Syard T388....Bought into the hype...u

[mr.haha]

So I’ve been following all of the threads surrounding Syards T.388 and marveled at the claims of greater distance, extra roll etc… As a result of these threads I bought into the “claims” of this driver and ordered a 9.5 Stiff from Tario.

First off, I got the driver last week and my first impression was that for the price, the headcover was just plain awful. And that’s where the bashing ends…

After 1 intense range session and 2 full rounds of golf under my belt, my biggest complaint about the driver is “WHY DIDN’T THIS DRIVER COME OUT YEARS AGO?”

The range session that I had was absolutely stunning. My first swing felt as if it took no effort and the sound/feel off the club face was truly magic. I am coming from a Kamui Ray driver head and the feel of the Syard is significantly far superior. I hit perhaps 50 drives at the range, which for me is a lot. Pure hits were just flat out crushed and toe shots still went high but straight. I am a high ball hitter and the 9.5 certainly brought my trajectory down towards a more piercing flight. Toe hits went straight although I couldn’t tell if there was any distance loss. Heel misses geared back towards the area I was aiming at.

At some point during the range session a few people came over to me asking me what kind of driver this was (People in Boston have no clue what JDM is) and how I could be hitting such long drives with a much smaller head. Anyways, the range session was nothing short of spectacular and I initially had some hesitation towards the stiff shaft (im at 105mph) and overall size. That hesitation was gone after that session. However, there is always a honeymoon phase so I was trying to temper my excitement.

Then came the two rounds early this week. My god. My average drives with the kamui were around 270 total yards and misses were not well rewarded. With the Syard: 285 total yards easy. Well hit drives hit up to 300 and toe shots went around 270. I purposely hit multiple tee shots on the same hole just to see how mis**ts would react. I really couldn’t understand how a 388CC head could be more forgiving than my 460CC kamui. Also, given that this is a low spin driver, the accuracy of this head is just far superior to anything that I have played. Perhaps I am still in the honey moon phase but this driver in its short duration is nothing short of amazing.

[RLL33]

A man's dream: a honeymoon that lasts.

;=]

(still smiling here, too)

[bogeydog]

Another believer.

[idrive]

Makes my day when I say.... I told you so. I hit a couple drives yesterday that went farther than they were

supposed too. Was out driving my equel (playing partner) by 20 yards

I've also thought that quite a few of the Head Covers recently have been terrible

Congrats on having it work right away. Took a few rounds for me to dial in. I've found it just gets

better and better and....

[+TourSpecGolfer]

What you said is spot on for me. The toe shots of the 388 are sometimes as long or longer than my center shots. heel not so much but still better than most.

It's bizarre as shots that I would have guarantee faded go dead straight with this club yet I can fade or draw it a little easier than most drivers I have played.

I'm at least 7-10 rounds into the 388 and near that many range sessions. I don't think I will be changing the shaft for a while either.

[RIduffer]

I'm a Belieber too… Contemplating a shaft change though, or tipping the shaft that is there a tad. Am finding it prone to a bigger draw than I am after. Distance is great, feel is good too...

[bogeydog]

I already ordered the XV to see how they compare, but I am skeptical if I can make an adjustment back to the larger head. If it is more automatic and otherwise similar performing to the 388, it will be a milestone.

I have a range session planned tonight and 3 rounds over the next few days to enjoy the 388 prior to the XV stepping on its toes.

[mr.haha]

What you said is spot on for me.  The toe shots of the 388 are sometimes as long or longer than my center shots.  heel not so much but still better than most.

It's bizarre as shots that I would have guarantee faded  go dead straight with this club yet I can fade or draw it a little easier than most drivers I have played.

I'm at least 7-10 rounds into the 388 and near that many range sessions.  I don't think I will be changing the shaft for a while either.

my toe shots werent traveling as far as my centered shots but that may be because toe shots launched pretty high with less roll. i wont be golfing this weekend but i will be sure to get in a range session next tuesday. also, toe shots didnt gear towards center at all and just stayed straight. not complaining though! Edited April 25, 2013 by mr.haha

[shacco]

I have to ask again. Is this still a player's club or can the avarage Joe game it?

[+TourSpecGolfer]

I do think a 20+ hcp could get along with it.

10.5 in R flex & 10.5 in SR

[RIduffer]

I do think a 20+ hcp could get along with it.

10.5 in R flex & 10.5 in SR

Out of curiosity, why would flex be meaningful? I sucked for a long time, arguably still do, but would never have been able to control an R or SR. Or is it because those are the only flexes the 10.5 comes in?

[RLL33]

Think an "average Joe" would like it just fine -- as long as he didn't mind hitting drives long and straight. <g>

[shacco]

Think an "average Joe" would like it just fine -- as long as he didn't mind hitting drives long and straight.

Hmmm... Anyone wanna trade their 10.5° T.388 head with a 10° Crazy CRZ 460? ;)

[stevopagolf]

I agree on several points.

The driver is very forgiving and an average Joe can play it.

Other than heel hits it produces long shots.

I have a Ryoma and it is just as good and feels better.

Yes the head cover sucks, it is garbage. It doesn't close the magnetic part doesn't work. Only negative and I really couldn't care less.

Glad they spent the money on the head and shaft.

[bogeydog]

Yea the head cover is poorly made. Scratches easily also. I bought a different one but sure would prefer the stock one which works.

[Mob]

Any chance of them making a left handed version?

[wmclarenf1]

I've yet to buy into the hype but all this talk is really getting me interested...

[mr.haha]

I've yet to buy into the hype but all this talk is really getting me interested...

buy into the hype. incredible and 100% worth it. best money ive ever spent.

[gocchin]

Jason glad you love the driver. I consider myself very average and was originally intimidated by the size, but as I posted in most of my initial impressions and blog post... surprised the hell out of me. I never would have imagined it would be this forgiving. I love the trajectory and the feel. I could play the SR but now that they have an R that would suit me even more.

[Romaro-Slut]

This thread has also aroused my interest haha

[Yohanan]

I have put in a email to gocchin - so I think I am about to . . .

Feel, Forgiving and Longer all in a smaller head - My 5 year search may be over . . .

Was looking at getting a Yonex Ezone 380 built but if I am going to get into the water I might as well get all the way in?

The water is warm here - Yes?

The XV looks very interesting as well?

Cheers

[stevopagolf]

I played my first two actual golf rounds with it and it is an impressive beast. Best of the day was a 410 yard par 4. Driver, Gap wedge for me.

I hit the ball poorly all weekend, but every drive I hit poorly I was shocked how far it went. Toe hits as others have said go very far. Heel hits not as far. Hit several heel shots that got out 230 plus. I was really pleased with the performance of the club. My golf performance not so much. It did lessen the pain "Wow that went really pretty far for as crappy as I hit it" seemed to help my dejected self... It really likes to go straight...

I would recommend it to up to a 18hcp easy. I am done looking at drivers.

[wmclarenf1]

I played my first two actual golf rounds with it and it is an impressive beast. Best of the day was a 410 yard par 4. Driver, Gap wedge for me. I hit the ball poorly all weekend, but every drive I hit poorly I was shocked how far it went. Toe hits as others have said go very far. Heel hits not as far. Hit several heel shots that got out 230 plus. I was really pleased with the performance of the club. My golf performance not so much. It did lessen the pain "Wow that went really pretty far for as crappy as I hit it" seemed to help my dejected self... It really likes to go straight... I would recommend it to up to a 18hcp easy. I am done looking at drivers.

You are a mean individual for posting this.... :-)

[+TourSpecGolfer]

I have put in a email to gocchin - so I think I am about to . . .

Feel, Forgiving and Longer all in a smaller head - My 5 year search may be over . . .

Was looking at getting a Yonex Ezone 380 built but if I am going to get into the water I might as well get all the way in?

The water is warm here - Yes?

The XV looks very interesting as well?

Cheers

HeyYo!,

Welcome to the site, yes put the 380 down there are so many drivers to look at that are current. The T.388 is the route to take if you like smaller heads.

Does anyone here think the 388 has some major gear effect going on? I swear sometimes I hit it towrd the toe and I would normally expect a big fade but the ball go straight. This alone has been a life saver for me.

[Yohanan]

HeyYo!,

Welcome to the site, yes put the 380 down there are so many drivers to look at that are current. The T.388 is the route to take if you like smaller heads.

Does anyone here think the 388 has some major gear effect going on? I swear sometimes I hit it towrd the toe and I would normally expect a big fade but the ball go straight. This alone has been a life saver for me.

Thanks! If my wife finds out I am dead . . .

I have the ability to get both the T.388 and the XV.

T emailed me back and I responded - and here is my question to the group - I like a Low Torque - Stiff Tip - High Kick 65 - 67 gram shaft with a SS of currently 100 that can go to 103 when I am warm and swining wiht confidence. I am 49 and am slowing down a little now.

Anyway - I got fit for Cally RZFX 8.5 with Trinity Stiff - very good results - very consistent - effortless. Haven't picked one up yet. Really liked Trinity shaft and why I mention it. SMOOTH!

Got on the Ezone 380 bandwagon - hit it Saturday at a big demo day here in Sacramento at Morton Golf/Haggin Oaks. Wasn't that impressed. Toe misses were a push slice. When flushed felt really good though - real good. Didn't care for the stock shafts at all. One was burnt oragne and one was blue. I asked for the M2 Low spin 65 gram. Anyway I am glad I was able to hit it.

I have wore out a 360cc 9* driver head from a bankrupt company that only went into pre-production only before the owner left with the cash from a GC infomercial circa 2002? UST shaft - white with blue/yellow graphics "Pro Force Tip" Have had several UST PF V2 shafts in various other heads and like it. The outfit's name was NEXT Technologies with Magnetix Technology. Hated it at first but once I dialed it in. 270 down the middle and could work it. Hence my avatar searing for it's replacment.

So getting back on track here - I lhave Fubuki A Stiff in both my LL and Adams F12 LS 9.5 The the profile mid launch and control is much like the Trinity but a little more stout and like both shafts. Both Low Torque - High Kick - Stiff Tip.

I haven't swung a Rombax X - Since I like low torque clubs and I hit down on everything and tend to cast or flip with these two clubs would I be better off with the LV or put the LV Rombax shaft in the T.388?

I just don't see myself in 4.5 Torque 45.25 shaft in the T.388? I realize it's there for a reason and can always re-shaft it? But am looking for guidance if possible with an order for T.388?

Anyone have some postive thoughts that can help me out before I pull the trigger?

Anyone have both the T.388 and the LV and can compare?

Also I understand that going to a 10.5 in this T.388 is a good idea - but I have had no issue per say getting the ball up in any club as I hit down and as mentioned play around 9 degrees historically with my driver.

Tario mentioned and rightfuly so - teeing the ball down with shallow face on the t.388 and having a level or sweeping swing produces the desired results.

Thanks