RLL33

Different strokes, guys...

With your swing speed and characteristics, plus sound preferences, it seems like the T.388 would be a match made in heaven. I've said it before, but for me, it has the best sound and feel of any driver I've ever hit. And its trajectory is low and it bores through the air like a missile, with huge roll out after. My guess -- admittedly from a distance -- is it might be scary long and accurate in your hands...

Thanks, Ash. That's pretty much how I feel about RZN vs Pro V1, so I'm glad to hear that. I have noticed this year though that in an attempt by Nike at softening the cover a bit on the RZN Black, my ball is scuffing much more easily. A couple of iron shots into a round and I see little strands protruding off of scuff marks, and then I don't want to hit that ball off the tee. Aerodynamics and all that... So I'll be anxious to see how the Vice feels AND holds up. And what do you know... as we're speaking... the Vice package just arrived! (Man, those guys are fast -- Munich to Left Coast from Tues to Fri!) It's actually raining here, so I'll have to wait until next week to hit these. Looking forward to it. (Thanks again to D.)

Ash, I guess this is almost a two-part question -- because it would involve how you compare Pro V1 to Nike RZN Blk, too -- but how would you compare them to the Nike RZN Black that you also hit sometimes? Thx.

I'd say it's the bees knees... and ankles! Yes, over the top-- as in a lifetime keeper.

There's your driver, cfor -- take that deal, you won't regret it -- and have Chris put you in a good shaft with it, ALL AT YOUR PRICE. What a way to start with JDM...!

Will look forward to your reaction, Ash, as we seem, as always, to like a lot of the same things. I ordered the sampler pack to try all the models. Scheduled to arrive next week.

Yes, S-Yard is history, and the T.388 is now a collector's item -- as it should be. Kobayashi designed it as his last -- and perfect -- driver. It is unique in sound, feel, distance, and accuracy. It comes up a lot on the BST, as it's a smaller head and not for everyone. I ended up with two of them -- one with the TRPX Messenger 1st shaft and one with the Seven Dreamers Distance. Both are top end shafts. The Messenger is more affordable. I'd keep a watch for it in the BST forum. The J-Beam Blackout is new and also terrific for those who like a somewhat smaller head. Messenger is also great in this head.

Welcome. I'd look at S-Yard T.388 and JBeam Blackout. Both would fit your criteria nicely. (There are reviews and discussions of each for details if you do a search here in this Forum.)

Just curious, Mjr, what do you think of the sound of the t.388?

Me, too. Thanks, D -- I'd never heard of these guyz.

Nike RZN Black here. Totally agree on the nerf quality of the Chromes, bk.

I sent my 388 head to them and let them do the installation after doing the questionnaire and talking with Chris pretty thoroughly about it. Then when I got it, my comparison was with the Messenger 1st in my other 388. I've in fact left that one installed, too, and every now and then I take them both to the range just to zero in on the feel that I think makes the 7D different. That comparison also helped me decide to go for another 7D for the Blackout. I'll look forward to your comparison, too, and the way you describe the difference from the Quadra.

Yeah, I'm still waiting on the one for my Blackout, too (since the end of Feb...). Hope it's because they refuse to cut corners even as they get more orders... But man, wait til you hit it in that T.388, all frustration will disappear on first launch, it's an amazing combination!!! Enjoy! PS. Mine was fitted through questionnaire, too.

Yeah, it's a fraternity, Hutchy, and a lot of what I like about being here on TSG -- talking to others who get it... I had an old 4-wood of my dad's, too, that was that beautiful layered wood like yours, Mikey. I used to swing that in the backyard, too, but one day the twine gave way and the head sailed over the wall to a neighbor's property. They got sick of me asking if they ever found it... Hurt inside to lose it... and I actually kept the hickory shaft for a while... think it's still in storage... Also, didn't get into putters... <g> The Burning Copper Yamada that I had Gold's restore and put my initials on (the finish of which you now occasionally see appearing on others like that Dream 54 that sold here in the store a couple weeks ago) will never leave me in this world if I have anything to say about it. In fact, I only putt with it in the office these days... <g> And of course the Zen... And... oh well, you know... <g>

I know I have a keeper when I get a second as backup because I couldn't bear living if I didn't know I had that club... <g> -- S-Yard T.388 -- old TM R7 3-wood in beautiful dark wine color (stayed in the bag 7 years until S-Yard XV3 knocked it out, but I still take it out and swing it at home just to see it in hand) -- Callaway forged copper 64* wedge

Chris, would you describe the Flatbacks as clubs that tend to dig like the wedges?

Thanks again, D, that does help. I'll probably have to satisfy my curiosity some day... <g>

Thanks, D, some day I think I'll just have to try them. I'm always attracted to the look (agree with you, btw, that they should keep the kanji lettering). It's just the feel of that wedge -- for me -- was just so harsh and such a heavy digger that it's hard for me to imagine the iron feel that you guys are describing... I do love blades, always like Miuras, and I even like the Yamaha RMXs that a lot of people find hard to hit consistently, but I also know that I like lighter feel than most people, so maybe it has to do with that... Did you ever hit the raw wedge? Do you find the irons feel like it, or are they different to you? Appreciate the feedback.

I've been following this thread with interest, as I haven't heard Yururi's referred to as soft or forgiving before. I tried the raw wedge one time and it felt like rough cement to me -- with a sharp digging leading edge. I was trying it because I loved the look of the Flatbacks and was thinking about giving them a try, but the feel of the wedge really put me off. For you guys talking about this, are the irons -- Flatbacks in particular -- really different from the feel of the raw wedge? Or are we maybe just talking about preference in feel that might vary person to person...? Thanks.

Great idea, Chris, to include sound for drivers.

Sick beauty!!!

I know, the P3 is totally unusual, it seems to want to answer the question, how soft is too soft? But for those always on the hunt for that answer -- as I have been since I first put a putter in hand -- I simply think there is nothing else quite like it. And for that reason alone, it has to be experienced by those looking for "soft." Chris has pointed out -- rightly, I think -- that those playing on faster greens seem to like it more. Count me in. But hey, I'm glad I ended up with that first Zen of yours, C... <g> I treasure it, too.

I play the Zen with UST-ff shaft and love it. I use the baseball mitt leather grip from BestGrips and have never liked a leather grip more. It stays tacky and keeps getting softer -- just like an old favorite baseball mitt. But I have to say -- and I know this will sound strange -- the Ryoma P3 putter has been in my bag all this year so far. It's the most unusual soft feel I've ever come across in an Anser-type head, truly unique, and something about it seems to be perfection for me on the very fast greens of my home course.

That's cool, Chris, good work. I had a jump in numbers very similar to yours when I put the 7D in the t388. And with the Blackout, on Wednesday I had three drives in the 260's, with one at 267. More importantly, they were ropes that ended in the fairways. Looking forward to seeing what happens with the 7D in this baby now that we're getting closer to shipping. But P.S., I also look forward to your comparison of the 7D and the Basileus in the Blackout... <g> I agree with whoever said we seem to be bumping up to yet another level with shafts. Space age... truly...