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<a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/xvfwslide.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23372" alt="xvfwslide" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/xvfwslide.jpg"></a> It's been a great first 6 months of 2013 for S-Yard golf, with the releases of the T.388 driver, Bold Wedge, XV Driver and now the XV fairway woods. At TSG we have seen the FW segment really dominated by the Ryoma fairway woods and PRGR egg Spoon plus a splattering of other brands like Royal Collection, Yamaha, ONOFF, Romaro and Tourstage rounding up the popular choices. The new XV Fairway wood from S-Yard aims to leave its mark firmly in the midst of all these great fairway woods thanks to Kobayashi-san's vision of how the XV FW will compliment the XV Driver. For those of you who read <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/introducing-the-new-s-yard-xv-driver/"><strong>the introduction and review of the XV Driver here</strong></a>, you will obviously see the resemblance between the driver and fairway wood. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0619.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23371" alt="DSCF0619" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0619.jpg"></a> The new XV Fairway wood could pass for a mini XV Driver based on its aesthetics. However the XV is designed to focus on performance as a fairway wood and not a driver replacement (though I'm sure some players could use it as such). Kobayashi-san knows that less and less people seem to be using fairway woods these days so he sought to create a club that would not only satisfy the better player but still be reasonably easy to use. While the head sizes of the 3W and 5W are actually considered to be on the large side at 190cc and 175cc respectively, again through Kobayashi-san's carefully thought out designs, the heads in no way appear that large. The slightly larger volumes allow for more flexibility in CG placement as well as increased MOI. Kobayashi-san focused on the head shape of the XV to compliment and be just as eye pleasing as the driver. He also decided on slightly flatter lie angles which will appeal to the better player (57* for the 15* and 57.5* for the 18*). <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0625.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23370" alt="DSCF0625" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0625.jpg"></a> The XV Fairway wood is not a deep face like the driver is which is probably a good thing. The sweet spot is actually easier to meet for the average golfer since the face is not so high. Some may call this a shallow face but in this day and age when fairway woods are shallower than ever, this is probably considered shallow to mid height. The XV utilizes a specially rolled Maraging steel face. Kobayashi-san went with maraging steel because of its strength and flexibility. Because maraging steel is stronger than both Titanium and stainless steel, it can be made thinner allowing for more elasticity as well as weight savings in the face to be move to perimeter weighting for a stronger launch and less spin. The thinner more flexible face increases initial ball speeds and overall distance over Ti and SUS. I love the feel of the XV, it has a hot and crisp touch at impact and this feel is very consistent across the face. One of the things I do on all woods is what I call the tap test. You can use your fingernail or a tee and tap across the width of the face from toe to heel making note of the pitch of the sound. The optimal ting sound is of course in the center and as you move outwards away from the center the tapping sound usually dulls or muffles. The XV, even as you move off the center towards the toe and heel, it still maintains a similar sound to the center meaning those sections of the face feel just as good and hot as the center. It may be just me but I actually do this with all the woods I test as feel is one of the most important things for me. I also feel like I can find a bigger sweet spot by doing this. (^_^) Yes it sounds very primitive but try it , different clubs will produce different results. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0640.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23369" alt="DSCF0640" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0640.jpg"></a> At address you can really see how the design, shape of the head and finish really hide the size quite well. The 5W above is 175cc but thanks to its pear like shape and matte finish like the driver, it does not look that large and is quite eye please. Both 3W and 5W have square face angles and my tester was in fact square. The lack of an alignment mark keeps the head nice and clean but you can still setup well using the white score lines on the face which are noticeable at address. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0641.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23368" alt="DSCF0641" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0641.jpg"></a> The XV FW's shorter face and the head's semi shallow back design make it easier for hitting off the deck. The CG is lower and deeper due to the head design and what this results in is a nice strong launch. I found it quite penetrating and with good run after hitting the ground. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0630.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23366" alt="DSCF0630" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0630.jpg"></a> The sole looks like the XV Driver but it features a gentle curve and grooves along the side to produce better follow through in the turf at impact and more versatility on various lies. We all know that the friction caused by a fairway wood touching the ground before impact can result in lost swing speed and less distance and less than optimal impact. The design of the XV allows for minimal contact and he grooves seem to lead the head to the ball. Turf interaction is very good though I was hesitant to hit any balls from deep rough with the XV due to its shorter face height. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23367" alt="DSCF0627" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg" width="648"></a> The stock shaft is again a Rombax from Fujikura specially made for the XV series. The Rombax FW is 3.2* of torque and around 65g with a mid/high kick. I have the SR (stiff/regular) flex here and I must admit it feels quite stout. Overall clubweight with the Rombax is very healthy at over 335g. What this combination equals is very good control, stable ball flights and shots with no ballooning. Like the XV driver, I really love the feel of the fairway wood. Its one of those clubs where you pause to relish the feel after each shot. Performance wise, the XV is by no means the longest FW out there, nor is it designed to be. Distance is left to ultralight fairway woods like the egg and Ryoma F which barely weigh more than your driver. The XV is an all around performer. It feels very good, is reasonably easy to hit, and is very stable and straight. In the end, all these characteristics (well maybe feel aside) equal more overall distance with more balls in play. I've really only gamed two fairway woods in the last 2+ years, the egg spoon and the Ryoma F. There is no doubt these two clubs are long but I will now replace the Ryoma with the S-Yard XV FW because I prefer the feel and its overall performance is not something I cannot ignore especially when I am playing on narrower tighter courses. Those who like the XV and T.388 drivers, the XV FW is a great compliment. For other players looking for a traditional shaped, square faced and reasonably flat FW that is pretty easy to hit and produces stable and straight shots, the XV FW should be at or near the top of your list.

<a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8006.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8006.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22071" title="DSCF8006" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8006.jpg" alt="" /></a> When many of us talk about wedges, we talk about the clean design and the simple look as well as its shape and grind. The truth is there are many great looking wedges out there but in the end do aesthetics contribute to performance? Enter S-Yard's new BOLD wedge. It is by no means the cleanest looking design or simplest looking wedge, but without a doubt one look at the BOLD entices visions of strength, technology and design. In other words, the BOLD looks all business. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7941.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7941.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22073" title="DSCF7941" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7941.jpg" alt="" /></a> The entire TSG crew is in Japan for the Japan Golf Fair that was held at Tokyo Big Sight last weekend. We were lucky enough to have some time to visit S-Yard on Tuesday and to sit down with Kenji Kobayashi the president and chief designer of S-Yard Golf. If you read my post about the <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/re-introducing-s-yard-the-rebirth-of-a-premium-brand/"><strong>Rebirth of S-Yard and its T.388 driver</strong></a> last month, you will know that Mr. Kobayashi has over 40 years of experience in the golf industry including the last 20 as the highly respected President and top designer of the world's largest forging house, Endo Manufacturing and its private brand Epon Golf. It is always a pleasure to sit down with one of the most technical minds in golf and he was happy to talk to us about his new creation the BOLD wedge. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7921.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7921.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22075" title="DSCF7921" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7921.jpg" alt="" /></a> The BOLD wedge may very well be Mr. Kobayashi's favorite design to date and this includes a resume of clubs over the past 18 months alone which he designed like the Epon Zero driver, Z:EN Putter, Personals muscle backs and of course the T.388 Forged driver for S-Yard. Yes this wedge is his ultimate in technical expertise, even over all the models from Yamaha, Titleist, Tourstage, Callaway, etc all of which he played some part in designing over the past two decades. Its no secret S-Yard clubs are produced at Endo and S-Yard and Mr. Kobayashi would not have it any other way thanks to his ties to the forging house as well as its ability to produce the most advanced golf clubs with the highest workmanship. It is through his experience at Endo that he was able to gather and analyze the data of many other wedges on the market and come to certain conclusions for the BOLD. In recent years, many brands have realized that a higher COG (center of gravity) in a wedge can result in more spin and a more stable trajectory. Because of this many brands now tout these higher COG designs. Mr. Kobayashi found that while COG has moved higher in many newer wedges, it was still not high enough to create the best spin and optimal stability. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7919.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7919.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22076" title="DSCF7919" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7919.jpg" alt="" /></a> Mr. Kobayashi explains that most of the mass in a wedge is in the sole hence the low COG on most wedges. This is of course something we already know. Mr. Kobayashi also notes that with the lower COG and the tendency for players to strike the ball lower on the face to hit the sweet spot of the wedge (essentially where the COG is), that lower impact actually can ever so slightly cause loft instability at impact. This plus the extra high launch causes less spin and traction and an unstable ball flight. Comparing numbers and doing various tests, he decided that 21.5mm is the optimal COG location for best spin and most stable trajectory thanks to its ability to "grab" the ball. He also noted though, spin from a wedge is of course not relative to a single design aspect only. The wedge design as a whole must work together for max performance and this includes the material (and even finish), COG position, score lines/face, grind and even how it sets up as we all know golf is mental and confidence is everything. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7961.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7961.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22077" title="DSCF7961" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7961.jpg" alt="" /></a> With Mr. Kobayshi's initial focus on the COG location of 21.5mm, he set out to design a wedge that would embody this number. He realized that no matter how thick the top blade and thin the sole, 21.5mm could not be obtained without a more radical manufacturing including weighting alterations. Mr Kobayshi began by creating molds, one for the shape of every loft (he does not believe in creating one wedge mold and then tweaking it for multiple lofts is slightly different and should be manufactured that way depending on its intended purpose). These heads are of course forged from JIS S20C steel at Endo, grinded into shape and then drilled above the sole to remove a large amount of weight. The subtracted weight is then put back in the head by using high quality tungsten weighing to the tune of up to 25g in the top blade of the wedge. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7977.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7977.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22081" title="DSCF7977" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7977.jpg" alt="" /></a> As they began testing this design the saw an increase in spin rate as well as a stronger more stable ball flight which allows players to attack the pin and rely on heavy back spin to stop the ball or draw it back to the hole. Mr. Kobayashi further enhanced the spin by decreasing the pitch of the score lines and having Endo do a very intricate laser milled pattern on the face. Looking at the image above, the milling look almost like extra teeth thanks to the circular design which can actually act as a target aid. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Untitled-2.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Untitled-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22084" title="Untitled-2" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" /></a> A closer look shows that the circular patter are actually breaks in the laser milling lines across the face which cause those circular illusions. I asked Mr. Kobayashi what the reason was for this besides being visual and he explained that the ends of those mill lines also contribute to more bite especially when working the ball with the full length of the face. Those who open the face of their wedge and create more spin by moving the ball up diagonally across the face ie from bottom heel towards the top toe will experience more bite. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8001.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8001.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22086" title="DSCF8001" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF8001.jpg" alt="" /></a> Here is a look at address and you can really see how one could line up the ball with the face milling. Its pretty cool and I think its one of the most interesting milling patters I have seen. The picture above also shows the shape and offset at address. The BOLD is of course thicker up top but its tear drop shape and darker finish do not give the impression that it is a thick wedge at address (though it clearly is when you look at the back face). The offset is progressive meaning that the lower lofts have a touch of offset progressing into much less offset in the higher lofts. Mr. Kobayashi explains that each loft/wedge has its specific intentions and offset is taken into consideration as Mr. Kobayshi breaks up his 5 lofts into 3 groups. The 50 and 52 which have offset are made for approach shots most likely with 3/4 to full swings. The slight offset helps square the face for better impact. The 56 and 58 are sand wedges which have less offset for control the less offset comes into play as well when the ball is played more forward in your stance for example in bunkers. Finally the 60 is the lob wedge with the least offset as it is meant for delicate control and touch shots. The less amount of offset allows you to direct the ball where you want it to go. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7981.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7981.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22090" title="DSCF7981" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7981.jpg" alt="" /></a> Mr. Kobayshi wanted the BOLD to handle a wide variety of conditions so he decided on an S grind which features a rounder medium sole width with moderate camber (curvature of the sole). Bounce is on the higher side but this is because it is measured at its highest point on the rounded sole of the BOLD. Because of the camber on the BOLD the effective bounce is in fact less. The S grind has trailing edge as well as toe and heel relief which allows for opening of the face and cleaner entry and exit from the turf. Mr. Kobayashi believes that bounce is a good thing and will add to the wedges ease of use. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7991.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7991.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22092" title="DSCF7991" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7991.jpg" alt="" /></a> Visually the wedge has some nice touches on it. We would have loved a little less stamping but its one of those things the Japanese will always lean towards... lots of words. Other than that it looks quite aggressive which may not be everyone's taste but the more I look at it the more I like it. It's machined hosel and very cool socket are very nice looking. The finish of the wedge is non plated with a black satin finish. Because it is not plated, this means the wedges will require a bit of maintenance ie keeping moisture off and wiping dry. I asked Mr. Kobayashi about this and he said they considered plating but in the end through their testing decided that the raw unplated S20C steel not only gave the best feel but more friction on the ball. Plating is not out of the question for the future but for now he likes the black satin finish which matches very well with their very good stock shaft, the Shimada K's Wedge shaft in DCR (Dark Chrome tint). <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7923.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7923.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22094" title="DSCF7923" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSCF7923.jpg" alt="" /></a> The BOLD wedge was just announced on Tuesday and we don't even have our pricing yet (retail is around 295.00 USD) but are currently taking reservations through your forums and email. The first 500 pieces were allocated for the Japanese domestic market and practically sold out in ONE DAY. It appears we have been lucky enough to get a small number for the March 17th release (the second batch is slated for May). The BOLD is available in 50/10 52/12 56/14 58/11 60/11 configurations all with the stock Shimada DCR 121g Wedge shaft. Custom shafts are available but initially standard specs will be shipping. The wedges all feature heavier head weights and D3 in the 50 and 52 and D4 in the 56 58 and 60* lofts. This has to be one of the most exciting wedge releases in a long time. Its design, its concept, its manufacturing and quality all point to big demand and I can tell you know, every staff member at TSG has ordered one and are dying to play it and this has never happened before for any other wedge. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/contact">Join us in this revolution by contacting us to reserve yours! </a> DON'T FORGET TO LIKE THE NEW S-YARD PAGE. THEY WILL BE POSTING LOTS OF DESIGN AND NEW CLUB POSTS ON THEIR OWN PAGE! http://www.facebook.com/pages/S-Yard-Co-LTD/311751335513068

Although a longtime lover of JDM equipment, I'm new to posting here though I've been a reader for some time. And Tario has guided me through many purchases, all of which I've taken great pleasure in, including a Ryoma D-1 Premia late last year. So it was with great interest that I read his blog posting on the new S-Yard T.388 driver out of Kobayashi-san's studio. Well, I got mine at the end of last week, and have now had a chance to hit it on the range and play it at my club just yesterday. And the performance is so spectacular that I was moved to offer up this posting. As Tario says, the T.388 is a work of art, and as the perpetual grail for me has always been a search for a driver that I could work like my 3-wood, the design is particularly striking for me. At address, looking down at it, I get the sense of a stealth bomber waiting for take off. The smaller head size and shallower face immediately increased my confidence, not the opposite. And the subtle coloring strikes me as a weapon waiting in shadow. Just my kind of thing. And then the hit. No question, I've loved my Premia, and still love it. But I was thinking that better workability might trump my love of the Premia's distance. I did not expect the T.388 to compete on that stat. But, boy, was I wrong... Yes, my first drives were straight pipeline, and the trajectory is, as described, more penetrating than high. But to my surprise, at least for me, the T.388 is not just more accurate, but longer. In fact, way longer! On my club course, there is a Par-5 with a deep ravine crossing the fairway from about 240 to 260 yards out. (Great 100 year old Billy Bell design...) I've carried it twice with the Premia, but with the T.388 yesterday, it was like it wasn't even in play. When you catch it right, the ball literally explodes off the face as if powered by an afterburner. But I'm a feel kind of player. And what first intrigued me about Tario's article was the description of Characteristic Time (CT) that Kobayashi has zeroed in on. I've heard it described many times, but none better than in Tario's phrase as that "sucking in and flying out" feeling accompanied by a finely tuned sound. THAT'S what I love in a driver. And man, that's what the T.388 has nailed. The feel is like a forged iron -- soft but most powerful when struck smoothly and on plane. And the sound has me looking forward to every hit. So, accuracy, yes, without a doubt. Even on mis**ts, my experience was like Tario's with the flight staying on line and losing only slightly in distance. BUt the massive distance I was getting was a bonus I didn't expect. It might be my swing, or my preference in feel, but this thing outgunned the Premia by far. So, thank you, Tario. And I thought I would share my reaction to this club absolutely taking its place in my bag as of now. Best regards to all you guys here, too, whose posts I learn from and enjoy greatly. (If any of you are ever in the Los Angeles area, please feel free to PM me and join me for a round.) --Richard