JDM Drivers vs US Drivers

[craniac76]

I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.

[J13]

JDM has some extremely cool designs but that's it people. Forgings are the SAME, the feel of the club is subjective as all drivers sound and feel different and COR if COR. If you want to "feel" and "see" the quality then by all means do it but to say it's better is a joke.

[MizzyMan]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.

[chiromikey]

[quote name='J13' timestamp='1380799863' post='7946387']
JDM has some extremely cool designs but that's it people. Forgings are the SAME, the feel of the club is subjective as all drivers sound and feel different and COR if COR. If you want to "feel" and "see" the quality then by all means do it but to say it's better is a joke.
[/quote]

Forgings are the same? How many current usdm forged drivers have you compared? Oh wait, there are none...

[IamMarkMac]

I think he means that forging is just the same as cast performance-wise even though there may or may not be a difference in feel.

[J13]

[quote name='IamMarkMac' timestamp='1380838255' post='7949275']
I think he means that forging is just the same as cast performance-wise even though there may or may not be a difference in feel.
[/quote]

Yes, plus if you hotmelt a driver it feels and sounds just as good. Have to say though the Callaway Legacy Platinum is a SMOKING driver. Love it

[TWshoot67]

[quote name='chiromikey' timestamp='1380819797' post='7947893']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1380799863' post='7946387']
JDM has some extremely cool designs but that's it people. Forgings are the SAME, the feel of the club is subjective as all drivers sound and feel different and COR if COR. If you want to "feel" and "see" the quality then by all means do it but to say it's better is a joke.
[/quote]

Forgings are the same? How many current usdm forged drivers have you compared? Oh wait, there are none...
[/quote]
I'm confused when you say NO US OEM's have a forged driver? Do you mean for 2013/14? Nike has had several forged models since 2003, Callaway has Forged Composite since 2009, and Taylormade's had the forged Bubble 2 and the Gloire ,and legacy made for Japan market. Wilson had a few Forged drives a few years back so to say no US companies don't have forged drivers is just wrong. The Nike VR limited is a forged driver that many like. I've never even hit a JDM driver and the only forged driver I ever hit was forged composite FT9 TA.

[IamMarkMac]

[quote name='TWshoot67' timestamp='1380849955' post='7950183']
[quote name='chiromikey' timestamp='1380819797' post='7947893']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1380799863' post='7946387']
JDM has some extremely cool designs but that's it people. Forgings are the SAME, the feel of the club is subjective as all drivers sound and feel different and COR if COR. If you want to "feel" and "see" the quality then by all means do it but to say it's better is a joke.
[/quote]

Forgings are the same? How many current usdm forged drivers have you compared? Oh wait, there are none...
[/quote]
I'm confused when you say NO US OEM's have a forged driver? Do you mean for 2013/14? Nike has had several forged models since 2003, Callaway has Forged Composite since 2009, and Taylormade's had the forged Bubble 2 and the Gloire ,and legacy made for Japan market. Wilson had a few Forged drives a few years back so to say no US companies don't have forged drivers is just wrong. The Nike VR limited is a forged driver that many like. I've never even hit a JDM driver and the only forged driver I ever hit was forged composite FT9 TA.
[/quote]

He said USDM, not US OEM. Definitely, US OEMs make forged drivers for markets outside of the US. You've mentioned a few already. And I thought that "forged composite" for Callaway referred to the material, not the method.

[craniac76]

[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.

[TWshoot67]

[quote name='IamMarkMac' timestamp='1380860284' post='7950925']
[quote name='TWshoot67' timestamp='1380849955' post='7950183']
[quote name='chiromikey' timestamp='1380819797' post='7947893']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1380799863' post='7946387']
JDM has some extremely cool designs but that's it people. Forgings are the SAME, the feel of the club is subjective as all drivers sound and feel different and COR if COR. If you want to "feel" and "see" the quality then by all means do it but to say it's better is a joke.
[/quote]

Forgings are the same? How many current usdm forged drivers have you compared? Oh wait, there are none...
[/quote]
I'm confused when you say NO US OEM's have a forged driver? Do you mean for 2013/14? Nike has had several forged models since 2003, Callaway has Forged Composite since 2009, and Taylormade's had the forged Bubble 2 and the Gloire ,and legacy made for Japan market. Wilson had a few Forged drives a few years back so to say no US companies don't have forged drivers is just wrong. The Nike VR limited is a forged driver that many like. I've never even hit a JDM driver and the only forged driver I ever hit was forged composite FT9 TA.
[/quote]

He said USDM, not US OEM. Definitely, US OEMs make forged drivers for markets outside of the US. You've mentioned a few already. And I thought that "forged composite" for Callaway referred to the material, not the method.
[/quote]
So the Nike VR LTD is not made for US market? And the Forged Composite is a blending of materials that are forged together from what I read. I was being a little sarcastic but in the same sentence Nike and s have made Forged Ti drivers for US market and it was done many years ago and just up until the last Nike line their Drivers were forged. So my point was that US OEM's have made Forged drivers for US consumption.

[chiromikey]

While I recognize that there used to be a few forged drivers available to the U.S., I did say "current" usdm's. Forged composit is nothing more than misleading advertising and the few forged drivers currently made by U.S. companies are actually JDM drivers.

[MizzyMan]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380862036' post='7950997']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.
[/quote]

The GR line is still "for the better and more demanding player". But still, I would say maybe the shaft doesn't fit you? I've played several TS drivers and none, even the 901, a small deep-faced model, were what I would call unforgiving in the least. The ViQ line is their forgiving, average golfer line.

[srixhoff]

All I know is that all the clubs in my bag are jdm and it wasn't on purpose

[craniac76]

[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380921997' post='7953795']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380862036' post='7950997']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.
[/quote]

The GR line is still "for the better and more demanding player". But still, I would say maybe the shaft doesn't fit you? I've played several TS drivers and none, even the 901, a small deep-faced model, were what I would call unforgiving in the least. The ViQ line is their forgiving, average golfer line.
[/quote]

It has nothing to do with the shaft. I got custom fitted anyway with this driver. The head feels twisty on off center impact and resulting in a very short distance.

And I read the review on this driver. The driver is for average player and NOT for better player like you said.

I also played with Yonex Ezone 450 driver for 2 rounds. Same thing. The head is very unforgiving.

BTW This will be my last JDM driver. Not worth the money I spent.

[mr.haha]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380958819' post='7955649']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380921997' post='7953795']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380862036' post='7950997']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.
[/quote]

The GR line is still "for the better and more demanding player". But still, I would say maybe the shaft doesn't fit you? I've played several TS drivers and none, even the 901, a small deep-faced model, were what I would call unforgiving in the least. The ViQ line is their forgiving, average golfer line.
[/quote]

It has nothing to do with the shaft. I got custom fitted anyway with this driver. The head feels twisty on off center impact and resulting in a very short distance.

And I read the review on this driver. The driver is for average player and NOT for better player like you said.

I also played with Yonex Ezone 450 driver for 2 rounds. Same thing. The head is very unforgiving.

BTW This will be my last JDM driver. Not worth the money I spent.
[/quote]


wait...you were custom fit for this driver meaning the driver and shaft gave you the best results out of all other tested drivers and you still bought it? did the fitting show you amazing results and then on the course it didnt perform? i am having trouble reconciling the fact that you were custom fit for an unforgiving head? to me this doesnt sound like equipment issue. it sounds like you either fell in love with the notion of Tourstage only or you were not fit properly.

on the TSG website they even say it is for the better and more demanding player.
[url="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3800"]http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3800[/url]

[313]

its all relative to the swing... cant forget that.

iv spent a whole season driving poorly... and it was a stupid silly change in set up that made the difference between zero & hero. wasnt the gear.

that said, nut for nut... i still like what jdm represents over usdm.

[Tiptx1122]

I have had several different drivers all with premium shafts as the shafts to me is what makes the club much better than any stock offering. I just picked up a Honma TW 717 10.5* 460 with Vizard TA55 and this is one beautiful looking, sounding and best feeling driver I've ever hit compared to any Japaneses. Distance is very good without having to get overly aggressive too. I'm glad I made the switch as my TM SLDR with Oban white kiyoshi shaft is now my back up driver

[craniac76]

[quote name='mr.haha' timestamp='1380974441' post='7955905']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380958819' post='7955649']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380921997' post='7953795']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380862036' post='7950997']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.
[/quote]

The GR line is still "for the better and more demanding player". But still, I would say maybe the shaft doesn't fit you? I've played several TS drivers and none, even the 901, a small deep-faced model, were what I would call unforgiving in the least. The ViQ line is their forgiving, average golfer line.
[/quote]

It has nothing to do with the shaft. I got custom fitted anyway with this driver. The head feels twisty on off center impact and resulting in a very short distance.

And I read the review on this driver. The driver is for average player and NOT for better player like you said.

I also played with Yonex Ezone 450 driver for 2 rounds. Same thing. The head is very unforgiving.

BTW This will be my last JDM driver. Not worth the money I spent.
[/quote]


wait...you were custom fit for this driver meaning the driver and shaft gave you the best results out of all other tested drivers and you still bought it? did the fitting show you amazing results and then on the course it didnt perform? i am having trouble reconciling the fact that you were custom fit for an unforgiving head? to me this doesnt sound like equipment issue. it sounds like you either fell in love with the notion of Tourstage only or you were not fit properly.

on the TSG website they even say it is for the better and more demanding player.
[url="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3800"]http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3800[/url]
[/quote]

huh? I just hit a couple shots during the fitting. On the course, It didn't perform as well as during the fitting. Simple as that. When you are on the course for a long period of time, you tend to make mistake. And you need the most forgiving driver you can get.

I'm not trying to give an impression all JDM driver all like that. Maybe the driver is not for me.

BTW there is nothing special about X-drive GR. Enough about this driver... I'm moving on to another one.

[michigander]

[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1381059293' post='7959809']
[quote name='mr.haha' timestamp='1380974441' post='7955905']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380958819' post='7955649']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380921997' post='7953795']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380862036' post='7950997']
[quote name='MizzyMan' timestamp='1380808451' post='7946917']
[quote name='craniac76' timestamp='1380798331' post='7946355']
I don't know whats special with JDM driver. I just played with a Tourstage X-drive driver. I got to say this... but the driver is very unforgiving compared to my previous FT-9. I paid a hefty price for this driver. A little bit disappointed.
[/quote]

Well of course it's less forgiving. X-Drive is Tourstage's pro-level line that's for very good ball strikers not looking for huge forgiveness but control and workability. If you want more forgiveness, you need to be in one of the Ryomas or one of the more forgiving JDM drivers such as S-Yard XV or RomaRo HX460 or many others. Apples to apples.
[/quote]

It's not less forgiving, it's very unforgiving. BTW I have the GR model which is targeted for average golfer. Not the pro model.
[/quote]

The GR line is still "for the better and more demanding player". But still, I would say maybe the shaft doesn't fit you? I've played several TS drivers and none, even the 901, a small deep-faced model, were what I would call unforgiving in the least. The ViQ line is their forgiving, average golfer line.
[/quote]

It has nothing to do with the shaft. I got custom fitted anyway with this driver. The head feels twisty on off center impact and resulting in a very short distance.

And I read the review on this driver. The driver is for average player and NOT for better player like you said.

I also played with Yonex Ezone 450 driver for 2 rounds. Same thing. The head is very unforgiving.

BTW This will be my last JDM driver. Not worth the money I spent.
[/quote]


wait...you were custom fit for this driver meaning the driver and shaft gave you the best results out of all other tested drivers and you still bought it? did the fitting show you amazing results and then on the course it didnt perform? i am having trouble reconciling the fact that you were custom fit for an unforgiving head? to me this doesnt sound like equipment issue. it sounds like you either fell in love with the notion of Tourstage only or you were not fit properly.

on the TSG website they even say it is for the better and more demanding player.
[url="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=3800"]http://www.tourspecg...roducts_id=3800[/url]
[/quote]

huh? I just hit a couple shots during the fitting. On the course, It didn't perform as well as during the fitting. Simple as that. When you are on the course for a long period of time, you tend to make mistake. And you need the most forgiving driver you can get.

I'm not trying to give an impression all JDM driver all like that. Maybe the driver is not for me.

BTW there is nothing special about X-drive GR. Enough about this driver... I'm moving on to another one.
[/quote]

[jackchitwong]

[quote name='Soloman1' timestamp='1376918179' post='7704190']
The shafts are different, for one thing.

Graphite shafts are made by hand. The experience and skill of the person winding the shaft directly affects the finished product. The Japanese brand shaft for the Japanese market will be much better quality and closer tolerance than the model used by U.S. club brands. The Tour AD shaft you get in the U.S. is nothing like the same model shaft for the Japanese market.

It's the same with all components. Even steel shafts are not equal. The best steel shafts of all manufacturers are allotted to tour players first, then the Japanese manufacturers who pay a higher price for the best quality shafts of a production run. The U.S. manufacturers buy the cheapest with the lowest tolerance to specs.

Japanese buyers and American buyers are completely different when you see them visit a factory.

The Japanese buyers spend hours or days checking, testing, measuring, inspecting production methods and quality of everything off the line. They're using magnifying glasses to inspect product.

The American buyers take a quick glance, say "It looks fine," then start hammering the factory for cheaper pricing, longer payment terms, cheaper packaging and cheaper shipping costs.

That's why Japanese product is expensive.
[/quote]

Totally agree! Plus have a look of the grip as well. JDM has a very high standard and requirement to the overall weight, and weight distribution of the driver. So the grip they use on the JDM driver (same model, i.e. TaylorMade SLDR) is much better than the drivers on the US market.

[Badgergolfer2]

JDM all the way. Theres a reason why theyre non-conforming.

[Soloman1]

Which clubs are non-conforming?

[IamMarkMac]

[quote name='Badger_Golfer' timestamp='1383154269' post='8079148']
JDM all the way. Theres a reason why theyre non-conforming.
[/quote]

Does anyone know if they're non-conforming only with USGA but fine with the JGA?

[Soloman1]

There aren't non-conforming with the R&A or USGA. Japan follows the same SLE rules.

I don't know what the heck Badger_Golfer is talking about. It must be a drive-by Molotov cocktail post.

[313]

they make non-conforming (high cor) drivers... maybe he thinks they are all like that...?

but most of the gear is legal... cor & grooves

[Soloman1]

The only non-conforming clubs I see are old and were non-conforming after the rule change.

Who's still making non-conforming clubs?

[313]

i dont really know the entire list, but onoff/daiwa, romaro, ryoma, katana...most probably others

[Soloman1]

All the clubs listed as non-conforming by the USGA by those oompanies are old and were discontinued when the SLE rule changed making them non-conforming clubs.

Do you have a link to non-conforming new clubs by those companies?

[313]

http://www.tourspecgolf.com/product_info.php?products_id=4864

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/golfranger/item/dw13g3460hrd/

not really anything im personally into, just remember seeing em...

[Soloman1]

Thanks for the link. That's the only one I can find in the market that's currently produced. That doesn't mean there aren't others, but I can't find them.