Every golfer wants to make smart investments when buying new equipment. One key metric to consider is golf club brand retention, which measures how much value a club retains when resold as used. In this 2025 Canadian market analysis, we evaluated thousands of listings from major retailers to identify which brands hold their value and which depreciate faster. Whether you’re buying a new set, selling your old clubs, or hunting for bargains, understanding retention ratios can guide your decisions and improve your overall golf investment strategy.
What Is a Retention Ratio?
The retention ratio is calculated by dividing the average price of used clubs by the average price of new clubs. It provides a simple, yet powerful measure of value retention. Understanding retention ratios can help golfers:
- Identify brands that maintain value over time.
- Find deals on lightly used equipment.
- Gauge market demand for specific clubs in Canada.
For accuracy, only brands with at least 200 total listings (new + used) are included in this analysis.
Top Brands by Retention in Canada (2025)
Below are the top 9 golf club brands meeting the minimum listing threshold, sorted by retention ratio from highest to lowest. Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and aggregated from retailers such as GolfTown, GlobalGolf, Golf Avenue, Riverside Golf, and JustGolfStuff.
| Brand | Avg New Price (CAD) | Avg Used Price (CAD) | Retention Ratio | New Listings | Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno | $716.09 | $600.49 | 0.84 | 187 | 417 |
| Ping | $749.61 | $605.18 | 0.81 | 991 | 1202 |
| Titleist | $519.01 | $386.09 | 0.74 | 659 | 2630 |
| Odyssey | $405.02 | $296.08 | 0.73 | 149 | 283 |
| Cobra | $507.36 | $355.04 | 0.70 | 856 | 1091 |
| XXIO | $677.94 | $441.49 | 0.65 | 305 | 707 |
| TaylorMade | $552.23 | $331.23 | 0.60 | 2146 | 4856 |
| Cleveland | $320.69 | $183.41 | 0.57 | 487 | 1005 |
| Callaway | $776.59 | $343.89 | 0.44 | 1165 | 2513 |
Retention Ratio Visualized
Insights and Trends
Examining the table and visual chart, several patterns emerge:
- Mizuno and Ping lead in retention, indicating strong secondary market demand and reliable performance.
- Titleist, Odyssey, and Cobra occupy the mid-tier, offering a balance of popularity and resale value.
- XXIO, TaylorMade, Cleveland, and Callaway depreciate faster, providing opportunities for bargain hunters but lower resale value for sellers.
Factors Influencing Golf Club Depreciation
Why do some brands retain value better than others? Key factors include:
- Brand Reputation: High-end brands maintain desirability, keeping resale prices high.
- Supply and Demand: Scarcity in certain regions can boost retention ratios.
- Innovation Cycle: Frequent new releases accelerate depreciation as older models become outdated.
- Club Condition: Clubs in excellent condition retain value better than worn clubs.
- Popularity: Widely used clubs maintain steady secondary market demand.
Buying and Selling Strategy
- Invest in High Retention Brands: Mizuno and Ping used clubs hold value, making them safer long-term investments.
- Seek Bargains in Fast Depreciating Brands: TaylorMade and Callaway can be purchased used for a fraction of the new price.
- Monitor Market Trends: Use our ClubCompare comparison tool to track prices and availability.
Regional Considerations
Retention ratios vary by region. Urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal often see higher demand, while rural areas may have lower resale values. Always consider your location when buying or selling used clubs.
Final Thoughts
Golf club brand retention reflects reputation, innovation, and market demand. In 2025, Mizuno and Ping stand out as strong long-term investments, while brands like TaylorMade and Callaway offer opportunities for buyers seeking bargains. Combining retention data with careful inspection and timing helps golfers make smarter equipment decisions and maximize value.
Sources
- ClubCompare.ca internal data analysis, 2025
- Canadian retailer listings aggregated from GolfTown, GlobalGolf, Golf Avenue, Riverside Golf, JustGolfStuff
- Canadian golf industry market reports, 2025