TourSpecGolfer

The most popular wedge on the Japan Tour is the 2005 Tourstage X-Wedge 03. Not anymore, with the help of Japans top pro's Tourstage has further enhanced the JPGA's most used short game weapon. Its a 2 wedge set that retails for 63,000 yen in Japan same price as the Maruyama spec's :tsg_smilie_money3:

The AR-1 is a 2005 model, this test is for the latest 2006 OEM gear. I would however love to have a shootout between Blade Golf, Traditional Golf, and Scratch Golf as battle of the custom club makers! Custom Grind Mizunos vs G-Field NC-1 coming soon...

CCB Top line: G-Field NC-1 Top line: CCB Sole: NC-1 Sole: CCB Face: NC-1 Face:

I had a few of those and they are legit, You will notice they have a serial number on the back area, I'm not sure what this number is but I'm guessing it either designates it for tour use or means its defective. Really cant say.

I hit both, the VIQ Forged has more offset, a slightly thicker top line and larger bulk near the sole. The XCB2 is much more player and I would say 20% less forgiving yet both are very user friendly, feel is the same as well as distance. If I had a choice it would be the XCB2.

2 years ago on Kauai, Goosen had the Japan TP driving iron head cover on his putter. I have no idea which one he is playing now. For a long time I told you guys this driving iron was the best. I guess it takes a pro to convince you... :tsg_smilie_wink: I still own the TP 2U yet think the PRGR 220i is a better club.

I usually suggest a heavier swing weight to slow down an aggressive tempo. IMO players with a quick a violent tempo benefit from a heavier weight gaining accuracy and a more consistent result. Players with a smooth tempo usually do pretty well with clubs off the rack, in some cases it can actually increase distance because they can man handle the club a bit more when its light. I have tried the same club and shaft with different swing weights on many occasions. For my personal swing the result with D0 was much more erratic and inconsistent than what I currently play now which is D3.

Id wait on the DFI, Rumor is Nike Japan is creating a new SQ DFI model or somthing along those lines. As far as performance goes the SQ is nikes top dog, the DFI is good but isnt as long or forgiving IMO. The CG on the SQ is further back as well as the face is longer heel to toe increasing stability for the average and better player.

Honma went bankrupt last year and these two companies bailed them out. http://www.antfactory.jp/english/index.html http://www.milestone-tm.co.jp/ They are not giving out any more accounts in Japan, just basically trying to survive and make it to the next product line.

We were lucky to have 4 different participants take part in the Tourstage X-Blade CB2 challenge. This time it was hectic and almost uneventful due to the language barrier. None of these players had any idea what Tourstage was and had no clue Bridgestone even makes golf clubs. I'm not going to waste much time into the itty bitty details of each players shot, i will just say that 3 of 4 testers got along great with these irons. The highest handicap (13) having the most problems, IMO due to ball striking skills. Distance: 2nd place Feel: 4th Place Forgiveness: 2nd place I am very impressed by the new XCB2, I personally enjoyed everything about these except its feel, it is not the old school Tourstage impact we have grown to love, instead its a more firm forged feel. The setup, and overall ease of use is what I consider its two biggest selling points. The club is just flat out attractive and easy to hit. Mentally because it has a blade like setup it can take some confidence out of you but after you groove into them, they are just as good or better than most other irons on the market. Just as forgiving as the model before it yet with a much more compact profile, based IMO off of the VIQ forged it gets the ball up quite easy and maintains the feel of heavy weight hump or lower COG than it should. The Long Irons were unusually easy to hit. shots hit high on the face feel a bit harsh, but most hit low center, heel, or toe really don't lose much distance and don't vibrate up your arms into your teeth. Better than the 900MD? IMO yes, It may not feel as pure or have the same level of workability but its forgiveness makes up for it. I rank this set in 3rd place.

Not sure if they will be seen stateside, but for those interested I still have these in stock. I'm surprised the U.S players are only catching wind of these now, They have been out for almost 2 years and used to be in many bags on the JPGA tour. TM Japan TP Driving Iron 229.00 + 22.00 Shipping available in NS950, S200, and X100! 16* & 19* Lofts!

The Iron #, Grain Flow Forged, and Cut Muscle come engraved on the raw head. Everything else can be adjusted.

It really depends on what finish, For brushed satin I only suggest a company in Japan or China, for Chrome, Black, etc.. U.S.A is fine. Joe Kwok doesn't do refinishing he sends them out to a plating co in the states. My honest take on this is you need not have them done unless your in love with them or they have sentimental value to you. It will cost you quite a bit in the end when your just gonna scuff them up again and again with a grin.

At 105 I suggest a tipped S flex, The GD UT Shafts are a charm, I am playing one in my Utility wood at this moment, Nice medium trajectory with a tight dispersion pattern. Feel has a good kick. If you have any specific questions please let us know, there are a good handful of TSG'ers who have tested this shaft and as far as I know enjoyed it.

BEFORE AFTER

Of all the putters I could have I was fitted for this one. Due to my arc in the putting stroke this #4 model seems to do the trick. I was fitted for this and the Forged L during a lesson and noticeably saw my putting improve. Its not to hot to look at but it keeps me 2 putting with the occasional long one dropping.

Off the start just the basics of refinishing, tungsten ingots, laser engraving, shaft, grip, HC, lie, length etc.. By mid 2007 the options should increase significantly. The new style will grow on you guys as it did with me. I remember when GD first came out, people didnt like the caliper, most of them called it the compass but as the design gets more familiar and frequent you learn to enjoy it.

The PRO DIV Forged L cost a pretty penny @ 599.00 Shipped. There are only 10 and they are marked 1/10, 2/10, 3/10 and so on. I've got #1 saved for me and Taipanli has 5/10. If anyone else is interested in the first Pro Div G-Field putter please let me know ASAP for they will be ready to ship in about a week.

Sorry no Ben, That was the crafting Balde and they are sold out. I honestly like Black Teflon over that glossy finish, its much more durable. If you wish I can setup a complete tune up for your putter, perhaps some custom mods, a refinish, new grip and HC?

The clubs shown in that link are old, for up to date bag pics you can only trust Alba and Golf Style. Golf Classic and GDO are pretty outdated when it comes to bag pics cause they recycle them. As far as JPGA bag pics, we can get every players bag pics scanned from the top Japanese mags, we have done this before. I'm not a big fan of taking pics of players bags at events because of the poor quality and strange angles. It may be good to bring the bag scans back, I will get to that as soon as TSG V.4 is released!

I sell Armarq shafts alone, they are not only for honma heads. M.W had one in her driver remember. I agree with xxio they are like 1500 bucks, I dont think many from TSG will be needing their 1000.00 4 star graphite shaft option. The new stuff rocks for sure! uh-oh im getting the urge...

Honma Beres is very solid. I thought Honma was down for the count but after hitting what they have made in Japan for the Beres line I have to admit its better than most of the product in any market. I don't care for the name and hope it grows on me cause I am seriously tempted to try some of their new gear. Honma Beres!

The Shape, Feel, and Roll of the Balde or Premium Zone #1 or the soon to be Pro Div Forged L!.