James Posted August 5, 2004 Report Share Posted August 5, 2004 What are the differences between the 2,3,4, and 5 star of the Rf420 driver? Is it really worth the extra money to get a 4 or a 5 star instead of a 2 or a 3? thanks. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted August 5, 2004 Report Share Posted August 5, 2004 James, Honma traditionally rated their shafts with the amount of titanium strands mixed into their shafts, so the 2 star and 3 star shafts had similar number of strands, and the 4 and 5 star shafts had more strands. The more stars (not 100% sure) a shaft had, the stiffer and heavier the shaft played given the same flex, due to the strand density. Also, kickpoint tends to be higher on the shaft as the star ratings increase. From what I have heard from our local Honma dealer, the difference between the 4 and 5 star shafts had more to do with which of their factory 'master shaftmakers' had a hand in making a set of shafts to be designated 5 star, yet the specs were similar if not the same to a 4 star. I don't know the real difference between a 2 star and a 3 star shaft. Having said that, I've seen the model you are referring to, and don't think it has any titanium built into the shaft. On my next visit to the abovementioned shop, I will ask them for more information and will post it. I believe I have hit the model you are referring to in your post. The shaft reminded me of a graphite design ys 6 with an untipped s flex. The designated flex on the club I hit was an 's' flex, but played probably within the 240+ cpm range. Willy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted August 5, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2004 Willy, thanks alot for your post. I'm looking for this honma to get for a family member who has a slow swingspeed but would like the most out of her swing. Thanks for your help. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxio Posted August 6, 2004 Report Share Posted August 6, 2004 Just to add to Willy "World's Biggest ClubHo"s post. The stars were used to rate the Titanium-Carbon shafts but now since the new Honma shafts are Doric-Titanium they are now more a rating as to the level of the clubmaker that built them. I liked the old Titanium Carbon shafts better. I have hit the 420RF (with the golden scoring lines) it is very long and very light. Just to give you an idea how much of a good driver it is. The Honma Pros on the APGA & JPGA use the RF despite Honma having other "Players" drivers. As to worth it getting the "higher" star You or your friend would have to demo as to which shaft characteristics will fit you. They are different. Otherwise it is like paying for a Fuji vs Aldila NV. I prefer the Fuji Six because it works for me so I have to pay the extra $$$. I have friends who play the NV better so they don't have to pay as much $$$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willy Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 James, Welcome. Xxio's point of trying before pulling the trigger is quite important, especially if your friend is trying to maximize her swing speed. Those Honmas don't come cheap, but if you get the right club, it will be fun. Willy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted August 7, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 well im afraid there arent any proshops that carry honma... :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxio Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 well im afraid there arent any proshops that carry honma... :sad: There are couple in So Cal that do. Also TourSpecGolfer can hook you up with one of the best Honma connections ever. (Thank you for that hook up Chris, but we couldn't find it with the shafts I wanted).I'm sure he will be helpful in choosing. If the person buying is a 18 to 25 handicap I would go with the cheaper shaft unless he is Asian because the extra stars will mean extra favors in return :smile1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornyjuan Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 Always thought that the star ratings meant more gold plated emblems on the driver. As far as functionality, the drivers are the same (maybe upgraded shafts like the above posts say). I could be wrong but i know the difference between a 2-3 star and a 4-5 star is alot of money. Shaft wise...just get fitted for a shaft and pick from there. You'll end up saving alot more money if you get fitted than buying the most expensive shaft and feeling like it's the best fit for her. When you buy Honma your just throwing your money at the clubs...there are plenty of other brands that can help the high handicapper/low swing speed golfer. If your in socal there are two shops in san gabriel that sell Honma. You can demo clubs there as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zojo Posted August 7, 2004 Report Share Posted August 7, 2004 theres one in fremont that i go to whenever i visit my relatives in california that carries alot of honma stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
primo Posted August 8, 2004 Report Share Posted August 8, 2004 From what I understand the star ratings deal directly with the quality in the shaft. In it's construction and material. According to my dad, which I just bought him a set of 4 star CB's, says the additional stars helps with dampening. Very important at his age. Consistancy/quality, I do believe the stars make a big difference in shafts. It's like buying a fuji vp vs fuji tour shaft. They are both great shafts, but you get what you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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