Reference
FAQ
The questions that come up most. Anything not covered here, reply to any Free Drop email or use the contact form.
What is Free Drop?
A vintage golf archive and shop based in Los Angeles. Free Drop sources, scores and sells performance golf and technical sportswear from roughly 1994 to 2008 — the Tiger-era Nike Golf, Oakley Software and Nike ACG window — one piece at a time, in dated drops.
Is every piece really one of one?
Yes. Each listing is a single garment, not a size run. There is no other size and no second one in the back. When a piece sells it stays on the site marked sold, because the archive is the point.
What does the score on each product mean?
Every piece is scored out of 150 before it is priced, which puts it in one of four tiers — Ace, Eagle, Birdie or Par. What each tier means, and what goes into the score, is on Grading. Each product page also carries a sentence or two explaining its particular score.
Does a high score mean the piece is in great condition?
No. Condition is graded separately, on its own four-point scale, and it is only a small part of the score. A high-scoring piece can carry honest wear. Read the score to understand what the piece is; read the condition grade and the photos to understand what state it is in. Details on Condition & Measuring.
How do I know what size to order?
Use the measurements, not the tag. Every product page lists chest pit-to-pit, length, sleeve where relevant, and a fits-like call giving the modern size the garment actually fits. Measure a piece you already own flat and compare. There is no size chart because sizing from this era varies too much between brands and years for one to be accurate. See Sizing.
What is your returns policy?
Store credit within 14 days of delivery, with return shipping paid by you and no restocking fee. If a piece arrives damaged or does not match its description, you get a full refund instead, with postage covered. Full terms on Shipping & Returns.
Why store credit instead of a refund?
Because a returned one-of-one piece is not a loss — it goes straight back into inventory and relists. Credit keeps the money working in the business and there is always another drop coming, so it converts a return into something you actually wanted. Damage and misdescription are always refunded in full and sit outside this policy.
Are the pieces authentic?
Everything is sourced in person and checked against period labelling, fabric technology names, and logo and embroidery conventions for the year claimed. Where a date is a best reading rather than a certainty, the product page says circa and means it. The method is published on Dating Nike Golf.
Are the flaws disclosed?
Every one. Marks, pilling, repairs, missing drawcords and worn water-repellent finishes are photographed close up and named in the condition notes. A disclosed flaw is priced in, so it is not grounds for a return.
How often do drops happen?
Monthly is the target. Each drop is themed, dated, and keeps its own page permanently — when the next one launches, the last becomes part of the archive rather than being taken down. The email list sees each drop before it goes public.
Do sold pieces come back?
Not the same piece. Sold listings stay up, greyed, at the bottom of the catalogue so the archive stays complete and the dating detail stays readable. Occasionally a returned piece relists, and when it does it goes out to the email list first.
Can I sell you something?
Possibly. There is no consignment programme, but Free Drop does buy pieces outright. Send photos of the front, back, and the neck and wash tags through the submissions form.
How should I care for vintage performance fabric?
Wash cool and keep it out of a hot dryer. High heat is what destroys the elastic in twenty-year-old cuffs and waistbands, and it does more damage to these garments now than wearing them does. Air-dry where you can.