Fourteen, OnOff, Maybe Miura, and Shafts

[m d g]

Was in Victoria Golf in Aoyama yesterday hitting balls into the net. I am thinking about getting a set of JDM irons as I'll be in Tokyo for a year or so and my current set is in US and really old tech (15 years or so).

 

Really like the OnOff Kuros and figure graphite will be my best choice. Like everyone else, I'm not getting any younger (54 now) and I've always been a short hitter (90mph or so with driver / 140 yards with a 7-iron on a really good day). Despite my lack of power, when I was playing more I managed to get down to a sub-7 index with a homemade swing and determination.

 

So anyway, hit the graphite version. Really like the way it looks and feels great. The machine tells me it's going from 145 to 160 (probably not accurate but apples to apples). They I pick up the NS Pro 950GH stiff and really started to hit it well. Felt just as good and I was getting 155 to 180 on the machine.

 

Next up the Fourteen 888 in NS Pro Modus 120 stiff steel. I was really killing that and it seemed very easy to hit despite very little offset (I have lots on my old Ping ISI steel). And I believe it's a heavier shaft than the NS Pro 950GH. It was going 160-180 consistently even when I put a little 'cut' swing on it. I read on another site review that these are for players with 'a driver swing speed above 96mph.' But isn't that a function of the shaft and not the head design? Just curious if it's too much club for me.

 

What gives? I have no business hitting anything in steel anymore, especially not stiff. My old set are DG R300 soft-stepped once. Are these shafts softer (as I've read here and elsewhere) than a DG300S?

 

Now I'm torn. Steel shafts are less expensive but will I still be able to hit them in 5 or 6 years?

 

As for the Miura part, am seriously considering getting fit for either the MB-5005 or CB-2007 but can't find anywhere to hit them. Would love to see what all the hype is about with Epon but can't find any of those to hit either. Unlike some, I cannot buy irons sight unseen.

 

Last question: the OnOff was listed at 37.75 for a 5-iron. The Fourteen 888 at 38 inches but both were exactly the same length (odd). Is either of those standard length for Japan? I play + .25 in my old irons (not tall, just tended to hit everything thin during fitting).

 

Thanks…new to JDM but living in Tokyo I love looking at all the great equipment. I appreciate the vast expertise of this forum.

[adizero]

I have looked at the Onoff Kuros. Very nice!

[m d g]

The OnOff Kuros are very nice...my favorite so far of the clubs I've been able to hit. But I feel that I owe it to myself to try to find the Miuras and at least hit them before I decide. The MB 5005 is very nice looking (I've seen the heads only unshafted) and would be a contender if it's not too much club for me. Used to be an 8, now probably a 12 from lack of playing. I would probably pair either club with graphite or light steel. Cost a factor but not a huge one. Besides, the dollar/yen exchange is favorable towards the dollar so that helps...

[kingarthur]

The Onoff Kuro was a gem at the demo, they seem to really have nailed the design.

[swizbeatz]

If your trying to pick up distance at least hit the 5 or 7 series epon. Nothing better for ballspeed imo that's still attractive to look down on.

[m d g]

Would LOVE to hit the 503 and especially the 703 Epons, but have never seen them in a shop. I did see a used set of 503s that were quite pricey with a shaft that would be too stiff for me. Unfortunately, it was a small shop without any net/hitting area.

[freehb]

Am guessing your lm session was a combination of a good swing day and a machine that needs tuning...in my experience I haven't seen anyone playing golf for a long time suddenly gain 2 clubs in distance permanently...

Get the 503s w roddio I9 SR...maybe even i8, sounds like u stay pretty loyal to a setup...703 is longer but sounds like u have a repeatable swing and I wouldn't want to look down on the 703 every round for 7 years...503 is very hot and p,entry forgiving. roddio is the smoothest iron shaft available...you'll be happy...

[m d g]

Know any shops in Tokyo that carry them? Epon I mean.

[Tzoid]

[size=4]
I just took a look at the Specs of the Epon AF 702 & AF 703. The lofts are crazy. [/size]
[size=4]
If you want to "FEEL" like your hitting the ball longer and that makes you happy than buy these.... The lofts are 4 degrees strong throughout.[/size]

[m d g]

I know...but isn't it a pleasant bonus if they also feel soft (as I hear they do) while also being well-made and accurate/forgiving?

[swizbeatz]

[quote name='Tzoid' timestamp='1419259412' post='10627949']
[size=4]
I just took a look at the Specs of the Epon AF 702 & AF 703. The lofts are crazy. [/size]
[size=4]
If you want to "FEEL" like your hitting the ball longer and that makes you happy than buy these.... The lofts are 4 degrees strong throughout.[/size]
[/quote]

I just looked at the 702's too and they are the same or higher than the first irons I compared them against, TM RS1 which I would assume would appeal to the same handicap.

[Tzoid]

I think it's awesome that Epon makes great forged Irons with lofts to help the higher handicap golfer. This explains the OP hitting them 2 clubs longer than what he's been playing.

[Vegaman]

[quote name='Tzoid' timestamp='1419270417' post='10628857']
I think it's awesome that Epon makes great forged Irons with lofts to help the higher handicap golfer. This explains the OP hitting them 2 clubs longer than what he's been playing.
[/quote]

How is super strong lofts helpful to a high hcp player? Helpful because it massages his ego?

[flopshot99]

Miura are phenominal

[Tzoid]

[quote name='Vegaman' timestamp='1419317560' post='10631933']
[quote name='Tzoid' timestamp='1419270417' post='10628857']
I think it's awesome that Epon makes great forged Irons with lofts to help the higher handicap golfer. This explains the OP hitting them 2 clubs longer than what he's been playing.
[/quote]

How is super strong lofts helpful to a high hcp player? Helpful because it massages his ego?
[/quote]

Most golfers would use a stick with a dog turd attached at the end if they shot lower scores.. Take a look at just about every Manufactures "Game Improvement " clubs and the common theme is crazy strong lofts. If someone plays better with these clubs than mission accomplished.

[potuna]

I've got the kuros, with C tapers, some of the best irons I've ever hit.