gocchin

The black and red combination just looks unbelievable... I may have to get one just cause it looks so hot.

Actually it's an even bigger steal at $225! (^_^) The feel is definitely more old school, muted and solid.

I'm not 100% sure but my guess is 0.335 like most JDM FW's. Definitely a great club with wonderful feel for those looking for a compact and workable FW.

Hi Samuee, Welcome to the forums. The new X-Blade is geared at the scratch golfer and professional player or those really good ball strikers. As users above mentioned, they are not so easy to hit and definitely could be a little more forgiving. As for pics, there are a few real ones in the gallery here: http://www.tourspecgolf.com/gallery/main.p...ons/?g2_page=12 http://www.tourspecgolf.com/gallery/main.p...ons/?g2_page=14

Sticking with pretty much three balls right now... Mizuno 352S, Tourstage X-01S3 and Kasco Silicon Purple Kira's. If there is a dangerous water hazard and a risk of losing a ball off the tee I switch to some used Tourstage V10's I have. (^_^)

I'd be thrilled if I owned all of those but unfortunately I only have one at the moment. Great stuff from Gold's as always and lots more great stuff to come!

The quality is definitely nice for the price. The face on all the GT 455 Black's are indeed that dark smoked finish. You just can't tell in the stock pics. I need to find my TM wrench and weights....

So Chris was kind enough to build me a GT 455 Black 10.5* with a 0.5* closed face and a Roddio W5BA in R Flex at 45" and D0. I've been interested in Geotech lately as it has some interesting products in the component area at some real interesting prices. The GT Black is 455cc as the name implies and is completely black including the face which has appears to be slightly polished. It looks very nice and pricier than it's retail price tag of 225.00 When I got the club my initial impressions was that it was heavy and I was right. The Geotech head while spec'ed at around 200g can get as heavy as 205g which for those trying to reach higher swing weights is a big plus compared to most JDM head weights. Mine is definitely one of those heavy ones which I don't mind as I feel a little bit of weight gives the swing some control. The GT Black, like other GT woods has GCS, Geotech's Gravity Control System. Three interchangeable weights are included, a 2g in the toe, another 2g in the back and a 10g in the heel. The stock configuration is of course a draw but you can also configure it for a fade or high straight ball by putting the 10g in the back. I've got to find some of my TM weights and see if they will work in here. The face angle is very close to 0.5* closed or even square. The GT Black is meant for the better player and many of their woods are square to open (the FW's are up to 2* open!). The head shape is VERY pear like and traditional. It does not seem big at all. The face is not overly deep, definitely not X-Drive 460 like or Epon Forged 460 like... but its not shallow either, perhaps more like the X-drive GR. There have been those who have mixed results with the Roddio's and I've always said it's definitely a shaft that needs getting used to. I've had good success with the W5BA and it seems a good match for the GT 455. My driver before the 455 Black was the EMB so going to the Geotech is not only like night and day with the looks and design but the sound as well. The GT is has a very muted thwock but still has a good solid feel to it. Trajectory is a mid boring trajectory with good roll out. This type of ball flight for me would indicate that it is reasonably low spin head as the Roddio isn't considered a low spin shaft. So I need to find some time to get out and play with this driver but initial impressions are below. Some pros could also be cons depending on the person. Pros: All Black = very sexy... several people complimented at the range that it looked hot. Heavy head for those wanting higher swing weights Moveable weights Very traditionally shaped Muted sound at impact Solid feel Reasonably low spin Seems true to loft and face angle Price Cons: Heavy head for those wanting a lighter overall club Muted sound at impact Could be more forgiving It's traditional shape makes it actually look smaller than it is which for may not be a good thing for those who need something confidence inspiring All black could be prone to scuffing Geotech's don't come with head covers But all in all when you consider the price the Pros out weight the cons. This is definitely a worth try driver for those better and faster swinging players wanting a heavy head, with a traditional shape and sexy look. The Head Cover for me is a moot point since I always use my orange bear and many want to buy after market covers any way. Will report back more when I get out and play with this. Here are some pics I took after I took off the plastic wrap.

Some new putters for inspiration. Some of the top putters include Sasaya's new white chrome finish which has a tint of blue to it which has been very popular. The most popular option has been the PZ Face milling which is just so soft! L-R: White Chrome, Stainless Glass Bead Blast, Beads Boron Lefty with blinker:

The 904 has a very stiff profile and is typical speeder feel. It's a bit dated which is why Fujikura has launched the all new Rombax hybrids in 50g all the way up to 100g weights. Apparently much smoother feeling but still pretty tight.

I wanted to give Geotech woods a try so I grabbed a 24* 9W looking for something real easy to hit. Initially I was concerned with the face being 2* OPEN!! As my bad shot is right with a push or sometimes a slice. The shape of the GT Fairways are awesome... you would never believe this head only cost $85 as it's quality seems considerably higher. The head comes with a 10g weight in the heel and a 2g in the toe which can be swapped to configure ball flight. You can also use other weights... they look to be TM sized weights so there are probably lots of weight configurations possible. The shape of the FW is very good, traditional and more towards the compact size... this 9W is just over 120cc. I shafted it with an Axiv and I was very happy with its feel and performance. Very easy to hit and feeling is very good. The 2* open face is no problem, strangely I can actually draw this thing whereas I can't even draw FW's with closed faces usually. So perhaps my swing works with open faces?!?! For those looking for a relatively compact, nice traditional shaped FW with an open face... Geotech is a definite option!

RC, Any preference for weight and material? Most of the smaller and lighter cart bags are nylon.

Well it was good but it was nearly 1 year ago...

It's listed as 0.5* closed... but will be hard to tell what the real face angle is till we see it. We have a few on the way. (^_^)

That's a very smooth combo.... be sure to report back when you get them! (^_^)

Your wish may come true.... (^_6)

If you're looking for JDM, the Mizuno MRB fits the bill but it's very expensive as its all suede and the colors aren't so great. Then there's the new pink Mizuno stand bag as well. ONOFF also has a narrow carry bag. But best bag and best price... Le Coq Sportif's mini stand... I can add it if you want. (^_^)

The sound of the driver is definitely important and for many is one of the factors affecting their purchase. A lot lot of people connect sound and feel as well. Drivers of all different shapes and materials make all kinds of sounds... while for some sound can make or break a driver as a gamer... for me if it's long and sounds loud as hell (hint hint emb), then I'm okay with it (^_^) I was always a fan thougn of the old Technity 460ZR/460 Forged... a soft kinda muted thwock...

You'll find many Nippon shafts made specifically for OEM's that carry the NS Pro moniker but not be available retail wise ie the 990GH 900GH and your 950 SRX etc. Pretty good for OEM shafts usually. (^_^)

You're absolutely right. I once had a stat that showed out of the the average golfer in the US, only 8% of so said they'd pay more than $500 for a driver. There was another estimate that said the average Japanese golfer spends 3-4 times annually the average US golfer when it comes to equipment. That pretty much sums it up.

You could probably handle an R flex with the UT-85.. You'd be kind of boarder line. As long as you don't hook the ball and you think you could control it an R would give a touch more feel at your speed.

Here's the GR....

The MacTec is out... shape kinda reminds me of the CGB Max...

As Chris said it's totally price and different market demands... this is not to say that golfers outside of Japan don't want the best products, its a question of how much are they willing to pay for them. Truth is many golf clubs are made in Japan, even clubs sold in the States but that doesn't make them all the same quality. All the OEM's have budgets when it comes to the amount of R&D, materials, manufacturing process that they use. It just so happens that Japanese brands or those brands that sell in Japan pump more into those budgets because they charge higher prices. Japan is a very fickle market when it comes to anything, not just golf clubs. What's hot one day like the Tamagochi could be just as easily gone the next. Where else in the world can you find 200+ current models of cellphones for sale and an average of 3-4 new models released every week? Yes only in the consumer driven craziness known as Japan. Also if you're talking about the Legacy video I uploaded on the TSG Network, that isn't just a Callaway techie saying that "This is the best all titanium driver Callaway has ever produced", that's the Senior Vice President of R&D for Callaway Golf (not just Japan). And I believe him too. The Legacy costs a ton but Callaway has also invested a ton in it and opted for premium forged Titanium all made in Japan. As for the stupid decisions, I too wonder why some of these awesome products are only sold in Japan. And in the end I blame it on Economics. Would a Callaway driver NOT marked TOUR or LIMITED be able to sell for 900USD at Golf Galaxy.... probably not. And would Callaway want to sell it for less? Maybe if they dropped the grade of steel and cut some corners manufacturing it (please see Hyper ERC devolve into the Hyper X). It's too bad for those outside of Japan that don't either understand the Japanese golf market and for those who do but don't have access to the product (which is why TSG is here). Walking into a massive golf shop in Japan is like going into a shop with all your favorite Japanese idols... (well it is for me at least (^_^)... but you get what I mean)... It's like being in heaven. One way of experiencing just the atmosphere and impact of Japanese golf gear is to take a trip to Japan in February and join TSG at the Japan Golf Fair.... yeah I'll be waiting for you all and I'll even show you my favorite idols. (^_^)

90ish mph and less depending on how aggressive a swinger you are. What do you use in your irons flex wise and shaft wise?