bucks on equipment instead of getting lessons. I'm sort of in the middle right now. I really like working on my swing by myself and making my own adjustments. Lately though, I've been starting to think that a lesson or two just on my full swing will help a lot. Most likely that will not happen, because I really just like to play.