RLL33

Congrats -- another beauty! Interesting milling pattern. And I like the black and red color scheme, and in particular the red band that circles the putter that will also serve as a parallel sight line. Enjoy!

It took the t388 to get that Burner TP out of my bag. And even then, I've held onto it for safe keeping... Great driver.

Will look forward to your review of the Thump fwy shaft, T.

Really disappointed to hear this. Hope they turn it around, as it would be a shame to lose these guys. Definitely glad to have grabbed two t.388's -- that's going to be a collector's item, minimum. Going to pick up that 5-wd now, too. And the way I'm hitting the 3, may have to grab a backup there, too...

+1 on this, Hutchy. So would I. Bet most of them would go with the actual JDM labels for the Japanese forged clubs clubs they're already using anyway...

In my perfect world, I would love to see the stealth black equivalent of the t.388 and XV fwy woods in an iron set that would launch with the Kobayashi feel and fill out my black and white S-Yard bag with the look of a total stealth kill set. ;=]

Thanks, Tario. PM sent.

Thanks, Stew, think I'm going to go for the 5 as well.

Thanks -- I totally agree. Love the 3-wd and am probably going to go for the 5 as well.

Great to hear. Looking forward to trying it.

Nice exotic! The inlay patterns almost have the look of wood grain. Very unusual. Roll 'em well and enjoy!

Thanks for mentioning the 5wd, Stew. I've been so blown away by the shots the 3wd keeps producing that I was thinking of adding the 5 as well. (I've actually overshot some greens with the 3wd that I used to have trouble reaching... and a few shots off the tee are reaching for the distance I get with a smooth t388 swing...) Thought the 5 might be nice to add some height on some shots from the fairway. Do you find much difference in distance between the 3 and 5? Or is it more question of trajectory?

Ashim, First off, beautiful pictures of the course in Vermont! That third picture especially looks like a dream! Was also glad to hear the TRPX w/ Messenger worked well for you, as I've noted that we tend to like similar feeling shafts. Was wondering though, since you've also played the t388 if you might compare the two. I've ordered a Messenger shaft to try in my (spare) t388, but don't have it in hand yet. Looking forward to it.

I have the Miura, but mostly just like to look at it... <g> Don't think they make it anymore, so you'd be looking for a used one. The Zero plays longer.

I doubt it. The force at impact would probably move the shaft. And then the lock would be like a stripped screw.

I like the Yonex Zero a lot. But nothing I've tried beats the forged Callaway X-Util Prototype. It has a rounded sole similar to a C-grind wedge which makes it awesome out of the rough. And it's long. VERY long. And straight as a bullet. Was going to try the Honma, but it was a long wait for the club to be built. May order one some day...

Chris, here are a few quick pics. The shaft is a regular 370 at the hosel. The adjustable slider is up by the grip. Its default is to stay clamped tight on the shaft, and you loosen it with a key to slide the shaft to any length you want -- think it goes anywhere from 31" to 36". There was a special note tag that came with the putter that says you have to leave the PING grip on the shaft in order for it to stay "conforming," but other than that it looks, feels, and functions as a straight 370 shaft.

Well, I ordered a Messenger shaft to try in my t.388... Will see if it's even remotely possible for me to like anything more than I like that stock S-Yard setup... ;=]

Yeah, I mentioned this over the summer. While I was waiting for my main baby to come back from Gold's, I picked up the Scottsdale with the adjustable length shaft and variable depth grooves, and I really liked being able to dial in the shaft length depending on how my back felt that day. The 35 area is still my preferred length, but I found that changing the length was, in some ways, like changing putters, which always seems to add a note a freshness when my putting goes stale. I bought a second one just to use the shaft with other putter heads. Lot of fun experimenting there...

I've done several Scotty's with his workshop in the past (before I discovered Yamada... <g> ), and agree with what the others have said. The work is top notch and quality, but he only works on his putters and the options don't compare to what you get with Gold's. The attitude is also a bit of a problem, as they make you feel like they're doing you a favor even to talk to you. (They're always bringing up how they work in person only with guys on the tour...) It would help to see pics of the putter you're talking about though. And I can post some I had worked on if you want. But bottom line, I've never had a putter come out more treasured than the way Sasaya-san sent me the copper 85029 that I posted here over the summer.

Sweet, Chris!

A stunner! Love that copper! Roll 'em well, A !

Great post! I absorbed your adventure like a sponge!

For me, I'm a smooth swing and what I've always looked for in a shaft is the ability for it to disappear between my hands and the ball. I don't know how else to put it. At impact, I want to feel like my hands are in touch with the ball. I think it's part of why I love the t388 driver head, as it has that long time on the face at impact. So for me, a lighter shaft tends to be better. Not so light that I don't feel it at the top during the transition, but not heavy enough to be aware of shaft weight on the way down. I find that if I can feel the shaft's weight on the way down, I release late and am too aware of the shaft being between my hands and the ball. A light weight, just stiff enough shaft that allows me to work the ball at impact rings my bell.

Is the Messenger the only one offered in the red color, Tario, or are all of them offered in both red or white? Thanks.