Japanese golf products

[Ego Woods]

Anyone ever heard or try the PRGR golf products? They are Japanese golf makers....have never heard of them before, but they seem pretty big in Japan...and VERY EXPENSIVE!....a box of a dozen golf balls are about 6000 yen (about $60 US) and I don't even want to get into the prices for their golf clubs........I don't think Shigeki is using their products, no?:confused:

[Ego Woods]

here's a link to one of their products:

http://www.tourspecgolf.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=490&osCsid=ff1d7eaa5e4677040701560012c16781

[Mok]

wow US$60....i wonder why they don't market those balls over here in North America... :confused:

[Queen of the Beach]

here's a link to one of their products:

http://www.tourspecgolf.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=490&osCsid=ff1d7eaa5e4677040701560012c16781

Hi Ego Woods! How goes it in Japan? hmm I checked out this site and I like one of their putters. The Hiro Matsumoto Catamaran Putter. It comes in many colors. And the shaft is located behind the face. Is 33 the standard length for putters? Wow it's expensive though at $235. :eek:

[Queen of the Beach]

I came across an ad for Muira Golf Inc. Japanese clubs and after reading the philosophy of Katsuhiro Muira, I was interested in finding out more. Katsuhiro Muira, was born in Himeji, Japan which is the steel capital of Japan, historically known for forging samurai swords and more recently golf clubs. He has been a club maker for over 47 years. On their website it explains the fundamental principle behind their technical design which is not mass produced. The technical design includes such variables as size, weight, center of gravity, balance, bounce, and of course the size and location of the sweet spot. The Muira golf club claims to combine the perfect blend of these interrelated technical elements because they are crafted individually. The clubs are pricey though. The irons start from $999 USD, wedges from $119 USD and a blade putter for $290 USD.
Is this a big Golf brand in the US or internationally ? Has anyone heard of him or this company before?

[SW20 MR2]

Miura is not well-known by their own name, but they have a hardcore cult following. Taylor Made uses Miura to make their tour-spec products (non-retail). People that use them often will never use any other clubs. If you want more info, there is tonnes of discussion on them in the BSQ forum:

http://www.bombsquadgolf.com

These guys are the most hardcore equipment fanatics that I have ever seen.

[alien270]

Miura is not well-known by their own name, but they have a hardcore cult following. Taylor Made uses Miura to make their tour-spec products (non-retail). People that use them often will never use any other clubs. If you want more info, there is tonnes of discussion on them in the BSQ forum:

http://www.bombsquadgolf.com

These guys are the most hardcore equipment fanatics that I have ever seen.
just wanted to let you know im a member at realgm as well..
nice to see someone here is a raps fan as well. :)

[Shadow]

Anyone ever heard or try the PRGR golf products? They are Japanese golf makers....have never heard of them before, but they seem pretty big in Japan...and VERY EXPENSIVE!....a box of a dozen golf balls are about 6000 yen (about $60 US) and I don't even want to get into the prices for their golf clubs........I don't think Shigeki is using their products, no?:confused: I know that Corey Pavin was once under contract to PRGR and I believe the other one was Brian Watts.

[SW20 MR2]

Sweet! I feel your pain. :D

just wanted to let you know im a member at realgm as well..
nice to see someone here is a raps fan as well. :)

[Queen of the Beach]

Miura is not well-known by their own name, but they have a hardcore cult following. Taylor Made uses Miura to make their tour-spec products (non-retail). People that use them often will never use any other clubs. If you want more info, there is tonnes of discussion on them in the BSQ forum:

http://www.bombsquadgolf.com

These guys are the most hardcore equipment fanatics that I have ever seen.
Thanks. I never knew Miura was so big. Interesting read.

[Dormie]

honma is the best known and elite brand following

http://www.honmagolf.com/honma/index.cfm?Page=index&Nav=home&t=y

[el tigre]

I don't think Shigeki is using their products, no?:confused: I believe Shigeki is still using Bridgestone Tourstage clubs.

[el tigre]

Is 33 the standard length for putters? Putters are generally 33, 34 or 35 inches - with the last two being the most common because the retail stores will usually cut them down for you at no charge IF YOU ASK when you are buying a new putter. Its strictly a matter of personal preference.

[laxgolf]

just wanted to let you know im a member at realgm as well..
nice to see someone here is a raps fan as well. :)
me to

[SW20 MR2]

I almost crapped my pants when I saw the price of the Honma stuff at Golf Town. :D

honma is the best known and elite brand following

http://www.honmagolf.com/honma/index.cfm?Page=index&Nav=home&t=y

[tk416]

Yeah the Honma Stuff is crazy expensive. They have one set that was something ridiculous like $20K for the irons.

That being said, they make VERY good clubs. They don't pay for any tour players to use there clubs so tht's why alot of you probably havn't heard of them. I read somewhere that numerous Tour players like Vijay and celebrites like Joe Pesci own a set. Not that it means anything. But they are considered the Rolls Royce of Golf Clubs.

[haribo]

There's a lot more to japanese golf equipment than just PRGR or Miura. The quality of japanese stuff is in a completely different league than what's available in North America. If someone is really interested in spending a fortune on clubs from Tourstage, Bridgestone, Hiro Matsumoto, Gauge etc etc ... check out www.tourspecgolf.com (http://www.tourspecgolf.com). They are the japanese insiders (have the same nick name there ... btw, forget BSG ... to much bull**** going on there, just my 0.2 cents.)

Back to Miura. They do actually have a location in BC now where the North American models are readily available. Miura quality is outstanding but they are not really that well known for their own products. The product is good but aestetically not that apealing. Looks a tad strange in my opinion.
Where Miura shines is in their production of special forged irons for the tour departments of the likes of Taylor Made.
I do play a set of (japan/tour only) Taylor Made Firesole Forged irons. They are outstanding and the feel is unbelievable soft thanks to Miura's special copper underlay. They are similar in looks to the x-300 fcm (produced in Mexico) but only on the surface.

Another outstanding japanese product are graphite shafts from Fujikura or Graphite Design (japanese shafts like the AD or WD series NOT the YS series that's available over here). Mostly there's also a lot more available in terms of choice than one can get here. Fujikura for instance offers here the Vista Tour and Vista Pro's, a few hybrids, Fit ON 11 series (SIX, Pro3 ... all to be replaced by new ZCOM series this year) and the Speeder line of shafts which consist the 553, 569, 651, 757, 869 and 952. In Japan on the other hand are at least an additional 40 more shafts available plus Tour only shafts like the 771SPD or the HM-4.

As you can see, when your addiction starts to progress ... there's a whole new world waiting for you ;-)

haribo

[Ems]

There's a lot more to japanese golf equipment than just PRGR or Miura. The quality of japanese stuff is in a completely different league than what's available in North America. If someone is really interested in spending a fortune on clubs from Tourstage, Bridgestone, Hiro Matsumoto, Gauge etc etc ... check out www.tourspecgolf.com (http://www.tourspecgolf.com/). They are the japanese insiders (have the same nick name there ... btw, forget BSG ... to much bull**** going on there, just my 0.2 cents.)

Back to Miura. They do actually have a location in BC now where the North American models are readily available. Miura quality is outstanding but they are not really that well known for their own products. The product is good but aestetically not that apealing. Looks a tad strange in my opinion.
Where Miura shines is in their production of special forged irons for the tour departments of the likes of Taylor Made.
I do play a set of (japan/tour only) Taylor Made Firesole Forged irons. They are outstanding and the feel is unbelievable soft thanks to Miura's special copper underlay. They are similar in looks to the x-300 fcm (produced in Mexico) but only on the surface.

Another outstanding japanese product are graphite shafts from Fujikura or Graphite Design (japanese shafts like the AD or WD series NOT the YS series that's available over here). Mostly there's also a lot more available in terms of choice than one can get here. Fujikura for instance offers here the Vista Tour and Vista Pro's, a few hybrids, Fit ON 11 series (SIX, Pro3 ... all to be replaced by new ZCOM series this year) and the Speeder line of shafts which consist the 553, 569, 651, 757, 869 and 952. In Japan on the other hand are at least an additional 40 more shafts available plus Tour only shafts like the 771SPD or the HM-4.

As you can see, when your addiction starts to progress ... there's a whole new world waiting for you ;-)

haribo
Is Haribo a Japanese name?

Didn't know that there are cult followings on clubs!? Interesting, too bad I can't afford any of it!

[laxgolf]

As you can see, when your addiction starts to progress ... there's a whole new world waiting for you ;-)

haribo
You got that right. The UPS guy knows me by name.

[haribo]

Is Haribo a Japanese name?

Didn't know that there are cult followings on clubs!? Interesting, too bad I can't afford any of it!

No, Haribo is not Japanese. It's actually a German brand for gummy bears. Excellent one's I might add. Haribo was a nick name of mine (my actuall name sounds similar) growing up in Germany.

haribo

[malarky]

If you get a chance, take a look at a Japanese golf magazine. There are a bunch of monthly and a few weekly publications. Some names - Golf Digest, Albatross, Golf Classic, Golf Digest Weekly. The amount of golf porn is sick. Like someone said above, it is a whole new world.

Last summer, I picked one of these mags up, and it came with a separate supplement. Loosely translated, it's title is "Complete 756 Iron Model Head Spec Guide 1996-2004". For each popular Japanese and US club that's been available over there, it lists the Brand, Model, Weight, MOI, loft angle, lie angle, face progression, center of gravity depth/height/length/angle, and year of introduction. All specs for the #5 club.

Based on the last few publications I've purchased, it seems the most popular clubs in Japan right now are Bridgestone (under the TourStage and other brand names), Dunlop (Srixon and other brands), and Mizuno in that order. Out of the US brands, Callaway seems to be doing the best. Others appear to be fringe. No one wants the clubs Tiger or Ernie play ... it's the ones in Maruyama, or Izawa's bags that are coveted. Toshi Izawa is an icon there - known as "King of Swing". They claim Tiger and Ernie have studied his swing.

Honma is definitely well known and widely recognized, but is still a boutique brand there. The bling factor makes it popular with the well-to-do's and the yakuza-types (no joke). If you've seen these, you know what I mean.

Sorry, it's late and I'm just spewing useless info now ... good night.

[Mok]

Honma Twin Marks TM-504
http://www.honmagolf.com/honma/images/products/tm_504_bg.gif

[haribo]

Yes, Honma has a certain bling factor. But don't be mistaken, the quality is actually not that good. Of all the clubs from Japan it's rather on the bottom of the quality totem pole.

[Queen of the Beach]

All this talk about Japanese golf products being superior is making me want to try some out. Does anyone know of a store in the GTA that would carry the Honma, Bridgestone/TourStage, Dunlop or Mizuno clubs? (Hopefully taking the club for a test drive doesn't mean I need a Platinum or Gold card.) :rofl:

[haribo]

All this talk about Japanese golf products being superior is making me want to try some out. Does anyone know of a store in the GTA that would carry the Honma, Bridgestone/TourStage, Dunlop or Mizuno clubs? (Hopefully taking the club for a test drive doesn't mean I need a Platinum or Gold card.) :rofl:

You won't find here what you're looking for. Yes, you can buy Tourstage, Bridgestone and other japanese clubs here ... BUT all you get are actually the american versions or specially produced clubs for the north american market and are not produced to the same standards as the one's for the japanese market. Reason why is simple no one would want to spend a fortune for it when one can buy Titleist, Taylor Made, Ping etc. for less.
Also, in Japan all the brands we like here are considered inferior and therefore not that much liked. Thats why Japanese companies offer clubs only for the Japanese market and others exclusively for the american.

Go to www.tourspecgolf.com (http://www.tourspecgolf.com) They are the insiders on all what's japanese. On that site you'll find a catalogue section. You can have a look there for yourself. They have for instance Mizuno clubs up there you can't even get here.

If you want a little taste ... i play Taylor Made Firesole Forged Japan/Tour issue only irons (forged by Miura) ... you're welcome to try them. They are cavity backs that play like blades and are unbelievable soft due to the copper underlay underneath the chrome.

haribo

[malarky]

yup ... agree with haribo above.

Golftown has been carrying some Honma since last season, and they also have the full North American Mizuno line-up as do other shops. Not sure who carries Bridgestone or Srixon clubs in the GTA at the moment.

While the Bridgestone clubs played on the PGA are different from those in the Japanese market, the current Mizuno pro-line in Japan is designed in the US by Mizuno USA. Most Mizuno staff players on the JPGA are using MP-33 or MP-32.

I love my Mizuno MP-30's. It's a half-cavity blade, but I found as forgiving and long as the MX-23's which are also nice.

I don't mind people trying out my irons if they are playing with me. No one touches my driver though ... I do just fine on my own when it comes to ugly marks on the top of the driver, lol.

[malarky]

Honma Twin Marks TM-504
http://www.honmagolf.com/honma/images/products/tm_504_bg.gif
Bling! OMG, that is bright! Where's David Duval's M-Frames when you need'em!

[XQSmi]

Just read an article in Travel and Leisure Magazine Golf about Honmas. Absolutely amazing what the top line costs, and that people actually do buy them. Some with up to 3-4 sets a person...:eek: But I like how the article does contrast golf in Japan with Golf in N.A. It is a status game there, with the man with the bigger/better/more expensive clubs being a big man of the world. It's probably even considered inappropriate for a man of less status to own a set that is beyond their status. Apparently, those $1000+ drivers they sell at Golf Town are just the tip of the iceberg. But I agree with the writer. If I had a set of those, they would be hanging in a high security display box with an electric field before I would take them to a course. With my swing, I'd probably would hit it fat. They apparently have a US patent on their shafts (the Armarqs) which look very technologically sound. Here's the link to the article:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/invoke.cfm?ObjectID=53729413-0539-4329-A9D14B79D63A7B85

www.honmagolf.co.jp (http://www.honmagolf.co.jp)

[ethandelacroix]

Those putter covers are pretty cool...

Weird but cool...

Miles

By the way where can u get them???

[alohagolfer]

Those putter covers are pretty cool...

Weird but cool...

Miles

By the way where can u get them???

Hi Miles,

You can get them on TourSpecGolf, and soon there will be an ebay store available.

[Thimble]

anybody heard of the yamaha brand?

some swanky lookin' clubs: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/golf/

their hybrid has to be the easiest club i've ever hit.

[ephemeralquip]

I have a PRGR set which was given to me as a gift and all i can say is WOW.

i'm not sure what model they are, but here's what the 1, 3, 4, 5 woods say. u-240i with m-34/76mph on the shaft

CT-545 on the 4 & 5 irons and also, M-34/76mph

CT-535 on 6-Sw, M-34/76mph

these have lasted me for MANY years and do not plan to change anything besides the grips.

they are light and they have a great feel to them.

[hannah]

I came across an ad for Muira Golf Inc. Japanese clubs and after reading the philosophy of Katsuhiro Muira, I was interested in finding out more. Katsuhiro Muira, was born in Himeji, Japan which is the steel capital of Japan, historically known for forging samurai swords and more recently golf clubs. He has been a club maker for over 47 years. On their website it explains the fundamental principle behind their technical design which is not mass produced. The technical design includes such variables as size, weight, center of gravity, balance, bounce, and of course the size and location of the sweet spot. The Muira golf club claims to combine the perfect blend of these interrelated technical elements because they are crafted individually. The clubs are pricey though. The irons start from $999 USD, wedges from $119 USD and a blade putter for $290 USD.
Is this a big Golf brand in the US or internationally ? Has anyone heard of him or this company before?

As per my signiture. The nicest feeling irons I"ve ever hit. There is a place here in town called McMahon golf located in Greenfield golf.

Gordie is one of the nicest guys you want to meet, there wedges are outstanding as some of the guys here can speak of. Tom.

[Saridi]

I got my set of Mizuno JPX E310 irons last summer, and I cannot find anything in Golf Town that can match its feel and forgiveness.
I think I am going to try some Japanese Driver soon :)

[jcggolfer]

anybody heard of the yamaha brand?

some swanky lookin' clubs: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/product/golf/

their hybrid has to be the easiest club i've ever hit.

Yamaha has been around quite long time. A friend has an old Yamaha wedge he picked up used and he has had it for years. They also made tennis racquets because I had a couple in the early 80's and a friend had one before that.