MyGolfSpy

Introduction

(Written By: GolfSpy Matt) If your looking for a new shaft…hell even if your not…don’t skip this review. If I told you that the shaft designer with the most PGA Tour wins had a new line of shafts, what would you expect the price to be? I bet you’d guess that the shafts were the newest members of the $300+ club, right? What if I told you that they weren’t $300 or even $100 but instead ranged in price from $40 to $60? Is that something you might be interested in?

Robin Arthur, is the winningest shaft designer in PGA Tour history, and he has started a new company, Arthur Xtreme Engineering with the mission of telling the truth about shafts and offering high performance at reasonable prices. How do his new shafts compare to those that sell for five times as much? Read on the find out…

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

The two shafts that were tested for this review were the XCaliber Tour and the XCaliber Tour Superlite.

Both shafts feature very slick wraparound graphics. The graphics are perfect for today’s adjustable driver because regardless of orientation you get a very similar look. The Tour is a black base with silver graphics, the Superlite is white with candy red graphics. Either way, the graphics are eye-catching without being gaudy.

While both shafts look very similar, they offer very distinct feels. The Superlite has much more in common with the shafts that I tend to play: smooth, medium bend point, with a good deal of “kick”. The XCaliber Tour is advertised as having the stiffest lower section in the industry, and it definitely has that feel to it. While I’d stop short of saying that it’s boardy, it’s certainly stout.

The XCaliber Tour retails for $55 and is available in both 60 and 70 gram variations in regular, stiff, and tour stiff. The XCaliber Tour Superlite version is $60 and weighs between 46 and 51 grams depending on the flex. It is available in everything from ladies flex to tour stiff. Both models also feature complimentary fairway and hybrid shafts.

Performance

As usual, I’ve broken the Performance section into two pieces: Data (launch monitor testing) and Real World (range and course). For the launch monitor testing, I put the XCalibur Tour and XCaliber Tour SL up against my Matrix RUL, both in an R9 460 9.5 head. I hit 10 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. I went through this process three times and averaged the sets of data.

DATA

ANALYSIS

Overall, both the XCalibur Tour and Superlite stood up against the RUL as well as anything I’ve tested this year. In fact, both were slightly longer and a bit straighter, largely due to a reduction in curvature/side spin. The Tour did launch slightly lower and spin slightly less than the Superlite, but the differences were not extreme. This seems to prove Robin’s claim that his XCaliber Superlite is NOT just for those with lower swing speed.

REAL WORLD RESULTS

The best testimonial that I can give the XCalibur Tour is that I was confident enough in the data to take it straight to the course without any range work. It held up very nicely on the course and seemed to help keep the big left shot out of my game.

On the range, both the XCaliber Tour and the Superlite performed very well. The Tour definitely seemed to be a bit straighter, though I did prefer the feel of the Superlite. Also, for me, the Tour might be a bit too low spin. While the data shows it to be higher spinning than the RUL, I hit a few knuckleballs on the range that just dropped out of the sky because of the spin being too low.

Peanut Gallery

The response from the Peanut Gallery was definitely positive. While everyone agreed that the Tour and Superlite had very distinct feels, and most people did prefer one or the other, no one disliked either one. The performance was quite good across the board as well. The biggest reaction came when I told people the prices. The Peanut Gallery has been accustomed to hearing about $300 shafts, so when they heard that these shafts, with excellent feel and performance, were $60 or less, they were very excited.

Conclusion

Conclusion is: You guys need to try these shafts. Given the quality performance, the credentials of the designer, and the dirt-cheap prices, any “shaft ho” would be crazy not to try some of Arthur Xtreme Engineering’s new shafts. For the guys that need low spin, the XCalibur Tour can stand up to any swing, but I would strongly encourage the MGS readers to give the Superlite a chance, too. I’ve had a long standing bias against lightweight shafts, but the Superlite feels great and performs exceptionally well.

VISIT WEBSITE: http://arthursports.com/index.php

Introduction

(Written By: GolfSpy Matt) Yet, another golf shaft review you absolutely do not want to skip over. Miss this one and you might be leaving some strokes on the course. And once again it doesn’t come from one of the big shaft companies who are household names in the industry.

A while back, I reviewed the original Nunchuk shaft and found, much to my surprise and many others, that it did exactly what it claimed: helped me to hit the ball straighter. At the PGA Merchandise show this past year, the guys at nVentix released the next member of the Nunchuk family: the Nunchuk 370 hybrid shaft. Will this new, hybrid-specific Nunchuk live up to the reputation of its big brother? Read on to find out…

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the concept behind the Nunchuk, it’s this: the tip and butt sections are very stiff with the only flex being in the middle of the shaft (just like a…what’s that martial arts weapon…oh you, a nunchuk). They claim that this eliminates the drooping and twisting that you get with other shafts, thus making your shots fly straighter.

The Nunchuk is very heavy. The original version was over 100 grams and the .370 version is certainly no lighter. The “lighter is longer” types can probably stop reading right here.

Perhaps the most unique thing about the Nunchuk is that it is offered in just one flex, one weight, and there is no tipping required or recommended regardless of what you install the shaft into.

With regard to feel, the shaft is definitely stout, just like the original version. The tip is absolutely stable and the kick/flex, if there is any, is clearly in the middle of the shaft. This is the kind of shaft you can swing as hard as you want without fear of it “not keeping up.”

The Nunchuk 370 retails through the nVentix website for $175.

Performance

As usual, I’ve broken the Performance section into two pieces: Data (launch monitor testing) and Real World (range and course). For the launch monitor testing, I put the Nunchuk up against a number of other shafts in two different heads. The first test was against the stock shaft in a Tour Edge Exotics XCG5 hybrid. The second test was conducted with a TaylorMade Rescue 11 with the Nunchuk against the Kuro Kage and RIP hybrid shafts. I hit 10 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. I went through this process three times and averaged the sets of data.

DATA

ANALYSIS

Well, once again, the Nunchuk has lived up to the hype: it was straighter than anything else that I put it up against. Particularly impressive for me was that it quieted down the hooks that I’ve been fighting lately. As I said in the original Nunchuk review: you can still hit pushes and pulls with the Nunchuk, but the ball doesn’t seem to curve as much as it does with other shafts. The launch monitor data seems to bear out that impression.

It was also interesting that the added weight did nothing to slow the ball speed. If anything, I had the confidence to swing a bit harder knowing that the Nunchuk would keep me from hitting it off the planet.

REAL WORLD RESULTS

To learn about the Nunchuk’s real world results, all you need to do is check what’s in my bag. The Nunchuk went into my XCG5 hybrid and hasn’t come out yet. It’s absolutely helped reel in the big misses and provides me with a nice consistent trajectory.

The Peanut Gallery

I passed the Nunchuk around to a number of players to get their reactions. To a man, they all commented on the weight. In spite of that, the vast majority swung the Nunchuk pretty well. The players with lower swing speeds did tend to comment that there was limited “feel,” but the higher swing speed players liked the fact that they could go after it a bit harder. Most were put off by the price (“For a hybrid shaft?” was a common response), but the faster swingers did like the performance.

Conclusion

Bottom line: the Nunchuk 370, much like its predecessor, does exactly what it claims to do: helps to straighten out crooked golf shots. While you can question the “one flex, one weight” approach, the numbers don’t lie and they tell me that the Nunchuk works.

VISIT WEBSITE: http://www.nventix.com/

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Introduction

A new era in MyGolfSpy shaft reviews begins today! No more apples to oranges comparisons!

(Written By: GolfSpy Matt) Today we are going to review an entire line of shafts to break down the key differences between the various models so that you can make an informed decision about which one might be best for your game (not that you’d ever buy equipment without being fitted, of course). The first shaft line to be tested under these new protocols is the Motore Speeder line by Fujikura.

The Motore Speeder represents the pinnacle of Fujikura’s technological prowess. Among the technologies present in the Motore Speeder are 7-Axis Technology, Quadra Axis composite and Triax Woven composite. That’s 14 total axes! What does that mean? I have no idea! I do know that Fujikura claims that these shafts deliver unparalleled distance and accuracy. Sounds damned good to me, let’s find out if they deliver…

Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous Notes

The Motore Speeder line is laid out fairly logically: the first number represents the weight (6._ would be a 60 gram shaft, 7._ would be a 70 gram), and the second number represents the profile. The .0 shafts are the highest launching, highest spinning, the .1’s are the middle, and the .2’s are the lowest. The .2 Tour Spec is the lowest of all with the Tour Spec .3 being a little higher. At least that’s the theory.

You can find Motore Speeder shafts to fit any flex from R2 (senior flex) to X-flex and in weights from 55 grams to 74 grams.

Ok, enough technical stuff, let’s move on to something inconsequential: the looks. All of the Motore Speeder shafts share a common graphic on the top that I can best describe as flaming geometry. From there, the pattern dissipates through the “Motore Speeder” logo into a solid color. In the case of the Tour Spec models, the lower portion of the shaft is pearl white, which contrasts with the red or blue top. For me, the looks hit a nice sweet spot between garish and boring. I’m particularly fond of the blue 6.1 shaft, but, if you’ve seen my bag, you already knew that. I also think the Tour Spec shafts would look filthy good in a white head…not that they look bad in my RAZR Fit by any means.

Finally, something highly consequential but highly subjective: feel. The bookends of the series, the 6.0 and the Tour Spec 6.2, have very distinct feels. The 6.0 has a distinct kick, but, to my taste, it’s a little too loose in the tip section. The Tour Spec 6.2, on the other hand, can verge on being boardy. It’s definitely the type of shaft that allows you to swing out of your shoes without fear. Whether or not that’s a good thing…that’s up to you. The other models all fit somewhere in the middle: a little bit of kick and a little bit of torque. The 6.1 is a bit softer, and the 6.2 and Tour Spec 6.3 are nearly equal.

Fujikura’s Motore Speeder shafts have an MSRP of $300, $400 for the Tour Spec models, and can be purchased through most high end club fitters.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I hit each of the shafts in a Callaway RAZR Fit 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. Since these shots were all hit outdoors with FlightScope, there is no longer a need to divide performance into Launch Monitor and Real World: these are real world results measured by the best launch monitor technology. I hit 10 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. I went through this process three times and averaged the sets of data.

TEST RESULTS

ANALYSIS

The testing played out very similarly to what I expected, with the stiffer, lower torque shafts offering more accuracy for me. My club path is (overly) right, so a shaft with too much torque can lead to a closed face and “FORE LEFT!” or, in reaction to that, a big block to the right. The lower torque shafts allowed me to swing more naturally without fear of the lefts. Players who have club paths that tend to be to the left might prefer the higher torque shafts since it should help them square or close the club face.

One thing that I found interesting was the similarity in the carry distance across the different shafts. From highest to lowest, there was a variation of almost 1,000 RPMs of spin and 2.6* of launch angle, but the carry distances only varied 8 yards. The big differences showed up in total distance: 21 yards between the longest and the shortest, primarily due to getting more roll from lower spin.

It should also be noted that the launch and spin numbers came out pretty close to the way the spec sheet would have predicted. The one small anomaly was that I spun the 6.1 lower than the 6.2, but I could attribute that to the fact that I put some of my best swings on the 6.1 (I think it was the color).

Overall, my takeaway is that, at least for this line up, I could probably get decent distance numbers from any of these shafts due to the fact that I tend to be fairly low spin. The biggest difference was accuracy: when I found a shaft that I felt like I could swing freely, my shots ended up much closer to the center line.

Conclusion

With the Motore Speeder, Fujikura has created a family of shafts that can fit almost any swing. I like this because you don’t have to be a 300 yard driving machine to take advantage of Fujikura’s best technology (14 axes! Can’t get enough axes!). Regardless of the profile that fits you best, the consistency that you get from swing to swing is excellent. But don’t take it from me: go to your favorite club fitter and test them for yourself. Then you can decide is Fujikura is right when they say, “The ultimate value is performance.”

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WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Congrats to DL! You are the winner of this RT Technologies Zues LT Shaft. You lucky dog.

Introduction

One of the best things about writing for MyGolfSpy is that I’m usually one of the first to know about awesome new products, and I get to share them with you, the readers. Sometimes, however, it’s a reader who introduces me to something awesome. Such is the case with RT Technologies shafts: I had never heard of them until MGS forum legend JMiller posted about them.

What makes RT Technologies special? The “RT” stands for “rigorously tested” and they mean it: every shaft that is sent out is within 2 CPM from shaft to shaft and within 1 CPM in a 360* rotation (meaning it won’t feel or play differently if you change the orientation in your adjustable driver). It’s also a company that has had tour validation: 3 majors and 22 total tour titles plus hundreds of top 5 and top 10 finishes.

Intrigued? I’d sure hope so.

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

The shaft that I tested is the Zeus LT Tour Prototype. It weighs in at 68 grams, is offered in stiff and x-flex, and has a torque rating of 3.2. It has a mid/high bend or kickpoint and is billed as a low spin shaft. RT Technologies does offer a family of other models in various weights and profiles which you can see on their website.

Aesthetically, the Zeus is a bit bland. There’s a shiny burnt orange section near the grip that fades into a chrome/silver color. The logo is fairly minimal, and it can be easily hidden as it doesn’t wrap around the shaft. This focus on performance over paint will sorely disappoint the parking lot pros.

When it comes to feel, the Zeus is unlike any low spin shaft I’ve tested…and I’ve tried some good ones. Low spin shafts tend to feel boardy. The very best steer clear of feeling like a telephone pole, but they rarely have much kick. The RT Zeus, however, kicks like a mule. It’s not a torque-y, “whippy” feel whatsoever, just a really nice, stable kick. Obviously this is subjective, but I think the Zeus LT is the best feeling low spin shaft out there.

The Zeus retails through the RT Technologies website for $220.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I pitted the RT Technologies Zeus against the Fujikura Motore Speeder 6.2 Tour Spec, both in a Callaway RAZR Fit 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. Since these shots were all hit outdoors with FlightScope, there is no longer a need to divide to performance into Launch Monitor and Real World: these are real world results measured by the best launch monitor technology. I hit 10 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. I went through this process three times and averaged the sets of data.

DATA

ANALYSIS

As you can see from the data, the RT Technologies Zeus went toe –to-toe with one of the hottest shafts on the market and held its own in every category. The thing that remains shocking to me is how different it feels compared to the 6.2 Tour Spec. The 6.2 TS is often regarded of as a boardy, low spin shaft, while the Zeus LT is anything but. Based on feel, you would never think that these two shafts would produce comparable numbers, but they did.

The best thing about the Zeus LT, for my swing, is that I felt like I could go after the ball without fear of it flying 3 miles left. Without fear of the hook, I didn’t hit the giant block. This confidence is reflected in the outstanding accuracy number that the Zeus LT produced.

Conclusion

While I can’t guarantee that it will stay there, I can say that for right now, the RT Technologies Zeus LT is in the bag. That’s saying a lot when you consider the amount of different shafts I’ve had the opportunity to use over the last year. There’s simply nothing the Zeus LT doesn’t offer: it keeps the spin low, the ball stays in the fairway, and the feel is great. I have tried plenty of shafts that can do two of those, but this is one of the few that offers all three in spades. Though you definitely won’t find them in your local big box, go yourself a favor and track down a qualified fitter who stocks RT Technologies the next time you’re looking to upgrade your bag. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

VISIT WEBSITE: HERE

ENTER TO WIN!

Post a comment below telling us what YOU would name a shaft if you designed the next hot shaft in golf. We will select a winner to receive a stiff flex RT Technologies Zeus LT shaft.

Introduction

There may not be a better known series of high end shafts than the Diamana series by Mitsubishi Rayon. Virtually every golfer (at least the ones who hang out on golf web sites) has hit a Blue Board or a White Board or their successors, the Kaili and the Ahina. This fall, Mitsubishi is introducing the newest iteration: the Diamana +PLUS Series. The names have changed again: the White Board is now known as the D+ and the Blue Board is called the S+. While it’s not technically the 3^rd generation Diamana (that’s coming in early 2013), Mitsubishi claims that these new shafts combine the best of the past two models.

Can these new models fill the big shoes that they’re stepping into? Read on to find out.

The Story Behind the +PLUS Series

As I said, the +PLUS Series is not the third generation of the Diamana line; think of it as generation 2.5. The +PLUS Series combines the materials from the original Diamana with the manufacturing techniques from the 2^nd generation. Mitsubishi claims that the result is a feel that is closer to the original (smoother) with the improved launch conditions (lower spin, tighter dispersion) of the 2^nd generation.

One other technical note: the torque ratings on some of the +PLUS models are higher than some people are used to seeing. MRC explained to me that this is because they have incorporated a “progressive torque” system in these shafts. Basically, they’re saying that too many shafts have a torque that is too low. Too little torque can hurt performance just like too much torque can. Mitsubishi believes that in with this system, they have found that “just right” middle ground.

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

The first thing that stood out to me about the +PLUS Series was the look. It seems that 2012 is the year of matte finishes, and the +PLUS is riding that trend with matte blue and matte black. The look is very appealing without being overly loud (it’s hard to be loud with blue or black shafts in the current golf environment). The graphics are akin to those on the 2^nd generation Diamana with Hawaiian-looking flowers near the grip and a simple Diamana logo.

Personally, I found the feel to be slightly disappointing. I’ve been a fan of the Diamana line in the past, and I currently play the Kaili in my 3W. In my hands, the +PLUS Series is not as smooth as the 2^nd generation Diamana (I can’t speak too much about the original series because I never played any of those shafts extensively). Part of that might be the difference between playing the shaft in a 3W (heavier head) vs. a driver. In any case, “not smooth” by Diamana standards certainly doesn’t mean that these shafts feel harsh at all. They do feel stable and have a good kick where they should (lower in the S+, a bit closer to the butt in the D+). Regardless, feel is very subjective and others may have a very different sense of it.

The +PLUS Series is available in weights ranging from 64 grams to 102 grams, and flexes from regular to X-stiff. In addition to the wood shafts, Mitsubishi is offering hybrid version of both the S+ and D+, also in a variety of weights and flexes.

The Diamana +PLUS Series have an MSRP of $300.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I hit each of the shafts in a Callaway RAZR Fit 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. I hit 20 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. Testing was done at Golf Nation, in Palatine, IL.

*NOTE: Testing has moved back inside for the winter, and our FlightScope seems to be producing somewhat different numbers indoors compared to outdoors. To greater or lesser extents, ball speed, club head speed, and spin are all coming in lower than they did outdoors, hence the carry number is smaller. That said, it’s still an apples-to-apples comparison, so no attempt has been made to “normalize” the numbers: we’re publishing the numbers straight off the FlightScope, as always.

DATA

ANALYSIS

Overall, there was not a ton of variance in the launch and spin numbers between the two models or the two flexes, at least when looking at the averages. This is fairly normal for me since I tend to have lower-than-average spin. For other players, the gap between the S+ and the D+ could be much greater.

In comparison to other shafts, both models are relatively middle-of-the-pack in terms of both launch and spin. If anything, they launch a bit higher and spun a bit less than some other shafts I’ve been working with lately.

One of the more interesting trends in the testing was my ability to hit the stiff flex shafts straighter, on average, than the X-flex. This is something I’ve noticed before: if a shaft feels too stiff to me, I end up swinging too hard and having uglier misses. It also connects back to our often-referenced point about the lack of standards in shaft flex: I’ve been playing more X-flex shafts lately, but in these shafts, a stiff is clearly a better fit.

Conclusion

For those that are longtime fans of the Diamana line, I think the new +PLUS Series is worth a look. While not substantially different from past iterations (why would you scrap a formula that clearly works?), the three different generations do offer players the opportunity to fine tune feel and launch conditions.

VISIT WEBSITE: http://www.mitsubishirayongolf.com

Introduction

People often refer to the shaft as “the engine of the golf club.” Fujikura prefers to think of the golfer as the engine, and their new shaft, packed with their latest construction technology, as the Fuel.

With the new Fuel shaft, Fujikura is unveiling its Fuel Rod Technology. This is comprised of a Combustion Chamber and a Load Injector Tip. If that sounds to you like a lot of crap that a marketing department made up…you’re probably right. But here’s what matters: this shaft is freakishly straight. If you’re interested in hitting more of your second shots from the short grass, you need to keep reading.

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

For this review, I want to jump straight to the feel of the shaft, because I love it. The first thing I noticed with the Fuel was that it’s slightly counter-balanced: you feel a bit more weight in your hands than in the head. During the swing, the Fuel can be described as butt-soft and tip-stiff. I felt a really nice “load” of the shaft in transition and a decent kick in the downswing, but the tip felt absolutely rock solid. There’s very little torque-y feeling to this shaft, even in the lighter weight version.

The Fuel will definitely not be mistaken from any of the flashier shafts on the market: it’s a basic black shaft with orange graphics. The one unique visual feature of the shaft is the transition from a shiny carbon-fiber black to a matte black. While I was initially pretty underwhelmed by the look, it did grow on me over time.

The Fuel will be available in 50, 60, and 70 gram versions with flexes ranging from R2 (senior) to X-stiff. The MSRP will be $225. There will also be a complimentary hybrid shaft in 85 gram and 95 gram versions.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

You can see from the dispersion chart that the majority of my shots landed in very playable territory, which is really the major selling point of this shaft, in my opinion. The dispersion with the 70X and 50S were a bit worse because they were too stiff and too light for my taste, respectively.

One thing to know about the Fuel is that it really feels quite stiff-to-flex. I’ve preferred a few X flex shafts lately, but with the Fuel my best results came with the 60S and 70S.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the launch and spin were very consistent across the weight and flex range. If you want to try a light weight shaft, but you’re afraid of it being “whippy,” the Fuel is worth a look.

The Peanut Gallery

For this review, I was lucky enough to have a number of other people test the Fuel. The first was Golfspy Tim, who sent me this straightforward text:

“This shaft seems to make the ball go straighter.”

Additionally, I had some of the regular Peanut Gallery members test the Fuel. Not one hesitated about putting the Fuel in their bag. One player, a PGA Professional who plays near scratch, told me that while he hasn’t liked much from Fujikura in the past, he really liked the Fuel and would like to put one into his 3W.

Finally, a master club fitter who tests absolutely everything told me, “Fujikura really has something with the Fuel. I normally play a 60X, but even with the 60S I was hitting ropes.” He loved the feel and said the results just couldn’t be argued with.

Conclusion

There are lots and lots of good products every year, but only a couple that are different enough to make you say, “Wow, that’s really good.” To steal one of T’s favorite words, “the Fujikura Fuel is special.”

The Fuel is the first shaft that got 100% “I want to bag that” approval. If you need a little feel and kick, it has that. If you want a stiff tip and limited “torque-y-ness” ©, it has that. Bottom line: it’s just damned straight. And long.

If you’re a longtime Fujikura fan boy, the Fuel will validate your love. If you’re not, give the Fuel a chance to change your mind. You can thank me later.

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Introduction

(Written By: GolfSpy Matt) It seems that every time you turn around, a shaft company is releasing a new product that is supposed to be the hottest thing since Miranda Kerr. To make things worse, damn near every one of them is labeled as “Mid launch/Low spin,” so you don’t even know how it’s different from the last hot-new-thing they launched.

Finally, Matrix is bringing some common sense simplicity to the world of picking a shaft. For 2013, they will be offering the Matrix Flighted System which consists of three models: the M3 (Black Tie), the Q3 (Red Tie), and the X3 (White Tie). These three models will offer golfers low, medium, and high launching options, respectively.

We’ve already taken a close look at the M3 shaft (check out that review HERE), so today we’re examining the X3. Billed as the high launch-low spin shaft, it is the replacement for the popular X-Con shafts. Does the White Tie deserve to sit at the same table as the Black Tie? Read on to see what we found.

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

Any guesses about what the WHITE TIE looks like? The finish is a matte white (duh) with grey and black logos. The trademark “rain” graphics near the butt of the shaft are silver-grey and very understated. To be honest, the looks are pretty boring, particularly compared to some of the cool stuff Matrix has done in the past (insert obligatory petitioning for a return to candy red paint here).

While the looks are not vintage Matrix, the feel absolutely is: smooth all day long. Even in the 70+ gram X flex, there’s a pronounced load and kick through the swing. As you would expect with a high launching shaft, the kick point is found much closer to the head and there’s a little more torque. Matrix is going to offer the X3 in everything from a 4X3 (~48 grams) to an 8X3 (~85 grams). Flexes will range from a Lady’s flex to a XX-Stiff. For now, the X3 line is only available for woods.

The Matrix X3 line will carry an MSRP of $375.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

A couple of interesting things stood out to me when evaluating the shots I hit with the Matrix X3. First was the large drop in spin rates when moving from S to X flex. Some people might say that they would expect that, but, generally speaking, I don’t see that much difference between flexes in the same shaft. The counterpoint is that the launch angle was extremely consistent – all four shafts were within 1* of each other.

Dispersion was fairly similar across all four shafts with a slight edge going to the 7X3 Stiff for putting a lot of balls right on the centerline. I was actually a bit surprised to see the dispersion end up as tight as it is simply because the feel of the shaft (lower kick point and a bit more torque) is not my preference. For people that want a lot of “feel” in their shaft without losing control of the ball, it seems that the X3 would be a good choice.

Conclusion

While it’s not my favorite Matrix shaft to date, those who want a lot of kick and feel in their shaft will definitely want to try the X3. More than anything, I applaud Matrix for making it easier to pick the right shaft with their Matrix Flighted System for 2013. Stay tuned to MyGolfSpy in the coming months as we review the soon-to-be-released Q3 Red Tie which will fill out the middle of the Matrix fitting system.

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Introduction

By: Matt Saternus

What do you think of when you hear “Miyazaki Shafts”? The first things that come to my mind are amazing graphics and the International Flex Code. And, of course, shafts that perform well.

We haven’t heard much from Miyazaki since they rounded out the Kusala line (reviewed HERE), but now they are back with the B. Asha series…and everyone knows it (seriously, when was the last time you didn’t see a Google Ad for it?)

B. Asha replaces C. Kua as the lightweight portion of the Miyazaki family. Through new technological developments, they have made the B. Asha lighter and lower in torque than the C. Kua. Miyazaki believes that these changes will result in higher ball speed and more distance.

A Quick Primer on International Flex Code

One of the things that sets Miyazaki apart from other manufacturers is their transparency about shaft design. They created the International Flex Code to help the golfer understand how each shaft bends, and they place this information on the tip of every shaft.

The International Flex Code is a four number sequence. The numbers represent the stiffness of each of the four sections of the shaft: butt, mid-butt, mid-tip, and tip. The numbers range from 0 to 9, with 0 representing a very soft section and 9 representing XX-Stiff.

The beauty of this system is that it allows golfers to learn precisely what they like and need. Miyazaki offers a tremendous variety of profiles, so golfers can experiment with balanced, “flat” profiles (5555), butt-stiff/tip-soft profiles (7552), butt-soft/tip-stiff profiles (5689) or anything in between.

The “International Flex Codes” for the shafts tested are as follows:

3S: 5433

4S: 6732

4X: 7854

5S: 5674

5X: 7785

7S: 5674

7X: 7785

You’ll notice that the 5 and 7 share the same profile, just in different weights.

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

For the B. Asha, I have to start with the art: it’s flat-out awesome. The artist, B. Asha (all Miyazaki lines are named for the artist), has taken a palette of browns and greys and created a picture of two samurai unsheathing their swords. Could there be a cooler image to have in your mind when you’re pulling the driver out of the bag? Methinks not. The overall look is really understated, bordering on dull, but the samurai graphics make this amazing. It’s like the old guy at the course who doesn’t hit it far, but takes everyone’s money: sneaky good.

Alright, enough of that, on to feel. One of the things that has changed with the B. Asha line is that Miyazaki went to “flatter” profiles: this means that all the sections of the shaft, bend more evenly. The result is shafts that don’t have kick points that are as distinct as past Miyazaki models. There is much less “kick” in these shafts then in past Miyazakis that I have tried, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. These shafts feel very low torque, even in the lighter weights.

The B. Asha line is currently offered in weights ranging from 45 grams to 77 grams. Flexes range from A to X. Retail price for the B. Asha line is $249.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

The first thing that I think is worth pointing out is the difference between the “Offline” number in our charts and the Dispersion Circle measurement on the Flightscope graphic. Looking at the Offline numbers, you see only a 3 yard gap between the straightest and most crooked shaft – not much of a difference. Then you look at the Dispersion Circles and see a gap of 27 yards between the best and worst.

The reason: the Flightscope number measures the difference between your two most disparate (distance and offline) shots, our number is simply an average of how far each shot was from the centerline. An example to help clarify: if a tester hit every shot 200 yards and 25 yards to the left of the centerline, Flightscope would say the dispersion is 0 yards, but we would say it was 25 yards offline.

The biggest thing that I noticed while hitting shots with the B. Asha was how low spin many of the shots were. With the 5S, for example, I hit a number of shots that didn’t even carry 200 yards before they fell out of the air. For many players, this low spin characteristic would be heaven sent; for me, it’s a recipe for knuckleballs.

Finally, with regard to accuracy, I felt that I hit a lot of shots that were very acceptable, but very few that painted the center line. Usually I will find at least one shaft that allows me to hit a number of shots right down the line, but that was not the case here. Rather, with a few exceptions, I hit everything pretty well. None of them screamed “Bag me!” but I wouldn’t have been upset to game any one of them either.

Conclusion

If you had handed a B. Asha shaft to me without telling me what it was, I would have been hard pressed to guess that it was a Miyazaki based on feel. For those that loved the Kusala or C. Kua line, this might be disappointing. For those who thought those shafts were too lively, the B. Asha might be a welcome change. What is inarguable is that this new line offers low spin and very acceptable dispersion. With the wealth of profiles and weights that Miyazaki is offering, I think many players will be able to find a very good fit in the B. Asha line.

VISIT WEBSITE: http://www.miyazakigolfshafts.com/

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True Temper Proclaims – The Lightest Shaft Ever Introduced

Written By: Matt Saternus

A sub-40 gram driver shaft? Could it possibly be durable enough and can it actually perform?

There’s light, there’s superlight, and then there’s the new PXv 39 from Project X. As the name implies, the shaft weighs a mere 39 grams…and that’s before you cut it. Engineers at Project X were so hell-bent on creating the first shaft to break the 40-gram barrier that they didn’t even paint it. “If we painted it, the total weight would have gone up to about 42 grams, and we are committed to staying under 40 grams.” said Don Brown, Project X product development manager and designer.

Of course, lightweight is only great if it can actually perform. To find out how Project X’s wispy wonder stacks up, we put it through our shaft testing protocols alongside its slightly heavier brother, the PXv 52.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

You already know that the Project X PXv 39 weighs 39 grams (regardless of flex), and you can probably guess that the PXv weighs 52 grams (in 6.0, it’s slightly lighter or heavier in other flexes).

The PXv 52 is available in flexes ranging from 5.5 (regular) to 7.0 (X-flex). The PXv 39 is available in 5.5 to 6.5.

The suggested retail price for both the PXv 39 and 52 is $350. The PXv can be found at most major golf retailers, but the PXv 39 is only available at True Temper Performance Fitting Center clubfitters.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

For those who recall the aesthetics of the original Project X PXv 39 graphite and Project X Black shafts, the PXv 39 and 52 will be quite familiar. The branding is straightforward, and there are wrap around flame/tribal graphics. One nice touch is that the graphics are toned down opposite to the Project X logo for those who prefer a clean, “logo down” look at address.

The feel of the PXv 52 was the biggest surprise of this test for me. After testing the original Project X graphite, I was expecting a “one piece” feel with minimal kick; I was completely wrong. The PXv 52 provides a very nice mid-kick similar to the Oban Kiyoshi White or Diamana B Series. By contrast, the PXv 39 has very minimal kick and is much more similar to the original Project X graphite shafts.

One final note of interest: these shafts, particularly the PXv 39, are much thinner than standard weight shafts. While this might seem obvious, they need to be thinner to be lighter weight, it was surprising to put them side by side with other shafts and see just how much thinner they are. See for yourself in the pics.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I hit each of the shafts in a Callaway RAZR Fit Extreme 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. I hit 20 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. All shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

Let’s go ahead and deal with the big questions right away: how much did the 39 gram shaft spin and how accurate was it? On the question of spin, it was quite good. While not the lowest spinning shaft I’ve tested, it was respectable, especially in the 6.5. On the question of accuracy, please don’t be fooled by the big Offline number for the 6.0: it is an excellent illustration of why you need to consider both Offline and Dispersion. If you ignore the one straight ball I hit, the Dispersion for the PXv 39 6.0 is actually quite good. I couldn’t square the face to save my life, but the push I was hitting was extremely consistent. I chalk all of that up to being a lot lighter, and a little softer, than the shafts I normally play.

Moving to the PXv 52, I hit the 6.0 very well. The PXv 52 is a nice lightweight option that keeps the spin in check.

With regard to all of the shafts tested, the lightweight did help me boost my swing speed a bit (1-2 MPH), but the ball speed was not markedly higher than it has been with other shafts. This can be attributed to more off-center contact because I am not used to playing shafts this light.

Conclusion

While there is no shortage of lightweight shafts on the market, the PXv 39 currently stands as the high (or should it be low?) water mark of what shaft manufacturers can do with new materials and construction.

The PXv shafts add significantly more variety to Project X’s line of graphite shafts. Now players looking for the trademark accuracy of Project X can find it in a wider variety of weights.

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Introduction

By: Matt Saternus

Lots of companies talk about being proponents of custom fitting. They have lists of authorized fitters on their website…right next to the button that says, “Or just buy it online without trying it first.” Rare is the company that puts their money where their mouth is, but Oban is one such company. Try to find a place online (other than eBay) to buy an Oban shaft. You can’t do it. That’s because Oban only sells their shafts through qualified custom fitters. So check out this review, then book an appointment with a certified fitter to see if Kiyoshi is what you need to start hitting it pure.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

The Kiyoshi line was launched with the PRP in 2010. It features Oban’s Emersion Wrapped Frequency Technology.

The Kiyoshi BLK offers low spin similar to the PRP but with a higher kick point for lower ball flight.

The Kiyoshi WHT is the newest Kiyoshi. It features proprietary Multiplex Design Technology to combine a softer butt section with a stiff tip and mid-section.

Oban uses numbers to represent the flex of the shaft: 01 (Ladies), 02 (Senior), 03(Regular), 04 (Stiff), and 05 (X). Each shaft is available in 55, 65, 75, and 85 grams. The PRP is also available in 45 grams.

All of the Oban Kiyoshi shafts are offered as both .335 tip shafts for drivers and fairway woods as well as .370 tip for hybrids. The hybrid shafts range from 90 to 100 grams.

The Oban Kiyoshi line can be purchased through authorized club fitters. The MSRP for the PRP and BLK is $360. The MSRP for the WHT is $400.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

One of the things that I like best about the Kiyoshi series is that each shaft has a very distinct feel. The purple Kiyoshi kicks like mule with a black belt. Of all the shafts I’ve tested, I can’t remember one with this much pop; it’s almost enough to make you feel bad for the golf ball. Where the purple Kiyoshi is a pure mid-kick point shaft, the white has a mid-high kick point and thus a little less snap. The black Kiyoshi has the highest kick point which gives it the least amount of “kick feel.”

A “side effect” of these three very distinct feels is that the difference between stiff and X (04 and 05, in Oban terms) can be very big or very small. In the purple, the difference is very pronounced – the 04 has the big kick, the 05 is much smaller. In the white, the difference is noticeable but not enormous. The difference between stiff and X in the black Kiyoshi is only slightly noticeable.

Just as the feel of the Kiyoshi varies greatly from one model to the next, so do the looks. The graphics are identical in all colors: gold bands wrapping the “Oban” name and angry-looking faces above the branding. The colors, however, are what give the shafts their personality. The white is good looking, very trendy. The black is refreshingly black (not so many black shafts these days…I’ll call that the Fowler Effect). And the purple may be the single best color since Ozik’s candy lime. It’s pure awesome. It’s one of a handful of shafts I want to play simply because it looks great.

And a final bit of nonsense: Kiyoshi is a great name because it’s fun to yell after you smash a drive. Try it. “KIYOSHI!!!” Wasn’t that fun?

Performance

For the Performance testing, I hit each of the shafts in a Callaway RAZR Fit Extreme 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. I hit 20 “good” shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. All shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

When I first looked at the final Dispersion display, I did a double-take. I could not believe that three shafts that felt so unique could produce results that were so similar. From the “Dispersion” to “Launch Angle” to “Spin”, the differences, for me, were not huge. Personally, I like the idea that I can pick my favorite feel and get similar, excellent performance no matter what.

Please keep in mind when viewing these results that they are unique to me on the day of the testing. Others might find very large differences between the different models. As we always say, fitting is key.

Conclusion

While the lack of “retail” availability might be a turn off to some, we at MyGolfSpy applaud Oban for their commitment to real custom fitting and for making a series of shafts with exceptional performance. And for the “Try-Buy-Sell-Repeat” crowd, there’s always eBay.

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By: Matt Saternus
Nippon has long been a favorite iron shaft among those in the know, carrying a tremendous reputation for tight tolerances and great feel. So why aren’t they more prevalent? One reason is certainly a lack of marketing, but another big reason was the lack of options for “better players.”

Nippon was primarily known for lighter weight steel that launched the ball high. Even the Modus3 Tour 120, while heavier in weight, was a higher launching shaft similar to a KBS Tour. But now, with the Modus3 Tour 130, Nippon has a shaft that aims to compete with the kings of the hill, Project X and Dynamic Gold. Does it hit the mark?

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

The Nippon Modus3 Tour 130 is available in both .355” taper tip and .370” parallel tip.

It will be available in Regular (121 grams), Stiff (124 grams) and X (129 grams)

Bend Profile:

Tip Section – Soft to increase launch

Mid Section – Stiff to promote control of launch and spin

Butt Section – Stiff to promote control and solid feel at impact

You can expect to find the Nippon Modus3 Tour 130 at retail for about $40/shaft.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

The starkest difference between a Nippon shaft and any other steel shaft on the market is feel. There’s a crisp and clean feel that is the signature of a Nippon, and no other steel shaft that I’ve tried can match it. The Modus3 Tour 130 is no exception.

It should also be noted that the balance point of the Modus3 Tour 130 is higher than Dynamic Gold, leading to a club that feels lighter than it is.

In the looks department, the Modus3 has bold, red graphics printed directly on the shaft. In this golfer’s opinion, that’s the single biggest “Looks” upgrade a steel shaft can have: no one likes wrinkly shaft stickers.

Finally, I want to mention that, just like with the Modus3 Tour 120’s that I tested, the tolerances are amazing. I weighed each of the eight shafts and none weighed less than 123.5 grams and none more than 124.5 grams. For the club builder or the spec-obsessed, choosing Nippons is a no-brainer.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I installed the Nippon Modus3 130 shafts into a set of Wilson FG Tour V2 heads. They were tested against a set of Dynamic Gold S300 shafts that were installed in the exact same heads. Testing was done on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor.

In head to head testing in the lab, the Modus3 Tour 130 matched the Dynamic Gold shot for shot. Launch was virtually identical throughout the set as were the spin rates. There was also no discernible difference in accuracy: good swings resulted in good, predictable shots. Bad swings produced similar results as well.

Additionally, I had the chance to play 36 holes with the Modus3 while vacationing away from snowy Chicago. The transition to playing the Modus3 was non-existent. All my irons went the same distance as they do with Dynamic Gold, shots flew on the same trajectory, and the dispersion was excellent (even smacked a pin).

Tim’s Take

Golfspy Tim also had a chance to test the Modus3 Tour 130’s. Here’s what he found:

Graphite? Who needs graphite….

(seriously, I’ve never found a graphite iron shaft that liked me)

Having been playing Nippon shafts for more than 6 months now, I’ve fallen in love with their soft feel. The same rings true with the N.S. Pro Prototype shaft – launching probably a bit lower than my current gamers – the 950 GH. The N.S. Pro Prototypes require just a bit more loading than the 950 GH and wouldn’t let me get away with a lazy swing.

I’m already a huge fan of Nippon and this shaft continues my appreciation of their crisp sound and feel on impact.

Conclusion

With the addition of the Modus3 Tour 130, there’s now a Nippon shaft for absolutely everyone. While some might flinch at the price, I think that the feel and the unmatched tolerances make Nippons well worth the money. Whether you’re upgrading some old heads or getting fit for a new set of irons, make sure Nippon is on your list of “Must Try” items.

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By: Matt Saternus

Over the last year, we’ve seen a lot of companies trying to interact directly with consumers via Twitter, Facebook, and forms of social media that were actually designed for girls (Pinterest). While it’s a great trend, it’s not exactly new to Phil Talamonti. For as long as I’ve known about Talamonti shafts (about 5 years), I’ve heard stories of golfers calling Phil directly for advice on what shaft to play. It’s simply how Phil does business.

Phil has been in the golf industry for over 20 years, and he’s been designing shafts exclusively for over half of that time. In 2008, he went out on his own and created Talamonti Shafts. This year, after over 12 months of research and development, he has released three new wood shafts, the Light 55, the LS-70, and the HL-70. Should you be giving Phil a call before you hit the course this year? Read on to find out.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

:: The LS-70 is an ultra-low spin shaft specifically designed for stronger players. It is available in Stiff and X and weighs in at 73 grams.

:: The HL-70 offers a smooth, stable bend profile that provides low spin to both low and high-horsepower swing. The HL-70 weighs in 72-73 grams (depending on flex) and is offered in R, S, S/X, and X flex.

:: The Light 55 was designed for players who wanted to play a light weight shaft while still getting an accurate, low-spin ball flight. It weighs 55 grams and is available in A (Senior), Regular, and Stiff.

Each of the three shafts reviewed here retails for $225 through the Talamonti website.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

Talamonti has brought a unifying look to his new line of shafts. The bottom half of each shaft is solid white, with the top half a bright neon color. The colors distinguish the models: green, blue, and orange for the LS, Light, and HL models, respectively. The graphics are a 360* wraparound pattern that offers a consistent look at address, even in today’s adjustable drivers.

The feel throughout the Talamonti line is quite consistent. Stability is the defining characteristics, even in the Light 55. That said, the shafts don’t feel harsh or hard to load, even with my decidedly pedestrian swing speed. The primary difference I noticed was that on mishits, the torqueing/twisting feeling was very prominent in the Light 55, but much less noticeable in the LS-70 and HL-70.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

*NOTE: Testing has moved inside for the winter, and our FlightScope seems to be producing somewhat different numbers indoors compared to outdoors. To greater or lesser extents, ball speed, club head speed, and spin are all coming in lower than they did outdoors, hence the carry number is smaller. That said, it’s still an apples-to-apples comparison, so no attempt has been made to “normalize” the numbers: we’re publishing the numbers straight off the FlightScope, as always.

DATA

ANALYSIS

Most of what we see in the data is what I expected: the LS-70 was the lowest launching and spinning, the Light 55 had the most spin. We also see that the Light 55 had the poorest offline and dispersion numbers. I would attribute this primarily to the fact that the shaft was noticeably lighter than anything I normally play, so I wasn’t very comfortable with it.

Personally, I could see myself being very happy playing the HL-70 or the LS-70. The weight is very comfortable to me, just slightly heavier than the “standard” 65 gram shaft. The dispersion was very acceptable and the launch and spin were near my window for optimal.

Conclusion

Though it may not be a name you’re familiar with, I can say without reservation that Talamonti shafts are as good as any big name graphite shaft on the market. The biggest hurdle that consumers need to overcome is the inability to demo a Talamonti before they buy it. Talamonti shafts can currently be found at the club fitting studios listed HERE, and I’m sure the list will be growing as word gets out about the quality of this product.

:: VISIT THE TALAMONTI SHAFTS WEBSITE
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By: Matt Saternus

Will More Golfers Switch To Graphite Iron Shafts?

Coming out of the PGA Show, I knew that UST was really going all-in on their Recoil iron shaft. But in spite of all of the tech talk and marketing, I couldn’t shake my doubts about better players actually switching to graphite iron shafts. Then, as winter started to break and people headed to the course, I started seeing more and more posts about players gaming the Recoil. Is a true sea change underway? Are we headed towards a day when players will carry 14 graphite shafts in their bag?

SPECS, PRICE, & MANUFACTURER NOTES

The Recoil line encompasses three unique series of shafts.

:: The Recoil Prototype is designed for better players looking for great feel and the ability to work the ball. It has a lower balance and higher flex point. It comes in heavier weights (90-125 grams) with a firmer tip for lower ball flight.

:: The Recoil 800 Series is for players looking for a lighter weight option (50-94 grams). It features optimum weight and flex profiles to fit a wide range of golfers. A mid-balance, medium tip creates a medium ball flight.

:: The Recoil 600 Series offers great feel and lightweight options (68-84 grams) to increase club head speed for greater distance. This line favors a medium to medium high ball flight.

Prices for the Recoil line vary widely. The Recoil Prototype has an MSRP of $135. The Recoil 800 Series is $92, and the Recoil 600 Series is $53.

The Recoil Prototype and 800 Series are only available through UST TOURSPX dealers, but the 600 Series is available through all UST dealers.

LOOKS, FEEL, & MISCELLANEOUS

In terms of looks, UST took a safe middle road with the Recoil. From afar, no one would guess that these are graphite: they have a shiny silver look that is close enough to steel to fool the casual observer. They do have more branding than your typical steel shaft, but nothing gaudy; a nice clean white and silver graphic that can easily be hidden at address.

When you pick up the Recoil Prototype 125, there’s nothing about the feel that says “graphite.” It has plenty of heft and a nice even balance. During the swing, there’s a very minimal amount of load and kick; it’s a small but noticeable change from a Dynamic Gold. It’s at impact that you really sense the difference. Mishits have none of the sting and shock associated that you normally associate with missing the center of the club face. Centered hits feel even cleaner than normal, almost as if there was no impact at all.

PERFORMANCE

For the Performance testing, I installed the UST Recoil Prototype 125 shafts into a set of Wilson FG Tour V2 heads. They were tested against a set of Dynamic Gold S300 shafts that were installed in the exact same heads. Testing was done on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. All shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country

DATA

ANALYSIS

The 2 biggest differences between the Recoil and Dynamic Gold, for me, were the peak height of my shots and the spin rates. With the Recoil, my shots were peaking an average of 10 feet higher than they were with Dynamic Gold. Interestingly, the spin rates with Recoil were higher with my long iron (compared to Dynamic Gold) and lower with the short irons. This combination of higher flight with better spin rates led to the distance gains that I saw.

When it comes to accuracy, Recoil and Dynamic Gold were essentially equal in dispersion. The FlightScope graphic shows a large numerical advantage for the Dynamic Gold in the 4 irons, but, looking at the shot pattern, my eye test disagrees.

CONCLUSION

All in all, I think that switching to the Recoil Prototype 125 would be a fairly easy transition for anyone playing any of the heavy weight steel shafts. When you consider that there are 19 different Recoil models, there’s probably one that would make for an easy transition, or, perhaps, a marked improvement, for almost any player. If you’re getting fit for new irons this season, do what an increasing number of players are doing, and see if your game wouldn’t be improved with UST’s Recoil iron shafts.

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WHAT TIE DO YOU WEAR? MATRIX GIVEAWAY! DETAILS BELOW!

By: Matt Saternus

Everyone knows that white tie is fancier than black tie, but where does red tie fit in? While I’m going to have to call in our Apparel Editor, Golfspy Zinger, for the fashion ruling, I do know where the Red Tie fits in the Matrix Flight System: right in the middle.

If you read my review of the White Tie X3 (and if you didn’t, go rectify that mistake now), you know the Matrix has brought out a simplified fitting system for 2013: the Matrix Flight System with high, medium, and low launching shafts. Today we look at the final piece of that family of three, the Q3 Red Tie.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

The Q3 Red Tie fits in the middle of the Matrix Flight System, between the low-launching M3 Black Tie and the high-launching X3 White Tie.

The Q3 is available in weights ranging from 50 grams to 88 grams, and flexes from Ladies flex to XX.

The Q3 has an MSRP of $375

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

The release of the Q3 Red Tie has taught me one thing: complain long enough and loud enough and eventually you will get what you want. In every Matrix review I’ve written, I’ve whined about Matrix abandoning their signature cherry red, and now it’s back! I win! Really, we all win, because the cherry red Matrix is simply one of the best looking shafts around. The logo on the shaft is fairly minimal and can be turned down and hidden at address. The rain graphics stop above the logo, so those who like really clean looks should be thrilled.

Moving on to feel, I was very pleasantly surprised by how stable the Q3 felt. I assumed that the Q3 would fall directly between the very stable M3 and the tip soft X3, but, in fact, the Q3 leans heavily towards the M3. My best one line description of the Q3 would be: M3 with a softer butt section. There’s a definite kick, but it’s higher (closer to the grip) than I expected, which I really like.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I hit each of the shafts in a Callaway RAZR Fit Extreme 10.5 head on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. I hit shots with each shaft, changing frequently so that fatigue was not an issue, nor did I get grooved with one shaft to the detriment of fairness. All shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

The 7Q3 was a bit longer for me in both flexes, largely due to lower spin and a slight increase in ball speed. That said, the 6Q3 in X-flex was the most accurate, posting both the best dispersion number and the best offline number. The distance was a bit shorter than the others due to hitting some higher-spinning fades and pushes.

Overall, I was pleased with the balanced dispersion of all of the Q3 shafts. The vast majority of my shots started on really good lines and didn’t stray too much.

Conclusion

As I’ve said before, I love the fact that Matrix has simplified their offerings and fitting system for 2013. While I still think that it’s critically important to be custom fit by a qualified fitter, this system goes a long way towards helping the consumer understand his options. I also like that each of these three products has a very unique feel and ball flight. With the X3, Q3, and M3, most players will be able to find something they like in the Matrix family.

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CONTEST!

Pick your tie!

Check out our reviews of the Black Tie, White Tie, and Red Tie, and check the Matrix website to see what shaft you would like to try (be specific: model, weight, and flex). Then post a comment below telling us the specs of the shaft you want and why. At the end of the week, we will randomly select a winner who will receive the shaft of their choice.

Bonus entry:

Re-Tweet the following for a second entry in the drawing (the retweet button is the one with two arrows forming a square):

Read the @matrixshafts Q3 review (powered by @flightscopegolf) on @mygolfspy for your chance to win a free shaft. bit.ly/q3red

— MyGolfSpy (@MyGolfSpy) May 21, 2013

By: Matt Saternus

Being in the middle is often a bad spot. In sports, you hear the term “tweener” for a guy who’s too small for one position, but too slow for another. The middle child is never anyone’s favorite. The middle finger…well, you know.

On the other hand, we all know what Little Red Riding Hood said about the porridge that wasn’t too hot or too cold: it was just right. That “just right” middle ground is exactly where Mitsubishi has positioned their blue Diamana shafts: not too much kick, torque, launch, or spin, just the right amounts. The B Series is the 3^rd generation of Diamana, following in the footsteps of the original Blueboard and the second-gen Kaili. Is this new addition “just right” or is it just a “tweener”?

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

Among the technologies present in the B Series are DIALED Pitch Fiber, Tough-Qure prepreg, and 3G MDI. If that all sounds like Greek to you, you’re not alone. The long and short is this: Mitsubishi has continued to push the material technology forward to provide shafts with superior strength, reduced “ovaling,” and superior feel.

The B Series is available in Regular, Stiff, and X flex. Weights range from 55 grams to 87 grams.

You can expect to find the B Series at retail for $360.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

As I mentioned in the intro, the Blueboard and its descendants have always walked a middle ground in terms of both feel and performance. The B Series carries on that tradition. There is a small kick in the upper-mid section, but not too much. The shaft has a bit of torque, but only enough to keep it from feeling boardy. When I, and others, compared it to the Kaili, the B Series felt a bit more stable with a bit less kick. Based strictly on feel, I think the vast majority of golfers would enjoy this shaft.

The B Series also finds a brilliant middle ground when it comes to looks. The gloss blue paint is neither garish nor dull. With the exception of the branding, the graphics are all done in shades of blue so that they’re easy to tune out at address, but visible enough to admire after you smoke a drive past your friends. Admittedly selling me on the color blue is as difficult as selling cheese to a mouse, but I would say the B Series is one of the best looking shafts ever.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

*NOTE: Testing was done over the winter, and our FlightScope seems to be producing somewhat different numbers indoors compared to outdoors. To greater or lesser extents, ball speed, club head speed, and spin are all coming in lower than they did outdoors, hence the carry number is smaller. That said, it’s still an apples-to-apples comparison, so no attempt has been made to “normalize” the numbers: we’re publishing the numbers straight off the FlightScope, as always.

DATA

ANALYSIS

The Flightscope numbers for this test really drive home the importance of fitting for weight and flex. While all of the numbers are quite good, there were distinct differences in shot patterns and launch numbers even though they were all hit with “the same” shaft.

Looking at the 70-X, and the 70-S to a lesser degree, you can see most of the shots favoring the right side of the grid. These shots were primary pushes with a couple of fades mixed in, and so they had higher launch and spin. Switching focus to the 60 gram shafts, you see that the S flex was a little inconsistent for me (though the grouping did include one of the longest balls of the indoor season). The X flex, on the other hand, produced a really nice batch of low-spin draws. In fact, for the balls that drew the most, the spin was actually way too low to optimize carry.

Conclusion

After producing one of the most popular aftermarket shafts ever (Blueboard) and a very successful follow-up (Kaili), it would have been easy for Mitsubishi to rest on their laurels. Instead, they brought new technology to the table that allowed them to improve the performance while retaining the character of the original. For anyone who has enjoyed Diamana shafts in the past, the B Series is a must-try.

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By: Matt Saternus

If you walked around UST’s booth at the 2013 PGA Show, you absolutely could not miss their new Recoil iron shaft (review here). It was the subject of giant graphics and displays on all sides of the booth.

What you could have easily missed was the launch of the Elements. Thankfully, I didn’t because UST was very excited to tell me about the research that had led to the birth of the Elements.

UST’s proprietary research has uncovered new data that says that the oft-overlooked mid-section of the shaft is the most important for spin and launch. Armed with this knowledge, they set about designing a series of shafts, Elements Earth, Fire, and Wind, that offer different feels of launch characteristics while all utilizing a stable mid-section.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

UST offers the Elements shaft in three models

:: Earth is designed with an extremely stable and reinforced mid-section with firm tip for players looking for low launch and spin with incredible control and maximum distance.

:: Fire is designed with an extremely stable and reinforced mid-section for a mid-launch and spin for a penetrating ball flight.

:: Wind is designed with a mid-stiffness area which creates a truly dynamic kick for higher launch and great spin control for maximum carry and roll.

Each Element shaft is available in flexes F3 (regular) through F5 (X). Weights range from 57 grams to 97 grams.

The Elements shafts carry an MSRP of $311 and are available exclusively through UST Tour SPX dealers.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

The Elements shafts have some of the busiest graphics I’ve seen in a while. There’s some carbon fiber in the middle, a ring of sparkly silver, some grey-black-yellow UST branding, and that’s before we get to the very cool palindromic “Elements” logo. Some will like the graphics and some won’t, but it’s definitely not boring.

The graphics on the shaft have taught me something: the only thing that really matters at address is the foot closest to the head. The Elements has about 15” of solid yellow nearest the head which makes the shaft not distracting at all in play. Honestly, if you’re seeing the graphics at address, you’ve either got a massive field of vision or massive attention deficit issues.

In terms of feel, these three shafts are so different that it’s hard to believe they’re from the same brand, let alone the same series. The Earth has a rock-solid, no-kick feel to it; swing as hard as you want, it’s not going anywhere. The Wind has loads of kick and a healthy bit of torque. The Fire is somewhere in between: a slightly softer tip than the Earth but not quite as much torque-feel as the Wind. When I had other players hit their way through the Elements, they all quickly found a favorite model by feel.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

In spite of the vast differences in feel, you can see on the FlightScope dispersion graphic that the shot patterns weren’t terribly different for me. The Wind edged out the other two models in Dispersion, despite having the largest offline number (Earth likely would have won both if not for one ugly pull).

With regard to distance, Earth kept my backspin numbers the lowest which resulted in the best total distance number. Impressively, it did so without giving up much in terms of launch angle. Combined with the best offline number and a very respectable dispersion, the Earth would be my choice for a gamer.

Conclusion

Though it wasn’t the most-hyped shaft coming out of this year’s show, the Elements has the compelling story – a solid mid-section being the foundation of a great shaft – and solid performance that could make it a sleeper hit this year. If you want to see if these shafts can make your driver a SHINING STAR, then head to your nearest UST Tour SPX deal and tell them you’ve GOT TO GET THIS INTO YOUR LIFE.

You didn’t really think I could get through this whole thing without some Earth, Wind, and Fire references, did you?

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By: Matt Saternus
First came the Nunchuk wood shaft. Then, last year, the Nunchuk 370 hybrid shaft. This year, nVentix launched the Nunchuk xi, a graphite iron shaft. Will anything stop Nunchuk and its mission to take over every club in your bag?

Honestly, I hope not. When I first heard about the Nunchuk, with its bold promises of straighter shots, I wanted to laugh…until I tried it. The Nunchuk hybrid shaft hasn’t left my bag since the review. So it was with great anticipation that I installed the Nunchuk xi shafts into my Wilson FG Tour V2’s and waited for the epoxy to cure. Will the Nunchuk xi be the shaft that breaks down the barrier to graphite shafts in irons? Read on to find out.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

According to nVentix:

The Nunchuk xi performs better than steel with consistent launch, tight dispersion, and consistent distance.
The Nunchuk xi feels softer and less harsh than steel with less vibration on off-center hits.
The entire Nunchuk System (wood, hybrid, and iron shafts) can benefit players by giving them a consistent feel and function from club to club.
There is no tip trimming required or suggested for these shafts whether in parallel (.370”) or taper tip (.355”). Simply install and butt trim to the desired length.

True to form, the Nunchuk is only available in one weight (104 grams), one flex, and one length (40”).

The Nunchuk xi carries an MSRP of $75 per shaft.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

One hallmark of the earlier Nunchuk shafts was their weight: the wood shaft and hybrid shaft both tip the scales at over 100 grams, much heavier than standard. The Nunchuk xi, while not a lightweight, is still about 20 grams lighter than shafts like Dynamic Gold and KBS Tour. Additionally, like all Nunchuk shafts, it’s counter-balanced (heavier near the grip to reduce swing weight), which intensifies that weight difference. This isn’t a good or bad thing, but it did require a bit of an adjustment period for me.

During the swing, the Nunchuk xi maintains the trademark “one-piece” feel through most of the set. You can certainly throw out the “graphite is too whippy” stereotypes with these. That said, when I got to the short irons (9 iron and PW, sometimes 8 iron), the shafts did feel like they loosened up a bit. I want to emphasize “a bit”: I’m not suggesting that they became noodles with a PW, but there was a more noticeable kick with the PW than with the mid or long irons.

The best part of playing the Nunchuk xi is unquestionably the impact feel. It is everything nVentix claims: softer, less harsh, and solid. If you want soft feeling irons, forget Mizuno, forget Miura, just stick a set of these in your irons and thank me later.

One small disappointment for me was the look of the Nunchuk xi. I’m rather fond of the Nunchuk purple, so seeing that the xi is solid silver with just a rectangle of purple (easily hidden at address) made me sad. I understand the logic, make it look similar to steel shafts to minimize the stigma of playing graphite, but I wish it was a bold purple that announced, “Yeah I’m graphite…and I’m gonna whip your ***!”

Performance

For the Performance testing, I installed the Nunchuk xi shafts into a set of Wilson FG Tour V2 heads. They were tested against a set of Dynamic Gold S300 shafts that were installed in the exact same heads. Testing was done on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. All shafts were gripped with Pure Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

The Numbers

We tested the shafts head to head and gathered numbers on the 3 iron, 7 iron, and PW. Here’s what we found:

:: CARRY- No significant difference. The Dynamic Gold produced 4 yards more total distance (likely due to lower spin rates)

:: DISPERSION – The Nunchuk produced a +12 yard improvement in the 3 iron, a -4 yard deficit in the the 7 iron, and equal dispersion in the PW.

:: SPIN RATE – The Nunchuck produced approximately 600 RPMs more spin on average than Dynamic Gold in all all 3 irons tested.

:: LAUNCH ANGLE – The Nunchuk launched moderately higher (between .1° and .6°) than the Dynamic Gold.

:: APEX – The Nunchuk peak height was between 3 and 7 feet higher.

Analysis

When I’m testing shafts, I try not to look at the numbers until I’m finished. I feel like this helps to keep the test honest, and, on occasion, it gives me a good surprise. This was one of the occasions where I was surprised by a couple of things.

First, I was shocked by how similar the launch angles were. When I was hitting on a limited-flight range, I felt like the Nunchuk was launching much higher, but that was clearly a case of seeing what I thought I should see. The numbers don’t lie.

Second, I was surprised by how good the dispersion was. As I said, I felt that the Nunchuk got a little softer in the PW, so I expected the dispersion to suffer. It didn’t. While the 7I dispersion came out slightly worse, that was really just the result of a couple of marginal shots, not a problem with the sample as a whole.

The place where I could see the Nunchuk xi really grabbing a foothold is in the long irons. For players still clinging to their 2, 3, and 4 irons, why not make things a little easier by installing a slightly lighter, easier-to-launch shaft? Personally, if I actually carried my 3 iron, I would put the Nunchuk in it: it launched easier, went straighter, and stopped faster.

Conclusion

At some point, I’m going to learn my lesson and stop doubting the guys behind the Nunchuk shafts. I thought they couldn’t make a straighter wood shaft, and they did. I thought they couldn’t make a “one size fits all” iron shaft that actually performs, and they did. If you’re in doubt, find a fitter who carries Nunchuk shafts and see for yourself. The numbers don’t lie.

Personally, I’m just waiting for the release of the Nunchuk putter shaft.

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Introduction

By: Matt Saternus

The shots of a tour pro, whether with a driver or a wedge, all share approximately the same apex. The shots of Joe Hacker…not so much. Gopher-killing long irons and wedges that threaten airplanes are more the norm at your local muni.

To help us amateur players hit our shots more like the pros, True Temper has released the Dynamic Gold DG Pro iron shaft. The goal of the DG Pro is to bring the flight of the short irons down while getting the long irons up. The result should be that all of shots apex at about the same height, just like the pros.

Does the reality line up with that plan?

I dusted off my 3 iron to find out.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

According to True Temper, the DG Pro offers golfers “progressive optimized peak trajectory from long irons to short irons.” They also feature variable wall technology for ultimate feel and control.

DG Pro is available in R, S, and X flex, in weights of 109-113, 118-122, and 125-129 grams, respectively.

DG Pro carries an MSRP of $40 per shaft.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

When you first pick up the DG Pro, it feels – surprise surprise – like a Dynamic Gold. Nice and heavy, more head-heavy than counter-balanced. No adjustment needed in that department. During the swing there’s more “life” in the DG Pro than your standard DG, but nothing extreme. At impact, the DG Pro offers a feel that is largely familiar, but slightly crisper. On the spectrum of steel shafts, it isn’t quite at that uber-clean Nippon level, but it hints at it.

Unlike most steel shafts, there is a very interesting visual note about the DG Pro. As you can see in the pictures, True Temper has utilized “double steps” in the design of the DG Pro. They’re noticeable at address, but not distracting. What’s interesting is that these double steps vary in location from shaft to shaft (I assume that’s how they create the different trajectories). This varied step pattern is important to keep in mind as you build your set of DG Pros so you don’t have a heart attack thinking that you installed them improperly (I speak from experience).

On a more frivolous Looks note, I like the switch to the vertical shaft band as opposed to the traditional wraparound label.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I installed the Dynamic Gold DG Pro shafts into a set of Wilson FG Tour V2 heads. They were tested against a set of Dynamic Gold S300 shafts that were installed in the exact same heads. Testing was done on a FlightScope X2 launch monitor. All shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

FLIGHTSCOPE DATA

:: Tighter dispersion with 9 iron and 6 iron. Nearly identical with 3 iron.
:: Significantly closer to the center line with DG Pro 3-iron. 2 yards closer with 6-iron. Identical with 9-iron.
:: Carry Yardage: +3 yards with 3-iron, +6 yards with 6-iron, +1 yards with 9-iron.
:: Launch Angle: Identical across the board
:: Spin rates: Identical across the board
:: Peak Heights (Apex): Identical across the board.

ANALYSIS

Let’s first address the question “Did these shafts help you hit your 3 iron higher?” Answer: It depends how you look at it. In absolute terms, no, FlightScope showed that the peak heights for DG Pro and DG were identical. BUT, to get my standard DG to that height, I have to hit cuts or pushes. The DG Pro allowed me to hit the ball straight (I heard that’s a good idea) and still get some air under it. So, to me, the DG Pro absolutely showed the ability to help me get more height on my long irons.

Now on to the thing I wasn’t expecting: a significant improvement in both measures of accuracy. With the DG Pro, I cut my dispersion by 1/3 with my 9 iron and made a marked improvement with the 6 iron. Switching to Offline, I improved my 3 iron by 80% and got my 6 iron 2 yards closer to center.

Finally, there was a small, but measureable distance gain in switching to DG Pro: +3 yards with the 3 iron, +6 with the 6 iron, and +1 with the 9 iron.

Conclusion

While I went into this test with high hopes (anything that promises higher long irons has my attention), the DG Pro exceeded my expectations. Not only did it deliver on the promise of raising the flight of my long irons, it helped me to hit the ball much more accurately. Importantly, it did all of this without my having to adjust to a new weight or feel.

If, like many of us, you need a change of trajectory with your irons, see your local True Temper fitter about DG Pro.

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By: Matt Saternus

If you’ve been following our recent series of MyGolfSpy Labs, you’ve seen us test shaft flex, weight, and torque independently. How were we able to isolate each characteristic? By using UST Mamiya’s line of Proforce VTS shafts. The VTS line is unique in that it allows the golfer to pick the weight, flex, and torque that they want. Heavy, stiff, and high torque? No problem. Light, soft, and low torque? Just as easy.

Now all of those choices are great, but if the shafts don’t perform it doesn’t mean squat. So now it’s time to take off the lab coats and see how the Proforce VTS stacks up in our Ultimate Shaft Review.

“PROFORCE VTS is turning traditional shaft fitting upside down. By not isolating shaft performance to swing speed or physical strength alone, PROFORCE VTS shafts fine tune how weight, flex and torque work in concert to create distance, control and feel”. – UST-Mamiya

Notes, Feel, Price, and Miscellaneous

The Proforce VTS line uses color codes to indicate torque values: red for high, silver for medium, and black for low. You can get the VTS in weights of 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 grams. The flexes available are A-flex (senior), regular, stiff, SX (strong), X-flex, and Tour X. For this review, we tested the Proforce VTS in red, silver, and black in stiff and X-flex at 65 grams.

I will admit that I came into this test with a bit of a bias against the Proforce name: I never liked the feel of the old Proforce V2, and it was ugly. The UST addressed both my concerns with the VTS.

The feel of the VTS is very dependent on the color/torque that you pick. The red feels smoother and torque-y, even in the X-flex. The black feels very tight and controlled in stiff or X, and the silver is somewhere in between. Overall, the VTS is a middle-of-the-road, mid-kick type of shaft when it comes to feel.

As far as looks, I think the VTS is a legitimate head turner. Candy red on the butt end transitions to a bright, glossy white in the middle and tip of the shaft. The VTS logo is colored according to the torque value; I think the black is far and away the sharpest looking, which is a bonus since it’s the best fit for my swing.

UST Proforce VTS shafts can be purchased for $150.

Performance

Testing was done at Golf Nation in Palatine, IL, one of the best indoor golf facilities in the country.

DATA

ANALYSIS

As expected, my best results were achieved with the low torque, VTS Black. I have an extreme hatred of hooks, so shafts with higher torque tend to lead me to steer the ball rather than swing. The results of that are bigger misses right and left, which you see with the VTS Red. For other players, that higher torque feel is great. As always: it’s all about the fit.

The spin numbers are also a bit higher than normal. That can be “blamed” on some changes in my swing more than the shafts. The one thing that is worth noting is that, for me, the VTS Black allowed me to aggressively release the club which led to a square/closed-to-path clubface and lower spin.

Conclusion

With more combinations of weight, flex, and torque than any other shaft line on the planet, it would be virtually impossible not to find a Proforce VTS shaft that fits your swing. There is not another shaft line that will allow you and your fitter to find each individual characteristic that you like in a shaft. Huge kudos to UST Mamiya for creating a line of shafts around the idea of how to best fit the golfer rather than how to best serve the company’s bottom line.

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By: Matt Saternus

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a high-end graphite shaft company has created a graphite iron shaft that they claim is better than steel.

Though in 2013 this is not a new story (see also: UST Recoil, Nunchuk xi), it’s a lot like companies claiming that their new driver is 10 yards longer: part of us knows that it isn’t true, but part of us (the bigger part, if you’re an equipment nerd) has to test it. With the equipment nerd at the controls, I set out to test whether or not the Fujikura MCI iron shaft really has what it takes to make steel a thing of the past.

Specs, Price, and Manufacturer Notes

The most unique thing about the Fujikura MCI is that it isn’t a purely graphite shaft: it’s actually a hybrid of steel and graphite. Fujikura claims that this gives them the ability to harness the best qualities of each material to make an unparalleled product.

Fujikura is offering the MCI in weights of 60, 80, 100, and 120 grams. The 60 and 80 are available in regular and stiff flex, the 100 and 120 in stiff and X-flex. All shafts are .370 tip only.

Consumers can expect to see the MCI in the same price range as the UST Recoil, around $100/shaft. For specific pricing information, contact your local Fujikura Charter Dealer.

Looks, Feel, and Miscellaneous

Much like the other high end graphite iron shafts, Fujikura’s MCI plays it safe on looks: a flat silver finish with very minimal branding of graphics. While some might think it’s overly safe, it makes sense: you’ve got a better chance of getting “serious” players to switch from steel if they don’t have to deal with crazy graphics and the stigma of playing graphite iron shafts.

Having now tested all of the major graphite iron shaft releases, I can safely say the following about feel: the Fujikura MCI is the best feeling iron shaft I’ve ever hit. When you pick it up, it feels head-heavy which will be very comfortable for any Dynamic Gold player. During the swing, it’s stable and solid, but there’s enough feel to let you know the shaft is working. In that regard, it’s much like another Fujikura product, the Fuel. At impact, the graphite cleans up the feedback just like you would expect: mishits aren’t bone-rattling, centered hits feel sweet and almost non-existent.

Performance

For the Performance testing, I put the Fujikura MCI up against a variety of iron shafts: Dynamic Gold, Project X PXi, and KBS Tour. The Fujikura MCI shafts were gripped with PURE Grips.

Testing for this review was done with the help of our friends at Club Champion.

DATA (click to enlarge)

ANALYSIS

Again, stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the new graphite iron shafts can absolutely hang with the big dogs. Whether you’re looking at ball speed, dispersion, launch, or spin, the Fujikura MCI is right there with all the steel shafts you see on tour every week.

The one caveat I always have about iron shaft reviews is that it’s somewhat unfair to put something I’ve never used before up against the shaft I’ve been playing for years. I would attribute the slight dispersion advantage that Dynamic Gold enjoys to my comfort with it more than anything else.

Conclusion

The Fujikura MCI is a really really good iron shaft with some very interesting new technology. On performance, it holds its own against the longtime kings of the industry, and it beats them all on feel. The obvious hang up will be price, but that’s the case with all of this year’s new graphite iron shafts. I do think that as graphite becomes more accepted and more prevalent, shafts like this will start to be more accessible to the masses.

More information is available directly from Fujikura:

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