Buying used golf balls

Question
QUESTION: I'm planning to buy some used golf balls online, but I'm wondering if their method of "recycling" balls will change the ball in any way... here's how they do it:

Recycling Golf Balls

The process includes removing most or all the clear coat from the ball without removing the name. We do this with a mechanical wet blasting process, the equipment utilized in this process is very similar to equipment used in the process of prepping many new golf balls, before they are coated in the factory. This process allows us to get the golf ball as clean as possible and prep it for coating with our Binks style paint lines. The freshly applied clear coat, does several things, but the main objectives are to provide a consistent and more durable product to the consumer.

It is important to note that in our above process we do not have the ability to repair scrapes, dents or cart paths to a used golf ball. This is why we still have different levels or grades of golf balls, such as Mint, Near Mint, Value Grade, Grade A, B, and C etc. This lets the consumer know what the physical and cosmetic condition of the golf ball will be in when they make their purchase.   


So, do you think that I should buy these golf balls? They're a lot cheaper than store prices, and I'm just using them for daily rounds.

ANSWER: Hi Jeffrey:

For the price you'll pay, you can't go wrong.  Unless you are a tournament player Jeffrey, golf balls today are priced pretty low (new golf balls), so I would think twice about buying used balls.  There are no guarantees with those, but my guess is they are probably OK to play with.  Bottom line, you get what you pay for. Check out all the stores in your area for deals on balls.  I'll bet you find some.  If used is your bag, go for that as well.   

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So, just clarifying:

This process does NOT affect the playability of the ball, right?

ANSWER: Jeffrey:

I would say no in Grade A balls, not so sure about the rest.  The only things that would affect the ball flight is out of round or a serious defect.  Your Grade A balls won't have that, and a cleaning process won't affect that.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, thanks!

On a different note... i have a different question (sorry if i didn't make a new question)

I've had these two woods (3 + 5) in my bag from my junior set still, and I'm looking to replace it....

I was thinking of changing to a 3 hybrid or something of the sort. Either Ping or Nike...

My longest iron right now is a 4 iron that goes consistently around 180-190. I need a club that will go 200 - 220 on those par 3s and par 5s.

So, should I go with a 3 hybrid or a new wood? I need something that is easy to hit off the ground as well, so no 3 wood.

Answer
Jeffrey:

Yes, hybrid is the way to go.  A 3 hybrid sounds like the ticket, something with say 18, 19 or 21 degrees of loft.  Each company has a little different set up as far as loft goes, but that distance would be great for those, plus they are easy to get airborne.    

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member