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July 2012 Editors Choice- Best Premium Shafts

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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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GolfWRX is the world's largest and best online golf community. Expert editorial reviews, breaking golf tour and industry news, what to play, how to play and where to play. GolfWRX surrounds consumers throughout the buying, learning and enrichment process from original photographic and video content, to peer to peer advice and camaraderie, to technical how-tos, and more. As the largest online golf community we continue to protect the purity of our members opinions and the platform to voice them. We want to protect the interests of golfers by providing an unbiased platform to feel proud to contribute to for years to come. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX and on Facebook.

17 Comments

17 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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….

  4. Mrmojo

    Aug 24, 2012 at 1:53 am

    What about the Epic shaft? Aren’t they supposed to be very good?

  5. 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…..

  6. 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,,

  7. 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.

  8. Pingback: GolfWRX.com – June 2012 Editors Choice- Best Premium Shafts | Golf Products Reviews

  9. Pingback: GolfWRX.com – May 2012 Editors Choice- Best Premium Shafts | Golf Products Reviews

  10. tapinbirdie

    May 3, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Tour AD DI? Where is Tour AD BB? Tour AD DI was junk.

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. brentonbowen

    Apr 2, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    Has anyone tried the Harrison Striper or Eclipse?

  15. 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.

  16. 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?

  17. 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!

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Whats in the Bag

Kevin Tway WITB 2024 (May)

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Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 TX

Irons: Wilson Staff Utility (2), Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Mitsubishi MMT 100 TX (2), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F @51, 56-14F), SM7 (60-10S)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48-56), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60)

Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: Scotty Cameron Black Baby T

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4

More photos of Kevin Tway’s WITB in the forums.

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Did Rory McIlroy inspire Shane Lowry’s putter switch?

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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.

The timing of Lowry’s putter changeup was curious: Was he just using a Spider putter because he was paired with McIlroy, who’s been using a Spider Tour X head throughout 2024? Was Lowry just being festive because it’s the Zurich Classic, and he wanted to match his teammate? Did McIlroy let Lowry try his putter, and he liked it so much he actually switched into it?

Well, as it turns out, McIlroy’s only influence was inspiring Lowry to make more putts.

When asked if McIlroy had an influence on the putter switch, Lowry had this to say: “No, it’s actually a different putter than what he uses. Maybe there was more pressure there because I needed to hole some more putts if we wanted to win,” he said with a laugh.

To Lowry’s point, McIlroy plays the Tour X model, whereas Lowry switched into the Tour Z model, which has a sleeker shape in comparison, and the two sole weights of the club are more towards the face.

Lowry’s Spider Tour Z has a white True Path Alignment channel on the crown of his putter, which is reminiscent of Lowry’s former 2-ball designs, thus helping to provide a comfort factor despite the departure from his norm. Instead of a double-bend hosel, which Lowry used in his 2-ball putters, his new Spider Tour Z is designed with a short slant neck.

“I’ve been struggling on the greens, and I just needed something with a fresh look,” Lowry told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. “It has a different neck on it, as well, so it moves a bit differently, but it’s similar. It has a white line on the back of it [like my 2-ball], and it’s a mallet style. So it’s not too drastic of a change.

“I just picked it up on the putting green and I liked the look of it, so I was like, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”

Read the rest of the piece over at PGATour.com.

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Webb Simpson equipment Q&A: Titleist’s new 2-wood, 680 blade irons, and switching to a broomstick Jailbird

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With seven career wins on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory, Webb Simpson is a certified veteran on the course. But he’s also a certified veteran in the equipment world, too. He’s a gearhead who truly knows his stuff, and he’s even worked closely with Titleist on making his own custom 682.WS irons.

On Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, I caught up with Simpson to hear about his experience with Titleist’s new prototype 2-wood, how Titleist’s 680 Forged irons from 2003 ended up back in his bag, and why he’s switching into an Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser broomstick putter this week for the first time.

Click here to read our full story about Simpson’s putter switch on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, or continue reading below for my full Q&A with Simpson at Quail Hollow Club on Wednesday.

See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here

GolfWRX: It seems like you’ve been a little all over the place with your irons in the past six months or so, and now going back to the 680’s. Is that just a comfort thing? What’s been going on with the irons?

Webb Simpson: Titleist has been so great at working with me, and R&D, on trying to get an iron that kind of modernizes the 680. And so the 682.WS took the T100 grooves, but kinda took the look and the bulk and the build of the 680’s into one club. They’re beautiful, and awesome looking. I just never hit them that well for a consistent period of time. It was probably me, but then I went to T100’s and loved them. I loved the spin, the trajectory, the yardage, but again, I never went on good runs. Going through the ground, I couldn’t feel the club as well as with the blade. So last week, I’m like, ‘Alright. I’m gonna go back more for…comfort, and see if I can get on a nice little run of ball striking.’

So that’s why I went back.

 

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OK, that makes sense. I know you had done some 2-wood testing recently. Is that in the bag right now?

It’s like day-by-day. I used it at Hilton Head every day. Valero, I used it one round. And this week, me and my caddie will do the book every morning, and if it’s a day where we think we need it, we’ll just put it in and take the 3-wood out. I love it because it’s a super simple swap. Like, it doesn’t really change much.

Yeah, can you tell me about that club? I mean, we don’t really know anything about it yet. You know? I haven’t hit it or anything, obviously.

It has grooves like a 3-wood. Spin is perfect. And it’s honestly, like, everything is in the middle of a 3-wood and driver number. Trajectory, spin, carry, all of it. So, a Hilton Head golf course is almost too easy to talk about because, you know, there, so many holes are driver 3-wood.

Valero, our thinking was we had two par-5’s into the wind, and we knew that it would take two great shots to get there in two. So instead of hitting driver-driver, we just put it in. And I used it on those holes.

Hilton was a little easier because it was off-the-tee kind of questions. But Colonial will be a golf course where, you know, there’s a lot of driver or 3-woods. It’s kind of like a backup putter or driver for me now. I’ll bring it to every tournament.

So it’s, like, in your locker right now, probably?

Well, it would be. It’s in my house [because Webb lives near by Quail Hollow Club, and is a member at the course.] It’s in the garage.

Oh, yeah, that’s right. Do you know what holes you might use it out here if it goes in play? 

Potentially 15, depending on the wind. Second shot on 10. Could be 14 off the tee. The chances here are pretty low (that he’ll use the 2-wood). But, like, Greensboro would be an awesome club all day. I’m trying to think of any other golf courses.

There’s plenty that it’ll be a nice weapon to have.

It’s interesting, the wave of 2-woods and mini drivers. Like, it’s just really taken off on Tour, and all the companies have seemed to embrace it.

Yeah. The thing I had to learn, it took me, like, at least a week to learn about it is you gotta tee it up lower than you think. I kept teeing it up too high. You need it low, like barely higher than a 3-wood. And that was where I got optimal spin and carry. If you tee it up too high, you just don’t get as much spin and lose distance, I don’t know if that’s just a mini driver thing.

And you obviously have a Jailbird putter this week. What spurred that on?

Inconsistent putting. I’m stubborn in a lot of ways when it comes to my equipment, but I have to be open minded – I just hadn’t putted consistently well in a while. And I’m like, ‘Man, I feel my ball-striking coming along. Like I feel better; for real, better.’

If I can just get something in my hands that I’m consistent with. Being on Tour, you see it every year, guys get on little runs. I can put together four to five tournaments where I’m all the sudden back in the majors, or in the FedExCup Playoffs. You can turn things around quick out here. I’m like, ‘Man, whatever’s going to get me there, great.’

My caddie, David Cook, caddied for Akshay at the Houston Open and he putted beautifully. Then, I watched Akshay on TV at Valero, and he putted beautifully. And, I’m like, ‘I’m just going to try it.’

I’ve never tried it for more than a putt or two, and I just ordered what Akshay uses. It was pretty awkward at first, but the more I used it, the more I’m like, ‘Man, it’s pretty easy.’ And a buddy of mine who’s a rep out here, John Tyler Griffin, he helped me with some setup stuff. And he said at Hilton Head, he wasn’t putting well, then tried it, and now he makes everything. He was very confident. So I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ll try it.’”

And you’re going with it this week?

Hundred percent.

Alright, I love it. Thank you, I always love talking gear with you. Play well this week. 

Thanks, man.

See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here

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