Fourteen forged 770 vs Epon J type Iron

[dragon]

I currentlly play MP 33 irons and wanted to find a new iron set and currently debating between Fourteen forged 770 iron versus Epon J type iron. It would be my first venture into premium Japanese brand. Currently I play rifle shaft 5.5 but my iron swing speed is only about 75-80 miles/hr. I could probably play more like 5.0 My driver swing speed average in the low to mid 90's. I do need custom lie angle about 3-4 degree flat. I am currently partial to 770 forged but I am not sure how easy it is to bend flat and weather it will cause shrinkage in the finish ( per fourteen rep). I saw on the post that other's have bent fourteen iron before and that it was very soft and easily bendable but did not mention how it might affect the finish. I am also thinking about epon wedge vs fourteen V3 and epon driver vs fourteen. Any recommendation with type of shaft and flex as well as type of iron, wedge, and driver? Any guidance is appreciated!

[+TourSpecGolfer]

I currentlly play MP 33 irons and wanted to find a new iron set and currently debating between Fourteen forged 770 iron versus Epon J type iron. It would be my first venture into premium Japanese brand. Currently I play rifle shaft 5.5 but my iron swing speed is only about 75-80 miles/hr. I could probably play more like 5.0 My driver swing speed average in the low to mid 90's. I do need custom lie angle about 3-4 degree flat. I am currently partial to 770 forged but I am not sure how easy it is to bend flat and weather it will cause shrinkage in the finish ( per fourteen rep). I saw on the post that other's have bent fourteen iron before and that it was very soft and easily bendable but did not mention how it might affect the finish. I am also thinking about epon wedge vs fourteen V3 and epon driver vs fourteen. Any recommendation with type of shaft and flex as well as type of iron, wedge, and driver? Any guidance is appreciated!

Very good question, both are very soft, both for the better player for sure! I have both but playing the Type J based off of the feel that i seem to like over most. Don't get me wrong fourteen is pretty much the same material made at the same place, some say the 14 is more forgiving also. The only time i hit both side by side each of them had 1050 Stiff flex by NSPRO. I would go type J but fourteen is just a little sexier looking from the back cavity while the Type J looks much better at setup.

[dragon]

Very good question, both are very soft, both for the better player for sure! I have both but playing the Type J based off of the feel that i seem to like over most. Don't get me wrong fourteen is pretty much the same material made at the same place, some say the 14 is more forgiving also. The only time i hit both side by side each of them had 1050 Stiff flex by NSPRO. I would go type J but fourteen is just a little sexier looking from the back cavity while the Type J looks much better at setup.

Thanks for the response! Now do you think with my iron swing speed 1050 stiff or regular is better for me? Or is going to 950 stiff better. I can't seem to find much on the internet about the stiffness rating compare to rifle shaft. Only few coments such as possibly NS PRO 950 stiff would be equivalent to may be about a 5.3 rating. Is this true? Is NS PRO 1050 stiff stiffer than the 950 stiff. Would I be better candidate for 1150 regular perhaps?

Also how does the Epon type J model setup better than the 14 forged 770 model? Does it have to do with less offset?

Do you have any comment on the Fourteen driver selection such as J606 vs J405 vs the Epon technity 460? As you can see, I am definitely torn between the two companies and which one to go with. Any recommendation for a wood shaft for my swing speed? (90-96 miles/hr) with average tempo? Sorry so many questions!!!

[ClubHoUno]

Thanks for the response! Now do you think with my iron swing speed 1050 stiff or regular is better for me? Or is going to 950 stiff better. I can't seem to find much on the internet about the stiffness rating compare to rifle shaft. Only few coments such as possibly NS PRO 950 stiff would be equivalent to may be about a 5.3 rating. Is this true? Is NS PRO 1050 stiff stiffer than the 950 stiff. Would I be better candidate for 1150 regular perhaps?

Also how does the Epon type J model setup better than the 14 forged 770 model? Does it have to do with less offset?

Do you have any comment on the Fourteen driver selection such as J606 vs J405 vs the Epon technity 460? As you can see, I am definitely torn between the two companies and which one to go with. Any recommendation for a wood shaft for my swing speed? (90-96 miles/hr) with average tempo? Sorry so many questions!!!

I can answer the "blue" questio for you, I think

The 14 TC770 Forged have more offset and a thicker sole compared to the Epon Type J - therefore the Epon Type J looks better from the address position. Conversely the 14 TC770 Forged has a better looking cavity design compared to the Epon Type J - so it's really a subjective decision which one you will think is the best looker. Based entirely on specifications, I would assume the 14 TC770 Forged would play a tiny bit more forgiving compared to the Epon Type J iron. Both are forged by Endo, and should be Endo's supreme forgings - so you can't go wrong with either iron set.

The Fourteen brand is a bit more known in the US, but still only club HO's will know what Fourteen is. Epon is even lesser known in the US - so only the most serious club HO's will know what Epon is. I still think its' shame that Endo didn't chose their own name as a brand instead of using the Epon brand name - but that's just me

Endo would sell a lot more clubs if they had their own name on the clubs instead of the Epon brand name.

[Duffer19]

Thanks for the response! Now do you think with my iron swing speed 1050 stiff or regular is better for me? Or is going to 950 stiff better. I can't seem to find much on the internet about the stiffness rating compare to rifle shaft. Only few coments such as possibly NS PRO 950 stiff would be equivalent to may be about a 5.3 rating. Is this true? Is NS PRO 1050 stiff stiffer than the 950 stiff. Would I be better candidate for 1150 regular perhaps?

Also how does the Epon type J model setup better than the 14 forged 770 model? Does it have to do with less offset?

Do you have any comment on the Fourteen driver selection such as J606 vs J405 vs the Epon technity 460? As you can see, I am definitely torn between the two companies and which one to go with. Any recommendation for a wood shaft for my swing speed? (90-96 miles/hr) with average tempo? Sorry so many questions!!!

I would leave the iron question to others except that I have 2 sets of irons that are nspro850 and would only change if it is a Shimada. I do have the JC606 and Epon 460 which in a sense qualify me in giving my opinion of both. Firstly the JC606 is slightly smaller at 430cc and very nice shape. You should note that there is no option for shaft with Fourteen except after market which I replaced the stock with Machline proto which is far superior than the stock. In term of feel of the drivers, the Epon does feel softer and more of a mute sound than the JC606. This is not to say the JC606 is loud like the FT5. It is difficult to compare distance since it is more a function of the shaft. I have the Diamana white now on the Epon and it is longer than my JC606. With the Epon, TSG has the shaft option while the Fourteen is more restrictive. Out of the two, the Epon with the White Board is my choice for my main gamer for now and the Fourteen as my backup.

[dragon]

I would leave the iron question to others except that I have 2 sets of irons that are nspro850 and would only change if it is a Shimada. I do have the JC606 and Epon 460 which in a sense qualify me in giving my opinion of both. Firstly the JC606 is slightly smaller at 430cc and very nice shape. You should note that there is no option for shaft with Fourteen except after market which I replaced the stock with Machline proto which is far superior than the stock. In term of feel of the drivers, the Epon does feel softer and more of a mute sound than the JC606. This is not to say the JC606 is loud like the FT5. It is difficult to compare distance since it is more a function of the shaft. I have the Diamana white now on the Epon and it is longer than my JC606. With the Epon, TSG has the shaft option while the Fourteen is more restrictive. Out of the two, the Epon with the White Board is my choice for my main gamer for now and the Fourteen as my backup.

This is a great forum!!! Lots of instant response and thank you for your response!!!

Now you seemed to be partial to shimada steel. I did note on type J Epon shimada was one of the option. I do not know anything about shimada steel. Could you educate me on this and its characteristic and flex recommendation for 75-80 mile iron swing speed.

What shaft flex did you have on your JC 606 originally and what degree head did you choose? What is your driver speed? If you had same shaft which would you prefer JC 606 vs Epon 460. I am not sure bigger head is better, it depends on how it looks on address as well. I personally dislike the look of new square driver's as well as new offering from other big manufacturing secondary to huge overwelming head look? Also looking at this forum the latest and most popular shaft seems to be the AXIV V versus the Roddio? Thanks, again so-o many questions?

[ajaykkr]

This is a great forum!!! Lots of instant response and thank you for your response!!!

Now you seemed to be partial to shimada steel. I did note on type J Epon shimada was one of the option. I do not know anything about shimada steel. Could you educate me on this and its characteristic and flex recommendation for 75-80 mile iron swing speed.

What shaft flex did you have on your JC 606 originally and what degree head did you choose? What is your driver speed? If you had same shaft which would you prefer JC 606 vs Epon 460. I am not sure bigger head is better, it depends on how it looks on address as well. I personally dislike the look of new square driver's as well as new offering from other big manufacturing secondary to huge overwelming head look? Also looking at this forum the latest and most popular shaft seems to be the AXIV V versus the Roddio? Thanks, again so-o many questions?

I haven't tried the fourteen driver, but have tried many many more..US and Japanese. Last November I purchased the Epon 460 with the Stock Drev Stiff shaft. I put it in play the third week of April (start of season, and i dont visit the range during the off season). I also had the Ft-5, 907 D2, D1, X-drive 460. fast forward to today, I only have the EPON and the D1 left. The D1 was put up for sale recently and I just ordered another EPON 460 CC with the Roddio.

The EPON is a great looking, soft feeling, a slightly higher launch (good for me), explosive driver. My driving has never been better. When the new EPON with the Roddio arrives, the existing Epon will go in the backup bag. Only two clubs have ever made it in the main bag AND the back up bag at the same time (I use the backup bag about 2-3 times a month at bethpage black / outings) - the Gfield 3 wood, and now the EPON 460 CC driver. For a club Ho like me, thats BIG.

Edited May 16, 2007 by ajaykkr

[dragon]

I can answer the "blue" questio for you, I think

The 14 TC770 Forged have more offset and a thicker sole compared to the Epon Type J - therefore the Epon Type J looks better from the address position. Conversely the 14 TC770 Forged has a better looking cavity design compared to the Epon Type J - so it's really a subjective decision which one you will think is the best looker. Based entirely on specifications, I would assume the 14 TC770 Forged would play a tiny bit more forgiving compared to the Epon Type J iron. Both are forged by Endo, and should be Endo's supreme forgings - so you can't go wrong with either iron set.

The Fourteen brand is a bit more known in the US, but still only club HO's will know what Fourteen is. Epon is even lesser known in the US - so only the most serious club HO's will know what Epon is. I still think its' shame that Endo didn't chose their own name as a brand instead of using the Epon brand name - but that's just me

Endo would sell a lot more clubs if they had their own name on the clubs instead of the Epon brand name.

Thanks Claus!!!

You can see why I am torn between the two clubs. I will be able to make up my mind better, once I know which shaft would be best for my swing speed as well as knowing what options I might go with. Epon type J seem to have better customization out of factory so this is definitely a plus for the Epon brand. If the NS pro 950 or NS pro 1050 is a good shaft for me and if fourteen forged 770 can be bent without any significant damage to the finish it may win out. I will be definitely be relieved once I make up my mind!!!

[gocchin]

An Epon driver of some sort always finds it's way into my bag, I have my 4th one coming soon from Epon once they customize the face for me, which is another great thing about Epon, I battle the right side so I am getting a new 460 with the face closed 1-2*. I have yet to find a driver that beats the FEEL of an Epon. For me I've always had good roll with it.

I've had Epon irons and Tourstage, never Fourteen... (yet). And have never had a problem with going 3-4* flat (I'm 5'4"). I don't see too many people playing rifles in premium JDM forged irons, I'd recommend Nippon NS Pro for feel and trajectory, especially if you have a slower swingspeed, the lighter weight of the nippons will help improve swingspeed and ball flight.

[dragon]

I haven't tried the fourteen driver, but have tried many many more..US and Japanese. Last November I purchased the Epon 460 with the Stock Drev Stiff shaft. I put it in play the third week of April (start of season, and i dont visit the range during the off season). I also had the Ft-5, 907 D2, D1, X-drive 460. fast forward to today, I only have the EPON and the D1 left. The D1 was put up for sale recently and I just ordered another EPON 460 CC with the Roddio.

The EPON is a great looking, soft feeling, a slightly higher launch (good for me), explosive driver. My driving has never been better. When the new EPON with the Roddio arrives, the existing Epon will go in the backup bag. Only two clubs have ever made it in the main bag AND the back up bag at the same time (I use the backup bag about 2-3 times a month at bethpage black / outings) - the Gfield 3 wood, and now the EPON 460 CC driver. For a club Ho like me, thats BIG.

Thanks for the feedback!

What swing speed and tempo and wrist lag do you have? Which Roddio shaft did you decide on? What did you not like about the Stock DREV Stiff shaft characteristic? You can see I am very serious about the Epon 460 as well. I am trying to do my homework so that I can order the right one from the get go if I can

[gth1017]

Thanks for the feedback!

What swing speed and tempo and wrist lag do you have? Which Roddio shaft did you decide on? What did you not like about the Stock DREV Stiff shaft characteristic? You can see I am very serious about the Epon 460 as well. I am trying to do my homework so that I can order the right one from the get go if I can

Dragon, you will truly be a member of this site when you realize the only possible solution to your quandry is to buy all of the clubs you've asked questions about, hit them a few times, sell off all of the ones you decide not to keep, and repeat that process annually until the end of time. Welcome.

Edited May 16, 2007 by gth1017

[ajaykkr]

Thanks for the feedback!

What swing speed and tempo and wrist lag do you have? Which Roddio shaft did you decide on? What did you not like about the Stock DREV Stiff shaft characteristic? You can see I am very serious about the Epon 460 as well. I am trying to do my homework so that I can order the right one from the get go if I can

My swing speed is based on one visit to a golfsmith launch monitor a year back(its tough to get on one in manhattan, new york). it was between 95 and 100. But golfsmith monitors are a hit or miss. My current swing is to try to take the club back in a smooth manner (previosuly it used to be very fast, onlookers say my current takeaway is still too fast, but it feels smooth to me compared to before), and then its a quick transition and fast down and through the ball. I have no idea what my wrist lag is, i would say should be on the low side as I tend to grip the club tighter than most (again, I am working on keeping it loose for the driver and fairway wood). I Usually hit the ball with 230-250 yards of carry with some roll. Bad shots are to the right or a low trajectory shot that still goes 180-200 yards carry and gets more roll. But in my home golf course or the Bethpage Black, you get punished for those shots. It needs lots of carry, precision wrt landing area and roll after that is always good.

I love the Stock Drev Stiff shaft with the EPON 460 cc. I like it so much that I refused to tinker with theset-up (normally I would have just reshafted with the Roddio). I then looked at other driver heads so that I did not have two of the same head. Long story short, I kept coming back to the EPON 460cc. So thats what i have on order with the Roddio 6WA stiff flex.

Edited May 16, 2007 by ajaykkr

[ajaykkr]

Thanks Claus!!!

You can see why I am torn between the two clubs. I will be able to make up my mind better, once I know which shaft would be best for my swing speed as well as knowing what options I might go with. Epon type J seem to have better customization out of factory so this is definitely a plus for the Epon brand. If the NS pro 950 or NS pro 1050 is a good shaft for me and if fourteen forged 770 can be bent without any significant damage to the finish it may win out. I will be definitely be relieved once I make up my mind!!!

if you use the S300 with US clubs, go with the Nippon 1150 Tour flex.

[dragon]

An Epon driver of some sort always finds it's way into my bag, I have my 4th one coming soon from Epon once they customize the face for me, which is another great thing about Epon, I battle the right side so I am getting a new 460 with the face closed 1-2*. I have yet to find a driver that beats the FEEL of an Epon. For me I've always had good roll with it.

I've had Epon irons and Tourstage, never Fourteen... (yet). And have never had a problem with going 3-4* flat (I'm 5'4"). I don't see too many people playing rifles in premium JDM forged irons, I'd recommend Nippon NS Pro for feel and trajectory, especially if you have a slower swingspeed, the lighter weight of the nippons will help improve swingspeed and ball flight.

Thanks gocchin you are everywhere!!! I love your advatar!

I read lots of your post on this forum so I know how helpful and informative you are.

I am 5'2" and have been playing 1/2 inch short and 3 degree flat on my Mizuno MP 33 in 5.5 rifle shaft. It was a set up that Mizuno turck rep set me up after demoing club at an outdoor range since about 7yrs ago or so. I have tried various cavity back such as titleist 760, mizuno MX-23, and callaway x-tour in different shaft configuration such as stock graphite shaft in my tetleist in stiff, rifle project x 5.0 on mizuno, and s300 stiff on callaway. I always seem to go back to my Mizuno MP 33 for my gamer, however. That is why I am currently in search of new irons and this site I found by accident interested me in the Japanese premium line. I am looking for the club that can replace my MP 33 club. I do find my 5.5 rifle very stable when playing well feeling the flex and all but I seem to always be between regular and stiff whenever I have my swing analyzed by recommendation and seem that I can go either way depending on spec of that specific shaft. That is why I am trying to determine which shaft and flex to try especially in the NS Pro line versus Shimada steel. Currently 950 vs 1050 vs 1150 vs regular or stiff.

Thanks!!!

[Duffer19]

This is a great forum!!! Lots of instant response and thank you for your response!!!

Now you seemed to be partial to shimada steel. I did note on type J Epon shimada was one of the option. I do not know anything about shimada steel. Could you educate me on this and its characteristic and flex recommendation for 75-80 mile iron swing speed.

What shaft flex did you have on your JC 606 originally and what degree head did you choose? What is your driver speed? If you had same shaft which would you prefer JC 606 vs Epon 460. I am not sure bigger head is better, it depends on how it looks on address as well. I personally dislike the look of new square driver's as well as new offering from other big manufacturing secondary to huge overwelming head look? Also looking at this forum the latest and most popular shaft seems to be the AXIV V versus the Roddio? Thanks, again so-o many questions?

Shimada steel is another premium steel shaft company from Japan that is just as good if not better than nspro. I believe the option for Epon iron is light version. I bought mind used hence the nspro 850r. I would have chosen the shimada if i get it new from Chris I have that on my Epon 50 degree AW which feels great for a full shot. I am 60 years old and a fairly solid 15 (thanks to all these equipment) and you are a 9 and probably young so you can go for the blade or modified blades. Only you know whether you have the game. For one thing, the S would be easier and still able to shape shots.

For the JC606, I had a R flex for the stock and also R flex on the Machline proto. The cpm for the stock is 234 at 45.5 inches and 243 for machline. My driver ss is 86-88 mph. The White is also a R and 235 cpm at 45.25 inches. The white is much lower spin than the Machline and due to tip stiffness, you cannot feel the 10 cpm difference. The JC606 and Epon 460 are very similar shape at address and both of my are around 1 degree closed. I dont have the AXIV V and I am too cheap to go for the Roddio hence cannot tell you. I dont think the $400 Roddio can tranform me from a 15 to 9 anytime soon but more practice and playing can. Most JDM forged can be bended but 3 to 4 degrees as suggested by Gocchin is really the limit. Most should be ok for 2 degrees either way. Epon's lies is standard with Miura closer to 1 to 2 degree flat. I am 5'6'' and i am playing 1' upright (fitted by a fitter of course.) Since most people here already have what you like, it would be good to ask say installed cpm which is at least a better way to find the right flex since Japanese flex is at least 1 to 1/2 flex softer than North American standard. I have a AXIV 6060 with a spec 254 cpm but a finished cpm of 245 due to a 7 inch clamp (Japanese) vs. 5.

[ajaykkr]

Thanks gocchin you are everywhere!!! I love your advatar!

I read lots of your post on this forum so I know how helpful and informative you are.

I am 5'2" and have been playing 1/2 inch short and 3 degree flat on my Mizuno MP 33 in 5.5 rifle shaft. It was a set up that Mizuno turck rep set me up after demoing club at an outdoor range since about 7yrs ago or so. I have tried various cavity back such as titleist 760, mizuno MX-23, and callaway x-tour in different shaft configuration such as stock graphite shaft in my tetleist in stiff, rifle project x 5.0 on mizuno, and s300 stiff on callaway. I always seem to go back to my Mizuno MP 33 for my gamer, however. That is why I am currently in search of new irons and this site I found by accident interested me in the Japanese premium line. I am looking for the club that can replace my MP 33 club. I do find my 5.5 rifle very stable when playing well feeling the flex and all but I seem to always be between regular and stiff whenever I have my swing analyzed by recommendation and seem that I can go either way depending on spec of that specific shaft. That is why I am trying to determine which shaft and flex to try especially in the NS Pro line versus Shimada steel. Currently 950 vs 1050 vs 1150 vs regular or stiff.

Thanks!!!

As someone who used to play MP 33s (in fact I have a brand new set stored given that they are no longer produced), I will suggest go with the Blades, Tourstage, fourteen blades, Miura blades, possibly scratch and the EPON type J, Epon apparently considers that a blade(the type J are the only ones that I have not played).

Between the Mp 33 and my current Miura/Tourstage blades, I went the premium CB route and ended up always yearning for a blade in my hand. I hit the Blades really well (including the 3 iron) and the premium CBs although good, to me they had less feel. But then again, I just got a set of gauge handmades (only played one round with them, so still to firm up an opinion on them).

[Duffer19]

Thanks gocchin you are everywhere!!! I love your advatar!

I read lots of your post on this forum so I know how helpful and informative you are.

I am 5'2" and have been playing 1/2 inch short and 3 degree flat on my Mizuno MP 33 in 5.5 rifle shaft. It was a set up that Mizuno turck rep set me up after demoing club at an outdoor range since about 7yrs ago or so. I have tried various cavity back such as titleist 760, mizuno MX-23, and callaway x-tour in different shaft configuration such as stock graphite shaft in my tetleist in stiff, rifle project x 5.0 on mizuno, and s300 stiff on callaway. I always seem to go back to my Mizuno MP 33 for my gamer, however. That is why I am currently in search of new irons and this site I found by accident interested me in the Japanese premium line. I am looking for the club that can replace my MP 33 club. I do find my 5.5 rifle very stable when playing well feeling the flex and all but I seem to always be between regular and stiff whenever I have my swing analyzed by recommendation and seem that I can go either way depending on spec of that specific shaft. That is why I am trying to determine which shaft and flex to try especially in the NS Pro line versus Shimada steel. Currently 950 vs 1050 vs 1150 vs regular or stiff.

Thanks!!!

If you are 5'2'' playing a Rifle 5.5, you must be a young stocky guy. what is your driver swing speed? my ss is 86 to 88 so nspro 850 R is perfect for me but driver shaft is a different story since flex designation is all over the place with R would be closer to A in North America rating,

[dragon]

Shimada steel is another premium steel shaft company from Japan that is just as good if not better than nspro. I believe the option for Epon iron is light version. I bought mind used hence the nspro 850r. I would have chosen the shimada if i get it new from Chris I have that on my Epon 50 degree AW which feels great for a full shot. I am 60 years old and a fairly solid 15 (thanks to all these equipment) and you are a 9 and probably young so you can go for the blade or modified blades. Only you know whether you have the game. For one thing, the S would be easier and still able to shape shots.

For the JC606, I had a R flex for the stock and also R flex on the Machline proto. The cpm for the stock is 234 at 45.5 inches and 243 for machline. My driver ss is 86-88 mph. The White is also a R and 235 cpm at 45.25 inches. The white is much lower spin than the Machline and due to tip stiffness, you cannot feel the 10 cpm difference. The JC606 and Epon 460 are very similar shape at address and both of my are around 1 degree closed. I dont have the AXIV V and I am too cheap to go for the Roddio hence cannot tell you. I dont think the $400 Roddio can tranform me from a 15 to 9 anytime soon but more practice and playing can. Most JDM forged can be bended but 3 to 4 degrees as suggested by Gocchin is really the limit. Most should be ok for 2 degrees either way. Epon's lies is standard with Miura closer to 1 to 2 degree flat. I am 5'6'' and i am playing 1' upright (fitted by a fitter of course.) Since most people here already have what you like, it would be good to ask say installed cpm which is at least a better way to find the right flex since Japanese flex is at least 1 to 1/2 flex softer than North American standard. I have a AXIV 6060 with a spec 254 cpm but a finished cpm of 245 due to a 7 inch clamp (Japanese) vs. 5.

Very informative, thanks!!!

I noticed you said the JC606 was 1 degree closed is this how it come from the factory. That would be a deal breaker for me. I normally like mine square to slightly open. I hate the look of closed wood on address. I like to take the left side out of play if I can since I just do not like the look of ball immediately taking off left even if it staightens out thereafter. Do you know if JC 406 comes closed from the factory as well? I did not see on fourteen web site that these wood came 1 degree closed. I thought that it came square from the factory?

[dragon]

If you are 5'2'' playing a Rifle 5.5, you must be a young stocky guy. what is your driver swing speed? my ss is 86 to 88 so nspro 850 R is perfect for me but driver shaft is a different story since flex designation is all over the place with R would be closer to A in North America rating,

Driver ss is 90-96 on average currently on launch monitor data. But originally when I was fitted to the 5.5 shaft I had average of 95 with occassionally low 100's during my late 30's. I am currently 43 years old was getting out of shape since stopped playing aerobic sports like tennis in my 30's, trying to get back in shape. I have always tested between regular and stiff shaft on american shaft and I think I was recommended 5.3 rifle shaft rating at one time last year for my driver rating?

What do you think better to go with regular with Japanese premium brand since they will be more consistent in quality of the shaft or go with the stiff since the Japanese shaft rating is slightly weaker?

Thanks for your interest!!!

[dragon]

if you use the S300 with US clubs, go with the Nippon 1150 Tour flex.

1150 tour in stiff or regular? With 75-80 SS in irons?

[Duffer19]

Very informative, thanks!!!

I noticed you said the JC606 was 1 degree closed is this how it come from the factory. That would be a deal breaker for me. I normally like mine square to slightly open. I hate the look of closed wood on address. I like to take the left side out of play if I can since I just do not like the look of ball immediately taking off left even if it staightens out thereafter. Do you know if JC 406 comes closed from the factory as well? I did not see on fourteen web site that these wood came 1 degree closed. I thought that it came square from the factory?

There is a link in customer service in the Fourteen site (English version) where I asked the question of face angle of the 606. I got a reply back within 24 hours advising of that it is 1* closed. I have another component driver that is square but cannot tell the difference comparing the two. You can ask them about the 406 which is suppose for the low handicap player.

In term of shaft, you would be looking to at least a S in any stock shaft if you go with Japanese. As i said, I have a 86 to 88 mph ss with medium release and I would be playing a 235 to 250 cpm at 45" which is a SR or S for Japanese stock spec.

[ajaykkr]

1150 tour in stiff or regular? With 75-80 SS in irons?

S300 - 1150 Stiff. It feels a bit less stiff bit holds up very well. Much better than the S300

[dcfas]

Dragon, you will truly be a member of this site when you realize the only possible solution to your quandry is to buy all of the clubs you've asked questions about, hit them a few times, sell off all of the ones you decide not to keep, and repeat that process annually until the end of time. Welcome.

Yup-- that's what I thought.... The wife is going to be upset.