Japanese Manufacturers

[MyBluC4]

I always look forward to reading each year's Golf Digest's and Golf Magazine's equipment hot lists. However, I don't understand why such manufacturer's as Epon, Honma, Miura and Maruman are never reviewed. Recently I came upon a web site featuring sticks by these club makers. The irons, and especially some of the wedges these guys are producing look fantastic. I would really like to hear how the GD and GM panels would rate some of these clubs against the larger, more traditional (heavily advertised) brands. Wish these magazines would break out of the box and give us the dope on these club makers soon.

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by MyBluC4

I always look forward to reading each year's Golf Digest's and Golf Magazine's equipment hot lists. However, I don't understand why such manufacturer's as Epon, Honma, Miura and Maruman are never reviewed. Recently I came upon a web site featuring sticks by these club makers. The irons, and especially some of the wedges these guys are producing look fantastic. I would really like to hear how the GD and GM panels would rate some of these clubs against the larger, more traditional (heavily advertised) brands. Wish these magazines would break out of the box and give us the dope on these club makers soon.

Never happen. They don't sell enough clubs to make those magazines interested.

[eclark53520]

Plus they dont advertise in GD or GM...

At least i have never seen any of those manufacturers advertise in those magazines...its all about the Benjamins brother...

[Irish]

Originally Posted by MyBluC4

I always look forward to reading each year's Golf Digest's and Golf Magazine's equipment hot lists. However, I don't understand why such manufacturer's as Epon, Honma, Miura and Maruman are never reviewed. Recently I came upon a web site featuring sticks by these club makers. The irons, and especially some of the wedges these guys are producing look fantastic. I would really like to hear how the GD and GM panels would rate some of these clubs against the larger, more traditional (heavily advertised) brands. Wish these magazines would break out of the box and give us the dope on these club makers soon.

its because they know what side their bread is buttered, all the advertising revenue comes from the major oems so realistically there is no benefit to review anything for which they won't be able to generate advertising revenue from...

[Rockford35]

They also cater to an entirely different group of individuals, mainly those with too many Benjamins categorized as expendable income.

Personally, in the limited chance I've had to hit some Honma irons and Miura wedges, I just don't see the difference over something at half the price.

R35

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

hit some Honma irons and Miura wedges, I just don't see the difference over something at half the price.

R35

So how do the Nak clubs play then?

[Skjay101]

I've got a Maruman putter, and I love it. The thing is super expensive, so those with the Benjamins who like expensive things for show, I think would love to drop money on Maruman stuff. You get a quality product, for alot of money, which not too many people have, making you unique. I think the japanese should advertise a little more and see their American following skyrocket.

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

So how do the Nak clubs play then?

Same foundries, half the price. How am I losing?

R35

[xamilo]

I think most Miuras just look terrific. I's a pity you can't demo something like that, because I would like to gab some of those. hey would never advertise since they don't have the need to. Just like buying a car. How many GM or Ford ads you find? How many Bentley's? Guess its exactly the same comparison. I guess the Corvette's engine might be way over the top of a Royce's one, but its the exclusiveness what makes you want one

I would like some Miuras.....

[JEFF4i]

Mizuno anyone?

[xamilo]

Originally Posted by JEFF4i

Mizuno anyone?

Well, Mizuno is definitely the best looking of the commercial brands...

[ezra76]

Originally Posted by xamilo

I think most Miuras just look terrific. I's a pity you can't demo something like that, because I would like to gab some of those. hey would never advertise since they don't have the need to. Just like buying a car. How many GM or Ford ads you find? How many Bentley's? Guess its exactly the same comparison. I guess the Corvette's engine might be way over the top of a Royce's one, but its the exclusiveness what makes you want one

I would like some Miuras.....

I paid $325 for mine 5-PW then another $125 for the 3i. VictoryCustomGolf can get them. Look them up and send an email. You might even be able to get a demo iron. If he can still go $125 a club with Nippons, that's not much more than new set of Titty's, Mizzies, or Pings with shaft upgrades.

[BStone]

The new line of Bridgestone irons are forged in the Endo factory, Epon is their brand.

[Dave Ireland]

Originally Posted by BStone

The new line of Bridgestone irons are forged in the Endo factory, Epon is their brand.

Endo is the parent company of Epon. Endo forge heads for Mizuno, Titleist, Bridgestone and about 4 other OEM's. I myself play the Epon Technity J Spec irons, there's nothing I've hit to compare with them. I'd imagine that they've applied a lot of the technical knowledge from OEM designs into the Epon brand. The major drawback is their resale value based as previously mentioned on their relative obscurity outside of the Japanese market..

[PINGELI]

Golf Digest gave Miura irons a silver rating in the 2007 Hot List (under Players Irons). So, they have reviewed Japanese equipment