Masda Golf (Pic heavy!)

[AUDuffer]

I've been down in Dallas with tbowles411 at The Golf Station and I got a chance to check out a line of golf clubs from a Japanese company called Masda (http://www.masdagolf.com/index.html). The products are really clean and I was able to hit the driver, 3W, and a demo 6 iron. These clubs have a great feel and I know the JDM'ers here will appreciate getting a look at their stuff! There are some additional products, too, like the hybrids and wedges and I took pics of those, too. Disregard the scratches on the V430 since Tim has been playing it--14/14 fairways hit yesterday at Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, TX. The only place to get this stuff outside of Japan is going to be Tim's shop if you're interested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[xxio]

Looks ok. What is the price point and where are they actually manufactured? Those are the common questions of JDM enthusiasts.

I would think though high polish finish on the sole of the driver and fws may look terrible after a few months.

[tbowles411]

Mr. Masda doesn't source anything out. He has everything made in house in Chiba, Japan, which I understand is pretty rare, in order to keep tolerances tight. He supervises everything. They actually mill putters for other Japanese OEMs as well, though Mr. Masda will not say whom. As for the finish, everything will eventually scuff and wear some eventually. It's normal wear and tear. When I got to try it all, I didn't care about the finishes when I was sending balls down the fairway. I'm sure AUDuffer didn't care either, though I didn't ask him. Just take care of your stuff like you already do.

As for price point, I was told it was comparable to other JDM pricing for similar products. It just would be best to contact The Golf Station to find out for the head and shaft combinations.

The pics don't do them justice. The woods and irons are strong and seriously long and feel amazing.

[tbowles411]

Did more checking on the sole. The sole has been developed with a metal that resists the showing of scuffs. Mr. Masda says as long as you keep it clean, it should remain bright and scuffs shouldn't be visible.

[Kamen]

Never heard of this brand but they look great! Thanks for sharing pics!

[Soloman1]

Well, he does source it out because they're made by Geotech. You can even buy them directly from Geotech. It's quite a stretch to say he "supervises everything." In the boutique club business, you go the OEM manufacturer and give them your design ideas, and they work with you. Many times they have molds from customers who never went through with manufacturing or decided not to use them, and that makes startup cheaper. They simply add the OEM name after manufacturing.

I don't know if that's the case here, but the clubs look very much like older designs with a fresh coat of paint. Nothing wrong with that, it's a typical business model and the clubs may play very well. The shaft is what usually sets clubs apart.

The iron lofts are very strong.

He really got his start doing custom paint jobs to clubs and shafts - like customizing a car.

The drivers run about US$500 retail in Japan.

[tbowles411]

According to Mr. Masda, he does not. Everything is in house. Conference calls and everything.

[Spiritomb]

Oh Japan, how I love the stuff you put out! Thanks for the pictures!

[tbowles411]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1382572353' post='8048521']
According to Mr. Masda, he does not. Everything is in house. Conference calls and everything.
[/quote]
Oh, Geotech is made at Kyoei. Geotech is selling and distributing Masda. Big difference.

[Soloman1]

Maybe I don't understand you correctly.

You're saying that he manufactures titanium heads, forged irons and graphite shafts? He owns the factories?

If that's the case, then that's great.

Here's an idea. Since I only live about 30 minutes away from his office, why don't you ask him if I can visit some of his factories and take some photos for the people here to see his operation. People would like to see that, I think. It would be great for his sales and it wouldn't cost him anything.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Soloman1' timestamp='1382583170' post='8049421']
Maybe I don't understand you correctly.

You're saying that he manufactures titanium heads, forged irons and graphite shafts? He owns the factories?

If that's the case, then that's great.

Here's an idea. Since I only live about 30 minutes away from his office, why don't you ask him if I can visit some of his factories and take some photos for the people here to see his operation. People would like to see that, I think. It would be great for his sales and it wouldn't cost him anything.
[/quote]
If Mr. Masda will let you in the door, then by all means. But I'm telling you from my friend who deals only in JDM and is the ONLY dealer outside Japan, Mr. Masda makes very little product and produces everything in house. Heck, he spoke to Mr. Masda last night before I left for home. His shafts are private label. Look at the hosel of his blade. Have you ever seen hosel that long on a mass produced blade? Domestic (USA) or JDM? I haven't. If you'd like to make a call to Tim in Texas when he returns from vacation, I'm sure he'd be happy to speak to you about everything he has access to, and not just Masda.

[313]

clearly we need a metallurgical assay ;-)

[MizzyMan]

Smells like sashimi to me.....

[Soloman1]

I can read Mr Masuda's (not Masda, that's the company name) site in Japanese and have read about him and his little company. He doesn't make everything. He doesn't have factories making titanium heads, forged iron heads and shafts. He designed the clubs like he did for a couple of other companies before, but that's it. He may still make putters, since that's where he got his start in club design. But that's a galaxy away from making titanium and forged heads and shafts . . .

I trust his products are good, but this conversation that he makes everything "in house" is just stupid.

fini

[tbowles411]

If you have to have the last word, then fine. You can have it, if it's important to you. But when you hear the man, say what he does and what he can do and doesn't do, I'll believe that instead.

[AUDuffer]

Local Ping rep, and a damn good stick, tried both of these out and wanted to take them home right then and there.

[MizzyMan]

I just can't see them competing with Miura, Yamaha, Tourstage, Epon, etc. They don't look like they're close to the same level of design and finish IMO. What "similar products" were they referring to when they said price would be comparable? I'm guessing maybe Geotech and that stuff. Not that that stuff is not any good, just not considered "premium".

And why would they want a hosel that long? Seems to put the COG very near the heel.

[potuna]

Tough crowd.

[AUDuffer]

My thoughts exactly, Pete! Price will be around Miura's but not equal to it. You should try it out before you judge solely on appearance. You can always stop by The Golf Station and check it out for yourself.

[ctmason_98]

That right there is some DARN fine craftsmanship!!!!

[MBBG]

Not really sure why all the venom about this. More competition is always good for the marketplace. Can't imagine they forge titanium in-house, but even if they don't, it matters none to me. Very, very few do, and shouldn't be a determining factor for judging the clubs.

[AUDuffer]

Unfortunately that just seems to be the way things are these days on here, MBBG. I think if somebody said they loved world peace somebody would pipe up and dispute that!

[xxio]

I don't think the quality has been put to question, just the claim that Mr. Masuda does everything in house (inc manufacturing). He could probably be like Endo-Epon. A manufacturer with his own in house brand- Masda?

[lumberman2462]

Very shiny.....

[KILLEDBYASHANKEDWEDGE]

The MB looked smooth. Liked the "gills" on the wedge, that's different.

[PingDrv00]

The pictures are great, but I really don't see anything that seems to special to me. I mean there is only so much you can or should do to a forged blade or cavity back. I actually like the look of the 714 CB and MB's better, that is especially if these come with a Muira price point. Once again just my thoughts though.

[AUDuffer]

Is it not special because you don't see some kind of slider or adjustable hosel or is it just the aesthetics of the club? Definitely should hit it because it's good. It is shiny, but if you look at the pic of the 3W that thing has been gamed for about a month and it's still looking brand new!

[Vegaman]

Masda is a long esablished boutique brand, known for tight tolerances, very high levels of fit and finish and somewhat traditional designs. It's a respected, smaller brand. Kinda like Hiro Matsumoto or Miura in the old days. Geotech sells and distributes Masda and a host of other brands on their website, that does NOT mean Geotech owns or even makes those brands. They also sell/distribute Crazy for example, definitely not owned or made by Geotech.

[Soloman1]

I don't think three years equals "long established."

Show something to support the claim that Masda manufactures clubs and shafts.

I have nothing against Mr. Masuda, but I think there's been a language mistake or misunderstanding.

[tembolo1284]

My god this is downright pornography gents. Please post a warning next time.