12 replies to this topic

[djcraig]

We all know how good the irons (epon, miura etc) but the wood offerings range from plain and simple  to the wild and weird. 

 

Most manufactures have a JDM offering and they look totally different from the USDM offerings. But for example whats the difference between TM R15 and the R15J-spec... just the shaft? 

Then theres the TM Gloire F....

 http://www.taylormad...re-f-driver.php

 

Check out another little beauty from TaylorMade 

http://global.rakute...item/1504-aijv/

 

There are a LOT of JDM manufactures. Most are expensive. Almost all are forged. From what I can make out material quality is usually higher and a lot of it is geared for people that are not necessarily the longest hitters. Shafts are also not generally seen outside of Japanese market but after some research it looks like some are pushing the tec boundaries with things like multiple sequential kick points similar to the Hiseki wave but further down the next gen path. (thanks to Jon from Total Performance for telling me about the Wave). 

 

Obviously some of the market is just for show or face which is important in Japanese culture however there are those that appear to stand out in terms of performance and all look to be of craftsmanship levels that you would only expect from the Japanese (or Germans)

 

Anyone got a J spec driver? whats it like?

[TheEastman]

Yeah I have got a Mizuno H4 Craft (JDM SPEC) it has a Fujikura Motore Speeder VT 7.0 shaft in it.

 

I was given it (used) and the head I think is worth about 400 and the shaft about 500-600 new. Shaft is very stiff so I just use my 913.

[Bluethunda]

I like the look of the R15 460 version

[Bully_BushRanger]

DJ,

 

Don't get me started on the JDM topic......                     

[Jaybam]

I have an Akira jdm driver. So so soft off the face it's scary.

[Rhodie]

i think alot of the clubs are the same/similar, just some are made in Japan for their market, as they are supposed to be very patriotic, so some of the companies make clubs in Japan for the Japense market, and then export them as a premium, as the forging is supposed to be the best in the world and feel alot softer. I play with the callaway legacy blacks, and nothing beats the feeling when the head just melts into a pro v1. 

[golfguy33]

Vega, Hiseki, Epon, plenty of Asian spec heads around but alot of non conforming driver heads too.
Crank have just come online as an option, will be interested to see how many people are asking the alternative questions about something different, rather than just the normal run of the mill OEM stuff !
Jon...

[djcraig]

yea - I noticed a lot of it was non conforming... even came across a 500+cc head somewhere...

 

Well done on the Krank gear Jon.... maybe I can get some weights for my one finally. As you know I like something thats a little different from what everyone has....If I get sometime i will  give you a call about the Vega driver head tomorrow (actually today as I look at the clock) to see if there is a chance of demo-ing one but if you only have brand new component heads I know Stu had one to hit  

[djcraig]

i think alot of the clubs are the same/similar, just some are made in Japan for their market, as they are supposed to be very patriotic, so some of the companies make clubs in Japan for the Japense market, and then export them as a premium, as the forging is supposed to be the best in the world and feel alot softer. I play with the callaway legacy blacks, and nothing beats the feeling when the head just melts into a pro v1. 

 

there are some similar like the R15 & R15 J-spec, but to my eye there are also completely different models. I cant recall seeing any of these at all here 

 

 

 

http://www.tourspecg...5-forged-driver

 

http://www.ebay.com....=item2c9eadc328

 

http://www.ebay.com....=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

http://www.tourspecg...t-forged-driver

[Tigerblood]

yea - I noticed a lot of it was non conforming... even came across a 500+cc head somewhere...

Well done on the Krank gear Jon.... maybe I can get some weights for my one finally. As you know I like something thats a little different from what everyone has....If I get sometime i will give you a call about the Vega driver head tomorrow (actually today as I look at the clock) to see if there is a chance of demo-ing one but if you only have brand new component heads I know Stu had one to hit

Scratch64 has the Vega irons

[Chook Norris aka L4G]

Epon AF-101 here, fantastic driver rather hot and feels superb

[OldBogey]

You have to love the translations:

 

Golfer also give distance!
Performance is the driver stuck in the design of course.

Easier to hold and easier to swing through the finest driver
Please take a look at feel. Limited quantity!

 

Two types of Royal GLOIRE ORIGINAL Silver Shaft that pursues the shaft driving and playing Royal GLOIRE ORIGINAL Green Shaft and shaft moves delicately, can play as their specially-designed shafts can be selected.

[OlddogMike]

I have Royal Collection BBC driver and Titleist VG3 drivers both with Graphite Design BB6 shafts, can't find anything to compare with them