- 1 Test Review: JBEAM JBLAST X Driver
- 2 Specifications
- 3 Buy Online
- 4 Performance Ratings
- 5 JBEAM JBLAST X Driver: Complete Review and Performance Analysis
- 6 Introduction
- 7 Technical Specifications
- 8 Performance Features
- 9 Ideal Golfer Profile
- 10 Customization Options
- 11 Pricing and Availability
- 12 Comparison with Other JBEAM Models
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
- 14 Maintenance and Care
- 15 Conclusion
- 16 Sources and References
Test Review: JBEAM JBLAST X Driver
Today, I tested the JBEAM JBLAST X Driver—one of Japan’s top-tier boutique clubs known for its explosive performance.
The shaft is the Diamana BB 63.
Specs: Loft 10.5°, Shaft Flex S, Length 45.5 inches, Shaft Weight 61g, Torque 3.2, Mid-high kick point.
It’s been a while since I’ve swung a JBEAM driver.
Though not commonly seen, my gamer is also a JBEAM (with a CRAZY shaft), so I feel a deep connection and confidence with this brand.
Some golfers get bored of their clubs over time, but I’ve never grown tired of JBEAM.
This driver features JBEAM’s signature deep head design in a bold black finish. The head has a compact, solid appearance—very different from the shallow-face trend most brands are following today.
While JBEAM does offer shallow models, their lineup still leans toward deeper head profiles.
Instead of decorative sole weights, this head keeps things simple—just four distinctive grooves.
What effect do these four sole grooves have?
I’ve tested many drivers with sole grooves before, but this is my first time seeing one with four like this.
When I first saw the head, I couldn’t tell which brand it was—until I spotted the subtle JBEAM logo.
The all-black, minimalist aesthetic gives it a prototype-like appearance. Very sleek and tour-inspired.
The grooves are shallow.
Is the specific depth and number—four—what creates the balance in this head?
There’s a single weight placed in the rear labeled “8,” likely meaning 8g.
Other brands often use 10g+ weights, so perhaps JBEAM intentionally avoids pushing the CG (center of gravity) too deep.
Both CG depth and distance aren’t “more is better”—they need to match the golfer.
The hosel features an adjustable sleeve for tuning loft and face angle.
Standard hosel length—nothing unusual here. Just another hallmark of JBEAM’s consistent design philosophy.
The face design is familiar—somewhat flat, but features black scorelines that are actually milled grooves in the center.
Not a completely flat FF (Flat Face), but a hybrid of sorts.
It has a semi-deep back design. While today’s drivers are dominated by shallow backs, this one clearly leans toward a deeper profile—but I’d still call it “semi.”
If the back height equaled or exceeded the face height, I’d label it deep.
The protrusion on the sole stands out visually—subtle but noticeable.
The head shape is distinctly JBEAM—rounded and thick. That compact fullness is one of JBEAM’s trademarks and gives it character.
It’s a nostalgic face that hasn’t changed much over the years, which I appreciate.
I prefer this kind of “dense-looking” profile. But those who favor wide, shallow faces may find it unfamiliar.
You can faintly see the carbon weave, confirming this is a carbon composite crown.
The matte finish softens the carbon’s appearance, avoiding the “cheap” look some brands suffer from.
This driver avoids that problem completely—it feels premium.
During my practice swings, the shaft felt incredibly stable, making timing easy and natural.
It’s not overly stiff, but has a balanced feel that inspires confidence through the swing.
At address, the rounded and slightly bulky shape made it easy to picture a strong, piercing trajectory.
As always, I felt comfortable looking down at a JBEAM head.
However, when focusing solely on the face, it appeared slightly closed—noticeable to a hook-prone player like me.
Slicers may actually find this face angle comforting. While I saw it as a hook face, others might consider it square.
I began hitting balls.
From the first shot, the high-pitched sound caught me off guard.
I wasn’t expecting that tone—personally, it’s not to my taste. It’s not excessively loud, but the pitch seems like it would carry far and potentially bother others nearby.
It doesn’t sound like the typical JBEAM. Still, some golfers might prefer this sharper acoustic feedback.
Impact feel is soft and pleasant.
It’s light and responsive—what I’d call a “light-soft” sensation.
The combination of a buttery sweet spot and featherlike contact is exactly what I expect from JBEAM.
In terms of launch, this is clearly a demanding driver.
Depending on the shaft and loft, I think you’ll need a swing speed of at least 45 m/s (101+ mph) to get optimal performance.
If you’re a fast swinger who struggles with weak fades or glancing contact, this could be the powerful, controlled option you need.
The combination of moderate CG distance and confident face angle promotes better face closure through impact.
Surprisingly, this deep-head design is more forgiving than expected.
The sweet spot feels generous, and the strong draw bias makes it hard to miss right.
However, for hook-prone golfers like me, this may be too much.
Some hookers like a closed face, though—those players might love this club.
In terms of shot-shaping, this driver isn’t the most workable.
It’s more suited for hitting it straight or slightly left, rather than shaping shots both ways.
That said, it’s not a new concept. Drivers like this have been around, and for those who want consistency with slight draw bias, it’s a great choice.
Distance performance is exceptional.
As expected from JBEAM, it’s a true low-spin bomber—a “reduced backspin” driver that launches hard and flat.
It excels at producing strong, penetrating trajectories with minimal spin.
If you have high swing speed but struggle with getting the ball to turn over—or if shallow-headed drivers feel too “slippery”—you need to try this.
It might change your perspective on deep heads.
Years ago, extreme hook faces were common. Today, they’ve been toned down—but not gone.
Slightly closed faces are still favored for their forgiveness and draw bias, just with a bit more nuance than before.
I believe golfers—not clubs—should determine ball flight.
The club is a tool, not the decision-maker. We as players must remain the main actor in every shot.
That’s why I appreciate how this driver offers help—but in moderation.
It’s not overly corrective, yet it helps square the face and limit pushes to the right.
If you tend to swing over the top or cut across when going after extra distance, this driver could help stabilize your shot.
It’s especially ideal for players who want forgiveness but dislike dramatically closed faces.
While this driver isn’t perfect for hookers like me, it could be outstanding for faster-swinging fade players.
It’s not overly high-launching or super straight-biased—it’s honest. And that honesty helps create a real connection between player and club.
For me, as a natural hooker, this was a challenging club.
But if JBEAM offers a “square” or “fade-biased” version in this series, I’d definitely love to try it.
Even so, this test reminded me just how much I enjoy JBEAM drivers.
I left the range impressed once again by their craftsmanship.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | JBEAM (ジェイビーム) |
| Model Name | JBLAST X Driver |
| Loft | 10.5° (tested configuration) |
| Shaft | Diamana BB 63 (mid-high kick point) |
| Flex | S |
| Club Length | 45.5 inches |
| Head Type | Semi-deep back (leans toward deep) |
| Face Angle | Slightly closed (appears square to some players) |
| Adjustability | Adjustable hosel included |
| Construction | Carbon crown + titanium body (carbon composite) |
| Sole Design | Four shallow grooves + single rear weight (~8g) |
| Feel | Soft with a light, crisp sensation |
| Sound | High-pitched and resonant (may not suit everyone) |
| Ball Flight | Low-spin, strong and penetrating trajectory |
| Forgiveness | Very forgiving; easy to square and avoid slices |
| Mishit Tolerance | Large sweet spot; excellent against right-side misses |
| Distance Performance | Extremely high—designed for maximum ball speed and low spin |
| Workability | Moderate; favors straight or slightly left shots over shaping both ways |
| Recommended Players | Fade-biased hitters or slicers with swing speeds of 45 m/s (101+ mph) or higher |
| Compatibility with Hookers | Challenging—may feel uncomfortable at address for strong drawers |
| Overall Impression | A driver built for intermediate to advanced golfers who prioritize draw bias and distance |
Buy Online
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Address | ★★★★☆ |
| Feel | ★★★★☆ |
| Sound | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Launch | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Forgiveness | ★★★★☆ |
| Distance | ★★★★★ |
| Workability | ★★★☆☆ |
※ Ratings are out of 5 stars.
★ = 0–20 points
★★ = 21–40 points
★★★ = 41–60 points
★★★★ = 61–90 points
★★★★★ = 91–100 points
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*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)
JBEAM JBLAST X Driver: Complete Review and Performance Analysis
Introduction
The JBEAM JBLAST X Driver represents Japanese golf engineering at its finest, combining innovative design elements with performance-focused construction. Manufactured by JGE Corporation, this driver is part of JBEAM’s commitment to creating golf equipment that maximizes distance and accuracy for serious golfers.
Technical Specifications
Head Construction and Design
The JBLAST X Driver features a 2-piece construction with a 450cc head volume, positioning it as a substantial driver that meets modern standards while maintaining maneuverability. The head utilizes DAT55G face material, which is designed to provide optimal ball speed and durability.
Key Specifications
Head Details:
- Volume: 450cc
- Construction: 2-piece design
- Face Material: DAT55G
- Head Weight: 196g ±2g
- Sole Thickness: 8.5mm
- Face Finish: IP BLACK coating
Loft and Lie Specifications:
- Loft Range: 9.5° to 10.5°
- Lie Angle: 59°
- Face Angle: 1.5° to -1.5°
Center of Gravity Measurements:
- Depth: 35.0mm
- Height: 36.0mm
- Distance: 31.0mm
SLE Rule Compliance
The JBLAST X Driver is SLE Rule compliant, making it tournament-legal for official play. This compliance ensures that the driver meets the coefficient of restitution (COR) standards set by golf’s governing bodies.
Performance Features
Power Groove Technology
The JBLAST X Driver features four strategically positioned Power Grooves on the sole, which reduce air resistance, enhancing swing speed and initial ball velocity for more distance off the tee. This aerodynamic design element is crucial for players seeking maximum distance performance.
Face Design and Ball Speed
The DAT55G face material combined with the 2-piece construction is engineered to provide consistent ball speeds across the face. The IP BLACK finish not only provides a premium appearance but also reduces glare at address.
Weight Distribution
The center of gravity positioning (35.0mm depth, 36.0mm height, 31.0mm distance) suggests a design optimized for moderate launch characteristics with manageable spin rates. This CG location typically produces a penetrating ball flight that many skilled players prefer.
Ideal Golfer Profile
Golfers Who Will Benefit
Based on the specifications and design characteristics, the JBLAST X Driver is particularly well-suited for:
Mid to Low Handicap Players:
- Players who prioritize workability and shot control
- Golfers comfortable with traditional driver head sizes
- Those seeking a penetrating ball flight
Swing Speed Considerations:
- Players with moderate to fast swing speeds (90+ mph)
- Golfers who generate adequate launch angle naturally
- Those who prefer lower spin rates for optimal distance
Golfers Who May Want to Consider Alternatives
The JBLAST X Driver may not be ideal for:
High Handicap Players:
- Beginners who need maximum forgiveness
- Players who struggle with consistent contact
- Golfers requiring significant help with launch angle
Slower Swing Speed Players:
- Those with swing speeds below 85 mph
- Players who need help generating higher launch angles
- Golfers who benefit from draw-biased designs
Customization Options
Shaft Compatibility
The JBLAST X Driver is available as a custom-fit option, allowing for various shaft combinations to match individual swing characteristics. Popular shaft options include high-performance models from leading manufacturers.
Loft Adjustability
With loft options ranging from 9.5° to 10.5°, players can select the optimal launch angle for their swing and playing conditions. The face angle range of 1.5° to -1.5° provides some directional bias options.
Pricing and Availability
Retail Pricing:
- Head Only: ¥77,000 (excluding tax)
- With Standard Shaft: ¥80,300 (excluding tax)
- Custom configurations available at additional cost
The driver is available through authorized JBEAM dealers and custom fitting centers, with head covers included with purchase.
Comparison with Other JBEAM Models
JBEAM Model Lineup Context
JBEAM has established a reputation for producing some of Japan’s most respected drivers. J-Beam has been known to produce some of the best and longest drivers in all of Japan many of their models have unique spin reduction and launch characteristics. The JBLAST X continues this tradition with its performance-focused design.
Performance Characteristics
The JBLAST X Driver fits within JBEAM’s philosophy of creating drivers that emphasize distance through optimized aerodynamics and face technology rather than relying solely on larger head sizes or extreme perimeter weighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JBLAST X Driver suitable for beginners?
The JBLAST X Driver is designed for players with developed swing mechanics. Beginning golfers might benefit more from drivers with larger sweet spots and more forgiving characteristics.
How does the Power Groove technology work?
The four strategically positioned grooves on the sole reduce air resistance during the downswing, potentially increasing clubhead speed and resulting in higher ball speeds at impact.
What shaft options are recommended?
Shaft selection should be based on individual swing characteristics, including tempo, swing speed, and desired ball flight. Custom fitting is recommended to optimize performance.
Is the driver available in different loft options?
Yes, the JBLAST X Driver is available in loft options from 9.5° to 10.5°, allowing players to select the optimal launch angle for their swing.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning of the face and grooves will maintain optimal performance. The IP BLACK finish requires gentle cleaning to preserve its appearance and anti-glare properties.
Headcover Usage
The included headcover should be used consistently to protect the premium finish and maintain the driver’s appearance and performance characteristics.
Conclusion
The JBEAM JBLAST X Driver represents a sophisticated approach to driver design, emphasizing performance through engineering precision rather than gimmicky features. Its 450cc head size, Power Groove technology, and carefully engineered center of gravity positioning make it an excellent choice for skilled players seeking distance and control.
The driver’s SLE Rule compliance ensures tournament legality, while the premium construction and finish reflect JBEAM’s commitment to quality. For golfers with the swing speed and skill level to maximize its potential, the JBLAST X Driver offers the performance characteristics that have made JBEAM drivers popular among serious players.
However, the driver’s design priorities may not suit all golfers, particularly those seeking maximum forgiveness or help with launch characteristics. As with any premium golf equipment, proper fitting and testing are essential to determine if this driver matches individual swing characteristics and performance goals.
Sources and References
- JBEAM Official Website – Product Details: https://www.jbeam.co.jp/product-details/details-driver/details-driver-27.html
- TourSpecGolf – JBEAM JBLAST X Driver Information: https://www.tourspecgolf.com/jbeam-jblast-x-driver.html
- JBEAM Company Information – JGE Corporation Official Website
- Golf equipment specifications verified through official manufacturer documentation
Note: This review is based on available technical specifications and confirmed product information. Performance characteristics may vary based on individual swing mechanics, shaft selection, and fitting specifications. Professional fitting is recommended for optimal results.
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing are subject to change. Please consult authorized JBEAM dealers or the official website for the most current information. Some detailed performance data and extensive user reviews were not available for this analysis, as indicated throughout the article.
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