Equipment
July 2012 Editors Choice- Best Premium Shafts
The GolfWRX Editors’ Choice Awards recognize the very best in gear. We tested, fitted and debated to develop the list in lieu of spending countless hours in the GolfWRX forums obsessing, reading, writing, buy and selling as we and up to 800,000 others do every month. See how we select the winners.
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Best Premium Golf Shafts
Graphite Design Premium Tour AD DI – Deep Impact Shaft is designed to provide more power and stability, the Tour AD DI shaft, manufactured exclusively at Graphite Design Japan, has been integrated with Toray Company’s new Nanotechnology material in the tip section of the shaft. This unique tip technology creates optimal launch and spin conditions to produce increased accuracy and distance. Tour players have been impressed by the fact that when using the Tour AD DI shaft they can increase ball speed and accuracy without giving up distance. The mid bend profile of the Tour AD DI allows the player to load the shaft properly, yet maintains a firm enough tip section through impact, producing optimal spin and launch conditions. Golfers using the shaft will experience the feel of the ball leaving the club head with a lot of speed while maintaining exceptional feel and control. Players are giving it a try in their drivers and then using it in their fairway woods as well. We designed this shaft to deliver players to the next level in shaft performance and create an impressive impact on their games and we feel we have succeeded in that mission.”
Mitsubishi Kaili – For the player who wants the smooth and stable bend profile associated with Diamana S-Series, but can benefit from a more stable tip-section that produces lower launch and spin characteristics. Diamana Kai’li incorporates MDI Technology into the original Diamana S-Series bend profile with a slightly stiffer tip and butt section. The result is a lower torque shaft that provides the same versatility as the original smooth and stable profile, while delivering slightly lower launch and spin.
OBAN DEVOTION – The Devotion Series is our most diverse offering with various shaft weights ranging from 43 grams to 84 grams. The design pattern remains consistent throughout the Devotion Series, while kick points and torques vary depending on the weight class. Materials Ultra premium, high modulus graphite equate to better feel and performance. Structural Design High quality graphite utilized throughout shaft construction creates firm butt, mid and tip sections and provides inherent stability throughout the shaft load sequence. Performance Devotion 6,7,8 – Mid Launch. Low Spin. Responsive feel. Structural integrity throughout the swing dynamics. Ideal for the player who tends to create more load in the shaft with a quicker tempo. Devotion 4, 5 – High Launch. High Spin. This shaft favors the lower swing speed player.
Fujikura Motore Speeder 6.2 Tour Spec- The design concept was to keep the same unique feel of the VC.2 Motore Speeder but increase tip strength for lower spin plus eliminate the left with high ball speeds. The S flex design will have almost the same tip stiffness as the X flex but the butt will be 7-10 CPM’s weaker to accommodate the high swing speed player who needs the tip strength but needs the handle a bit softer for smoother transitions. We expect this shaft to accommodate the better golfer that wants to keep the spin low and not loose control of their shots. Each Motore Speeder is equipped with our Proprietary Quadra Axis Composite and Triax Woven material creating a revolutionary 7-Axis Technology. This uniformity throughout the shaft assists with eliminating deformation (ovaling) yet provides the maximum amount of feel through the entire swing increasing overall performance and stability.
PROJECT X BLACK- The new Project X Black features reduced weight from the original Project X graphite for explosive power while preserving critical tip stability and low spin performance. Featuring proprietary Dual Torsional Control, Project X Black reduces spin rates at impact for optimized peak trajectory with flatter descent angles for maximum carry and roll.
UST Mamiya Proforce VTS- Proforce VTS shaft is the first shaft ever developed that emphasizes Torque in the fitting process. Historically, most players have been fit traditionally only using weight and flex. Although this has worked well in the past, Proforce VTS with 3-D fitting technology brings shaft fitting to an entirely different level. Over the past 4 years, UST Mamiya engineers spent hundreds of hours designing shafts, and testing hundreds of golfers in order to find out what aspects of shafts are the most important to performance. The results led to the development of the Proforce VTS. UST Mamiya engineers developed a matrix of shafts of different weights (57-97 grams), and flexes (A, R, S, X) that are typically found in shaft product lines. But UST Mamiya went one step further by adding torque as the third dimension in the shaft matrix. Within a given weight and flex (e.g. 67 gram S-flex), there are 3 separate torque shafts that allow you to fine tune the shaft performance to each golfers unique Swing DNA. UST Mamiya has found that through the unique 3-D fitting process, golfers can realize an increase in ball speed of 2 mph, with some golfers seeing up to 6 mph increase in ball speed. Click here to read the full review
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Best Premium “Light Weight” Golf Shafts
Miyazaki C.Kua 40-50g– The new C. Kua Series golf shafts will be some of the first shafts in the 40-50g weight category to feature a true Tour stiffness profile in an extremely lightweight offering. These lightweight shafts are offered as a “Tour Issue Superlite System” in which the shaft is paired with a superlite version of Lamkin’s top-selling Performance Plus grip. This Tour Issue Superlite System will give PGA Tour players and consumers the ability to increase their headspeed and distance through the use of lightweight technology on their existing clubhead model.
Aldila RIP Phenom 50g- The new Aldila RIP Phenom incorporates Aldila’s Tour proven RIP Technology with a unique shaft design to create a new and innovative flex profile for maximum distance and control. We call this new technology the Hyberbolic Flex Zone. It features a stiff tip section for optimal launch and spin control with a very firm butt section for an incredible stable feel, while the center section of the shaft is softer to provide unmatched kick through impact for maximum ball speed.
Mitsubishi Rayon Bassara W Series- Mitsubishi has released their all new W Series Bassara shaft. The W stands for Wyvern, a legendary reptile like creature with a dragon’s head. The Wyvern was often symbolized as a crest of power and athleticism back in Medieval times. The new W series is designed to be a premium distance shaft. With a slightly more active tip than other Bassara models, the W squares quickly at impact and creates increased ball speeds thanks to elastic titanium fibers in the tip which also increase stability. While the tip is more active, the mid section is purposely stiffer to keep ball flight under control and added direction. The Butt of the W Series is softer which provides more feel and allows players to easily load the shaft for maximum energy transfer.
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Equipment
Spotted: Project X Denali hybrid shaft
Project X’s Denali wood shafts have been seen in more and more golf bags this year as we start off the season. As a refresher, Denali Blue is the mid-launch and mid-spin model while Denali Black is for players seeking lower launch and spin.
Denali combines great feel with stability and increased ball speed. Currently, Project X only offers Denali Blue and Black in wood shafts, but we spotted a hybrid shaft in Daniel Berger’s bag at the 2024 Zurich Classic.
The shaft looks to be a Denali Blue 105G – HY in TX flex. No word on details from Project X yet but we can assume that this is a mid-launching shaft that weighs around 105 grams in Tour X-Stiff flex.
Berger has this shaft in his TaylorMade P770 3-iron, likely for some added launch and spin to hold the green from longer distances.
Hopefully, this means we will see some more shafts coming under the Denali name in the future, as I think many of us would like to try one in a hybrid or utility iron!
- Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic
- Check out in-hand photos of Daniel Berger’s full WITB here.
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Whats in the Bag
Daniel Berger WITB 2024 (April)
- Daniel Berger what’s in the bag accurate as of the Farmers Insurance Open. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
6-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (3), TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC 2011 (4-PW)
Shafts: Project X Denali Blue 105 TX (3), Project X 6.5 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (56-14F), Callaway Jaws Raw (60-08C)
Shafts: Project X 6.5 (50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (56, 60)
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Mini DB
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy PistolLock 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Wrap
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Check out more in-hand photos of Daniel Berger’s clubs in the forums.
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Equipment
Heavy Artillery: A look at drivers in play at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
What are the driver and shaft combinations of the best golfers in the world? For gearheads, it’s an endlessly interesting question — even if we can only ever aspire to play LS heads and 7 TX shafts.
At this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, GolfWRX got in-hand looks at the driver setups of a wealth of players.
Check out some of the most interesting combos below, then head to the GolfWRX forums for the rest, as well as the rest of our galleries from New Orleans.
Rory McIlroy
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @8.25)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Alex Fitzpatrick
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Daniel Berger
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees @9)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Wrap
Rasmus Hojgaard
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 60 TX
Grip: Golf Pride MCC
Alejandro Tosti
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
Grip: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
James Nicholas
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (8 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Kevin Streelman
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Sang-moon Bae
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9+ @8)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Russ Cochran
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke (9 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD TP 6 X
Grip: Golf pride MCC Align
MJ Daffue
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (10.5 degrees @9.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX 65 TX
Grip: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord Align
Check our more photos from the Zurich Classic here.
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Rimrock
Jan 17, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Having been in manufacturing all my life I can appreciate Leftright using the word tolerance. What are the tolerances for shafts? Who knows? When shafts come off the production line and they are within the +- tolerance they are shipped.
When reviewing the shaft one begins to wonder about the head of the club the shaft was put in. How can you not mention that in relation to performance of the shaft? Ho about Loft, Lie, Ball, weather conditions On and on.
Leftright
Sep 11, 2012 at 3:17 pm
There has got to be a better way. The bad thing about graphite is that it is “still” not as consistent as steel and it varies from shaft to shaft. I think the premium makers have the tolerances a bit closer so we pay 3-400 dollars for that piece of mind. I can’t believe you can say I have a 100mph swing and hit the driver medium high with a 9.5 driver with a fubuki 63 tour S and some one can’t tell you which shaft might work for you. They can’t because the tolerances suck. The golf manufacturers and shaft companies have quite a racket going.
MatrixEquipped
Aug 25, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Where are the BlackTies?!?! Love 7M3….thought that would make the list…but no matrix at all….
Mrmojo
Aug 24, 2012 at 1:53 am
What about the Epic shaft? Aren’t they supposed to be very good?
Gwalt5
Jun 21, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Are you guys kidding me Graphite Design’s AD DI is one of the best shafts on the market. Obviously, if a golf forum is going to do a shaft comparison they want to involve shafts that you see professionals using along with the shafts people THINK they can hit well. I thought the information provided was accurate and yes there are some great shafts missing from the conversation but cuts must be made…..
Kyleyoung
Jun 17, 2012 at 6:10 pm
What about the Fubuki k serious shaft. I use the 60x in an r11s .. And it is a rocket. I get a low launch and low spin with great feel,,
GolfWRX
Jun 6, 2012 at 8:27 am
No junk there. Maybe for you but not for many. The BB is close to it. Higher launch and 200 to 300 less RPM in spin.
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tapinbirdie
May 3, 2012 at 5:36 pm
Tour AD DI? Where is Tour AD BB? Tour AD DI was junk.
jabroni23
Apr 10, 2012 at 5:29 am
I’m very surprised that the Attas T2 isn’t mentioned here. I’ve been gaming an AD DI 7x for the last year and tried out the Attas T2 7x. The AD DI is now in the garage. I gained distance, but also gained accuracy. The T2 is worlds straighter than the AD DI. And talk about feel, the T2 is smoother than anything I’ve every played.
ThatGolfer
Apr 4, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Harrison Saga, wonderful shaft hard to beat it and about as in expensive as your going to find and stills competes with these top shafts
TomMiller
Apr 2, 2012 at 9:15 pm
I don’t know how you determine the best shaft. Shafts often match a specific swing profile. I tried several of the shafts above, and they sucked for me. The Fujikura F3 fit me best and I easily was seeing 20 more yards then the other shafts. That doesn’t mean the other shafts are bad shafts, they just don’t fit my swing profile.
brentonbowen
Apr 2, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Has anyone tried the Harrison Striper or Eclipse?
KGWGOLF
Mar 31, 2012 at 9:35 pm
I have a Matrix TP7HD and an Oban Devotion in drivers and the Devotion is a great shaft but it’s no where near as stable as the TPHD7.
Very Interesting no Matrix shafts on here.
Solidstrike
Mar 29, 2012 at 10:28 am
It’s interesting that none of the Matrix shafts are on this list. Is Matrix losing its edge in the premium golf shaft market?
MR.MOURINHO
Mar 27, 2012 at 9:26 am
Miyazaki C.Kua 43g shaft – GREAT SHAFT!
I went into American Golf pro shop here in Dublin and tried out 7 top premium fairway woods in regular shafts behind the ball flight launch monitor.
I then was handed the Cleveland FL 19 degree 5 wood with the Miyazaki C.Kua 43g shaft and being a poor fairway wood player, I could believe how this Miyazaki C.Kua 43g shaft gave impressive me. Ball spin was about 3,100 (slightly above the required 2,800), launch angle was 15 degrees (exact required), carry distance was 205 yards with 7 yards roll. Average total distance was 212 yards, giving me an additional 15 yards over my old fairway 19 degree 5 wood.
Off the turf, rough and the tee on the golf course, I couldn’t have been happier. Although the club felt light, the shots were very straight, long and there was no ‘ballooning’ of shots even in headwinds.
I immediately bought the 15 degrees 3 wood with the same shaft to complement the 5 wood. I now have fairway woods which I can actually hit!