The TSG Official X-Drive Thread!

[taipanli]

Played one round with my new X-Drive 460, 9.5*, w/ stock XD-60 stiff. First impression is that this driver is extremely forgiving. Wasn't swinging particularly well but the driver never got me into trouble. My natural miss is a high push/fade which can send a ball or two in serious trouble when it appears. However, I hit a couple of drives which I thought might be in danger but the ball just hung and faded only slightly and stayed near the fairway. Also seems to play very true to loft in that this 9.5* has a distinctly lower ball flight than my W505 9.5*. Doubtful it's due to the shaft since my W505 has had both a Silver Diamana 73 and a Red Diamana 73 and the X-Drive goes lower than either. Stock XD-60 feels ok and not too loose. When flushed, the X460 is pretty long as well.

At set-up I can't really notice the increase in size over the W505 (460 vs. 430). The X460 has a very deep face and you have to tee it up high for best results. The increased face depth took a little adjusting to and I did hit a couple of thin ones but they carried well and didn't really harm me.

So my first impressions are that this X-Drive is a winner from Tourstage. Their drivers are usually more demanding than Srixons or Taylor Mades, imo, but this one is very easy to hit and very forgiving. I will post again after a few more rounds but I'm already thinking of trying a 430 as well.

Didier

Edited December 15, 2006 by TourSpecGolfer

[gocchin]

Good feedback! How is the feel and sound on impact compared to the Srixon. :tsg_smilie_cool:

[putt4doh]

Please! Give us more info!

Launch angle comparision to your gamer?

Carry? Roll? Sound?

I don't think I'm the only one dying for more Xdrive info!

[ClubHoUno]

Played one round with my new X-Drive 460, 9.5*, w/ stock XD-60 stiff. First impression is that this driver is extremely forgiving. Wasn't swinging particularly well but the driver never got me into trouble. My natural miss is a high push/fade which can send a ball or two in serious trouble when it appears. However, I hit a couple of drives which I thought might be in danger but the ball just hung and faded only slightly and stayed near the fairway. Also seems to play very true to loft in that this 9.5* has a distinctly lower ball flight than my W505 9.5*. Doubtful it's due to the shaft since my W505 has had both a Silver Diamana 73 and a Red Diamana 73 and the X-Drive goes lower than either. Stock XD-60 feels ok and not too loose. When flushed, the X460 is pretty long as well.

At set-up I can't really notice the increase in size over the W505 (460 vs. 430). The X460 has a very deep face and you have to tee it up high for best results. The increased face depth took a little adjusting to and I did hit a couple of thin ones but they carried well and didn't really harm me.

So my first impressions are that this X-Drive is a winner from Tourstage. Their drivers are usually more demanding than Srixons or Taylor Mades, imo, but this one is very easy to hit and very forgiving. I will post again after a few more rounds but I'm already thinking of trying a 430 as well.

Didier

Hello,

Thanks for a nice review :tsg_smiley_yes:

I also consider getting the Tourstage X driver 460 or the Epon 460 driver. Did you consider getting your Tourstage X drive 460 with an Axiv og other high end shaft - and do you feel right now that you will keep the stock shaft ?

[corky3]

Currently playing a 435 and wondering if it's worth moving on/up to a 460.... anybody got any views + or - ??

[MCsub]

Currently playing a 435 and wondering if it's worth moving on/up to a 460.... anybody got any views + or - ??

You and me both... I have the 435/PT6 and it is the best driver I have ever hit. I have emailed Chris about the same combo in the 460 though... just gotta try it. I would go for the "P" version, but w/ Tourstage lofts being so true I have to have a 10.5.

I'm going to get a new one, but probably won't hit it until next spring. Talk about driving myself crazy... that baby will sit in my TS staff bag in my office and I am sure I will pull it out a few hundred times before I actually hit it! LOL...

[gocchin]

You and me both... I have the 435/PT6 and it is the best driver I have ever hit. I have emailed Chris about the same combo in the 460 though... just gotta try it. I would go for the "P" version, but w/ Tourstage lofts being so true I have to have a 10.5.

I'm going to get a new one, but probably won't hit it until next spring. Talk about driving myself crazy... that baby will sit in my TS staff bag in my office and I am sure I will pull it out a few hundred times before I actually hit it! LOL...

You'll just have to set up a net in the office and swing away... off season really kills us doesn't it? Especially with all this new stuff coming out!!

[taipanli]

Good feedback! How is the feel and sound on impact compared to the Srixon. Got any pics? :tsg_smilie_cool:

Feel and sound are very similar to the W505 I think (can't recall exactly). Pics that you posted are already great!

Please! Give us more info!

Launch angle comparision to your gamer?

Carry? Roll? Sound?

I don't think I'm the only one dying for more Xdrive info!

As stated, launch angle is lower than my W505 9.5* w/ Red Diamana. Carry is very good, roll is hard to say until i play more, and sound is similar to W505 and previous TS drivers.

I'm playing again on friday, then next monday, tuesday AND wednesday :tsg_smiley_yes: Will have much more detailed feedback end of next week.

Hello,

Thanks for a nice review :tsg_smiley_yes:

I also consider getting the Tourstage X driver 460 or the Epon 460 driver. Did you consider getting your Tourstage X drive 460 with an Axiv og other high end shaft - and do you feel right now that you will keep the stock shaft ?

Of course I would have preferred an upgrade shaft but those aren't available just yet. Specs on the stock shaft seemed alright so I don't mind playing it for now. However, if I still like the driver after a month or so (I most likely will), then I'll look to upgrade but will most likely pull the Red Diamana from the W505 unless something else strikes my fancy.

[Blader-X]

Hey thanks for the quick review. Look foward to more info from you and others who will be hitting this beauty.

QUOTE(corky3 @ Dec 13 2006, 09:19 AM)

Currently playing a 435 and wondering if it's worth moving on/up to a 460.... anybody got any views + or - ??

Let me chime in and say that going up to 460 is only about 30cc so I wouldn't think one would notice much in terms of set up or look of the club. I think what you would gain however would be a tad more forgiveness on those days when the swing may not be to your liking. If you hit the sweetspot on a 430 you're going to hit the sweetspot on a 460 and may get better length. Some say you can't work the ball with a 460 driver but I tend to disagree with that statement from my own experience. I myself did use to play smaller heads, but I actually like the 460 now. I just feel I'm getting everything I can out of the club by using that size. Just my opinion.

[corky3]

Hey thanks for the quick review. Look foward to more info from you and others who will be hitting this beauty.

QUOTE(corky3 @ Dec 13 2006, 09:19 AM)

Currently playing a 435 and wondering if it's worth moving on/up to a 460.... anybody got any views + or - ??

Let me chime in and say that going up to 460 is only about 30cc so I wouldn't think one would notice much in terms of set up or look of the club. I think what you would gain however would be a tad more forgiveness on those days when the swing may not be to your liking. If you hit the sweetspot on a 430 you're going to hit the sweetspot on a 460 and may get better length. Some say you can't work the ball with a 460 driver but I tend to disagree with that statement from my own experience. I myself did use to play smaller heads, but I actually like the 460 now. I just feel I'm getting everything I can out of the club by using that size. Just my opinion.

I guess really I wanted someone to say ' the 460 is the best club you'll ever hit' blah blah..... deep down I see one in my future, but know it probably won't make a ha'porth of difference to my game.... I'm just sooooo weak...... My name is Corky and I'm a TS addict....... group hug anyone?..... thought not!

[gocchin]

I guess really I wanted someone to say ' the 460 is the best club you'll ever hit' blah blah..... deep down I see one in my future, but know it probably won't make a ha'porth of difference to my game.... I'm just sooooo weak...... My name is Corky and I'm a TS addict....... group hug anyone?..... thought not!

You are not alone... the group at TSG has ZERO will power... we are all weak! HUG! :tsg_smilie_cool:

[hudson77]

You are not alone... the group at TSG has ZERO will power... we are all weak! HUG! :tsg_smilie_cool:

Hello TSGer..All of us have one voice for New beauties from TS. I think I'm not the only one looking forward to hearing the Inf. about the New X series.

Fortunately, I've got a chance to test the new x series which were supposed to sponsor to KPGA tour pro.

But, not in the range. So, I can not exactly show you guys the data(carray, run, spin rate and etc)

However, I can describe the feeling when i hit the equipments.

The series i've got tested were as following...

New X-Drive 410,430,430P with XD60 Stiff flex shaft.

New X-Drive FW 13.5 with QUATTRO TECH 65 Stiff flex shaft.

New X-Wedge(chrome) 52'' lofted gap wedge with DG S200.

First of all, I did not get any different feeling from 410 and 430 head in terms of head size fron that of previous X series(405 or 435). The shape of head and the feeling at address are almost the same as 405/435. The only different things are the sound and the feel at impact.

As you know well, the characteristics of XD60 shaft is very odd. It has 66g, 2.9TQ, however, it is very easy to handle and very soft. Comparing with Tour AD M65 and Pt-6, XD60 was felt more easy.

And in terms of sound, It has more high tone and clean feeling, for example, like high tone of "Tack".

So, personally, 410 and 430 with XD60 shaft did not move me to upgrade from my gamer(405 with Tour AD M65).

But, 430p is different. when i see the head at address, it seems like tad more larger 983K from titleist. Usually, titleist menia have strong preference to 983 series than 905 series. Anyway the 430p shape of head is very fantastic. The feeling at impact is very similar th 430 but i felt a little different thing. The difference was the feeling when i swing it, i.e from the point of hand rotation and release point. It seems very smooth and natural (Sorry, i can not describe and translate my feeling in english...cause i'm Korean...)

Moreover, 430P makes me think it is upgraded equiopment from old series. And the total carry and run was the best among the tested equipments. Unfortunately, I could not tested 430p with QUATTRO TECH.

Personally, I made up my mind to pin down 430P with QUATTRO TECH.

O.K then next...New X-Drive FW.

The head size is very compact. It reminds me 904f from titleist. The face angle looks like a liitle bit opened.

However, the highlight is the shaft feel and metalic sound. QUATTRO TECH is very new from previous series from GD. For example,Tour AD M is soft but little bit tedious or boring. On the other hand, PT-6 is too stiff in tip, however, QUATTRO TECH is very active, soft, clean and stout. Actually, when i see the shaft spec, i thought the torque was too high (Stiff flex is 3.8, X-Stiff is 3.6). But, definitely not. My SS is around 105mph, but the stiff flex is good to me. I might dare say that it is the best shaft among i tasted.

Last thing is the wedge. For more fine test for wedge, it should be happen in the green side. So, I can not say exactly about the wedge except the feeling at address and impact.

The size of new x-wedge is very small. The top line at address is not that much thin. The address feeling is almost same as gauge design GAS II. (not GAS I SQBT. It looks like shovel). The CNC milling at face is the obvious difference from old series. Therefore, It bite the ball very seriousely. The feeling at impact is very similar to New X-Blade CB iron. It will be a good match for New X-Blade CB iron set.

The person concerned said me that the gun metal is not the fe99.9 but mild steel.

This is all my first feeling at new series from TS.

Next time if i can rent those and test in the field, then i will be back.

Thanks.

[gocchin]

ZEROHANDY! Great feedback my friend! Thanks so much for the insight! Good luck testing outdoors and be sure to let us know the ball flight characteristics of the clubs!

[+TourSpecGolfer]

We have sold quite a few of these new X-Drives, the normal versions are now available and ready to ship, you can also have a custom shaft installed by one of our clubmakers. The P series is coming out late Jan. The 460P is already sold out. Only 1000 made which makes it one of the most limited drivers in history. To bad it is a fade machine with that ultra stout shaft.

Please post your review when you are able to give them a good run. Straight forward honest opinions appreciated.

[gocchin]

Chris I'm very tempted to say send that 460 over here, and to think I just got an Epon from you too.... geez!

[taipanli]

A further 3 rounds with my X460 at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok. Course just hosted the Volvo Masters so rough was thick and greens were rock hard. Didn't score cuz my swing is currently very inconsistent but I'm liking the dirver a lot.

You can be versatile with ball flight/tee height no problem. Distance loss on mis**ts isn't bad at all. When you nail it, this driver is long and I love the ball flight. It's definitely staying in the bag and i'll now try a shaft upgrade. Very happy with this purchase and I'd also like to try a 430/P.

I had recently also bought the Srixon ZR-600 but the new X Drive is far superior imo. Figure out which set-up is best for you and you can't go wrong with this stick. 460 may still be a little too deep for me so perhaps a 430P would work even better.

[ClubHoUno]

A further 3 rounds with my X460 at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok. Course just hosted the Volvo Masters so rough was thick and greens were rock hard. Didn't score cuz my swing is currently very inconsistent but I'm liking the dirver a lot.

You can be versatile with ball flight/tee height no problem. Distance loss on mis**ts isn't bad at all. When you nail it, this driver is long and I love the ball flight. It's definitely staying in the bag and i'll now try a shaft upgrade. Very happy with this purchase and I'd also like to try a 430/P.

I had recently also bought the Srixon ZR-600 but the new X Drive is far superior imo. Figure out which set-up is best for you and you can't go wrong with this stick. 460 may still be a little too deep for me so perhaps a 430P would work even better.

Have you had any chance of comparing the X driver 460 to the beloved Epon 460 driver ?

I like the head design of the X-drive WAY more than that of the Epon 460, and if they perform almost equally good, I'll go for the X-drive 460. I'm a sucker for looks.

Golf clubs are like girls. The better they look, the harder they are to control and keep in the house/bag :atsg_smilie_chick_brun: :atsg_smilie_chick_blonde: :atsg_smilie_chick_blk:

I'm skipping the Epon 460 - beacuse I'm in love with the looks of the Tourstage X-drive 460 :tsg_smilie_cool:

It's either the Titty D2 or the Tourstage X-drive 460 for my summer bag 2007 :tsg_smilie_money3:

I've already ordered the SuperQuad from Taylor - I love Taylor TP drivers :tsg_smiley_yes:

[taipanli]

Have you had any chance of comparing the X driver 460 to the beloved Epon 460 driver ?

I like the head design of the X-drive WAY more than that of the Epon 460, and if they perform almost equally good, I'll go for the X-drive 460. I'm a sucker for looks.

Golf clubs are like girls. The better they look, the harder they are to control and keep in the house/bag :atsg_smilie_chick_brun: :atsg_smilie_chick_blonde: :atsg_smilie_chick_blk:

I'm skipping the Epon 460 - beacuse I'm in love with the looks of the Tourstage X-drive 460 :tsg_smilie_cool:

It's either the Titty D2 or the Tourstage X-drive 460 for my summer bag 2007 :tsg_smilie_money3:

I've already ordered the SuperQuad from Taylor - I love Taylor TP drivers :tsg_smiley_yes:

I never tried the EPON drivers simply because the looks aren't particularly attractive to me. All I can say is that the the 2007 X Drive is better than any driver TS has ever produced.

[corky3]

I never tried the EPON drivers simply because the looks aren't particularly attractive to me. All I can say is that the the 2007 X Drive is better than any driver TS has ever produced.

oh no.... I was afraid someone would say that, and I haven't paid for Christmas yet :-(

So what's THE shaft for the new x-drive?? XD-60?

Thanks and merry christmas all!

Edited December 21, 2006 by corky3

[+TourSpecGolfer]

I just installed a quattro tech into the epon to try out. my X-Drive is good but not replacing her anytime soon. IMO the epon is easier to hit straight.

more to come when it gets warmer.

[putt4doh]

I just installed a quattro tech into the epon to try out. my X-Drive is good but not replacing her anytime soon. IMO the epon is easier to hit straight.

more to come when it gets warmer.

It's plenty warm where I am..... :tsg_smilie_smile:

I will graciously volunteer to 'test' the new X Drive for you!!!

Edited December 21, 2006 by putt4doh

[gus]

I too am considering the X-Drive 460; my biggest concern with Tourstage drivers is the full face grooves. I play a lot of wet weather golf and I'm worried that I will produce to much spin if water collects in grooves between the face and the ball. Is this a mith or is there some truth to this effect? What exactly is the technology advantages of the new 460 model? I think all of the X-Drive models look sweet!

[viv71]

I had the 460P shafted with N65 Tour AD in play for a couple rounds only.If I hit the sweet spot it will give a little 5 to 6 yard fade,not very forgiving .Because the shaft is a little too stiff for me I cant say much about the distance .but i was reasonable please with it.I will have my 460 in play next week.[attachme

nt=4929:attachment] :tsg_smilie_tired:

[gus]

Do the grooves on the face of the standard model create spin? I'm worried about this; it's basically the only reason I've not called Chris to order. How's the GD Quattro Tech? Doe's the 460 play to true to loft like previous models or did they increase initial launch?

[gocchin]

Do the grooves on the face of the standard model create spin? I'm worried about this; it's basically the only reason I've not called Chris to order. How's the GD Quattro Tech? Doe's the 460 play to true to loft like previous models or did they increase initial launch?

The 460P model without the scoring lines appears to create less backspin under 1900RPMs than all the other four which have the scoring lines (2200-2900rpms), the 460P also produces considerably less sidespin. The clubs do play true to loft but of course the shafts will make a big difference on what kind of launch you actually get. Feedback on the Quattro Tech has been positive, Pros are reporting good feel and a much straighter ball taking the left side out of play. If you get the 460P it comes with the Hideto Tanihara spec X Flex GD Prototype anyway not the QT.

Edited January 2, 2007 by gocchin