Epon AF-101 Driver

[M-Stamp]

How would you rate it in terms of distance?

If you have tried the Epon driver, what did you think about the driver in terms of distance? Some comparison with your other drivers will be greatly helpful. Thanks!

[idrive]

IMO,

As with most newer Drivers it is all about having the right shaft.

The AF101 is an excellent Driver with a great sound and excellent feel. The forgiveness for a "players" Driver is very good as well. Personally I don't think it is any longer or shorter than most Drivers out there, just an excellent, well made, quality one.

[ACEinthehole]

I have personally seen the AF 101 tested on Trackman in Whiteboard, Griffen, Kai'li, and others. The numbers don't lie, at least 4 to 5 mph better on the ball speed, which equates to much more distance. Idrive is right though, the shaft needs to fit the player in order for the club to be at its most effective, however that is an awesome head and much longer than any other head that I have seen tested with the same shafts.

[M-Stamp]

Thank you all! Excited to hear that LM numbers are better with the AF-101. Even if not, I'll definitely order one. What shaft would you recommend? My swing speed is 103mph and hit straight with drivers, with a little tendency to hit draws. I can't access a launch monitor so I'll just get a shaft that gets good feedback. I'm thinking of having Epon install the Graphite Design EV6 Stiff. Is this a good choice? I know you can't tell for sure without fitting, but any comments will be appreciated.

Oh, BTW, I'll get the new black finish. I could wait until January for the new AF-105 but I heard its got shallower face, which I don't like, so I'm ordering the 101.

[idrive]

Our SS is about the same.

I've played the 101 with a Roddio and a Mamiya shaft. Both worked well.

I've played the EV in a Tourstage 901 and did NOT get along with it at all.

If I was buying one right now I would go with the kai'li (med. ball flight) or the ilima (med-high ball flight).

The new Graqhite Design Tour AD DI-6 is supposed to be the latest and greatest but I have not hit it yet.

Something I have just tried recently is a light weight shaft. (56g) The Bassara Griffin. I wish I would have gone this route sooner as I am getting fantastic results.

[Duffy19]

Saw the new AF 151 head in person today. It looks a bit longer front to back (as in higher MOI design) than the 101 but not as long as the new R9 Max E type.

[M-Stamp]

Idrive;

 

How did you like the TS 901? How would you compare it with the AF-101?

 

I'm asking because my current driver is the 901 and am switching to the 101 now. Mine is 9.5* with the other GD stock shaft. I played this driver for the whole season this year and I was really happy with the driver.

 

The 901 is a very forgiving driver with plenty of distance. My driver before this was Fourteen JC0-707 9* with Whiteboard, which was longer at times but not as consistent as the 901. I didn't like the feel or the excessive curvature of the club face from heel to toe on the Fourteen. The 901 is one of the longest driver with good feel, consistency, and distance.

 

Why do I switch then? First, I just want to. It's just about time to switch. :man_in_love: Also, I feel like the stock GD shaft is not as responsive as I would like, and I prefer a driver with a little deeper face. I thought the AF-101 would fit the bill in this sense. The head profile looks just perfect to me.

 

Now, the the two questions I had regarding the 101 are whether it is as long as any other premium drivers and what shaft I should go with. The first question has been resolved, but still don't know what shaft to go with as I haven't updated myself with recent offerings for a year now.

 

I don't know anything about Mamiya or Roddo. Are they even available as upgrade options for Epon drivers? If they are, I could take courage to try one of them. (I'm having Epon install a shaft in my 101.) Otherwise, I'll probably go with either a GD or a Mitsu shaft because I'm only familar with them. (For some reason I didn't have much sucess with Fuji shafts for a few years.)

 

If I were to go with either a GD or a Mitsu shaft, I would probably go with the Kai'li or the EV-6, and I'm leaning towards the Kai'li after reading your reply and some other posts.

 

Can anyone else chime in to help me decide on the shaft? Again, I'm 103mph SS and a good driver. I hit straight/draw medium trajectory and usually shoot par. I'm looking for the best driver head and the best shaft.

[Duffy19]

My understanding is Epon would not be building any club. You have to buy an assembled club at an authorized fitter/builder. Roddio would not sell its shaft either except being installed by again authorized builders. The Kai'li has been out for a year now and it is better than White in my opinion. The brand new Mitsu would be the 'il'lma which I only saw for the first time today. My friend is having one installed next week and I would probably get a chance to try it.

[idrive]

I'm pretty sure that Epon will still build the club. It has to ordered thru an authorized dealer/builder/fitter.

The concept is that they have "fit" you and then order the club from the factory. Obviously I could be wrong but I think that's how they will do it.

With the info you've supplied here I would think the kai'li would be the way to go.

The TS901 is a great driver but my nod goes to the AF101. A tad more forgiving with a better sound and feel.

Most people would think they have died and gone to Heaven to have either one...

[ACEinthehole]

IMO you need more information than what you gave to be fit into the right shaft.

From what i understand the reason that you have to get the Epons through authorized clubfitters is to ensure that the club is going to perform the best for the player. It also makes the product a little more exclusive... I am sure you will be able to order one from an authorized clubfitter, however the internet sales of stock clubs are not going to happen any longer from what i understand.

With that said I will agree the Kai'li is a great shaft, in terms of feel, spin, and launch. My current play driver has the Diamana Stinger tipped 3/4 inch. Brings the ball flight down just a bit and feels great. Those would be my 2 suggestions, although the Stinger is a little more expensive it is well worth it.

[blackman]

I have approx. the same ss (101 - 102) and I am using a AF-101.
Here is my view after testing some shafts with this head:
-> perfect match for me: Matrix Code 6
-> very good: House of Forged Jamie Sadlowski (very close to Matrix - same manufacturing)

Also tested:
- Fujikura Rombax
- Fujikura Motore

All in all I very much recommend testing different shafts. Despite the very different feel of thease shafts the shot dispersion and the length difference between the shortest and the longest was 12 ft.

In any case the head is brilliant !!