Tourstage 901 Blade reviewed

[jacksonlui]

I've been waiting for a long time for my 901 blades to arrive. I knew USPS would be out shipping today and with my luck, I missed the doorbell.

Being such a dedicated skank club ho that I am, I drove for about an hour tracking down the truck. If I succeed, I will be hitting these today, if not I will be hitting them on Tuesday..nuff said. I was able to track the truck down and did a routine skid - turn - block...the only thing I didn't have was sirens flashing. I think I might have startled the driver thinking it was a hold up. In a way it was...

Now that I have "them", I can't wait to take some pictures and share my thoughts with everyone on TSG.

I only hit these into the net and took some measurements with the Vector launch monitor. Many of you are interested in comparing this to the Miura blade so here goes:

Comparing the 901 to the Miura TE 2008 hitting into a net (7 iron):

club 1: Tourstage 901 NSPRO950 Stiff (D1)

club 2: Miura TE 2008 Tour Flighted Rifle 6.0 (D2)

Physical attributes and opinions

================================

The 901 has a slightly:

- larger top line mainly because it's not rounded off like the Miura.

- larger sole

- more of a blunted edge

- larger face

- more offset

- shorter hosel (0.25 inches)

- less dense feel at impact

- better look at address

- better overall look

- more advanced technology built into the head

The 901 still feels great and feels like a blade. I think some of this difference has to do with the different shafts.

The Miura was very dense and the 901 was very soft and hollow. It's hard to describe this feel, you can definitely tell which was was forged by Miura or Epon.

I like the way the 901 sets up at address a little bit better. All the little differences are insignificant in my opinion.

Overall the 901 wins hands down in the looks department and the setup department, I will have to give it to Miura on the feel, with the 901 very very close behind.

Feel is so subjective and can vary with shafts and the way you impact the ball...so take my opinion of feel as only my own.

The 901 is very balanced and easy to swing. The 950 shaft might be a bit light for me but I'm going to stick with it for a while to see how well they perform before throwing in the KBS Tour 5.5 or the Tour Concept S300 or the 1150.

The quality of assembly is premium as expected. The ferrules are nice, perfect and no glue is present. The packaging from Bridgestone is superb the heads and grips are individually wrapped.

Forgiveness

I took 5 shots with each club and noted how far from the sweetspot at impact, then compared the same "mis**t":

901 Miura

Shot#1 = Thin (centered thin hit, 0.5 inches below sweetspot)

BallSpeed = 100.0 98.0

Carry = 139.3 138.1

Total = 145.2 145.2

Shot#2 = Heel (centered heel hit, 0.5 inches right of sweetspot)

BallSpeed = 101.4 99.3

Carry = 143.0 143.0

Total = 148.0 149.8

Shot#3 = Center

BallSpeed = 103.5 101.2

Carry = 149.4 144.4

Total = 156.0 150.2

Shot#4 = Toe (centered toe hit, 0.25 inches left of sweetspot)

BallSpeed = 101.7 101.9

Carry = 150.7 149.6

Total = 159.1 157.2

Shot#5 = High (centered high hit, 0.15 inches above sweetspot)

BallSpeed = 101.1 98.3

Carry = 149.9 139.5

Total = 158.3 145.8

Summary:

Center and Toe hits seems to perform the best on both clubs while heel and thin shots are penalized.

High hits seemed better on the 901 than the Miura.

You are penalized 5% in distance for heel hits and 7% on thin hits that are 0.5 inches away on the 901.

I only have the consistency of a midcapper so just use these numbers as reference.

If only I can swing at the same swingspeed everytime, like a robot, these numbers would mean a lot more.

Most of my misses are thin so this is a concern.

It's also interesting how I get better performance from toe hits and I hardly hit on the toe.

The ball speed didn't change but both carry and roll is better, maybe I need to start learning to hit off the toe.

On average, here are the numbers:

901 Miura

carry = 146.5 142.8

roll = 6.9 7.0

offline = 0.5 7.3

ballspeed = 101.5 99.3

swingspeed= 75.1 73.5

As you can see from the numbers, the 901 setup is better for my misses while I tend to push the Miura setup due to a stiffer shaft.

I might perform better in the Miura if I put in a softer shaft. I gained 2mph with the lighter shaft on the 901 without greater dispersion.

I'll have to post a review after I get some course time and there will be much less data to comb through instead I'll just share my experiences.

So far nothing puts the 901 far ahead of the Miura except in the looks department. The Miura is one of the best if not the best blade out there.

The initial impressions put the 901 amongst the best right next to the Miura.

Too bad the 901 doesn't have the shiny sandblasted face like the Miura, I think it's much more durable. The dark grey finish just marks up too easily.

...and a few hours later after some range time....

so I took a trip to the grass range today to see how they would feel through some turf and trajectory.

the sound was a little better outdoors but still doesn't have the dense feel of the Miuras, maybe a better word to describe it is light and smooth. Kinda like the way i like my coffee, light, smooth, and sweet =) No problems through the turf, in fact, I had several nice looking strips of divots..should have brought my camera. Somehow with this setup, I am able to take deeper divots which is a good thing.

The trajectory was surprisingly low especially with these NS950 stiff shafts. I usually hit pretty high balls. I did however start moving my ball further back in the stance (middle to left of middle) and I use to play one ball position up front. This may explain the deeper divots and lower trajectory. Nevertheless, the trajectory was "strong". Most of my misses was small pulls but definitely playable. So far I'm happy with my purchase and I'm looking forward to hitting the links next week.

Jack

Edited November 16, 2008 by jacksonlui

[gocchin]

Awesome feedback Jack! Great information with all the numbers and tests. The 901 is definitely a looker. I love the way it looks and so far so good for you it seems. Look forward to the course impressions!

[jacksonlui]

added to my post above on my range session

[gocchin]

Great stuff Jack. I need to check where those VR are made.... sounds though like the 901's are a good fit. (^_^)

[jacksonlui]

yeah, please let us know where the VR is forged. it's as good as the old Nike forged blades, they were solid as well. just not forgiving.. i'm pretty sure the 901's and Epons would be more forgiving than the VR's.

[idrive]

yeah, please let us know where the VR is forged. it's as good as the old Nike forged blades, they were solid as well. just not forgiving.. i'm pretty sure the 901's and Epons would be more forgiving than the VR's.

I'm going to bet China.

I received my 901's yesterday as well. After reading your review I don't feel like I need to go hit them to know what to expect. They sure look sweet, I'm really pleased with how thin/narrow the bottom is. It will be March/April before I get to hit them.... I am presently "on the shelf" and it may just drive me crazy not being able to hit all the new clubs until then. I'll be doing a lot of visual comparisons for a while.

Thanks for the write up, will be curious to see what you think after playing with them a couple of times.

[gocchin]

I'm going to bet China.

I received my 901's yesterday as well. After reading your review I don't feel like I need to go hit them to know what to expect. They sure look sweet, I'm really pleased with how thin/narrow the bottom is. It will be March/April before I get to hit them.... I am presently "on the shelf" and it may just drive me crazy not being able to hit all the new clubs until then. I'll be doing a lot of visual comparisons for a while.

Thanks for the write up, will be curious to see what you think after playing with them a couple of times.

You're right J, they are made in China. I thought they might have been Japan as many Nike clubs are but not the VR's... I guess Nike is saving money by going the China route.

[jacksonlui]

the club feels fine so it doesn't matter where it's forged as long as they ensure they keep tabs on the quality. many oems have their components manufactured from China and then assembled in the US as a means for cost savings. I'm okay with it as long as the quality control is up to par. However, if I spend top dollars on something like Tourstage, Epon, or Miura...I expect everything to be done in Japan. It's like buying a BMW with an American transmission that was built in France. The transmission in the '99 3-series was the case, it pissed me off when I had to shell out $5K to replace it.

[gocchin]

the club feels fine so it doesn't matter where it's forged as long as they ensure they keep tabs on the quality. many oems have their components manufactured from China and then assembled in the US as a means for cost savings. I'm okay with it as long as the quality control is up to par. However, if I spend top dollars on something like Tourstage, Epon, or Miura...I expect everything to be done in Japan. It's like buying a BMW with an American transmission that was built in France. The transmission in the '99 3-series was the case, it pissed me off when I had to shell out $5K to replace it.

Very true, I've hit some clubs made in China (yes some Japanese OEM's produce in China too). that feel pretty good. QA is the key as you say. The r7 forged is a good feeling iron too that wasn't made in Japan.

[Duffer19]

Is it Taiwan or the PRC for the VR? I thought the TM was forged in Taiwan.

[gocchin]

Is it Taiwan or the PRC for the VR? I thought the TM was forged in Taiwan.

China for the VR and Taiwan for the r7 (apparently)

[danitrio1]

Is that N.A. Tournament Blade you are comparing the 901 to?

I can't believe how small Tournament Blades are compared to modern blades. I was thinking of purchasing Miura LE 'baby' blades, but if baby blades are even smaller than Tournament Blades....... hmhmhm

Now.... just need to figure out Epon or Tourstage.

Edited November 17, 2008 by danitrio1

[jacksonlui]

yes, that's the NA TE 2008 model. I use to own the LE blades and they were a tad smaller but a little more solid and went a little further, but loss a little more distance on off centered hits than the regular NA TE blades. In another words, the TE is more forgiving distance wise but the LE is more solid.

I would just buy the Epon and Tourstage and do your own comparison. The resale value might not be too bad, don't know.

That's the ONLY way to compare, not by reading. Otherwise, just close your eyes and pick one, they both are great.

It's not an easy choice unfortunately. I just think the 901 looks better and has more technology and is a limited edition. I'm sure the 901 will probably feel more solid, still not crazy about the shiny chrome.

[NakedDave]

Somewhat resembles the old Mizuno TN-87 if you ask me.

[gocchin]

Is that N.A. Tournament Blade you are comparing the 901 to?

I can't believe how small Tournament Blades are compared to modern blades. I was thinking of purchasing Miura LE 'baby' blades, but if baby blades are even smaller than Tournament Blades....... hmhmhm

Now.... just need to figure out Epon or Tourstage.

Both are great choices. The Tourstage are selling out all over Japan. We've only got one set left and doesn't look like we'll get any more... same goes for the wedges. The Epon is not limited but also a good choice.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

We have one set 4-PW Tourstage 901 Limiteds with S200 left guys.

[jacksonlui]

sorry guys for not reporting sooner.

i've had only 27 holes in on a course so far and the grind works really well for me. I've adjusted to the lighter 950 shaft and I'm hitting it more solid. I actually picked up a club longer than the Miura, not sure why, I think it's the lighter shafts.

The trajectory is lower than the Rifles which I found kind of weird but spins enough to stop on a dime for the short irons. The Miura blades are still more solid or dense feeling and the 901's feel more smooth and lighter. Different feels and both are good. As of now, I think I'll just continue playing the 901's till the spring and sell the Miura blades. I also have a spanking new set of Viq irons if anyone is looking. I'm curious about the Epons, would love to do a comparison one day..for now, you can't go wrong with the 901's and they are limited to boot. I still can't get over how nice they look!

If the 901 wedges were cheaper, I could've made a nice complete set. There are too many good wedges out there at that price range.

Edited November 23, 2008 by jacksonlui

[jnims29]

We have one set 4-PW Tourstage 901 Limiteds with S200 left guys.

How would you compare the 901's to the GS Muscle Backs? I have had my eye on the GS to step up to a true JDM club ove my MP-32s.

[Blader-X]

We have one set 4-PW Tourstage 901 Limiteds with S200 left guys.

This is a very special iron. I have not seen a more beautiful or well balanced head to date. TourStage outdid themselves with this club.

[jacksonlui]

Blader-X, any reviews yet on the 901?

KBS a good combo?

Edited November 25, 2008 by jacksonlui

[Blader-X]

Blader-X, any reviews yet on the 901?

KBS a good combo?

Sadly, I've yet to be able to get them in to the course let alone the range. I don't want to just for a short time at the range as I want to savior the experience with them if you will. I will say that just from swinging at home and hitting little chips with every club, I've never felt a finer, more balanced club. However, until I can get some quality time in with them, I'm holding back on the reviews for now. My son's travel hockey schedule isn't helping matters much, but trust me. When I do get the time in, I will report back in full detail.