FrankThong

Unlike the shaft or club head, where the design, material and construction have far ranging impact, I think grip is a very personal thing. Like underwear, some like boxers, some like briefs, and some don't wear any! And maybe it's me but soft/firm has nothing to do with thin/thick or rough/smooth. I find that soft and tacky, thinnish (just 1 layer of tape), feels best in my hands and you'll know it's the right grip when you feel confident without needing to grip it harder or fidget for comfort. For me, the Iomic Sticky 1.8 is the best 'rubber' made (I've probably tried them all) and I use it on all my clubs except the putter (Winns for me). I had the Gripmaster Kangaroo previously, softer than the Iomics but not so practical for wet and humid weather.

The Gripmaster's Cabretta are the softest grip I've ever come across though I think the Kangaroo, still helluva soft, is more practical.

Hey T, did you get my email on the Air driver?

T, you know how big a fan I am of the Kamui Works drivers. For a while there, I thought the innovation comatosed! Please check your mail, I'll be hassling you soon ha!

Hmm, never thought about it that way. Yeah. ;)

So when can I expect mine?? :(

Amazing looking bag. I've been eyeing this since last year. The propensity to bleed makes it very hard to accept; after all, this is a golf bag and has to pass the first test of enduring the elements. But just how easily does it bleed? Is there any way to treat it, coat it, to prevent, or significantly reduce, the bleeding? Anyone with any first hand experience with it?

Any idea when?

T, I sent email to both you and Tatsuro about my wedge, did you get it? Can you give me an update on my order please? Thanks.

What about mine?

Melodrama aside. Yeah, sorry to hear about the split. Such a shame. Hope you can both find a way to reconcile in the near future; no one wins in this picture.

Frankly, I'm quite shocked but not surprised if that makes any sense. Not surprised because Japan, or Asia for that matter, can be weird that way, especially in small conservative businesses where relationship weighs in heavily in deals-making. However, Endo is not a small company and it's sad that personal differences are allowed to disrupt a successful partnership. I think Epon and TSG make a very well matched couple -- TSG is exactly the place that I'd expect to find boutique artisan JDM brands and none epitomizes that better than Epon in my opinion. I would not have known about Epon if not for TSG and I am certain there are many like me from my part of the woods. Even as all good things must come to an end, I would hate to think of the life hereon without Epon, and thereon without TSG. I feel like I've just been told mom and dad are getting a divorce! So you will excuse me while I kick the dog...

T, I'm one your 20 and you are arranging my shaft right?

And may I add that after playing the considerably more expensive Gripmaster over the past months, I've decided that the Iomic 1.8 Sticky cannot be beat...

I've been using Iomics for as long as I can remember. They are amazing when new but do lose the tackiness, I find, after a year or so of play, which is just as well since that's about time to change clubs anyway haha!

Some initial thoughts on the MCI in comparison with the i8 and Neos, which have been played on either my 302 or 502. This is my personal experience, of course, and since I'm far from a decent reviewer, do take what I say with a pinch, or a fistful, of salt. The MCI80 flex is R, Roddio i8 is SR and LYI Neo is S. They are all quite similar in weight, with the Neo being the lightest at 70+g, while the other 2 are over 80g. Of the 3, I feel the Neos launch highest, with a low kick-point and a very lively tip. I think it imparts the highest spin too, which is not necessarily a bad thing with irons. With my swing, these go really high, too high for my liking -- a 5-iron flying around 160m would stick its landing. I experienced a half-club lost of distance while these were on the 302s and I feel the harder I whack it, the higher, not farther, the ball goes. I've had some really positive feedback about these shafts; a couple of my regular buds love them, especially that 'Crazy kick', but perhaps these are not that suitable for me? The i8 launch lower and, for my swing, gives the most penetrating trajectory on my 502. By far my favorite graphite iron shaft, and I've gamed quite a few from 4-5 star Honmas in the past to Matrix Oziks and Radixes. Of the shafts recommended on the Epons that I've not tried, namely the Quadra and Graphite Designs, I cannot imagine they could out-perform the i8 in my books. You can go into overdrive at it or finesse it, the i8 feels like it can take anything you throw at it. Best iron shaft I've gamed. Did I say that again? ;) The MCI launch the lowest of the lot. It feels the stiffest of the lot, even though it's R. Though I've only played 1 round, I can safely say that it holds its line very well. Could be my imagination, but I found some shots actually went straighter that I'd expect. Hit a few out of the rough, shot away like a bullet under some trees, straight as an arrow, where I thought it might veer left. The pro working at my fitter's, who originally thought my i8 were magic, has now shifted his lust towards the MCI. I'll probably need a few more rounds to understand his love affair but of the lot, the MCI was by far the most 'controlled' shaft -- my choice for tight courses, small greens.

I've only played 1 round with the MCI, though the guys at my fitter's are all familiar with my clubs. Ok, I'll post something in the main section. ;)

Don't mind trades. Not considering any shafts now, having just installed the MCIs on my 302s. Certainly not steel. Would consider some iron heads, like the Romaro Hs. Or other exotic JDM stuff.

Slightly used set of Crazy LYI Neo iron shafts (4-PW) with Iomic 1.8 grips (black/orange caps). Flex is S (Torque 3.0) and a tad under 76g. These were pulled from my Epon 302s after maybe 50 or so rounds. Listed at USD260 a piece, these (7 pcs) are yours for USD850 + shipping, unless you are in Singapore, in which case, pick up could be arranged.

This is the 2010 (PX-03D) model, with a M43 Carbon shaft; you can read more about this club, specs and all here (http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3063). The head's been used but the shaft, grip (still in wrapper) and head cover are brand new. Yours for USD280 + shipping, unless you are in Singapore, in which case, you could arrange a pick up.

It's a beauty. Until it runs...

http://www.tourspecgolf.com/images/LG9012st.gif

Coolest bags I've seen. Anyone has any first-hand experience with them? I know denims/selvedge are notorious with color runs. How do they hold up in rain or when exposed to the elements? I mean, it's still a golf bag, for crying out loud, and should be functional. Thanks.

I think the black is the nicest. But I also think my Ltd Ed Black & Red Epon bag is even nicer. And seriously doubt this is of a better quality, make or design over that one.

That's the news I most dreaded about the Scooner. Sigh. So promising. I don't like the shape and color of the Barque. No chance if it can't get past the eyeball test. :(