10 rounds of golf with the Tourstage X-ST 15*

[+TourSpecGolfer]

After 10 rounds of golf with my Tourstage X-ST 15* I feel I can give it an accurate review past the honeymoon period. I have had good, normal, and poor swing days with this driver and am overall impressed with its performance. I will rate everything on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being perfect. A perfect total score of 20pts will give it TSG Holy Grail status, with our critical high standards here there has never been a holy grail in the history of all golf clubs despite what other sites call theirs.

Appearance = 4.5

It looks clean, but there are a few cosmetic things I would have liked done better on the sole, my first problem with it was the chrome areas on the sole will scratch up after a single round of golf as well as the small turbo rubber technology text fills with dirt after a single shot, I would have preferred the brushed satin look to avoid visual wear and the text moved to an area that doesn't make contact with turf. putting that aside, the view from above is perfect enough to rival the C.V pro and V-steel while its face profile is the best I have seen any FW.

Distance = 4.5

Its long for sure, with the majority of shaft options available it has a lower trajectory than most with more roll that other 3 woods i have hit. I purchased 2 X-ST's one with the GD M85 and the other with the TXF-55. The M85 was a tad to hard for me to get off the ground consistently with a smooth swing. The TXF-55 gave me a couple sensations I really liked, the feel of a heavier head while the ease of use factor increased significantly.

Forgiveness = 3.5

Not the most forgiving FW available, I suggest this club for players with a 10 or below handicap who have decent to great ball striking skills, If you have issues making contact with a 3 wood this may not be the best choice for you. Its square face and deep face make it a perfect selection for any good player trying to take their game to the next level. The C.V pro and V-steel are more forgiving than the XST by a small margin.

Feel = 5.0

It feels amazing, it could be the best FW I have felt to date. To me it feels like a crunch/titanium effect, It is not mini driver like as the FST+ was and it doesn't feel hollow or harsh at all. The turbo rubber does have a dampening effect to it that is obvious but not noticeable if you didn't know it was there.

Overall Score = 17.5pts

Killer decision if your looking for a high end fairway wood. It has performance and style big time while it maintains the Tourstage tradition of quality. If your a fan of U.S bridgestone products try this FW to learn the true difference between TS and BS. It is a very obvious difference in material and design.

[corky3]

Great Photos Chris and the review style is great, it's good to have a standard way of giving equipment reviews. :wink:

TS X range is the best out there in my humble opinion.... classics looks, using new technology and providing great feel. :cool:

If my Sonartec wasn't performing so well I'd be all over this fway wood, but it's on the list for 2006!. :wink:

[MCsub]

I agree on the review... outstanding fairway wood. Chris... have you got my last few PMs?

[Bowie8]

Can't wait to receive mine. Hopefully the search for the ultimate 3 wood will end with the X-ST.

[mrzodia]

couldn't agree with you more, except i think it's pretty forgiving. Way easier to hit than my previous F-ST+. exceptional off the tee.

[taipanli]

Here here.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

FYI guys,

In december the 4 and 7 woods will be released! :laugh:

[plus1]

my xst currently has the nippon 950 steel shaft in it and i really like the combo. maybe not the longest but very accurate! i have an ozik altus on order to go into it in the hope of finding my ALL TIME favourite 3 wood........wish me luck!