gocchin

They have been very careful this time around... they are building up to the launch which is 4 days away... (Monday!!)

We even had one customer once do a AF701 and AFTour combo... had to overlap with 2 x 7 irons, one AF701 7 Iron followed by an AF Tour 7 iron!

Thanks Matt for the feedback and glad you got them quickly. Also factor in you played them in cold weather... they may very well do even better with some nice warmth. Your comments back pretty much what Epon touts in these balls, soft. good off the tee without sacrificing good spin around the greens. Though the ballooning should not be the case and hopefully was isolated. The test numbers I have show them outperforming many top big name balls all around.

Those in the last 6 months I am sure got good discounts from me, (^_^)

Going forward anyone who buys an Epon driver or set of irons I would be happy to throw in a box of balls. (^_^)

A few arrived today for some photos and quick testing... will blog tomorrow.

Jonathan, I think the pictures speak for themselves... a great looking iron.

I did.... they are very good. Especially with the tune-ability. I just need to find the time to post up my findings.

The original VG3 also had a smallish grip. Both use M62 size cores which fit very small on standard shafts.

Chris took that one. I don't have a swimming pool in my backyard. (^_^) Here are more pics that I took as well as useful writeups I did on some of the models I reviewed: There are currently 4 models in Romaro's lineup as you can see in the above picture. All 4 models are forged and aimed at the better golfer to low handicap and pro player. Romaro prides itself on its original designs and quality materials and workmanship which really shows in its product line. Here is a short description of each iron and I have listed them from smallest/most advanced to largest/most forgiving. Romaro Pro Forged: The Romoro Pro Forged iron is the flagship muscle back and aimed at the better player and low handicapper who wants the ultimate in soft feel and control. Premium forged from S25C then CNC machined and finished in a satin plating, the Pro Forged is clean and compact with very little offset and a straight and thin top blade. The Pro Forged has a slightly killed leading edge and a subtle amount of trailing edge relief. With its thick muscle back, the CG is higher which creates a more penetrating and stable ball with more spin. More traditional lofts for the player who wants control when attacking the pin. Romaro Ray H: The Romaro Ray H is what we call a half cavity (hence the H) or some may also refer to it as a Neo Blade. Almost as small and compact as the Pro Forged, the Ray H sets up like a blade but provides cavity back like performance and ease of use. Like the Pro Forged it is premium forged from S25C, CNC machined and then plated in a durable satin finish. It is one great looking iron and can easily pass for a blade at address but the half cavity brings the CG down to aid launch. Because of this, the Ray H has 1* stronger lofts for the 6 7 8 9 and PW vs the Pro Forged. The Ray H is for the better player who wants a blade like sized iron and setup with cavity back like forgiveness. Romaro Ray V: The Romaro Ray V is a smaller cavity back featuring a V Cut sole (hence the V). The Ray V is an advanced forged iron made made to perform with technology. Forged from S20C steel, the Ray V features not only an undercut cavity but also a TPU or Thermoplastic Urethane insert behind the face which helps dampen vibrations and control impact sound. The CG is placed lower thanks to the weight moving into the undercut cavity which features something Romaro calls a Power Frame which is the internally ribbed portion of the undercut cavity. Romaro designed the cavity this way to increase ball speeds and create more distance. With stronger lofts and lots of technology the Ray V will help the improving better golfer hit purer shots and gain more distance. Romaro CX Forged: The new Romaro CX Forged is the largest head of all the models but player target wise its similar to the Ray V. This premium forged S25C iron features a wide sweet area thanks to a cavity featuring toe heel weighting using a hexagonal design. The iron is CNC machined and finished with a satin plating. The head is slightly rounder and taller than all the other Romaro irons and some may consider it midsized but interestingly the lofts are more traditional and the same as the Ray H. For those players wanting a pure forged iron but with forgiveness and easy launch as well as overall balanced performance, the CX forged is a great choice. I will be testing and giving more detailed feedback on each iron but in the meantime here are pictures of the Romaro irons at address which give you a good idea of top line and offset. Look for Romaro in the pro shop this coming week as heads only or custom made to your specs! and Wedges: The other day I did a brief intro on Romaro's forged irons lineup and today I'll take a look at two of the wedges they sent me, the Ray VX and the Ray W. These will soon be joined in Romaro's lineup by the Ray SX and the Alcobaca wedge which are not out yet (I'll get demos closer to their release date in late April/early May). Like Romaro irons, all their wedges are forged and feature very nice shapes and designs. The Ray VX is a smaller sized wedge with minimal offset. It is forged from S20C steel and finished in a satin chrome plating. The conforming grooves wedge features a tear drop style face shape and a V channel or triangle cut sole which increases versatility and allows more pure turf interaction for better impact in various conditions. The VX is available in 48/7 50/8 52/8 56/12 and 58/10 lofts and bounces. The Ray W model, is about the same size as the VX and is also a tear drop shaped head. It is forged from S25C and features an nice pearl like white boron plating. The bottom sole is rather flat but it has a killed leading edge and trailing edge relief and plenty of heel relief. The multi grind sole results in higher bounce which excels in lusher courses or for those who dig too much. The Ray W is available in 52/10 56/12 and 58/11 lofts and bounces. Let's take a look t the two wedges side by side. In the above picture of the wedge soles, with the VX on the left and the W on the right. You triangle cut sole and some heel relief on the VX while the W has even more trailing edge relief and a more blunted leading edge. Both will certainly excel on in various lies with the slightly wider sole and more bounce of the W doing well in soft conditions. At address both set up quite nicely and provide a tear drop like shape. The VX on the left is a bit taller on the heel side and a tad rounder in the top line. Both wedges feature 15 score lines and a slightly rounded leading edge. Both have pretty much straight necks but if I were to be picky, I'd say the VX has a tad more offset which could be an illusion from the rounder top line towards the heel. Either way better players will be happy with the way both look at address. I did get out and hit a few with both wedges and both wedges feel great. They are soft and they have that ball compressing off the face feel that many of us like. The grinds are versatile and approaches around the green including chipping and opening up the face are done with ease. The W was very good in the bunkers with its slightly wider sole and higher bounce and the VX was no slouch either. I'm really looking forward to playing the newer Ray SX wedge as it looks amazing and I already have my eye on the new Alocaba 60*! And UT: I took time out today to take a look at the Romaro Ray UT. While Titanium is pretty much what every driver is made of these days, and even titanium fairway woods becoming more and more common, Ti utilities are something we still don't see a lot of due to cost and design. Romaro however, decided to design and manufacture their Ray UT with a hot Titanium face and a sturdy 17-4 stainless body. At first glance the Romaro caught my attention for its aesthetically pleasing visuals and compact looking head. In fact the head is not that compact, it ranges from 122cc for the 18* to 116cc for the 27*. The Ray UT's design hides its size well and this is a big positive. The Ray UT is available in 18 21 24 and 27* lofts all with square face angles and lie ranging from 58.5* to 60*. The Ray UT is unique in that it offers a forged Titanium CUP face. The cup face allows for a larger sweet spot in all directions equaling less distance lost on miss hits. Romaro decided on a cross like sweet spot thicker in the center and thinner towards the outer walls. This type of design creates more rebound and increases ball speeds at impact. The face is mid height and certainly deep enough for using off the tee without a second thought. I really liked the feel at impact. It's not a metallic tink like some thin faced utilitys or fairway woods sound like but a soft yet solid feel which seems to be used to describe golf clubs. In other words the feel is very good as is the feedback. Another key aspect of the Ray UT head is the sole. A utility is used in many situations and many different lies and conditions. A versatile sole is a must and the Ray UT has been well thought out. It features a tapered V like channels on either side of the head and a multi level sole all which reduces friction and contact with the ground. This allows for better impact through a variety of conditions and we all know better impact equals more accurate shots and better distance. I tried the Ray UT here on the lush fairways of Kiminomori and in the deeper rough and it performed admirably with the with the sole working its way through to the ball and allowing the club not only create better impact but square impact. It is very straight and right on target. Looking at the Ray UT at address, you can see what I mean by the head looks compact. It is almost a mini elongated pear shape and the top line and face angle perfectly square. The contrasting score lines frame the ball very well and give a very clear target for the ball to strike. Teeing the ball up I felt very confident, the Ray UT definitely excels off the deck and off the tee and in both cases gets the ball in the air quick but produces a strong and stable trajectory. Golfers looking for a premium titanium utility don't have a lot to choose from. There is pretty much the Epon AF902 and this Romaro Ray UT. To compare the two, I think I actually prefer this Romaro. The Epon seemed big and longer from heel to toe (thanks to its shallower face) and while it does have a multi level sole as well, it doesn't appear as versatile as the Romaro. Because the Romaro is compact, I felt it was actually easier to hit it center. Teeing off with the Romaro definitely has the edge over the Epon. The Epon's edge is that the entire head is Ti and it really launches high and easy (though some may prefer the more stable and strong trajectory of the Romaro). One advantage that the Romaro has over the Epon is cost, it's a few hundred dollars cheaper. I came away quite impressed with the Ray UT. It will satisfy most better golfers yet is forgiving enough for the average golfer to give it a go. It sets up great and the sole is very versatile. The titanium face provides very good feel and feedback and the 21* I had hit it as far if not further than my RC TRC 20* UT even though the RC is a degree stronger and built a tad longer. I also like how the Romaro is available in 4 different lofts including a 27* meaning for a player playing a strong lofted set of irons, they could actually replace the 5i and 6i in the set with a 24* and 27* (yes I may actually do this). and of course drivers! For those who demand the best, there is no shortage of premium boutique style brands that produce top of the line drivers when it comes to design, materials and performance. From Epon to Crazy, and Kamui, and Baldo and most recently the new king of them all Ryoma, there are plenty to throw our money at. They all boast intricate designs, meticulous workmanship and most of all unparalleled performance when it comes to feel, ease of use and distance. We recently added Romaro Sports to our stable of high end brands and so far they have not disappointed. I have already briefly looked at their forged irons and wedges which were very impressive as well as their wonderful Titanium Ray UT. I just finished spending a week with their all new 460cc Ray 460HX Black and 460HX Gold drivers and I have to say, Ryoma has a challenge on its hands. Looks wise, the Romaro Ray 460HX models blow the Ryoma out of the water (at least in my opinion). Smooth black IP finish, clean lines and very nice aesthetics with simple but stylish graphics provide a very premium look. Much better in my opinion than the D-1 you find on the sole of the Ryoma. Romaro prides itself in quality and finish which is why on the 460HX Black they even stamp the words GRAND QUALiTY near the heel. I really like the way the drivers look. As the title and images suggest, there are two models. A Ray 460HX Black which is the conforming model and a Ray 460HX Gold which is a 0.88 Hi Cor Model. As you can see from the image of the 460HX Gold above, it looks pretty much like the 460HX Black save for the Gold Ray HX badge and gold paintfill. They share the same materials and design basis with the differences being, a higher spring effect or Hi COR face and more closed face angle as well as a slightly lighter head meant for longer club builds. So while they have distinguishing names in 460HX Black and 460HX Gold, they are in fact visually both Black heads with different accents. Both models utilize a beta titanium called SAT2041. The faces are forged and them chemically milled to produce variable thickness which expands the sweet area and minimizes distance loss on miss hits whether it be high or low or towards the toe or heel. SAT2041 is reasonably rigid which allows for thinner face areas without sacrificing strength and rebound. This does not however reduce the feel in anyway. The SAT2041 is soft but crisp a feel we all like in drivers like the Ryoma. Speaking of Ryoma, one of the reasons why it is so popular is its massive levels of forgiveness. I am happy to say that the Romaro 460HX models feel just as forgiving as their faces are huge with huge sweet spots to match. The Ray 460HX models use back weighting like the Ryoma but no where near the same weight nor is it placed as far back. Because of its placment, the CG is not as low in the Romaro's which actually create a lower spin flight and a stronger trajectory results in both optimal carry and run. The nice Ray HX badge you see on each head is in fact the back weight. On top of the back weight, Romaro designed what is called a Harmonized Fin System. The fin system sits in the center of that groove you see crossing through the badge. That groove is called a power ridge which increases the rigidity of the bottom of the drivers face. The HFS system uses 6 fins in a circular design which help absorb vibrations and stabilize the head at impact for maximum energy transfer. Unlike many distance and easy to use average golfer models today, the head is not flat and shallow. But rather deep faced and high back. Again this is a sign that the CG is not simply placed as low as possible. This driver launches strong and this has been a characteristic of all Romaro drivers. In tests that I have read and seen in Japan, many users and pro testers have noted, that Romaro drivers will not lose out to a head wind and are probably one of the strongest flying drivers out there. At address the Ray 460HX models are neither compact nor large. They are after all 460cc. I would say they look very comfortable at address. As you can see above, the 460HX Black 10* which is spec'ed as a square face angle pretty much looks that way. The 460HX Gold on the other hand is spec'ed as closed and it surely looks close to a 1* closed. The closed face angle on the Gold is to compensate for the slightly longer club length it is intended to have (46.25"). The longer the club gets, the harder can be for an average golfer to square the face. I hit both all week and the while I can pull shots, the slightly closed face of the 460HX Gold did not cause me many issues. It actually produce mostly soft draws which is a good thing. So the bottom line is how do these good looking heads perform. Lets say if this were a race, Ryoma, Epon, Crazy et al had better get use to seeing the back of the Romaro head as its a keeper. I firmly believe that Ryoma finally has a rival on its hands especially because the Ray 460HX also comes in a Non Conforming Hi Cor model. I had just shafted up my conforming Ryoma D-1 driver with Basileus Fiamma 50 R last week so I had the chance to hit it against both Ray 460HX heads which were sporting ordinary Romaro stock shafts. The Ray460HX Black which again is conforming, matched the Ryoma in overall distance but provided a much more favorable trajectory at least one I liked more. Given the 460HX Black tester is 10* and my Ryoma 10.5* it will naturally launch lower especially since these high end brands are always true to spec. However as I noted above, the trajectory was very strong. My Ryoma sometimes gets higher than I would like and runs less than I would like. The 460HX Black carried a touch less with its more penetrating trajectory but ran right up to similar spots as the Ryoma and sometimes even a tad more (reminder this is with the stock shaft). The Ray 460HX Gold on the other hand carried at least as far as the Ryoma if not more, and ran more out distancing the Ryoma by about 10 yards. What this means is the Romaro Ray 460HX Gold is already a challenger to the yet to be released Ryoma Special Tuning Hi Cor head (if it ever comes out). Forgiveness is very good as I miss towards the toe and shots were traveling straight or with a slight draw and still going pretty much just as far. I am planning on getting a 460HX Gold and building it with a Crazy Royal Decoration shaft at 46" as my new gamer.

Demos aren't in yet for the ONOFF models but the GIII 460HR Hi Cor driver arrived today. Will test this weekend!

Since Chris started a thread on the VG3, for those looking for more info I also did a full review recently with comparisons with the last model: <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vg3slide.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vg3slide.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21339" title="vg3slide" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vg3slide.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="248" /></a> The original Titliest VG3 Forged iron which was announced and released in 2010 was one consistently one of the best selling irons in Japan during every month of its shelf life. So when Titleist announced the new VG3 Forged iron for 2012, it has some pretty big shoes to fill and we all wondered what changes we would see. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110156.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110156.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21342" title="P8110156" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110156.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="407" /></a> Like the original model, the Japanese Market only new VG3 Forged irons are aimed at the average golfer and improving mid capper. The strong lofts (24* 5 iron) matched with low CG in the form of tungsten weights in the sole create a higher launch and more MOI. The VG3 features variable placement for the tungsten weights on the sole depending on the iron just like on the driver. The different weight placement varies the launch between different irons depending on that iron. This concept is the same as the original model. I have been lucky enough to have both irons on hand for the last month to do a side by side comparison. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110146.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110146.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21345" title="P8110146" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110146.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="408" /></a> Size wise, there is not much separating both generations of VG3 irons, they share a similar shape and size, what appears to be the same amount of offset and top line thickness. What is noticeably different right away is the design aesthetics and finish of both irons. The new model is cleaner looking and gone is the dark black cavity in favor of a brushed steel look with grey accents. Another change is the finish of the new VG3 iron which is now a very nice pearl like satin whereas the previous model was mirror chrome on the sole and back cavity. The New VG3 utilizes a slightly different variable weighting system, with tungsten weights on the long and mid irons placed further back towards the cavity to increase MOI and launch. As you can see in the image I took above of the 7 irons, the new model has two weights pushed towards the heel and toe and further back vs the single weight in the 1st gen (only the 4 and 5 irons in the first gen had heel toe weighting). <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P81101521.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P81101521.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21346" title="P8110152" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P81101521.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="347" /></a> The New VG3 also features weighting in the neck of the iron and this combined with the weights in the sole increase the irons ability to square up to the ball and create higher ball speeds equaling more distance. You can see the weight in the face on shot above. Shape wise both irons are very similar with a reasonably straight top line and taller toe. Again you see that milky white pearl satin like finish on the new model on the left. While the original VG3 is mirror chrome on the sole and back cavity its face is satin but just a standard brushed satin finish. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110161.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110161.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21347" title="P8110161" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110161.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="440" /></a> At address, you see how both irons are pretty much the same when it comes to offset, top line and even heel to toe length/face area. The more prominent contrast of the face and scorelines in the new model on the left seem to help frame the ball better. So with these design changes as well as visual changes, the most important thing is how does the new VG3 Forged feel and perform? The original model was specially designed for the Japanese market and the average golfer and mid capper in mind looking for ease of use and forgiveness. It however turned out to be very popular among players of all levels, as it was good enough for the demanding lower handicapper who wanted some forgivness as well as easy enough to play for the improving higher handicapper. This is one of the reasons why it sold so well. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110147.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110147.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21350" title="P8110147" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/P8110147.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="432" /></a> I am happy to say that the new VG3 iron falls in the same mould and takes it a step further with its design changes. The premium Endo forged iron feels great at impact, just as good if not better than the previous model. Its undercut which is deeper and larger than the original does not impact the irons good feel in any negative way but does help increase forgiveness and coupled with the new weighting, really helps launch the ball. With the CG positioned lower thanks to all these changes, the sweet spot is easier to strike consistently and its simply bigger than the previous model. With its strong lofts, distance is superb and as good as most distance oriented irons out there but with better feel and in a smaller package. The VG3 is not a compact cavity back nor is it a big in anyway. While some found it small but with a thicker top line, I think Titleist struck the right balance in size and shape that equal balanced performance and feel. It does everything well while looking good and feeling good and has to be one of the most well rounded irons out there today. Its balanced performance is one of the reasons why demand for the irons is again very high and those who pre ordered are very lucky to have a set as its currently a several week wait for a set and a month at least for custom orders. The VG3 is also seeing play on the Japanese tour for both senior mens Japan Tour and ladies on the JLPGA which are both very reflective of the mainstream market and what works for the largest average golfer audience. I still have a set of the original VG3 Forged which is actually my second set. After I let the first set go I regretted it and got another set which I custom shafted with Roddio Pentacross I:6 shafts. However after trying the new VG3 Forged I have to admit I've place my order for the new model as they simply taken the VG3 to new level of performance (plus they look better in my opinion). You can find the new VG3 Forged here in the<a href="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3920"><strong> Pro shop</strong></a>.

Yes they are adding an 18*. The better player type S will now have 18 21 24 27* models.

Brad, I merged your topic now that this one is back up.

Sorry for the delay! This topic is back up as NDA lifted!

You can buy direct. We can now ship all Epon to Australia. This new ball has been tested against the top tour balls in golf... and came out on top. NDA does not permit me to release the names but we can pretty much figure who they are... two are mentioned in the posts above me. (^_^) The F4 was said to have better driver distance plus better short game spin.

They have not decided if they want to make a Crazy version. The Jbeam Version is very popular though, first batch at Jbeam sold out so quickly and now they are waiting for the next mid to late Nov.

They are available immediately so if anyone wants just email me gocchin @ tourspecgolf.com

They are meant to compete directly with the ProV's.

65.00 for a box of dozen balls...

Epon has released two new golf balls the Tour F4 and the Tour F3. The F4 is a four piece premium ball with a dual core that responds to higher driver swing speeds to produce what Epon claims the lowest spin for drivers while the second outer core is activated during iron shots and approach shots for more spin. The F3 is a 3 piece ball with balanced all around play including distance and spin. The F3 is made for ultra soft feel. Here are pics of the F4, will have them in the shop soon.

The new Honma S-02 lineup is forged, by Endo for that matter. They are still popular but not so much with members of the forum. However we do have many customers who swear by Honma and purchase year in year out when the new models arrive.

They are both very good. They are not all that much different. the XXIO7 also features a forged Ti face and both use maraging bodies. Both are made for great feel and ease of use and distance. The XXIO Forged is a bit smaller and more pear shaped and aimed at the improving player/mid capper or experienced senior while XXIO 7 is still for the average golfer. I have not tested the XXIO Forged yet as our demos don't come for another month but the XXIO 7 is very good as you know with the irons.

Added our first set of custom MP-33's to the first post!

Stock mass produced for off the shelf less attention paid to. Yoro, each head hand picked, hand crafted and finished... same as for Mizuno Tour Staff. Better tolerances, much more unique, one of a kind Mizunos for each buyer.