Tourstage X-Drive 445 question

[MGB]

I got a chance to hit my cousin's X-Drive 445 and it was lust at first sight. I got a demo from the local distributor and although I'm getting good results with it, the stock shaft is just too light for me (gamer - G10/Diamana BB 83s) and I get a bit quick with it on the downswing. I really like the head (it's longer in a lot of instances than my G10) and will probably wind up ordering it with either the Graphite Design Quattro Tech MD or the Fujikura Rombax Z in 70-something grams.

 

Would any of you gentlemen have any experience with the 445 in either of these shafts? How did you like it? This might seem shallow, but I love the cosmetics OTR and am unsure about how the bright blue of the MD (my erstwhile fave) will go with the red/black head.

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

[corky]

Maybe try asking the question on TSG (Tourspecgolf.com), probably more Tourstage users there.

 

.... don;t worry about being shallow, I too care about aesthetics and am contemplating a 445 with a Fuji z-series and worry that the blue will look a bit naff!..... I guess the X series in Pink would look better?

[MGB]

I did post on tsg but so far no responses. I guess it's not too popular with the members there.

 

Anyway, looks like I will get it with the MD. The Rombax Z should be a better match since it's silver closer to the head. The MD might be a bit off. But hey, whatever works, right?

[MGB]

Maybe try asking the question on TSG (Tourspecgolf.com), probably more Tourstage users there.

 

.... don;t worry about being shallow, I too care about aesthetics and am contemplating a 445 with a Fuji z-series and worry that the blue will look a bit naff!..... I guess the X series in Pink would look better?

 

Just curious. What makes you lean towards the Rombax instead of the MD?

[corky]

Had good previous experience(s) with fuji whereas My only experience with GD was with a YS6 which I never realy liked that much.... I'm sure that given the popularity that GD has (esp in Japan), that the MD is a great shaft

[MGB]

Thanks for the reply.

 

In my case, it's the other way around. I really liked GD's PT series; in fact I have a PT-7 in my MacGregor NVG Tour and got on really well with it. The more stable tip with a bit of the Quattro Tech's kick at impact intrigues me. The extra weight of the MD 7 should cure my only complaint with the 445.

 

I briefly considered the Rombax Z, but I moved back to the MD when I read Fuji designed the Z for the body release swinger. I've got a 2-plane swing that puts a lot of load on the shaft through the impact zone; I'm concerned the Z will go left on me.

[Drewrealty]

Just my .02 but played a X445 for a bit and found the stock shaft to be a little too whippy -- even in stiff flex. Clubhead launches ball very high and from what I have seen, heard, read, etc., the scoop on this club is you definitely need to change shaft, then its... :D .

Have tried several other heads and the only thing I have found is that I keep coming back to the matrix ozik xcon 5 shaft in a reg flex. IMO best shaft out there!! Good luck

[MGB]

Thanks, Drew.

 

I'm definitely leaning towards the 445/MD combo, the color combination not withstanding. The 445 isn't like either the 430P or 460P that takes the left side out of play; it's definitely a factor with the stock setup. I'm not too perturbed by the stock shaft's relatively soft stiff flex, but the overly high launch/spin characteristics does hurt my overall distance with the club.

[jacksonlui]

measures 250cpm with a 5inch clamp with a tour velvet grip installed, so add maybe 3-4cpm, right at stiff in terms of frequency. It doesn't feel boardy but a solid shaft. It's hard to argue when Mitsubushi and Tourstage gets together and creates a combo they feel is perfect for you. The setup does launch higher than normal which is what I'm after, I'd rather maximize carry than roll. The shaft has a nice kick, it feels like a dropkick or a body slam into the ball if you load it properly. I swing this setup at 90mph and don't have a problem putting it into play, I can see how others with 100mph swings might feel it may be a bit soft. Don't mistake going for it and having it go far right and with a high launch as a shaft that's too weak, most likely you're just adding tension because you want to kill it and not releasing properly, open club face adds more launch, etc...

 

I'd like to hear what combos others have tried. it was on TSG's list of high selling drivers, there must be others that are loving it and keeping it quietly to themselves.

[ericchoi]

The 445 have a hard head then the 07 x-drive. So i guess they made a balance between the shaft making it softer. It is true the shaft is much softer then a original diamana shafts. Try rombax or tour ad shafts if you are going to buy one.

 

Eric

[Big Ben]

The MD is a sick shaft; nothing at all like the YS series.

[dmarch]

I have a SS of 105mph with a driver and would classify myself as a hitter with an aggressive downswing. I have been using the 10.5 degree X Drive 460 with a Diamana White Board 73S for over a year now. By far the best combo I ever had.

[jacksonlui]

i ended up with the altus proto in a firm flex...really nice and balanced.

the diamana black is still a good shaft and a good combo, i don't get any better numbers with the altus but it feels better because it's softer for my slow swing. i would still be able to play the diamana black in a heartbeat. i probably should pull the altus and recoup some money but i don't want to mess with what's working right now.