first range report with Epon460 Axiv X7076, X-Model Copper, and GFT

[leepark]

It's been a month and a half or so since I got my Epon460 with Axiv V-Spec 7076 and G-Field GFT 20* (shafted soon after with Fuji HK-Pro 110), and a day since receiving the Epon X-Model Copper 58* wedge... needless to say I was ITCHING to try the clubs. Well, I made it out to the range an hour ago and here are my impressions. The weather was nice (considering Vancouver's had pretty much 3 weeks of non-stop rain). Take my comments for what it is, this is my first trip to the range since last season and was hitting crap (bald) range balls off mats.

I started with the wedges: First, my trusty (tour) Y Cutter 56* with Tour Concept - I was hitting it well, accuracy especially good considering; Moved onto my Fourteen 53* with DG wedge flex (which is also new, only one round of golf & no range time) - hitting it ok but not particularly good, was very difficult to dial it in, in terms of accuracy and trajectory. However, it did perform well the one time I played with it (actually, it spins a bit too much); Finally, hit the Epon Copper with NS Pro 1150 Stiff - not what I was expecting. Very different feel, very muted and soft. I guess that's what you get with copper (very similar to Ping BeCu). I need more time with the head-shaft combo but today it was so so. I was expecting the NS Pro 1150 to be smooth but it felt boardy, without much feel. I hope it gets better with more range/play time.

Then moved on G-Field GFT: I knew I was swinging fairly well from warming up with some irons, 4 rescue, and R7 16*. First two hits were solid but seemed short, almost the same distance as my 4 rescue (mind you it was difficult to tell distance, plus slight wind). As I continued to hit several more balls I was starting to (already) feel confident with it, and I hit a bunch on the screws with very nice results - it had a piercing, medium ball flight, which will work nicely in the wind. Because the clubhead is open (don't know by how much) I have to make sure I turn my hands over through impact or else it's going right. This club does not go left. After 10 or so balls, the GFT is a keeper! I really like the Fuhi HK-Pro 110 on this clubhead, SOLID.

Lastly, got to hit the Epon460: I started with my R7 (tour) with Fuji 771TA and was hitting it well, and was able to get a sense of what my swing was going to give me today. I was hitting most shots with a fade, and mis**ts were a push. Now, onto the Epon. My first impression was that the head seems normal (in size) and sits nicely behind the ball (very beautiful crown). The first ball I hit was straight with a nice mid-high trajectory (my normal shot is high), but wasn't as long as I was expecting (& hoping), about the same distance as my R7. After a handful more, I started to understand its characteristics, and noticed several things: 1. Very nice feel, a soft, squishing feeling when you hit it in the sweet spot. As others have already stated, very TM 510 like but better; 2. Not overly long (on the range anyway) but good distance. Hard to tell but (as with my R7) the distance seems to be mostly carry, not much roll; 3. The Axiv V-Spec 7076 seems quite soft (almost whippy) when compared to my 771TA (@269 cpm). When I tried to hit it with a little oomf the shaft seemed unable to catch up to my swing causing the ball to go right. Having said that, it probably had a lot to do with the fact that I have very fast hips (which I constantly fight), and the fact that my swing today seemed to be pushing balls to the right to begin with. When I swung easier the results were fantastic; 4. Super forgiving! I hit some (unintentionally) very low centre, near the toe, and very high but the results were exceptional distance and accuracy - I did not lose much distance when compared to flushed drives; 5. The shaft-head (0.6 open) combo does NOT allow the ball to go left (which I wanted). It's always a good thing when you can eliminate one side of the course!

To sum up, I was impressed (not as much as I was expecting, as I had HUGE expectations after reading everyone's posts) but I think a couple more trips to the range with the wedge and driver is needed before I make a final judgment. On the other hand, the GFT was an instant success. In hindsight, (after one trip to the range and hitting only a handful of balls) I wish I went with a stiffer shaft (on the driver) and softer (on the wedge) but I think I should be able to work with both. Has anyone else had similar first impressions with the Axiv V and NS Pro 1150?

Edited April 3, 2007 by leepark

[idrive]

For starters. Most range balls suck. Very difficult IMO to get a true feel for anything than swing practice. Still, better than nothing.

I have the exact same driver and shaft setup. Has definitely taken the left side out of play. Does seem most of the distance is from carry, very little roll. My take on the driver is very similar to yours. I do not play it on a windy day.

I have all the Epon copper wedges. After practicing with the wedges I have found nothing else comes close. I am able to do anything with the ball from any lie. Very consistant. I have a couple with the NSpro1150's and some with the TT black gold shafts in stiff flex. I prefer the TT's far ahead of the 1150's.

G-field, great club, but, does not seem to have the carry of other woods I have hit. Very forgiving, easy to hit.

IMO, after a few more times practicing with the wedge... you won't go back to your old one.

All in all, your initial impressions were all very much the same as I had in the beginning.

Had a chance to hit them again??

[tour-md]

It's been a month and a half or so since I got my Epon460 with Axiv V-Spec 7076 and G-Field GFT 20* (shafted soon after with Fuji HK-Pro 110), and a day since receiving the Epon X-Model Copper 58* wedge... needless to say I was ITCHING to try the clubs. Well, I made it out to the range an hour ago and here are my impressions. The weather was nice (considering Vancouver's had pretty much 3 weeks of non-stop rain). Take my comments for what it is, this is my first trip to the range since last season and was hitting crap (bald) range balls off mats.

I started with the wedges: First, my trusty (tour) Y Cutter 56* with Tour Concept - I was hitting it well, accuracy especially good considering; Moved onto my Fourteen 53* with DG wedge flex (which is also new, only one round of golf & no range time) - hitting it ok but not particularly good, was very difficult to dial it in, in terms of accuracy and trajectory. However, it did perform well the one time I played with it (actually, it spins a bit too much); Finally, hit the Epon Copper with NS Pro 1150 Stiff - not what I was expecting. Very different feel, very muted and soft. I guess that's what you get with copper (very similar to Ping BeCu). I need more time with the head-shaft combo but today it was so so. I was expecting the NS Pro 1150 to be smooth but it felt boardy, without much feel. I hope it gets better with more range/play time.

Then moved on G-Field GFT: I knew I was swinging fairly well from warming up with some irons, 4 rescue, and R7 16*. First two hits were solid but seemed short, almost the same distance as my 4 rescue (mind you it was difficult to tell distance, plus slight wind). As I continued to hit several more balls I was starting to (already) feel confident with it, and I hit a bunch on the screws with very nice results - it had a piercing, medium ball flight, which will work nicely in the wind. Because the clubhead is open (don't know by how much) I have to make sure I turn my hands over through impact or else it's going right. This club does not go left. After 10 or so balls, the GFT is a keeper! I really like the Fuhi HK-Pro 110 on this clubhead, SOLID.

Lastly, got to hit the Epon460: I started with my R7 (tour) with Fuji 771TA and was hitting it well, and was able to get a sense of what my swing was going to give me today. I was hitting most shots with a fade, and mis**ts were a push. Now, onto the Epon. My first impression was that the head seems normal (in size) and sits nicely behind the ball (very beautiful crown). The first ball I hit was straight with a nice mid-high trajectory (my normal shot is high), but wasn't as long as I was expecting (& hoping), about the same distance as my R7. After a handful more, I started to understand its characteristics, and noticed several things: 1. Very nice feel, a soft, squishing feeling when you hit it in the sweet spot. As others have already stated, very TM 510 like but better; 2. Not overly long (on the range anyway) but good distance. Hard to tell but (as with my R7) the distance seems to be mostly carry, not much roll; 3. The Axiv V-Spec 7076 seems quite soft (almost whippy) when compared to my 771TA (@269 cpm). When I tried to hit it with a little oomf the shaft seemed unable to catch up to my swing causing the ball to go right. Having said that, it probably had a lot to do with the fact that I have very fast hips (which I constantly fight), and the fact that my swing today seemed to be pushing balls to the right to begin with. When I swung easier the results were fantastic; 4. Super forgiving! I hit some (unintentionally) very low centre, near the toe, and very high but the results were exceptional distance and accuracy - I did not lose much distance when compared to flushed drives; 5. The shaft-head (0.6 open) combo does NOT allow the ball to go left (which I wanted). It's always a good thing when you can eliminate one side of the course!

To sum up, I was impressed (not as much as I was expecting, as I had HUGE expectations after reading everyone's posts) but I think a couple more trips to the range with the wedge and driver is needed before I make a final judgment. On the other hand, the GFT was an instant success. In hindsight, (after one trip to the range and hitting only a handful of balls) I wish I went with a stiffer shaft (on the driver) and softer (on the wedge) but I think I should be able to work with both. Has anyone else had similar first impressions with the Axiv V and NS Pro 1150?

Direct comparisons are impossible unless the same shaft & specs are used for comparison. I went through this with my Epon, R7 Tours, etc. etc. The Epon still wins for me with an increased yardage that measures about 8 - 12 yards. Don't give up : ).

[gocchin]

I actually get great roll with my Epon. Carry is so so but then it hits the ground running. I find the face a little deep for my liking as I prefer a shallow head but I love the feel. It seems for most people finding the right shaft is the hard part.

[idrive]

Okay... first time at the driving range in how many months????

Your swing can't be want you want it to be.

The Epon should not be sold so quickly.

The best thing about hitting a golf ball is having the feel say... SOFT, FORGIVING... sounds like you're on to something.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Sounds like the shaft isnt doing what it should be for your swing.

[leepark]

Everybody has valid points. I really should try to work with the shaft for at least another few trips to the range and rounds. I actually think the Axiv will perform super well if I get use to it but I just feel as though there's a better combo out there for my swing (and especially for the super Epon head). Could it be the Roddio, Diamana White, NGS 6 ply, etc.? The Axiv might still end up being the best of the best. I know it's too early to give up on the Axiv but what can I say I'm a HO! Actually, I've been thinking and I'm very close to just keeping the club, and later if the shaft still doesn't suit my swing I might try the Fuji 771 in the Epon 460. Whatever I decide, I better do it fast because I want my bag set for this season asap.

Re. idrive's comments re. NS Pro 1150, wedge, and G-Field -

My Tour Concepts feel and accuracy was so much better than the NS Pros (mind you I'm comparing one range session to the many hours and rounds/range on the TCs). I'm getting the itch to try the Black Golds though. idrive, are the BGs that good? Any comparisons with the TCs?

Again, I know the wedge will perform well after everything is said and done. Perhaps it was the shaft but it didn't really have the feel I was looking for. Whereas my (tour) Y Cutters and Scratches with the TCs feel so lively and crisp, the Epon just felt a bit dull. Being quite the wedge-man I'm not going to pass judgment until I get a couple rounds in with the Epon.

G-Field-HK-Pro110 is a nice combo but I will agree with in terms of distance (lack of). As I noted, it didn't seem to go much further than my Rescue 22*. I'm hoping this is not the case on the course because the G-Field must to fill the gap between the 16* r7 and 22* rescue. As good as the G-Field might be it's not going to kick the r7 and rescue out of the bag anytime soon... I hear the Epon woods are quite the clubs

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Amazing Review Bud, Nice pics too!

[leepark]

So I just got back from the range...

I was swinging pretty darn good today, flushing the majority of clubs in the bag. I was able to maintain a strong and smooth swing throughout most of the range session. So, how did the Epon X-Model, GFT, and Epon 460 do? Very well I must say.

1. Epon X-Model - Figured out how to hit it, i.e., where to place the ball. I normally place the ball in-line (or even right of) my right foot but with the Epon (perhaps due to it being slightly bulkier with a bit more bounce than I'm used to at that loft) I had the best results when I placed the ball 1"-1.5" inside the right foot. I was hitting it with a lot of accuracy. The feeling is very soft even with the rock hard range balls. The one thing that I will have to get use to is the trajectory... it goes HIGH. It goes just as high (if not more) than my 64*. I'm not too worried about the bounce because Vancouver gets a lot of rain and the bounce will do well in soggy conditions and it will work well in the sand; the height will be great for those 95 yard approach shots where I have to stick it onto a hard green. As for the NS Pro, I think I can play with it but (thus far) I prefer the feel of my Tour Concepts.

2. GFT - Very nice. I'm finding that with the HK-PRO110 (@283cpm) I have to really turn over my hands and give it a go or else it's a block. But once I make a good swing (doesn't have to be super hard) the ball goes on a great lowish-medium boring trajectory. I did however have some really towering high shots that went a bit left when I swung with a strong descending force. I was getting a little more distance with it today (relative to my Rescue). Still liking this club.

3. Epon 460 - The first thing I did after returning from the range was to pull my classified for this club from the BST! (I hope it will forgive me). I guess you could say I hit it well today . It wasn't a night and day difference as the first range session (the resulting shots weren't "that" different) but I was so much more in control and started to understand the head-shaft combo a bit more. My smoother swing today allowed me to feel the shaft kick and do its thing... which felt very nice. The trajectory was much better, medium bullets. The one comment I must take back from my previous post is that the Axiv V is a pretty capable shaft when it comes to handling a strong swing, I don't think I necessarily need a stronger shaft. (Just so you don't think I'm loving the shaft just because my swing was on, I also brought my trusty R7-771 to compare. Let me tell you I wasn't getting the results I was getting with the EA (I like that, I think I'm going to call this club this name from now on... "EA, it's in the game!"). Although I was getting great contact the ball was going a LOT more left and right than the EA). The other thing that I noticed was that the Epon head is SUPER forgiving, the ball ends up in a predictable range/area even on so-so swings. The one thing that I'm not 100% on is the distance yet. Don't get me wrong it's not short by any means. I do feel however that once I pull out a ProVx on the course my reservations re. distance will all but disappear.

I took some more pictures which I will post later.

[gocchin]

Sounds like you had a good session. Golf is all about finding out how the different equipment one chooses becomes a part of their swing... I think you figured some of that out today with the Axiv! Keep it up! ^^