dadriver

I have bought exclusively Japanese products for the last few year and I agree with you to a certain extent. The cost of clubs in Japan, in this case were talking the new Tourstage driver, is determined the market engine--market demand and other factors like cultural values. If people didn't buy them at $800+ then Bridgestone wouldn't sell it for that much. The Japanese market have a different appreciation of products than we do in the U.S...and, to say the least, they also have different expectations. While I (the U.S. golfer) have a high appreciation for the products I buy I won't pay top $$$ for them. Why? Because I know that eventually I will find it for less somewhere else. I, in fact, set my own market price--what I think is a fair price...and eventually someone will sell it to me for what I want. Thanks to eBay and these golf forums this is all possible. In Japan the off market opportunities isn't much of a factor. One of several examples is where I tried to buy club off of Yahoo.jp but because of the sellers policies he wouldn't sell to us not matter how much we tried to make it possible for him to do so. You should know that my wife is Japanese, we have an address in Japan, and could send him funds any sort of ways but they refused--even at the higher price he was asking. Imagine this scenario here in the U.S. Not likely. All this to say that the reason your XD350 won't sell at 1/3 of the value is because no one wants it, not because of the price or that it's from Japan. I just bought a very good condition 983e with a Fuji 693 for $210 off of BSG. $210 is ridiculously low price for a club and shaft combo of that quality...but for some reason the U.S. market has determined this to be the going rate. Now if you add that Titleist is much more popular in the U.S. than Tourstage you can easily see why the 350 won't sell. On the other hand, there have been Tourstage products that have consistently sold well here. I, deduce then, that it's not Japanese products that don't sell well. It's just the XD350 that won't. I love Tourstage products but never wanted a XD350 when I could have a J340, even though it cost more. All this to say that the U.S. consumer will pay for what it wants, Just like the Japanese consumer will in their market. It's all a matter of preceived value. Anyway, you all know this and I'm just spouting off. I'd like the new Tourstage driver too but there's no way I'm paying that much for one when I can buy a XD350 or a 983 for $210. God bless the U.S. golf equipment market. It all makes ho'ing possible.

Yes!....PLEASE let us know how it plays.

I know you won't reveal your source. I find it very interesting and credible, logical, and probably the most believable thing I've read on the subject...but tell us more about where it came from--please. Thank you for the post. Dwayne

Tour vs. Retail has been an interesting debate, to say the least. I'm not sure of the truth one way or the other...but I never understood why anyone would want to pay for that premium anyway. That it might have higher grade material?...Okay, that's logical--but in no way is the cost relative. (I have the same kind of thoughts/feeling about sports memorabilia. (sp?)) Now I say that even though I've paid premium $$$ for import stuff. My choice, right? Market demand, right? In my opinion the choice AND the debate should both be tolerated, accepted--in my opinion. As I've always said, "Play what you like...Pay what you like."

My wife's not going to like hearing that. :money:

I still have one, 9/10 condition: $375. 9* with (S) Graphite Design JYS-6.5 Tour Blue shaft. Original headcover. 44.5/D2 Let me know here with PM or email [email protected]. Dwayne

The RX-1...now there's a good club. I often think of picking one of these up again. Hope I am not stepping on any toe's here dd . But there is one on eBay right now . :whistle: Unfortunately, It 's the Type 275, non-conforming model. The 315 is the pear shaped killer. ...the 9* Type 315 Pro Spec is the licensed killer. The 8* (which I've never seen) and the 10* are non-conforming, along with any of the Type 275. Also, guys--If you really want to experience persimon-like feel in a steel head driver try out the X500. It is sweeeet; you'll lose a little distance with it though. So how does the RX-1 compare to the J340? I know it's a smaller head, but curious about other differences or similarities. I know where a couple may be hiding... The RX-1 doesn't feel quite as good, a tad more metalic feeling--not bad at all, just not as good as the J340. It's shape isn't quite as refined either...again, it's sweet looking but doesn't have the J's overall beauty. But on the other hand, I found the RX-1 longer and very, very solid. BTW: the RX-1 was a prototype for the X-Drive(s).

The RX-1...now there's a good club. I often think of picking one of these up again. Hope I am not stepping on any toe's here dd . But there is one on eBay right now . :whistle: Unfortunately, It 's the Type 275, non-conforming model. The 315 is the pear shaped killer. ...the 9* Type 315 Pro Spec is the licensed killer. The 8* (which I've never seen) and the 10* are non-conforming, along with any of the Type 275. Also, guys--If you really want to experience persimon-like feel in a steel head driver try out the X500. It is sweeeet; you'll lose a little distance with it though.

The RX-1...now there's a good club. I often think of picking one of these up again.

...and let me add that it is ALSO one of the most beautiful clubs I've ever seen. :love:

I love the shape. The sole?...not so much. Looking forwar to hitting it though.

Unless you have a very fast swing speed I recommend that you look at a low torque, 65g-75g shaft. The key here is that you should look to minimize spin. Whether you need high or low kick shaft should be determined by your desired ball flight. The J340 will perform excellently regardless, mid-launch and moderate spin. It is an excellent control driver. Distance performance will be maximized based your decision. I have a 652 in mine because of the desired ball flight. An option I'm considering is whether to look for a less torque as well in order to decrease my spin rate a little for improved distance.

Ari was advertising to sell one just last week. Contact him.

I've got no money, only two Tourstage drives to trade and my own used 3-wood as an offer. HI, ARI!!! :cool:

Good point. People should realize that there are intended difference between a driving irons (hybrid iron) and a rescue type hybrid wood. One of these days I'm going to finally decide which I actually prefer.

Played the On/Off Spoon for a while. I really liked it 'til my swing got better...then the closed face had to go.

I can't imagine any better shaft for a FW that the HK-Pro80...it'll be a "rocket" indeed.

I tried the Syb in that spot...went back to the X-Club. I found that the driving irons hit lower than I want/need.

You guys are recommending a TM Rescue to a Tourstage player? :surprize: How dare you? :smile1: May I recommend either the Tourstage 21* Club-X V021 Utility if you want a little more offset and Tungsten bottom weight to help get the ball up. Or, if you feel you don't need the offset then the Tourstage F-UT might be better. Either way, you will appreciate these TOURSTAGE clubs. :cool:

Dwayne , I have the very same bag just a different color . I found the dual strap ( two single straps ) works just fine . Have not had any problems with it at all . :smile2: Hated the 2 single straps. They now sleep with the fish. (God bless you, Abe Vigoda)

Yes!! DD, Can you give me the model number? I trying to make friends with the local TS distributor so he can get me this bag hopefully in a bluish color. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay? Also how big is the opening? CBTS44

Yes!!

Weight is okay...it think I carry too much stuff. (For some reason I just dumped two boxes of ball into it. :surprize: ) Functionally it is great. Good size opening for the clubs and plenty of generous pockets for my crap. The straps...uh, well...the stock strap that came with the bag was poo-poo. I don't know if I just didn't know how to use it or it was just a horrible design. I yank it off of the bag and put another one on it. Good be happier. Yeah, I like to buy cool stuff that WORKS. :love:

Whinner! :money: