taipanli

Too big for...? About $200

X-Drive 435s only come in Conforming version.

Should have my set with NS Pro 1150 stiff in play next wednesday (along with my G Field GFT). Based on all the positive comments on the Gauge NC-1s to date, if these are as good then I should be set for a while

I should have one in play next wednesday shafted with a Diamana Red M73 stiff and i'll add my comments then. It does look very good but will have to be the real deal to knock my Tourstage X-ST out of the bag!

I've been waiting a long time for Gold's Factory to release wedges that won't rust. To this day my beat up Gold's Factory wedges are the best I've ever played. This new model is a limited run of 50 each in 52/6, 56/6, 58/8. Copper underlay, simple stamping, I'm getting them. My only dislike is the font in the stamping but who cares when i stick it close! :tsg_smilie_cool:

Updated models of their JPX line which is their premium line in Japan. Chris can add more relevant comments.

Click on the link below the picture. On page 2 you'll see they've added some colour to the side imprint.

You make it sound like it's the best FW out there right now. Have to seriously consider getting one. Could you briefly compare the feel and forgiveness versus the old GAF1?

I've translated the press release and basically each ball supposedly flies longer than the previous version... New Tourstage X-01 series

1. You'll have to use an online translation tool - my favourite is Worldlingo 2. Big Mack can chime in (he works for Mizuno USA) but it's safe to say Mizuno USA would never offer such custom options.

IMHO, the OEMs spend a lot of money on R&D and therefore you would assume that the entire balance of an iron head has been put throught the grinder (no pun intended). For this reason, changing the dimensions of a club would upset the overall balance to a certain extent. Perhaps for personal preferences you could make minimal changes but you always run the risk that it may not perform as well. Changing the thickness of the topline or the sole will shift the COG - they cannot adjust it back according to your grind. Loft and lie is not an issue since the head (sans hosel) is not touched affected unless the loft is altered too many degrees. Clubmaking experts please chime in if I'm way off base but I doubt it. :tsg_smiley_no:

I wouldn't screw around with the grind or the offset. Double nickel satin finish feels great (my custom wedges are in that finish). Can't say whether it affects distance or not. Website is Mizuno Japan for you to check specs. If you surf around, you'll find the page that shows the custom options.

They're out of the US retail market but they still have a Tour presence it seems. Check out the Sony Open pics on Golfwrx - there's a pic of a few PRGR utility clubs.

I think we're veering slightly off the real topic. What Big Mac intended to raise with this thread is whether Japanese clubs can still justify a premium now that an increasing amount is being manufactured outside Japan. We're not discussing whether it's justifiable to spend $50 or $500 on your driver but whether you're actually getting what you pay for with Japanese clubs nowadays. Chris rightfully points out that part of that premium is a result of the amount of R&D which is the most important aspect. Actual manufacturing location is not a big concern since you would trust these companies to maintain a strict QC level whether they're making their clubs in China, Thailand or Japan. I would concur with that point of view and I've never been to curious about the physical origins of the product. Identical clubs or balls sell for about a 40% premium in Japan versus the US. Of course you price according to what the market will accept and that's exactly what the Japanese OEMs do. The price differential has nothing to do with supporting their overhead structure. I say this with 100% confidence since the products we get in HK mostly come from the Japanese distributor and not the US yet the pricing level is comparable to the US and not Japan. Let's keep the discussion going. Spending on golf is completely subjective and this topic is highly relevant and interesting.

Ok gotcha. I think what's unique for Mizzy Japan is all the custom options available. :tsg_smilie_cool:

I'm a little confused. So you're saying the Japan Mizzys are forged in Japan but the US Mizzys are made in China? Or are all Mizzys forged in Japan but the clubs destined for the US get finished in China?

I concur with your concerns. I wonder if the MP60s for the Japan market are forged in Japan or do they come from the same source as those made for the US market? Fyi, MP60s in Japan are retailing for US$1,200 vs. US retail price of $849! how is the $350 premium justified? Personally I've never been too concerned about where an iron is forged or where a driver is assembled (perhaps I should be) but how do you account for the huge premiums if they're exactly the same club. Yes the products made for Japan will at times incorporate more technological features (in woods more so than irons) but it's all becoming a little confusing now. Thank you for raising this point and I hope others will chime in.

I think there could be a few but not at $900 :tsg_smilie_whistle:

They do look very interesting. Would you say the topline is thicker than the previous NC-1s? Just appears so to me from the pics. What custom options will be available?

Titleist will only restore it to the original finish. If you want to stick with a black finish then I'd suggest going that route and saving some money. If you actually want a 3XB finish, I've heard that black oxide services are the best. I had bought an after market Red X which the seller had refinished by BOS and the finish was first rate. Saving $10 may not be worth it in the long run. So go Titleist if you want original service or BOS if you want a new finish.

Actually sounds like a wedge I might like. Let us know if you find anything.

I can attest that the double nickel satin finish is awesome. My custom Mizuno wedges are in that finish and I coudn't be happier. Great feel and no glare.

Never heard of and can't find anything at all on them. What a name for golf clubs...

Congrats to the New Year's Day winners :tsg_smilie_cool: Count me in for the next few :tsg_smiley_yes:

Depends on your budget. If money is no object, go custom Japan equipment or stock Japan equipment. If your budget is a little tighter, then go US retail. I don't believe in purchasing tour equipment so I would recommend taking that option out of the equation. Perhaps be a little more specific in terms of what you're willing to spend and for what clubs - an entire new bag or just a driver/irons? You'll get plenty of feedback once people know better what you're actually looking for. :tsg_smilie_money3: