How do you decide on a JDM Driver ??

[Hit-em]

I'm very interested in trying a JDM driver but since no one seems to carry anything outside of the big name US brands in my area, I'm wondering how is it possible to decide on which driver would be best without trying it first.

 

Since most of the JDM drivers are fairly expensive it could get crazy expensive to buy & try until I finally found the right one !

 

I'm wondering how do some of you guys who do use & have used numerous JDM drivers go about buying one if you can't try it first ?

 

I'm also open to suggestions ...

 

My driver swing speed is around 94 mph & I normally hit my drives 240ish or so ...accuracy is my number one priority, I also like a driver that has nice forged feel at impact ...hate LOUD drivers !!

 

Thanks

[JS Golf]

Tried few different JDM drivers. Not for me. Too much spin.

I like my 913 D3

[Mob]

Consider the Ryoma Maxima D-1. I have this driver. It is a very good all round driver. Forgiving, good distance, great feel, and nice sound. Slightly triangular head shape, and the face is neutral/square, but appears slightly closed due to it's geometry.

Another good option is the Epon AF-103. I haven't hit this one, but similar description with more classic shape

[Kingcat990]

I've only hit a few and quite honestly couldn't see a difference in distance or accuracy to justify the bloated currency exchange. They appear to be tough to resale as well. JDM is stuck on 8* and 9* drivers. I think if you take the risk of buying one that you can expect to make some altercations here and there from the grip to the shaft.

[kingarthur]

[quote name='Hit-em' timestamp='1418444115' post='10586669']
I'm very interested in trying a JDM driver but since no one seems to carry anything outside of the big name US brands in my area, I'm wondering how is it possible to decide on which driver would be best without trying it first.

Since most of the JDM drivers are fairly expensive it could get crazy expensive to buy & try until I finally found the right one !

I'm wondering how do some of you guys who do use & have used numerous JDM drivers go about buying one if you can't try it first ?

I'm also open to suggestions ...

My driver swing speed is around 94 mph & I normally hit my drives 240ish or so ...accuracy is my number one priority, I also like a driver that has nice forged feel at impact ...hate LOUD drivers !!

Thanks
[/quote] if accuracy is an important aspect than you can look at XXIO or Onoff, these 2 brands offer a good blend of forgiveness and distance like G30. Taylormade Gloire is another good option.

[kaaayelll]

To answer your question, after doing my research to get the greatest possible assurance of fit, I buy used, and, generally, head only. In that way, the financial risk is very low.

Personally, I like smaller heads (380-410cc), and for that, JDM is really the only option.

[fat eel]

I have been living in Asia for a few years now since moving to this part of the world for work, so I get to try a lot of different JDM clubs. My top 3 vote for JDM drivers in terms of performance and forgiveness (craftsmanship is all good for JDM drivers) is: XXIO, Epon, Ryoma.

[freehb]

Mob, what's your attack angle? What are you looking for your ball to do? Launch angle/spin with what you're gaming now? Based on preferring a muted sound I would suggest epon, the 103 is really the best performing for how good it looks over the ball, muted, deep sound and soft with good feedback. Another poster mentioned the ryoma d1 or maxima...that's the best performing distance wise for me but the sound is louder and tinier than epon. Many of these heads can be purchased cheaply on yah in used but good condition. Another poster said jdm heads are to high spin, am guessing he hasn't tried man as the syard t388 and jbeam/ crazy 435 are some of the lowest spinning heads out there...generally, I like to get head only and adjust ball flight with the shaft. One thing to consider is that most jdm drivers are spot on in terms of loft while most usdm drivers are usuall 2-4 degrees weaker loft so check the loft on your usdm driver befor getting same loft on a jdm...post what you're thing of trying and there are several hardcore jdm guys who try almost everything who will help you get the right head...

We're very close in terms of swing speeds. I have a couple heads lying around and a couple shafted up that I'd be happy to let you try.

Pm me if you have interest. Good luck..l

[73monte]

I went with Honma last season and couldn't be happier. Top notch quality, sound/feel, distance and accuracy.

[Tiptx1122]

Well the performance of JDM drivers are right up there and better than most newer OEM stuff that has came out in the last 4-5 years. Craftsmanship is by far much better no comparison. The only real advantage OEM drivers have is almost all of them are adjustable and if you've never been fitted it's a gamble when buying JDM drivers. I'll most definitely stick with my JBeam Glorious driver over anything any OEM driver has to offer

[RogerinNewZealand]

Bought a 2002 TM XR03, non conforming, 400cc, square face around a year ago.
Very Accurate!
But no smoking distance to be found!
Happy i gave it a go.
Very surprised at the negative reaction from other golfers re its non conforming.
Sold and bought a Classic !
Ping Rapture V1.
Have also had hard to find Bridgestone J38 430ish cc. Nice !
Buy a JDM club a year just for curiosity. Because you can.
Cheers!