gocchin

Very different, still has the traditional shape but through design changes including an all new cup face with variable thickness, there is even more spring like effect on this one compared to the 460. It also has slightly more horizontal MOI 4300>4100 and quite a bit more vertical MOI (2922), even more than a super forgiving high MOI driver like the JPX E500 (2680 and the 460 is 2592). Through robot hitting tests, the new 101 has less distance loss from off center hits. The variable thickness face has a thicker sweetspot in the middle and thinner but larger/wider perimeter... think of a slingshot. This was done using an all new chemical milling process at Epon. Fancy stuff. (^_^) The Driver also has an all new sole design and aesthetics as you can see. It's also a slightly heavier head at 199g. Initial numbers show it's a lower launching driver than the 460 as well with less spin.

The face and the top at address have an awesome look. I like.

They're not cheap J, over $800 MSRP and to be released on March 7th.... however the way Fourteen wedges sell in Japan they'll be sold out for sure!

Actually I quite agree with your thinking epsecially when it comes to the kickpoints and tip stiffness. The US site does list the tip stiffness and yes it definitely is a tip stiff shaft according to the US specs but that is the opposite of what the Japanese descriptions say (though Fujikura Japan does not list the actual tip stiffness.) as they recommend the shaft for those players with more of a body turn and not those with wrist lag or wrist action.... Interesting... it is quite possible that there are two different shafts for different markets. I've sent Fujikura an email asking. As for the torque of Japanese shafts. I've learnt over time to take them with a grain of salt. I don't pay as much attention to those torque numbers anymore as it seems that the high end shafts use such good materials and design that a higher torque number doesn't always translate into worse dispersion or less stability. I tend to pay more attention to the bend profile, kickpoint and how stiffness is distributed in a shaft and it's overall balance. Take the Tour AD for EMB for example... on first impression everybody thinks this shaft must be out of control due to the high torque numbers however it's the complete opposite. It is in fact very very stable as those who have one have found out. Soft... maybe, but wet noodle and all over the place... NO! Very stable even with torque numbers like these: R = 7.3*, SR = 5.7* S = 5.7*.... I've been researching a lot about the design of shafts this year and it almost seems as if Japanese manufacturers stay away from torque that is too low on most occasions as that can transfer into boardy lack of feel... I guess it does make sense.... Shafts are hard to understand... that's why we have to try so many. (^_^)

Not uncommon at all for Japanese spec shafts to have higher torque X Flexes. Axiv has an SX shaft that's over 4.5* torque and Roddio 6 series X flex which are 74g are also the same as the 67g Z at 3.8* (which is listed as a mid kick). Other brand X-Flex's like GD and even the Rombax X in the high 60g range are 3.5-3.7* torque as well. Fujikura Japan has not listed the shafts yet strangely but they've already been in all the magazines and reviews as well as live video reviews with those "japanese specs". Haha it'd be a shame if they were wrong! (^_^) http://www.golfdigest.co.jp/special/0712fujikura/default.asp http://www.golfdigest.co.jp/special/0801fujikura/ Actually correction fujikura Japan does have it listed here: http://www.fujikurashaft.jp/rombax_z.html

That's a good question... I wonder if those US specs are right? 50 gram range shafts with 3.2* torque... pretty low. And those 7 and 8 series torques are even more LOW!! Very interesting. If they are correct then they are very different shafts, even the kickpoints are different, as well target audience... according to Japan the Z is more for the smooth body swing:

As a matter of a fact, the Nano V prior to 2007 was consistently ranked as one of the longest drivers in all the Japan Driver shootouts and I mean top 5 out of 75 or so retail heads.

Seems like to the trend for many companies is to offer tour like wedge grinds, and simple grinds no longer cut it for consumers who want the best. It's not on the RC site yet so info is limited but Royal Collection has announced their new DB WS Wedge aimed at spin and accuracy. With a versatile grind taking into account that not all shots are going to be from the fairway, this sole is designed to work out of the rough and bunkers with maximum spin and accuracy. The DB line is soft iron cast and features a double bounce in the sole ie 58/12/08 due to the versatile dual grind... the face is milled and the wedge is finished in a black "QPQ" finish or no make satin kind of finish. Available in 48, 52, 53, 56, and 58* lofts and DG S200 or X100 or NS Pro 950GH R or S. Bounce numbers not available yet. Coming out mid February. MSRP is around 189.00

Thanks for the nice comments. I certainly try my best to do what I can for members here. I know buying high quality gear without being able to try or let alone see it in some cases is not easy at all. Even making recommendations is not easy as everyone's game, level of play and swings are very different. Even two players with the same swing speeds may not have the same success with the same shaft flex.. so we're not always right but we do try! Bottom line is everyone here loves golf and gear just as much as I do, I'm sure I'm not the only one who walks around the house with a wedge in my hand or stares at a putter for hours a day (though I might be the only one who takes divots out of the living room carpet! (^_^) ) so if I can help someone enjoy the game more through PM's, or emails or posts here on the forum then I'm happy about it! T

Glad you're happy! (^_^)

Unfortunately they are only available with Dynamic Gold Wedge flex (132g). 35.25" on the 48 and 53 and 35" on the 58" D1.5 D2 and D3 respectively.

Wedge loft choice can really vary especially with JDM iron sets having PW's ranging from 42-47*, I think a 50, 54 58 (which is what I carry now) or 50 55 60 would have worked well, though actually when I think about it, this set could work for me (my PW is 45* AF-701). My approach wedge which is usually my 50 would go 2* stronger. Fourteen is usually pretty soft so bending is possible though loft changes will affect bounce by a degree either way for every degree you bend stronger or weaker.

Solid Contacts Driver Yonex Nano V 3 Wood Solid Contacts 2 iron hybrid prototype Yonex Cyberstar Forged 3-PW DG S200 Titleist Vokey 52* and 58* Putter Solid Contacts Ryo Prototype Ball Titleist V1x He occasionally subs in 3 and 5 woods from Solid Contracts

We'll definitely be getting a few sets. They are not going to be cheap because of the amount of time spent on each wedge. Fourteen says there is a lot of work put into each wedge to finish it perfectly with polish then plating. Add on to that the time they spend to do this twin sole grind and we're talking possibly the best Fourteen wedge ever. The black plating is there for durability, I doubt it would come off too easily.

Fourteen golf is releasing a special 3 Wedge set dubbed the Limited Edition MT28 TS Spec. This wedge is identical to the latest prototype wedges carried by several JPGA pros. These wedges are all hand finished with twin sole grinds and a nickel chome underlay for soft feel and then hand polished and then applied with a special black plated finish. The 3 wedge set includes a 48/7 53/10 and 58/14 wedge, made to be the ultimate short game set. (PW,AW,SW) The flat sole grind is made to be versatile and allows the wedge to be easily opened (this is so true because the RC 6150TG also has this grind and it is just so versatile). The black finish eliminates glare and improves durability. The grooves are typical Fourteen, sharp and awesome spin . Each set is individually numbered and without a doubt will sell fast.

Of course! Have you seen the all the new 2008 Japan bags we've added already from all the other brands? TM, Adidas, Titleist, Tourstage etc... We'll take lots of pics of all the new bags... (^_^)

Those are 2007 models we did stock them earlier this year, both of them. They both sold out. Mizuno bags go REALLY FAST. The 2008's should be coming soon, so people shouldn't hesitate! (^_^) All the bags in that link are 2007 models by the way.

11C today (^_^)

I leave on the 14th for Japan... it'll be good to be back and hang out at the show... should be fun!

Froggy I think we had one customer do a combo set, 4-6 in CB1006 and 7-PW in the MB-5003.

In fact here it is:

K, I thought you were a Quattro Tech man? Did you have that Axiv-X in a Rapture?

Hmmm that's strange... it used to be in the pro shop... I will put it back in. Very solid FW. Nice feel and clean looks.

Japanese teen sensation Ishikawa Ryo signs a 5 year, 6 million dollar deal with Yonex! The sixteen year old will now be playing the Yonex NanoV 450D driver, New NanoV FW and Cyberstar Forged CB. Now lets hope he performs with the big deal under his belt!

The r7 Quad was offered by TM a few years ago with the Graphite Design I-65 as a stock shaft from the factory. It's a pretty pricey shaft, worth around $300 itself. Most likely it's real and legit but hard to tell with such a small picture. (^_^) Here's a used one: