Earlier this week we posted a Blog & Forum topic on the Saqra INB-1150 Forged Muscle Backs by Doc Niimi,  Today we reveal the INB-2018 Forged Cavity Backs by Saqra.  It's a Mid Sized CB shape produced of S25C precision one piece forged carbon steel + CNC milling.

V Groove 2010 R&A Conforming and available 4-PW with your choice of Shimada K's AC-10 R90/S90 or Saqra IS83 Graphite.  Check out the specifications below.  MSRP Head Only is 85.00,  Shimada steel is 130.00 and IS83 graphite is 155.00.  Expect these in the TSG ProShop over the next couple of days.

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We already know that GSS is a version of 303 steel similar to what other putter makers such as Gold's Factory use for many of their putter models.

Master Sasaya wanted to find out exactly what the differences were between J.I.S grade SUS303 from his supplier and Scotty's GSS German Stainless 303.

The results of the testing out of a U.S based laboratory  indeed show they are both 303.

The main and most important minerals to take note of here are Nickel and Chromium.  These in higher amounts produce the rewarding feel people hold dear in SUS303 putters. It's interesting to see that both Nickel & Chromium are higher in the JIS 303 vs GSS303.

This test was not intended to criticize GSS Scotty Cameron quality but rather show how J.I.S Japan Made quality is to the world's highest standards.

Discuss this topic in the TSG Forum..Click Here!

Last week we teased our readers with a lone image of the new Saqra precision one piece forged INB-1150 Muscle Back Irons.  As promised here is the skinny on these new sweet sticks.

Produced by Niimi Kiyonari who I have known for many years as the international agent of Epon Golf, Niimi-san has created his own line of golf clubs named "Saqra" I'm not sure what this name means but we will find out soon and report back.

The product is Japan Forged in Himeji of S25C steel with the curve in the muscle back coming way via CNC milling. It's a very attractive iron in person.  It's got 2010 conforming V Grooves and is available 3-PW with two shaft options,  the Shimada K's AC-10 and a Saqra IS83 counter weighted graphite shaft.

It's was designed as a low center of gravity muscle back and does have some Japanese design aspects that some may or may not appreciate. For example the top line and sole is a little bit thicker than someone accustomed to muscle back irons may be used to.  It also has more offset in the shorter irons than in the longer irons by appearance.

There is another model that I will highlight by the end of the week, It's a cavity back with CNC milling called the Saqra INB-2018 Forged so stay tuned for that.  I'm still awaiting information on custom options, face progression numbers, and combo set availability.

MSRP on the INS-1150 is 85.00 per head only - 130.00 with Shimada Steel - 155.00 with IS83 Graphite

To Discuss the Saqra Forged Irons in the TSG Forums - Click Here!

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The Ozik Program 130 Graphite Shafts are not designed as an alternative to steel shafts but rather to replace it!  That's a pretty bold thing to say but from the perspective of someone who has extensive experience with both steel and high end graphite shafts I do buy into that.

Here's what we know, PGA, JPGA, and LPGA tour players with fast swing speeds can indeed get along with graphite iron shafts. Although not many use them we do know that they can spec out as stiff or stiffer than X-100's with the right build. In my personal experience I gained lot's of distance and consistency with graphite iron shafts from Crazy Shafts & Daiwa's Roddio brand. Now I'm excited to try the new Ozik Program 130 shafts.

Lead Designer for Matrix Shafts Daniel You has produced what Matrix say's is his finest shaft to date.  Created with the desire to provide 2009 like spin control with 2010 USGA approved grooves.  It's a Tour Optimized shaft, so we can shed the stereotypes of graphite shafts being for older people or slower swingers all together.  The Program 130's by Ozik are supposed to have more stability, more control and tighter dispersion than even steel shafts.  Spec's Below...

The harder outer layers prevent the ball from deforming when with lower speed swings creating maximum uniform spin. Optimal launch off the tee is created by the low spin soft core and the seamless outer cover which provides minimal wind resistance. Several Mizuno pros are already playing the ball on the Japanese tour. Look for the new ball in our pro shop next week!

Mitsubishi Rayon is set to release their all new Diamana 'ahina shaft in Japan on October 16th.  The Diamana 'ahina features a similar bend profile to the original white board and  utilizes the same Multi-Dimensional Interlay technology (M.D.I) as the more recent Kai'li model.  The combo produces a very stable low launch low torque shaft designed for maximum stability and control.

The 'ahina shaft maintains great feel via a very soft butt section and keeps its control characteristics from a stiff tip and center section.  It's the natural progression after the white board and kai'li and appears to be targeting PGA Tour players or the strong amateur level golfer.

The new Diamana 'ahina will be available in three weight configurations 60, 70, and 80 grams with a variety of flexes.  Diamana says the lighter weigh 60 gram model is a good choice for players with a smooth tempo looking to create more head speed off the tee.  The 70 and 80 gram versions will feature more stability via a stiffer tip section for the more powerful player.

Interested in more info?  What doe's 'ahina mean? We have trajectory, bend profile and fitting information after the Jump...

Above there are two charts, one showing the bend profile of the new Diamana'ahina shaft, the chart shows that of the 'ilima and kai'li the new 'ahina features the softest butt section and stiffest tip section. In other words expect great feel and a tight trajectory.

The second chart shows the 'ahina starts out just as high as the 'ilima yet notice that it stay's on a flatter more stable trajectory to eventually end up the lowest of the bunch.

What does 'ahina mean?

The next generation Diamana 'ahina is named for a rare Hawaiian Silversword flower which grows only on Mount Haleakala. This plant, found only on the island of Maui, lives on the slopes of the dormant Haleakala volcano and is literally called 'ahinahina in Hawaiian. The Silversword is most noted for its Silver Bloom and has been considered an endangered species since 1922.

 

 

 

I received the new GR Driver, GR fairway wood and GR Iron. Sadly the new GR Forged was missing but I've been told that it will be coming a little later.  I'll have a session tomorrow morning with the neighbors at our home driving range and be back to post feedback on the blog.

Recently we received some samples of the all new Fourteen MT-28 J.SPEC III Wedge. Produced of Forged of what they are calling Nickel steel and featuring 2010 conforming grooves the J.SPEC III features a reverse top blade + mini cavity carved into it. By reducing the weight of the sole and re allocating it to the top blade fourteen has managed to increase spin performance and create a more stable face which translates into a more forgiving wedge.

Another feature is it's wider more rounded sole which offers tolerance and stability. This also plays a big part in bunker play giving the new J.SPEC III a level of automatic satisfaction from the sand. Shot's are easier to duplicate as a thinner sole creates more variables for the average golfer.

The straight neck appearance with a slightly rounded leading edge that rapes around the face gives the player a sense of security. Laying flat is sit's square which further ad's to confidence.  It's face is CNC mirror milled for exact precision and increased contact area giving the J.SPEC II outstanding performance and spin. I am curious to what exactly Nickel Steel is, it's supposed to increase durability of not only the head but the milled grooves for a longer lasting wedge with stable spin performance.

Available now in the TSG ProShop in 7 different lofts, 48/50/52/54/56/58/60 degrees with your choice of Dynamic Gold wedge flex or NS PRO 950GH.

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(Sony Nex-5 - Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC: 30mm, f/1.4, 1/50 sec, ISO250)