Epon EMB Driver w/PICS!

[Spoon]

I know Chris is swamped and hasn't had much time to hit the EMB yet.

Perhaps sarintr or Spoon can provide more info on feel and trajectory?

based on the limited time i have spent with the emb i can say that it is unlike any other driver i have felt or used. i had some issues getting used to it at address but that soon changed and i got accustomed to it after a few minutes in the range. first of all let me say that the emb i tried was a 10.5 shafted with axiv x 60ish gram stiff shaft (sorry forgot the model#) so my initial comments are based on this combo and others may have different inputs based on the shaft installed.

but with the axiv shaft i noticed that i was able to hit the ball very very consistent with this one. the shallow face certainly helps and is a welcome treat compared to the emb predeccessors. also the sound and feel at impact is undescribable until you had a go at one yourself. there is a loud pop similar to a small suppressed .22 cal going off. you certainly can hear it and the feel that accompanies it is very soft. its almost like the head has face ahs shock absorbers or something. this is in a good way as i am able to feel the ball much more. there is tremendous feedback and you will know if you hit a good one or not.

i am a natural slicer but this driver has somewhat cured my slice. maybe psychological but my slices seemed to be more manageable and the dispersion was much tighter although i attribute this to the shaft. ball flight was a nice boring mid trajectory but i found that it was higher than what i was accustomed to but very good considering that the shaft was lighter than i liked yet a bit stiff for this head imho. am i making sense? i guess that if i had to shaft it myself i would like a softer shaft, i personally think that a softer flexed shaft would do wonders for this head. but that is just me.

all in all i think that the emb would be the answer for everyone looking to find more fairways:) who isnt right? only downside to this driver imho is that will all the technology crammed into this package is that it lost some of its workability. so you guys who love working the ball may have better success with the previous models. i know for sure i want an EMB!

[gocchin]

based on the limited time i have spent with the emb i can say that it is unlike any other driver i have felt or used. i had some issues getting used to it at address but that soon changed and i got accustomed to it after a few minutes in the range. first of all let me say that the emb i tried was a 10.5 shafted with axiv x 60ish gram stiff shaft (sorry forgot the model#) so my initial comments are based on this combo and others may have different inputs based on the shaft installed.

but with the axiv shaft i noticed that i was able to hit the ball very very consistent with this one. the shallow face certainly helps and is a welcome treat compared to the emb predeccessors. also the sound and feel at impact is undescribable until you had a go at one yourself. there is a loud pop similar to a small suppressed .22 cal going off. you certainly can hear it and the feel that accompanies it is very soft. its almost like the head has face ahs shock absorbers or something. this is in a good way as i am able to feel the ball much more. there is tremendous feedback and you will know if you hit a good one or not.

i am a natural slicer but this driver has somewhat cured my slice. maybe psychological but my slices seemed to be more manageable and the dispersion was much tighter although i attribute this to the shaft. ball flight was a nice boring mid trajectory but i found that it was higher than what i was accustomed to but very good considering that the shaft was lighter than i liked yet a bit stiff for this head imho. am i making sense? i guess that if i had to shaft it myself i would like a softer shaft, i personally think that a softer flexed shaft would do wonders for this head. but that is just me.

all in all i think that the emb would be the answer for everyone looking to find more fairways:) who isnt right? only downside to this driver imho is that will all the technology crammed into this package is that it lost some of its workability. so you guys who love working the ball may have better success with the previous models. i know for sure i want an EMB!

With my bad shot being right as well I know I want an EMB!!!

Shallow face with the soft epon feel... and straight and long? Besides the looks which I'm still getting used to it's like the driver of my dreams!

[Spoon]

With my bad shot being right as well I know I want an EMB!!!

Shallow face with the soft epon feel... and straight and long? Besides the looks which I'm still getting used to it's like the driver of my dreams!

im willing to forgive the looks with that kind of performance. i dont care if its shaped like a magic beetle:)

[gocchin]

im willing to forgive the looks with that kind of performance. i dont care if its shaped like a magic beetle:)

In this case it's a monster beetle and I have no problems swinging a mosnter that goes straight and long...

[jacksonlui]

can someone explain the performance of a shallow face versus a deep face driver? is it suppose to provide more forgiveness on toe and heel hits, but wouldn't it give you less forgiveness than a deep face driver if one mish1ts it high and low on the center?

the EMB doesn't look that bad, but at 46 inches playing length? that's way long, will need a flatter lie angle, etc... i thought we were suppose to go towards a 44 inch driver for more consistency and no longer.

thanks

Edited November 22, 2007 by jacksonlui

[sarintr]

Good morning, I would like to show some picture of EPON E.M.B with GD Tour AD shaft for E.M.B. We have many M.O.I head next year. Epon is the one that are produced and designed with the best material and new Technology. You can see.

The shaft that recommend for EPON E.M.B are GD Tour AD shaft for E.M.B and AXIV-X. You can make more percentage on fairway and futher distance with EPON E.M.B. For sound is very fine in the golf course because it was designed. Thank you.

[sarintr]

Every details are very importance. It used highest Technology machine to produce it. It's believable.

[Bat]

can someone explain the performance of a shallow face versus a deep face driver? is it suppose to provide more forgiveness on toe and heel hits, but wouldn't it give you less forgiveness than a deep face driver if one mish1ts it high and low on the center?

the EMB doesn't look that bad, but at 46 inches playing length? that's way long, will need a flatter lie angle, etc... i thought we were suppose to go towards a 44 inch driver for more consistency and no longer.

thanks

A shallow face driver will have a lower CG, thus launches the ball higher than the deep face counterpart. This is also a result of a lower bend point in the shaft due to the shorter distance from shaft tip to the ground. The shallow face feature itself will not increase the forgiveness on heel and toe hits and can theoretically make it less forgiving for hits high and low on the club face. However, with a shallow face, manufacturer can increase other dimensions of the driver. Making the driver longer heel to toe will increase the MOI of the driver and make it more forgiving on toe and heel hits. Making the driver longer from front to back will move the CG back away from the club face. This should increase BOTH the vertical and horizontal MOI of the driver. With the CG towards the back, the shaft will also tend to bend forward more at impact and increase the driver's dynamic loft.

Here's my take on the 46 inch shaft and upright lie angle on the EMB. First of all, a longer shaft will make the swing plane shallower. This can "theoretically" make the angle of attack shallower and reduce 'over the top' side spin. A longer shaft will also be more flexible and bend forward more at impact. This can help close the driver club face. The longer shaft will make the, already upright, lie angle on the EMB even more upright. Because our eyes are not on top of the ball, the upright lie angle will actually help with alignment of the club face. And, as you know, an upright lie also promotes a slight draw due to it's loft.

IMO it's a very good solution for slicers, better than closed club face or draw bias drivers. With closed face driver there's no way you can aim the club correctly. While draw bias drivers will move the CG (and sweet spot) towards the heel. Of course, it's easier to control a shorter shaft and hit the ball in the center of the face. With ultra high MOI drivers, however, it's should be a fair trade. You will not loose as much distance for off center hits while center hits will yield higher ball speed. For slicers and most amateurs, the ability to square up the face at impact far outweighs hitting the sweet spot in a driver IMO.

Bat

[gocchin]

A shallow face driver will have a lower CG, thus launches the ball higher than the deep face counterpart. This is also a result of a lower bend point in the shaft due to the shorter distance from shaft tip to the ground. The shallow face feature itself will not increase the forgiveness on heel and toe hits and can theoretically make it less forgiving for hits high and low on the club face. However, with a shallow face, manufacturer can increase other dimensions of the driver. Making the driver longer heel to toe will increase the MOI of the driver and make it more forgiving on toe and heel hits. Making the driver longer from front to back will move the CG back away from the club face. This should increase BOTH the vertical and horizontal MOI of the driver. With the CG towards the back, the shaft will also tend to bend forward more at impact and increase the driver's dynamic loft.

Here's my take on the 46 inch shaft and upright lie angle on the EMB. First of all, a longer shaft will make the swing plane shallower. This can "theoretically" make the angle of attack shallower and reduce 'over the top' side spin. A longer shaft will also be more flexible and bend forward more at impact. This can help close the driver club face. The longer shaft will make the, already upright, lie angle on the EMB even more upright. Because our eyes are not on top of the ball, the upright lie angle will actually help with alignment of the club face. And, as you know, an upright lie also promotes a slight draw due to it's loft.

IMO it's a very good solution for slicers, better than closed club face or draw bias drivers. With closed face driver there's no way you can aim the club correctly. While draw bias drivers will move the CG (and sweet spot) towards the heel. Of course, it's easier to control a shorter shaft and hit the ball in the center of the face. With ultra high MOI drivers, however, it's should be a fair trade. You will not loose as much distance for off center hits while center hits will yield higher ball speed. For slicers and most amateurs, the ability to square up the face at impact far outweighs hitting the sweet spot in a driver IMO.

Bat

Very good observations Bat. Another reason for the shallow face is that research in Japan has shown that most recreational golfers miss on the face towards the toe or heel and as Bat said with the dimensions of the driver flattened out, the higher MOI creates far less twisting so that shots off the toe and heel will go straighter and longer.

The longer shaft has two benefits, one is the shallower plane again as Bat mentioned which will help decrease backspin on impact, and the other is added distance rewarded for good strikes. You will see this trend on the Japanese tours....on the men's side, the average driver shaft length is under 44.5" as the men do not worry about power but workability more. On the other hand, on the Japan ladies tour, the women who do not hit as far as the men try to squeeze out all the distance they can by using a longer shaft averaging over 45" with some players including Ai Miyazato playing 46". Of course it helps that the pros can hit the sweet spot better than the most of us! Manufacturers have noticed this desire for distance which is evident with all the drivers available now at 46" including from Epon, Yamaha, Fourteen, Royal Collection and others.

The key benefits for this EMB will be it's forgiveness and straight trajectory. PLUS a with all Epon drivers, it's feel. If it can feel like the epon 460 and be more forgiving and straight, then it's a winner!

[gocchin]

Good morning, I would like to show some picture of EPON E.M.B with GD Tour AD shaft for E.M.B. We have many M.O.I head next year. Epon is the one that are produced and designed with the best material and new Technology. You can see.

The shaft that recommend for EPON E.M.B are GD Tour AD shaft for E.M.B and AXIV-X. You can make more percentage on fairway and futher distance with EPON E.M.B. For sound is very fine in the golf course because it was designed. Thank you.

sarintr! Thanks for the great post. How is the feel of the new Tour AD for EMB shaft? One thing that stands out is the higher torque number.

It's quite a possibility we will be seeing higher MOI fairway woods as well next year won't we?

[siteseer2]

nice pics sarintr... the build quality on this head looks great... even though the head looks very untraditional...

[jacksonlui]

thanks BAT. I've never thought of those points before.

[Duffer19]

Very good observations Bat. Another reason for the shallow face is that research in Japan has shown that most recreational golfers miss on the face towards the toe or heel and as Bat said with the dimensions of the driver flattened out, the higher MOI creates far less twisting so that shots off the toe and heel will go straighter and longer.

The longer shaft has two benefits, one is the shallower plane again as Bat mentioned which will help decrease backspin on impact, and the other is added distance rewarded for good strikes. You will see this trend on the Japanese tours....on the men's side, the average driver shaft length is under 44.5" as the men do not worry about power but workability more. On the other hand, on the Japan ladies tour, the women who do not hit as far as the men try to squeeze out all the distance they can by using a longer shaft averaging over 45" with some players including Ai Miyazato playing 46". Of course it helps that the pros can hit the sweet spot better than the most of us! Manufacturers have noticed this desire for distance which is evident with all the drivers available now at 46" including from Epon, Yamaha, Fourteen, Royal Collection and others.

The key benefits for this EMB will be it's forgiveness and straight trajectory. PLUS a with all Epon drivers, it's feel. If it can feel like the epon 460 and be more forgiving and straight, then it's a winner!

I have mix feeling with long driver for high handicapper or slicer. The longer the driver, the less control you have and more mis hit since by definition, high handicapper would not be as consistent a ball striker hence most teachers or pro would advocate teeing off with a 3 wood for higher loft and shorter shaft. The upright lie angle would definitely help a slicer. At the same time, the shallow face is probably due to the fact it is restricted to 460 cc and as it needs to put the GC back more hence a shallower face. Most high MOI drivers would have to be shallower face due to volume restriction.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

I have gone back and fourth from 44" drivers to 45.5" drivers, the 44" for sure goes straighter, the 45.5" length always gives the shaft more kick feel and it does indeed get a little more distance, height, and hang time IMO. I say 44.5 - 45.5 is a good choice. Club usually feels better for average swingers.

I have been able to take the EMB out for a short spin in recent days and here is my take:

Design/Style

Its the best looking High MOI driver from above IMO, its pretty decent from the sole view also. Epon has been working on this driver for a long time, a year ago these were one of the designs I saw on the table when at EPON, later some revised versions were produced and an initial launch date of early November scheduled, early November they found a way to produce 4-5 more yards for off center hits, this is indeed a big deal and enough to halt production mid way. Good on Epon and Endo for doing this as they have now designed and produced the highest MOI and most advanced driver on the market to date. As far as the design, IMO as performance goes this driver is unbeatable and it comes down to head design, manufacturing technology and materials. This is not a 1st gen high MOI design, its next gen. From above this driver looks unique, super easy to hit and with the option of custom face angles it can look as square, closed, or open as you desire.

Feel:

Not as good of a feel as the 460ZR, as it doesn't have that same face material but it isn't like the other MOI drivers that have horrible feel. closest to the Nike and furthest from the Callaway FT-i is the best i can describe it. Without a doubt and hands down the best feeling MOI driver built to date. Although lots has to do with the shaft installed, I am still working to fine tune it with the Roddio yet have curiosity to install an Axiv X, New Tour AD and most of all I would like to try a Mach Line Pro or DREV ICN Tour.

Custom Build:

Go with a shaft you love or something new that looks like it would fit you. I wanted a distance bomber and the Roddio I installed seems to be longer than any other I have ever hit to date. I added a small tip weight along with tipping the shaft close to a half an inch as this has been working well for me with any head no matter what brand or model. I decided D1 was best for my try at max distance and 45 ish would do the job for length. Great part is Epon has so many shaft options and has actually suggested the Axiv X or the new Tour AD's. I have not tried the EMB with its stock shaft but this should be optimal for average swing speeds. It was produced by Graphite Design. On the horizon I'm thinking of trying a 12* loft square face EMB with a nice DREV ICN shaft for the tightest dispersion possible.

Accuracy/Distance/Performance

What can I say, its a cannon and IMO the best driver on the market for an average player, I still suggest the 460ZR if your more into feel and traditional shape but if you don't have to have the best in those worlds this new Epon driver will most likley be longer, straighter, and better feeling than any high MOI driver you have tried. If your an advanced player then perhaps the 9.5 with a square to open face angle may do the trick, whatever the case with all the options Epon gives you it can be built to suite anyones game from pro PGA tour level to high handicap weekend golfer.

Later this coming week I will put it up against the new Tourstage black driver and the new VIQ MX, both get killer reviews from the JDM mags, I would love to see if they match up in distance and dispersion after the re shaft.

[bogeydog]

Chris,

What is the Roddio shaft missing? Seems odd that the GD stock shaft has such high torque numbers. That is why I am curious about other shafts. Is the higher torque number better for the slower swinger and less aggressive swing? I am also interested in what fex info you are getting tipping the Roddio so much. Why the idea to try a 12 degree?

I have gone back and fourth from 44" drivers to 45.5" drivers, the 44" for sure goes straighter, the 45.5" length always gives the shaft more kick feel and it does indeed get a little more distance, height, and hang time IMO. I say 44.5 - 45.5 is a good choice. Club usually feels better for average swingers.

I have been able to take the EMB out for a short spin in recent days and here is my take:

Design/Style

Its the best looking High MOI driver from above IMO, its pretty decent from the sole view also. Epon has been working on this driver for a long time, a year ago these were one of the designs I saw on the table when at EPON, later some revised versions were produced and an initial launch date of early November scheduled, early November they found a way to produce 4-5 more yards for off center hits, this is indeed a big deal and enough to halt production mid way. Good on Epon and Endo for doing this as they have now designed and produced the highest MOI and most advanced driver on the market to date. As far as the design, IMO as performance goes this driver is unbeatable and it comes down to head design, manufacturing technology and materials. This is not a 1st gen high MOI design, its next gen. From above this driver looks unique, super easy to hit and with the option of custom face angles it can look as square, closed, or open as you desire.

Feel:

Not as good of a feel as the 460ZR, as it doesn't have that same face material but it isn't like the other MOI drivers that have horrible feel. closest to the Nike and furthest from the Callaway FT-i is the best i can describe it. Without a doubt and hands down the best feeling MOI driver built to date. Although lots has to do with the shaft installed, I am still working to fine tune it with the Roddio yet have curiosity to install an Axiv X, New Tour AD and most of all I would like to try a Mach Line Pro or DREV ICN Tour.

Custom Build:

Go with a shaft you love or something new that looks like it would fit you. I wanted a distance bomber and the Roddio I installed seems to be longer than any other I have ever hit to date. I added a small tip weight along with tipping the shaft close to a half an inch as this has been working well for me with any head no matter what brand or model. I decided D1 was best for my try at max distance and 45 ish would do the job for length. Great part is Epon has so many shaft options and has actually suggested the Axiv X or the new Tour AD's. I have not tried the EMB with its stock shaft but this should be optimal for average swing speeds. It was produced by Graphite Design. On the horizon I'm thinking of trying a 12* loft square face EMB with a nice DREV ICN shaft for the tightest dispersion possible.

Accuracy/Distance/Performance

What can I say, its a cannon and IMO the best driver on the market for an average player, I still suggest the 460ZR if your more into feel and traditional shape but if you don't have to have the best in those worlds this new Epon driver will most likley be longer, straighter, and better feeling than any high MOI driver you have tried. If your an advanced player then perhaps the 9.5 with a square to open face angle may do the trick, whatever the case with all the options Epon gives you it can be built to suite anyones game from pro PGA tour level to high handicap weekend golfer.

Later this coming week I will put it up against the new Tourstage black driver and the new VIQ MX, both get killer reviews from the JDM mags, I would love to see if they match up in distance and dispersion after the re shaft.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

In most cases the slower swing speed does better with a higher torque shaft but another factor is your swing plane, I mean if you are fighting hooks i don't suggest a higher torque shaft. If you are fighting the slice you should almost always look for something with mid/high torque members. A lot has to do with the swing but the only thing I notice is lower torque is usually a tad tighter in dispersion and i have to step on the gas a little more. With higher torque ratings i swing smooth most of the round and play a very reserved steady and safe round of driving.

[bogeydog]

How about add the new OnOff Black driver into the mix?

I have gone back and fourth from 44" drivers to 45.5" drivers, the 44" for sure goes straighter, the 45.5" length always gives the shaft more kick feel and it does indeed get a little more distance, height, and hang time IMO. I say 44.5 - 45.5 is a good choice. Club usually feels better for average swingers.

I have been able to take the EMB out for a short spin in recent days and here is my take:

Design/Style

Its the best looking High MOI driver from above IMO, its pretty decent from the sole view also. Epon has been working on this driver for a long time, a year ago these were one of the designs I saw on the table when at EPON, later some revised versions were produced and an initial launch date of early November scheduled, early November they found a way to produce 4-5 more yards for off center hits, this is indeed a big deal and enough to halt production mid way. Good on Epon and Endo for doing this as they have now designed and produced the highest MOI and most advanced driver on the market to date. As far as the design, IMO as performance goes this driver is unbeatable and it comes down to head design, manufacturing technology and materials. This is not a 1st gen high MOI design, its next gen. From above this driver looks unique, super easy to hit and with the option of custom face angles it can look as square, closed, or open as you desire.

Feel:

Not as good of a feel as the 460ZR, as it doesn't have that same face material but it isn't like the other MOI drivers that have horrible feel. closest to the Nike and furthest from the Callaway FT-i is the best i can describe it. Without a doubt and hands down the best feeling MOI driver built to date. Although lots has to do with the shaft installed, I am still working to fine tune it with the Roddio yet have curiosity to install an Axiv X, New Tour AD and most of all I would like to try a Mach Line Pro or DREV ICN Tour.

Custom Build:

Go with a shaft you love or something new that looks like it would fit you. I wanted a distance bomber and the Roddio I installed seems to be longer than any other I have ever hit to date. I added a small tip weight along with tipping the shaft close to a half an inch as this has been working well for me with any head no matter what brand or model. I decided D1 was best for my try at max distance and 45 ish would do the job for length. Great part is Epon has so many shaft options and has actually suggested the Axiv X or the new Tour AD's. I have not tried the EMB with its stock shaft but this should be optimal for average swing speeds. It was produced by Graphite Design. On the horizon I'm thinking of trying a 12* loft square face EMB with a nice DREV ICN shaft for the tightest dispersion possible.

Accuracy/Distance/Performance

What can I say, its a cannon and IMO the best driver on the market for an average player, I still suggest the 460ZR if your more into feel and traditional shape but if you don't have to have the best in those worlds this new Epon driver will most likley be longer, straighter, and better feeling than any high MOI driver you have tried. If your an advanced player then perhaps the 9.5 with a square to open face angle may do the trick, whatever the case with all the options Epon gives you it can be built to suite anyones game from pro PGA tour level to high handicap weekend golfer.

Later this coming week I will put it up against the new Tourstage black driver and the new VIQ MX, both get killer reviews from the JDM mags, I would love to see if they match up in distance and dispersion after the re shaft.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Thats on its way too sir, it looks amazing and I think ill get the Yamaha to test as well.

[bogeydog]

Updates?

Thats on its way too sir, it looks amazing and I think ill get the Yamaha to test as well.

[dkjscout]

Following this with great interest…any outcomes?

[TBone]

Will do sir, please give me a few days.

Any "side by side" pictures yet?

[gocchin]

Here you go T:

[TBone]

Thanks G!!

Greatly appreciated......would love to see a few more, especially face views (side by side).

Thanks again!

[Ginrin]

Are those in hand pics? That new Epon driver look so shiny and new

[Breal]

Any face pics side by side ? Thanks