Simply the best...for me. A JDM favorite.

[bjp1]

Epon AF-301

First some context to my feedback. I've shuffled through some of the best irons made, JDM and domestic OEM brands alike. My feedback is based on actual playing experiences and comparisons to brands like Miura (CB-301, 202, & 501), Scratch retail (AR-1 & EZ-1), Scratch Tour Dept. (Combo Set), Mizuno (MP-60, 32, 62), Mizuno Japan (MP-60), KZG (Forged Blade, Forged, ZO Blade) , Tourstage (MR23, J33 Combo, Z101), and Bridgestone (J33, J36, J38).

I've owned the AF-301's since they became available on TSG (so 2+ years now). From the factory, these had DGS200 installed, and didn't work well for me at all. I tried several other shafts (PX, PX HL, GS75) before finding the perfect fit with DGSL300.

What works?
Sole Grind - My Scratch experiences taught me the value of having the right sole grind on your irons. I'm a digger/driver, and the Epon sole grind has allowed me to significantly reduce the number of mishits per round, which for me was the fat shot. Fewer avoidable mishits, fewer strokes on the card.

Offset - A little offset can be your friend. Over the years, I've taken notice of my misses with zero offset irons (Scratch/Miura/MR-23) compared to irons with minimal offset. Although I prefer the offset on the AF-302 compared to the AF-301, I believe that I have the right amount in the 301's for my swing. They're not a challenge to look at at address.

Perimeter Weighting - The value of the perimeter weighting designed into the 301 is noticeable on the club, and on the course. The forgiveness of the 301's is there when I need it. The design also improves its feel as well. I tend to mishit towards the toe, and these tend to cover misses on either side of the clubface.

Durability - Very few of my high-end irons have been played without some form of protection, i.e. headcovers or separate slots in the golf bag. After deciding that I was going to keep these no matter what, I stopped caring. However, the finish still looks very good and has held up under very challenging playing conditions (sandy ranges, dog track courses, etc.).

Overall, Epon makes some excellent products that perform well, and look even better. I thought I remind folks of just how good the AF-301 iron is compared to some of the best designs out there. BTW, I've demoed the Epon AF-302 on course for 4 rounds, and although its better looking at address, I didn't find a discernable difference for me in overall feel and playability. You'd had a winner either way, but I'll stick with my 301's.

Brian

[Guest]

Nice write up.

[corky]

[quote name='Dkcny' timestamp='1281808769' post='2638312']
Nice write up.
[/quote]


My 302's are the best feeling irons I've owned, and I've owned quite a few Epon irons forged for other manufacturers... Tourstage etc.

[rjklein4470]

I agree I have as set of 302's and they have benched my beloved Callaway proto's

[TRoc9892]

Have you tried the af-tours? Those are beautiful.

[bjp1]

[quote name='TRoc9892' timestamp='1281817213' post='2638514']
Have you tried the af-tours? Those are beautiful.
[/quote]

Tried the AF-Tour as well, but again, found the AF-301 to be a better all-around performer. I preferred the AF-302 to the AF-Tour as well.

Brian

[Scuderia]

I am playing aftours and they are simply amazing.