Blader-X

Can't pass by a fellow X-blader without saying hello and comment on some very nice sticks. I see you like your clubs very clean, devoid of any paintfill and the such. How does that RC play with the Matrix proto? Is that a custom grind on the 60? Very nice thanks for sharing.

And the feel of these are out of this world. At least to me. My 7 wood has already been ordered and should be here any day. After a few rounds you all know I'll share my thoughts about it.

I spent some time at work last night on this subject as I find it very interesting. The one thing I've noticed when looking at many different shafts is that the torque rating lowers as a shaft becomes heavier. Makes sense, since you have more material on the shaft for that weight. Torque is definitely defined as the ability of a shaft to resist twisting. Its agreed upon the the lower the torque rating, the better that shaft to resist twisting. However, there is no industry standard and so torque ratings are not uniform across companies. I viewed many clubfitting sites and all seem to agree that higher torque benefits slower swingers and lower torque benefits fast swingers. Reasoning they give is that with fast swingers, they put more force on the shaft which makes the shaft want to twist in relation to the clubhead; thus, faster swingers need lower torque. Helps in squaring the clubface. But here's the thing, I know that when the companies measure a torque of a shaft, they're not measuring it with the club being swung. Its placed into whatever device they decide to use and the shaft is twisted. That's a static measurement and the golf swing is dynamic. There's more forces at work on the shaft than just a lateral twisting of the clubhead. You've got the hands relation on the club, the weight of the clubhead, the clubhead's relation to the shaft, even gravity has an effect to some extent. So like Chris stated, some clubfitters don't even concern themselves with the torque since really, there is no standard in its measurement. Having a science background I can understand that point of view. I can also understand that as the shaft becomes heavier its more resistant to twisting thus the torque will be lower. Steel shafts have lower torque numbers than graphite since steel is more resistant to twisting. What I'm still a little confused on here is why the clubfitter we're talking about here stated you needed a higher torque shaft, then recommended a shaft whose torque I would not consider that high. Believe me I'm not trying to start arguments here but really trying to understand this all. I'm kind of thinking that torque is really not that big of a deal. I'm thinking its more of a result of the way a shaft is built and not something one should base a shaft fitting on. I'm thinking the way the shaft is put together, its materials and they way those materials are incorporated into the shaft is a bigger deal. More the shafts profile and how it bends. Mjr. D you stated in an earlier post that you used an Accra shaft which had a torque rating of 1.5 and that you loved that shaft. When you compare that shaft with that of the Diamana which do you feel you hit better? I know that your swing was off with the Diamana but its my feeling that if you liked the Accra much better than the Diamana, go with something a little more like that. I also feel your problem is not so much with the shafts but with the swing. I'm thinking go with a shaft which is more in line with your swing characteristics and improve your swing along that line. I can feel you about wanting to master your aggressive swing. That's the way I used to approach this game early on. Its the very same thing me and my swing coach worked on. I used to be ultra aggressive through the ball. The funny thing about golf is, that doesn't work. It needs to be a controlled aggression, not an all out aggression. If your aim is to have better scores then you need to tone the aggression down to where you're ball striking is more consistent allowing you to keep the ball in the fairway. If your aim is to have fun and don't worry about the scores then by all means have at it and swing away. Just know that at those high aggressive speeds, you're going to hit that errant shot. That clubhead just can't keep up with speed you're swinging it at. Think about Tiger. He's got argueably one the best swings ever and he's prone to the really errant shot from time to time. He just goes at it so hard. Unless you have a broom handle for a shaft. Then that clubhead will always be there. Then it comes down to be able to square the clubface in time. I mean no disrespect to anyone else or even the fitter, but knowing you're swing speed and you're characteristics I wouldn't put you in the very same shaft which I've used with good results and expect it to work for you. I really think you would overpower that Diamana, unless they tipped it quite a bit. Having said all this I really find it fascinating and want to know the absolute truth. I just don't know if there is an absolute truth to this all. Now, if what the clubfitter says is correct, then why not go with the Ozik FM-7? You could go XX and its torque rating is 3.6. Have it installed a little long and untipped. If it feels took weak at the tip, have it taken out and tipped some then cut to your final measurement of length. I'm the first to admit I'm no expert at this. But I've been playing for a long time and have gone through a few different shafts in search of the "right" one. I've gone the fitting route but I tell you, what I was fitted for didn't work out on the course and it was through trial and error that I came to find what really works for me. I'm not discounting club fitters. Really good ones can make a huge difference. But don't discount your own feel and what's going on with your swing. Another thing I've come to learn is that golf is everchanging and the swing can change day by day. I do know that when its going well, just about any shaft is going to work. Its definitely a difficult thing but I myself really find it fascinating and I love this site because there's so many different perspectives. Having all that I believe helps one to make better, more informed decisions. By the way, how many shafts did they have you try? How long did they spend with you and did they mention anything about having a custom shaft done. Seems to me you're specs are so high up there, custom such as XXX might be needed.

You know Chris, if I may suggest, I could really see this taking off for TourSpec. Having topline pics of all the clubs you offer could really go a long way in helping someone decide on which irons they want to purchase. I like it, we need more pics!!

Was looking at their website and noticed this shaft being played by some JPGA guys as well as Kevin Na on the PGA tour. I've never been interested much in graphite iron shafts but hey, I'm always trying to learn more about all these things. Kind of like "for future considerations." This shaft is promoted for low trajectory and was curious if those who have used it could back up their claim. Don't have any plans for new irons at the moment, but when that time comes, I want to be really dialed into all the available options out there. Gotta do the homework! Your right BunkerTex, I should have posted in the club maker's forum. My bad. Thanks for the responses and for any future responses none the less.

In terms of hybrid shafts that I'm aware of the GD UT-95 and the Fujikura 904HB. The GD is 95 grams and the Fuji is 100 grams. I have the Fuji in an old Titleist Utility. Good shaft, it performed very well. Don't see this shaft used a lot, at least I haven't. I really like the GD shafts but when I think to all the shots I've hit with different utility clubs I would have to say the majority came from the TRC's I had shafted with Speeder 757's. I have a lot of those shots in the memory banks over the past few years. I basically had my clubmaker take out those from drivers or 3 woods I was no longer using and put in the utilities. They worked great for control and trajectory. Keep us informed on how it goes and what you decide to do.

Okay just curious if anyone has any experience with these graphite shafts from Matrix, the same company that produces the Ozik line? If so, would be interested to know your thoughts and experiences. Thanks, B

Hey Mjr, So did you end up with the Diamana? In terms of the torque, you'll find differing opinions about what the "right" torque is or even if it plays that much of a role in shafts. Also keep in mind that the torque a company assigns its shaft can differ across companies depending upon what method they use. Torque by definition is the ability of a shaft to resist twisting. That being said, what I gather from your post is that he said you don't want a low torque shaft as this would cause you to slice more since it won't allow the clubhead to twist? I don't really buy that but I would love to hear what some other more knowledgable TSG'ers have to say. Sounds like he's saying that since you have an open club face at impact (reason for slice/fade), if you have a shaft with a higher torque, this allows the clubhead to close either before the shot or at impact. I don't think torque works that way. In fact its my understanding (again I could be misinformed here) that the torque relates to as the club is coming into the shot. If the torque is high the clubhead will be twisting and opening the club face producing an even bigger slice. For someone with your clubhead speed this can only spell disaster. That being said the torque of the Diamana is 3.1 which is still considered low. Its my opinion you need to go with a different shaft than that Diamana. I have the same exact shaft in TourEdge Exotics 3 wood and a Sonartec TRC 18. I also used to play a Nak driver with the 73 gram shaft x-stiff. I found that that shaft produced way too much spin for my taste. And I know you swing it faster than I. I'm thinking you need to go with the JDM shafts. Why not give the Roddio a try or the Ozik. Better technology in those shafts with a five weave pattern in the Roddio. Even Graphite Design I believe is a better shaft. I say Ozik in an XX or the Roddio in the WA series. I think thats the better way to go. Just my feeling.

Congrats Gocchin. Gamers for how long? Until the end of the year when Epon might come out with a new line?? Seriously though, that's great to hear. Having clubs you can really rely on just makes the game so much more enjoyable. I feel like you about my new set of wedges and soon I believe my bag will be complete when the new 7 wood comes in.

When you say balloon ball, are these with range balls? If so, you can't even consider this as any type of gauge in selecting a club. Beaten up range balls don't do well the harder one swings. In fact, they do far worse and in no way can you determine what is going on with a particular club. Personally I don't deduce anything from a club in a range session. For me its how a club performs on the course that determines whether it works for me or doesn't. Range sessions are good for getting some insight but you really need the course for the full and final evaluation. Also, if you're carrying it 260 with these same range balls, why do you want to go after it any harder? I'm not trying to be inflammatory here, just trying to offer some perspective. Going after it harder can only lead to more problems with off-center hits. Having said that however my take is that lighter shafts only lead to problems when one is trying to go after the ball harder. I experimented a couple years back by going from 80 and 90 gram shafts to 60 gram shafts thinking I could pick up more distance as well. What I found was the same thing you're describing. Balloon shots and actually less distance. I attribute that to the shaft not be able to handle the swing and my particular swinging pattern. I now am back with heavier shafts and even though I still go after it, its much more controlled due to the heavier weight of the shaft which allows me a more consistent hit. Distance returned as well as accuracy. In your particular case your seeking a lighter shaft which will not buckle under a very aggressive swing. I'm thinking the newer shafts with four and five weave technologies could be the way to go. These shafts seem to me to be more stable because of the tech placed in them. I'm talking in terms of the Axiv-V and QuattroTech by Graphite Design. I have both these shafts in the bag and they really complement the swing and I don't get the feeling of them "bailing out" on me in my swing. I feel the QT is better than the Axiv-V. These are my results with shafts I've tested. Other shafts which come to mind which deserve a look are the new Roddio's (five weave tech) and the new Oziks (utilize unique materials for golf shafts). I don't feel the Diamana is a shaft which can hang with these newer shafts. I used the blue board for a period but didn't like it due to the occasional balloon shot which I felt at the time was the shaft and not me. The newer shafts are really taking the tech further and I think allowing for these light shafts to still be stable. I'm sure others could have different feelings on this topic, this just happens to be my personal take. Good luck in your search and get out on those courses up there when the weather warms. It seems winter doesn't want to concede to spring in many parts of the US right now. One last thing, I'm not sure if you have done this or not, but post your specs and what you're looking for in TourSpecGirls' different shaft fitting posts. It could help to shed some more light on this for you and give you some other options.

This is a great reference post which I would love see more clubs added on to over time. Perfect way to compare clubs one is considering. The topline view is such an important look to consider since this, to me is everything when one is setting up to the ball to hit a shot. This view is paramount to having success. For me, if it doesn't look right to my eye, I just don't want to hit and don't feel confident hitting it. Thanks, Chris!

In terms of graphite shafts, you cannot go wrong with Graphite Design TourAD UT series. Several weights to choose from depending upon what you're looking for from 55-95gms. In terms of hybrids, I like the old TRC from Sonartec and the G-Fields. Both utilize rails and I think this makes the hybrid very versitile. I have used up to three hybrids over the last year at one time in the bag but will soon be carrying none as I want to experiment with a 7 wood. I'm just hooking the crap out of my hybrids right now even with their square face setups. Just need a bit of change. The new Cobra Bafflers are getting really good reviews and look good as well. I have been a big fan of certain hybrids like I mentioned but not all hybrids. I don't like the box shape of the Sonartec MD styles and hate the thick toplines like you see in the Fourteen driving iron types. One more shaft that I really like in a hybrid is the old reliable Speeder 757. I have two hybrids with this shaft and they have always done well. Trajectory is very penetrating. Nice flight with surprisingly a lot of spin to stop the shots on the green. With both the Speeder and GD UT-85 I've had no trouble controlling the trajectory of shots. Its just right now the G-Field is getting some crazy hooks but I think that could be just a problem of club weighting, its definitely not the shaft. Hybrids in my view are very personal and it takes time to find one you really like. Mine could very well end up in the bag again but for now, they will be taking a back seat to the 7 wood. Good luck in your search.

The G-Field is a fine club however, I think it might be a little on the low side as far as face heighth. The new '07 Epon has a nice mid-high face which I like but I wouldn't say it hits it high. More on the low side. I'm thinking two which have been mentioned the PRGR M3 and TourStage X-ST. The PRGR has a high face but with tungsten weights to promote a lower center of gravity giving a higher flight. Your current Sonartec SS03 was originally designed for low, boring trajectory. I used to have a few of those myself. Most of the deep faced fairways are that way so try to look for the ones with weighting promoting that lower center of gravity for higher shots. PM Chris for his thoughts. Good luck to you.

Whatever happened to that white bag with the dog on it I wonder? http://forum.tourspecgolf.com/index.ph...amp;hl=epon+bag Don't like this new one at all.

Just one more thought about what makes the JDM clubs so special is this site and the vision Chris (TourSpecGolfer) has had and continues to have for this site. If you've ever dealt with Chris you know from a customer standpoint he's very respectable and is always trying to get it right. The golf business is not an easy nor always profitable route but its the work that Chris and Jacque (and others) put into it that makes it great. One last thing, Chris is always reinvesting back into TourSpec to continue to bring us all the great products we continue to enjoy.

American domestic clubs don't even touch the JDM models. Feel is much more enhanced. American pros don't play JDM equipment because they don't get paid to. However, heres the secret; the "American" clubs they play with aren't American at all. Quite a few of them are made in Japan, mostly at Endo to very exacting tolerances. Most of the OEM's send their specs to the best of the best in Japan to make the clubs the pros play. The Japanese clubs we play with here at TSG are made to much the same exacting tolerances depending upon the company and where they are made. American domestic equipment available to the consumer varies considerably in specs and has nowhere near the feel of the JDM stuff. I'm a convert to JDM equip going on a year now and have never enjoyed the game more. In fact it was early last year where I had grown weary of the American clubs I was playing because I felt it should be better than what I was experiencing. Lo and behold I found TSG (while searching mind you, for TourStage equip) and the rest is history. Now I have Epon and with all the customization they offer, I'm loving and I mean just loving the clubs. I've been playing golf for some time now and have never been happier with my equipment. My mood and scores are proof of that.

Yes we all love pics. Is that Technica 420 have a closed face or is it just the pic making it look that way?

First pic, the shiny one. Very nice indeed!!

I say cord on the odd numbered clubs and woods, velvet on the evens and wedges!!

Cord grips now available at TourSpecGolf. Here's a couple pics after I reshafted the 4-9 irons after viewing the Master's. Comes complete with the TourSpec logo at the end. See previous pics in this thread. The grips are basically the same that come with the Epon's. They feel great! If interested in obtaining these, please PM Chris (TourSpecGolfer).

Unreal pics and great review. Glad you put them to hitting some balls, it would've been a waste to not let them see any action. I'm enamored with my copper X-models and I'm sure yours feel every bit as good. Maybe Epon will make some of those in a 60 one day. An Inpakuto wedge day would be a very fine idea. You need to make that one happen.

Very cool!! Like all the options with the different grinds and etchings. They even make some killer looking blades. Wonder if these clubs perform as good as they look??

If all goes well, you should tour different cities like those Ping commercials!! Get yourself a customized van with some cool graphics on the side and a truckload of JDM putters!! Can't wait to hear all the results and see the pics!

Out of curiosity Chris, is the Srixon Z-UR in Japan, the same ball that is offered in the U.S.?

Ah, many different selections already. Different beers with different foods. Its much like wine in that way. Apologies to all who love their wine, but I've never been able to enjoy wine like I enjoy a good beer. I can appreciate a good wine, but again, apologies, I'm a beer man. A good ale, or a hearty lager, a Hefeweizen on a hot summer day as the sun is setting!! Sapporo and sushi/sashimi would be my last meal if I ever had to choose one. I have heard that Guiness is best experienced in Ireland and that drinking it anywhere else doesn't come close. I have yet to have that marvelous experience. I would love to hear more.