Ara selai

Got the KM-350 assembled and delivered late last week, with a Project X 55 shaft and a green Iomic grip (the color of money). Looks outstanding with the non-stepped shaft! Thanks to GBS for helping me source it here in Indonesia, thereby avoiding the import tax! (Also, thanks to the other forum members who offered other options to source it.) Now to play it! Review to follow at some point head-to-head against my old Scotty. Would also like to compare it with the Yamada Razor and/or the Royal Collection Miami, but haven't found any in the area to demo. Has anyone had an opportunity to hit these models side-by-side against the KM-350, who cares to comment on relative feel? I'm mostly asking out of curiosity, as, aesthetically, I prefer the more compact head shape of the 350....

There's been a lot of press about the recent spate of success pros have been having with belly putters (BPs). So, it raises a few questions: has anyone on the forum tried one, or are they planning on trying one now that they're gaining popularity on the tour? If you have tried one, what are the adbvantages and disadvantages compared to a standard putter? What needs to change in one's stroke to play a BP well? I read they're better for shorter than for longer putts; true or not? Can the longer shafts be used with any putter head, or is there a certain combination that is particularly well suited? Thanks for your thoughts!

@panicmotion: Another thing to keep in mind - in all the clubs I tried, the FWs in a given loft were significantly longer than the comparable ute. Supo67 recently replied to my original post and said the same thing. So, the point is, consider what yardages you'll use the clubs for. I hit the FW on long (>200 yd) second shots, and use the utilities for the 180-200+ yd range. Having played my set-up for several rounds now, I feel I could probably get on fine without the 3UT (21*), but it does come out of the bag a couple or more times every game, and I have buddies who swear by that loft. Also, when I don't need a driver off the tee, I've found I sometimes prefer to use the BBD utes, rather then the VS Tour 5W. Finally, if you do demo a variety of clubs, compare what type of flight and carry vs roll characteristics each club brings to your game. You'll be surprised at how much difference there can be.

@panicmotion: In post #21, you asked about the BBD TRC utilities that I reviewed (I called them BBS in the original post, now corrected; apologies for the confusion). They are great, great clubs, and I highly recommend you hunt around for some to demo. The good news is they're from 2009, so you might find them for a good price. Bad news is, they're from 2009, so you might not find them at all! As stated in my review, I tried these against the 2011 TRCs, and preferred the 2009s. Not sure what the difference actually is, but it was noticeable. After 5 rounds with the the BBD's, I can quantify my review to say that they are excellent from ALL lies, including fairway bunkers - a couple of weekends back, I hit the 21* onto the green from a blind lie in a hillside bunker...from 175 yards. For more info, check the following websites: http://www.golftoimpress.com/royal-collection-new-2009-products/ http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.royalcollection.co.jp/lineup/index.php%3Fcontroller%3Dlineup%26action%3DshowDetail%26orderNo%3D00000010&ei=bAJgTqK5N9OxhAf32MEK&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEoQ7gEwBw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Droyal%2Bcollection%2Bgolf%2Bbbd%2Btrc%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26prmd%3Divns ...or if you read Japanese: http://www.royalcollection.co.jp/lineup/index.php?controller=lineup&action=showDetail&orderNo=00000010 You've probably heard it thousand times already, but it really does pay off to get to a shop and try several models and brands before buying. Good luck!

I have the same opinion of their VS Tour fairway wood. See my related post on this board from about a month ago. Love the driver? You'll wet yourself over the woods! Also the utilities. And the DB Forged wedges. Class manufacturer; worth spending the extra time and effort to demo. If you've got a dealer who stocks RC, ask him about the rest of the line-up. You won't be sorry.

Eric, I considered the 007 as well (bet we got the same price quote!), and decided on the 350 because of its smaller, simpler head, which appeals to me after using an Anser style putter for so long. Stylistically, I also prefer the smaller 'deck area' behind the face on the 350. Did Ted send you any side-by-side comparison photos (frontal, address/framing the ball, rear) of the 007 and 350, similar to the 350 vs 005 comparison on the Miura website? And have you used either style putter before to know how they might differ in feel (better, have you hit them side-by-side to be able to compare)? I agree with you that the smaller offset on the 007 looks much nicer at address (IMO) than the full-shaft offset on the 350. I also really like the more continuous gauge between the hosel and the shaft on the 007, which is very apparent in the pictures you posted, as compared to the pictures kbeasley put up of the 350. Decisions, decisions. In the end, they're both at the top end of their respective design styles, and it comes down to what appeals to your eye. (So, to repeat your question to me a while ago, why not just get them both!) Closing thought: I've read that the 007 is about 10 grams heavier than the 350, which begs the question how the mass is distributed in the two club heads? That is: assuming that the density of the steel is the same, and knowing the 007 is somewhat larger (I've read the 007 is 3.75" long, whereas the 350 is 3.5"L, and the 007 has a substantially deeper deck), why is the 007 only 10 g heavier?

Thanks for the info, Gocchin! I didn't have a stellar game with them today from inside of 30 yards, but I attribute that to getting used to the head weight on quarter and half swings. Outside of that distance, on fuller swings, they were smooth, had good bounce, and played accurately. The 58* worked really well out green-side traps!

Nope, didn't have the patience.... Decided to get the 52*/9 and 58*/11 non-protos in satin. I'll give them an on-course workout tomorrow. Love the look, especially at address; love the swing weight; will report back on the performance. [As I've never played a 58* before, it'll be interesting to compare it to the 56* Cleveland 588, which has been so solid for me. I'm pretty sure the 52* will outplay the Miura it replaces, but will try to be as objective as possible.] Regarding the non-protos vs protos, has anyone compared the 2011 protos, the 2011 non-protos, and/or the original DBs side-by-side, to be able to comment on any substantial difference(s)? The new protos certainly seem to have a few fans on the forums, and I gather the originals were something really special. What will I be missing by having the non-protos? Finally, still wondering what other wedges GTI'ers think deserve special attention? Would be interesting to have a straw poll BEFORE the 2011 shootout results are out. No idea how to do it, though (newbie-itis).

E, Off topic, but I'd like to know how the new irons are working. Jealous! Maybe you can post your thoughts on the main forum, esp. as compared to the Mizzys you were playing.

Eric, I sent you an email.

I'm in the process of getting one assembled and delivered. Will provide feedback and photos when it's been on the greens a few times. In the meantime, I'll say this: what impressed me the most when I demo'ed it was the very dense head. It provided a superb, solid feel; clear and obvious feedback with respect to direction; and in particular, helped to modulate my pendulum-like swing, which provided excellent distance control. It was like a metronome. Furthermore, in my opinion, its subtle and understated elegance really help it to stand out from the pack. If you have an opportunity to look at it next to a bunch of (admittedly spectacular) Anser lookalikes - such as Camerons, Gold's, Bettinardi, TP Mills, etc. - and especially the current crop of "techy" Spiders, Machines, Odysseys, and others, you'll see what I mean. I picked it up because it was a bit different that all those other glorious putters, and I bought it because it worked so well. It will replace my SC Newport.

Worse still, it seems the the import duty on "luxury items"' such as golf clubs, is 50% or more!

Would like to know that myself. On the customs form you get when you fly in, it says to declare everything over $50. Supposedly, the tax kicks in over $250. But if I go by the horror stories on the internet, the guys don't take into account the actual receipted value; they guesstimate based on how nice it looks and how much they think is likely to get paid in tax. If you refuse to pay, they've got a club to sell on the open market. Will have to make some formal enquiries regarding how seriously they regard receipts. Why, do you have one?

After looking at and testing the KM-350 versus a few other similar designs this week, I've decided that a 350 will make me a happier golfer. So now I'm looking for someone who wants it out of his/her bag as much as I want it in mine. Problem is, if you're outside of Indonesia, import duty into Indonesia is going to kill me, unless you're willing to sell at a very good price. I already have an in-country feeler out with a fellow GTI'er, but thought I'd check here too, to see if anyone else has a lightly used one they want to part with. Alternatively, I might be willing to trade my original series (1997) Scotty Cameron Newport with TeI3 insert and original shaft/grip/head cover, if that would help you to help me. It's in "par" (average) or maybe slightly better condition, consistent with its age, and is one of SC's classic early clubs. Super soft, great feel, and very accurate. As a go-by, these list for $200 and up on the 'Bay in this condition.

What about the UST Frequency Filtered shaft for a $10 premium over the Nippon NS shaft, from the dealer you recommended? Either option is a lot less than the best price in Jakarta. Anyone notice any uplift with a higher end putter shaft, versus a TrueTemper?

The shaft on the KM-350 I tried here in Jakarta is an Aerotech steel fiber putter shaft. Anyone know anything about these? I think it looks nicer than the standard steel shafts, and it gives a different feel to steel shafts, but does it do anything that justifies its higher price?

PM sent, Eca.

So I guess the only question for me is whether I will have the patience to wait for the results of the shootout.... Any word on other front runners?

"Y not just get the km-350?" Now there's a clever idea! Having had the same thought after lusting chastely all day, I've made an offer I hope the shop won't refuse for the demo I tried..... Unfortunately, I tend to obsess a bit about these things, and always want to see if there's anything I prefer more, before going with my gut. especially when I'm looking at "luxury" items with a hefty price tag compared to other options. By the way, to aanswer my own question, I did some more googling today and finally found the magic word to use in a search: 8802, as in Wilson 8802. That gets me a whole pile of images of similar putters! Still think the KM-350 is one of the best looking in this particular style, and I just groove on the feel. (As an aside, Wilson must have been some company back in the day; between this classic putter style and their revered Pro Staff irons from the 60s and 70s, they were doing something right!)

This post covers a lot of old ground, but I'm hoping to unearth a new treasure or two. Ever the optimist! I've read through previous posts, and there are several that discuss, among others, the Royal Collection DB forged wedges, including several rave posts by Blader-X. One of the moderators (Gocchin??) mentioned that they were one of the top three JDM wedges out right now. I had a chance to hit one tonight (56* or 58*, can't remember, with a TrueTemper shaft, I think) and REALLY liked it compared to what I've got in the bag at the moment (a 52* Miura and a 56* Cleveland 588 sand wedge that I've had for a dozen years. Probably time to retire the Cleveland, though it's been a stellar performer, and the Miura hasn't been the joy I'd hoped for). The RC DB was gold at 1/4, 1/2, and full swings. My question is, could someone give me an up-to-date run-down on alternatives I should consider? Obviously there are the SkyDreamJump DP2010s and the Fourteen MT28 V5s, as reviewed and discussed by Blader-X in detail. Anything else? I'll hit as many as I can, so I'm really trying to identify any real dogs or average performers to avoid, and any recently discovered hidden gems. Miura 1957s and Mizuno TP11s get some love on other posts. Yururis, too. What else? Scratch? Did I miss anything obvious from the previous posts? Gocchin (or anyone else), what, in your opinion, ARE the top three wedges out there? (We know where Blader sits on this one, but what about his previous gamers, the Tourstages?) And are there any JDM offerings that really DON'T make the grade? Shaft combinations with preferred clubs would be helpful, so I don't end up with a disappointing stock shaft. After testing a selection, I'll try to post my thoughts in a timely manner, to complement my previously posted comparisons of irons, woods, and utilities from the perspective of a mid- to low-20s handicapper. (Moderators, feel free to move/delete if you think this post overlaps too much with all the previous posts. I would have appended it to one of them, but wasn't sure which one)

What putters have a similar design and/or weight to the Miura KM-350? I was in the shop tonight getting the lie adjusted on my irons, and was killing time while they were being adjusted. After admiring a few new wedges (another post), I wandered into the putter gallery. I looked at the dizzying selection, and was quickly ready to go back to the wedges, when a Miura KM-350 caught my eye. It was shafted with a pearl white steel fiber shaft (don't recall the make), and a white grip, and that combination, together with the discrete silver head, looked totally unlike all the other putters on display. I'm not usually a fan of the all-white, R11 style of club, but it worked its charm on me in this putter. Plus, the small head and simple style really appealed to me, as didnthe graceful neack-to-head transition. Anyway, having seen it, I gave it a spin, and really liked it. Just for good measure, I tried it against some Gold's Factory competition, the Miura KM-005, a Heavy Putter, and my trusty Scotty Cameron Newport Teryllium, which happened to be in my bag. I've used the SC since 1998, and had not given serious thought to replacing it. However, I found the Miura was ridiculously easy to hit accurately from 10-15 feet (as far away as I could get on the putting surface), had excellent lag (all my putts were within inches of the hole), and had a unique, firm feel to it compared to the other putters. Of particular note, it felt much more authoritative than my SC, which was the only club with an insert that I was hitting. One of the GF Anser-style putters stood out as well in terms of lag, but wasn't as accurate in my lowly hands. In general, the 350 had a better feel (to me) than my SC or the other Anser-style putters. I knew better where the ball was going (especially long and short), and it was easy to determine range. I kept going back to it again and again. Which made me wonder: maybe the blade style and/or the particular balancing and/or weight is better suited to my putting. I have a pendulum-like swing, a fairly well-modulated tempo, and I putt with firm forearms (not sure if that's the proper way to describe it). I'd sure like to find something thatbperforms on the greens like that one was performing in the shop! Unfortunately, there were no other similar style putters on display to test whether it's the heel-shafted blade design or the weight or the balance that was working for me. I can rule out the heavier weight as a significant factor, as I found the Heavy Putter terrible to swing. So, over to the GTI community: are there any other highly-recommended JDM putters with a similar blade design to the KM-350 that you can suggest? I googled a little bit and found an Odyssey model (iX) that is similar to the one that Phil Mickleson apparently uses (shame on me for not knowing that!). From what I can see, other JDM brands/models besides Miura in the TSG proshop are the Kenmochi KP-01 and the TM Rossa. I'm not beholden to any brand, nor am I presently ho'ing (yet anyway!) for a new putter. Just doing a little research at the moment. Appreciate your help, and especially comparative comments if you've tried a few of these out in action.

Supo, I tried these, and definitlely agree with Spoon. I compared them to a bunch of other utlities, and they didn't make the first cut. See my write-up (on this forum) at My opinion (not considering appearance, of which I was not a fan when I actually had them in hand, but which is obviously a personal preference) was "...didn't like the flight, and wasn't overly impressed of the feel." Honestly, pretty average at best. There are any number of more worthy clubs for your consideration. That said, they're pretty cheap compared to some other utilities, so there may be a decent value proposition to try it for a few rounds. Would be interested to hear your thoughts if you do hit it.

When I was trying out woods (there's a separate post out there), I found very little to separate the best performers. That said, I particularly liked the Royal Collection BBD Tour VS and Yamaha D and V series woods. (all mentioned previously). Found them both to be accurate off the mat and tee, and to play to expected lengths. Didn't hit the new RC TRCs as well, but others seem to really like them. The main difference I saw was not in performance, but in head size and face depth. As far as all-rounding goes, you may want some additional depth in the face to hit tee shots with confidence. You may also see a benefit with a slightly larger head, to give you the same feeling as your driver. In these cases, you'll trade off a little bit of the off-the-grass performance/distance of a shallow-faced, low COG wood, like the TM or Ping G15, for example. But you'll end up with something for all occasions.

Plus one on the Royal Collection FWs. I just wrote up a comparison with the Yamaha D and V series. My Tour VS 5W was on fire yesterday. I was getting it as far as both my buddies' 3W (Ping and Taylormade). They are all excellent clubs and it will depend on how deep you want the face to be. If you can find an Egg, that's what was being recommended to me on this forum when I asked about woods and utility clubs. I've saved a spot in my bag for one at 14* or 17*. Depending on your game, you might want to consider utilities as well, in which case see my other post for some thoughts. There are some good ones out there that might suit you.

Re: shafts. I'm happy to order Quadras from TSG. I've also got a semi-local (out of town) option on a second hand Quadra. I'd just like compare to the weight, feel and stiffness for my swing against a few other shafts before laying that much dosh. Is that a reasonable expectation, or a pipe dream? These high-end driver shafts are a brave new world for me! @FrankThong, belatedly. I tried quite a few shafts in the irons before getting the NS850s installed. They seem to be working well. I know whatyou mean about finding the right ones, though; quite a few (heavier steel shafts in particular) definitely didn't suit! Plus, I found the 850s let me maximize club speed without getting the whippiness I experienced in lighter and comparably weighted graphite shafts. I'm sure there were other options out there that could have worked as well or possibly better, but I'm happy. We're in violent agreement that most of the Miura, Epon, and Yamaha heads I tried are only differentiated by subtle design differences. That's why it was so hard for me to pick an eventual winner, and why the different companies' design teams have to work so hard on emphasizing the subtleties. Certainly, some worked better for me than others, even when they had the same shafts installed.