Yet more T.388 Feedback

[Craig]

Driver wise I pretty much have had them all. If I dont then I have probably hit Supos. The Ryoma V Spec is undoubtedly the top dog. Straight, long, forgiving and very good quality. It has the number one spot in my bag.

Having said that I have tried just about every combo out there to beat it. Alas, there has been no real serious threat to dethrone it.

The Crazy 435 is longer, The Epons feel better, some sound better, many look better, the headcover is atrocious, but nothing has come close overall to the Ryoma. The thought has never entered my mind to change it. So much so that I now have 3 of them.

Except the S Yard 388.

This is the real deal.

Have not hit it enough yet as only seriously used it for a week, compared to the Ryoma for over 2 years, but my gut feeling is that the 388 will dethrone the Ryoma.

The 10.5^ gives me perfect launch, massive carry and tons of roll. Longer than the Ryoma by up to 1 club and not affected by wind.

I have always said that the only negative to the Ryoma, for some unknown reason, is that it struggles in strong winds. The 388 has no such issues even with its higher launch.

Time will only tell if it is as straight as the Ryoma, but to this point, it is at least as forgiving

As most of you know, I don't tend to post much or say a lot about clubs but I just felt that I had to share my thoughts on this with you guys.

I think it is that good.

[wmclarenf1]

Hi Craig, really good to hear from you on the 388. Didn;t know you got it but since you do, you ongoing review will be greatly appreciated as always.

For me, the Ryoma D1 is still the best all round driver, just not the longest. Again, she ain;t short, just not long. I probably get about 10 metres more on avg with the 435 but can be more wild. Same TJ-46 shaft.

As we discussed in the past, you and I seem to share similar swing stats and clubs. You mentioned you 435 is longer. Is the 388 lonfer than the 435 on about on par on really negligible gain for either the 435 or 388? ALso, what shaft do you play the 388 10.5* in?

Reading all the stuff about the 388, I am curious about it but to keep hearing all good stuff, the skeptic in me comes to bear and I have to wonder if it's honeymoon over hype in at least several of the instances.

Would really appreciate your ongoing thoughts as I really do think your feedback is unbiased and you'll call a spade a spade. Thanks.

Edited May 6, 2013 by wmclarenf1

[RLL33]

Good post, Craig, which I agree with. I was an onlooker here at TSG for years after accidentally seeing (and pining for) a set of irons that i think were called Zestia's (or something like that). I found my way into JDM gear through Miura. Then the more I read, the more I learned to trust Tario's writeups. Eventually I tried the Ryoma Premia and loved it with a Crazy Noir shaft installed. But the t388 sounded, from Tario's description, like what I'd been searching for literally for years -- a strong driver with a head smaller than the massive 460's, which always felt like jumbo airliners to me, as opposed to my 3-wood which felt like a fighter jet by comparison. I tried the t.388 and not only did it feel like a fighter jet, but as I described it in my first post here, like a stealth fighter jet with it's shadowy profile and supercharged hits.

I totally respect the sceptic's attitude, wmc. It's my nature, too, not to believe excessive claims. But as many have noted here besides myself, the t.388 is not hype, it's the real deal. It's genuinely the first driver I've owned where the honeymoon not only continues to last, but continues to surprise with new tricks. For instance, many have noted its ability to penetrate even into the wind. But last week I found myself standing on a tee with a strong wind at my back. I smiled and teed up the ball as I used to with my Ryoma -- super high -- and let it rip. Well, not only did it launch way up in the air, but the ball seemed to disappear. (This hole is also downhill and a blind dogleg.) When I finally tracked my shot down, it was in a region I had NEVER reached on that hole. Not even close.

In short, I continue to maintain that Kobayashi-san has designed a breakthrough driver here, one that has the potential to possibly turn the golf world away from the 460cc heads that now dominate even on the pro level. (I'd give a lot to see the look on Tiger or Rory's face if handed the t.388 and told to take a few hits with it... <g> )

Not only did I end up selling my Premia, but I bought a second t.388 to hold in reserve in case anything happens to my first. Not to mention that it's been billed as a limited run club...

I think it's great, btw, that the XV is out, too, and sounds like a similar club, but for those who still prefer a slightly larger head. I know there are more folks who would prefer to get on a 747, but for anyone who would choose a fighter jet or even a six-seater, I say try the t.388. She's a mistress who reveals herself slowly -- and then keeps getting better and continues to surprise.

[gocchin]

Craig thanks for sharing this feedback with me via email and on the forum with the members. I knew that the T.388 would be something special for you and I am glad you trusted me when I recommended it. (^_^)

The more you play with it the better you will probably hit it. This has been the case for most people as they get used to the head. It's just amazing though that people can find it nearly as or as forgiving as the Ryoma which is something to be said for a sub 400cc head. I am glad I was not the only one to make this observation when I was the first one to try it back in December.

Same findings here though when it comes to wind. I love my Ryoma as well but it has sat in favor of either S-Yard recently mostly due to strong spring winds. The wind just does not seem to know the S-yards down!

[gocchin]

Then the more I read, the more I learned to trust Tario's writeups. Eventually I tried the Ryoma Premia and loved it with a Crazy Noir shaft installed. But the t388 sounded, from Tario's description, like what I'd been searching for literally for years -- a strong driver with a head smaller than the massive 460's, which always felt like jumbo airliners to me, as opposed to my 3-wood which felt like a fighter jet by comparison. I tried the t.388 and not only did it feel like a fighter jet, but as I described it in my first post here, like a stealth fighter jet with it's shadowy profile and supercharged hits.

Thanks for the kind words Richard... (^_^)

[RLL33]

Hey, Tario, considering I say a private thank you to you after walking off most every tee these days, no problem, no problem at all. Hope to shake hands with you some day -- let me know if you're ever in the LA area -- a round at my club any time, my friend!

Oh, and P.S., don't be surprised if you see some more interest from the Left Coast here now that I'm sporting that beautiful white S-Yard bag. Three guys at the club came up to me last week to ask what it was. ;=]

[gocchin]

Hey, Tario, considering I say a private thank you to you after walking off most every tee these days, no problem, no problem at all. Hope to shake hands with you some day -- let me know if you're ever in the LA area -- a round at my club any time, my friend!

Oh, and P.S., don't be surprised if you see some more interest from the Left Coast here now that I'm sporting that beautiful white S-Yard bag. Three guys at the club came up to me last week to ask what it was. ;=]

As long as you are happy and the driver performs. Glade the bag is attracting attention. (^_^)

[supo]

7 days with the syard. "........435 ..... 425 tour.......ryoma d1

Ryoma is the most inbetween big disatnce and accuracy

11/14 with it today and yesterday

2horrors and theodd one that tails offinto theabyss

435 closed1'

Big bomber can draw this thing high soaring all carry think its 10'

Too much loft it needs to go

425 tour

Humongous low bulletts than run miles

Some run so far the end up in thefooooookin whales blow,holes out here

Bad misses with this are diablical but thats thecombo the shaft in this has ti be hit near the speed of light to get it to work

When i do that

Theres nithing even close

Syard

Well....., its long,plenty long.its not high at all

Its damn straight and i can work it more than the others thanks to the shafting comboof the

As eveyone who doesnt shaft this right says ...oh it baloons (really??.?.?.?.?) . The diamana stinger

This is ....

My no1 driver

Its almost unaffected by wind

(Oh did i mention its got a ballooninng dimanan stinger in it?)

Oh well yes in5 rounds with it it doesn tgo hogh turn up and fall over eith backspin

That is ballooning

Its prob the most impressive set up with the 435 same shaftivebuilt

And i can hit stingers with it

Can u do that with ballooning shafts

No

This thing is Awsome

Its taken over as of today as the top dawwwwwwwwwwwwg

[wmclarenf1]

Good to hear Stew! I've borrowed a friends 388 10.5 with stock SR (and a bold 56) and will demo them again at the range again today with range rocks as well as a bag of beat up Bridgestone B330 balls that I played. Will also play a round with them tomorrow.

This will be my second range session with the 388 and after the round tomorrow, I believe it will be enough tme with it for me to conclusively decide if it does anything more for me over my other drivers. I think it be hard pressed to beat the 435 for overall average distance. I do believe it will beat the D1 on distance but will it give me as many fairways on especially on days when my swing is off... if that is the definition of forgiveness, the owner of T-loaned the 388 from doesn't think the 388 is close to the D1 in terms of forgiveness and for such a small head, maybe its not fair to expect that. From all the rave reviews I am reading, maybe the only real benefit is playing in windy conditions. For me in my parts, wind is there but its not anywhere close to links like howl. The roll from the 388 is also supposed to be really good... but there is the new Maxima for that as well now...

I'm talking down the 388 in the hope of a pleasant surprise. Last at the range with it, after reading all the reviews of super long, I was disappointed in that it yielded nothing more for me. Hopefully, the next 2 days will say different.

[Duffer19]

Somehow, I just cannot get along with S Yard drivers, both the T388 and XT. I am sure they are great drivers but just not compatible with my flaw swing. Could very well be the stock shafts that giving me some problem (SR on the T388 and R1 on XT.)

[supo]

The stock shaft ive hit is superb and its an SR not quite right obviously

But i tell ya i cud easily play the stiff

I think he got this driver combo spot on

[wmclarenf1]

Just finished the range session with some real Bridgestone B330s... hit the 388 10.5 with stock SR shaft side by side with my Black Widow Jbeam 435 10* Crazy TJ-46 R.

On average and consistently, the 435 put the 388 to shame... FOR ME. I realize this driver seems to have been a god sent for so many and I really wish it was for me but I dont even know if I want to take it out to the course tomorrow. Carry of the 435 was much better (I would guess maybe 5 to 10 meters more on average?) and on average about the same roll... that said, I will say that on 2 accounts, the 388 ran slightly up hill and on wettish cow grass about 15 to 20 meters. Now THAT is noteworthy for me. But again this was 2 shots out of maybe 25 for each driver.

Ball flight for me on average was consistently lower than the 435 10. It seems to prefer toe misses than heel as well and I found that I had to tee lower as what many here have found and logically so given the smaller and shallower head to the 435. I also had to place the ball less to the left than with the 435.

I'm glad I didn't get this on faith. Maybe I'll take her out tomorrow and hit her side by side with the 435 again and see how she goes but at this point in time, the 388 really has nothing to offer me over any of the drivers I have... lets see how she goes tomorrow... maybe she needs another shaft to suit me better but that seems like a lot of trouble to make a club work and I don't like changing my very flawed swing to suit clubs.. it should be the other way around.. for me at least... I'm also toying around with a project which I';ll post about separately... in any case, there always the newest thing which is proving she has the potential to be one of the greatest... the Maxima :-)

Edited May 8, 2013 by wmclarenf1

[chiromikey]

thanks for the review arthur. with all the positive about the 388 i really want to try it...but at the same time i can't possibly imagine anything out driving my 435/quadra wbq.

[wmclarenf1]

thanks for the review arthur. with all the positive about the 388 i really want to try it...but at the same time i can't possibly imagine anything out driving my 435/quadra wbq.

Try it Chiro if only because you want to get that off your mind. It may work for you like it has the vast majority here. From what I read, I think it has not worked out only for Duffer and myself and that's a maybe only 10 percent or less of users here.

The bold however is another thing. Has potential if setup right.

Edited May 8, 2013 by wmclarenf1

[Craig]

Great comments mate.

If it offers nothing over what you have got then no point flogging a dead horse.

Great for all the users out there to see that it does not work for everyone.

With all the positive press given to this driver, from me included, there would be a few thinking of getting it.

Good for them to see a negative, particularly at the moment where quite a few people are scared to post negative comments.

Love to hear more about the Maxima, especially given Jimmiebois great write up

[wmclarenf1]

Great comments mate. If it offers nothing over what you have got then no point flogging a dead horse. Great for all the users out there to see that it does not work for everyone. With all the positive press given to this driver, from me included, there would be a few thinking of getting it. Good for them to see a negative, particularly at the moment where quite a few people are scared to post negative comments. Love to hear more about the Maxima, especially given Jimmiebois great write up

Not a negative mate.. just not a positive and its just MY 1 cent view with swing flaw and vat included LOL.

[gian11]

Thanks for the feedback from Duffer19 & wmclarenf1.

What's the target audience for this great driver then - more suited for single handicap players maybe?

Edited May 8, 2013 by gian11

[wmclarenf1]

Thanks for the feedback from Duffer19 & wmclarenf1. What's the target audience for this great driver then - more suited for single handicap players maybe?

For what its worth, my official cap now is 7.9 but a bad round of 88 or 89 is still in me LOL. Most of the time I'm 81-84 with the odd 78 79 rounds. That said, driving has always been the worst part of my game and I'm down to what I am due mainly to everything except my drives improving LOL.

[gian11]

For what its worth, my official cap now is 7.9 but a bad round of 88 or 89 is still in me LOL. Most of the time I'm 81-84 with the odd 78 79 rounds. That said, driving has always been the worst part of my game and I'm down to what I am due mainly to everything except my drives improving LOL.

oh man...that means we've got to try it first if it suits.

[wmclarenf1]

oh man...that means we've got to try it first if it suits.

Always dude!

[bogeydog]

I think where people struggle with this driver is impact position. Hit it like a 3 wood. Hit level and not upwards. The players that I have seen hit it best have proper position of the hands at impact. The ones that flip their hands and rely on timing have struggled. Contrary, deeper face drivers can be hit up on and have a different margin of error. IMO that is why many complain drivers and shafts hit to high. Most of us tend to add loft because of erratic release techniques. Not a dig on anyone. Comes down to technique. Must of us are not making any money playing golf so we need improvement.

Edited May 8, 2013 by bogeydog

[Craig]

How low would you tee it

Am having good results with this and that is probably why

[wmclarenf1]

I think where people struggle with this driver is impact position. Hit it like a 3 wood. Hit level and not upwards. The players that I have seen hit it best have proper position of the hands at impact. The ones that flip their hands and rely on timing have struggled. Contrary, deeper face drivers can be hit up on and have a different margin of error. IMO that is why many complain drivers and shafts hit to high. Most of us tend to add loft because of erratic release techniques. Not a dig on anyone. Comes down to technique. Must of us are not making any money playing golf so we need improvement.

Well I teed lower but I will try even lower and 3w height as suggested which would mean more than 60% of the ball will be below the top of the crown. Sounds silly but I will try :-). I teed the 388 today with equator of the ball ie 50/50 at the top of crown and also with about 60% of the ball above. Quite normal I think but my swing is of course far from refined and perfect which is why I probably can't hit it longer than the 435. Maybe I can get another 15 yards with the xv like you have and that should put me at 280 yard avg which will be nice.

[bogeydog]

Well I teed lower but I will try even lower and 3w height as suggested which would mean more than 60% of the ball will be below the top of the crown. Sounds silly but I will try :-). I teed the 388 today with equator of the ball ie 50/50 at the top of crown and also with about 60% of the ball above. Quite normal I think but my swing is of course far from refined and perfect which is why I probably can't hit it longer than the 435. Maybe I can get another 15 yards with the xv like you have and that should put me at 280 yard avg which will be nice.

Yes tee it low. Maybe 80% below the crown. Sounds crazy but really try it.

The XV is a different monster. Tee it up and swing away!

[gocchin]

Try it Chiro if only because you want to get that off your mind. It may work for you like it has the vast majority here. From what I read, I think it has not worked out only for Duffer and myself and that's a maybe only 10 percent or less of users here.

The bold however is another thing. Has potential if setup right.

Don't forget Duffer swings compared to Supo, Craig, Chiro etc. A lower launching, lower spin driver will benefit them more than it will you. This is also why I game the XV and not the T.388 because I am not a fast swinger. Though i of course keep the T.388 here too as i love its feel , looks and ability to be straight.

Arthur I am not even sure what your swing speed is or distance but i think you were playing Crazy 6.7?

Teeing 50% above the crown is still too high. Needs to be low and as I said many times a level blow.

The target audience of this driver is NOT single digit players though obviously with the smaller head better players will excel with it. We have had 15 handicap players get it and succeed with it. But as you all know every player is different.