Golfing News & Blog Articles

Listen up, short game strugglers! If you’re tired of chunking, blading, and just generally embarrassing yourself around the green, you need to hear about the Baldo Strong Luck Wedge Set.

Forget those random, inconsistent wedges you’ve been hacking away with. Baldo’s dropping a trio of precision-engineered beauties designed to turn your 100-yard game into a scoring machine. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet looking to sharpen your skills, these wedges are built to deliver.

Let’s break down the good stuff:

At TourSpecGolf, we’re big fans of the AXIS Golf brand. Ohkoshi-san is quickly gaining recognition as one of Japan’s top grinders, evident in the shape and craftsmanship of the irons offered by AXIS Golf. The brand stands out for its exceptional quality, feel, shape, and customization. Its options surpass those of Mizuno’s old Yoro-Craft and rival Miura’s MCW.

To learn more about Ohkoshi-san’s background, check out this great post that covers his history  (click here)

Last week at the Japan Golf Fair in Yokohama, AXIS Golf showcased their new CB, MB, and wedge—and they looked incredible. AXIS Golf’s products continue to feature mini weight screws, which are a game-changer for clubmakers, allowing precise swing weight adjustments without the need for tip weights. Plus, they place the weight exactly where you’d want it.

Introducing the KYOEI SCEPTRE Neo Mallet, KYOEI’s take on a high-MOI, ultra-forgiving putter designed to minimize head twist throughout the stroke.

With its stealthy, angular design, the SCEPTRE Mallet stands apart from the rounded shapes commonly seen in mass-market putters. Inside, a carefully engineered cavity section redistributes weight strategically to enhance stability and forgiveness, ensuring better performance on off-center hits.

To further optimize forgiveness and balance, KYOEI has incorporated a stainless steel sole plate, lowering the center of gravity and improving overall stability.

Refined Alignment – After extensive testing, KYOEI developed a triple sight line system, which proved to be the most intuitive and easy-to-adapt alignment aid for players.

The result? A putter that delivers exceptional stability, minimal head twisting, and a smooth, responsive feel—reminiscent of the legendary forged craftsmanship KYOEI is known for in Japan.

Introducing KYOEI TYPE-X Wedge – Control. Feel. Precision.

The KYOEI TYPE-X Wedge is designed for players who demand consistency and confidence in every short-game scenario. Forged from premium soft carbon steel, it delivers the signature KYOEI impact feel—solid, responsive, and unmistakably pure.

The TYPE-X features a versatile sole grind, refined for maximum adaptability from tight lies, deep rough, and bunkers. With carefully tuned bounce angles and a precisely milled face, it provides controlled spin and a penetrating trajectory, whether executing a low-checking spinner or a high, soft landing shot. Designed for players who rely on precision rather than gimmicks, the TYPE-X Wedge is a pure expression of craftsmanship and performance. No unnecessary tech—just the feel, feedback, and control that serious golfers demand.

The KYOEI TYPE-X Wedge is designed with a focus on consistency, feel, and control. Its forged soft carbon steel construction and versatile sole grind provide a balanced blend of performance and adaptability, making it a reliable choice for a variety of short-game shots. With a precisely milled face and thoughtfully tuned bounce angles, it offers the responsiveness that skilled players appreciate. For those who prefer a straightforward, well-crafted wedge without unnecessary technology, the TYPE-X delivers a refined experience where feel and precision take priority.

Introducing the new KYOEI Dual Weight Tour Iron – Building upon the success of the original Dual Weight one and two the new TOUR is the next evolution of the series featuring all the attributes a better player needs and wants in a Forged Iron.

What Sets It Apart from the Dual Weight II?


Simply put, with the newly developed mold—codenamed X-IRON—this latest version retains 80% of the forgiveness of the original DWII while packing it into a more compact design. It’s the ideal cavity back for blade enthusiasts, featuring zero offset, a slimmer sole, and a refined overall shape. Starting with the non-conforming triple-weight wedge, KYOEI has introduced a series of upgrades designed to elevate performance beyond the competition.

Let’s break them down: At the billet stage KYOEI Golf has taken an extra step that most brands overlook. Working directly with their source supplier in Kobe, Japan, they’ve introduced a key chemical element along with a micro-alloy to enhance the material’s properties. Unlike many companies that simply use whatever billets their factories provide, KYOEI’s deep-rooted industry connections and proximity to Japan’s top steel suppliers have ushered in a new chapter for the brand.

When it comes to the KYOEI Golf factory in Ichikawa Japan there is a long history of brands that use their forgings as well as brands born from the Sakamoto family directly,  brands like Vega,  Zestaim,  and now Takumi.

These irons, straight outta the K Square workshop, are all about showing off the KYOEI factories classic molds with a new take on design aesthetics.

Takumi is the passion project of Keisuke Sakamoto who is the president of KYOEI Golf.

The Takumi Japan Type T Iron is a muscle back designed for players who prioritize control and consistency,this set follows traditional forging methods with a focus on material quality and performance.

Design and Manufacturing

The Type T irons have a compact shape with a sole design that improves turf interaction. The leading and trailing edges are shaped to help maintain stability through impact. The back face features a black Teflon finish with laser etching and satin polishing. The design prioritizes a solid feel and predictable performance with a reasonable amount of forgiveness for a blade-style iron.

FutureForce Golf is a UK-based company incorporating European design and marketing to create performance-driven golf clubs tailored to Japan and the broader Asian market. Their focus on modern engineering, high MOI (Moment of Inertia) technology, and consistent launch characteristics reflects a commitment to improving distance, forgiveness, and overall playability. By combining European craftsmanship with research aimed at the evolving needs of Asian golfers, FutureForce seeks to develop game-improvement equipment that remains accessible to a variety of skill levels.

If you’re curious, you can see all their products at TSG

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Future Force ED1 Combo Iron

FutureForce Irons

Designed for reliability and improved shot dispersion, FutureForce Irons employ perimeter weighting that balances forgiveness with a clean, compact profile. Each iron is engineered to offer consistent distance control and straightforward playability, supporting golfers who value a smooth transition between clubs. The blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance features is a hallmark of FutureForce’s approach to iron design.

Who is Mugen?

Mugen Motorsports (M-TEC Co., Ltd.) is synonymous with high-performance tuning and engineering in the automotive world. Founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Soichiro Honda (the founder of Honda Motor Company), Mugen specializes in tuning Honda vehicles and producing aftermarket parts that push the limits of speed, aerodynamics, and precision. The brand has a decorated history in Formula One, Super GT, and endurance racing, where precision engineering differentiates between victory and defeat.

This obsession with precision and performance makes Mugen an ideal partner for Bridgestone in the development of the BITING SPIN Full Milled Wedge. It ensures that every aspect of its design meets the highest standards in golf club manufacturing.

Full Milled Construction for Unmatched Precision

The Bridgestone B-Limited BITING SPIN Wedge is crafted using a full milling process, meaning that the entire head—including the face, sole, and back—is machine-milled to an extremely tight tolerance. This results in a consistent shape, precise center of gravity (CG) positioning, and a uniform surface that maximizes spin and control. Unlike traditional cast wedges, which may have minor variations due to the manufacturing process, fully milled wedges provide unparalleled consistency in feel and performance.

At the Japan Golf Fair, you can definitely find some gems hidden in the plethora of high-end products on display. One very cool find was the Toulon Japan Full CNC Milled Irons. There were CBs and MBs on display.  

These irons are made by Sasaki Kenma. I have been close with and visiting the Sasaki Factory since 2016, when we collaborated to produce the FULL MILLED SEVEN CB. In fact, I will be visiting them twice more within the next 30 days.

And yes, SEVEN is manufactured at Sasaki Kenma, along with the ultra-rare Callaway X-Prototype (Japan-only irons) and the sleek new Callaway blades you may have recently seen on the PGA tour.

In another blog post, I will break down the different levels of full CNC-milled iron manufacturing offered by this factory, comparing the processes behind the Callaway, Toulon, and SEVEN irons—all crafted under the same roof.

Baldo TT Forged Tour Cavity Iron

The Baldo TT Forged Tour Cavity (TC) Iron is engineered for golfers seeking precision, control, and consistency. As part of Baldo’s Tour Model Series, this iron is developed with insights from professional tours in the U.S. The series includes three models—Tour Cavity (TC), Tour Air (TA), and Tour Pocket (TP)—each catering to different player preferences.

Why Choose the Baldo Tour Cavity (TC) Iron?

The Tour Cavity (TC) Iron balances forgiveness and shot-making control. A wider power area increases stability on off-center hits, making it a dependable choice for golfers navigating challenging courses that require strategic shot execution.

Designed for optimized ground interaction and consistent impact, the TC Iron incorporates a VASSIST Plate, a TPU insert positioned in the cavity to enhance feel and responsiveness at impact. This feature helps deliver a smooth yet solid sensation, ensuring feedback that better players demand.

Precision Engineering & Premium Materials

The Baldo TT Forged TC Iron is constructed with S20C precision-forged soft carbon steel, known for its soft feel and durability. The cavity-back design is precision-machined to optimize weight distribution, enhancing stability and control throughout the swing.

Traditional Forging Meets Modern Design

What makes CGS Orion stand out is that they go above and beyond when it comes to fit and finish.  Hand-ground and forged In Ichikawa Himeji, Japan’s epicenter of hand grinding. These heads are sent to the town of Tsubame Sanjo in Niigata Japan, this area is renowned for beautiful hand polishing. This combination of Himeji handcrafting and Tsubame Sanjo’s polishing creates a stunning effect.

Forged irons have a long history of providing golfers with enhanced feedback and workability. The Orion Golf Genius FCB Forged Iron embraces this heritage by employing a precise forging process that refines grain structure in the clubhead. This method ensures a soft yet solid feel at impact, allowing golfers to immediately sense how the ball reacts off the face. Orion Golf marries this classic approach to clubmaking with modern design elements that help increase forgiveness, stabilize ball flight, and streamline turf interaction.

Feel, Feedback, and Control

One of the main reasons experienced golfers choose forged irons is the responsive feedback they deliver through the hands. The FCB Forged design focuses on refining center of gravity and optimizing the club’s sole and face thickness, which helps maintain consistency across various lies. Golfers can expect a smooth sensation through impact and an immediate awareness of how well they’ve struck each shot. This high level of feedback often leads to better control, enabling players to refine their swing mechanics and improve shot-shaping capabilities.

Forgiveness Without Sacrificing Workability

While many forged irons lean toward advanced players, the Orion Golf Genius FCB model balances a traditional, compact shape with subtle game-improvement elements. The clubhead design promotes a stable launch and consistent spin, helping golfers maintain accuracy on off-center strikes. This provides an extra margin of forgiveness without removing the ability to shape shots around the green or hit controlled draws and fades.

Such workability is especially valuable when you need to navigate challenging course conditions. Whether you’re flighting the ball down into the wind or putting a little extra spin for a stop-and-drop approach, the FCB Forged irons can handle it all with confidence.

The Diamana™ RB (Red Board) is back, and if you’re a fan of the classic Diamana RB profile, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. It’s got all the traditional elements that made Diamana™ a favorite—like the original 53/63/73/83 weight classes—but with the latest materials and engineering to take performance to the next level.

So, what makes the RB stand out? First off, it’s designed to give you a slightly higher launch than the BB model, making it easier to get the ball up without losing control. That means better carry, better distance, and more consistency. If you liked the previous Red Board, you’ll love that this version brings back that active tip section, helping generate a little more speed through the ball. But don’t worry—it still has the stability and low-torque control that Diamana™ is known for, so you won’t have to sacrifice accuracy just to get that extra pop.

A big reason for that balance between speed and control comes down to the materials. The butt section is built with 80-ton DIALEAD Pitch Fiber, which helps with stability and energy transfer, so you’re not losing any power through the swing. Then there’s the high modulus 46-ton fiber in the angle plies, which keeps torque low without adding extra weight—basically, it helps prevent twisting while still feeling smooth. And to top it all off, the Xlink Tech™ Resin System increases the shaft’s strength and durability, so it holds up even after countless rounds and practice sessions.

So, who should be playing the Diamana RB? If you’re looking for a shaft that gives you a little extra speed while still keeping things under control, this is a great option. Whether you’re trying to launch it a bit higher, add a touch more distance, or just want that smooth, responsive feel, the RB is designed to help you swing with confidence. It’s a perfect blend of modern innovation and classic Diamana™ performance.

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Introducing The Bridgestone B Series 258CBP Iron is built for golfers looking for a little extra distance without sacrificing control. Designed to add +5 yards while maintaining precision, this forged iron delivers both power and playability, making it easier to hit confident, consistent shots.

This iron provides a soft yet responsive feel, striking the right balance between feedback and forgiveness. Its tour-inspired shape offers a clean and sharp look, but with enough playability to inspire confidence at address. The wider sole, featuring Tour Contact Sole technology, ensures smooth turf interaction and helps players make solid contact more consistently.

A key feature of the 258CBP is the Soft & Speed Face technology in the longer irons (#5-7), using SAE8655 chrome molybdenum steel. This enhances ball speed while preserving that classic forged feel. The variable thickness structure adds a bit of extra pop at impact while still feeling soft and controlled.

The 360° Pocket Cavity construction increases forgiveness, integrating a full-perimeter undercut to maintain distance and accuracy even on off-center hits. This design also promotes higher launch and greater shot stability. Paired with the Tour Contact Sole, which blends a wide, rounded shape with a cut design, the iron glides effortlessly through the turf, helping players launch the ball with ease.

Made with a forged S20C soft carbon steel body, the 258CBP retains the premium feel that better players demand. The face construction varies by club, with the longer irons (#5-7) featuring a pressed and CNC-milled face for precision, while the shorter irons (#8-PW) use a pressed face for a more traditional response.

Orion HTMB Iron

If you’re searching for an iron that balances Japanese precision and quality, the Orion HTMB Iron might just be the club for you. It’s not about hitting the longest shots but about placing the ball exactly where you want it. Here’s why this iron stands out and how it might change your game.

What’s Special About the HTMB Iron?

The Orion HTMB Iron focuses on ball control and feel. It’s crafted as a forged muscle back iron, which means it’s designed to help you fine-tune your shots with great accuracy. It’s perfect for golfers who value precision over sheer distance.

Key Features

This iron is created using a blend of traditional Japanese forging techniques and modern technology. The S20C Soft Carbon Steel gives the club a soft, responsive feel, making it easier to control your shots. The precision milling process ensures every detail is just right, so you get consistent performance shot after shot.

Craftsmanship and Technology

The HTMB Iron brings together old-school craftsmanship with high-tech manufacturing. The precise milling on the clubface helps with spin control, allowing for more accurate and reliable shots. The strategically placed slit lines on the back face help with balance and control, making it easier to achieve higher launch angles and better accuracy.

Bridgestone B Series 241CB and 242CB+ Irons

Some pics of my personal gamers,  I am now hitting a 241/242+ combo set with Tour AD 95 stiff flex shafts and perfect pro grips.  I’ve got 4 rounds in,  a bunch of my playing partners were able to hit them and provide some feedback.  I’m comfortable talking about these from a user perspective.

The 241CB and 242CB+ are designed to work together, so you can create a combo set that gives you the best of both worlds. Use the 241CB for your shorter irons, where precision is key, and the 242CB+ for the longer irons, where more forgiveness goes a long way.  I went #4 and #5 in the 242+ CB.

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Bridgestone 241CB Iron

Developed with feedback from tour pros, this forged cavity-back iron is all about delivering the perfect ball flight, distance, and spin while making sure it feels right at impact, and I can attest that it does.  The 241CB has a soft feeling and looks to kill.

The latest Triple Weight Wedge from KYOEI GOLF is a significant upgrade. It refines all the best aspects of the original to produce its most enthusiast-friendly wedge yet.

Starting at the billet level, KYOEI Golf, from the source supplier in Kobe, Japan, has incorporated one key chemical element and a micro-alloy as the first step in material enhancement. Few brands take this step, relying on factories to supply their billets. A new era for the brand has begun thanks to KYOEI’s long-standing history in the industry and its close relationship and proximity to Japanese steel suppliers.

At the other end of production, KYOEI revised the composition of its Chrome application process. By reducing the hardness of the chrome layer to make it less brittle and adding a layer of nickel to absorb some of the harsher rigidity in vibrations, the tactile feedback becomes soft and pure.

The polishing process has also been improved. KYOEI tested nearly every type of polishing compound and wheel available in Japan. They keep the recipe a secret because their new chrome satin nickel finish is stunning.

As a golf club enthusiast and a bit of a tech geek, this club has been on my radar since its recent release, and I finally got the chance to take it for a spin.

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: it’s non-conforming. That means it’s not legal for official tournaments, but for those casual rounds with friends where bragging rights are on the line, this driver is an absolute blast.

So what’s the big deal? PRGR has crafted this driver with an ultra-thin face design that acts like a trampoline for your golf ball. Seriously, the ball just rockets off the face. The COR (coefficient of restitution) is off the charts—exceeding the standard limits—which basically means more ball speed and longer drives.

One of the things I love is that PRGR uses DAT55G, which is the best material to use for non-conforming faces. It allows you to have a very thin face with a reasonable amount of durability.

They’ve also nailed the weight distribution, giving it a high moment of inertia (MOI). In non-tech speak, that means the club is super forgiving. Even my off-center hits went farther and straighter than I expected. It kind of feels like the club is correcting my mistakes as I go.

Meet the Callaway X Prototype Iron: A Japanese Masterpiece

Callaway has just dropped the X Prototype Iron. Made in Japan, very limited and already sold out!  This combo set is the ultimate version of the already famous “X FORGED Iron,” but with some serious upgrades in manufacturing technology.  If you thought the 2024 Japan Only X-FORGED Iron was impressive, this X Prototype takes it to a new level. We’re talking about a perfect blend of cavity back, half cavity, and muscle back irons crafted for pros and serious golfers.

Precision Meets Soft Feel—Made in Japan

A key highlight of these irons is their manufacturing process. Each head is forged in Japan using the massive Enomoto press, executing a single-strike forging that preserves the metal’s softness. Post-forging, the heads undergo precise CNC milling to achieve their final shape and aesthetic details. The milling marks are then polished away, resulting in a refined finish. This meticulous production is handled in Tochigi, Japan, by Sasaki Co.

Why the Combo Set is a Game Changer

THE NEW RYOMA MAXIMA III

Here at TourSpecGolf, we’re huge fans of Ryoma equipment. Their designs are some of the most refined and well-thought-out, always translating into noticeable performance gains for our customers.

The new MAXIMA III, like its predecessors, is packed with cutting-edge technology. Let’s dive into an overview of the MAXIMA III models to help you decide which version is best for you.

MAXIMA III Models:

TYPE-D: This is the best seller, suitable for a wide range of golfers. It features a slightly closed face and internal weighting that supports a draw.

TYPE-V: Ideal for players who struggle with hooks, this version offers a square face angle and neutral internal weighting. The swing weight is slightly heavier as well.