Kyoei Prototype Blade

Satang · July 2, 2009

Kyoei

Just got a set of used Koyei prototype irons with KBS black oxide shafts. They look same as Vega RAF-CM BK without the Vega logo. Anyone know when Koyei released the prototype and how many sets did they made?

potterman513 · July 2, 2009

Those are a Kyoei Blade (probably their classic blade with modifications in design or just offset/weight/loft type adjustments in manufacturing).

They have to had been produced within the last 2 years because that new "Kyoei Golf" logo was designed for Kyoei at the same time as Vega America's logo was designed in early 2008. That is the Kyoei Golf's new logo that is used on the sole or hosel of a lot of the clubs it produces for it's own Vega line or other companies that ask for it. (see www.VegaGolfUSA.com/Contact and scroll to the bottom to see the Vega America in the same script).

Kyoei's only prototype irons for their own Vega or Zestaim irons that have been produced within the last 2-3 years were CNC milled models of their current new productions (http://www.KyoeiGolf.co.jp)...so that only leaves two options:

1) Those irons were either just a special order that someone wanted to stamp "PROTOTYPE" and "Kyoei Golf" on as a customization...which seems highly unlikely as Kyoei is a little more careful than to put the word "prototype" on just any set of irons.

2) Most likely the case is that they were made for a potential new line of irons for someone's brand, with whatever modifications or spec changes they wanted to apply to their own line. Either way, it's a beautiful grab!

shuttle1 · July 2, 2009

They're probably really hard to hit....

They most likely don't "fit" you right...

Not very forgiving...

Nobody else will appreciate them....

I'm sure there's something else I'm forgetting...

I know someone who would be happy to take those off of your hands if you decide you don't want them... :D

slicktry · July 3, 2009

I might be picking at straws here...but, doesn't it look similar to the VJ CG Tour proto blades? Would fit the rumours of VJ's CG Tours.....

God Bless

Jer

Satang · July 3, 2009

Played 18 holes this morning with the Kyoei great clubs but not as soft as my Miura blade with 1050 Nippon shafts. Couple of close-up of the un-shafted 3 iron.

7D2 · July 8, 2009

how much were those a head

varsityhacker · July 20, 2009

Would like to hear the story on how you got these irons, it's a very cool pickup.

If you want to sell them, shoot me a PM.

Satang · July 20, 2009

Would like to hear the story on how you got these irons, it's a very cool pickup.

If you want to sell them, shoot me a PM.

I got them from Ebay and the seller misspelled the maker name and there were only six bidders I was very lucky to win the bidding. Full description of Ebay was "Japanese Forged Kyosi Golf Irons

Black Finish Muscleback With KBS Black Smoke Shafts" and the photos were not the best but it was listed as "Excellent (9 out of 10 condition) set of Kyosi Japanese best forged prototype irons. Classic muscleback design. Irons 4 thru PW shafted with KBS black smoke 5.5 stiff shafts spined and soft stepped one club. 5 iron is 37 3/4 inches long, D2 swingweight and standard loft/lie (27/60 degrees). Winn PCi TL grips. Also included is the matching 3 iron head only (new unhit and not shafted)."

They're the most beautiful irons I've owned and they feel just soft as my Miura blades after I've played more rounds with them. I don't see me getting rid of these any time soon. ...

varsityhacker · July 21, 2009

Wow that was a great find for you no doubt, next time I search EBay I might have to do some searches with incorrect spellings and see what pops up. Glad to hear that you are enjoying them, they are a very good looking iron.

3puttshakur · July 21, 2009

Wow that was a great find for you no doubt, next time I search EBay I might have to do some searches with incorrect spellings and see what pops up. Glad to hear that you are enjoying them, they are a very good looking iron.

If you're in the market for "Chikura" wedges there are a couple on eBay right now, LOL.

csv · December 1, 2009

I still remember these "Kyosi" irons. I had every intention of winning these but could not place my bid in time.

cjoe · January 8, 2010

I just purchased a used set of Kyoei Prototype Raw blades with KBS Tour black shafts from Ebay also. They look exactly like the Vega RAF-CMBK irons. I love the soft buttery feel of the raw clubs when struck pure. However, these clubs are not very forgiving compared to my Vega T.50MB blades. My only complaint is that I have to constantly maintain the clubs to avoid rust.