Blader-X

Hey Mjr. D, Glad to see you back in the forums. So, looking for new clubs again, huh? In response to your post my suggestion is the GD P9003X. Best shaft on the planet in IMO. Been playing it now for several months and I can tell you that this shaft will handle anything you can throw at it. From my experience it is a low-mid launching shaft with tremendous feel and spot on accuracy. Tightest dispersion of any shaft I've experienced to date. I haven't hit the MD line but I do know that line is a mix of the old stand-by P series combined with the Quattro Tech series. I have experienced the QT line but found the P9003 much more to my liking. Let us know what you choose and how it goes. B

Glad to hear you're getting along very well with them. There really is nothing like the feeling of having clubs that you can be very dependent upon. Makes this game much more easier. Randy, any comparative pics between these and the '08's?

Love the look of this. Finish looks very similar to that of the KBS black wedge shafts. Absolutely beautiful and I do believe the finish would hold just fine. We are talking Epon here which is always top quality. Any chance of the seeing the fairways follow suit, Chris?

Sorry my man, I haven't had the pleasure of hitting the 701's as I'm bagging the 901's. However, if the 701's are even only 1/2 the feel of the 901's then they are really something because my 901's are the pinnacle of clubs IMO. Period, there really isn't a better club out there. TourStage really, really outdid themselves with this particular club. I believe Idrive has the 701's, maybe he or anyone else could chime in. If its the 901's you're interested in I will be writing about those very soon in a separate post.

I must concur that TourStage has outdone themselves this year. The 901's are simply stellar. I owe all of you pics and reviews but I've been so busy with my son's hockey season. Hopefully I'll get some time later this week but those 901's have transformed my game. They're really amazing and I would bet the 701's are every bit as great. Specs are as tight as Goodsie says. Every club from PW to 3 iron feels and swings exactly the same. I've never played with a set so equally matched before.

Hey T, These are the Adidas Japan models correct? They really do look nice. I just picked up the Adidas AG Tour Stand bag and its gorgeous. Not to mention very, very comfortable to carry. The 901's look sweet in there but they'd look even sweeter in the '09 Staff Bag. Feel like giving any of these away!!

So much for being safe. Hey Jeff, another thing we've got in common: Left-handed sons. Mine's only 9 so I don't believe he'll be hitting Epons for a little while yet but his swing sure is nice to watch. Besides, he's too busy with ice hockey to get many rounds in but we when we do get to get out it sure is fun. What is it about a lot of left handers' and their swings being so pretty to watch.

I have to second bogeydog's sentiments. As you know I recently revamped my setup with new TourStage 901 X-blades and X-wedges. As always, Chris's attention to detail and timely service were impeccable. I had been talking to Goodsie for some time about the KBS shafts and when I knew I was going to go ahead with the 901's I knew I just had to go KBS to try. I had contacted Idrive about Goodsie's work and from Idrive's supreme vote of confidence, not to mention an "offer I couldn't refuse", I knew Goodsie was the man for the job. After having put in some range time and a round, I can say that these clubs are the finest by far I've ever hit. Now you say that it could just be a honeymoon period; new clubs and all, right? Wrong. I even sent my very trusted woods of the Epon AF101, the Epon 3 wood and the TourStage X-UT and had the "Good Package" applied to those clubs as well. Now I hit all three well and I really wasn't expecting results to improve. Let me tell you, those 3 clubs came back and have performed even better than ever before. The round I played with these once I got them back I missed only 2 fairways. Not to mention, I hit the utility and 3 wood spot on like never before. In fact, I was hitting the ball so well, it really was scary. I couldn't believe it. A few more rounds to become really comfortable and I could really be going low. At least I'm very hopeful. What Goodsie can do to clubs works. Pure and simple. TSG may not be composed of a ton of people, but the people we've got here are pretty special. So my thanks as well go out to all three for allowing me to enjoy the game on an even higher level than I had achieved a few years back when I discovered for myself the wonderful world of JDM.

No offense here; I think Duffer might've been referring to the sub-forum you posted to (Domestic Equip) rather than the Fitting Studio and Swing Academy. No worries, though I can move it. As for your question on swing weights I myself am very particular in regards to them. For instance, my last set of irons, TourStage X-blade 2's; I never really liked the feel of my pitching wedge. When I took them in for lie bending I discovered that while my set was anywhere between D6-D9, the PW was I believe C9. I found this very disconcerting and never really did have the PW in the bag, preferring to substitute another wedge. My new set has very exacting specs in regards to swing weights. The 3 and 4 are D7.5, 5-9 D8, the PW D9 and my two wedges are E1 and E2 respectively. My woods are all D6. For me, this is absolutely perfect. I've spoken here before in how I prefer heavier swingweights. In terms of a couple points (ie: D5 to D7) I don't think one could tell, but when one is going from C to D and back again with different clubs in the set, I think that's setting one up for problems. My current set is the most balanced set I've ever used. So yes, swing weight is still much of an issue, especially if one is really into golf and performing at their best.

Just a quick word or so on these since I am now able to comment on this topic. As some of you know I just went to the TourStage 901 w/ KBS Tour 6.5 after having played TourStage X-blade 2's w/ Nippon 1150's in x-stiff for the past three years or so. The KBS shafts were installed by a fellow member (Goodsie) who made them to exacting specs along with tuning them. I will leave comments regarding the clubs to another post; but in regards to the KBS Tours, I must say that they are, without a doubt, the finest and most accurate steel shaft I've hit to date. Next to the KBS, the Nippon 1150's feel "sloppy" and believe me, I loved the 1150's. IMO, the KBS shafts are much more responsive. Yes some may describe them as having a "tight" feel, but I really like that. I know better where the head of the club is. I still receive great "feel" and feedback from these shafts and to me, they feel very smooth but with much more power. With the 1150's I feel I lose the head somewhere just before impact. With the KBS, I know throughout the entire swing exactly where the head is. That's more comforting to me during the swing. In addition, the dispersion of the KBS shafts are much tighter as well. My bad shots are severe hooks and I don't hook this shaft with the same ferocity. I can't really compare the ball flight because I believe the difference in that is attributable as much to the heads as the shaft. So far I am experiencing slight distance gains but again, not sure if its due to the shaft or the head. Back to the dispersion however, it really is like throwing darts. I can work it anyway I want to, but I don't hit offline as much either way compared to the 1150's. In summary, the KBS shafts have really impressed me to the point where these are now my shafts of choice in the steel category. While for the last few years I've very much enjoyed the 1150's and what they did for my game (increase in feel), I believe the KBS will help take my game up a notch or two and give me a much tighter dispersion pattern along with an increase in predictability of shot outcomes. I do believe lower handicap golfers will see more benefits with these as opposed to higher handicappers. Lastly, these shafts were "tuned" so I'm sure the magic that Goodsie applied to these helped matters some. Still, the KBS shafts are an excellent choice for those looking for the ultimate in shot dispersion and feel. I would suggest them whole-heartedly. Look for my reviews on the 901 X-blades along with the 901 X-wedges with KBS wedge shafts in black-nickel to be coming to a TourSpec site near you soon.

I believe the Technity just fits your eye and your swing. For me and my game, the AF101 was the better driver. Although I liked the deeper face of the Technity, the results and stable feel of the AF101 had me forgetting all about the visual aspect of the Technity.

As a Mod I don't believe I'm eligible but that doesn't really matter to me, so here are my thoughts on the topic at hand: Best JDM driver of 2008: The Epon AF101. Absolute perfect balance, combined with the most feel and tightest dispersion of any driver out there, along with custom specs what else could you want? Oh, great looks? Yes, the AF101 has that as well!! Best JDM iron of 2008: Yamaha Inpres XV Tour Model. If I were ever to go with CB's, these would've been the clubs I would've choose. In fact, had they not been sold out, they most likely would be in my bag now. What about the '09 model you say? Well, another pretty face already caught my eye. However, the 901's will be for next year's topic. Best JDM wedge of 2008: The George Spirts GS Wedge. A legend returns to the scene with an outstanding look that just oozes quality. Best JDM shaft of 2008: The P9003x by Graphite Design. This shaft combines length, tight dispersion, unmatched feel all in stunning cherry-red package. This shaft is in both my driver and 3 wood and to date I've never seen its equal and to be quite honest don't need to. I really, really love this shaft and have never hit a shot with it that didn't provide great feedback. Best Course I played in 2008: While I didn't try out very many "new" courses at all, the best for me was The Country Club at Soboba Springs in San Jacinto, CA. The course was in great shape that day and my swing was really working well. Unfortunately I had the worst putting day of the year and really messed up some great ballstriking. We played the course that day from its full length so I got to see it all. Just wished I could've struck the putts better as it could've been very special. Best Shot I hit in 2008: The driver was the best club in the bag this year by far and I'd have to say the one shot that sticks out was during one of those scramble type tourneys I played in with a few people from work. Played at Tustin Ranch golf course. On the par 5 9th hole, I proceeded to make the purest, smoothest and best stroke of the year off the tee. I hit it on a perfect line 330 yards dead center down the fairway. It wasn't so much the length of the shot but rather the perfection of it. What I mean by that is that is was like an outer body experience. Best Pro Player in 2008: For me its got to be Tiger Woods. Without a doubt. I myself have had two ACL surgeries so I'm somewhat familiar with how tough that can be. To do what Tiger did at Torrey with a torn ACL and a stress-fracture is other-worldly. Now Padraig's shot on 17 at Royal Birkdale was the stuff of greatness along with backing it up at the PGA, but Tiger . . . I mean what Tiger did was the stuff of legends. But for Tiger, it was simply just another chapter in the Epic story that he's compiling. Thanks for reading and to use a line as someone told me once; down the middle my friend.

Great review. My absolute favorite 3 wood ever is the Epon. The Technity model I've got is the same as the AF201 so I can relate. Absolutely the best 3 wood on the market. Not to mention you can order with custom specs!

Sadly, I've yet to be able to get them in to the course let alone the range. I don't want to just for a short time at the range as I want to savior the experience with them if you will. I will say that just from swinging at home and hitting little chips with every club, I've never felt a finer, more balanced club. However, until I can get some quality time in with them, I'm holding back on the reviews for now. My son's travel hockey schedule isn't helping matters much, but trust me. When I do get the time in, I will report back in full detail.

This is a very special iron. I have not seen a more beautiful or well balanced head to date. TourStage outdid themselves with this club.

Great to hear you're getting along well with these Jack. As an aside, I feel a heavier wedge is essential. Heavier in terms of swingweight. For me its in the lower E range where a wedge feels really comfortable and controllable.

Hey T, Keep up the great work with INPAKUTO!! Love the sight, especially the bonus coverage from various things in Japan. By the way, are you getting to play much golf in over there around Chiba?? Last time I was there I took the ferry over from Yokohama way to play at a course my father-in-law is a member of. Good times that day.

The new Epon AF Tours are absolutely stunning. I will need a set of these down the road but right now I'll be busy with the TourStage 901's. I'll have them back this week with the KBS (and a tune-up!. Thanks Goodsie) and you can best believe I'll be hitting them a lot and providing feedback for you all. One thing about the 901's. Having hit them a limited time before I sent them off, I believe them to be a better iron than the old X-blade 2's. While they are the same length, the 901's are taller and have a much better "feel". Its my early prediction that if one could hit the old 2's the 901's will be even easier. It is my opinion that any blade released now, is of superior technology than those of previous years just because the knock on blades for so long has been they are unhittable. However, when you've designers such as the ones at Epon with all their CAD design and testing, I don't think one could go wrong. Even the Miura 5003's which could look very intimidating to some have been touted here as being very easy to hit. I'm sure its only a matter of time before the AF-Tours are released with finish options as well as lie options and it will be just another stellar product from Epon.

My 901 irons and wedges are off getting reshafted with KBS along with the lies flattened. Just sent off a couple days ago and already I can't wait to get them back. When I do, I will post pics as promised along with reviews.

Graphite Design UT series has been around for awhile but in my estimation, still the best out there. A very popular and widely used shaft here is the MachLine by NGS which is used by Epon. Lastly, in steel, the 950 Utility shaft by Nippon Steel is very good as well. Good luck.

Yamaha continues to impress w/ Inpres! Very cool looking irons but I think I prefer last years tour model to this years. Will need to see more pics before making that conclusion. . . T, Chris? Interesting design concept with the "FricOff" feature of the fairway woods. I take it this will help decrease "friction" with the ground therefore allowing for faster speed through the hitting area giving either more distance or preventing loss of such.

S200. Going to play a couple rounds with them before deciding between NS 1150 or KBS. Just still up in the air over them but I am in no hurry.

Have the 901's in hand now and have been playing the X-blade 2's for a few years. I will post pics for comparison but will need a little time for that. For now I can tell you the blade length of both are the same, however, the new 901's are slightly taller than the 2's. The sole is different as well. Not as sharp a leading edge on the 901's versus the 2's and I think this will make it much more playable. Haven't been able to hit the 901's yet just a little bit of chipping with them in the house. Very soft feel, but I'll stop there because I want to give these a good test before I really write them up. More to follow in the upcoming days/weeks. As far as looks, this is one stunning iron. There hasn't been a club to date that I've seen which is better looking than the X-blade 2's however, the 901's just might be it. I'm already in love with the way they look. TourStage outdid themselves in the looks department with these.

:tsg_smiley_pimp: Yea, that'll be some serious coin!

Well, I just couldn't resist. I was trying to wait upon Epon to release their new blades, but these 901's were just haunting me night and day. My beloved X-blade 2's will soon have company. I'm sure I'll be replacing the shafts after a while and right now the KBS are at the top of the list. If I don't get along with them, I know I can always fall back on the NS 1150's. You can be sure that I'll be posting comparative pics and reviews in the weeks to come.