bruinduke

If you can afford it then trial and error isn't such a bad thing. It helps when the clubs can hold onto their value for a certain duration. Maintaining .75 cents on the dollar spent isn't too bad. If equipment was the sole requirement to improving you would see many of the ho's on the boards on tour. As it is most of the utility comes from trying something new in the hopes you'll see a proportional increase in your game. Some might disagree with me, but clubs can allow you to play to your potential, but don't often allow you to pass your potential in golf. Just my .02 cents.

If you're speaking of the MB that was released in 2005 then I would like to add that they are one of the most forgiving blades that I've hit. (I think they also have another blade that looks more traditional). I play both the MBs (x flex 1050 shafts) and the NC1s (softstepped 1150 stiffs). I prefer the feel of the MBs. I think they feel softer, but remain forgiving. The NC1s are slightly more forgiving, but not by much. Both heads are so unique and I receive many compliments on both sets. I would consider playing a flow set between the two, but honestly there's really not a need to swap out the long irons. The MB long irons do not have a very noticeable drop-off in forgiveness.

Like some of the suggestions before, you might also want to consider a softer low kick shaft to help with your 3 wood launch angle. I've been a big fan of the Fujikura HM-4. Has a great kick and has been a good fit with my vsteel tour.

What do we have to post? Please count me in. Thanks for the prizes and a great site.

Still looking for NC1s if anyone has any. Also would sell the MR23 US Specs if anyone interested just PM with offer. Thanks.

i'm pretty sure kyoei did the forgings for the proto, retail and studio nc1 and '05 mb. all the "heads only" i've seen come in a kyoei plastic sleeve and sticker with all the specs printed on it. Thanks NaisuShotto...I hope the current line continues with the impressive craftsmanship.

Hey Ray, long time no swap. I missed on the 660TR, but hopefully Robbie's in. Good luck with the XD!

Does anyone know where the forgings are done for the NC1s and the '05 MBs? Will the new MB2s continue to be forged by the same place as the first MBs? Thanks for shedding any light...

Good, cuz I want to work something out for the 510df with the 660TR.

email sent.

Would like to trade a very conditioned set (3-PW) of Tourstage MR 23 US Specs with tour concept stiff shafts for a set of Gauge Design NC1s. IMO the US Specs look better than the scheduled to be released version. Love the look of the MR23 US Specs, love the feel of a pured shot, love that mis**ts lose distance not direction, but you have to be more skilled than where I am with my game. If you've got a set of NC1s PM to discuss. Will also look to buy outright a set of NC1s. Will consider other player CBs, but preference is for Gauge irons. Thanks.

+1 you know what my vote is... But seriously if you can hang onto both sets then you probably should. That being said it's the nature of marketing...the new stuff is always supposed to be better than last year's model. It's in our nature to find that out for ourselves or chances are we wouldn't be so avid in these forums to begin with.

Thanks for the pics. Going to reserve judgment. Funny, I liked the minimalist approach in the MR23 US Specs, but didn't find the new MR23s visually an improvement. On the contrary, the MB2s seem to be a less busy cavity back, but I might prefer the looks of the NC-1s more.

pics would be great. Is the name really MB2? Somewhat confusing for a cavity back. I thought they were the new versions of the MBs before I read the body of your post.

I am interested to know what the commentary says in the frames. Hard to imagine that it's criticism.

Thanks for the pics. I am glad I just traded for a set of MR 23 US Specs with my favorite shaft. Juding by the looks of the 2006 set I don't think the price of the older set will drop as fast as some thought. Sometimes newer does not equal better.

C'mon +1...don't surpress your natural instincts...the search for the grail must continue. lol Your set up with the 750 wraps and Iomic grips is just what the doctor ordered! Brrr, Ireland winter is just around the corner. Or at least work on your friend. (Thanks again for trying).

Anyone thinking about selling...season is coming to an end...especially in the colder climates. '06 models are just around the corner...anyone want to start saving for next season? Sell me your Gauge NC1s and MBs.

still looking for a set of NC1s or MB. I know the new stuff will eventually shake some of these sets free...get a head start saving for next season and sell me your set. In the words of Tevin Campbell..."can we talk"

WTS/WTT TM RAC 2005 TP tour irons. Set is chrome and came from a very reliable source. Current specs at 2* flat, 37.75 5 iron, about D6. Tour heads as 5 iron has no serial #. DGS 300...soft stepped 3,4,5 and 6-PW not soft stepped DGS300. Asking $850 obo. Items interested in trade Gauge NC1s or MB. Possibly 9.5 or 10.5 R510 DF with "titanium on toe" and cash. But willing to listen to other trades or offers...just PM me with any questions.

Looking for a set of Gauge Design NC-1s and or MBs. Ideal set up would have tour concept stiff flex shafts, but would be interested in any set available. Prefer to trade or partial trade and cash, but willing to discuss straight sells. Will respond to PMs asap. Thanks.

Looking for a R510 TP or DF. 9.5 or 10.5 head only or shafted please just let me know. Titanium on toe DF would be nice but please just let me know if you have one thinking of moving. I've got a new 13* R7 fairway wood and practically new R7 TP head only 9.5 driver. Other things as well. Please just PM to discuss.

Just got a set in trade with store credit. PING G5, stiff shafts and black dots. 3-PW Not sure if I want to change my current bag make up. Will sell for my trade in value of $790. Partial trade towards R510 DF/TP or R580XD TP 10.5° or 9.5° (stiff fuji 671 or 660TR a plus) or solus wedges, or possibly a set of irons. Please just PM me if interested.

Looking to try out a set. Stiff flex tour concepts or PX shafts a plus, but DGS300 also doable. I don't know if I have what you're looking for, but PM me and I can send a list. Thanks, Duke

KP99 SOLD. Thanks G. Tourstage MR23 with tour concept shafts and TM 300 Tour 10.5° still available.