Blader-X

I received my new Epon head just over the weekend. If any of you remember my recent "Epon crackhead" post, the one in which I cracked my driver head and Chris said he'd replace it with the brand new logo; well its in hand. Let me tell you, its absolutely gorgeous. Don't worry, I will be taking plenty of pics to share. Now all I need is to shaft it up. TSG has the BEST customer service you'll ever see. In Japan, customer service is supreme. In fact, for those of you here in the states, compared to Japan, customer service is non-existant here. Those who've been to Japan know what I'm talking about. Through TSG, Chris brings that same idea to all of us. Just the best. And no, I don't pay any duties/taxes or fees for clubs received from Japan.

OH, I feel you. I actually love to play in the rain but I know how it can be when it just gets to be too much. I remember on time I went out, pouring rain. Said to myself, "oh its not too bad, it'll let up." So there I was first tee, all by myself. Course was actually open. Starter just let me go. Probably couldn't believe someone was actually going out. I hit first drive and the left to right crosswind hit it so hard the ball ended up in the adjoining fairway at least 70 yards right. So off I went down the 10th fairway playing the first hole and by the time I got to the ball, I was drenched. I mean the rain was coming sideways!! At that point I decided maybe it best to just head on in. I love playing in the rain but that day was just too much. Its been so dry here in my parts I don't think we've had rain in more than a year. Hey, send some of that our way, won't you. Hope you get out to test those clubs soon!!

No worries, questions are always welcomed here at TSG. Its just that this particular question has been poured over ad nauseum with many members here and almost always opens up pages and pages of responses. Not that they're not fun to rehash, but just to acclimate yourself a little more to the mentality of a lot of members here you can look up all the old posts and find quite a lot of info. We have a lot of passionate members here who are crazy about JDM stuff and I must tell you once you do try it, there's no going back. It really is that good. Here's what I mean. Remember when you hit that first real solid golf shot and the feeling went up you arms and permeated your entire body, mind and soul and hooked you on golf for life? Well when you hit JDM equip that really fits you, that feeling is relived over and over times 10.

Oh if that were only true, but sadly, this topic has been posed enough and Epon will stick with the AF-301 as their "player's blade" irons. You don't know how many e-mails I've sent to Chris about this very same thing. If you weren't the first there would be something wrong with the universe. Or, at least the rotation of the planet!! I sure hope they look good!!

Stunning, absolutely stunning. I think my favorite pic is the Epon driver with the Fourteen bag reflecting off its crown. That or either the close-up of the clete on the golf shoe. No, the Epon with the Fourteen reflection! Bengal is a sweet looking cat!! Is that all for the pics? I'm sure that's only about a sixth of your total inventory of clubs!

Yogi, welcome to the site. Simple is yes, but please delve much deeper and look up a lot of the older posts about this topic. You can use the search function. Much has been written about this very subject.

That's probably all you had to say! I think Chris is about to get another e-mail! Look for the review in the next few weeks. By the way T, noticed from your sig you have the new SL-4. Howz it going with that shaft?

The P9003 has caught my attention. Anyone out there have any experience playing this shaft yet or is there anything more anyone can tell me about it. Seriously considering placing an order with Chris to put this in a new Epon head on the way.

Either way, both look like they could do some serious damage!!

Much creativity, just suberb!! This contest is going to be very hard to judge.

Great bag, another strong contender!! Love those shoes. Where did you have those done at? Otis is one, cool puppy! I'm noticing the lethality of the weapons increasing as the contest draws nearer. These TSG'ers are serious about winning!! Hey, has that "Super-Stroke" grip working out?

Just when I thought Epon couldn't possibly get any better. . . They go and pull something like this. Oh man, I've got to stop looking at this site. Oops, too late, I'm already hooked. Here's how I feel about that Black-Copper finish. I would post more emoticons but there's a limit to how many one can post!! I'm at that limit!!

TSG - The magazine !! Well written, well illustrated. I knew you fellow TSG'ers wouldn't let us down!

OHHH this contest is heating up!! Nice pics in the foilage. My first JDM was a Royal Collection BBD 3 wood back before I knew about TourSpecGolf and JDM equipment.

A few months back I was luckily chosen to test out a new prototype shaft for TourSpecGolf. Its a five-ply shaft similar to that of the Roddio but IMO, a much better feel. After putting it through its paces I was asked compose a write up describing my thoughts. Here's those thoughts: TOURSPECGOLF (TSG) prototype shaft: specs: 81gm/270 cpm/2.3 torque - 5-ply shaft - 45" Placed in an Epon Technity Head 460cc, loft 9.5°, 1.5° open, 1° flat. (CPM rating from completed driver) Comparative shafts used: Roddio WA-8A, Axiv V8076 both were in Epon Technity Head 460cc, 9.5°, 1° open, std lie. Tester: BKD, 38yo, 20 yrs of playing experience, swing speed 115-120 mph. Feel: The feel of the TSG proto is that of a very solid shaft. Nice heavy weight. Inspires a confidence that the shaft will deliver a proper thwack on the ball. I prefer heavier shafts and this one definitely fits the bill. In comparison to the Roddio, the feel of the shaft is much enhanced. Even though both are of the same weight, the TSG proto feels heavier but by no means “bulkier”. The “heavier” feeling gives me a sensation of more stability. In comparing with the AxivV, the AxivV had a tremendous amount of “feel” and always felt like the shaft was complementing the swing throughout. The TSG has a similar feel. However, the TSG takes this it one step further. At no point in any swings did the TSG feel like it would fail during the swing. It was always right there from beginning to end and delivered the club head precisely where it was aimed and swung to. Ranking in feel: 1: TSG proto 2: AxivV 3: Roddio Dispersion: For this tester’s results, this shaft is by far the tightest in terms of dispersion. As far as ranking the three in dispersion: 1: TSG proto, 2: Roddio, 3: AxivV. The Roddio and TSG are close in terms of their dispersion but I would say the TSG beats it out. The AxivV though a great shaft is not near that of the former two. I have used the AxivV far more than the other two, but the TSG was tighter an all swings. It simply goes where ever you swing. Shots are able to be shaped with this but only by properly setting up. Otherwise it’s a fairly straight shaft. Trajectory: Trajectory for this shaft is on par with the AxivV. Roddio is of a lower trajectory, however I prefer the flight of the TSG and AxivV. Both have a look of getting up initially and then flattening out over a long stretch before returning back down. All three give a “boring” flight as the ball comes off very well. To this tester, the trajectory of the TSG and AxivV are “stronger” than the Roddio. What I mean is the ball gets up and out quick and seems to stay at a certain altitude better. Length: Many things factor into length, but in terms of these shafts I limited all comparisons to one course which I play very regularly. This course in near the ocean and is usually kept wet so it has limited roll and carry is important. All three are near each other for length but I must say the TSG edges out all the other three. The maximum carry I've gotten with the TSG proto was 285 yards with the average being around the 250-260 yard mark. The Roddio and AxivV have been about 5 and 10 yards shorter respectively. On a course which would be drier and faster all three would belt the ball a long way. I have hit the AxivV in dry conditions in the desert and have approached drives of 320-345 yards but those results were aided by the conditions (hard, fast and dry). If I took the TSG out there I have no doubt I would easily see these results if not a shade better. Summary: Overall I would have to say the TSG beats out the AxivV and Roddio. In fact, it is this tester’s opinion that the TSG proto combines the unmatched (until now) feel of the AxivV with the “tightness” of the Roddio. I like all three shafts and I really believe the TSG to be a culmination of the other two. Feel is outstanding and complements the swing throughout its journey. The TSG flights the ball very well giving a strong mid-high trajectory on good swings. Dispersion is very tight. The ball goes where you hit it. This shaft delivers the club on the ball consistently at the middle of the clubhead. Impact tape confirmed this to me. All in all I love this shaft. I would really like to rip it apart and find fault with it but I simply cannot. I do not know the kickpoint of this shaft but would suspect it to be middle to middle-high. I’m not so sure where to improve upon this other than maybe either softening or stiffening depending upon the tastes of an individual golfer. I think low handicappers and really good, strong players will like this shaft immensely. It’s very supportive and delivers a strong hit to the ball. Good shoulder turn swings where everything is working together are rewarded with this shaft. Graphics: Being a prototype this shaft was devoid of any graphics. Its a solid darker gray color which is just fine. Of course should this shaft hit the market, I'm sure it would be improved in this area, maybe a deep, dark ion finish perhaps? This is basically my write up from a couple months back. The TSG shaft is still in play and I'm loving every second I get to swing it. I've gotten very accostumed to it and love it more now than when I wrote this review. A real winner and a must try should the opportunity present itself.

Well written, pics well thought out, a strong contender for the contest. Beautiful bag, great clubs. What?? Doesn't everyone carry a knife to clean out their grooves??

That 9-iron is HOT! Sweet bags, great pics, now if I can just get the crick out of my neck from looking sideways!! Great job. On a serious note, I've heard great things about those Adams fairway clubs. How do you like yours?

How big is this head in terms of cc's? It looks to be very wide across. Or is it just me? Looks like it would be very stable especially for those who might struggle with direction. PRGR is synonymous with quality.

Click this link which is to the proshop and scroll down. All three examples are at the bottom. http://www.tourspecgolf.com/proshop/p1107/...oduct_info.html

I had this done with two TRC's. Shim works great, no problems in performance. I've found the Speeder shafts to work great in utilities.

Glad to hear you're liking them. I'm telling you I'm really close to making a switch to Black Golds in the entire set. Nothing wrong with the 1150's mind you, just thinking about it. You all know how that goes. A couple years back I used to think these Black Gold were just hype, but after having them in the wedges that idea is out the window. Of course a so called expert gave me that idea, but then you shouldn't believe everything without giving it a go yourself. Keep us posted on how these irons work out.

Well boys, its soon to be that time of year. Yes I know football, but I'm talking about that "other" sport. You know the one, its practically the national sport of Canada but to hear sports broadcasters talk about it, is all but dead in the States. ICE HOCKEY, particularly the NHL. I've been a Kings fan since 1980 when my imagination was captured by the US Olympic hockey team and their unbelievable ride to the gold over the invincible Soviet Union at that time. Since that time I've loved hockey. Yes I know I live in Southern California and the Kings haven't fielded any kind of team since 1993 (That Toronto series was epic!) but compared to last year, this year's going to be great. Look for Kopitar and Frolov to have huge seasons!! Anyways, this hockey season will be extra special to me as its my son's first year in travel hockey. He played in-house and tournaments all summer long and now the season is soon to be upon us. Its so much fun watching him. I just hope I can keep up with all the time it takes. For you hockey fans out there, and the few out there I know you're passionate, tell me about your team and how you think this year shapes up. And when is ESPN going to pick up the contract for NHL again. They have better camera work than Versus. And yes, watching the Ducks win the Cup last season was just miserable for me being a Kings fan. I will admit they finally have some good players and that franchise is going in the right direction after years of being a joke. But yes, Duck fans, you won the Cup, congrats, scoreboard and all that. At the very least, my boy and I were at the Pond last year to watch the Kings beat the Ducks. Oh, excuse me, no longer the Pond, Arrowhead Arena. I like the "Pond", better.

I have a white G-Field putter cover with that plasticy look and feel to it. Reminds me of those high, 60's style "go-go" boots. It sure does bead water well though!

I hear you brother!! You and me both. Let us know as always how they perform for you.

Here's my cover, the Rasta color model in Black, AKA - the "Pakalolo" cover. Mine is absolutely gorgeous and very well made. The black leather has no plastic feel to it whatsoever and is no way glossy. The red, green and gold colors of the leaves and sandals are vibrant. So much so, it brings to mind comparisons to the how colorful the movie 'House Flying Daggers' was. If you've ever seen that movie the cinematography is outstanding! This cover really catches your eye. There is quite a lot of attention given to the stiching upon close inspection. Inside is comprised of red, deep pile felt and enough padding to ensure more than adequate protection of the putter-head. All in all my ComoCome cover is very well made.