Yamada lust...

[megameng]

I just learned about yamada putters about 6 months ago, and I've been searching high and low for either a 85029 (musashi) or samurai in burning copper ever since. Finally saw both listed on eBay (albeit in smoke); the 85029 just sold for $610 and I am already regretting not making a higher bid. The samurai is still available at $900. I'm so tempted but I know these things historically have gone for ~$400, and I just placed an order for a new kamakura for $500.

 

I know the law of supply and demand is in play here but my question is it worth paying up to $600-$1000 for a used handmade yamada? I know this is a subjective question but humor me :)(

[Kingcat990]

If you think you can putt better with it, why not? But you don't know if you can.

If you want it, get it. When you do, post a review with plenty of photos.

Good luck sir.

[flopshot99]

Go to John Miur Clubmaker Online he is the us distructor and he can get you the empreror style new....I think you can find a putter in the tops 300 range and love it.

[EdGolf]

Unfortunately the two model you lust are no longer in production, thus' the up price.... I just order a Shogun and a Kamakura as well.

[RLL33]

In case the above wasn't clear, John Muir at [url="http://www.clubmaker-online.com"]www.clubmaker-online.com[/url] is US distributor for Yamada-san and is personally in touch with him. I agree that he's the man to talk to about Yamada's. And while it's true that some of the models aren't around much, Yamada will still do a hand made order of many (at less than the prices you're quoting). John is the man to talk to, and he's a great guy to know for all kinds of clubs. I've personally ordered from him and found his service to be "above and beyond."

[bruinduke]

I am a bit in the same dilemma re the yamada treasure hunting. My head tells me the "lust" is unfounded as I once found a handmade Yamada in burning copper finish at my local roger dunn for a reasonable amount (I think around $250). First and only time I've seen one there. Normally I have some credit and I would pick it up to use or flip, but I tried it and nothing stood out as far as any other higher end putter I've tried. Fast forward to about a year ago, I get a yamada prototype tx-001 In trade and again looked nice, but I didn't make any more putts or notice a difference in head softness/"feel" or roll.

My heart tho sees the pics, loves the finish, and the limited supply (prior to the new release availabilty) made it one of my favorite auction site searches. It's s great looking putter without a doubt, but I think it's the "botique" uniqueness that makes the demand more than it merits. It hasn't stopped me from wanting to order a handmade one, but I think in the end I'll realize that i should have listened to my past experiences.

[Mob]

You buy these putters for their relative rarity, and the fact that he doesn't make those models anymore; not because you will putt any better with it. They are well made, high grade materials, but in the end, it is just another putter. I love mine, but I recognize that I love it because it is uncommon. I also like the imperfections that you can see up close in a handmade putter vs. the exactness of mass produced items.

I saw that putter on eBay and I wouldn't pay that much money for one in that condition.

[Mob]

By the way, I communicated with John Muir last week and Yamada-san is not making anymore custom putters at this point. His mind may change in the future, but right now, he is sticking with the listed models available.

[flopshot99]

You can get a great milled Yamada with burnin copper finish from John Miur for 299.00 It might not be exactly what you want, but its still pretty awesome and looks/feels great!!!

[megameng]

@bruinduke - thanks for sharing your experience with the putter. I figured that it didn't greatly enhance performance but they look so damn sexy. Couple this with the fact that they are no longer in production and my desire to have one has gone through the roof...

@mob - totally agree with your sentiments, and $600 for a used putter in that condition did seem pretty steep - makes me feel better that someone else thought so. Still, a part of me can't help but wish I just pulled the trigger.

In the end, price is relative. The amount of satisfaction I would have gained just from owning a handmade Yamada that's no longer in production might have been worth it. I guess I'll be scouring Ebay until another pops up, however I won't go $900 for the samurai that's currently listed...that's just crazy! (totally kidding/not kidding)

[frybot]

I live in Osaka, and strangely, Yamada putters are pretty tough to find. I did manage to pick this up a while back. I don't game it very often - it's too pretty! A couple of crappy phone pics...[attachment=2612689:image.jpg]

[TheMechanic]

Very nice

[megameng]

Nice. Would you be willing to sell it?

[megameng]

Nice. Would you be willing to sell it?

[stevopagolf]

Looks like a Yamada Samurai. Very nice indeed....

[irwinfletcher77]

Only putter I've ever regretted selling is a Yamada. There isn't a Cameron made that feels as good as Yamada

[Dr. Shankenstein]

The new bae...

[attachment=2616937:IMAG0273.jpg][attachment=2616939:IMAG0274.jpg]

She came in the mail today. Emperor 2 Burning Copper finish. Exquisite! Rolled a few on the carpet, so smooth and well balanced, super soft but solid. Cant wait to get her outside to play.

[frybot]

[quote name='megameng' timestamp='1423798838' post='10943373']
Nice. Would you be willing to sell it?
[/quote]

No plans to sell this one at the moment. I really love this putter. I'm always on the lookout for Yamadas though, if I find something cool I'll shoot you a PM.

[Dr. Shankenstein]

[quote name='frybot' timestamp='1423915009' post='10951137']
[quote name='megameng' timestamp='1423798838' post='10943373']
Nice. Would you be willing to sell it?
[/quote]

No plans to sell this one at the moment. I really love this putter. I'm always on the lookout for Yamadas though, if I find something cool I'll shoot you a PM.
[/quote]
I got mine from John Muir of Clubmaker Online. I would check them out first before you spend an arm and a leg elsewhere. Great guy to work with and I think others on this site would attest. Good luck!

[stevopagolf]

John is very helpful, second the recommendation. I just wish Mr. Yamada would make some of his old classics...Samurai, Mushashi. He seems into mallets and center shafted and the Emperor 2 only at the moment..

[megameng]

Well I just bit the bullet and bought the samurai on Ebay. Got a better deal from the seller than what was listed, and this was after the price dropped down to $600 will post pictures soon!

[Mob]

[quote name='megameng' timestamp='1424400621' post='10989041']
Well I just bit the bullet and bought the samurai on Ebay. Got a better deal from the seller than what was listed, and this was after the price dropped down to $600 will post pictures soon!
[/quote]

Congrats. You will love it. I just picked up a Yamada Burning Copper Razor on eBay today as well. Not my favorite style putter, but just couldn't pass it up for some reason. I really have a weakness for copper golf clubs.

[stevopagolf]

[quote name='megameng' timestamp='1424400621' post='10989041']
Well I just bit the bullet and bought the samurai on Ebay. Got a better deal from the seller than what was listed, and this was after the price dropped down to $600 will post pictures soon!
[/quote]

Congrats! When it came down to $600 I was tempted but I already won th 85029, which looks much better in person that the photos do justice. The headcover was crap but I didn't care.

[megameng]

Thanks Stevo! Would love to see some photos of your 85029. That is the next putter on my treasure hunting list

[stevopagolf]

Your Samurai is unique as it has a site line. Most of the ones I have seen have a site dot....

[megameng]

Got in the mail last week but haven't had a chance to roll it yet. I think I prefer the sight dot over the line, but no biggie. Will post pics soon!