gocchin

It would depend on the shaft really however two times soft on an X-flex shaft "could" bring it close to stiff, really depends on the shaft for example an Axiv 950M Iron shaft which is X Flex has 365cpm for the 3I so if you soft stepped that twice to the 5I and compare it to the 959M which is in fact Stiff Flex with a CPM of 371. At that stiffness, it's reasonably close. For the softer flexes it's even closer... a 758M R Flex 5I is 323cpm and a 759M S Flex 3I is 321cpm. But don't forget to take into consideration changes in torques and lengths etc.

Honestly A, Even Fujikura confuses me... the Rombax X specs are not exactly identical... slight differences in torque and weight between US and JDM models... I really don't know. I only know the JDM models at this point. US has the W and Japan still has the V. They both have the Z with totally different specs. They both have the X with very slightly different specs.....

Hi there, tough to get info on this club as it's more than 7 years old (guessing approx). I think this was the first generation DNA line as there was a newer more modern looking model after it. I've seen a few go used in auctions. I'm sorry I couldn't find out more but I'll keep my eye out for it.

If you have the US version of the Rombax Z then yes it's for the harder swinger... the Japanese market Z has totally different specs.

Review samples went out over a month ago to all the media publications in Japan and was available for pre-order all over Japan since late March. I've got the JC-808 driver preview Video from GDO up on the blog if anyone wants to see: http://www.inpakuto.com/

Temporarily offline while we catch up on stock... demand has been so high!

Due to business practices... Epon usually doesn't let their clubs get reviewed by pretty much any media outlet... unfortnately. And yes there is a reason for this, Epon is Endo's own private brand and their personal joy, however Endo is a golf club manufacturer for many of the biggest names in golf and they do not want to step on their customers' toes by creating products to run in direct competition with their own clients. So Epon has been around for decades but always under a low profile which is what they want. When we met with Endo/Epon's president back in February this was one of his concerns he voiced to us. Epon may not be in that articke, but quite a few wedges made at Endo are. (^_^)

Golf Digest talks to Roger Cleveland about creating the perfect wedge and showcases some of the well known wedge brands:

I'll post the pics first... then when I get the change to explain in more details I'll do so. (^_^) Graphite Design Japan is still very much a traditional Japanese company, hiring local towns folk who pride themselves in all their work and the human attention given to make the perfect shaft.

He sure is...

TSG will be a retailer of GS outside of Japan. Here are the CB's:

Sounds about right... the grip you use will affect this a bit as well. If you have a good club maker, he should have no issues reaching your desired swingweight. Good luck and let us know how it goes! (^_^)

Hi A, Everyone who has gotten a Mach Line Proto has been very happy with it. The proto 5350 is considered the best balanced and best performing shaft in the Mach Line series. It has some tour presence across asia and NGS packed a lot of R&D into this shaft to get the best rigidity distribution possible. At 52g and 4.2* torque, it's lightweight and has good feel (that's R flex). Mach Lines are also not whippy and play very true to flex or even a little stiffer which equals good dispersion. As for a Graphite design shaft, two options would be the Quattro Tech 55 or SL-5. The SL-5 is a little softer and more active. The Quattro Tech a little more tout and both will give mid to high trajectory. The Quattro Tech is geared towards stronger players as the 55 series is the lightest model while the SL-5 is the heaviest model in the SL series.

Do the graphite in the 3 iron B. I know you want to. (^_^)

I've never played the Halo but had a UT-106 in the bag early last year. A very easy utility to hit. A little on the larger side as in toe to heel length but it does the job and still sets up reasonably nicely with it's paint break hosel. If I remember correctly the face may have been ever so slightly closed.

C, I'm surprised it felt that way. The W series was once known as GD's smoothest shaft. It is an older one so perhaps time has caught up with it. (^_^)

The W-50 is indeed a good shaft, I've just been waiting far to long to try the QT for myself... (^-^)

You shouldn't have a problem with swingweight going to the heavier shaft. The 850 will still be a good 30g or so lighter than the 1150's but better than 60g lighter!

I'll actually be swapping out my W-50 for a Quattro Tech 55 as well... I've been wanting to do this for a real long time!

I would highly recommend the Quattro Tech in your FW's, very smooth shaft, for some players it seems it's a much better FW shaft it seems than a driver shaft. That said, it's got a nice trajectory and is a performer. I think idrive and K2_2 has all their FW's shafted with QT's and love them.

What kind of trajectory are you looking for from this three wood. Do you want it to be a low bullet with lots of roll or something that gets it in the air higher and with a soft landing? Any bad shots like hooks or slices with FW's?

Well considering your irons have 1150GH in your irons.... it could very well be that the Mach Line UT shafts are way too light in the 901's so they don't just feel right for you, especially if you swing them like an iron and expect them to feel like one. Perhaps you do need a heavier feel to get your timing right. So either a steel shaft or even maybe GD Tour AD UT-95's might do the trick.

Sorry to hear that S, how are they not working? Too soft? The tip size is 0.370" parallel. How are the 701's doing? Forgiving eh?

Had a couple of people try it. As you can see B, it's very blade like. Obviously not as forgiving as other driving irons but for the good ball striker, a pleasure to play. Provides a similar feel and set up to Miura blades except more forgiving.

The hottest driver shafts in Japan continue to be Graphite Design's Tour AD. This is reflective of tour use AND recreational use where their share of the market has grown 6 years straight. In the last year and a half or so the major stand out shafts are the Tour AD PT, Quattro Tech Green, Quattro Tech MD Blue, Diamana Whiteboard, Fujikura Rombax X. When I go to the driving range in Japan, I frequently walk past everyone at the range, during peak times this is over 100 people on multi level auto load ranges, just to check out their gear. It is a TSG members dream as everyone, no matter what level of player or age has a hot staff caddy bag loaded with the latest gear. One of the things I try and check out is what shafts they are using. The range by my house was very heavy on NGS Mach Line and Quattro Tech Green. I talked to the pro shop there and their reasoning was that the Mach Line, especially the proto, is probably one of the most balanced and underrated shafts out there. As for the Quattro Tech, the lighter 55 and 65 models really cater to the average golfer looking for a smooth high launch. Graphite Design is simply a great shaft company and well respected in Japan... I have an article looking into their company... I think I'll scan it. (^_^) There are definitely lots of great shafts out there, some classic, some new, but as always it's about finding the right shaft for the individual. One person's ultimate shaft may be another's failed experiment...