Beginner golfer here. Thanks for the advice about getting some custom clubs at golf works. I’m just waiting on my wood and driver and I’ll have at least 8 clubs to start. Only spent $650 for a set of new custom clubs. I’ll slowly add some new ones throughout the season.
Welcome to this beautiful game..beginner also here….it’s been 10 months since my first hit…and there’s no better feeling than a straight solid shot…it’s so addictive…
Hey AJ, love the vids and the info you provide. Just want to mention, don’t sleep on Star grips, very similar feel to the pure, a little better price and last forever, worth checking out and have multiple colors and USA 🇺🇸 made!! Give them a look
Interesting witb setup. Always play with what works best for you that’s for sure. You definitely don’t seem to be a brand fanboy which is cool. I had to narrow my gap on the top end of my bag and leave the creativity with the wedges which I like. I have a strong old Rogue 3 wood too but put it in the closet after I got an F9 and reshafted it. Not quite as long off the tee but I feel pretty good about hitting it off the deck. I have a PXG 0211 5 wood where you have your rescue that helps with that gap. I don’t think my game is good enough to do what you do with that club but getting an adjustable 3 hybrid does sound enticing. Have enough toys as it is.
Just picked up some Takomo 201 irons a couple weeks ago. I got mine with KBS C-Taper shafts and love them so far. Your review, along with a couple others, helped me pull the trigger on them.
I’m rockin’ the Ping G425 driver 👍🏻 … highly rated my many (if not most) reviews. Must be good because Ping has not come out with a better driver for two years! I’ve tried others, but I always seem to go back to Ping. TaylorMade also makes a consistent driver, but comes out with a new model every year (gets expensive). You seem to like Callaway. Did you work for a major club manufacturer? If so, which one? Keep up the good work, AJ I work on clubs in my garage (far from an expert or club fitter, but …) I learn a lot from you. 👏🏻
Cobra it is!👍🏻...in last few years their drivers have been great. Ive got one...but yes that Ping 425 must be really good. ...in every review its been doing really well.
I've watched many videos on the Takomo 101 irons but since they are direct to consumer, hardly any fitters have them making it difficult to test, plus they are only offered 4-PW. I ended up with the PXG 6-GW as I took out the 4i & 5i and replaced them with a 3 & 4 hybrid.
How comparable is that diamana shaft to modern shafts see as it's 10 years old? I used to play it and loved it. Just wondering how it would be compared to my modern shafted driver
Agree on Pure Pro grips! I have tried many brands / styles over the years, and these are my favorite for reasons you mention. My close second are Iomic sticky, but Pure is more readily available, less expensive and more durable.
Any other commentary on the Elevate Tour shafts? I'm looking to move from my Maltby forged cavity backs/ Nippon 950GH to the Takoma 201s. No surprise you are using a contrarian shaft to (the industry-wide) irons that have lofts in a race to the bottom. ;) Marketing info characterizes the Elevates as shafts that put some height and spin back into the shot. I'm assuming for 29* #7s which launch knuckleballs. Did you notice anything? Thanks.
So the Elevate tours really almost feel more like Dynamic Gold to me even though they are in the Elevate family. The lighter Elevates are the continuation of the XP line and feel a little different. These I notice a touch more height but they don't feel loose or tip whippy. I might compare them to the 1150GH if you ever tried those. If you are looking for height, I might go into the 90-100g version.
AJ been following for a while and appreciate all your helpful info. Also good luck with the new endeavor. Question I have for you is ,I’m a 15 hc and thinking about the new cobra driver you talked about in this video would you recommend for a high hc like myself or should I look into the mizuno stz220 ??
Thanks for the info always interesting to see what's in the bag, my question is if you're loving the driver why not find a regular 3 wood? I experimented with a strong 3 for those non driver holes, but for 10 or 15 yrds a reg 3 is much easier to hit off the fairway. or even a strong 4 would be interesting to try.
Loving the driver may be overselling it. From limited testing it's working okay right now (better than most), but not enough to pull the 2 wood out of the bag.
Hi there , I play the same irons. Love them . Do you know where I could get a spare 4 iron head. If you have one would get you to make 2 deg stronger and use as a 3 iron. Hope u can help. Raj
So the driver is actually super light, C8-9. It's 45 inches so it plays light. Found I actually hit it far more consistently at this weight so I haven't added any weight to the head. The 2 wood is D1-2, irons are D3, wedges D4.
Hi AJ. Are your grips standard or mid size? I find the taper on the pure wrap grips to be close to underside. Keen to know if the mid size are closer to a Golf Pride CP2 thickness.
Are the a Pure grips a rubber grip? Have had Winn before and while they're nice the first 3 weeks, they get worn and very slippery fast. Making sure the Pures aren't like them and a more traditional rubber grip.
I just put a Steadfast shaft on my 3-wood, and so far, so good. 👍🏻 What do you know about Steadfast shafts? … or any other “after market” shafts? I know Ventus makes a great “after market” shaft, but I struggle to put a $300 shaft on a driver that nearly costs that much. It would have to make a SIGNIFICANT improvement in either distance or accuracy … or BOTH! 😳
Haven't tried the Steadfast shaft. I usually stick with big names and trusted models. Mitsu Diamana, Fuji Speeder, GD Tour AD, and some PX shafts. Ventus is newer model but based on tour play, it's included on this list.
@@EFGMC very nice, obviously both are good balls. I’ve been using the Snell MTB-X. Using ball testing data from My Golf Spy I compared 8 different balls using my Swing Caddy SC 300i launch monitor and found the Snell to come out on top. Experimenting is fun. The Pure Pro grips look good, I may need to try them
When you've done this as long as I have, you know what works and what doesn't. And you know how to take something that doesn't work at first, and make it work.
Sorry, had to cut some stuff out to get down around 15 minutes. Driver is 45 inches and SW is really light at C8-9. After installing the Mitsu shaft and cutting down, that's where the SW came out to. Was going to hotmelt it, but actually hit it better than any driver in the past few years so I am going with it.
I wish i would have bought the Takamo irons even though the Srixon I did buy are great. SMARTSTAKE is it stable? I have holder for an alignment stick but a fly fart makes it giggle. Makes bad videos.
So I created the Smartstake a few years ago. Stability will really be dictated by the weight of the phone, the soil type and how far the pole is extended. I usually just push the spike further into the ground by hand to get it stable, need be.
From one club junkie to another 👍🏼. Love the bag brotha.
Played a Blue board in an R9 for 10 years. Loved it.
Beginner golfer here. Thanks for the advice about getting some custom clubs at golf works. I’m just waiting on my wood and driver and I’ll have at least 8 clubs to start. Only spent $650 for a set of new custom clubs. I’ll slowly add some new ones throughout the season.
Welcome to this beautiful game..beginner also here….it’s been 10 months since my first hit…and there’s no better feeling than a straight solid shot…it’s so addictive…
That was one of the best driver shafts ever made. I loooved that shaft years ago.
Hey AJ, love the vids and the info you provide. Just want to mention, don’t sleep on Star grips, very similar feel to the pure, a little better price and last forever, worth checking out and have multiple colors and USA 🇺🇸 made!! Give them a look
Gotta love the Pure grips
Love my pure grips I use the DTX.
Interesting witb setup. Always play with what works best for you that’s for sure. You definitely don’t seem to be a brand fanboy which is cool. I had to narrow my gap on the top end of my bag and leave the creativity with the wedges which I like. I have a strong old Rogue 3 wood too but put it in the closet after I got an F9 and reshafted it. Not quite as long off the tee but I feel pretty good about hitting it off the deck. I have a PXG 0211 5 wood where you have your rescue that helps with that gap. I don’t think my game is good enough to do what you do with that club but getting an adjustable 3 hybrid does sound enticing. Have enough toys as it is.
Curious about where to find the smartphone stake as well?
Just picked up some Takomo 201 irons a couple weeks ago. I got mine with KBS C-Taper shafts and love them so far. Your review, along with a couple others, helped me pull the trigger on them.
They are just solid sticks.
Solid bag , nice mix of brands as well , love a good WITB 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I’m rockin’ the Ping G425 driver 👍🏻
… highly rated my many (if not most) reviews.
Must be good because Ping has not come out with a better driver for two years!
I’ve tried others, but I always seem to go back to Ping.
TaylorMade also makes a consistent driver, but comes out with a new model every year (gets expensive).
You seem to like Callaway.
Did you work for a major club manufacturer? If so, which one?
Keep up the good work, AJ
I work on clubs in my garage (far from an expert or club fitter, but …)
I learn a lot from you.
👏🏻
Never worked for a specific OEM. Callaway fairway woods are always in my bag. Beyond that, I don't have any Callaway allegiance.
Cobra it is!👍🏻...in last few years their drivers have been great. Ive got one...but yes that Ping 425 must be really good. ...in every review its been doing really well.
I've watched many videos on the Takomo 101 irons but since they are direct to consumer, hardly any fitters have them making it difficult to test, plus they are only offered 4-PW. I ended up with the PXG 6-GW as I took out the 4i & 5i and replaced them with a 3 & 4 hybrid.
I get it. Direct to consumer brands can be tricky both for testing and custom options.
I'd love to know your opinion on the tour edge Wedges? Specifically the foam filled forgiving ones
got a link to that iPhone camera stake? Can't find it anywhere.
You can find them at Smartstake.com
Use the coupon code MOBILE to get 20% off.
Nice bag set up. Sun Mountain makes great bags and they're the OEM Bag manufacturer for Titleist, Cleveland and Callaway
Thats really intresting youre using those Takomos!! I hope later you tell us how they feel👋
I think you saw this review but in case not
ruclips.net/video/tK8BYNbNudM/видео.html
Great video!
You explain things so well.
What ball are you using?
ProV1 most of the time. I also like the Chrome Soft and Bridgestone though.
Good video as always AJ. Could you give me some details of the smart stake phone holder, a link to where you bought it would be great, thanks.
Takomo is everywhere now
How comparable is that diamana shaft to modern shafts see as it's 10 years old? I used to play it and loved it. Just wondering how it would be compared to my modern shafted driver
Love your channel. What kind of paint do you use on your clubs.
Agree on Pure Pro grips! I have tried many brands / styles over the years, and these are my favorite for reasons you mention. My close second are Iomic sticky, but Pure is more readily available, less expensive and more durable.
Any other commentary on the Elevate Tour shafts? I'm looking to move from my Maltby forged cavity backs/ Nippon 950GH to the Takoma 201s. No surprise you are using a contrarian shaft to (the industry-wide) irons that have lofts in a race to the bottom. ;) Marketing info characterizes the Elevates as shafts that put some height and spin back into the shot. I'm assuming for 29* #7s which launch knuckleballs. Did you notice anything? Thanks.
So the Elevate tours really almost feel more like Dynamic Gold to me even though they are in the Elevate family. The lighter Elevates are the continuation of the XP line and feel a little different. These I notice a touch more height but they don't feel loose or tip whippy. I might compare them to the 1150GH if you ever tried those.
If you are looking for height, I might go into the 90-100g version.
Interesting setup. Much respect on Takomo irons. BUT THEY NEED TO MAKE A 3 IRON AND 49/50/51° AW/GW to match it
I need to do a review of the wedges they make.
AJ been following for a while and appreciate all your helpful info. Also good luck with the new endeavor. Question I have for you is ,I’m a 15 hc and thinking about the new cobra driver you talked about in this video would you recommend for a high hc like myself or should I look into the mizuno stz220 ??
I would look at the Cobra but might pick the standard, not the LS version. The Mizuno is also a great stick though.
Thanks for the info always interesting to see what's in the bag, my question is if you're loving the driver why not find a regular 3 wood? I experimented with a strong 3 for those non driver holes, but for 10 or 15 yrds a reg 3 is much easier to hit off the fairway. or even a strong 4 would be interesting to try.
Loving the driver may be overselling it. From limited testing it's working okay right now (better than most), but not enough to pull the 2 wood out of the bag.
Hi there , I play the same irons. Love them . Do you know where I could get a spare 4 iron head. If you have one would get you to make 2 deg stronger and use as a 3 iron. Hope u can help.
Raj
Have you emailed Takomo directly to ask? I've also heard they may have a utility iron in the works.
Love the ferules on the irons, where can I get them??? Love your down to earth videos!!! 💪🏼
Ferrules are from BB&F
What are your swing weights on your drivers, and your irons?
So the driver is actually super light, C8-9. It's 45 inches so it plays light. Found I actually hit it far more consistently at this weight so I haven't added any weight to the head. The 2 wood is D1-2, irons are D3, wedges D4.
Hi AJ. Are your grips standard or mid size? I find the taper on the pure wrap grips to be close to underside. Keen to know if the mid size are closer to a Golf Pride CP2 thickness.
All mine have 3x wraps under them so they are between 1/64 and midsize.
@@EFGMC awesome thanks for coming back to me so quickly.
Hi AJ i forgot to ask if you use air or solvent on them?
@@darveed62 Air on all the PURE grips I use.
Are the a Pure grips a rubber grip? Have had Winn before and while they're nice the first 3 weeks, they get worn and very slippery fast. Making sure the Pures aren't like them and a more traditional rubber grip.
Nothing like Winn. Think mixing a Tour Velvet with a squishy stress ball, more like that.
These pure ones last incredibly long and easier to clean than winn
I just put a Steadfast shaft on my 3-wood, and so far, so good. 👍🏻
What do you know about Steadfast shafts?
… or any other “after market” shafts?
I know Ventus makes a great “after market” shaft, but I struggle to put a $300 shaft on a driver that nearly costs that much. It would have to make a SIGNIFICANT improvement in either distance or accuracy
… or BOTH! 😳
Haven't tried the Steadfast shaft. I usually stick with big names and trusted models. Mitsu Diamana, Fuji Speeder, GD Tour AD, and some PX shafts. Ventus is newer model but based on tour play, it's included on this list.
@@EFGMC
You should check Steadfast out. I’d be curious what you think. ☝🏻
Nice video. What ball do you use?
ProV1 or Chrome Soft.
Fun video, nice assortment. What ball do you play?
Thanks. Usually ProV1 but also like the Chrome Soft.
@@EFGMC very nice, obviously both are good balls. I’ve been using the Snell MTB-X. Using ball testing data from My Golf Spy I compared 8 different balls using my Swing Caddy SC 300i launch monitor and found the Snell to come out on top. Experimenting is fun. The Pure Pro grips look good, I may need to try them
AJ what lofts do you have your takomo 201 playing at? Also, what ball do you play?
Lofts are to standard spec except PW at 47. Usually ProV1 is the ball in play.
Have you ever tried weighted Grips!
Yes. Mainly with putters. Planning a counterweighting video coming up soon!
Bro! You forgot what ball you play. Nice set👊😎
ProV1, though I will play the Callaway Chrome Soft also sometimes.
@@EFGMC my son got me some pro v 1 x, I really like those. I use the Callaway chrome soft on my putting green outside. Hit them well👋
hi can i put a Miyazaki Jinsoku Graphite Hybrid Shaft Regular Flex Uncut .370 Tip into t100s head
Yes, just need to sand the tip a bit to fit into the .355 hosel. This is pretty standard practice with utility irons.
Is this a bag of things I like or did you do any testing or fitting? A doctor who treats himself has a …..
When you've done this as long as I have, you know what works and what doesn't. And you know how to take something that doesn't work at first, and make it work.
What is your driver swing speed?
103-105 right now.
what Driver length and swing weight?
Sorry, had to cut some stuff out to get down around 15 minutes. Driver is 45 inches and SW is really light at C8-9. After installing the Mitsu shaft and cutting down, that's where the SW came out to. Was going to hotmelt it, but actually hit it better than any driver in the past few years so I am going with it.
I wish i would have bought the Takamo irons even though the Srixon I did buy are great. SMARTSTAKE is it stable? I have holder for an alignment stick but a fly fart makes it giggle. Makes bad videos.
So I created the Smartstake a few years ago. Stability will really be dictated by the weight of the phone, the soil type and how far the pole is extended.
I usually just push the spike further into the ground by hand to get it stable, need be.
Golf clubs 😂
“This one goes to 11”