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Now that the £ (UK) has plummeted against most currencies, buying JDM equipment in the UK has become more expensive than ever and the cost of a new set of irons is almost extorionate. I noticed that Bridgestone have just released their new J38 range of models which bear a stricking resemblance to their Tourstage range, especially the driver. How does this equipment compare to each other and is there still a quality gap between brands or has this now narrowed. Comments please, especially from people who have played both.

Lets hope the saying "a camel is a horse designed by a committee" is not apt in this instance. Anyhow my only observation is it would be nice if another method was used for numbering the individual clubs.

Surpised no one has mentioned Miura, Their irons, wedges and putters are up there with the best. I have never played their Wood's/Utilities so I cannot comment on how good they are.

How does the club differ from the previous version. The head looks identical apart from the lettering. Like most of Fourteen's current clubs, I presume it is not made in Japan.

Sorry, spelling mistake, I meant tinny. Are the shafts interchangeable with each model or do they have their own independent sleeves. I was tempted to purchase both heads as the majority of the cost seems to be in the TP shafts but if you cannot interchange the shafts between both clubs there is little point.

As both the R9 and R9 Max are available in Japan, has anyone hit both clubs and if so what is the difference between the two apart from head size and weight configuration. I have tried the UK spec R9 with standard shaft and was very impressed with the feel and balance and am looking to try the TP version with either Matrix Ozik Xcon or Fubuki shafts. I have heard the R9 max is slightly longer and forgiving but not as nice to hit (a bit tiny). Your comparisons, please.

Do the Japanese spec R9 shafts fit all R9 models including non Japanese spec.

In previous post(s) Chris was quite critical with golf manufacturers who grind existing heads to their own finish and charge a lot extra for the privilege. If my memory does not fail me Vega, Miura and Kyoei were mentioned. I appreciate that Golds Factory is a premium brand but is this not the same however good the clubs look.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the the Pro Preference model blades. They are being sold as Epon's created by Master Niimi San in a limited edition.

Here's a pic, enjoy.

My point is not how the clubs play, which are excellent but why buy a black finish if its only going to last a few months at the most. I have several rusty look wedges and thought the black finish would be a nice change and although, I agree a clubs performance is not determined by how they look, I always look for a club that suits the eye as well.

I have two Epon 208 KGX wedge's in 56 and 60 degree lofts in the charcoal black finish. Having used the clubs for nearly six months, I am very dissapointed that the finish is no longer charcoal black but nearer to rusty brown. Is this the norm for clubs with a black finish as I usually buy chrome/satin finish. The original black finish was excellent but alas not now. Your thoughts.

Miura 5003, recieved last week, been to the range twice, cannot believe how good they are. Forgiving (for a blade), workable, thin top line, as soft as butter and very easy on the eye. Playing on course this weekend.