Fourteen is one of the smaller brands in Japan that garners respect as much as the big brands like Tourstage, Mizuno, Titleist and others. They are well know for excelling in designing and producing high performance clubs that also look and feel fantastic. For the past decade, Fourteen has especially been popular with pros and top amateurs in Japan when it comes to wedges, battling it out for top spot along with Titleist Vokeys. Their MT-28 Series has been a best selling wedge in all its genrations and with the release of their new RM-11 wedge last fall, they look to continue that trend.
The bit news however at the Golf Fair for Fourteen was not about any clubs but rather the signing of PGA pro Ryuji Imada who will now sport Fourteen clubs as he plys his trade on the PGA Tour (joining Arjun Atwal and Chad Collins). Ryuji’s specially made 3 wedge set was on display at the show featuring a 48* and 53* in the new RM-11 Forged as well as a specially made 61* from the previous MT-28 V5 T.S. model.
The RM-11 Forged is one of the cleanest and nicest looking wedges around with its tapered blade and and uncluttered back face. The versatile grind of the Fourteens are always a big draw for golfers of all levels. Along with the RM-11 released late last year, Fourteen showed off its new MT28 J.Spec V4. Those of you who know Fourteen and its JDM releases will know that the Forged J.Spec is designed for the Japanese market, with a rounder head and leading edge as well as a wider sole with more offset. It has always been the automatic wedge in Fourteen’s lineup and is very popular with the average golfer and this year it feartures a new reverse taper design and new trapezoid style score line that increases area by 15% resulting in more spin. Spin is further enhanced by having the face mirror milled to ensure perfect flatness and more bite due to increased contact with the ball. Good news for lefties is that Fourteen will be offering the J.Spec left handed this year as well!
One surprise at the show was the introduction of a new speciality sand wedge, the D-030. As I walked by it I took a second take as the design looked very much inspired by Yururi’s Fried Egg wedge release a few years ago. The D-030 with its wide sole, increased offset and spatula like design, is designed to open up easily and flip the ball right out of the sand by easily entering and exiting bunkers with minimal effort.
Besides all the great wedges, Fourteen also showed off their new forged irons including the TC-930 and TC-530 which join the T-710. The TC-930 is a smaller cavity made for the better player while the TC-530 is mid sized and aimed at the mid capper to average golfer wanting ease of use and foriveness. Both show off Fourteen’s usual clean design and handsome looks and we will soon get to test their performance to match their looks.
All in all, Fourteen had a very nice showing at the Japan Golf Fair. They are very much unappreciated outside of Japan but are a very well rounded brand, with great woods, irons and wedges. Look for more Fourteen reviews soon on the blog and in the meantime check out the Fourteen Gallery in the forum!
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