How to choose a JDM driver ?

[settling4birdie]

Hi everyone,

 

I was wondering how some of you have gone about choosing a driver online. Some of these drivers look amazing online. I mean the Jim Beam, Honma, S-Yard, George Spirits, Maruman etc... are like pieces or art as far as drivers are concerned. I wanna buy them all....( LOL). If only Golfsmith had these in the demo racks. Anyways wo the means to hit them was wondering how you decided on one particular brand over another.

 

Thanks for your input....

[idrive]

Certainly tough to demo most of them.

I think that's where reviews come in. There's usually quite a few (reviews) available. Must do some
research. Other factors would be shape, size and perhaps even color. Geared toward the better player
or high capper.

Also, usually used ones in very good condition available for sale that makes it a bit easier on the pocket
book when you;re not sure exactly what you might want.

Hardest part is getting the right shaft.......

[freehb]

I go by look. reading reviews can be dangerous, what feels "soft" to one person can be "clicky" or even "harsh" to another. get a couple used ones and get a feel for some different brands. I recommend epon, jbeam, crazy, Yamaha if u want to go boutique, check out George spirits...more mainstream try geotech or yonex...

[Mob]

I would start with something forgiving like epon or Ryoma. JBeam is alittle less forgiving.

[lumberman2462]

For every 100 demo days at a high end public course or private club - you'll encounter one facility that has a lonely club fitter that will be set up and carry JDM.

They're not easy to find.

Best bet is to find a JDM fitter and call him up and ask to come try some things out. You'll probably have to travel a little....make a vacation out of it.

[illest_golfer]

I would start looking for asian owned golf shops they usually carry them. In California korea town,Japan town, and china town. I've tried most of them they are over priced for 10-15 yard gain..I would stick to USDM.

[chiromikey]

[quote name='illest_golfer' timestamp='1380736611' post='7943045']
... I've tried most of them they are over priced for 10-15 yard gain..I would stick to USDM.
[/quote]

I'm not corroborating the 15yd gain...but people EASILY spend more money chasing 15yds with USDM's newest versions every 3 months than they would on JDM. Let's face it, when you sell your JDM equipment if you don't like it, you'll get most, if not all, of your money back if you bought used (which is the best way to get your feet wet in the JDM market)...whereas you'll lose your arse buying/selling USDM off the rack crap.

[mr.haha]

[quote name='chiromikey' timestamp='1380738956' post='7943253']
[quote name='illest_golfer' timestamp='1380736611' post='7943045']
... I've tried most of them they are over priced for 10-15 yard gain..I would stick to USDM.
[/quote]

I'm not corroborating the 15yd gain...but people EASILY spend more money chasing 15yds with USDM's newest versions every 3 months than they would on JDM. Let's face it, when you sell your JDM equipment if you don't like it, you'll get most, if not all, of your money back if you bought used (which is the best way to get your feet wet in the JDM market)...whereas you'll lose your arse buying/selling USDM off the rack crap.
[/quote]

+1. thats just one of the MANY reasons why USDM does not exist in my house/bag anymore.
and 10-15 yards extra is a HUGE increase in distance. that's essentially a 1-2 club improvement.

[tatertot]

Just buy the most expensive one. That's the main reason to go to JDM equipment anyway.

[BenSeattle]

If possible, I would find one that looks great in photos, gets great reviews and then buy HEAD ONLY. Find a high-end clubfitter in your city and then let him help you find the right shaft for your swing and ability. This means not just a hobbiest who messes around with components but the guy who fits local pros and amateurs willing to pay for the best. Obviously, this means he'll have a launch monitor setup so you can demo some of his high-end shafts for critical specs like launch angle, spin rate, etc. You may be able, if unhappy with your first choice, talk him into allowing you to "swap out" one high-end shaft for another.