So Kobayashi-san is no longer at S-Yard, Being the president of S-Yard was supposed to be his last Job before retirement. Now that it's over it is unclear if he will remain in the golf industry or spend time with family and friends as a retired man.

Whatever happens his latest designs were the Bold Wedge, 388, XV Driver, XV FW, XV Iron, and now the STARK series which is geared toward the slower swinger. Kobayashi-san claims it was the longest and best feeling driver of this player category.

Look we can deny it, it's funky looking but look at that face profile, what's it remind you of?

If "the man" really retires this could be his final design.

The legendary Epon 460ZR

Can't disagree with anyone (yet).... I'm thinking we might have some different answers...

At first I was going to say the Zero?? but after further review I can def see the 460 ZR in it.

I'd consider repainting the crown.

the face is indeed zero-like.

A few year back S-Yard was using a Korean design firm on cosmetic of the xv line of clubs. I had a chance to play a few rounds of golf with the designer in KL a few years ago. I would tell him that he misses the mark on the crown if this is one of his cosmetic input. The matte finish is good but not the zig zag line.

A few year back S-Yard was using a Korean design firm on cosmetic of the xv line of clubs. I had a chance to play a few rounds of golf with the designer in KL a few years ago. I would tell him that he misses the mark on the crown if this is one of his cosmetic input. The matte finish is good but not the zig zag line.

In Seon Kim is his name, we have used his services as well in the past.

I was gonna say it looks like the 388's toe but I do see some zero in it.

The weird marks on the crown Kobayashi believes promotes an inside out swing path.

If you could only pick one, what is your all time favorite KK design?

In Seon Kim is his name, we have used his services as well in the past.

In Seon is a very nice young man and hit it a mile from the wrong side with his TM. Fortunately he was not very consistent and I was able to take some money off him.

I like the look of this driver. It does not really look like a driver for the slower swinger though, with that deep face and bulbous crown. It also looks pretty short heel to toe? I think it looks a lot like the old Honma RF420 head

Hi Chris and Tario, hope to see review comparing this driver to Ryoma ST and Maxima ST especially in term of distance and forgiveness. Guys with 85-90MPH HS should need this review.

Wrote a few days ago hoping Mr.K to do XV Special Tuning, and this post came up. My dream comes true?

Mark

If I'm not wrong I think I saw this driver back at Yodobashi in Akihabara a couple months ago and email T for more info about it but since it design for low swing speed golfer I decided to skip and wait for Maxima ST which suit better for my swing speed. Now if Mr.Kobayashi really make a career retirement then I'll definitely have to get one of this as it is his final design.

I'd hate to go out on that note.

Rumor has it that his plan is to not retire yet. Apparently he still has a passion for design but after this tenure at S-YARD, he has gone back to Niigata and is simply taking some time off to refresh and refocus.

The Stark is supposedly very long at 0.88 COR with a very think and elastic face but because of this it's best for swingers 40m/s or less.

The crown features a chemically milled honeycomb pattern which compresses upon impact and then quickly returns to shape.

The M shape you see on the sole increases the rigidity of the sole and allows the face and crown to do the flexing which help increase sweet area and launch across the face especially on toe and heel strikes.

While not as heavy as Ryoma they have gone with a 22g back weight to increase launch.

The 3 piece head is of course Endo forged.

This is an ultra light topping out at 280g for SR flex (shaft is very flexy and torquey 6+ torque)

Hope you're right, T. I'd look forward to what would come of some "alone time" from Kobayashi-san. My gut tells me that the simplicity of the t.388 and XV designs are where his heart is at this point in his life and career. That's what I'd hope to see more of -- maybe in a blade...?

That's a good news, hopefully he'll get off his break and back in business for something great soon.

In Seon Kim is his name, we have used his services as well in the past.

I'd be interested in seeing pictures of what else he did. I rather like the zigzag line as a delicate touch towards artistry.

Shambles

I'd be interested in seeing pictures of what else he did. I rather like the zigzag line as a delicate touch towards artistry.

Shambles

Nice photo and thank you. Clearly a good photographer.

Seems to me the photographer was more interested in his art than the subject.

Shambles

Edited May 26, 201410 yr by Shambles

That ferrule. I would hate to lose that swapping shafts.