Posted July 9, 200420 yr comment_47775 This driver is as beautiful as in the pictures. A truly classic design, no fuss, nice dark-toned finish, no alignment aid. The finish on the shaft (GD Tour AD W70) is also top notch and much nicer than the GD Tour AD I-65. The driver naturally sets up square and feels very comfortable. Actually took the wrappers off on the first tee. Had a very early tee time and had to make do without any sort of warm-up or stretching. Prior to the first drive, I was a little concerned that the shaft felt a little softer than the stated stiff flex so I made sure I put a nice easy swing on it. Dogleg right first hole, uphill over a ravine. Placement on this course is essential as it is situated high up on an island, very tight, and no forgiveness either side. Swung nice and easy, pushed it a fraction but the ball flew nice and straight over the ravine, and onto the fairway. Swing was a little off today especially with the irons so my comments have to be taken in context. Reaction off the initial drive was immense satisfaction and pleasure. The driver feels very solid and the shaft provides excellent feedback - plays to a true stiff. Throughout the round, I discovered that the ball needs to be teed up a tad higher to achieve maximum results. Ball flight is slightly low if teed up "normal" height (not too low) and teeing it a bit higher achieved the best results in terms of ball flight and feel. Sweet spot seems to be located slightly above centre and middle of club face. When swung well, this driver is REAL solid. No tingy TM sound from this head! Nice trajectory and holds the line very well. Distance is still hard to assess. Bearing in mind that the COR is Conforming, shaft is 44.5", I just switched from a Tourstage X-01 ball (longest I've ever hit) to a Srixon AD333 (because I prefer a softer feeling ball at a fraction of the price!), and that I've been playing a XXIO non-conforming head recently, the JC371 seems more than adequate in the distance category. On most of the holes, I'd have to say I was 10 yards shorter than with my XXIO/X-01. It was also windy today and the fairways were very sandy, producing no roll at all so these results are definitely inconclusive. Thinking back over the round, I really have to say that the JC371 is very forgiving for such a solid feeling driver. I pull-hooked a couple of drives that weren't that far off the fairway and pushed a couple of fades that ended up in the light rough. Come to think of it, it's definitely forgiving. Being a habitual driver addict, I can draw the best comparisons between the X-Drive 390 Prospec and the JC 371; Distance - JC371 might be a tad longer. Ball flight - JC371 definitely has a nicer trajectory. The X-390 noticeably lower. Forgiveness - the JC371 wins hands down. I hit anything from seriously low hooks to towering high fades with the X-390. The JC371 is very consistent and predictable. Feel - again the JC371 wins by a mile. Very solid with excellent feedback whereas the X-390 was a little tinny. Looks - both look great but the JC371 is more of a classic and sets-up beautifully. All in all, I wasn't swinging great today but in hindsight, the irons were causing more of the problem rather than the driver. I'll be honest that I think the JC371 is an excellent stick even though I haven't fallen in love it nor was I overwehlemd by it. In contrast, the first round with the X-390 was nowhere near as pleasing as with the JC371. Don't have much more to add at this time. The JC371 is the real deal especially if you like a classic, solid-feeling head, and also like to have the ability to work your drives. I just like to hit 'em straight so that factor is not an issue for me. To best summarize my feelings about the club (and I usually ask myself this question after first hitting a new club), if someone wanted to take this off my hands right now at a decent price, would I sell it? In all honesty, I can't be sure one way or the other. My gut reaction is that I need a few more rounds to better assess whether this driver is right for me but then again, at the right price, I would indeed consider selling it. With that said, I think I have to sort out a game for Monday to further my review! :laugh: Feel free to ask any questions. Didier
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47800 Great review. I have been waiting for some more information on this driver. Keep us informed on how it turns out over the weekend with some more rounds. I am also interested in that shaft and how it plays. Is the driver a deep bore head ?
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47807 Great review. I have been waiting for some more information on this driver. Keep us informed on how it turns out over the weekend with some more rounds. I am also interested in that shaft and how it plays. Is the driver a deep bore head ? Hey Doc, Unfortunately I don't play on weekends. Not sure when I'll get another round in but hopefully next week. Regardless, I'm going to take it to the range and compare it to my XXIO in the week. The shaft plays silky smooth. Loads well, definitely no risk of ballooning, and nice weight. Driver actually feels heavier than the D2.5 which is great when the swing is tuned in. Judging by the shaft specs and the actual results, I'd have to guess that it's a deep bore. I'm sure Chris can elighten us regarding the more tecnical specs. Didier
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47810 nice review - I like the sound of this head, but am actually more interested in the shaft. I think its a good fit for me, kind of a mix of a 660TR and 757. Would love to see pics if you get the chance
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47845 Thanks good rewiew , I have been looking at this one, im very interested. Also keep it up with what you think,on the club, and let us know thanks...HIT IT WELL
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47873 The JC must be some driver if you felt the XD390 felt "tinny." Regardless, Good review. Thanks.
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47902 Great review.... I am also looking to get some JC in the near future, have had X390 and sold it becuz of its low trajectory and inconsistency with my FLAW swing! :whistle: I would love to see some pics of this driver~~~ :cool: Cheers~
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47905 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open.
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47910 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open. Is it conforming?
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47916 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open. Is it conforming? Yes 100%
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47917 The JC must be some driver if you felt the XD390 felt "tinny." Regardless, Good review. Thanks. Perhaps tinny is the wrong word. Still the X-390 feels more hollow whereas the JC371 is as solid as they come. Brings to mind a longer and more forgiving 975J :cool:
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47918 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open. Is it conforming? Yes 100% Let's see some good pics again, please.
July 9, 200420 yr comment_47921 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open. I lined mine up against the wall and it definitely appears square to me. My mis**t tendencies are high fades but I never felt any risk of going right during my round. Have to test more.
July 10, 200420 yr comment_47976 Is that just me or does the club face look a little closed? Not a pro photographer :whistle: Clubface is square.
July 10, 200420 yr comment_47983 does it look smaller to the r7 or can you tell much with the 371 cc to the 400cc do you think its better than the r7 tp tour but thanks for the great pics thanks.
July 10, 200420 yr comment_47987 does it look smaller to the r7 or can you tell much with the 371 cc to the 400cc do you think its better than the r7 tp tour but thanks for the great pics thanks. Having only held the R7 briefly in a shop, I would say that it's only fractionally smaller and not really noticeable. The 371cc is extremely well proportioned - face is deep but moderately so, crown does not appear too large or too small. It feels more like a Titleist than a TM.
July 10, 200420 yr comment_48039 Very nice pics...thanks for the great review...I'm interested in seeing what you think of this later..I really like the looks of that club..since is doesn't resemble and oil filter on the end of a stick...
July 10, 200420 yr comment_48094 Even thoughim shaould be getting a R7 tp tour in a few days i still might have to be a ho and get one from chris thats a sweet driver that he speaks highly of also thanks
August 16, 200420 yr comment_52991 Guys the JC 371 proto is all he says the real deal, what I loved most about it was the awesome feel and perfect setup and shape...but, I want to warn all that it is 1.3 degrees open. So what is the effective loft if its 1.3* open?
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