TourSpecGolfer

The term Samurai sword is thrown around too loosely when it comes to Japanese Golf Gear, just as Tour Issue has been in the USA. But if there ever were a golf club that resembles a Japanese Katana blade I must say these blades are it. I think theres a stigma when it comes to Japanese golf clubs that it's for the older gentleman, which does have merit to it as Japan does have loads of game improvement gear designed to enhance distance for that segment of golfers. But what the general golfing public doesn't understand is Japan has more than triple the amount of muscle back irons vs the states, many more irons with thinner top lines and soles and shafts that are stiffer than what's available anywhere else. That's not even taking into consideration the quality of craftsmanship, technology, and far superior materials. So do your golf maniac friends a favor and turn them on to JDM gear if you haven't already. As we all know it's a whole new world out here... The all new RMX! At first glance, I was like not bad Yamaha these look alright. In hand it's a whole different story. I play the current RMX Tour Model CB and Im in total bliss but pulling the wraps off the new Tour Model MB is a whole other mother. A little weird at first looks wise but that's only the back cavity as when u set this sucker down I'm not sure if I can say that there has ever been a sexier blade made. That center cut away and bump at it's very end serves a very important purpose, to avoid head twisting at impact helping the ball stay on target while not reducing workability. I wish I could say I had the game to test Yamaha's latest technology but hopefully some of the few lucky who snagged these at launch can chime in later after the planet thaws this winter. Due to demand Yamaha is kicking up production of the Tour Model irons and this year its 3000 sets produced. TSG does have access to a few more so head on over to the proshop to secure yours quickly, they are shipping now. I do have another theory as to why Yamaha has decided to increase production. Endo is known to be a very expensive place to manufacture clubs and Yamaha for the most part produced nearly every iron in previous years with Endo. This year with the RMX only Tour Model CB, MB are made by Endo so it could be they needed to meet volume requirements to keep the price feasible. Just a guess. Not to say anything else is wrong with the rest of the RMX line, they are still made in Japan. I have yet to hit these so I can't comment on performance or feel really. The CB i have many rounds with and I can say hands down my most favorite iron in years. It's very forgiving, feel is superb and on par with the legendary AF302 the RMX Tour Model CB is an iron I don't think will leave my bag anytime soon. It will go down with some of TSG's most cult irons such as the ONOFF Forged, VG3, previous Tour Models, Yururi Flat Backs among the most notable in recent years. Anyway enough garble from me, let's start with the #6 iron: Now let's take a look at the #4 iron: The PW: So what do you think guys? These hitable? Love or hate? Ya it could use less stamping but how can you complain about the rest of it. I will be hitting these and able to compare them to the CB as they have the same stock modus 3 stiff shafts and specs pretty close. I will post my comparison comments here. I don't see how they can be nearly as forgiving as the RMX Tour Model CB but if it's more rewarding I may have to jump to MB's a few times a month.

Since you have both the JDM 430 and USDM 430 would you mind sharing any differences you notice visually?

In the winter I play with 2 of these in the cup holder.

That's a killer deal especially with these shafts in them.

I've never hit a GF sound slot, what's that like? The shape of the seven putter is awesome and SM490A is cult!

You need to get with me for Vegas! I got an extra set for you, rounds on me on a very nice track. The outlets are cool, very good deals to be had. Restaurants man there are so many, what sort of food you like? Japanese? Fine dine? Steaks? let me help you with the room & shows also. Lots of people like the Cosmo, Bellagio is very nice and so is the venetian or palazzo & wynn. deals can be had here as well. I like Bellagio. As far as shows go Cirque "O" most people like that one the most, your kids might like blue man group or jabawokee's. I like Terry Fator comedy show a lot. Restaurants, my friend is partner at strip burger, good stuff. Echo & Rig is great, Raku, and tons of fine dine in the hotels. I can go on for days. In & Out, Fat Burger, Five guys are popular but imo not as good as strip burger. depends on what you like. PM me the dates, whatever you need man. I'll send you home with goodies.

Have at it guys, the 3rd party custom configurator was launched: http://www.lambocars.com/configurator/

I believe the "I" is more Iron like, when looking down at the two of these side by side one is more hybrid and the other more iron.. sorta. I personally consider both of them more utility hybrid than anything else though. When I think driving iron I think buchi or AF901 or Srixon Uti etc.. The shapes are interesting to say the least, I know that the Kasco brand has lost many followers but their utilities have somewhat of a cult status for JDM enthusiasts. The loft selection is pretty wide the Type-I comes in 22/24/27 while the Type - U in 16/19/22/25/28, also looking at the shaft options it's only graphite in the"U" with the Hybrid Attas as the premium choice but the "I" has steel as an option yet no Attas option this makes it obvious that the hybrid type has a higher, longer, softer landing flight while the I places a premium on lower, straighter, with more roll. hope that helps. I still need to get out and hit these.

Looking good, do you know the before and after head weights? Please keep us updated with pics when they patina!

The Forged model is for the mid capper imo while the cast version is more game improvement, this does't necessarily mean that they are geared toward the senior golfer as even senior players depending on their skill level can play more compact irons. For seniors a lot of it would come down to getting the most distance, lighter specs, and the lighter more flexable shafts. I wish these were made at Endo like the original JPX forged but understand why OEM's would rather keep costs low for a manufacturing benefit that the average user doesn't really understand. If you tell us a little more about your game we can also show you some other options worth considering.

Man bummer! Does your insurance feature anything to help? We will keep an eye out. Also try google alerts for key words related to your equipment to keep tabs.

I don't know many people who have gotten along with the 435R. Big difference vs the original 435 imo. Any royal deco you need to swing soft imo. Those shafts can get away from you, If you keep it within the shaft it's easy breezy japanesy. A safe suggestion imo is the Trpx S-013 with a messenger shaft, It's sorta a safe bet as I've seen a lot of people get along with this combo, do get the extra crazy weights as well to tinker with. Ryoma maxima does have some good toe real estate but it's not as low and stable as the trpx imo. Some people who come in on the ball with a good angle with better than average striking get the most out of the Maxima. If your all about the face like me stuff like the crazy 435, trpx, ptune etc.. do a really good job at keeping you outta trouble.

Both the D1 and CRZ are not what most would consider shallow heads. It's a difficult thing to fix a swing flaw with gear if your not willing to do a lot of tinkering. Keep in mind the shaft and specs are almost equally important to the head. Do you have an Idea of why your missing on the toe? I'm a heel misser myself and it's usually for two reasons, besides standing too close to the ball the first is I'm coming over the top and the second gear related reason is my shaft is too long and or soft combined with too light of a swing weight. That's just me, what's the cause for you?

I personally liked the 2012/2013 ONOFF forged more than the 11 because it sets up better. The 13 IMO isn't as soft as the 11 either. I think these tour models are a bit more firm than both years onoff irons, they are not as long because the lofts arnt as jacked but they do fly lower, setup much better and for me were more accurate.

Type - U Photos added to the first post!

Fantastic post T!

The RMX is a little bigger and a little softer. The 11's have less offset and are thinner looking overall IMO .

those are the CB247 which are compact. Onoff forged is the one.

+1

Sasaya used to work for George Takei at Gauge Design Japan, so did David Whitlam, also the guy who started RomaRo. Not Yururi. Several GDJ models say tuned by GF with G logo, it was like a special edition back in the day.

Yes the 2012 version was slightly more compact, very subtle difference. I agree the VG3 is such an amazing iron. In that one they were able to pack forgiveness with feel and distance together.

If memory serves me correctly I don't think I've ever made a post about a Kasco club in 12 years! So here's the first, there are two types of hybrids that Kasco makes the Type-i and Type-U Utility & Iron. I will post pics and my opinion on both of these in this thread. Starting with the Type-i I haven't hit it yet but will do so in the next week, for now enjoy the pics, and if you have any experience with Kasco's woods please chime in. Type - U

When talking irons it's really hard for me to combine best feeling & longest. Usually longest don't feel so good. I'm with jbird on saying the ONOFF forged, maybe Titleist VG3 as well and the Yamaha V-Forged. Best feel well AF302, MR-23 and this years Yammy RMX Tour Model fit the bill.

The MB's just shipped, I should have them soon. I hope they are more forgiving than last years model.

I've had the PDG's for a couple of weeks now. have only hit them on the range. The feel is not as soft as the flatback's but more firm pure type of feel. It's got a very interesting finish like many of Yururi products. off the start I was like WTH? but after holding them in hand for a few minutes I'm actually happy they are going off the beaten path and using finishes like this. The PGD + Yururi Tour wedges are match made in heaven imo. I just wish I had the game for them.