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gocchin

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Everything posted by gocchin

  1. We have arranged for custom orders and more tricky orders to be done by Hirose-san, one of Japan's top freelance tour craftsmen. He builds for S-Yard, Taylormade and Tourstage including for Ai Miyazato and Shigeki Maruyama. Here he is building Steve's (Riduffer) T388 with Diamana X.
  2. Off the top of my head, the Japan only ATV Forged came in 64. Mikey I added you to the list.... up to 20 wedges in our pre order list now!
  3. 60 is the highest unfortunately!
  4. The price is higher but one must keep in mind the manufacturing for this wedge is unlike no other. Not only is it Endo forged but it features laser milling and tungsten weighting which Vokey's (also made at Endo) do not. Don't forget to like the S-yard facebook page... our friends there will be posting lots of info there going on forward. http://www.facebook....311751335513068
  5. He has a lot of stuff he is working on... gonna be exciting for S-Yard...
  6. Endo's new laser milling is done on the S-Yard in a special pattern designed by Kobayashi-san for more bite... (I will explain in my blog post). USGA Conforming of course.
  7. Stew I guarantee you need these ones.
  8. gocchin replied to wmclarenf1's post in a topic in Japanese Golf Clubs
    Is that my old LY01 Hot? That is a hot shaft! (^_^)
  9. Sorry that was a typo on my part. 56/14 Orders are coming in already for: 52 58 56 60 50 56 52 56 60 We don't even have official pricing yet!! Anyone else? (^_^)
  10. March 17th... most of the first batch is already sold out as its allocated to Japan but we got some... You have to pre order. just let me know.
  11. If you want to see more pics and follow Kobayashi-san on face book you can do so here as S-Yard just started a page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/S-Yard-Co-LTD/311751335513068
  12. We met with Kobayashi-san yesterday and he gave us a personal presentation on the new Bold wedge and its design. He believes technically this is his coolest creation so far... His roster over the last 18 months reads: Epon Zero Epon ZEN Epon Personals T.388 Bold Wedge I am very excited for this wedge. (^_^)
  13. Please understand, that its not a complete split off. The shafts are still made at Globeride in Higashikurume and technically Roddio is still a subsidiary of Globeride. In the past it operated on its own and in line with ONOFF and the golf division. However now Globeride, which also deals in other sporting goods has moved Roddio to its sporting division under Sport Life Planets Co. There are business reasons for this and logistical reasons as well it allows Roddio to think more on its own resulting in clubs like we saw at the show. As for the fitting driver head. The way it works is, that all customers of this driver are fitting in a fitting session along with Roddio shafts. Based on the session, the clubmaker can access the internals of the sole plate and alter weighting and CG without messing around with things like Tungsten powder, or lead tape, or even gel or foam in the head. With special weights that can be changed in the head and on the sole different bias and trajectory can be attained. Its a good idea but the head is quite the looker with bright colors and suspect fashion. (^_^)
  14. It is the most advanced and technically though out wedge I have had the pleasure of seeing. I will post tonight, but there is so much technical info to be said on this wedge, give me some time to put it together. I already ordered mine.
  15. I am pretty sure they are sold out.
  16. So thats why you bring your kids!!!
  17. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/slide1.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/slide1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22036" title="slide" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/slide1.jpg" alt="" /></a> Friday at the Japan Golf Fair is for golf businesses and press only while the weekend is open to the public. While opening day Friday was busier than ever, Saturday is typically the day where attendance records are broken. It's the day where we play catch up for photos and videos and its also the most challenging day to shoot due to the crowds getting in the way. Here are just a few of the highlights from the second day and as usual stay tuned for videos as well as all our pictures in the gallery. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7506.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7506.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22021" title="DSCF7506" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7506.jpg" alt="" /></a> I have to say it was the most busy Golf Fair ever and we didn't even get the chance to visit our friends at Geotech until Saturday. Geotech's booth was focused on their new GT product line coming out in March and the new clubs look fantastic... many of our followers were not into the finish of last years Quelot clubs from Geotech so they will be glad to see that the GT line features clean designs and nice black heads in all the woods. Geotech has also created a few limited models exclusive to online retailers like TSG including the very nice GT Forged LTD. Edition seen above. Forged from S25C and CNC machined with a pocket cavity, this new iron looks great and we can't wait to try it out. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF74871.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF74871.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22039" title="DSCF7487" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF74871.jpg" alt="" /></a> A whole new line of GT series woods featuring black heads and adjustable weighing are led by 4 driver models. Geotech created a conforming GT driver and an Alpha Spec non conforming head as well as two limited editions again only for overseas golfers through TSG also featuring a conforming model and an Alpa Spec non conforming model with even higher CT (rumored to be 280CT!!) than the Japan model! <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF75331.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF75331.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22041" title="DSCF7533" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF75331.jpg" alt="" /></a> Finally we were all in awe of the new W-213T wedge. This is probably Geotech's best looking wedge as they have figured out that better players want a compact forged head with a straight neck. The balance of the head is superb and while the tear drop shaped face is compact, the overall thickness of the wedge plus its slightly wider grooved sole inspire confidence and versatility. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7746.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7746.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22028" title="DSCF7746" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7746.jpg" alt="" /></a> Mizuno had a very nice and clean booth as usual but its focus seemed more on their new shoes rather than clubs. The new JPX line was present but most of those models have now become international models save for the XD model which is still still Japan only. The JPX 825 XD unlike the other 825 models, has the strongest lofts and largest sweet spot and is aimed at those wanting max distance in a forged iron. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7684.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7684.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22026" title="DSCF7684" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7684.jpg" alt="" /></a> As with recent years, Sri Sports combined their Srixon, XXIO and Cleveland brands to one booth. There were't any real surprises product wise as all the models there are already on the market. We did get to see the new XXIO Forged line up close and personal and they look great. While XXIO is typically aimed at the average golfer the Forged line targets an overlap area of those players with a ability caught between XXIO and Srixon. The forged woods and irons are designed to provide premium feel and enough balanced ease of use and performance to meet a wider variety of golfers including better players. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7708.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7708.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22027" title="DSCF7708" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7708.jpg" alt="" /></a> I had posted pictures of Srixon's new Z Series drivers and irons before and at the show we got a chance to see their new utilities. There are many players who prefer utilities over woods or irons so players will be happy to see Srixon offer BOTH a #2 utility and #2 driving iron! The Utility Hybrid is 16* and the driving iron 18*. For many players this could knock the fairway wood right out of the bag. Srixon's new Z series irons have been very popular and now the Z925 muscle back will have many competitors like... <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7663.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7663.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22025" title="DSCF7663" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7663.jpg" alt="" /></a> Maruman's new Conductor Pro-X Forged Milling Muscle. Maruman has overhauled their Conductor lineup with new driver, woods and irons. They've added the premium forged and milled muscle to the mix of great blades available this year from many top JDM brands. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7838.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7838.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22032" title="DSCF7838" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7838.jpg" alt="" /></a> Katana Golf has recently regained a lot of popularity and attention which was brought back from their Sniper lines. At the show they featured their new Voltio line of premium distance clubs including conforming and non conforming heads in silver, golf and black finishes. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7774.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7774.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22030" title="DSCF7774" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7774.jpg" alt="" /></a> With the public now in full tow at the show on Saturday, many of the brands features shows and presentations of their new products. Tom Watson was on hand, Mika Miyazato, plus a host of other top Japanese pros. Callaway golf big slogan was X Hot, the 300 YARD SPOON. The had a "fashion show" of models walking down a catwalk holding the clubs while a video in the back ground shows Ryo Ishikawa hitting the X Hot 3 Wood (we call it a Spoon here in Japan) 314 yards. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7786.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7786.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22031" title="DSCF7786" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7786.jpg" alt="" /></a> Onoff as always had one the most fashionable booths and it was the only booth in the show that brought the outside to the inside of the hall at Big Sight. They showed off their new lineup for 2013 which we previewed a few months ago at their launch and got to see the new GIII premium line woods and iron. As aways the bags and shoes and accessories looked awesome but as we all already know the stand out is the ONOFF Forged iron for this year. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7891.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7891.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22034" title="DSCF7891" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7891.jpg" alt="" /></a> While hanging around the Graphite Design booth which had numerous drivers from many brands shafted with Tour AD shafts, we happened upon a Ryoma D-1 Maxima driver. This looks to be the much rumored replacement for the very hot D-1 driver from last year and it was a great way to end the second day. The Maxima features an overall shallower head and shallower face and still utilizes the DSI or Deep Strong Impact design from the previous model. We are indeed very excited to try it out. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7585.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7585.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22024" title="DSCF7585" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7585.jpg" alt="" /></a> This year was a very different show for us but quite possibly the most productive ever. Instead of simply shooting and trying to cover every product and club in sight, we were a bit more selective and as a result have some very exciting things coming up this year from TSG. Rather than doing a blog post for every brand, we've decided to talk more on specific products that we think will have a big impact in 2013 so stay tuned for more detailed analysis including a look at all the muscle backs coming out this year and all of our awesome club hitting videos from Chris and Tatsuro.
  18. I've started a new thread specifically for the Maxima since there will I am sure be a lot of interest and questions.
  19. We may as well start the thread now since someone will start it sooner or later. As Chris mentioned in our video, we finally saw the new Ryoma D-1 Maxima at the Golf Fair and of all places it was in the Graphite Design booth (GD is a partner of Ryoma's and helps produce their shafts). We do not have full details yet, on the drivers, as a matter of a fact Ryoma had preferred people not talk about it since they had some issues with design leaks/theft leading to copies even before launch. We have held back but since it made a public appearance already there is no sense really in hiding it. We have to assume it will eventually come out. It features a shallower back head, and a shallower face. The head shape is not as round at address, its almost subtly triangular. It still uses DSI technology and and still has a big weight in the back. Stew gave his thumbs up and we are all excited to try it out!
  20. Thats the pic of Stew I snapped! He was holding the Type V
  21. The clubs I have from Baldo do not have that issue so it could unfortunately be one that slipped through the eyes of QA. It is a small cosmetic issue but should not happen and sadly takes away from an awesome looking and what should be awesome performing club.
  22. gocchin replied to gto's post in a topic in Japanese Golf Clubs
    I'll be putting up a post comparing some of the currently available and to be available blades so we can look a the designs, and materials side by side as well as the shapes and offset.
  23. Hi Mark, You can use either iWidget or Dashboard X
  24. Yes but not the ones you saw on those sites. They were leaked and copied designs. Ryoma is dealing with the information leak/design theft (as they call it) which has actually delayed the launch.
  25. Chris and I filmed a short video at the end of the show and he just loaded it up on our new Vimeo page. Nothing fancy and no editing really, just a few quick comments on the show which was a blast. We will have many more awesome videos from Chris, pictures and posts up soon including a recap of day 2. I am very sorry as I had practically lost my voice by the end of the day!! <!-- This version of the embed code is no longer supported. Learn more: https://vimeo.com/help/faq/embedding --> <object width="640" height="360"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=59787775&force_embed=1&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=59787775&force_embed=1&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>