DKDRaven

Pics of the Roddio Prototype are up! Jack, if I told you how I did it...well you know the rest of that line D

OK TSG here is my review of the Roddio Pentacross Shaft by Diawa. First of all I do not have a final version of the shaft. I have a Prototype that I obtained over a month ago 80grams XX Flex (the source knows who they are!). To that person YOU MADE ME THE DEAL OF THE YEAR HANDS DOWN! THANK YOU! I say this first because my gamer before this has beaten out the most expensive shaft in golf that claims to be the "One" and after that shootout (which was a beatdown to my wallet!) I was very sure that I would not be looking for a shaft for at least another year (2008...maybe). However, after reading the review of the shaft shootout in Japan and saw the Roddio results I had to get one. I searched long and hard and no one had one or access and TSG was just getting ramped up for theirs. What was I to do? However, I was able to get a hold of a Prototype version that was a X flex (or so I was told ). When I did this, I was already leaning to a J-Spec head but the closest thing I coud get was a Bridgestone 420 (I have Tourstage comming ). So I loaded it up and said LETS GO! The first time out I went for a nine hole practice round. here is what I found. Accuracy: By far this shaft does what is was billed to do. It eliminated sidespin and one side of the golf course. I have to admit that my gamer that was knocked out by the Roddio was the only shaft that did this consistantly while allowing me to a) keep my distance and b) allow me to "work" the ball when necessary. the Roddio does this as well. I actually have to "Think" my shot into the shaft to get the shot or it will go straight. For my skill level this is what I want! The miss is straight! I also find this shaft very accurate because I really have to make a bad swing to get a bad result. I have had some poor swings turn out excellent. I know it was the shaft! I have tested way to many shafts (including some 08 prototypes) that do not do this! Feel: I have to admit the shaft has a different feel. There are a couple of reasons for this. One I found out that the shaft is actually a XX Flex. When I went to regrip it I saw the markings on the shaft and I really felt even better about it because it was holding my swing and Swing Speed (low 120mph on all launch monitors). But in regards to feel it feels like a solid shaft. It is not bordy in feel and it is not soft. However, when I make a good swing I know it and I feel it instantly! this is what I like. I know the shot from the feedback of the shaft and the head. This is why I like it. I am not a "kick" person and I prefer boardy but I love a solid shaft. It is one of a few shafts that I feel stays with me and releases the enegry uniformally and smoothly through the shot and into the ball down the intended target line! What else do you want? Distance: END OF STORY! THIS IS THE LONGEST SHAFT I HAVE HIT YET! It hits the ball on the one trajectory I want to hit the ball on A HIGH FLAT KNUCKLEBALL THAT KICKS INTO ANOTHER GEAR AT APEX AND LANDS ON A STRAIGT BUT RUNNING TRAJECTORY (AND YES I AM YELLING BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I WANT!)! I Can hit my old gamer 290-310yds and longer but longer normally ment a lot more trouble. With The Roddio I now hit dirver 320-350 and not force it! I can hit it cold and with NO WARM UP straight out of the car (There is a member or two here who can attest to this!) I have hit it as far as 370 up hill on a par 5 with no wind and 380 down hill into a 10-15 mph breeze in my face whithout going all out! On top of that I can do it regardless of ball. I have played two completly different manufactures balls with different spin and flights and still hit it int the same 320-350yard area code! THE SHAFT IS PHENOMINAL! Trajectory: See Distance. Overall: I have now had this shaft in for over a month and IT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE BUT IN MY BAG PERIOD! As Ferris Beuler once said during his day off "If you can afford one I highly recomend you get one. It is so choice!". All jokes aside. I have only ever ranted and raved only about one other shaft (which is still in my three wood!) and I still thik it is a AWESOME SHAFT! However The RODDIO by Diawa in the CHAMP! Performance is Performance. The RODDIO FLAT OUT PERFORMS! It does what is is designed to do. I know I have a Prototype and I know that it is missing some of the features as the final version (like the coating that perserves the ion finish) but I WILL NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING! I have finally had players who have watched me play just be impressed not just because it was long but because it was LONG AND STRAIGHT! If you want the real deal this shaft is by far IT! Sidenotes: My only complaint is that I wish the final version came out like the Prototype I have in regards to the graphics instead of the dual sided graphics. And I absloutly love the a) color scheme and graphics of the Prototype that I have and b) the new iron shaft graphic (Green and Black to a silver ion fade) is AWESOME...only if it was a 360 graphic on the same shaft I have! I can only wish! Diawa you have finally GOT IT RIGHT! ATTACK THE MARKET HARD! YOU HAVE A TRUE WINNER! -DKDRaven

Joe, Check your e-mail. I sent you a message there also. Thank You for looking out :cool:

If you are going to put sand into your shaft take the time to go to you local hardware store (take your putter with you) and find a rubber stopper that will plug the butf of your shaft. To break this down even further here is what you sholud do. 1) Strip grip 2) Use DRY SAND and fill putter with sand (note: different types of sand WILL increase the weigth of the putter differently). Make sure the sand is packed in up to the point the rubber plug will close off the top of the shaft. 3) Insert rubber plug and then trim flush with shaft (this can be done with a sharp knife). 4) Check club to see if the weight is to your liking if not try either another type of sand or here is the EXTREME option. Add a small piece of rebar into your shaft and then fill with sand and plug (this WILL make it heavier!) 5) regrip club and enjoy better putting! I have done this in the past and it has worked well for me. I hope this helps.