The Clubmaker Report
Krank Senior Drivers vs. New Taylormade Drivers
Krank Senior Driver vs. new
Taylormade Stealth
Social media was swamped recently with news about the new $600-$699 Stealth carbon face driver from Taylormade. It’s a beautiful new club with all the bells and whistles that is designed to max out spring effect for higher swingspeed golfers. Seniors and golfers with slow swingspeeds can’t fully take advantage of the new technology, you don’t generate enough swingspeed.
The Krank Formula II X (85-105 mph) and Formula II XX (50-85 mph swingspeed) are designed to give maximum face spring effect and distance to slower swingspeed golfers.
The Krank drivers are also available in very high lofts to further help slow swingspeed golfers with distance (12 degree and 14 degree, adjustable plus 2 degree in either loft). The Taylormade tops out at 12 degree loft and is also adjustable.
Combine that with the Hiskei Wave shaft that increases distance and improves control (MyGolfSpy review here +6 yards) (GolfWrx review here 12 yards closer to centerline) and you’ve got a winning combination.
Send me a note to discuss a new Krank HiCor Driver today.
New Yamada Putter Design
Yamada tells me he’s got a new putter design in the works, different from anything he’s ever done. It’s going to be manufactured on a 3D printer. It’s a very high MOI design to help with less than perfect strokes. No telling when it will be ready and I don’t have a price yet. I’ll post more pictures at my Yamada Facebook page when I have them. Yamada is now producing his full line of production putter models again (in addition to the four handmade models). The production models are made from the same metal but have plumbers neck hosels, a platinum finish (no burning copper or smoke finish), a rubber grip, and a vinyl headcover. They’re over $200 cheaper than the handmade but they have the same excellent balance and close to the same soft feel as the handmade. They usually take 3 or 4 months to ship so if you place your orders now your putter should be ready for spring golf season. Send me a note to discuss Yamada putters.
OEM Reshafts
I can get about any shaft made if you’re looking to reshaft your tired out OEM driver. I have Hiskei Wave shafts in stock and also really like the 45g Hiskei Superlight. Price is shaft price plus $40 for the OEM sleeve/install. I also feature Fujikura, Mitsubishi, Graman, and more. Send me a note for helping choose a new shaft for your driver, fairway woods, hybrids, or irons.
Star Grips
I had a nice response to the news that I was picking up Star Grips again for my catalog. The new rubber formulation is tackier than older formulations and I’ve never found another grip that lasts as long. Orders of 6+ only, please.
Star Grip Smoothee
The Smoothee wrap grip, based on the design of the Star Classic Wrap, lacks perforations which allows more surface area to come in contact with the hand or glove for the ultimate tackiness. If an old-school leather wrap is the look and feel that you're after, then this is your grip. Classic. Retro. Smooth. The Smoothee is available in any color as long as it’s black. It’s 47 grams and .600. Price is $7.99 each. I can get about 10 or 12 grips in a flat rate envelope so shipping is $9-$10. Larger orders ship in mid or large flat rate boxes to save money. Send me a note to order. Picture of Smoothee below.
Star Grip Classic Wrap
The Star Classic Wrap is a soft, highly tacky seamless 360° grip made from a high-tack pure rubber compound. If you want a grip that will stick to your hands and not twist, this is the one! This grip provides a soft supple feel which is easy on the hands, while a classic perforated design gives your clubs a timeless look. The symmetrical 360° design, which is free of logos or alignment marks, is a great match for today's adjustable clubs. In Black, blue, red, or white and Standard 50g/Midsize 65g/Undersize 42g. $7.99 each for standard and undersize, $8.39 each for Midsize plus USPS Priority Flat rate shipping. Send me a note to order.
I really like the Midsize classic wrap, it has unique slots on the undersize of the grip for added grip/feel. Picture of Classic wrap below.
Star Grip Tour Star +
The Tour Star+ is a reduced-taper version of the Classic Wrap. Made from the same soft tacky rubber compound, this grip has a larger lower section - equal to 3-4 extra wraps of tape - which promotes reduced grip pressure in the lower hand. This results in less tension in the wrists and a more fluid swing. The additional thickness of this grip also provides the ultimate shock absorption which removes impact vibration to reduce stress on the hands and elbows. And just like all of their grips, the symmetrical 360° design which is free of logos or alignment marks is a great match for today's adjustable clubs. In Black, Blue, Red, and White. Standard 59g, oversize 80g. Standard is $7.99 each and oversize is $8.79 each plus USPS Priority Flat Rate Envelope shipping. Send me a note to order. Picture of Tour Star + below.
Star Grips SideWinder
The Star Sidewinder 360° is a high performance textured grip that provides firmer gripping control preferred by many golfers. The symmetrical "S" texture pattern was chosen to enhance directional grip on the club, similar to that provided by corded grips. Coupled with unprecedented durability, this grip is the perfect fit for the golf enthusiast who demands the ultimate performance and reliability from their grips. The symmetrical 360° design, which is free of logos or alignment marks, is a great match for today's adjustable clubs. In Black, Blue, Green, White, Orange, and Red. Limited quantities in some colors. Standard is .600, 50g $7.99 each. Midsize is 68g and $8.39 each plus USPS Priority Flat Rate Envelope shipping. Send me a note to order. Picture of Sidewinder below.
Quitting Day Job
As my friends will tell you, I shot a 44 last week. They know this because I called/texted my friends/family my score/shot by shot replay ad nauseum. My Hiskei forged irons and Yamada putter were on fire. Putting out feelers for a sponsor for the Champions Tour. I’ll keep you posted.