gocchin Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/xvfwslide.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23372" alt="xvfwslide" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/xvfwslide.jpg"></a> It's been a great first 6 months of 2013 for S-Yard golf, with the releases of the T.388 driver, Bold Wedge, XV Driver and now the XV fairway woods. At TSG we have seen the FW segment really dominated by the Ryoma fairway woods and PRGR egg Spoon plus a splattering of other brands like Royal Collection, Yamaha, ONOFF, Romaro and Tourstage rounding up the popular choices. The new XV Fairway wood from S-Yard aims to leave its mark firmly in the midst of all these great fairway woods thanks to Kobayashi-san's vision of how the XV FW will compliment the XV Driver. For those of you who read <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/introducing-the-new-s-yard-xv-driver/"><strong>the introduction and review of the XV Driver here</strong></a>, you will obviously see the resemblance between the driver and fairway wood. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0619.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23371" alt="DSCF0619" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0619.jpg"></a> The new XV Fairway wood could pass for a mini XV Driver based on its aesthetics. However the XV is designed to focus on performance as a fairway wood and not a driver replacement (though I'm sure some players could use it as such). Kobayashi-san knows that less and less people seem to be using fairway woods these days so he sought to create a club that would not only satisfy the better player but still be reasonably easy to use. While the head sizes of the 3W and 5W are actually considered to be on the large side at 190cc and 175cc respectively, again through Kobayashi-san's carefully thought out designs, the heads in no way appear that large. The slightly larger volumes allow for more flexibility in CG placement as well as increased MOI. Kobayashi-san focused on the head shape of the XV to compliment and be just as eye pleasing as the driver. He also decided on slightly flatter lie angles which will appeal to the better player (57* for the 15* and 57.5* for the 18*). <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0625.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23370" alt="DSCF0625" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0625.jpg"></a> The XV Fairway wood is not a deep face like the driver is which is probably a good thing. The sweet spot is actually easier to meet for the average golfer since the face is not so high. Some may call this a shallow face but in this day and age when fairway woods are shallower than ever, this is probably considered shallow to mid height. The XV utilizes a specially rolled Maraging steel face. Kobayashi-san went with maraging steel because of its strength and flexibility. Because maraging steel is stronger than both Titanium and stainless steel, it can be made thinner allowing for more elasticity as well as weight savings in the face to be move to perimeter weighting for a stronger launch and less spin. The thinner more flexible face increases initial ball speeds and overall distance over Ti and SUS. I love the feel of the XV, it has a hot and crisp touch at impact and this feel is very consistent across the face. One of the things I do on all woods is what I call the tap test. You can use your fingernail or a tee and tap across the width of the face from toe to heel making note of the pitch of the sound. The optimal ting sound is of course in the center and as you move outwards away from the center the tapping sound usually dulls or muffles. The XV, even as you move off the center towards the toe and heel, it still maintains a similar sound to the center meaning those sections of the face feel just as good and hot as the center. It may be just me but I actually do this with all the woods I test as feel is one of the most important things for me. I also feel like I can find a bigger sweet spot by doing this. (^_^) Yes it sounds very primitive but try it , different clubs will produce different results. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0640.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23369" alt="DSCF0640" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0640.jpg"></a> At address you can really see how the design, shape of the head and finish really hide the size quite well. The 5W above is 175cc but thanks to its pear like shape and matte finish like the driver, it does not look that large and is quite eye please. Both 3W and 5W have square face angles and my tester was in fact square. The lack of an alignment mark keeps the head nice and clean but you can still setup well using the white score lines on the face which are noticeable at address. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0641.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23368" alt="DSCF0641" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0641.jpg"></a> The XV FW's shorter face and the head's semi shallow back design make it easier for hitting off the deck. The CG is lower and deeper due to the head design and what this results in is a nice strong launch. I found it quite penetrating and with good run after hitting the ground. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0630.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23366" alt="DSCF0630" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0630.jpg"></a> The sole looks like the XV Driver but it features a gentle curve and grooves along the side to produce better follow through in the turf at impact and more versatility on various lies. We all know that the friction caused by a fairway wood touching the ground before impact can result in lost swing speed and less distance and less than optimal impact. The design of the XV allows for minimal contact and he grooves seem to lead the head to the ball. Turf interaction is very good though I was hesitant to hit any balls from deep rough with the XV due to its shorter face height. <a href="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg"><img'>http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23367" alt="DSCF0627" src="http://www.golftoimpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCF0627.jpg" width="648"></a> The stock shaft is again a Rombax from Fujikura specially made for the XV series. The Rombax FW is 3.2* of torque and around 65g with a mid/high kick. I have the SR (stiff/regular) flex here and I must admit it feels quite stout. Overall clubweight with the Rombax is very healthy at over 335g. What this combination equals is very good control, stable ball flights and shots with no ballooning. Like the XV driver, I really love the feel of the fairway wood. Its one of those clubs where you pause to relish the feel after each shot. Performance wise, the XV is by no means the longest FW out there, nor is it designed to be. Distance is left to ultralight fairway woods like the egg and Ryoma F which barely weigh more than your driver. The XV is an all around performer. It feels very good, is reasonably easy to hit, and is very stable and straight. In the end, all these characteristics (well maybe feel aside) equal more overall distance with more balls in play. I've really only gamed two fairway woods in the last 2+ years, the egg spoon and the Ryoma F. There is no doubt these two clubs are long but I will now replace the Ryoma with the S-Yard XV FW because I prefer the feel and its overall performance is not something I cannot ignore especially when I am playing on narrower tighter courses. Those who like the XV and T.388 drivers, the XV FW is a great compliment. For other players looking for a traditional shaped, square faced and reasonably flat FW that is pretty easy to hit and produces stable and straight shots, the XV FW should be at or near the top of your list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supo Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 T initially the look to me is quite remisncent of the tourstage new FW. apart from colour..... wud that be close ? and is thre a similarity in compariosn to say the egg FD yamaha v forged and original spoon ? , where wud the 3w fit agaisnt these in terms of ball at adress agaisnt the face ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 At address it would mostly resemble he Yamaha and may actually be close in feel as they both use maraging. The XV is thinner though so a tad hotter and probably easier to use than the Yamaha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoV Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 T...how does this feel & perform compared to the royal collection TRC woods? say 5w....stock 65g shaft from both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Actually similar to the TRC woods. Same kind of crisp pop at impact. The XV shaft seems more stout though and the trajectory a bit more penetrating. Both are very good FW's. The XV may be a tad more hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmieboi Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Will there be a t388 version (complement to the t388) or just the XV FW??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Will there be a t388 version (complement to the t388) or just the XV FW??? No T.388 Version unfortunately! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lykato Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Any comparison done with the New Ryoma fairway woods? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Any comparison done with the New Ryoma fairway woods? What kind of comparison did you want? Visual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Once again, you have a way with words, Tario. I'm more of a feel than numbers guy, and I always "ping" woods, too, to "listen" to them. Sound at impact is a big part of the feel of a club for me. Interestingly, my wife, who is a composer with perfect pitch, tells me the notes they make, and it turns out the driver-wood combinations I always end up liking produce perfect harmonics... <g> Can't wait to see if this is the 3-wd that finally knocks my old R7 out of the bag after all these years... My order is in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanla01 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 (edited) After reading this, anyone interested in buying my 2013 yamaha fw w/ tour ad? Edited June 20, 2013 by vanla01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suheric Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 Hi T, Does S-yard offer head only? That set-up is too heavy for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gandor Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 T, do you know if this is longer or just as long as the ryoma f3? do you think this is better overall(forgiveness and distance) than the F3? my currect F3 combo is the longest and most forgiving 3w i ever hit so im just curious if this is something worth trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hong Kim Posted June 20, 2013 Report Share Posted June 20, 2013 How does this compare to the gt type s. I'm actually really liking the gt I picked up. So easy to hit. Was a steal when that special sale was going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 After reading this, anyone interested in buying my 2013 yamaha fw w/ tour ad? I'll give you $50 shipped for it. Don't usually play FW but for that kind of price I'd try to game one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Hi T, Does S-yard offer head only? That set-up is too heavy for me. Hi Eric, no but you can have them made with any shaft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 T, do you know if this is longer or just as long as the ryoma f3? do you think this is better overall(forgiveness and distance) than the F3? my currect F3 combo is the longest and most forgiving 3w i ever hit so im just curious if this is something worth trying. Rio the F3 is hard to beat but its not for everyone as not everybody likes the huge head. As I said the F3 is made for distance so it probably is longer than the XV shot vs shot but the XV is more workable, feels better and is quite a bit more stable. So in the end does that equal more overall distance? Possibly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 How does this compare to the gt type s. I'm actually really liking the gt I picked up. So easy to hit. Was a steal when that special sale was going on. Hong definitely easier to hit than the GT Type S which has quite a bit deeper face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gocchin Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 After reading this, anyone interested in buying my 2013 yamaha fw w/ tour ad? Brad, after you sell it, just let m know. (^_^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanla01 Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I'll give you $50 shipped for it. Don't usually play FW but for that kind of price I'd try to game one. No problem buddy, I only charge $750 for the handling & packing fee! :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanla01 Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Brad, after you sell it, just let m know. (^_^) Most definitely T. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akapur Posted July 7, 2013 Report Share Posted July 7, 2013 Received the XV Fairway wood this week. Was ordered with stock stiff shaft. Used it today for a quick 18. My first few drives off the tee were dead straight stingers. The ball had a decent amount of roll. I continued to use the XV off the tee even on the par 5's. I was getting between 220 to 245 yards from the tee. Every drive found the middle of the fairway. So far so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supo Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 got mine with a quadra fire express 75xs love the shape at address. slightyl higher face than the egg spoon. not as much as say the yamaha nor royal colelction. slightyl bigger all orund and sleeker rounded triangle shape. like thta a lot, face is big enough NOT to look like a razor and the face milling makes framing the ball easy. inpact is sweet. got a nice muted sound to it. softer feel. def not crisp. flight with the FWX is on the higher side which is great if u want to make landing on a firm surface easier. chasing a ball up the fairway prob isnt this clubs speciality. and form a tee box ,wel its def better than the egg not as penetrating as the yamaha. its a good allrounder. lies somewhere in between. had a few games with it so got he nuances of it under wraps.. disntace was good no probs with that at all. not sure if its for me tho. as it lies right inbetween the egg and the RC. lovely lcub id thoroughly say yea is a good jack of all trades. a one 3 wood guy wud love t its versatility . the mix is good. high strong and antil left. il game her one more time this weekend and let her go to someone else. on BST i prefer the egg for fairwasy and hte RC for ma tee. and having plenty of both of these i mix it up depending on course. if u game one FW then this is a really good choice i just dont need it. glad i hit it tho, its good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanla01 Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 (edited) Hey tsger's, thoughts & opinion on the s yard fw? I love their drivers & curious how the new s yard fairway wood stack up? Edited August 1, 2013 by vanla01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akapur Posted August 1, 2013 Report Share Posted August 1, 2013 Hey tsger's, thoughts & opinion on the s yard fw? I love their drivers & curious how the new s yard fairway wood stack up? I have had the XV 3 Wood with stock Stiff shaft for a month now and have had 7 rounds with it. It is an awesome 3 wood!! From the tee box the ball flies in a low piercing trajectory. It seems to have a good amount of forgiveness . The ball will roll considerably more then other 3 woods that I have had. Overall distance has been 240-250 off the tee, which on short par 4's has replaced my driver. Off the grass it does a good job of getting the ball airborne. I have gone so far as to remove the Egg from my main bag and replaced it with XV and the Romaro UT 18, which for now is a perfect combo for me. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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