+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 Epon relegated to USDM just doesn't seem right some how. A strong USDM forum does hold value but I can't see how endo designs should be categorised as USDM. "Products" sold exclusively in the Japan Domestic Market (JDM) no matter from what brand will always remain in the JDM forum, that of course includes Epon and the other brands mentioned. For example ONOFF should be considered USDM but their Labo Spec is JDM. Endo produces mostly USDM products with their biggest customers being Titleist, Callaway, Cobra and others so including those brands into the JDM forum because they are produced by Endo yet manufactured in Thailand just isnt the way. Miura NA would be the most justified to keep in the JDM forum as its fully made in Japan by Japanese hands but we must stick with the terms USDM and JDM while the Japan Only models "Giken" are JDM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 It'll still probably be great stuff, I just have a hard time separating "Bridgestone" from tires. I much prefer the Tourstage name, sounds like it's more serious as opposed to an offshoot of their tire business. Bridgestone must have been planning this for years, in hindsight its obvious with the taper down of tour sponsorship and product releases. Im sure it is great gear but I also think it cant be as good as the TourStage products as now they must globalize pricing, using less tech, changing manufacutres and materials, Not sure how this all plays out but it would be nice if they continued TourStage as a small segment of the Bridgestone brand positioned for the higher end athlete player. TS never really sponsored the big winners, they went with strong Japanese personalities, Honma on the other hand regardless of nationality hunt down and sponsor the top ranking players similar to what U.S brands do on the PGA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunches Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 These do not look JDM, at first sight without knowing and by looking at the fit and finish I could guess they were not Endo made, that doesn't mean they aren't good, I'm sure coming from bridgestone the homework was done and they perform admirably but I have a feeling that Bridgestone will produce global models and not JDM/USDM models separately. Which is fine as we need to work on our USDM forum section anyway. on that note guys we are considering moving some JDM brands that now have an official U.S presence into the USDM forum after we enhance that section. JDM clubs should be unique to the JDM market or at the very least a limited release that's not available in the states. This would include brands like Bridgestone, Fourteen, ONOFF ( non labo ), Epon NA, Miura NA, etc.. If you have any thoughts on this or if someone is interested in moderating and contributing we can compensate for that, it's pretty dead right now buy we have a road map to make is a great section that provides value. You're getting down to brass tacks! Is the person looking into a Epon 153 (Epon N.A.) really the same target as the person swinging a RBZ driver at Golfsmith? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 This has nothing to do with any particular brand, this is about TSG's plans to expand certain areas of the site and up coming new sites while at the same time preparing for the future based on our projections of where the JDM market is heading. Trust me when I say that more value, education and entertainment will be created around all of these brands so you will see more Epon, more Miura NA and the others as well as the new brands that shift toward the Global market. It goes much deeper into the long term vision than you may think. You know me, I run a tight ship and won't allow things to be watered down and mainstream even if it is USDM. And no we aren't gonna sell USDM. And yes the customer who buys the RBZ from golfsmith is a very important conversion to introduce to JDM brands and TSG. In the background TSG undergoes changes on a weekly basis that some may not notice from our recent rewards program, to Zopin Chat, live translation, multi server CDN, bill me later, enhanced security and compliance at the highest level, and even today the entire search system was overhauled in the pro shop and will continue to evolve, check it out. Anyway back to TourStage, hopefully they stick around as a smaller sub brand of Bridgestone, better yet open it up as components (wishful thinking) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hutch Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 "Products" sold exclusively in the Japan Domestic Market (JDM) no matter from what brand will always remain in the JDM forum, that of course includes Epon and the other brands mentioned. For example ONOFF should be considered USDM but their Labo Spec is JDM. Endo produces mostly USDM products with their biggest customers being Titleist, Callaway, Cobra and others so including those brands into the JDM forum because they are produced by Endo yet manufactured in Thailand just isnt the way. Miura NA would be the most justified to keep in the JDM forum as its fully made in Japan by Japanese hands but we must stick with the terms USDM and JDM while the Japan Only models "Giken" are JDM. Yep I do get what you are saying Chris, the bigger picture is always yet to be revealed. I guess what you are saying also is the JDM section of TSG should be exactly what it says on the tin. This may encourage brands that see themselves as JDM to supply for both US and Japan markets separately or special edition Japan releases only. I see golf equipments future as a global market for all brands to survive and thrive, unless of course they are a small but quality boutique brand with a cult following such as Crazy, TRPX, Modart and Buchi just to name a few. I guess the more following a brand gets the more chance it has of becoming a global brand, and in lies the difficulty...Do they increase supply for the demand or remain true to their roots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 I promise you this, what we are working on is going to be good news for Epon, Miura, Vega, etc.. fans not bad news, more coverage from more sources when we include the USDM side of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akm10408 Posted July 16, 2014 Report Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) It'll still probably be great stuff, I just have a hard time separating "Bridgestone" from tires. I much prefer the Tourstage name, sounds like it's more serious as opposed to an offshoot of their tire business. I am likely in the minority regarding brand association, but the motorsports connotation is one I rather enjoy. Same with Srixon, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. **To be fair, I was born and live in the US, and am a younger age group. I recognize that Tourstage is revered by many with taste that is likely more discriminating than my own. But the Bridgestone name and brand seems appropriate for a global strategy, at least partially for the above reason. Their appeal is sporty, much like Puma and Adidas. Edited July 16, 2014 by akm10408 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegaman Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 Like I said earlier, I think there will be a seperate, more premium Bridgestone JDM line. Just like most other brands offer. Why do most people here seem to think that this scenario is out of the question? I think it's very likely. As for the name, I don't have a problem with 'Bridgestone' at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegaman Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 (edited) As for what is JDM and what is USDM, it is (of course) to where the products are OFFICIALLY marketed and sold, hence the letter M that stands for MARKET and not for MADE like some people seem to think. So if a brand is available at some specialist importer in the US then that does not make it USDM. Where the stuff is made doesn't matter when it comes to deciding if a product is JDM or USDM. Srixon left the US market and is now purely JDM. Much more so than Fourteen for example, which is just a japanese brand that sells worldwide, same product, same lines, same specs. And then there are the main brands that have distinctive USDM and JDM lines, like TM, Callaway, Titleist. Edited July 17, 2014 by Vegaman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K2_2 Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 (edited) shame... they got me into JDM Tourstage provided my initial foray into the JDM world as well. I miss the clubs and style from that era in Tourstage's history. I promise you this, what we are working on is going to be good news for Epon, Miura, Vega, etc.. fans not bad news, more coverage from more sources when we include the USDM side of things. Chris, I will look forward to the expanded coverage! I will have to remember to switch back and forth between forums for OnOff vs Labospec Gear but I should be able to manage that. I am likely in the minority regarding brand association, but the motorsports connotation is one I rather enjoy. Same with Srixon, and to a lesser extent Yamaha. **To be fair, I was born and live in the US, and am a younger age group. I recognize that Tourstage is revered by many with taste that is likely more discriminating than my own. But the Bridgestone name and brand seems appropriate for a global strategy, at least partially for the above reason. Their appeal is sporty, much like Puma and Adidas. AKM - with a thoughtful post like that I would imagine that you are more discerning than many. It is also interesting to hear that others think Bridgestone has more of a sporty appeal, liked Puma or Adidas. I am looking forward to seeing how a consolidated Bridgestone competes in Japan and in global markets. Edited July 17, 2014 by K2_2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Tan Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 (edited) I used their X blades 701g & 703. Really first JDMs I owned besides some Honma persimmons I had 20 years ago. Loved it ever since. Never got along their drivers or fw but....sorry to hear TS go. But in the end there are some many great JDM club makers out there that they will only be missed for a short time. Edited July 17, 2014 by Jeffrey Tan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 Fingers crossed for JDM Bridgestone gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpbachman Posted July 17, 2014 Report Share Posted July 17, 2014 I noticed on their site that they are really pushing the B330 and B330-RX versions and not really highlighting the B330-S (which I think is the best ball out of the bunch and fits a larger range of lower/medium handicap players). Figures crossed as well for a JDM line :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBW Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 I promise you this, what we are working on is going to be good news for Epon, Miura, Vega, etc.. fans not bad news, more coverage from more sources when we include the USDM side of things. Does this mean you'll be selling Epon equipment again? Hope so, as I'm looking to get a few more items and I'd rather do my business with a trusted source such as TSG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 We wont sell Epon, but not to worry you can get it from many places in the U.S that are offering deep discounts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
604_skyline Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 I do not see how it would be difficult for them to do small runs like they do now of the limited edition stuff (1000 drivers and 1500 iron sets etc) made by endo and using the tourstage name/logo. It would really keep them in the minds of the better person whom can hit some of the stuff made for the tour guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 I do not see how it would be difficult for them to do small runs like they do now of the limited edition stuff (1000 drivers and 1500 iron sets etc) made by endo and using the tourstage name/logo. It would really keep them in the minds of the better person whom can hit some of the stuff made for the tour guys. Endo gives better deals on irons to brands that make the complete line up with them including woods + irons + wedges. Producing just irons in limited numbers is not a cost effective option. Unfortunately Endo is feeling the burn as brands move to produce elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoutout33 Posted July 20, 2014 Report Share Posted July 20, 2014 Anyway back to TourStage, hopefully they stick around as a smaller sub brand of Bridgestone, better yet open it up as components (wishful thinking) Chris, I send prayer's to the custom iron gods to make this happen. :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potuna Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 "Products" sold exclusively in the Japan Domestic Market (JDM) no matter from what brand will always remain in the JDM forum, that of course includes Epon and the other brands mentioned. For example ONOFF should be considered USDM but their Labo Spec is JDM. Endo produces mostly USDM products with their biggest customers being Titleist, Callaway, Cobra and others so including those brands into the JDM forum because they are produced by Endo yet manufactured in Thailand just isnt the way. Miura NA would be the most justified to keep in the JDM forum as its fully made in Japan by Japanese hands but we must stick with the terms USDM and JDM while the Japan Only models "Giken" are JDM. I don't understand your thinking on Onoff, how is it USDM? You can hardly find it in the States. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 I think he means because there is a US importer and shops, while few, that carry the product. Eastern Golf is the distributor listed on the ONOFF site, although the easterngolfonline.com seems to be down... His distinction seems to be whether the line has international representation. Accordingly RomaRo, Fourteen, and arguably Epon should be USDM but I could be mistake as he calls out Epon as still being JDM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Available in the US market officially with full representation, stock, etc.. RomaRo isn't in this boat, ONOFF is but Labo Spec Isn't, Epon is but if they make JDM only models then those will be in the JDM forum. Miura NA is USDM while Giken is JDM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Wow Dont know about you guys but I can see this little chicken getting a bit confused here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supo Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 The New Tour Van image.jpg image.jpg thats my driving range all the companies are out thee every weekend demoing stuff. damn missed this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted July 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Wow Dont know about you guys but I can see this little chicken getting a bit confused here. The TSG membership is increasing and while thats great for business we must keep the JDM forum free of becoming diluted especially when everyone wants to pile into one category some with silly questions/posts its not good for the core users and content. The alternative is to keep every brand originally started in Japan in the JDM forum but we know where that`s heading, We can keep it true to the JDM scene by re organizing USDM products into the proper forum, and create a place for the casual JDM user vs the Core TSGer. With more JDM boutique brands joining us soon there needs to be distinction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Your forum... Seeing Epon in a USDM forum, while I see your logic, will confuse many. Why not something like Boutique, JDM and USDM... Don't see many boutique non-JDM around and EPON fits nicely there, JDM for the RomaRo, Tourstage, TMAG Japan, Srixon, etc... and USDM for Global products like Miura NA, Titleist, Cobra and the like... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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