Looking to pick up some JDM irons, suggestions? In Hong Kong/Japan?

[Astras]

I'm heading over to Asia for a trip, and I'm wondering if it would be economical to pick up some irons while there. I'm going to be in Hong Kong and Tokyo/Osaka, so I can go and check it out. I know used JDMs are pretty cheap (well, relatively) in Japan, so I'd definitely be looking at that.

 

I'm actually a pretty new player, having played around for a couple years but got serious this past season. I've been borrowing my friend's JPX-800HDs and they've been great, but I want to get a set of my own. I'm currently around a 18-25 handicap (right now 24, been a bit cold for last couple rounds here in Canada). I feel like my iron game isn't bad and my striking/swing is alright. My driver/woods is definitely holding me back, and since getting a few lessons and a new driver (Miura SIT 460), that's been improving again.

 

Is there any suggestions to which irons I should get/try? I'm leaning towards Epon 302 or 502s, and I also want to try some japanese wedges. If there are any shops in particular or irons/wedges you think would fit a player like me, I would love to hear some suggestions.

 

There are clubfitters in the area that does epon/miura/yamahas, so I can get those retrofitted. I also speak a bit of japanese so communication won't be a huge problem.

[Soloman1]

You won't find many Epon clubs, if any, in Japan. Clubbuilders are rare now. Miura clubs will cost you more in Japan than in Canada, and they're harder to find in Japan. You can get heads on the internet in Japan, though.

Miura and Epon are both more for the foreign market and not common or even marketed in Japan.

While you're in Tokyo, go to Okachimachi station on the Yamanote train line. It's the place to go for golf goods, new and used. The shops are all around the station, just walk up and down the street beside the elevated tracks.

[freehb]

I would suggest u look at the epon 503 or the 551. the 302s are sublime but they're still a forged cb, the 5 series is much more forgiving and still feel good. I did not care for the feel or sound of the 502s. another iron for you to look at is the romaro v type r. I touch smaller than the epon 5 series yet still very forgiving. prgr is a great brand, especially if you're looking for gi.

[jming]

If you're looking for Epon in HK, look up Pura Golf. Tony will take care of you there. They have more than just epon in the shop, but I didn't pay attention. He might be able to help you find some second hand as well.

[freehb]

thanks for the tip jming, in general Solomon is right, I did not see much epon in Tokyo area or Nagano areas but I wasn't looking for it back then '02-'06. I did see epon in a shop in hk though. at the time I remember being put off by the price. epon is pretty pricey everywhere....there's not a huge supply and the quality is second to none. it really is the pinnacle IMO...

[freehb]

also, if its any help, I carry an 11 and have been as low as a 7 and the epon 5 series is a good fit for me. I do prefer the 302 when my iron swing is working well, but with where you're game is at (from what you've described) you will enjoy the game more with the 5 series. you may want to even look at the 7 series....

a lot of guys on this forum post pics of beautiful blades and players cb's and I'm sure many of them have the swing for them but you really don't want to be that guy who has awesome, expensive clubs that are way to much for him and hurt his game....it's no fun and kind of poserish....

[freehb]

speaking from personal experience...

[jnradioactive]

Would think u aren't going to save enough to make it worth not just getting them from the local JDM fitter u mentioned

[jming]

Oh there's a pretty big golf shop in Causeway Bay. I can't remember the name. Festival Golf maybe? They don't carry miura or Epon either. Mostly the other brands. It's down the street from the Apple Store. I think u can find it on google maps. I remember because i was using the apple stores free wifi. I didn't really see anything I liked but again I was searching for Epon to demo.

If you are in TST there is a street that is parallel to Nathan road that has a bunch of shops. Again no miura or Epon but still interesting to look. There's probably like 10 small shops. Bargain and then go to the next shop and tell them it's cheaper down the street. Now that I think of it I don't recall ever seeing Yamaha gear in HK either.

[Duffy19]

All Epon are custom fitted so you are not going to find new Epon in shops. They are only built by authorized Epon fitters. For 2nd hand JDM irons, the quality in Japan is much higher than say HK. Miura in HK is only carried by Golf Partner, the official distributor. However you can find other JDM such as OnOff, Yamaha or Japan spec us name brand cheaper in HK then in Japan.

[ghabanos]

[quote name='jming' timestamp='1384558613' post='8155420']
If you're looking for Epon in HK, look up Pura Golf. Tony will take care of you there. They have more than just epon in the shop, but I didn't pay attention. He might be able to help you find some second hand as well.
[/quote]

+1

Plus in osaka I had a look at Victoria golf near Osaka station.

[Duffy19]

Victoria does not sell Epon, miura or used clubs. Better off take a look at Festival golf in Tokyo for used clubs.

[Astras]

Which jdm brand/models would be comparable in quality/ease of use to the epon 5/7s?

[Duffy19]

IMO the Epon 7 series is more unique with less comparable Jdm. It's forged with smaller shape and just enough offset and middle top line. It's forgiving yet in a smaller size without being clunky unless most other super game improvement irons. For the 5, you can look at the titleist VCG, Yamaha or Ro,aro Type R.

[youngwaldo]

Wow I am shocked that its so hard to find a shop over there i would of thought there would ob been an abundance of them. Good luck.

Wk

[neilc]

[quote name='freehb' timestamp='1384564558' post='8155900']
thanks for the tip jming, in general Solomon is right, I did not see much epon in Tokyo area or Nagano areas but I wasn't looking for it back then '02-'06. I did see epon in a shop in hk though. at the time I remember being put off by the price. epon is pretty pricey everywhere....there's not a huge supply and the quality is second to none. it really is the pinnacle IMO...
[/quote]

Lots of Japanese stuff gets sent to Thailand,does not seem much of a market in Japan itself.

Saw a set of Miura last week for $400 i think.

plenty of Fourteeen Diawa Honma etc

[malelee21]

Those who live in Japan, is it common to see wedges selling for $500? I see a lot of overpriced stuff on eBay...

[tsupo]

very , lots of l tour pros ex gear and limited ed. domestic stuff.

over priced to u, is cheap to others