RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 (edited) Eight Dreamers doesn't sound quite as good, but add at least one more dreamer here... I'm finally ready to talk about this amazing shaft that I had built after conferring with Chris and the boys over there. First off, it arrives in its own special vault and you look at it feeling like the apes at the beginning of 2001, almost afraid to touch the black monolith sitting in your office corner. Honestly, I just stood there looking at the box for a good ten minutes before even opening it. But then you do open it. And the stealthy looking shaft slides out with its finely checkered raw finish feeling almost grainy to the touch, and you know you're in for something very different. I had mine assembled on my spare T.388 head by the Dreamers, and to say it's a good match would be like saying the stealth bomber is a fairly good looking airplane. This thing practically vibrates just standing still. Oh, and I decided on the Distance version of the shaft as I was quite happy with the control of the TRPX Messenger 1st on my primary. I've waited a decent amount of time to talk about it because I didn't want to come up here and say that when I took it to the range for the first time, I hit the longest, most spectacular drive of my life with my very first swing. Even though that's exactly what happened. It literally scared me. The ball not only rose up in a sweet baby draw -- it cleared the 80 foot screen at the end of the range that I've hit high up on a scattered few times, but never waved at from the other side. Basically... gulp... I hit about a dozen more balls and then slid the thing back in my bag, almost afraid to use up any more of the hits it obviously had in it. I guess I should say that I'm not one for batting out dozens of balls to know if I like the feel of a golf club. In fact, I'm the opposite. If I don't like something in the first three hits, I'm not interested. With this, I was definitely interested. Next test, take it to the course. Opening hole is an elevated tee hitting down to a fairway that ends in an arroyo between the fairway and approach to the green about 280-300 yards out. The fairway also tilts to the right, where a big oak will block your approach to the green if you roll over that way. Preferred shot is a draw toward the far left corner of the fairway just short of the arroyo. Which is what the 7D+T.388 delivers for me as if I was talking to it on cockpit headphones. Another gulp (and a smile). The rest of the first day kind of went like that. Worst shot was a push that went so far I lost it on another planet... I took the thing home with me and my wife rolled her eyes as I placed it in the corner of the bedroom to sleep with it that night. (And yes, I had some good dreams... <g> ) I've now played three rounds with it, and feel I can talk safely about it without honeymoon (or at least ridiculous) exaggeration. The Distance shaft is, needless to say, long. It is as light as my TRPX, but feels heavier, or at least denser. Whatever the material is, it has more heft to it. Not just stiff, or less torque, but denser. The T.388 has that long time on the face feel that I like in a driver head, and with the 7D attached, you connect to the ball differently. A smooth tempo delivers even more punch without more effort -- the key thing I'm always looking for in a driver shaft. Can't quite describe it, but it imparts a heavier feel to the hit and a heavier sound even. And yeah, the ball goes even further. My average drive with the TRPX on the T.388 flies between 240 and 260. With the 7D, after three rounds, my average hits are more like 260 to 280. And on a dry day yesterday, with the T.388's run out, I popped one drive 304. Shortcomings? None really. I do find that my miss with it -- aside from the push to the moon -- is a low burning draw that finds the left rough occasionally. But hey, I like even these misses. They're like missiles that go off target but still create fear in the aimed at... So, overall, whatever this thing is made of, I'm glad I decided to give it a chance. It's unlike any driver shaft I've hit before in the solid feel, even at its very light weight. Recipe for success, IMO. Worth the $$$$$...? What's the worth of a dream...even on a golf shaft...? Edited November 5, 2014 by RLL33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akapur Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Richard Great write up. Definitely makes one call Chris and sign up for a 7D shaft. BTW Love the Syard Bag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Thanks, Ash. every now and then something new DOES come along. Big thanks to Chris for bringing it to us. (I've kind of retired the S-Yard bag to my office "golf corner," as I think all of the last generation S-Yard stuff is now officially collectors item.) I see you have a new bag in progress lately. Good luck, as always! --Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck4golf Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 "I took the thing home with me and my wife rolled her eyes as I placed it in the corner of the bedroom to sleep with it that night (and yes I had some good dreams ...)" Oh lordy lordy lordy, the things that are true about us. Damn you, Richard. My golf equipment budget for this year is totally done in. Now I will toss and turn in Kolkata thinking, 'ok, I have already assessed both the t.388 and 7 dreamers and said 'no' but wow it sounds like a woman with great legs in a short skirt and a rich smile. How can you not at least start a conversation?' So, does it kick the old rig out of the bag? Sounds like it would/should. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Sorry, Chuck... <g> But, hey, India's a good place for dreaming, no...? And yes, the 7D rules the bag now, mos def. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpbachman Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Great write-up! I am glad you are loving yours. They are special shafts indeed. I have the balanced version and found it to just be exactly that. It is as long as my other distance shafts (maybe a tad shorter) but just as good enough control like playing a heavier shaft but it is still very light. Now you are getting me interested in trying a distance shaft as well :) Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck4golf Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Oh my god, I have re-checked ebay for these heads. I am guessing I am the only soul watching a t.388 head with an India IP address. Seriously, this kind of rig is the stuff of dreams. Against all rational thought I am laying odds I give this setup a go next year. The head and the shaft. I mean the quest is for an expression of passion. Golf isn't only just a game, it is a practice of joy and eloquent equipment is a part of this. My thought is this is a an elegant tool, a light saber of a club. I am really glad that you wrote your report and enjoy it so much. That's just great stuff. Inspiring, imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Thanks, M. Would def be curious to hear your comparison if you do try the D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobmontana Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Awesome review and feedback. I don't think I will be able to spend that much on shaft alone anytime soon. But It is nice to know that there are still better alternatives beyond Crazy, Fire Express, Waccine and the sorts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potuna Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Richard, Was that photo at Torrey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.haha Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 wow great timing. I literally just emailed Chris about seven dreamers. Was on the fence but will definitely get this. ill also be putting a distance shaft in a T388 so well see how that shakes out. great post and thanks for the review! how long did the entire process take to order,wait, receive the shaft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 (edited) <<Torrey...?>> Nope, a little farther north at my home club in LA. But it's also a Billy Bell design. Edited November 5, 2014 by RLL33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Time varies according to demands on their schedule, but as I understand it, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. In a fluke of timing, mine happened to arrive on my birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
needmoregolf Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 thanks for a compelling write up, Richard, the urge grows with each TSG'er review...this might signal some collective purges. my question now is, will you ever pick up any of your older builds just for sh!ts n giggles?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 You know, I think so, Daniel. I still love the TRPX Messenger, and I can imagine days when I'd still go with that. I sometimes have back problems, and I think I might prefer it when I feel more limited in range. Or if I'm not feeling my oats... But in wind, definitely the 7D. We had Santa Ana's here yesterday, and it bored right through wind like it wasn't there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted November 5, 2014 Report Share Posted November 5, 2014 Great write up. You covered all bases for everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mauvanilla Posted November 6, 2014 Report Share Posted November 6, 2014 did you go to Tokyo for the fitting or you did the whole process by email? and I thought my crazys were perfection ... poor me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2014 I did it via email. The questionnaire and then consultation with Chris about a couple of details. I should also mention that with the club came a very nice owner's booklet with my stats and build process (including charts) nicely detailed and printed for me. The whole operation is first class and very specific. As I told Chris the other day, I don't know when it will be, but I hope to get over there one day and do a full fitting with these guys. I do think they're onto something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supo Posted November 7, 2014 Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 Hahaha great bag ive got . The. Exact same one..top write up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted November 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2014 Thanks, Stew and Craig, for your feedback on this early on. I do find that the shaft IS a Baby Draw machine for me per some of your first observations, and yeah, that's the shot I love and want most of the time! Bull's-eye! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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