20 replies to this topic

[JBW]

I could use some help with choosing between Epon AF Tour and AF 302. I looked through as many threads as possible, but I’m just looking for that warm fuzzy before I spend this much on an iron set. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a fitter or a shop where I can demo.

A little about me. I’m a 3hdcp currently playing Mizuno MP-52 with DG S300. I hit my 7 iron ~165yards and higher than most people’s 9i or PW. As you can probably surmise, I have a steep swing, which gives me trouble in strong winds. My previous set was Mizuno MP-67s, which I hit OK. I don’t have much trouble making solid/center contact, but for some reason, I just score better with my MP-52s. They are also play about a ½ club longer than my MP-67s.

I have never seen (other than in pics) or swung Epon, but after reading reviews on all types of JDM irons, they were always rated as one of the best. So, I pretty much decided on AF 302 since they more closely resemble my MP 52s, but when I contacted the TSG staff for availability/pricing, they also recommended taking a look at the AF Tours.

I don’t have a preference between the AF Tours or AF 302s, what I’m looking for is more of a piercing ball flight than I currently have with my MP-52s. I know I need to work on my steep swing, but all things being equal, which iron set would give me a lower, more protruding ball flight? I’ve played DG S300 or X100 for the last 20 years, so I’m looking for a change. The TSG staff recommend Super Peening Blue, which from reading reviews, sounds like a very good shaft.

And while I have your “ear”, which set of JDM wedges would you guys recommend? I currently have Vokey Spin Milled wedges in 52 and 60 degree lofts. But I want to go with 3 wedges in addition to my PW this year, so I’m looking at something like 50, 54, and 60.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[Eca]

Hi Joe,
Basing on ur historcal decision making (52 vs 67) I say 302s stronger loft vs tours traditional lofts. I have not used the SP blues but it's description & reviews indicate lower flight. I'm also a high ball hitter & tried the c tapers & it did lower my flight in the 1957s.

[sandee11]

What about combo set? That's what I m using right now, I have shimada k's tour shaft in them, I don't think I lose as much distance as DG shaft into wind. I am also a very high ball hitter. I actually like the traditional loft on those af tour,but if you are thinking of using 50* wedge, I would suggest get the 302 or bent the af tour 2* stronger.

[EdGolf]

IMO both are equally nice and as 'forgiving'. 302 is not more forgiving than AF Tour and likewise. The only difference is the loft where the traditional loft would most likely give you a lower ball flight versus a stronger loft.

As for shaft, try a lower launching shaft. If you're hitting your DG S300 too high, then the SP Blue might be a good idea or as some mention C-Taper. Shaft will depends on the type of ball flight you would like to see or achieve.... some shaft like Modus do launch higher than SP Blue but the trajectory is not 'ballooning' up in the sky and getting lost in the wind but instead very penetrating and hold itself against the wind well.

[kbeasley]

Joe,

I have been playing Mizuno MP-32s for the last year or so, with factory DG S400 shafts in them. Like you, I hit the ball really high, but not because I want to. I went on a shaft hunt this summer, to find something that would bring these babies down to earth, and hopefully give better feedback than the DGs. I tried just about everything I could get my hands on: DG S300, DG400, KBS Tour, KBS C-taper, Nippon 950,1050, 1150, Modus 3, and SP Blue, and Shimada K's Tour, all in Stiff flex. All of these shafts have their good points, but only the SP Blues had much of an effect on my shot trajectory. As has been noted here on TSG many times, the KBS Tours and the NS Pro 950's go _really_ high, and my experience was the same.

The SP Blues gave me an extra 5 yards on a flush hit, and I found that my shot dispersion is _much_ tighter with them than with any of the others.

As far as wedges go, I play a 52, 56, 60 * set of Mizuno MPT-11s, with Shimada HW120 shafts in them. The shimadas have been in a set of Vokeys, Eidolons, and now the Mizunos. No matter which head I put these in, they are without a doubt the best wedge shafts going.

Kevin

[Ara selai]

I preferred the Tours, but I'm about 20 strokes behind you. With your handicap, you can hit just about anything you want. You'll find the Tours an effortless club to work, win a very pure, soft feel. One of the nicest blades out there.

[gocchin]

The "TSG Staff" would be me.

A combo set is something I should have mentioned as well and since the clubs are built to spec we can have Epon either strengthen the AFTour lofts or weaken the AF302 to match.

As I said many have had good success with the SP Blue in lowering trajectory. Plus without sacrificing good feel and very good dispersion.

[JGalls]

My AF Tours should be here in approx. 2 weeks after being custom fit about 3 weeks ago.

I was shocked these are blade... easily the most forgiving blade I've ever tried.

Can't wait to get them out on the course come spring.

[JBW]

Eca, on 28 December 2011 - 02:43 PM, said:

Hi Joe,
Basing on ur historcal decision making (52 vs 67) I say 302s stronger loft vs tours traditional lofts. I have not used the SP blues but it's description & reviews indicate lower flight. I'm also a high ball hitter & tried the c tapers & it did lower my flight in the 1957s.

I think you're right, although I do like to play blades, I think I'd be happier with the AF302's bounce since I'm more of a digger/driver.

sandee11, on 28 December 2011 - 03:01 PM, said:

What about combo set? That's what I m using right now, I have shimada k's tour shaft in them, I don't think I lose as much distance as DG shaft into wind. I am also a very high ball hitter. I actually like the traditional loft on those af tour,but if you are thinking of using 50* wedge, I would suggest get the 302 or bent the af tour 2* stronger.

gocchin, on 29 December 2011 - 05:02 AM, said:

The "TSG Staff" would be me.

A combo set is something I should have mentioned as well and since the clubs are built to spec we can have Epon either strengthen the AFTour lofts or weaken the AF302 to match.

As I said many have had good success with the SP Blue in lowering trajectory. Plus without sacrificing good feel and very good dispersion.

A combo set does sound like a good option, I'll have to give it some more thought.

EdGolf, on 28 December 2011 - 05:12 PM, said:

IMO both are equally nice and as 'forgiving'. 302 is not more forgiving than AF Tour and likewise. The only difference is the loft where the traditional loft would most likely give you a lower ball flight versus a stronger loft.

As for shaft, try a lower launching shaft. If you're hitting your DG S300 too high, then the SP Blue might be a good idea or as some mention C-Taper. Shaft will depends on the type of ball flight you would like to see or achieve.... some shaft like Modus do launch higher than SP Blue but the trajectory is not 'ballooning' up in the sky and getting lost in the wind but instead very penetrating and hold itself against the wind well.

Ara selai, on 29 December 2011 - 12:05 AM, said:

I preferred the Tours, but I'm about 20 strokes behind you. With your handicap, you can hit just about anything you want. You'll find the Tours an effortless club to work, win a very pure, soft feel. One of the nicest blades out there.

We all need forgiveness, don't we . I believe the problem I had with my MP-67s is that sometimes they would dig in too deep instead of providing a little more bounce I get with my MP-52s. So, if the AF 302s provide more bounce than the AF Tours, I'll lean toward the AF 302s.

kbeasley, on 28 December 2011 - 06:50 PM, said:

Joe,

I have been playing Mizuno MP-32s for the last year or so, with factory DG S400 shafts in them. Like you, I hit the ball really high, but not because I want to. I went on a shaft hunt this summer, to find something that would bring these babies down to earth, and hopefully give better feedback than the DGs. I tried just about everything I could get my hands on: DG S300, DG400, KBS Tour, KBS C-taper, Nippon 950,1050, 1150, Modus 3, and SP Blue, and Shimada K's Tour, all in Stiff flex. All of these shafts have their good points, but only the SP Blues had much of an effect on my shot trajectory. As has been noted here on TSG many times, the KBS Tours and the NS Pro 950's go _really_ high, and my experience was the same.

The SP Blues gave me an extra 5 yards on a flush hit, and I found that my shot dispersion is _much_ tighter with them than with any of the others.

As far as wedges go, I play a 52, 56, 60 * set of Mizuno MPT-11s, with Shimada HW120 shafts in them. The shimadas have been in a set of Vokeys, Eidolons, and now the Mizunos. No matter which head I put these in, they are without a doubt the best wedge shafts going.

Kevin

Excellent rundown Kevin, thanks! This is just the feedback I was looking for!

JGalls, on 29 December 2011 - 07:49 AM, said:

My AF Tours should be here in approx. 2 weeks after being custom fit about 3 weeks ago.

I was shocked these are blade... easily the most forgiving blade I've ever tried.

Can't wait to get them out on the course come spring.

You're not making this decision any easier

[corky3]

I love my 302s.... I haven't looked at another iron for 2 years, well Ive lloked, but never contemplated changing.

Oh and I have SP reds in mine.

[idrive]

IMO,

If you are a very good ball striker, or at least working hard at it, buy the Tours. If a bit of forgivieness
would come in handy on occasion, buy the 302's.

A mid capper to a scratch player can play the 302's. A mid capper would struggle a bit with the Tours.

[supo67]

i pulled out both my 302 7 iron and the aftour 7 iron to have a little look at both .
the af tour isnt what id call slender ,but its not thick either. compared to my ohter baldes it looks like a game improvement iron, but in comp to my yamaha tours , it looke like a medium blade.. its got a weird role the af t ours.
if i was to have ONLY one set of irons then the af oturs would be hard to knock back bec they look almost like blades but a bit bigger for a bit of forgiveness, esp i nthe 3-4-5 dept.

the 302 has more substance to it and it def looks an easier to hit club.
but its fantasticly solid at address. not much ive ever hit is close to this in softness and a pure joy to strike.
these u can work around a bit no problems. but in comparison the af tours, they arnt as workable.
a combo set is well worth consdiering 3-7 in the 302 ..... and 8-9-pw......... i nthe tours is how id go,
the 7 iron i think just looks more solid i nthe 302 than the af tours, i much prefer to hithte 302 than the af tour in this loft.
and in the 8-9-pw the af tours , to me are way better to look at getting close to pins .

either way u will be quite chuffed with them