Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hello All JDM maniacs!First of all I would like to point out that Im a Swede, which means english is not my native language. So sorry for future grammar/spelling mistakes. A little about me: 22 years old about to study engineering. My HCP is 4.5 but I think Im more of a hcp 7ish guy. After a couple of years without golf I have now began to love the sport more than my girlfriend (don´t tell her ;) ). My JDM interest began in 2009 when my coach gave me a brand new Epon set and wedges for 600USD (I think he had stolen it, joke). But I never truly understood the value in theese clubs until now when I began searching for new ones. Holy cow they are expensive! Anyhow now I need to find a new driver since the good old Titlesit 910 D3 went to two pieces the other day. My SS is 107-110 MPH. Semi-agressive swing My miss is a hook I care alot about the drivers look. Since JDM does not exist in Sweden I wont be able to test any drivers, so look means alot. Other criterias are: A compact head, 450cc or below. (pear-shaped is a plus) Needs to come in X-stiff Has to be buy-able from Tourspecgolf. Accuracy is first prio, then distance, forgivness. Not more than 700 USD (built). I know its not that much but with a tax on 25% in Sweden it becomes pretty expensive fast. I have probably missed something that you guys need to know before you can help me recommend a driver but please feel free to ask me anything that can help you help me in the search for "the" driver. Please motivate why you recommend the driverhead, shaft or combo. Pics are always welcome:) This is my first post here since joining the other day and I hope I did´nt bore you with such a long post. Cheers lads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian-500 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hi and welcome. Are you looking for a 'new' or 'used' driver/shaft combination? Getting a new set up on your budget might be difficult, but there'll be loads to choose from on the used market. By the way, some of the people on these forums have English as their mother tongue and couldn't type a post as legible as yours, including myself, so you've got no problems there!!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Welcome. I'd look at S-Yard T.388 and JBeam Blackout. Both would fit your criteria nicely. (There are reviews and discussions of each for details if you do a search here in this Forum.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 hello guys. Thanks Ian-500, means alot. My intention was a new driver, but I have seen that JDM is not meant for the budget player ;) Thanks for the reply RLL33, thoose drivers looks absolutlely gorgeous. Two questions. Any nice shaft alternative for the Jbeam that you could recommend? And I cant seem to find the S-yard t.388 on Tourspec, maybe sold out? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nobmontana Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Welcome to JDM craziness! This is like our favorite topic. Helping someone spend gobs of money on a new JDM driver! :) > Accuracy is first prio, then distance, forgivness. Not sue if "accuracy" qualifies for property of the club itself :) but your preference description matches so many of the current offerings in JDM. Price wise, honestly, you might be pretty limited at that price point getting a driver with a premium grade JDM shaft. The BST( buy sell trade ) board has tons of great ( near new condition ) drivers for sale at great prices if you don't mind second hand items. In this case, you also may end up needing to reshaft with the proper flex shaft since not a lot of members here use X flex. My recent choices were Modart MA01DS and Jbeam ZY-11 which I love so far. I also play an Epon AF-153 as my most forgiving driver for when I feel I need extra help on the forgiveness side. Going back to your original question. With 700 bucks, I myself might think about getting one of the Honma Tour World drivers as they look real nice and I believe some of the models are actually Endo forged ( Epon's parent company ) heads. They come shafted with high quality shafts as standard. Personally, I would choose the 455 or 455s because I want added forgiveness still with good looks at address. The 430 I believe is not an Endo head and it's probably not forgiving enough for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
needmoregolf Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) Welcome, and a great first post! I echo R's recommendations although I'd focus a little more on the STard T.388 to stay in budget. $700 is a lot of money, but as we've all found here, buying new JDM changes your perspective on things, and with the JBeam 435 Black being newer, it might be harder to get a head/shaft combo and stay within your fiscal guidelines. The T.388 should satisfy all your needs as its a compact driver head that is really consistent (paired with the right shaft for you of course), long, hot off the face and forgiving. It's not currently being produced anymore but you'll find that there's a lot of guys here that have them, and some even with duplication as backup. Post something in the Want To Buy section under BST when you're ready for a roll call shout. As for the shaft, that will be a bit more difficult as most of us have had to go through several shaft/head iterations to find what works best with our swing. After trying a lot of things out, you will know which shaft profile you like the most and then you can sniff deals out or know what to look for in buying a new shaft. Hold on tight, you're jumping in the JDM pool with 2 feet and who knows how much stuff you'll have this time next year ;) Best of luck! Edited May 14, 2015 by needmoregolf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Yes, S-Yard is history, and the T.388 is now a collector's item -- as it should be. Kobayashi designed it as his last -- and perfect -- driver. It is unique in sound, feel, distance, and accuracy. It comes up a lot on the BST, as it's a smaller head and not for everyone. I ended up with two of them -- one with the TRPX Messenger 1st shaft and one with the Seven Dreamers Distance. Both are top end shafts. The Messenger is more affordable. I'd keep a watch for it in the BST forum. The J-Beam Blackout is new and also terrific for those who like a somewhat smaller head. Messenger is also great in this head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian-500 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Can you give us an idea of what shafts(make and model) you've used in the past, i.e, Diamana/Graphite Design/Fujikura etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) Thanks guys for all the response! Never thought this would draw any attention at all. I have realised that 700 bucks wont bring me near any of the high-end manufactories But I hope there is some hope even for a poor guy like me. I know it sounds silly but buying a used driver (and putter in that matter) just feel so wrong. I think it has something to do with it being such a personal preference. But I kinda shoot me in the foot when I say I want a JDM driver for that money:) Now back to the drivers. I must say that the Honma world tour TW727 430 looks amazing. Especially with the purple YZ shaft which is what I seach for of the 3 available. The price felt really nice too. But I must say that I will keep an eye out for the t.388 driver in the BST. I envy you guys who snatched one! :) My 2 latest shaft has been Fujikura Motore speeder "Tour spec" in X-stiff around 70g. I cant remember more than that. Others that the first one were blue and the second white. I have also had some luck with the Graphite design Tour AD DJ-7 :) I must say you have given me alot of new information about the JDM market but its stupid to settle down now. If you guys have any input of the A-grind Classic driver please share. I have read a few reviews on it but I have yet to find the answer if the Driver despite its little size is somewhat forgiving, or atleast playable when you have a bad day at the course. Again, thanks guys for all the info. Cheers Edit: nobmontana I know accuracy might sound a bit off, what I mean is a mix of forgivness(without losing workability to much) and head/shaft combo that gives you confidence when lining up the shot. Again alot of persenal preference. Sorry for being abit shady (if thats even a word, became a bit doublful). Edited May 14, 2015 by Cforselius Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaaayelll Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Nob, was your Masda V-430 an X flex or did you have head only? I think this could fit the bill all around. I think it's the best head nobody knows about. I love mine and find their shafts great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 T388 is a good performance/feel/budget-friendly choice, I think I have 2-3 more in 9.5 stiff I can let go at 375 + Shipping brand new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 There's your driver, cfor -- take that deal, you won't regret it -- and have Chris put you in a good shaft with it, ALL AT YOUR PRICE. What a way to start with JDM...! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 wow, is it that cheap!? The shaft is kinda wrong for me, I really cant hit a Stiff-shaft. With so many great things I have heard about the driver it feels wrong not to test it. Sorry if Im giving you a hard time, but is it possible to change shaft before shipping? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Of course I will take that deal, Tourspecgolfer( or Chris) whatever it is. Can you PM me? I dont really know how this works. Cheers mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.haha Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 The t388 9.5 is an amazing head. If you are a good ball striker then you will love it. I have two and have no plans for switch anytime soon. Welcome to the boards and great first post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 From what I have heard and seen, I think the T.388 will be a perfect match. I consider myself a good ballstriker and with that look, it cant go wrong. Thanks for the compliment mr.Haha, I appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.haha Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 From what I have heard and seen, I think the T.388 will be a perfect match. I consider myself a good ballstriker and with that look, it cant go wrong. Thanks for the compliment mr.Haha, I appreciate it. Any time. Let us know what shaft you went with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1dirtypanda Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Yes, S-Yard is history, and the T.388 is now a collector's item -- as it should be. Kobayashi designed it as his last -- and perfect -- driver. It is unique in sound, feel, distance, and accuracy. It comes up a lot on the BST, as it's a smaller head and not for everyone. I ended up with two of them -- one with the TRPX Messenger 1st shaft and one with the Seven Dreamers Distance. Both are top end shafts. The Messenger is more affordable. I'd keep a watch for it in the BST forum. The J-Beam Blackout is new and also terrific for those who like a somewhat smaller head. Messenger is also great in this head. Sounds like a few TSG'ers have a T.388 with an SD shaft! If one is locking in a SD shaft, this head must be the bees knees. To OP: I just found a used T.388 head recently myself via WTB forum here. I'll be putting in a 757X in (only because I have an extra shaft sitting in the garage doing nothing). You can definitely get this head and put a decent shaft in for $700. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1dirtypanda Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 wow, is it that cheap!? The shaft is kinda wrong for me, I really cant hit a Stiff-shaft. With so many great things I have heard about the driver it feels wrong not to test it. Sorry if Im giving you a hard time, but is it possible to change shaft before shipping? Thanks I've hit the stock stiff. It was too soft for my liking. I'm about 110mph driver swing, and play X in my irons and woods. So if you normally play X, I think you'll want a stiffer shaft than that stock Stiff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL33 Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) I'd say it's the bees knees... and ankles! Yes, over the top-- as in a lifetime keeper. Edited May 14, 2015 by RLL33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 Hi there 1dirtypanda! That combo sounds sweet. I think I will give the stock shaft a go, otherwise I will just change it myself later on. Just waiting for Chris to answer now and I will be a very proud owner. It almost feels too good to be true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1dirtypanda Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 I'm on my second t388. had it before with stock shaft, which was too soft and instead of reshafting it i sold it. now that I know how to pull and reshaft myself, i'm getting another one back and rebuilding one that'll probably fit better. it's a good head! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Tan Posted May 14, 2015 Report Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) Hi My swing speed average is almost the same as yours and I found the TRPX x-line concept SX flex to be more than sufficient, in fact that can be almost too stiff if you are swing ing bad on that day. You don't always have to be X flex. Tatsuro who swing around 110mph even use a bangvoo 787 in stiff. I think it depends on the shaft. Like in most Crazy shafts in the 65g range and Quadra fire express in the 75g range SX is really good choice for your SS.basileus Z 70g is also plus the Trpx X line are really antileft. This opens up your choices in shaft available to be purchased. Hope that helps with shafts and on BST patience to wait is great. Something always turns up. We all change our equipment like underwear. I know because I just sold a couple of shaft on BST "Thanks!!" For a $220.... Edited May 14, 2015 by Jeffrey Tan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cforselius Posted May 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2015 hi there Since I have never heard of 85% of the shafts used in this forum (or is sold at Tourspec in that matter) its a tough one knowing how they play. I guess time will tell what shafts will be playable for me, and what shafts who wont. Though I appreciate you taking the time giving me some information about additional shaft which will come in handy the day I will reshaft (we all know it will happend, its just a matter of time;) ). I will scroll through the BST forums from time to time since most you guys highly recommend it. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegaman Posted May 15, 2015 Report Share Posted May 15, 2015 As a fellow Swede I'd like to welcome you to the forum! You should really jump on that offer from Chris, that's a great deal for a new T.388, a head that is quicly becoming legendary. I have one in 9.5 btw, and yes the stock shaft is a bit too soft for many many people, so you'd probably need to get another shaft, but after that you'll be good to go! Ge järnet! ha ha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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