Budget Friendly Golf Set

Question
Hello, I want to buy my husband who is just a beginner and not very good a first set. Do you have any suggestions? The sets like at Academy and other stores for around a $100, are those worth it, would they last him very long? He will only play a couple times a month probably. Should I look on a site like craigslist for a used set? If so, how do I know a good set from a bad. Thanks

Answer
I cannot attest to the quality of a $100 set of clubs, however I cannot believe they are worth the price.

For instance, a set of well know clubs, irons, woods , putter will be in the 1300 to 2000 dollar range depending on the models selected.
A custom set of clubs can perform better cost less say $1000 and up.

A starter set that will stand up to monthly play is better from Wilson, powerbuilt or even hireko,. Those sets will be in the $350 to $500 dollar range.

The difference is in the material used to manufacture the club heads. The less expensive sets will use zinc instead of a steel in irons and steel instead of titanium for the driver. Additionally, the care given to building the sets is higher with the better sets and will give significantly better performance for the monies.