Search the Community

Willing to sell my S-Yard GT Type S Driver 9 degree, 45.5 inch long, stiff, with mid-size IOMIC Sticky Black. Everything other than the grip is stock. http://www.tourspecg...roducts_id=5056 9/10 condition at least. Only a few rounds, with some cosmetic scratches, nothing on the crown though. selling for $500, net to me Also wanna let go of my Miura KM-005 Putter, 34.5 inch long. Brand new, 9.9/10 condition. Wanted to replace my scotty, but couldn't get used to the colour. selling for $380, net to me Would like to trade for JMD iron sets, preferably Yamaha V forged, ONOFFs, AF302, etc. Shipping from Vancouver, Canada

looking for an S-Yard Bold 56* wedge, with the caveat that it's in really good condition. it can be head only or full wedge. I'm looking for one to replace the one I already have since the other two in that set are still basically brand new, but the 56* got more use for a while and isn't in as good shape, but is still very playable. so I'm only looking for one in better condition than the one I have which I'd say is still prob like an 8ish/10

looking for a new/mint/excellent S-Yard Bold 52* or 56* wedge. thanks Drew G

Is the medallion on the sole of the S-Yard T.388 driver removable? I can't tell if it's a sticker or it's a screw. I am hoping it's a screw weight that I can heat and unscrew so that I can access the inside of the head to add some hotmelt. The club head is a little light and I'd like to avoid adding lead tape. Anyone have any help or insight?

For sale are S-Yard XV fairways 3 wood and 5 wood, both with stock Rombax SR shafts. Headcovers included. No trades at this time. **SOLD** 3 wood: Excellent condition. The club looks to have been played very little by previous owner and used only twice on the range by myself. Sole and face has minimal wear. There is a scratch on the top of the face on the toe by the previous owner. Crown is perfect. Headcover is like-new. **SOLD** 5 wood: New. Never hit, head and grip still in wrapper. Includes new headcover. Prices are $ USD PP gifted. Buyer to pay actual freight. 3 wood: **SOLD** 5 wood: **SOLD**

For sale is a S-Yard XV 9.5* driver head, 197g. Head is in good condition with hardly any scratches on the sole and face. Crown has wear marks to the matte finish (not scratches through the paint). There are a couple of scratches on the face side of the hosel, and a scratch below the S-Yard plug on the back of the head. No headcover. No trades at this time. $185 $175 USD PP gifted (includes shipping to CONUS) - International to pay actual freight

Hi, Looking to buy a Syard T388 10.5 Prefer head only

DRIVER SALE S-YARD T.388 with TRPX Messenger 1st S/R shaft, original head cover $275 PayPal / US --- SOLD maybe the best driver ever, Kobayashi's last best driver head design launches low flying heat seeking missiles with incredible roll out... only way I could ever part with it was to get one with a Seven Dreamers shaft installed... looking to pass it along at this ridiculous price to spread the joy of hitting this baby. as you can see, in excellent shape, only thing less than mint is a head cover smudge on top of the crown which can be seen if you look hard, plays at 45 1/4"

Hi all, I am ready to dismiss my S-Yard T.388. I might regret it later, but hey, that's life. While I love the small compact head and it's performance when middled, I am just not consistant enough with it. The specs are as follows: Loft: 9.5° FA: square Length: 44 1/4 " SW: D2ish Shaft: Roddio M6 X-Flex untipped Original headcover included Asking 400 USD net plus shipping from Germany. Will post a pic of the club with my username when I get home. Sorry for the crappy pics. Crown is clean, sole has some brush marks from playing. Can do more pics if requested.

Hello - looking to offload some extra gears, got most of these from TSG (except for the S-yard putter, which is from an authorized dealer in HK). Price includes shipping in Asia, international add $20. Not looking for any trades at the moment, but I'm open to offers. Thanks for looking guys! 1. ONOFF CB358 Driver, 9.5* head, Labospec tataki:60 shaft in stiff with headcover. A couple of driving range sessions and 1 round. Face is clean, light scratches on the sole. 9/10. $450 2. Modart MA01F FW, 14* head, Modart SP6.0F shaft in stiff with headcover. Just 1 range session, clean face and sole, 9.5/10 $375 3. Titleist Japan VG3 FW, 15* head, graphite design MT-6 in stiff, with headcover. A couple of range sessions, clean face/sole. 9/10 $225 4. S-Yard SP-32 putter. This is an limited release (77/200) by S-Yard and has amazing face millings. Check out pics below. 9/10 condition. $400 5. Kamui Works KM-200 Hi-cor 10*, with headcover. Has a couple of scratches on the crown, check out the pic below for condition (8/10). $250

Looking to sell or trade my S-Yard 3w and 5w with stock shaft (stiff). The woods feel great, very hot and soft off the face. I'm looking to see if anyone has a Ryoma D1 F3 or Ryoma Hybrid 2u to trade. Looking for something with a bit more of a shallow face for the wood. Considering Asking price $450 net includes shipping in the US. The 3w has a hair line scratch on the top. Epon Covers (used) - $old

Looking to fund some new toys. So time to sell some things: 1.) Ryoma Maxima Type-V 9.5° head shafted with NS Pro Regio Formula 55 stiff flex. 45" and D2ish. Square FA. Good condition. Minimal scratch on the crown. Not even noticable if I didn't tell now. Original headcove included. I have the heavy weight kit which will be included (retails at 55$ in the pro shop). Price: 550 USD net plus shipping from Germany. 2.) S-Yard T.388 9.5° head shafted with a Roddio M:6 X flex. 44 1/4" and D2ish. Square FA. Sole shows some wear but overall good condition. Face and crown absolutely clean. Original headcover included. Price: 550 USD net plus shipping from Germany. Get both for 1000 USD shipped anywhere. Please do not contact me with "what is your best price" inquiries. If you want, you can make an offer if you do not agree with the prices. Worst I can do is not reply.

<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.

Thinning the herd a bit here gentlemen. Unless otherwise noted, all prices are shipped to US, net of PayPal. International shipping no problem for additional fee. S-Yard T.388 driver. 10.5* with stock Graphite Design shaft in SR flex at 45.25". No head cover (about the only thing I don't like about this club). Condition is quite good - crowns and faces great; soles with minor wear marks. $old Yamaha V201 Tour Model. Head only in 9*. Very good condition - crown is perfect; face close to it (superficial vertical scratch); sole has normal wear without any abuse marks. $old Baldo 8C Craft Trajectory 01. Head only in 9*, IP black finish. Baldo should have more of a following around here - great stuff. I find this head quite soft and penetrating; hit some of my longest and most satisfying drives with it. Condition is close to new. $old Speeder 661 Stiff shaft. Barely used in an S-Yard T.388. Played at 45.25"; butt trimmed only - raw length of 43 15/16. Professionally pulled by a top custom shop. $150. Akira 3W. 15*. $70 head only; $90 full club. Shaft is a stock X flex; feels like S to me. I don't have much info on the shaft except that it's made in Japan. Regarding condition, I think I've hit it a couple times during one round. True Linkswear Tour shoes.. Size 8.5. New in box. $70. Puma jacket. Size Medium. Lightly quilted front; stretch sleeves and back. New with tags. $100 new; selling for $50.

S-Yard GT-Type S cavity back iron set Full set 5-P in excellent shape, standard L&L S20c soft Endo forged NSPro 850GH-r shafts with brand new Yamaha grips installed $350 PayPal only shipped to contl US PM with any questions Thanks, --Richard

Time to sell a few things to raise funds for some other things :) S-Yard T.388 head only in 10.5* loft. Excellent condition as can be seen from photos. Head weight was around 198g I think. I had some lead tape put on the sole as you can see to bring it up to just over 200g which is what I like. The lead tape can of course be removed easily. $500 + shipping. (paypal net to me please)

Given the way I fell hard for the S-Yard T.388 driver this year, I was defintely anxious to get my hands on the new XV 3-fwy wood. My relationship with an old R-7 3-wood has turned, over the years, into something of a challenge, as many clubs have tried -- and failed -- to kick it out of my bag. It's firmly been the one club that would not go JDM in my bag. But after spending the holiday weekend with the XV, I can say that the R-7 now sits next to my bag here in my office. It still calls to me, but there is something Kobayashi-san is doing with these S-Yard clubs that just clicks for me. First of all, for T-388 lovers, this 3-wood looks like a mini-me T.388. Here it is sitting right next to the stealth bomber itself: The look is a match at first sight, and even though the face is not the same titanium, the thin maraging steel gives off the same flexed punch that T.388 contact keeps me coming back for. Sound, as Tario has aptly described it, is deep enough to tell you you're getting the same rebound effect that powers the driver, and the flight is straight-on penetrating like the T.388, and yes, this thing is long, too. My first go around with it was the range. First swings did feel a little stiff or heavy to me, and I have to admit the R-7 was still smiling when I got home. But I put the same light weight (51g) Hiskei Wave carbon shaft in it that I've been using in the R-7, and headed back to the range. And it was then that this thing really began to pop for me. Net at the range is at 230yds, and my hits started climbing well up above the mid-section in height. And still the trajectory was missile like and straight. Not a trace of ballooning even as the ball found the top part of the net, which for me is a very long 3-wood. So... took it to the course. And cracked it off the first tee to where my pre-t.388 driver used to leave me. And found it both accurate and long the rest of the day. It was great off good fairway lies, and I found I could get the ball up in the air like the R-7 if I moved it a little forward in my stance. And I even hit a low flying missile from the rough at the end of the day on 18 when I sometimes feel tired playing the course's toughest Par-5 coming in. Here are a couple more views of Stealth-3 as it's now being called here: My thanks again to Tario and K-san and the S-Yard crew! My R-7 has even nodded graciously to me, and I've thanked it for being the longest running club in my bag ever. But at least on the long end, S-Yard now rules for me.

I'm happy for all who have (or will have) found happiness with the new Maxima driver, but my quiet S-Yard smiles continue to spread at my club. Yesterday on 17, which is slightly uphill and has an undulating fairway with a ravine and a giant oak that sits at the end between fairway and green, I hit a pipeline drive 290 yards that sat dead center at the end of the fairway and left me a pitching wedge to the green. I should say, I don't hit 290-yd drives. My average is about 250-260. And when I turned back to the rest of my foursome on the tee -- and also to our club pro who happened to be there because he was giving another member a lesson -- the expression on their silent faces was something that will last as imagery for me a long, long time -- as was the pro's question -- "what's the name of that driver...?" Just sayin'... ;=]

<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

I was out in my backyard on Saturday in my new Paradiso hat doing what I usually do on Saturdays, chipping and putting to the small green back by my office, when the doorbell rang, and surprise, LA Customs had cleared the rest of my S-Yard order and there was my Bold 50 and second T.388, this time in S/R (first one was S). So I unwrapped the Bold and laid it down in front of the small trap by the green to show it what I expect of all new wedges -- a short pop over sand to a small artificial surface green. It's always an immediate pass or fail based on three hits. It's nasty little shot, as the green is stupid fast and yet you have to elevate the ball over the bunker. So........ first shot lips out, too much speed. Second shot misses left. Third shot pops, checks, slows, and just rolls into the cup. Nothing but my Miura's have ever done this before....... Big grin and I slide it into the bag. Then I wake up Sunday and head up to the range with the little Puma practice bag that Tario showed me a while back, just two clubs inside -- the Bold and the S/R t.388. A small bucket of balls later, I had kind of an epiphany about what I think Kobayashi-san is doing (at least for me). Because the wedge has the same kind of stealthy profile that the T.388 has to my eye, looking almost like a shadow when held over grass, I realize I'm not even seeing either club when I swing them. It's almost as if my quest to find clubs that let me swing my swing the way I do in my mind has been realized in the physical world. The Bold is long, too, for a 50* wedge, easily hits the 135 green, which for me, is long. And the S/R T.388 does feel nice with my swing and seems to jump a little more (if that's possible...) and definitely flies higher -- way up on the 230 screen at the far end. So basically it's another S-Yard weekend for me. Super thanks to Tario yet again! Can't wait to get both of these clubs to the course this week. Will report back then.--Richard

Spring is here!! , well ... sort of. Yesterday, it was 55 deg and sunny . got my first 9 holes of the season. Today, lots of snow on the ground again.... typical Montana Spring!! Want to clear out some gear to fund my next round of fun experiments. A couple more putters will be added later. Baldo VT511 Driver 9deg / Composite Techno Fire Express Proto 75 X-Stiff shaft - Mint condition - $750 shipped in CONUS S-Yard T.388 Driver 9.5deg / Graphite Design BB 7 Stiff shaft - Mint Condition - $old PRGR Egg Spoon HD 14.5deg Fairway Wood / Stock PRGR M-46 shaft - Excellent conditon - $old Putter: Byron Morgan DH89 Mini Stainless Steel - Face Balanced, Milled face, Faded Blue Oil Finish - 34.5"Leather Grip - $375 shipped in CONUS Driver Shaft: Gravity Golf Waccine Compo Prototype GR-50 Stiff - 44.5" - 54g @46" 260cpm - $275 shipped in CONUS Fairway Shaft: Gravity Golf Waccine Compo Prototype GR-55 FW SX - 42" - 60g @46" 275cpm - $old ​

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