Maltby KE4 ST-F Fairway Wood Review (Now with pics)

[naj959]

]Just thought I'd start a little mini in case anyone was interested In theses heads. I did my first club build this weekend and could not be happier with the end result. This head flat out performs better than any other OEM I have tried. When I took the head out of the box I was a little shocked by the size because to be honest it has a bigger footprint than I was anticipating but the face is very shallow which I like. It kind of looks like a Titleist wood that has been stretched out. The blacked out look is very nice but I'm not sure how long the paint on the sole and face will last.

 

As far as feel and performance goes, Ralph did a fantastic job with this club. Initially I thought the 455 carpenter steel face would sound and feel like the Cleveland Launcher wood I had from 2006 but It actually feels and sounds very similar to the Callaway X hots. The ball launches off the face into the air with no effort on all but the worst swings. The ball flight is high but pierces through the air; I had some ballooning issues with my Adams Bul but not with this club. As far as distance goes It looks to be longer than my other 3 woods and close to my driver but It was dusk when I was testing so its hard to tell. The build came out a little bit longer than I anticipated by about .25 inches but I think the head is pretty hot and has more to do with the additional length than the extra quarter inch.

 

I paired the head up with a Graman Crossfire shaft that I trimmed to stiff flex and actually feels quite nice. I was afraid the high torque rating would make the shaft feel loose and inconsistent but it actually feels pretty tight. I might install one of the higher end Gramans in the future but on my first build I chose a cheap shaft in case I screwed up the trimming.

 

I think my next project will be a set of wedges but I have definitely turned into a Maltby fan and probably wont't ever buy OEM again. I see a set of Irons in my bag when I wear out what I'm playing now.

[achappy]

Great review and I've been looking for some feedback on these for a while (actually just requested a review feedback 2 days ago in the clubmaker forum). Anyway to post some pictures to get an idea of the actual size, faceheight and "offset"?

You are right about Maltby. I've been using the KDE4 Tour HDI hybrid iron for about a month and it's fantastic. I also have a Pure Track putter that I rotate in as well.

[naj959]

I'll try and post some pics later tonight. The offset is very minimal and in my opinion not noticeable. I'm some what of a traditionalist when it comes to how my clubs look and I very much like how this club sets up. If you have anymore questions don't be shy.

How do you like your Wishon gear? I'd like to pick up a 919 but ebay is really my best bet at getting a head. Is it pretty much point and shoot? How's the forgiveness?

Have you ever played Maltby Irons? If so how do they compare to your 575's?

[achappy]

[quote name='naj959' timestamp='1380243224' post='7917031']
I'll try and post some pics later tonight. The offset is very minimal and in my opinion not noticeable. I'm some what of a traditionalist when it comes to how my clubs look and I very much like how this club sets up. If you have anymore questions don't be shy.

How do you like your Wishon gear? I'd like to pick up a 919 but ebay is really my best bet at getting a head. Is it pretty much point and shoot? How's the forgiveness?

Have you ever played Maltby Irons? If so how do they compare to your 575's?
[/quote]

Yeah, that's what Britt said. He said it was more "notched" than offset. Hard to tell from the website picture so anything you post will be helpful.

I love the gear. The irons have been in my bag since last year and I have no plans on changing. Fantastic feel and playability. The short irons are very accurate and the long irons pretty forgiving with minimal offset. First time in 10+ years I've kept irons for more than a season.

The 919 is very forgiving. Misfits loose very little distance. It's also very accurate, with little movement. With the long hosel, it looks very traditional now. I've had a Wishon account since he started but fill out the questionnaire. You may get access.

I briefly played the MMBs and I had ordered the Tour Cavity but never played them. The problem with both is that they were a little larger than what I like, especially in my short irons. I had the same problem with the Wishon 560s. That's why the 575s are perfect.

I also wanted to ask, does the head volume negate some of the shallow face? Meaning it's still pretty good off the tee? Sort of like the Ping G20. It's larger with a shallow face.

[naj959]

In terms of feel and forgiveness were the Maltby irons every bit as good as the Wishon's. I have no doubt that both are solid sticks but from what I've read on here, The 560's are the holy grail of irons. The Golfworks stuff is a lot more accessible for me however, and the KE 4 Tours could be in my bag in the not so distant future. I agree with you on Ralph's stuff looking a bit oversized but if it performs I could get over that pretty quickly. It's hard for me to justify building them however when my current irons are less than two years old.

I did not think to hit my 3 wood off a tee at the range because I'm more concerned with reaching par 5's in two but there are some short par 4's at my home course that I tend to use 3 wood off the tee on so I will keep you posted on how the ST-F holds up. I really don't think you will have any problems with it off the tee.

[achappy]

The MMBs were very forgiving for a blade and they felt really good. I only had them for about 2 months. It was before I picked up the 560s at the time.

Also, I would really appreciate a picture if it's not too much trouble.

[naj959]

edited my original post and attached the pics in there earlier today. I guess I should edit the topic title lol. I forgot when you click on "go to first unread post" you can't see the original.

[achappy]

Those pictures are perfect! Thanks. That is a sexy looking 3w and you are right, it's not really offset at all. I hope I get the 1.99 shilling deal this week since the free shipping was a week ago.

[naj959]

Go for It!!!! I used the 1.99 coupon code. I think I might order a 52* wedge head since I'm bored and not really over the moon with the Nike in my bag. This thing is a BEAST off a tee. I'm loving this club more and more with every swing I take. I think this may be the best FW I've hit in my 13 years of playing golf!!!

[KYMAR]

Will probably be ordering this club pack with the xcaliber tour fairway. 80 bucks, plus free assembly. been wanting one for a long time, my only hesitation is wondering if they will be releasing a hosel/ face angle adjustable version for '14. That might be worth the wait.

[erock9174]

What is the $1.99 shilling deal ?

[Agent Jim]

Just ordered myself the 3w and 5w. I have a RIP's NV for the 3w and using the 'ahina 72 from my 910 driver for the 5w. I was going to wait for the X2 Hot or Big Bertha's to come out, but decided as a high handicapper I'd get the same performance from these. They seem quality products. I also have a few weeks to heal a wrist injury so building the clubs will be fun and take up some golf time.

[naj959]

I think the code was on retailmenot.com try and google it. might have expired by now.

[nbg352]

[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386616058' post='8273427']
Will probably be ordering this club pack with the xcaliber tour fairway. 80 bucks, plus free assembly. been wanting one for a long time, my only hesitation is wondering if they will be releasing a hosel/ face angle adjustable version for '14. That might be worth the wait.
[/quote]
I knew we had something in common....
I have the shaft, waiting for the head...

[KYMAR]

[quote name='nbg352' timestamp='1386965383' post='8295947']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386616058' post='8273427']
Will probably be ordering this club pack with the xcaliber tour fairway. 80 bucks, plus free assembly. been wanting one for a long time, my only hesitation is wondering if they will be releasing a hosel/ face angle adjustable version for '14. That might be worth the wait.
[/quote]
I knew we had something in common....
I have the shaft, waiting for the head...
[/quote]

Dude! We have lots in common! I have been on a self imposed hiatus because of my moms ailing health and as Ive been back these last few days I have read a bunch of your stuff and i was like "Preach nbg! Preach!"

Order now! Just started a thread but i will share here to in case you miss it. free shipping ordering over 25 dollars. it says "must click through" email but I think at checkout you can use the code F121313 for the deal. Might as well pick me up a 3 wood head too while your ordering, PM for my addy [size=4] [/size]

[nbg352]

[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386966647' post='8296039']
[quote name='nbg352' timestamp='1386965383' post='8295947']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386616058' post='8273427']
Will probably be ordering this club pack with the xcaliber tour fairway. 80 bucks, plus free assembly. been wanting one for a long time, my only hesitation is wondering if they will be releasing a hosel/ face angle adjustable version for '14. That might be worth the wait.
[/quote]
I knew we had something in common....
I have the shaft, waiting for the head...
[/quote]

Dude! We have lots in common! I have been on a self imposed hiatus because of my moms ailing health and as Ive been back these last few days I have read a bunch of your stuff and i was like "Preach nbg! Preach!"

Order now! Just started a thread but i will share here to in case you miss it. free shipping ordering over 25 dollars. it says "must click through" email but I think at checkout you can use the code F121313 for the deal. Might as well pick me up a 3 wood head too while your ordering, PM for my addy
[/quote]
Thanks, buddy, it's nice to know someone reads my stuff......
Hope your Mom's doing much better.
I look forward to seeing more of your stuff. Wondered where you've been......

[KYMAR]

[quote name='nbg352' timestamp='1386969459' post='8296217']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386966647' post='8296039']
[quote name='nbg352' timestamp='1386965383' post='8295947']
[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386616058' post='8273427']
Will probably be ordering this club pack with the xcaliber tour fairway. 80 bucks, plus free assembly. been wanting one for a long time, my only hesitation is wondering if they will be releasing a hosel/ face angle adjustable version for '14. That might be worth the wait.
[/quote]
I knew we had something in common....
I have the shaft, waiting for the head...
[/quote]

Dude! We have lots in common! I have been on a self imposed hiatus because of my moms ailing health and as Ive been back these last few days I have read a bunch of your stuff and i was like "Preach nbg! Preach!"

Order now! Just started a thread but i will share here to in case you miss it. free shipping ordering over 25 dollars. it says "must click through" email but I think at checkout you can use the code F121313 for the deal. Might as well pick me up a 3 wood head too while your ordering, PM for my addy
[/quote]
Thanks, buddy, it's nice to know someone reads my stuff......
Hope your Mom's doing much better.
I look forward to seeing more of your stuff. Wondered where you've been......
[/quote]

Thanks man! It's alzhiemers/dimentia so really no improvement expected. But i've take the step of moving back here, and trying to get this house ready to sell. She's still pretty self sufficient. She just forgets stuff cant handle her money, i don't like her driving but if she wants to go to the corner store and I,m with her Im ok with it. It beats listening to her rant about how good of a driver she is for 3 straight days! I came in her house a few mons ago and she was making coffee on the gas stove with a perk coffee maker because her electric one broke. Well the thing boiled over and put out the flame. So I walked in and instantly smelled the gas! talk about scary! Oh yeah, she was asleep in her chair at the time. OOPS!

I will be ordering my son maltby tricept wedges red in 56 and 60 tonight. I know you've played the KE4 tour irons in the past, ever try these wedges? I'm [size=4]still deciding between the KE4 ST-F 3 wood or a wishon 949. The free shipping thing might be what it comes down to because i need some tools and supplies anyway. [/size]

[nbg352]

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. That disease adversely affects everyone close to it! I feel for you both.
I would be inclined to think that anything Maltby is probably a good choice. I am so impressed with his stuff.
I am currently playing a KE4 driver with Axe shaft in it and I have to say, it's the best driver I've had in my bag for the last 15 years!
I don't think you can go wrong with the wedges.

[KYMAR]

i agree! i will finally be retiring my malty MMB's this coming season. i've tried to kick them out of the bag so many times and they always found their way back in. I love the stuff they put out, high quality and no surprises and easy to deal with.

[nbg352]

It often makes me wonder why people aren't jumping all over Maltby stuff, it's that good.

[erock9174]

If you order a maltby head with a shaft from their site will they assemble it for you ?

[nbg352]

[quote name='erock9174' timestamp='1386973793' post='8296559']
If you order a maltby head with a shaft from their site will they assemble it for you ?
[/quote]
Yep, they offer a price for it on the site. I think it's like 10 bucks, but I'm not certain. I usually just assemble my own...

[nbg352]

[url="http://www.golfworks.ca/article.asp?ai=491"]http://www.golfworks.ca/article.asp?ai=491[/url]
This is the custom service link. They'll do it all for $15 / club.
Note: this is the Canadian site

[KYMAR]

Down here in 'Merica it's 10 bucks per club. 40 for iron sets.

Right now, if you are interested in a premium club pak" they are offering free custom assembly on many of them. To me this 3 wood, built, and delivered for 79.99 (unless you live in ohio and have to pay sales tax) is a fantastic deal.

nbg, heard any rumors of an adjustable version of this club coming for next year? If i have one complaint about Gworks and Maltby it's that they wait a really long time to intro new stuff. Maybe I'll ask ColeJ if he knows what's coming. He usually has the 411.

[nbg352]

[quote name='KYMAR' timestamp='1386977155' post='8296771']
Down here in 'Merica it's 10 bucks per club. 40 for iron sets.

Right now, if you are interested in a premium club pak" they are offering free custom assembly on many of them. To me this 3 wood, built, and delivered for 79.99 (unless you live in ohio and have to pay sales tax) is a fantastic deal.

nbg, heard any rumors of an adjustable version of this club coming for next year? If i have one complaint about Gworks and Maltby it's that they wait a really long time to intro new stuff. Maybe I'll ask ColeJ if he knows what's coming. He usually has the 411.
[/quote]
No, sorry I don't know. Let me know what your guy says....
BTW.....$40. is a great deal for all that fitting!

[Agent Jim]

[size=4]I ordered up a KE4 3 hybrid also. I have a Aldila NVS shaft kicking around. I can't wait to see what comes out next. If they perform, which it sounds like it does, its a real affordable gem. I buy my shafts as pulls on ebay. If I like the hybrid I might go with a 4 & 5 as well. The Trouble Out HL 7w is a possibility also. All this stuff to think about while my wrist heals![/size]

[jrodgers0622]

Nice review, i've wondered how this head performs. If i didn't like my rbz tour fairway so much i would def. consider building one of these fairways.

[erock9174]

Does anyone know the cc's of this 3w and 5w ? The golfworks site doesn't specify. Thanks

[Nat]

I'm a huge Maltby fan. I play the pure track putter, tricep wedges, ke4 tour (new) 5-gw. Their stuff is just top notch across the board. I have built many sets and woods for friends, all love it too. The ke4 st driver with an Arthur tour sl is a rocket launcher, I have several in play among my buddies.
I built a ke4 st 3w for a buddy, with an Arthur sl FW shaft. He loves it. I prefer heavier so it wasn't for me. I think it is about 155cc in volume.
While I love all my clubs, the pure ack putter and tricep wedges are simply the best out there. I credit them with my short game improvement this past year and my heck dropping to 2, prior to my knee replacement.
When I fully heal I'll be trying a ke4/tour SL combo, seeing if my new knee will give the stability to hit it.
I've built and hit almost every Maltby head, very few are not A+, so let me know if you have any questions.

[KYMAR]

[quote name='Nat' timestamp='1387059171' post='8300493']
I'm a huge Maltby fan. I play the pure track putter, tricep wedges, ke4 tour (new) 5-gw. Their stuff is just top notch across the board. I have built many sets and woods for friends, all love it too. The ke4 st driver with an Arthur tour sl is a rocket launcher, I have several in play among my buddies.
I built a ke4 st 3w for a buddy, with an Arthur sl FW shaft. He loves it. I prefer heavier so it wasn't for me. I think it is about 155cc in volume.
While I love all my clubs, the pure ack putter and tricep wedges are simply the best out there. I credit them with my short game improvement this past year and my heck dropping to 2, prior to my knee replacement.
When I fully heal I'll be trying a ke4/tour SL combo, seeing if my new knee will give the stability to hit it.
I've built and hit almost every Maltby head, very few are not A+, so let me know if you have any questions.
[/quote]

Which tricept wedges? I have 2 club paks sitting in my online cart 56 and 60 in the red. They are for my son for christmas and I am wondering if he should go with the wider soled, more forgiving Green. He's a decent ball striker when his head is in it and he has had times of brilliance with his short game but other times he's downright dangerous with a 56 in his hand! Pretty torn about this decision actually! haha