gocchin

For swing weight purposes. Modus 3 balance is towards the tip so the slightly shorter length helps swing weight.

Its possible but I'm torn as always when it comes to what to play.

<a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5501.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5501.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21729" title="DSCF5501" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5501.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="248" /></a> Every year when November rolls around the excitement at Tourspecgolf builds for the announcement of the new Yamaha lineup for the upcoming year. It has turned into big event annually where many of our top customers and in the know golf enthusiasts queue up for the chance to pre order the new models. As we all know here the Limited Edition Tour Model irons are always the first to sell out typically even before launch. This year Yamaha kept the new models under a tight wrap, amazingly with no leaks as to what they even looked like. Last month when the models were finally revealed many were surprised to find this years V Forged Tour Model was now a blade and this years standard V Forged model was now a... wait what is it exactly? <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5503.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5503.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21730" title="DSCF5503" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5503.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> I'm reviewing the standard V Forged first as Yamaha has decided this year to not offer demos of the Tour Models since they are limited editions. Because of that we need to wait for our actual orders to come in so that we can review the Tour Model. In early November when Yamaha released pictures of the new V Forged, many people did indeed say "what is it exactly?" The V Forged has always been a superb all around, close to mid sized cavity back, aimed at the improving golfer and better player. The key is that is has always obviously been a cavity back. The new V Forged is quite a departure visually and design wise from all previous generations of the V Forged, and Yamaha does indeed refer to it as a cavity back. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5496.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5496.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21733" title="DSCF5496" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5496.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> At first glance though, if anyone decides to call the V Forged a blade or muscle back, there probably aren't many who would disagree. Yamaha touts the V Forged as an aggressive cavity back or half cavity back model which we agree with. It has the lower portion of a cavity back which brings the center of gravity lower towards the sole yet the middle and top portion of the V Forged are very blade like. This top portion has a similar thickness to provide a consistent feel across the face. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5488.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5488.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21737" title="DSCF5488" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5488.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="420" /></a> While the V Forged is touted as an aggressive cavity, it still retains the larger size of previous V Forged models. So if we are to consider this to be blade like, it does tread away from being a muscle back with its longer heel to toe length and wider sole. The toe is still high and reasonably squared off and the heel side of the face has actually been lowered to provide a sharper image. The leading edge is slightly rounded to help out with some ease of use especially in softer turf like we find here in Japan. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5490.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5490.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21738" title="DSCF5490" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5490.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> Yamaha first used face milling on last years models and its back again this year though slightly tweaked in its patter. The score lines now feature a 3mm pitch interval and together with the face milling are said to increase the amount of spin and control. Yamaha irons which are forged from S20C at Endo have always had a great feel to them and with these new grooves and face milling, the impact feel seems enhanced ever so slightly, almost like a softer compression of the face perhaps from the additional bite. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5494.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5494.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21739" title="DSCF5494" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5494.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> As with previous V Forged models, the sole is mid sized and and grinded to provide versatility and extra help for those who desire a clean entry and exit from various conditions. The grind helps the iron get under the ball consistently which helps result in great feel at impact. Its colder now and the ground is harder and the V Forged had no problems interacting with the turf and taking a nice clean divot along with very nice impact. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5492.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5492.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21741" title="DSCF5492" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5492.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> Along with being larger than the Tour Model, the V Forged also has obvious offset. Its not terrible but very noticeable and for some a possible turn off. Otherwise it frames the ball quite well. The longer face makes for a wide hitting area and the top line is straight and reasonably thin. The V Forged is workable to an extent with easy draws and fades at command. Controlling trajectory is a bit harder as the weight is all quite low which makes for a slightly higher launch and good stopping power thanks to above average spin. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5506.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5506.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21744" title="DSCF5506" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5506.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> Past generations of the V Forged have always been one of the most popular choices for improving players to even low handicappers thanks to their superb all around performance. The new model has retained all these characteristics, ease of use, above average distance (lofts are also strong), accuracy and control, and feel, even with radically changed visuals. I feel the new design has in fact improved the feel which is fantastic in this iron. In previous models the cavity got so low and perimeter weighted that it may have lost some of its pure feel. With the half cavity design or almost muscle like lower back, a more pure and soft but not mushy feel is evident, the kind that feels great but still give you enough feedback to know where the ball compressed on the face. While it is thickest in the middle, that lower muscle spans towards the toe and heel minimizing harsh feel on toe miss hits. Center strikes and those towards the toe feel very good and are rewarded with a strong trajectory and pretty much straight ball flight right at the pin. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5487.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5487.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21747" title="DSCF5487" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DSCF5487.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> The Yamaha's are available with DG S200 and NS Pro 950GH and this year Modus3 is a no charge upgrade. The standard graphite shaft is the proven Graphite Design Tour AD 75 in a BB Blue color this year. Yamaha also offers a variety of upgrade shafts directly from the factory. You can check out the new Yamaha V Forged <a href="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=4639"><strong>here in the pro shop!</strong></a>

Just added our first set of custom MP-64 to the first post!

Added some Mizuno products to the list... will try and find more sales...

Yes sound is very much related to feel and Epon strived to make the AF103 not only feel better but sound better/softer. Safe solid dependable is a winner!

You guys who are regulars... don't even worry about the sales... just email me.

Consistency and reliability are the most important things for a good score! Do you like the feel?

I actually checked the specs on a stiff crazy boron and the tip section is softer than usual for a Crazy shaft which probably is what results in the higher launch but good distance as well as softer feel.

If you are a digger, more bounce and some of the wide sole model wedges will work better as they tend to resist digging more than thinner sole wedges. Also the leading edge is something you should look at ie something with a bit more relief and rounded. The Romaro Ray SX sole is wider as is the Yururi Seida Rupas... the TM ATV Forged is only 8 bounce across all its models but the sole is wide and I found it does not dig easily plus it was darn forgiving and its size very confidence inspiring: check out the width of the sole. the rounder leading edge and the confidence inspiring top line in my review: http://www.golftoimpress.com/taylormade-atv-carbon-steel-forged-wedge-review/

If you play it like PW and tend to hit fat, the wider flatter sole may work for you on this Kamui however a bit more bounce and a tad rounder might work better if you dig.

Well there is definitely more work involved which means increased costs... and will Epon do it in the future... they very well might. 2013 ONOFF forged: 2012 Yamaha Tour:

It might be a tad softer than most other Crazy shafts in its range. It was more mainstream since it was at Nikki so they did not want to make it too overly stiff for many of the commoners who shop there. (^_^) But as long as it is long... that is what counts. (^_^)

Yes don't worry! Remember I try every single wedge so I can be very picky... also my tastes and preferences are certainly different from yours. I found the grind to flat and as I said the head a bit too round.

Definitely has an effect, more bite and more friction on the ball = more spin!

Here is a custom face endo did for pro golfer Shingo Katayama on his ONOFF Forged... notice the YEN symbols and the different crescent wave milling.

As I already told Bob by email. Fujikura's MCI is quite hot here in Japan. Its actually quite hard to get as its back ordered till late December due to demand. They use a new metal composite technology that creates a shaft with graphite like feel and distance but steel like dispersion. The wide variety of weight offerings is a huge plus. Its in my shaft bible so I will give feedback on it after I get the chance to read it and see it.

Great feedback Bob! Let us know how they go when you reshaft. So far the feedback here in Japan has been superb for the tour model. Probably why we can't get anymore and Yamaha are killing themselves to get all these sets built!

The Crazy Boron in fact launches on the higher side... it is designed for big distance and big bombs but with lower spin (equaling run) and good control. You may get the impression that the Crazy Boron plays softer than the Diamana due to the slightly higher torque and a tad lighter weight. (If I remember the stinger specs correctly)

I tested it. I wasn't that sold on it... especially considering there are so many great wedges out there. The head shape was a tad too round for me and I actually didn't like the grind that much. Offset was miniml but the head was a tad on the bigger side. Feel not bad at all, spin average.

S-Yard irons are made at Endo. Both XT and XLite hve forged bodies and SUP10 face just like the AF502;.

S-Yard has no relation to Fourteen. Fourteen is owned by ONOFF.

Steve what did you want to know... many years as president not only of Endo but of Epon as well, Epon was his brand and he was there through its growth. The face of the T.388 has a shape reminiscent of the legendary Epon Technity 380 Forged Driver... if it feels or performs anything like that... it will be an amazing driver.

I touched on it a while back... for the money its a good buy though it may not feel or look as premium as the higher costing brands. It has a firmer feel and Geotech designs their heads to handle faster swing speeds as well unlike many of the new ultra thin faced Hi Cors today. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3769-1.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3769-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17621" title="DSC_3769-1" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3769-1.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="248" /></a> Geotech sent me their new Prototype RF700 driver to check out. The great thing about this driver is its their Alpha Spec model which is Hi Cor/Non conforming at close to 0.88 COR. Non Conforming models seem to be making a come back of sorts these days after nearly reaching extinction with most major manufacturers moving to USGA conforming heads in the last decade. Recently however, many amateurs who play for fun and recreationally simply want more distance and don't mind playing a non conforming driver. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3773-1.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3773-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17622" title="DSC_3773-1" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSC_3773-1.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="429" /></a> The RF700 is finished in all black and it looks pretty good. It is aimed at the better player all the way up to average golfer wanting a head that maintains a traditional shape and has a square face angle. With a non conforming SP700 face, this driver is obviously aimed at distance performance but at the same time Geotech did not want to sacrifice control and stability. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17623" title="rf700driver" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="429" /></a> The SP700 face features variable thickness which provides pure feel when struck in the center. The CG point is located right in the center of the face and pushed back deeper in the head for a high launch but low spin trajectory. The face of the RF700 is actually on the deeper side which allows for control and workability. It's score lines do not go all the way across the face which seems to be preferred by those looking for less spin and distance. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver3.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17624" title="rf700driver3" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver3.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="429" /></a> The head itself is 435cc and features a semi high back design. This allows the player to produce a level blow on the ball but still create a higher launch with low spin. The hosel insertion depth has be increased on the RF700 to create more stability and control. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver2.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17627" title="rf700driver2" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/rf700driver2.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="429" /></a> Players will like the look of the RF700 at address as its shape is on the compact side and face angle open to square. The 9.5* is spec'ed as 0.5* open and the 10.5* as a 0* square face. The 10.5* tester I had certainly appeared square at address and looked to have very little bulge. I spent a bit of time with the driver at the range here and it was more forgiving than I expected for a 435cc driver with deep face. Shots of the toe and heel did not lose too much distance and those struck in the middle launched very easily and with both good carry and run. As with most Geotech drivers, the sound is more muted. They never seem to make drivers that produce that high pitched metallic impact sound you can find in many drivers today. Like usual, the strength of Geotech's heads lie in its cost performance value. The RF700 is no exception as it provides pretty good looks, feel and performance for a fraction of what other top JDM Hi Cor heads cost. It is available in the <a href="http://www.tourspecgolf.com"><strong>our pro shop</strong></a> for those who want to try it out.

Koga-san, yes its a premium brand and with premium materials. The 388 is of course 388cc and signature endo with the the very nice forged VL Titanium face. I'm going to ask Kobayashi-san to send some demos over for me to check out and take photos of.