150 replies to this topic

[Pure745]

I decided to edit this entire post to make it easier to read, without all the updates etc. and so it's a straight forward review that is hopefully much easier to follow

All of the tests were done indoors on the same type of Foresight CG2 monitor without any performance enhancing modifications.  For the results, I took the 3 best shots I hit with each club so the numbers are as close to a "good for good" type of comparison I could do.  I also played each setup on the course for 5+ rounds, and my overall review and "Final Burn" will be based on both the launch monitor and on-course results.

Drivers:

• Nike VR LTD 8.5* - Kai'li 60x @ 45.25"
• Yonex Ezone Type 380 8* - Matrix TP6HDx @ 44.5"
• Taylor Made RBZ Tour 9* Lower Setting - Fubuki Alpha 60x @ 44.5"
• Taylor Made RBZ Tour 9* Lower Setting - Fubuki K-Series 70x @ 45.25"
  

Yonex Ezone Type 380 8* - Matrix TP6HD X Tipped 1.25" @ 44.5"



AVERAGE:

Club MPH:  122.6
Ball MPH:  178.5
Total Spin:  2242
Carry:  320.3

NIKE VR LTD 8.5* - Diamana Kai'li 60x @ 45.25"



AVERAGE:

Club MPH:  125.6
Ball MPH:  182.2
Total Spin:  2510
Carry:  325
RBZ TOUR 9* (lower setting) - Fubuki Alpha 60x @ 44.5"



AVERAGE:
    
Club MPH:  124.3
Ball MPH:  180.9
Total Spin:  2623
Carry:  322.5

RBZ TOUR 9* (lower setting) - Fubuki K-Series 70x Tipped 0.5" @ 45.25"



AVERAGE:
    
Club MPH:  125
Ball MPH:  181.6
Total Spin:  2550
Carry:  322


DRIVER RANKINGS:

CARRY:
#1: VR LTD - 325
#2: RBZ Alpha - 322.5
#3: RBZ K-Series - 322
#4: Ezone - 320.3

BALL SPEED:
#1: VR LTD - 182.2
#2: RBZ K-Series - 181.6
#3: RBZ Alpha - 180.9
#4: Ezone - 178.5

SPIN (Lowest):
#1: Ezone - 2242
#2: VR LTD - 2510
#3: RBZ K-Series - 2550
#4: RBZ Alpha - 2623

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 Woods:

• Yonex Ezone ST 15* - Matrix HD8 Black Tie
• RBZ Tour 14.5* - Fubuki Alpha 70x
• Nike VR LTD 15* - Fubuki K-Series 80x

Yonex Ezone ST 15* - Matrix HD8 Black Tie

Club MPH:  110
Ball MPH:  160
Total Spin:  2700
Carry:  279

RBZ Tour 14.5* - Fubuki Alpha 70x

Club MPH:  112.3
Ball MPH:  163.3
Total Spin:  3456
Carry:  271

Nike VR LTD 15* - Fubuki K-Series 80x

Club MPH:  112.6
Ball MPH:  163.3
Total Spin: 3188
Carry: 275.6




3 WOOD RANKINGS:

CARRY:

#1: Ezone - 279
#2: VR LTD - 275.6
#3: RBZ - 271

BALL SPEED:

T1: VR LTD and RBZ - 163.3
#3: Ezone - 160

SPIN (Lowest):

#1: Ezone - 2700
#2: VR LTD - 3188
#3: RBZ - 3456

THE OVERALL WINNER : NIKE VR LTD

FINAL BURN - DRIVERS:

YONEX:  Still the best looking of the bunch.  Also the lowest launching and spinning of the bunch as well.  The Yonex has really helped my game, and is a very workable driver.  It's definitely more forgiving than it looks for a 380cc head, but compared to the other two, it's the least forgiving of the bunch.

RBZ TOUR: Coming from the sheer beauty and classic look of the Yonex, the white triangular head almost gave me sensory overload when I first addressed it I got over that after hitting a few shots and finding how easy this club is to hit.  Mishits are ridiculously long and it's fairly workable.  It definitely out performs the Yonex on courses that are more open and where more carry vs. roll is rewarded.  The major con for me with the RBZ Tour, is that it is almost unusably loud.  I mean LOUD, high pitched and LOUD.  I typically use a Nike 20XI-X or the new Penta TP5, and with the Nike ball it is insanely loud.  I think TM really needs to figure something out to quiet this driver down.  I also really like the quick and high launch of the driver and it is also the most fade biased of the group for you anti-left guys.

NIKE VR LTD:  This was the best blend of performance, looks and sound.  I was blown away with the ball speeds that were registering.  I was expecting the RBZ to be the clear winner of both the driver and 3wd and to be my gamers after writing this up.  The sound is incredible, it really has a nice "compression" type of sound, and the head has a great classic look.  On the course, the ball flight is lower launching and very flat.  The VR is more draw biased than the RBZ, which is the only con I can think of (besides the fact that it is a Nike product)

FINAL BURN - 3 WOODS:

This one is simple.. they are all REALLY GOOD, but I will add a few comments about each.

YONEX:  Beautiful shape.  Lowest launching/spinning.  Best for wind and hard conditions.  Overall, solid in every category.

NIKE VR LTD:  Again, best blend of looks, sound, and performance.  Was expecting the RBZ to blow every club out of the water here, but the VR held it's own against all of the hype surrounding the RBZ's.  Ball flight with this club, is low/mid launching and very flat and piercing.  Great off the tee and surprisingly easy off the ground.

RBZ TOUR:  TM has a winner here.  Nothing but great things and feedback on this club.  Sounds and feels incredible, if they could replicate the sound in the driver this shootout would be closer for sure.  RBZ Tour gets the ball up higher and faster than the others.  If you like high launching low spinning bombs, this is the one.  Easy off the tee, and the easiest to hit off the ground.  A great club.  I prefer the classic head shape and still not a fan of the white paint, but I could definitely get used to it if the VR didn't perform so well.

Final Setup:

• NIKE VR LTD 8.5* - Fubuki K-Series 70x @ 44.75"
• NIKE VR LTD 15* - Fubuki K-Series 80x @ 42.75"

Edited by Pure745, 10 April 2012 - 12:36 AM.

[kekoa]

Sure looks like it to me. Were u expecting tm graphics?

[Pure745]

I wasn't sure, I've heard of some being shipped with TM graphics that were thought to be OEM when ordered.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

Bomber!!! Long straight longer...! Let us know how it compares to the Yonex!!

[pdaero]

That is one sexy white beast!

[valmario]

i saw a blog that had a video of a Taylor Made salesman talking about how upgraded shafts will have OEM graphics, i'll see if i can find the link.

[scratchswinger]

Sweet driver. Can't wait to read your review. Did you also get a 3W?

[valmario]

found the link, its mentioned in the end of the vid... http://itsthearrow.w...e-tech-meeting/

btw OP, I see that you are from Orange County, this blog posts vids from the Roger Dunn Santa Ana staff

Edited by valmario, 16 February 2012 - 12:19 AM.

[Pure745]

Dscvrr St Louis, on 16 February 2012 - 12:01 AM, said:

Bomber!!! Long straight longer...! Let us know how it compares to the Yonex!!

Will do.  I'm going to snap a few address pics, just to show the difference in heads lol!

pdaero, on 16 February 2012 - 12:09 AM, said:

That is one sexy white beast!

It is!  The looks are growing on me.. I've been pretty anti-white driver head for a while and was even toying with having Deerslayer paint this one black.  In person, it's a really cool looking club, and definitely on the opposite end of the spectrum of the Yonex in terms of looks.

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 12:17 AM, said:

Sweet driver. Can't wait to read your review. Did you also get a 3W?

Thanks, I'm playing this weekend and should have a good report over the weekend.  I have the 3W on order, but ship date on the Tour's isn't till early March

[rbilramz]

Does anyone know if a Fubuki Alpha 50 is available on the RBZ?  I only see the 60...

[Pure745]

UPDATE: Shootout in the making.. Pics added to the OP.

I was taking address pictures for head shape comparison, and realized picking a driver could get interesting

Edited by Pure745, 16 February 2012 - 12:52 AM.

[Pure745]

rbilramz, on 16 February 2012 - 12:35 AM, said:

Does anyone know if a Fubuki Alpha 50 is available on the RBZ?  I only see the 60...

I think it's only the 60 and 70 from what I've seen so far.

[scratchswinger]

Have you thought of adding the Razr Fit to the shootout?

[TMBob]

202 grams ? How do you know?

[scratchswinger]

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

[GatorNate11]

I've oddly enough thought about getting the exact same combo of RBZ/Fubuki, just at 70x. I have the Fubuki Tour 63x in my D2, I think I want it a bit heavier if I get it in another head.

[Pure745]

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 02:08 AM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

[gqjeff]

don't forget the 6-8 grams of weight from the adapter tip.  You have to consider that head weight also.  3-4 sw points for what its worth...

club looks hot... That tp6hd would be in the shot out winner though...

[rgk5]

gqjeff, on 16 February 2012 - 12:31 PM, said:

don't forget the 6-8 grams of weight from the adapter tip.  You have to consider that head weight also.  3-4 sw points for what its worth...

club looks hot... That tp6hd would be in the shot out winner though...

5-6 grams is one SW point.

[coreyl]

deffinately a sexy looking selection of clubs

[TMBob]

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 12:26 PM, said:

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 02:08 AM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

Pure, my mistake.......for one reason I was thinking it was a 3 wood.....202 is about what the R11's were, as mine has 5 grams removed and is 197.

I count the sleeve as part of the shaft. Either way works as long as any conversation between the two is clarified before hand.

[Potatohead]

Sweeeet

[Pure745]

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 12:26 PM, said:

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 02:08 AM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

Pure, my mistake.......for one reason I was thinking it was a 3 wood.....202 is about what the R11's were, as mine has 5 grams removed and is 197.

I count the sleeve as part of the shaft. Either way works as long as any conversation between the two is clarified before hand.

I didn't know what to expect in terms of headweight, I ordered it through TM at 44.5" so I'm not sure if they did anything to keep the swingweight heavier at a shorter length.  That was the main reason I wanted to weigh it.. 202 is a good weight.

[gqjeff]

rgk5, on 16 February 2012 - 12:34 PM, said:

gqjeff, on 16 February 2012 - 12:31 PM, said:

don't forget the 6-8 grams of weight from the adapter tip.  You have to consider that head weight also.  3-4 sw points for what its worth...

club looks hot... That tp6hd would be in the shot out winner though...

5-6 grams is one SW point.

No sorry your wrong.  At the tip 2grams is 1 sw point 6 is 3.  5 grams at the grip end is 1 sw point.

[gqjeff]

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 01:00 PM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 12:26 PM, said:

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 02:08 AM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

Pure, my mistake.......for one reason I was thinking it was a 3 wood.....202 is about what the R11's were, as mine has 5 grams removed and is 197.

I count the sleeve as part of the shaft. Either way works as long as any conversation between the two is clarified before hand.

I didn't know what to expect in terms of headweight, I ordered it through TM at 44.5" so I'm not sure if they did anything to keep the swingweight heavier at a shorter length.  That was the main reason I wanted to weigh it.. 202 is a good weight.

You can always get new heavier weights if needed or put some cotton in the head.  Either way you could get it to where you wanted it I am sure...

[Pure745]

@gqjeff:  I'm most likely going to stuff it with cotton balls, it is very loud at impact.. especially with the 20XI-X.  I might switch to the new Penta which is a little more quiet off the driver.

[rbilramz]

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

@gqjeff:  I'm most likely going to stuff it with cotton balls, it is very loud at impact.. especially with the 20XI-X.  I might switch to the new Penta which is a little more quiet off the driver.

Does stuffing the head with cotton balls affect the performance or swignweight of the club at all?  I wouldnt mind a slightly less noisy sound...

[Pure745]

rbilramz, on 16 February 2012 - 01:30 PM, said:

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

@gqjeff:  I'm most likely going to stuff it with cotton balls, it is very loud at impact.. especially with the 20XI-X.  I might switch to the new Penta which is a little more quiet off the driver.

Does stuffing the head with cotton balls affect the performance or swignweight of the club at all?  I wouldnt mind a slightly less noisy sound...

It shouldn't have much of an influence on either, if any at all.  My buddy from TM who had the RBZ before anyone I know of stuffed his with cotton balls and it muted the sound a little.  I think he stuck 8 in the head.

[TMBob]

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 01:00 PM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 12:39 PM, said:

Pure745, on 16 February 2012 - 12:26 PM, said:

scratchswinger, on 16 February 2012 - 02:08 AM, said:

TMBob, on 16 February 2012 - 02:04 AM, said:

202 grams ? How do you know?

He probably removed it and weighed it.

Pure, my mistake.......for one reason I was thinking it was a 3 wood.....202 is about what the R11's were, as mine has 5 grams removed and is 197.

I count the sleeve as part of the shaft. Either way works as long as any conversation between the two is clarified before hand.

I didn't know what to expect in terms of headweight, I ordered it through TM at 44.5" so I'm not sure if they did anything to keep the swingweight heavier at a shorter length.  That was the main reason I wanted to weigh it.. 202 is a good weight.

Yes it is...might even need more playing at 44.5"

[Pure745]

@TMBob: This is like deja vu of the old SuperTri/SuperDeep threads

I'm going to try to get these clubs on a launch monitor soon, even though I'm not a huge fan of them.. I'm curious to see how the #'s stack up.