6 replies to this topic

[bogeydog]

Since so many have been looking for information, here are my initial takes on these drivers. I have been lucky enough to play each on actually courses so I offer the following. Spoiler - there is no clear winner!

Yamaha - 2009 Inpres 4.6V rpm Tour, 10*, 45", JPGA Griffin shaft stiff. As you may or may not have read my previous posts, this driver has been my mainstay for more than one year. It has had a few challengers, but nothing has exceeded its length, feel and control. It just flat out performs. Look is very traditional, feel is solid and very soft, shaft has great kick. I don't know what this setup is missing it has it all.

Kamui 420 - 57* lie, 10.3* loft, square face, 45", JPGA Griffin shaft stiff. Same setup ad the Yamaha. I bought and set this up as a direct competitor to the Yamaha. Feel is not as soft as the others. Not in a bad way, just more crisp. Launch is slightly lower than the Yamaha and lower than the Epon and TS. Setup and look is traditonal and face shape doesn't have much roll. Pure and simple look from above. Super solid and crisp with nice feedback. I point and shoot driver. In this setup, the side isn't an issue. Length is equal to the others. Maybe more rollout due to the lower launch.

Epon AF102 - 9.5*, stock GD DI-6 SR shaft. The crown has a rounder back that the others. Nice setup and it inspires confidence. Feel is a muted super solid feel. The best I have felt from Epon. The softer shaft in this setup didn't degrade performance. I hit some great drive with this combo. Launch was quick but not ballooning. Distance was stellar.

TS 703 - 10.5*, stock Tour AD shaft SR flex. Similar top look as Epon. Launched the highest of the group. Traj was flat once the ball got up. Feel was slightly crisper than Epon and Yamaha but softer than Kamui. Distance was outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised by this club.

I can honestly say I can't pick a winner here. All equalled each other length. I found all very friendly and confidence inspiring. Feel is subjective so I can't call a winner. Bottom line is each and every one is a beast and you can't go wrong with any of them. The gaps are so small it probably boils down to custom options, preferred manufacturers, and shaft setups. I know I may not be much help in offering a winner, but you wouldn't go wrong with any of them.

Here are a few opinions:

Softness Most to Least
Yamaha
Epon
Tourstage
Kamui

Launch Highest to Lowest
Tourstage
Epon
Yamaha
Kamui

Forgivness
Kamui, Tourstage
Epon, Yamaha

Distance
All tie

Look from top Traditional to Other
Yamaha, Kamui
Epon, Tourstage

Sound Mute to Metallic
Epon
Yamaha
Kamui
Tourstage

Workability High to Low
Yamaha, Kamui, Epon
Tourstage

Edited by bogeydog, 13 March 2010 - 07:48 PM.

[corky3]

Thanks for posting this.... some good information.

One Question though.... I thought the TS 703 LE only came in a 9.5 deg loft configuration, or am I mistaken?

[bogeydog]

corky3, on Mar 13 2010, 10:16 PM, said:

Thanks for posting this.... some good information.

One Question though.... I thought the TS 703 LE only came in a 9.5 deg loft configuration, or am I mistaken?

Corky,

You are correct. I thought I had the LE, but after review it is the regular 703. Now I need to try the LE. Sorry for the confusion.

[gocchin]

It would have been nice to try the Kamui 456 in there too. I believe it is the softer of the two Kamui's .The 420 is more solid but the 456 is more soft. Great info as always B!

[The Doc]

Great information and I have hit/played three of the brands mentioned above. I have hit the Tourstage 901 driver, the Epon AF 101 driver and my new driver, the Kamui 456 driver. Ranking them, I would say...........

#1 Kamui 456-low spin, great feel, excellent distance, not too metallic sounding but enough sound for good feedback.

#2 Epon AF 101-a little more spin than the Kamui, great feel, excellent distance, wish there was just a little more sound-kind of dead sounding.

#3 TS 901-more spin than the Kamui, same spin as the Epon, both feeling and sound are muted/dead, distance not as long as the Kamui or Epon.

The Epon was firmly set in my bag until the Kamui came along, now the Epon is in my second bag. The TS 901 has been sold-just not a keeper for me.

Would very much like to try the Yamaha.
Doc

[jamnguy1]

Sounds to me you like the Yamaha the best.

[Spoon]

bogeydog, how does the 102 compare to the original 460zr drivers? i have a 10.5 waiting to be shafted, just thinking if it would be a step up over the 151 which i am hitting very well.