RLL33

Interesting. Thx, Ash.

Thanks, Ash. Agree with you totally about aluminum pops, not to mention the tinny tinny sound... I guess this is different, so I'm trying to get a handle on what it is. Is it similar to those Callaway type white inserts ? Or closer to a milled feel? Cally also has something they call Metal-X which I like better than their other inserts. but in general I guess I'm more of a milled feel and sound kinda guy.

Ash, Chris, others, Would you still describe the insert as aluminum. like in feel? I'm curious about this putter, but every aluminum based insert I've ever tried has not been to my liking.

Sticking with the t.388. Awesome combo with the Yamaha RMX Tour MBs behind it.

Beautiful collection -- congrats. I was particularly struck by the one with the spiraling neck -- that is a one of a kind work of art!

Hope you're right, T. I'd look forward to what would come of some "alone time" from Kobayashi-san. My gut tells me that the simplicity of the t.388 and XV designs are where his heart is at this point in his life and career. That's what I'd hope to see more of -- maybe in a blade...?

May have to try these some time this year... Sounds more than interesting... Meanwhile, Ash & Stew, think I'll try that NS wv shaft right now. Thx for mentioning it.

S-Yard GT-Type S cavity back iron set Full set 5-P in excellent shape, standard L&L S20c soft Endo forged NSPro 850GH-r shafts with brand new Yamaha grips installed $350 PayPal only shipped to contl US PM with any questions Thanks, --Richard

Can anyone tell me what is pictured in the Honma logo...? Thanks. ;=]

For me, 2013 was the year my long game got bumped up more than a notch due to Tario's recommending the wonderful design of Kobayashi-san at S-Yard. The t.388 was a drive dream come true for me, with monster length, rope like accuracy, and a smaller head that gives me 3-wd like confidence off the tee. Love it so much, I grabbed a second one as a backup since it (and maybe S-Yard...) are limited edition... Then of course there was the complimentary XV fairways. The 3-wd is a mini-t, like having a driver I can hit off the deck and even out of rough, not to mention it's as along at times (or seems so) off the tee as the t.388. Replaced a 3-wd I'd had in my bag for years and years. Finally. Should add that I pop the XV 5-wd in my bag every now and then, too. Almost as long for me as the 3-wd, but with a higher trajectory. Still sticking with Miura wedges, although I'm a recent convert to the 2014 Yamaha RMX-mb's as my go to irons now. But that's getting into 2014... Putter: my first experience with Gold's. Actually improved my burning copper Yamada -- which I didn't think was possible! Also picked up an Epon Zen and haven't been able to put it down. Perfection through simplicity! Finally should add that 2013 was the year TSG put me in touch with Gary Gooden (Goodsie), who showed me what perfectly tuned clubs and shafts could do for my feel. Yo, Goodsie, thanks!!

Beautiful looking iron!

Very hot/cool ! Thanks for showing, C.

At least for now... ;=] As we JDM lovers know, "impermanence is the way..."

Sorry, RMX, my man -- came within a foot of an ace on 15 last week. ;=]

Agree, and the 3-wd is all that plus LONGER!

As others have commented, the XV fwy woods are closer in relation to the t.388 driver than the XV driver family. They're small and stealthy like the t.388, and also monster straight and long.

Think you're gonna like 'em, Mike -- look forward to hearing. ;=]

Hey, Prez, this may surprise, but I've gone Yamaha with my 5-PW. Still feel almost some sacrilege, but truth be told, I not only don't like the "WDD Accurate Forged," but I don't like "Miuraism" either... I may be missing something, but the North American versions of Miura clubs just look so much classier, subtle, elegant, in line with what I've always thought Miura was about. I honestly don't get what they do with their hometown designs... I tried the new Americas blade, but also wasn't nuts about that either. The y-grind seems to be taking over there, and it feels a little thin to me outside of wedges... Still do love the wedges though! So... as I've said before, "Impermanence is The Way." Look forward to showing you the Yammies at the club some time. Hope all goes well.

I go with the Fuji MCI's as well. Wonderful feel, agree very precise, and would add very long.

Smooth as silk! Enjoy, Ash!

Yup, how do you spell "collector's items" ?

Was using the Leupold GX4 and was very happy with it, but just recently I got one of the newest GPS watches -- the Bushnell Neo XS -- and for now, I'm sticking with that. It's light as a feather, less bulky than previous GPS watches I'd seen, and it's super accurate and easy to use. I like having distance to front, center, and back of greens as well as layups, hazards, etc., without digging for the range finder and doing the point and shoot thing... The interface is clean and simple, also has one button push to measure any shot distance without going through silly menus, etc. It's just there on my wrist when I need or want it; otherwise I forget about it. Really pleased with it.

Sorry I can't tell you anything about the Egg, but the XV is a dark and nasty weapon, gorgeous to look at, even better to feel. I had a 3-wood in my bag for six years that nothing could replace -- until I hit the XV. Now I have dreams at night about shots I hit with the XV during the day.

Sounds like a trip over there is about to beckon... Also, as an unapologetic shoe freak, I have to confess to being taken by that minor footnote in your story as well, T. ;=]

Pure and elegant! Looks like it would roll majestically. Enjoy!