TourSpecGolfer

I've never hit Zodia irons before so should I expect firm like the wedges? RAW irons is dangerous for people who live in humid areas. Vegas no problem with proper care, Hawaii this will look a rusty mess in just a few months.

Very good driver still. It's not that old. less than a year ago.

There will be an S600 coming, it will be a Hybrid I believe. A maybach as well. You couldn't be more right about AMG. The purpose of something like the S550 is purely comfort and the luxuries the car has to offer. In the U.S all S models are long wheel base, there is no short as there will be in other countries. I test drove the new S63 vs new S550 and ended up trading in my wives lexus for the 550. I went planing on AMG for its cool bumper, more powerful motor, exhaust, and small touches on the interior the ride actually felt a bit more harsh. Suspension & 20" wheels could be the main culprit here but with this motor and upgraded brakes the car didn't accelerate as smoothly nor stop as luxuirously as the standard 550 did. I've always had this issue with Brembo's, looks cool and stops way better yet it doesn't feel better and squeaks sooner with dust. The S65 is probably a whole other story as it's geared back toward luxury vs the S63 is sport. The AMG runs almost an extra 40k for all that and with no options. So we decided to load up on the options with our non AMG model. Glad I did because the options really make this car. Now I can't imagine an AMG without the extras added. There is an improved option on this W222 called Magic ride control and with the AMG's you can't get it. It's pretty awesome the cars cameras detect strong wind, speed bumps, pot holes & dips and prepares the suspension for it either softening and lifting or firming and lowering. The things you can do with a full air suspension now days. No matter what you do to an S class it will never be built for speed so why? Standard S550:

This is Honma's latest release, the BERES S-03 driver. For those not familiar with Honma's line up there is the Tour World (TW) series and the BERES line. TW is for the athlete while Beres is geared toward the average player & imo the slower swinger. Per Honma the S-03 is a mens club that will appeal to the Lady golfer who has a higher swing speed than the average woman... lol But seriously, it's for the low handicap player who wants higher, less slice, and forgiveness. I'll take all that except the higher. Looking at the standard shaft options & specs it seems a little game improvement and it kinda is but not... 46" standard length with the ARMRQ8 54* Stiff available and in 9.5/10.5* lofts. What makes this one special is Honma's Ti-5N proprietary face tech and material, what this does is add a variable thickness that lengthens the sweet spot. Honma also moved the hosel further away from the center of the club head making more of the sweet spot acessible. It's a 5 piece head with a crown made of 3AL-2.5V, a Forged G4-Ti sole and their new Alpha beta Ti allow Ti-5N found in the face.

Stock S63:

Spins most & best grind... The big question is what is the best grind for you? Your going to get answers from others on what the best grind is for them. I personally wouldn't suggest Vega or Zodia or Bolds for versatility. Zodia for spin but it's a more firm impact and not as smooth all around, Bold's yes on spin but ease of use isn't the best. I'm gonna throw out some options that I suggest mainly for versatility. - Cold Forged Vokey (available in many grinds) - Yamaha RMX Tour Model Wedge - RomaRo Alcobaca - Yururi Tour Wedge (conforming spec) - OnOff labo CB247 All of the above feature grinds that are easy for most, gives you the option to open up the face yet doesn't have sharp angles or finishes that could impede turf contact. Leading edge is a big one and shape of sole. I don't know what sort of conditions you play in but many above are what I would consider neutral. That said two really stand out to me if price were not a concern Crazy Toyoshima's & Tabuchi Wedges. Tabuchi because it's very similar to that Vokey shape and the grind seems to put a smile on everyones face no matter the conditions. Can you elaborate on the conditions you play, are you steep or shallow? what sort of divots you got?

Weird stuff ya know in Japan, I'm sure there was more than one reason there always is but he still supports them. I do know the original investor was bought out putting them under new leadership. I met up with him in Japan recently, met the GTD team and this seems like a really good spot for him. Thanks, Chris

In the Tour World series Honma features 3 drivers all suited to different levels of the athlete player. 430/455/460cc's. Interestingly Honma may have used Endo on one of them while not the other two. This 455 is the one, the main way to spot that is it uses "VL Titanium" in the face and "chemical milling" as a process for the crown in KS100, and that's pretty standard Endo stuff, while both the 430 & 460 use G4 Titanium and 3AL-2.5V Titanium / Forged. So who doesn't want to try an Endo made Honma driver like this? It comes stock at 45.5" which is short by Honma's standards and square faced as standard with a neutral weighting of 4g weights on each side. They offer high kick point shafts too, like the TZ75 or TZ65 which are pretty stout. Supposedly you become a Victorious Wizard when you hit this shaft. Looking forward to hitting it!

RomaRo releases a bit after the show, it's right around the corner and the product will be listed in the proshop as soon as it's released. I am loving the Labo TS358 right now! will post pics this week.

They are related so it's the small differences may be the defining factor, mpbachman is spot on about the 435 being similar to the D013 Trpx and it being both softer and more forgiving. The S isn't actually shallow either, still deep compared to many.

We met up with them and took a look at the product, Do you guys really want it listed in the store? It's sorta like the brand mystery, the products just don't look right. However we can get it if anyone wants.

The new 2014 Black Bison W222 by WALD tuning Japan. It's So stunning, The wheels are a couple inches too big but other than that bravo MB!

These are the DI's worth considering in no particular order. I'm sorry I can't compare the performance to each other, it's hard with out hitting them all side by side. I can only remember visually what I liked about them and refer to my photos. I will say I've hit all but the SYB. I've seen the SYB a few times and its sharp but I'm loving that TW-U right now, with graphite I'm swinging super easy and producing nice high consistent results. I'm probably gonna get another and also start tinkering with different shafts. The Epon & the RC are the smallest, the SYB has the least amount of offset if I remember correctly. If you play nice JDM forged irons the Buchi will blend more seamlessly with your set as is a true driving iron not "hybrid" driving iron. It feels more like an iron. Most forgiving is for sure the PRGR Egg i+. - Honma TW-U - PRGR Egg i+ - Epon 903 - Royal Collection 706V - SYB Piarm II - BUCHI Custom

And it continues. The W105P wedge by Honma Golf, It's their pro model wedge available in a wide selection of lofts. You may notice that Honma even offers a 63. I haven not hit it but I'm dying to as in hand it looks really really good, It may look even nicer with no paint fill at all, If I do I will post it. The finish is chrome satin, it's shape is just perfect. I love that about right now, so much good gear, so many different shapes, and so many awesome choices! Here's the issue, it's cast, of mild steel or whatever that means. So I'm rather interested if I will actually like these as much as my usual forged wedge there are many, some already here and more coming from SEVEN, BUCHI 2014, SINGLE B, GTD, New YURURI etc.. Knowing how Honma does casting there is a possibility I like these, I'm wondering what type of firm it will be and could it perhaps even be soft?

Diagram below showing difference in profile. One thing I'd add is that I really like it's size, It's compact yet visually you can't tell its designed for forgiveness.

Here is Honma's TW717M forged blade, it's compact but not too small, Honma calls it enlarged for improved forgiveness and shot stability and that said I did give it a whack and could totally handle it. Design wise these and the new Miura Giken MB 5005 are geared to the same type. I think more forgiving blades are a very good thing, there is really no need to go tiny now days. The control is there and workability. Like the TW717V (CB) it's also finished in Honma's half mirror which is basically in-between brushed satin and mirror chrome and was designed to control reflections in strong sunlight, it's about time someone does this well. While I love satin chrome has always looked more sharp so combining the two always seemed like a no brainer. They say it provides a "mild feel" that only a muscle back can provide... mild feel, not exactly sure what they mean by that but my feedback is its "just right" at impact and definitely better than most on mis hits. You can tell Honma put a lot of thought into the only blade in their line up. This MB just seems a bit more pure the closer to center you get it over the TW717V (CB) yet the cavity back seems softer all over the entire face. Dense & Soft are two very different sensations for me both the CB & MB can be called either which is a first for me. It's hard to judge. Comparing it to more recent blades it's softer than the Yamaha rmx MB, not as gushy soft like many Mizunos yet more dense and muted soft than Miuras. Hope that helps, I'm confusing myself... Interestingly Honma is now making these blades per order, nothing like fresh irons right out of the oven!

On the bright side Honma is still made in a Japanese factory with Japanese staff. Did it take you long to get over the S-yard sell out? Or Epon being made Thailand? Not sure if you noticed who they sponsored on the JPGA after they sold? deep pockets... Interestingly the Chinese don't own the best Golf factories in China. The Taiwanese do and most of it with Japanese money, technology and expertise.

There is a pretty big difference between the two. The biggest would be that the P is a 2 piece head using a forged body with a maraging stainless steel face which equates to more distance and forgiveness but sacrifices feel. The V is a one piece head focused on feel and control. The Epon 501/502/503 is an undercut only iron while the TW717P has an undercut AND is 2 piece. Included I have two links that provide more info but more importantly show you video of all angles accurately of the TW717V & TW717P TW-717V: http://www.honmagolf.co.jp/en/item/club/iron_tw_717v.html TW-717P: http://www.honmagolf.co.jp/en/item/club/iron_tw_717p.html

And here's another one, The TW717 Forged Iron by Honma. This is probably the iron that will appeal to most forum members and your probably wondering what other clubs it's similar to so lets cut to the chase and figure it out. In a nutshell as far as visuals go, think AF302 with a thinner sole, thinner top line and less offset. Hope that helps, so how does it feel? That's probably my favorite part. So we all know Honma makes some sweet feeling castings now how about their forgings? simply perfect at impact! It's a dense buttery feel that has just the right amount of firm to it. think a touch softer than the sweet spot of Yamaha MB's but over a larger area of the face OR you can think slightly more firm than the ONOFF Forged of 2013. We all sense differently so your experience I'm guessing will be somewhere in between mine. Trust me when I say you will be impressed when the ball compresses and releases off the face. It's that good at impact. Forgiveness, TSG has been testing these putting them through their paces and really think Honma has hit a home run here. Not as forgiving as the on off forged or Yamaha RMX CB but not very far off either. It's not compact nor is it mid sized. Again, smaller than the AF302 in all the right areas. So why hasn't TSG really highlighted Honma this extensively? Why the skimpy coverage? well of course the products and design need to make sense but equally important is our business arrangement the direction of the brand, and taking into account the landscape of the industry. It's not only about margins, a big weight is also placed on how they operate, and where the brand is headed in the future. TW7171V is the Cavity back and tomorrow I will highlight the TW717M which is the muscle back so stay tuned. Here are some facts on this CB: - Made in Japan of Carbon Steel at Sakata - The cavity wall (behind the face) has been thickend for improved feel and lower trajectory - It's a half mirror finish in addition to what Honma calls double layer painting - mass behind impact zone compliments yet doesn't lower the CG drastically - muscle mass area is at an optimal size and variable between each iron creating progressive CG location - Long irons have a lower CG than short irons - slightly fuller sole for the more aggressive player Hope you enjoy the pics!

Ah those are sold, gotta update that! But from OnOff forged to the Yammy MB IMO that's drastic.

Thank you! I appreciate that It wasn't always this way but after 13 years of it naturally one will improve. Notice how different angles the finish appears differently, it's a beautiful no doubt. I will be getting the other finish in for pictures in a couple of weeks. It looks to be different than the usual nickel satin finish we normally see on putters.

Thank you, I received your PM and responded. I wouldn't say either forging is better than the other, just different. Not many have tried the CB358 because it is literally just released. Singapore won't be getting any sets as Japan won't even have it's fill on these.

For those of you who haven't heard we are highlighting Honma this week @TSG! Today the new PP-101 & PP-102 putters and they are works of art. Each available in two different finishes, bright nickel platinum & dark nickel black dye. It's body is CNC milled of forged carbon steel, it features two tungsten weights on the sole at each end, the face insert is milled of SUS304 and you have your choice of a black or red emblem inside the cavity and on the face. As far as manufacturing goes this putter has some nice small touches, notice the gold ring where the shaft meets the hosel, or the B-logo sight dot, it's emblems. The word I would use is polished, it's simply well designed, solid performing and just feels sublime at impact. Honma could have saved money and excluded these features yet still produce a very nice product, but these guys aren't playing games, no corners cut here. It's gripped with Honma's version of Golf Prides "tour classic putter grip" made of rubber and both the PP101 & PP102 are only available in 34" with a retail price just shy of $600 usd. Expensive yes but considering what you get and the crafting involved in making a piece like this we think it's well worth the money. I don't have pictures of the nickel platinum finish yet those are on the way, for me this dark dye finish hits the mark and is just stunning in person. Now available in the TSG ProShop

Welcome to TSG, What year Onoff forged are you looking at? The 2014 CB358 is the most compact version released to date with less offset than the AF302 and smaller head size. Previous versions of the Onoff forged are a little bigger than the AF302, they have a little more offset and are more forgiving yet still provide excellent feedback & feel. The AF302 is a classic, It's a bit dated so expect it's replacement in a year or so. It's a Kenji Kobayashi design, which is why it shares the same head as the S-Yard GT-S Forged iron. excellent iron all around but imo over priced. Do keep in mind that they are both made of the same material S20C and at the same factory, Endo. The previous versions of the onoff forged feature internal weighting in the head for extra added forgiveness. I don't believe the new one has that. None of this really matters much unless you tell us about what your looking for in an iron. If you don't it's hard to help as people will just tell you what they like and as we all know no two swings are the same.

I wanted to highlight the players clubs that Honma has to offer. Although I have not hit it yet, not sure I will as it could be more than I can handle which is something I never expected to say about anything Honma, the TW717 is for the athlete & better player. Compared to say the Crazy 435 it seems noticeably smaller when looking down at it based on design not being 5cc's less. Basically it's a club designed for those who want to maneuver the ball and are looking for a strong mid trajectory. Shaft options, of course we can have any shaft installed but what Honma offers is worth considering. For the average player the new ARMRQ 8 Mid Kick 66 grams in stiff 8 weave Japanese carbon made in house. If you need more than that try the Vizard TA65 or TA75 which is also mid kick just a bit heavier and more stout. It's butt stiff to give the impression that the tip is softer than actual. And finally the Vizard TZ65 & TZ75 these are the stronger players high kick 67g - 75g shafts. The TZ is butt soft and tip stiff designed to prevent the left side. Here's the skinny on the TW717 430: - Matte Black Finish - Designed for workability - High back side to promote a level impact plane - Front of crown is thicker than back for a stronger more piercing trajectory - Slightly oval face helping the club stay open at impact - variable face thickness to increase rebound - 5 piece structure - crown = 3AL 2.5V Ti - sole = G4 Ti - hosel = pure Ti - weight = 13g neutrally positioned tungsten - face = 6A-4V Ti