Blader-X

I would definitely be up for this Chris. Only one thing I ask and its to test at a site that has an all grass driving range. Absolutely no mats, otherwise there's no sense in testing. This would be a major undertaking.

I think you're right about on there with those numbers Jack. I have the GFT 3 utility and its 41" and my TourStage which is still with the stock steel shaft is 39.5". Most utility shafts are only 42" uncut. I'm sure there's some variation among golfers but I'd say +/- 1 inch around your numbers would be good.

My two favorite JDM utilities are the TourStage X-UT and the G-Field GFT's. Non-JDM would be the old TRC models by Sonartec.

Sitting at my doorstep?? Jees, I only wish! Have you been reading my thoughts??

I really think the T72 could be what I've been searching for for a long time. I know many think it looks cheap or harsh on the eye, but to me its absolutely fantastic. In fact I think it helps the eye to focus directly in the middle of the club to the exact middle of the ball. If these ever come to retail or if I have an opportunity to get me hands on a proto, I'd put this into play in a heartbeat. With all the design technology available at Epon not to mention the quality they put into their products, how could this not be an absolute winner?

Fortunately for me, I've been very happy with the B330 from Bridgestone for a couple years now and haven't felt a need to stray. I did try the URC's from Srixon but liked the B330's much better. They do all I want and need. Besides, they're about all I want to spend when it comes to balls. I don't want to try anything more expensive as I'd be too concerned over losing them. By the way, T, I do hope you find you're balls. A man without his balls is well, . . .not quite a man.

I like that very much. Thanks for sharing the pics!!

I'm in. That looks fantastic.

Nice to see Epon getting some recognition outside of TSG!! I still have yet to hit a better driver. In fact if I never find one better that's just fine because Epon is really the end all - be all for me.

Great reviews boys!! Hey Chris, just a question to ask here, can the offset be decreased in the 301's via special order to almost nil?

At least putters are "carpet friendly"!!

Ah yes, once again Gocchin stirring the pot . . .

Looks like they went back a little to their BBD models. Definitely a sure winner. I really like the look of this!!

No, I have Nippon 1150's (x-stiff) in the irons which I like very much. However, back when I changed out my wedge shafts to 1150's as well, I found I didn't like them in the wedges. I did go down in flex to stiff, but I found the trajectory not to my liking. Later on I decided to give the Black Golds a go and literally found nirvana with them as far as the wedge game is concerned. Trajectory was lower, dispersion tighter and distance control better. I have thought about making the entire set Black Gold's and even maybe just the 8 and 9 iron but have yet to act on it. The 1150's are doing just fine in the current set. I'm happy with them and if I did make a change it would be just to see. Who knows, they could be better for me? I willl say that I like my current set up very much and am hesitant to do any substantial changes at this time. B

True Temper Black Gold is by far THE best shaft to go in a wedge I've ever used. More feel than any of the above choices put together. Yes, I feel that strongly about them. I used to have nothing but X100's in my wedges. Have tried the S400's and Nippon 1150's in wedges as well. Black Gold beats them all hands down. Oh, and the trajectory is just optimal. On the lower side with great spin to keep down out of the wind. No balloon shots.

Driver: Epon 460 w/ TOURSPECGOLF prototype: length: 45" / cpm: 270 / weight 81gm 3 wood: Epon 13.5 w/ Graphite Design QuattroTech 85 stiff / length 43.25" / cpm: ? / weight 86 gm Utilities: TourStage X-UT w/ Nippon Shaft utility 950 stiff / length: std. / cpm: ? / weight 95gm? G-Field #3 w/ Graphite Design UT-85 x-stiff / length : 41" / cpm: ? / weight 85gm I'm considering dropping a UT-95 in the X-UT but these are what I have right now. I also have a couple old TRC utilities, one with a Diamana blue board and another with a Speeder 757 in them. Both work great, but the Speeder is better in the utility than the Diamana. I think the best shafts for a utility is the UT line by Graphite Design.

Again, boys, my question is what is special about the MTI's that have many JPGA pros playing them? I understand all about the Japanese consumer market as I have intimate ties to Japan. What I want to know from a performance point is why the MTI. Pros don't use something unless they either get paid to use it, or it performs and helps them win toruneys.

The 48 series is thinner as well right? Maybe I'll have to find one to try on a driver. Maybe the lime w/ pink cap?

At one time not too long ago, I had up to 3 hybrids in the bag. Now down to just one. I took one out going back to a three wedge setup. Much more effective for the way I play. I have recently taken out another to add the 3 iron back to the bag. It'll stay like this for the time being as my eye right now just fits the longer irons better. I like the less bulky look of the 3-iron as opposed to the hybrid. However, the hybrids are great clubs. My new favorite is my current hybid the X-UT from TourStage. I really like this club and find it effective from most anywhere. And its really solid with just the standard steel shaft from Nippon Shaft it came with. My old favorites are the TRC's by Sonartec which you can find the same design style in the G-Fields. Basically the only difference between the two being the G-Fields are a little longer across the face. Both are awesome performers.

What it is about these MTI's that have the JPGA tours using so many of them? They don't look like anything all that special so I'm wondering what it is about their performance that is increasing their use.

Could someone please comment on the "feel" of these. Are they firm while still being tacky, or do they feel spongy soft? I'm not at all a fan of Wynn grips. Do the NowOn's feel like Wynn or anything like that. Thanks in advance for the comments.

First off, its all about perfomance for me. And, if I can get that with ultimate feel I'm there. That's why I love my JDM equip. Having said that I can only tell you that whatever shaft you do get, go heavy, at least 80 grams. I'm a big believer that when one swings that fast, a heavier shaft will keep the spin rate down as well as keep one more consistent. I tried that light-weight shaft trend a while back and it really hurt my game. Once I went back to heavier shafts, it was all right as rain again. Tight dispersion, much, much less spin and a boring flight pattern. Sure the other aspects of a shaft are important but for me, and my results, I really believe the weight of the shaft was paramount. I have not tried the white board but used to play the blue. The blue doesn't come close with the shafts I've used since such as the AxivV and now the prototype from TSG. I will be giving the new P9003 from Graphite Design a go in the next few weeks and will report on that. Good luck with whatever shaft you decide to go with and hope I've been able to give a little insight to you.

Did not know about the driving iron. Hey T, does Chris have any of those laying around??

Looks good T, the copper effect must have something do with the interaction of the metal and PermaBlue. Interesting, very interesting.

Sounds like you've already got it all figured out. What specifically, do you need help with? Deciding between the two? Just get both!! Seriously, if you haven't given the QuattroTech a go, its a must; at least in my opinion. Haven't hit the Oziks so I'm no help there. The AxivV 8076 I believe would work well, but I think I would opt for the QT.