1226 replies to this topic

[TollBros]

READ THE FIRST SEVEN POSTS. DATA IS LISTED AS ONE PLAYER PER POST.

I received so many PM's upset that a troll ruined the first thread that I couldn't deny you guys this info. Let's try to keep it troll free and if you see that trend starting please ignore him and report the troll to mods so they can practice a little pest control. Thanks and enjoy. Let's have fun.

Here is the first installment of the shaft comparison. It will again,  include 6 of my coworkers who came in on their own time, and stayed late with me many nights for no pay, just to put together this data block for the WRX community.

Instead of each and every shot, like the head test, we will simply be giving you the overall 20 shot averages with each shaft. Every player used the same Taylormade M2 head, identical loft, identical face angle, identical length, and each club was adjusted for swingweight with the change of each shaft. All shafts have the same tipping, same length, same logo orientation, and the same grip.  The only variable is that the left handers obviously used a LH M2 head of the same loft.

The group will vary in swing speed from 125 to 100 mph as averages, so just about every swing speed you would expect from a good player will be represented. I will also post player blurbs with the type of swing they have, way they load the shaft, and of course, their opinions on many of the models. The data represents solid strikes only, and mishits are omitted.

Here is just my sample. I will be adding more and more data and information over the next week, starting this evening. We can't test everything, but tried to get the hottest shafts in the current market and on Tour.

Shafts tested:
Mitsubishi Tensei Pro White
Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Blue
Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Orange
Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Orange V2 Proto
Mitsubishi Kuro Kàge Dual Core XT
True Temper Hzrdus black
True Temper Hzrdus yellow
True Temper Hzrdus T1100
Fujikura Atmos black
Fujikura Atmos blue
Aldila SYNERGY blue
Aldila Black Mamba
Aldila Green Mamba

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This swing profile is something we do for clients when submitting test results, so they understand not only the numbers, but what type of player these numbers are provided by. Often times things like tempo, release, arc, etc, can be invaluable in determining what type of player might like or dislike a product. For reviews we do here, this will allow you guys to see which type of player you relate to and which might have a swing most like yours. This is incredibly valuable in shaft reviews.

Swing Type: (JT, 125mph)
Smooth tempo player with big shoulder turn and high hands. Full wrist set at the top of the swing, stopping just short of parallel ground to shaft relation. Pro style downswing begins with bump of left hip and additional down cocking of wrists, followed by extreme wrist hinge (lag) and a very late release. Swing comes 3-4 degrees in to out. AOA of 5-6 degrees up. Typical shot pattern is a slight push fade. Tempo most similar to PGA Tour player Gary Woodland.

Personal Driver: Taylormade 2017 M1 440 Tour Issue, 8.5 loft, Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Orange 70tx

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Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

In my opinion the PB is the best feeling of all the shafts in the test. It is very stable in the handle, loads beautifully and really has a feeling of power through the impact zone. If the test was based on feel alone, this would be my choice. Performance wise the ball flight is higher than I'm accustomed to both in launch and spin, meaning the fit is not ideal and performance suffers as a result. I'd say this shaft is best for the player who is not particularly high spin but wants a stable feeling shaft with some life to it. A flat swinging, early loader, or lower speed player should certainly give this one a look. I'd attest to it being better suited to a fairway shaft for the stronger player. I find that it turns over easier than I would like and the overall ball flight is just too high and spinning. I do love the visible Kevlar with the simple band look of these Tensei Pro shafts. Very classy.

Tensei Pro White -

For a lower launch and low spin shaft, this shaft feels great. You can feel the flex in the handle somewhat upon loading but the lower section is very tight and stable. It almost feels like a Dynamic Gold in a driver shaft. The way you can feel the load in the hands has a similar feeling. I seem to always hit this shaft well, but don't love the feeling of it for me personally. Being a player who likes a stiffer butt section, it is somewhat contradictory to the type of profile I choose based on feel. That said, there is absolutely no denying the performance of the product. Very low spin, tight dispersion, and the ability to take stepping on the gas. I do feel like I hold it off a bit and tend to miss a bit right with it when I step on it, because I can feel the load in my hands, which would normally signify a shaft that is going to hook. Performance is awesome, feel isn't ideal to me.

Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

I can't recall ever having better ball speeds on the smoothest of swings than I do with V2. It's the more than smooth swings where the issues come in. If I take a nice deliberate 85-90% pass, the shaft is wonderful. Feeling is explosive and the load is very unique in that you can feel the whole shaft load as one unit and release almost like the feeling of a well struck Project X mid iron. Those of you who have hit such a shot know exactly what I'm talking about. If there is a better feeling golf shaft for the smooth swinger, I haven't hit it. When I try to step on it, spin increases, dispersion suffers, and unfortunately I know it's not for me. I can see the smooth tempo player bagging this thing and never looking at another shaft. The aggressive player will struggle to control it.

Tensei Pro Orange -

This shaft is, for me, the best combination of feel and performance there is today. The very stable feeling in the butt section even though the graph says it flexes like white, along with a small bit of counter balance really make this thing feel like I am unhinging around a fulcrum. Not sure how they accomplish butt stability with flex other than material tech. It has a tremendously powerful feel to it without ever getting boardy feeling. The tip is also extremely stiff but never feels brittle in any way. The more I stand on this thing the more it goes where I want it. I can cut it at will and even turn the draw over without fear of the hook, which is a miss I don't ever want to see. The launch and spin are near ideal for me and it will stand up to whatever you want to give it. I will say, when I got lazy with it, I would hit a tiny push, but nothing overwealming. I can see myself in a battle over this and the driver in my current set up. Count me massively impressed.

Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

Let me state that I play this shaft, so I am very familiar with it and trust it completely. Obviously this makes for a bit of bias and certainly a comfort zone with it. I think that shows in the overall performance. I can sum this shaft up quickly by saying, if you want to swing smoothly, it feels like a softer shaft that allows you to do that without worry of it being too tight. If you want to swing aggressively, it feels as if it tightens and stiffens up proportionately to the amount of effort you put into the swing. I've never felt a shaft that does this or allows this. It's got to be something in the dual core tini fibers. I don't really understand how it happens, but when you have some time with this shaft you realize how far shaft technology has come. Amazing shaft, A+ on all levels. I like the reflective graphics of the previous XT and XM versions. This one is a little graphically simple, but honestly, the performance is so good, who really would complain.

Hzrdus T1100 -

I will say, as being a guy who played Project X for a long time, I had really hoped this would be the driver version. I had extremely high hopes for this shaft and I have to say it really fell flat for me. It is very low spin for certain, among the lowest spin of the test, but it's also very low launch. I guess if you launch the ball at 18 degrees, this might be your end all be all, but for the average player, it's too low. The worst thing about it, and remember this is MY opinion, is the feel. It feels brittle and overly stiff. Compared to the Kuro Kage DCXT or even the other Hzrdus shafts, this shaft feels terribly rigid. When I stepped on it, it performed with low piercing low spin bullets, but anything less and it was a push. I can see Charles Howell loving this shaft. It's exactly for his ball flight and tempo. For me, it was a big let down. I even tried 3 different shafts all tipped differently and I still feel the same.

Hzrdus Black -

For a shaft with such a low balance point, it really is a great feeling product. Numbers for me were very good with this, but due to the balance point I just feel like I am losing a little head speed with it. It's not something I was totally comfortable with, but overall it performed and felt pretty darn good. Dispersion was excellent as well. I do like the business look of the all black too. Very simple and non distracting which is something I like. For a guy that needs low spin and likes a very low balance point, this is certainly one to look at. One of the better feeling of the TT products for sure.

Hzrdus Yellow -

First off, I love the feel of this shaft. Compared to the T1100 you almost can't include these two shafts in the same family. Yellow profile is tremendously smooth and you can really feel the shaft work for you. Even though the spin rates are high and I knew it wasn't a keeper, I wanted to keep hitting this shaft just based on feel. Like the Tensei Blue, this is a profile for a slower swinging player or a guy who really doesn't generate a ton of spin. I can see it being a tremendous fairway shaft. My only real gripe is, man is this thing ugly. The tour only black with the yellow graphics was classy and business, but the screaming bright yellow might keep me from playing this thing based on looks alone, but man if feels so good. Great balance point, smooth loading, just a bit too high spin for me personally. Change the color, tighten up the tip, and I'd love to give it another roll.

Black Mamba -

Definitely a cool name. I liked it just hearing the name I will admit. The performance of this shaft was very good and the feel is not too bad either. It's kind of different feeling shaft in that it feels stiff when swung too smoothly but totally smooth and controlled with just the slightest bit of tempo or ramp up. It loads nicely, feels stable and performance is excellent. Nothing about it particularly stood out other than consistent repeated excellent performance. I hit it 22 times, 20 of which we recorded as keepers, handed it back and said, "that's a damn good golf shaft". This is one I would like to spend a bit more time with and see how it performs on the course. For the sake of fun facts, when we went long drive on these after the test, I hit my second longest drive of the fun session with this shaft. I'll definitely be giving it more time.

Green Mamba -

I don't know a lot about this shaft other than hitting it, but I'd say it's in the Tensei Pro Blue, Hzrdus Yellow type. Maybe a nice fairway compliment to the guy who plays Black Mamba in the driver. Smooth feeling, high launching, somewhat high spinning. Again, just like I said with the previously mentioned TPB and HY, not for me, but a great feeling shaft and something for a fairway wood or a guy who just doesn't generate a lot of driver spin.

SYNERGY -

A very early proto of some yet unknown tech, but I though it would be fun to throw into the mix anyway. VERY smooth feeling shaft. As soon as I swung it I thought, this feels a lot like V2 orange. I definitely needed to make a smooth pass on it, but man the ball jumps with this thing. It's a bit loose in profile for me to get aggressive with, but I can safely say Aldila is on to something for this one. It will be interesting to see how the profile evolves and if it stays for the smooth swinger or if other iterations pop up that let's us have a good rip.

Atmos Black -

A typical Fujikura shaft, and I say that in the best way. You know what you are getting with Fujikura, which is technology Tour proven over 20+ years, a generally smooth but controlled feel, quality dispersion and something you could put in your bag without worrying that there is something a TON better. I really like this shaft, and I really like the feel of it. Neutral balanced feel and the ability to stand on it if you need to. I like it, a lot. I just don't love it. It's a shade higher spin than some of the shafts in the same launch category, but if you are a Fujikura guy and love the Fujikura feel, this might be the one. More for the power guy than the smooth swinger.

Atmos Blue -

Man this shaft feels good. Unfortunately it is too high spin for me by a wide margin. I suppose all the profiles that really feel smooth and wonderful are always too high spin. Kind of like how everything that tastes good is always unhealthy. I could reiterate the same thing over and over, but you've already read it. Smoother swingers shaft. Spins a lot. End of story.

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[TollBros]

Aaron H.

Swing Type: (Aaron H., 118mph)

Player is a former D1 College player. Very Justin Thomas like swing. Big turn with restricted hips, long arc with club to almost exactly parallel at the top. Power acceleration through the shot with high finish and complete release of the hands. Hits high draw and very up on the ball.

Personal Driver: Taylormade M1 460 Tour Issue, 8.5 degree, 2017 model, Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Orange 70tx.

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Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

Great feeling shaft. Very smooth and makes you feel like you don't have to muscle it at all. Easy to draw, spins a lot when hitting a cut. I play this shaft in the 90 gram version in my 3 wood and I love it. It hits high long rockets that just stay in the air forever. In a driver it's average. In a 3 wood it's a weapon.


Tensei Pro White -

Not a fan of the feeling of a soft butt section. It feels too much like a Dynamic Gold which I hate. Good performance overall but I just never felt like I could control the ball with it. The numbers are a bit misleading on this one as I just couldn't consistently hit the ball where or how I wanted to. I know a lot of Tour guys love it. It just doesn't suit what I like in terms of feel.


Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

I don't like the feel of V2 at all. It's very soft feeling overall to me and I spray it all over the course unless I want to hit a big high wide draw. It's for a guy who swings really smooth or much slower. I can see a guy like Els playing it maybe. For the slower guys or really smooth guys, they hit high, low spin lasers. For me, I can't control it.


Tensei Pro Orange -

I play this shaft in my on course driver so I'm biased as to how good it is. I have the prototype version which was known as V3, and we now call Pro Orange. I haven't looked at another shaft seriously since I started playing it. It is stable but not harsh and I can work the ball both ways easily with it. It doesn't get wild when I want to lean in to one and it doesn't leak when I want to hit a control shot. I know they call it counter balanced but I call it PERFECTLY balanced and don't find it to feel butt weighted at all. It's the best of the bunch.


Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

I actually really like this shaft. It's a little bit heavier in the tip than what I normally really like but it feels great and you cannot overpower it. The really aggressive power guys seem to gravitate toward this shaft and swear by it, and truthfully I'd play it if Pro Orange wasn't available. There probably isn't a more stable feeling golf shaft in existence and it's really really good in a 3 wood also. I thought it would hit too low in the fairway wood, but pair this thing with a HL 3+ wood and go attack par 5's.


Hzrdus T1100 -

I know a lot of guys don't like the feel of this shaft, but it's not terrible, just a firmer and tighter than the Mitsubishi stuff. If the Mitsu shafts weren't so off the chain, I don't think this would be a bad option. It is extremely low spin, but pretty low launch as well. If I was going to play it, I'd loft up a degree. I think a Tiger Woods in his prime would have loved this shaft being stiff and tight. I will say, you can unload on the t1100 and it will take it. It just isn't the best feeling option, but low launch and low spin is exactly what it is.


Hzrdus Black -

This thing has really low balance point, which isn't my favorite. Now beyond that once you get used to that, it sort of feels like the club is swinging itself and while very controllable, it feels like I can't generate the speed I want to with it. I can see this being an excellent fairway shaft and I know a lot of guys are using the hybrid version in driving irons, which I've hit and is a really solid set up. I don't dislike it at all, and it is very accurate and easy to control.


Hzrdus Yellow -

Loose is the first word that comes to mind. It's like a Tensei Blue but softer feeling and really high spin. I've got to say that very few guys with a late release or a high swing speed are going to like this in a driver. It's even too high spin for a 3 wood in my opinion. It feels loose and unstable in the tip section to me, and isn't something I could see using in any application.


Black Mamba -

Similar to the T1100 in feel with a hint more life to it, but it is fairly firm. You've got to make a good committed swing on this shaft or it feels tight. It is low spin, and the ball speed feels hot coming off the face. Different feeling shaft, but the performance is there and I could see this being popular on Tour.


Green Mamba -

If you painted this shaft and the Atmos Blue I doubt I could tell the difference. It's like they are almost clones of the same exact shaft. It's kind of mid launch mid spin, but doesn't feel loose at all. It's something a really low spin guy or someone with a fairway wood application might like. Much better for the masses than a Tour application for me.


SYNERGY -

Really lively shaft without being super loose. It's kind of like the Tensei Blue, Atmos Blue type shaft but with some real snap to it. You think it's going to be high spin when you swing it, but it isn't. Like all of us, we don't really know anything about this shaft, other than it just hit tour, but it's pretty high launch and fairly low spin. Maybe a little tighter tip or a true TX flex and it would have a chance. Interested to see the evolution of this one.


Atmos Black -

I like this shaft. It's almost like a hopped up 757. It feels good and like the ball flight, but it just lacks pop. I don't know how else to explain it other than it doesn't have the lively pop at the ball that makes you feel like you really squared one up. I've always really liked Fujikura products and had high hopes for it. I don't want to say it falls flat. It's just not eye opening if that makes sense. Solid product and very consistent. Nice tight dispersion.


Atmos Blue -

I kind of already said it, but it feels and performs like a twin of the Green Mamba. Nice product for a fairway or a really low spin or lower speed guy in the driver. I'm sure some of our more pedestrian guys will like this one a lot.


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Swing Type: (Rickey Z., 112mph)

Very quick tempo player along the lines of a Nick Price or Andrew Loupe. Loads the shaft like a much harder swinging player and stops just short of parallel. Swing is somewhat flat and relatively low spin. Former hockey player who has extremely strong wrists and forearms and hits the ball with the type of solidity that is normally reserved for a range full of professionals. Swing is flat, slightly positive AOA, swinging inside out. Typical shot is a straight ball to small draw.

Personal Driver: Taylormade 2017 M1 460 Tour Issue, 9.5 loft with Aldila Black Mamba 70tx

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Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

This shaft feels good to me in the butt section because I have a very quick tempo and and a late release. The ball flight isn't as great. It floats on me and you can tell with the eye test that it spins too much. Far too much tip flex for a driver with my tempo and release.

Tensei Pro White -

I hit this shaft all over the lot. The soft butt section isn't good for my tempo and I don't care for the way it feels in under my hands. It's just too loose feeling in the top of the shaft and too stiff in the lower section. It gives a weird sensation and I can't time the release. It's shocking that Jason Day plays this shaft with as violent as his transition is.


Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

This has to be the oddest feeling shaft that I've hit. It is controlled, but controlled in a loose way. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but it feels like the shaft is loading in a stable way, but the whole thing feels like it wobbles on me on the transition. I just don't like the way it feels at all. Half of me wants to hold it off and half of me wants to flip it. Definitely the wrong fit for my swing.


Tensei Pro Orange -

I know Mitsubishi says this shaft is softer in the butt section than white but I don't buy it. There is no way that can be the case, and certainly isn't the case with the way the shaft feels. This one is a lot better than the prototype v2 version, and I really like the feel of the shaft but with counterbalanced shafts, I can sometimes loose the head a bit. I supposed I could play this shaft with some tweaking, and overall it is very good, but the feel isn't exactly what I'm looking for. Great strikes are monster long, that's for sure.


Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

I play this shaft and after hitting the rest of the Mitsubishi line, I know why. I'm just not a Tensei Pro guy. I like the firmer feeling and more controlled feeling of the dual core xt. This shaft tolerates my tempo and never gets wild on me. The neutral balance feels perfect throughout the swing and I feel like I can let it rip without worrying about the high rights or the snap hooks. The best of the Mitsubishi shafts in my opinion.


Hzrdus T1100 -

This is one damn stable golf shaft. I guess they say it's supposed to be counter weighted but if it is, it's not much. I hit nothing but long controlled knuckleball fades with this shaft. If I played in Texas wind, this would be the shaft I would game. Some of the guys complained that it's too stiff feeling but it just makes me want to attack it harder. This is a very good golf shaft. I just wish it didn't hit so darn low, but like I said, different weather patterns and I might game it. Strong shaft for the quick and handsy player.


Hzrdus Black -

I like this one too. It isn't quite as stable as the T1100 but it's not far off. It just feels heavy to me, based on the weight it's supposed to be. Maybe it's the balance point or something but I felt like the club was swinging itself at times. Almost like a weighted club. The feel isn't wonderful, but it won't get wild on you when you attack it. Another power player's shaft, and a pretty good one.


Hzrdus Yellow -

The best way I can describe this shaft is that it feels fast. I feel like I can really get some head speed going with this one. Now for the gripes. It's loose feeling and very high spin. I wish they made this shaft with a stiff tip. It might not be too bad. As it is, I can't play it and just overpower it consistently.


Black Mamba -

Wow is all I can say. This shaft is the bees knees. The balance is similar to my dc xt and it will stand up to the gas pedal being mashed. I hit nothing but dead straight low spin rockets with this shaft and I really felt like I could rip it. The ball speeds are great and so is spin and trajectory. I may switch it over to this shaft if it wins the head to head against the dc xt. This shaft rocks.


Green Mamba -

I don't like it all. No reason to bash the shaft but I just don't care for it. I hit it  high and everywhere. No good for my tempo.


SYNERGY -

Another shaft that feels fast, but I feel like I can't really center it up consistently. It feels just a bit off on the strike and I don't get that home run feeling off this shaft. It must be the way it unloads for me. I watched some of the other guys hit the daylights out of this thing, but it just isn't really up my alley.


Atmos Black -

I really like the Black version. Really stable and really tight dispersion. If I absolutely had to hit a fairway or be dropped into a pit of sharks, this might be the shaft I would pick. It's not hugely long hitting, but by God did I hit it on a rope. I could literally aim at the same tree off the end of the range over and over and just watch the ball track the line. I don't know if this is a Speeder or not, but whatever it is sure likes to go like you shot an arrow from a long bow down the fairway.


Atmos Blue -

Better than the other shafts of the same type profile in this test. I don't hit this softer tip shaft as long as other profiles but just like the Black, my dispersion pattern was outstanding. There's really nothing bad to say about this guy except that it just isn't the best suited for me, but these new Fujikura shafts are really stable and accurate.

Edited by TollBros, 03 July 2017 - 09:59 PM.

[TollBros]

Swing Type: (Emillio V., 110mph)

Tall thin player with a long arc and a beautiful smooth tempo. The type of golf swing every player wishes their swing looked like. Tempo is similar to an Ernie Els/Vijay Singh. Very positive AOA and a very low spin player. Load on the shaft is smooth and progressive and release is just as smooth and gradual. Typical shot pattern is a very soft high fade.

Personal Driver: Callaway Epic Sub Zero 9 degree with Aldila Black Mamba 70tx.

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Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

Beautiful smoothness to the golf shaft. Responds well to a smooth and steady tempo. Easy to release and accelerate through the ball evenly without the felling of needing to hit through with violence. Spins maybe a little less than your normal medium spin, smooth feel. Very nice.


Tensei Pro White -

The white is very low spin, too low for what I like at that launch angle, but also a very smooth shaft from the feeling in the hands. It does not feel like you need to power through the ball to get good results. Surprised me with such a nice loading feel even though it is very low spin.


Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

Very smooth shaft, feels made for the long smooth swing. Hooks if you get too aggressive, but with a smooth acceleration it is perfect. Launch is high but spin is still mid-low, which is a nice controllable combination. This is a shaft that makes you want to hit balls on the range all day. So connected feeling.


Tensei Pro Orange -

Shaft maybe requires a little bit more aggression into the ball than the V2 model, but the feel is not a ton different. More tightness overall is good to describe, but not so much that it affects the smooth tempo. Nice and high on the launch with very low spin gives great distance not only in the air, but with rollout as well. Very very good feel and ball flight. High launch with low spin is said to be impossible by some who do not do this for a living or hit shafts from this decade. Not true with this one.


Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

Too low spin for the launch for me. I don't spin the ball a lot so it doesn't stay in the air. Also the feel is a little tight and I like the 60 gram for me much better. It is not unplayable, but you cannot get lazy and I will often be smoother than aggressive which can leave the ball right on me. It is a shaft for a higher spin or player who is more attacking through the impact zone.


Hzrdus T1100 -

So stiff feeling and so low spin. I would not play this product because of my tempo. This is the one shaft that affected my tempo too much or it would not launch for me. Not a good fit. For muscle man or gorilla maybe this would be his shaft, but me I don't like swinging a tree trunk. Bad feel but very low spin. Fits someone I'm sure, just not me.


Hzrdus Black -

Better feeling than t1100 which isn't saying much I suppose. I should say, good feeling shaft, even for smooth tempo. Launches too low for me, but spin is better for me than green Hzrdus. Would be a good shaft in maybe high launch fairway or for a player who needs lower launch without ridiculously low spin. Nice feeling even for such a tip heavy shaft.


Hzrdus Yellow -

Great feeling and very accurate. Nice consistent feel for smooth tempo. Spins more than I want. Maybe a bit stiffer tip with the same feel and balance and I would love this shaft. Nice high launch and good kick without wobbling. I like it very much but spin leaves distance untapped. Interesting lineup of shafts without one clear winner, but for slower swings, this one might be amazing.


Black Mamba -

I don't understand this shaft at all. It feels like it should not work. Stiff feeling, not the best feel on the load up, but it was perfect for me in launch and spin. I kept thinking, no good when I would swing it, but the ball just goes and launch is good with very low spin. I love the performance, do not love the feel. Strange to see numbers so good with a feeling that lacked confidence. I think I can get used to it if it does the same on the course.


Green Mamba -

Very good shaft, just maybe a little high on spin for the high launch. I did get to hit the copper as well, which is not in the data and I like those results a bit better. Green is a little firm, but not so much that it disrupts my swing. I like this shaft but it's not as good as the copper or black. The feel is a little stiff, which I can get used to, but the numbers are not as good.


SYNERGY -

Best feeling of all. High launch, pretty low spin, really good speed through the ball with smooth tempo. I like this one very much in all areas and would very much like to play it. Very consistent and very reliable with good numbers. One of my favorites except the graphics. Looks like retro 80's graphic.


Atmos Black -

Good shaft with good spin, just low launch for the spin. Not bad numbers and not bad feel, but middle of the line for both against the rest. It is like lesser little brother of the dual xt. Just feels average to me, without any feature that makes you say it is special. I like it, but does not stand out.


Atmos Blue -

Good feeling, better than black. Nice launch and very accurate, just spin is too high. Fairway wood would be perfect for it, and I would consider playing it. In a driver, no.

[TollBros]

Swing Type: (Kevin D. 106mph)

Large shoulder turn, tall player that gets the club set fully at the top. Shaft release is a shade early and comes from outside in to hit a controlled fade. Very good ball striker with a very positive AOA and exceptionally low spin. Tempo is medium, as is shaft load. Typical shot pattern is a low spin fade. Think JB Holmes ball flight at 2/3 the speed.

Personal Driver: Taylormade 2016 M1 9.5 loft, Aldila Copperhead 70x

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Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

I like this shaft a lot. It's very similar to the Diamana Blueboard 70 I played for years at one point. There is not a better feeling shaft out there honestly. The kevlar in the butt section really keeps these shafts feeling super smooth and very responsive feeling. I just love the feel of this profile overall, and the Tensei Pro Blue is the best iteration every produced. When I first hit the Tensei Pro shafts, I had the same feeling as hitting a Fujikura Speeder way back. You knew you were hitting something special and beyond the technology of every other shaft out there. That's how the Tensei Pro line stands out today. I really hit this shaft well, and because I don't generate a lot of spin with the driver, the high launch and mid spin characteristics really work for me.


Tensei Pro White -

The shaft is very smooth feeling like all Tensei Pro shafts, but the butt section is a little loose for my taste. It's an odd shaft to me because it feels soft, because of the soft butt section, but it flights low and doesn't spin much. I could play it but I'd have to add loft for sure. It just feels like a superior version of the typical white board type profile. Nice feel and ultra low spin, but I don't need that, so it doesn't much work for me.


Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

I got good numbers with it, but I really expected it to launch higher that it did. The blue gave me better launch characteristics, but I really thought going in that this would be "the one". Not knocking it at all because you can see the numbers are very good. I guess I just expected it to be the jaw dropper that some of my coworkers have seen it be. It just turned out to be really really good with exceptional feel, which somehow translated into disappointing for me because I expected so much. Really good shaft, excellent ball speeds, great feeling, just not the excaliber I was hoping for.


Tensei Pro Orange -

If ever there was a shaft that has a one piece feel, this is it. My boss JT talks about the "linearity of the load pattern" all the time, and this is exactly what he means. The shaft just feels so powerful and connected with no loose areas of the shaft. It is a shade soft in the butt section, but the way the shaft loads really doesn't translate that sensation too much. I will say this thing is very, and I mean very low spin without feeling like it's beating me up to swing it. If I could have added a degree of loft to the test driver head, I think this shaft is #1 or #2 overall. A total home run.


Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

I just have a problem with this one. I know so many of our power guys wouldn't allow you to pry it from their cold dead hands, but for me it just hits no spin knuckleballs that I can't keep in the air. The shaft feels okay, but you certainly know it's not really for the guy that doesn't like to hammer the ball or have quick hands. That's not me, and it doesn't really work for me. If I was picking a shaft to hit fades into the wind, this would be it, but it's a little much for me.


Hzrdus T1100 -

The term telephone pole comes to mind when I swing this. If it loads at all, I didn't feel it, and good grief if you mishit this thing by half an inch it feels like you flipped a forged blade off the toe in 35 degree temps. Harsh and brutal compared to the rest of the shafts in this test. My mother said if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all, so I'm done.


Hzrdus Black -

I just had no speed with this shaft, and it launched dead low and wasn't as low spin as I expected. Maybe it's balance point, because the shaft doesn't feel bad at all, but I just could not get any speed through the hitting zone with this shaft. I will say, it was dead accurate and very reliable, so if you fairways at the cost of distance is your thing, this might be the perfect shaft. Something about it that I can't really pinpoint just made me slow with it, and it translated to the numbers. Just doesn't work for me.


Hzrdus Yellow -

Now for me, this is by far and away the best of the Hzrdus lineup. It feels great, really has some life to it, and launches high. It doesn't spin very low, but for me that's not a bad thing. I hit it great, it feels great, the ball flight was excellent. Repeatability with it was spot on as well. I just have to say, the bright yellow is really offensive. It would be a lot more attractive as an option if it was black like the Tour models with bright yellow graphics under it where I can't see them. The color is so bad, I could see it turning people off playing it, which is a shame because this is a really really good golf shaft.


Black Mamba -

The ball speeds are really good on this shaft, but boy it doesn't hit very high and it doesn't spin at all. It also feels a little harsh for my taste. I can't say I don't like it, because the numbers overall are pretty solid. It just doesn't really feel like I could keep up with this for 18 holes. Maybe I'm wrong, but It's just a little bit too much in the feel department for my tempo and speed.


Green Mamba -

I want to love this shaft because the numbers and the ball flight were excellent but it just lacks a little snap where the ball speed is just a little bit off. I want to say it feels, to me, almost like a Tensei Orange V2 with a bit more firmness to it. It's not harsh, but it's not exactly smooth. Something about it just didn't give me the jump at impact that I wanted. It's competitive, playable, but just lacks a little something for me. It could be that I release the head a shade early and maybe don't quite load it hard enough. Anyway, nice product, and close to special.


Copperhead -

Where is the jumping up and down like a little kid on Christmas icon? I swing 105-106 mph and I just don't often see ball speeds in the 160's but I had a few with this shaft. The ball speeds are cranking with this shaft, as well as me seeing 16 launch 1700 spin and my longest single hit being 284 carry. That's just unheard of from my swing and is absolutely, totally maxed out. Aldila, please send me another one of these shafts so I can place it in a glass case with an alarm on it just in case something ever happens to this one. It's the one product that makes me want to buy 10 of so I never run out. Never ever in my life have I been so excited to put a golf shaft into play. It feels amazing, slightly crisp without being harsh, looks wicked nasty in the sunshine, and performs like it descended from Heaven straight into my bag. Aim up the left rough and rip it, pull wedge and make birdie....repeat.


SYNERGY -

Good numbers, great feel, very responsive but stable at the same time. Nothing about it screamed play me, but nothing about it said there was anything wrong with it. I know some of the guys loved this shaft, but for me it was just average and not something I wanted to run back and hit when the test was done. I realize it's a true prototype so maybe the next generation will stand out. I'm sure we will test it when it does.


Atmos Black -

Low launch, low spin, low ball speed. I kind of expected this to be a modern 757 which I played for a few years when I was a tot. It isn't unfortunately. It just has that Black Mamba type flight and feel. It's just not a shaft for me at all and I just could not get it to do what I wanted it to. The main thing was the very low launch angle. It just killed the distance for me. Definitely not my next shaft.


Atmos Blue -

For me this one is miles better than the black, and has the Fujikura feel that I enjoy. It's smooth and controlled and you can really feel the action in the golf shaft. The ball speed is good, the launch angle is excellent, but the spin is just a shade too much. I had the pleasure of trying one of these in a 3 wood as well and it's outstanding. I could absolutely play this shaft in a 3 wood and I think, like some of the other guys were saying, that is where this one would shine.

Edited by TollBros, 02 July 2017 - 12:58 AM.

[TollBros]

Swing Type: (Joe M. 103mph)

Medium tempo, one plane swing. Aggressive pass through the ball and fairly late release. Hits sweeping high draw. Four degree positive AOA and swing from the inside with full release of the hands through impact. Swing is just short of parallel with small down c0ck of the wrists on the transition. Definitely a maximum results from limited speed type player.

Personal Driver: Taylormade 2016 M1 8.5 loft, Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Orange 70 Stiff


---------------------

Shaft Thoughts:

Tensei Pro Blue -

This shaft just feels a little loose in the lower section for me. I don't bring a ton of speed to the table, but I do load the shaft a bit more than my swing speed might indicate. I just like something that feels really stable in the bottom through the ball. I like a crisper feel, not a springy kick. This shaft just doesn't really deliver what I want in a driver. It doesn't feel bad exactly, but it's got more of a fairway wood feeling to it with the flex in the low area. Too much tip flex for my liking in a driver, and it spins a little more than I want. I hit a very accurate tee ball and don't need the help of additional backspin to keep my ball in the short stuff.


Tensei Pro White -

Good feeling shaft. Smoother in the top and stiffer in the bottom, which is what I prefer. It just launches a little low for my taste. Like I said, my 14 degree launch does not look like 14 degrees of launch from JT. My ball is hitting the ground when his is hitting its apex. I like to see higher launch and very low spin because we play softer conditions most of the time, and I prefer to maximize my carry distances for consistency of distance. I like this one, and it feels nice, but I need more launch. I do like that it is very accurate and allows me to move the ball around at will.


Tensei Pro Orange Tour Proto V2 -

I know these are two different bend profiles but my numbers are so close to the Pro Blue that if I alternated shots with the two you would never know. I like the softer butt section and the counter weight feel to the shaft. It gives a very powerful release feeling through the ball. I'm no spring chicken like some of these guys and I used to play an older Fujikura shaft called a Pro80 in my 4 wood. The feeling reminds me a lot of that for any of you old enough to remember that shaft. I tend to draw this shaft much easier than fade it which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I like a bit more ease of control. Something a little tighter.


Tensei Pro Orange -

This is the launch and spin combo I have been searching for. I also love the fact that it is tip stiff with a counter weight feel. I know a lot of the bombers love the Dual Core XT but this shaft fits just exactly what I want in a profile and performance. It's not demanding but it doesn't like a lazy rip either. For a guy who wants to be aggressive without the lefts, this could definitely be a shaft you take a look at it. It wins for me in all departments, but I know my list of demands in a shaft may be a little closer to some of the higher speed guys. High launch, very low spin, very accurate, tiny draws are easy and soft fades are just as easy. I honestly feel like this shaft is just an extension of me. I have that much control with it.


Kuro Kage Dual Core XT -

For me, it's Pro White launch with Pro Orange spin. Doesn't sound bad, and the numbers aren't all that bad either, but being honest, it's a little more shaft than I want to have to rip through for 18 holes. It's the one shaft that I can't really turn over without hitting a very low draw. For a power guy who wants to see a very low spin fade, I don't think you'll find a better shaft on the planet. It's a little more than old Joe wants to deal with but if I was 25 and not 45, it might be a different story.


Hzrdus T1100 -

For any of you guys that fish, you might remember as a kid, taking the old rowboat out on the lake and casting one of those beautiful Loomis rods and how smooth it was. Well, this shaft isn't the rod, it's the oar. Considering the boys we have testing this stuff, for them all to say how tight this thing was scared me a bit. It doesn't launch and it doesn't spin, and I get no carry out of this thing at all. Now if I wanted to play a no spin 20 yard fade on every shot, this is the shaft I would choose. Or maybe if I was an airport baggage handler and hit balls down the airport tarmac for fun. Other than that I can just use it to remind myself that I'm mid 40's and don't look like Dwayne Johnson.


Hzrdus Black -

This is a really similar performing shaft to the Pro White for me. It feels pretty good too for a shaft that is so bottom heavy. I don't normally like that profile as much but it really feels like you can just drop the head on the ball. Good performance but not great, very stable feeling and surprisingly easy to work either way. I could play it in a pinch if I needed to. It's just lacks any spectacular qualities.


Hzrdus Yellow -

What a good feeling golf shaft. The ball takes off high like a rocket and I said the very first one, this thing is special. Then I saw the spin numbers and was disappointed. This one is clearly the best feeling of all these true temper shaft and if they can retain that but chop off 400 rpm of spin, it would be a real contender. Now all that and I think it could be excellent in a fairway wood. As some of the other guys have said, it's as tacky looking as a polyester suit, like burn your eyes ugly. Go back to the black with the yellow graphics. It doesn't matter how much it stands out from a distance if nobody will play it because of the color. I had college flashbacks of note highlighting with those offensive yellow markers.


Black Mamba -

Pretty bad mother in the looks department. This thing was the talk of the test range when they arrived. The wrap around graphic that won't let you go true logo down could use a change, but the snake skin look to the carbon is the shizz. Unfortunately this is basically a copy of the Kuro Dual Core XT. Almost the same type of numbers, but without as good a feel. It does have a crisp type feel that I like but the word everyone always uses with the Mitsubishi stuff is connected in the way it loads. This shaft feels stiff, but also like it kicks. It can be a different sensation. Basically it spins very little and it likes to fade. If that's your thing, check it out.


Green Mamba -

I expected this to spin more than it did, and I got some pretty good numbers with it. It performs well, looks awesome, and feels pretty decent. Unfortunately that won't cut it for me these days with so many wicked shafts out there to dial everything in just the way you want it. I like it, it's easy to move around, and the numbers are pretty good, but then I hit the Copper version and I suddenly thought less of it. Fair? No, but that's how good it's brother is.


Copperhead -

This thing is Tensei Pro Orange with a crisper feel. I know it's supposed to be based off the Green profile but it doesn't make sense. The Copperhead spins less and feels better, all while launching almost the same. It's just exactly the type of feel and profile I love. The ONLY and I mean ONLY thing that makes me play Pro Orange instead of this shaft is that I can turn over the Pro Orange easier to hit the draw when I need to. Everything else is a dead heat, and if I'm being truthful, Copperhead being a little more crispy in the the feel department is something I prefer. It's pretty sick that the best looking of the line is also the best performing of the line. If you like low spin counter weight, buy one of these and a Pro Orange and may the best shaft win.


SYNERGY -

The distance is long, the feel is pretty good, but something about it that just doesn't feel right on. It also felt like it was skinny in the handle, which could be my imagination, but that's the sensation I got from it. My numbers with it are excellent, but I just didn't feel like it was an extension of me, aka I didn't feel the level of control I need to feel. I'm not the longest guy on the course so my game is accuracy and precision, and this one just didn't feel like I had that Yoda Jedi control I want.


Atmos Black -

Low launch, not super low spin, but really good feel and very accurate golf shaft. I can work it both ways, I can hit it low if I need to. I like the firm feel to it and I like the control. It just kind of reminded me of the Green Mamba. It's a very good product, just lacks that something special to make you say wow. It's kind of like that old Civic you drove in college that started every day, got you everywhere you needed to go, did all the right things, but you couldn't wait to upgrade once you cashed some checks. Solid, but not special.


Atmos Blue -

If this thing isn't basically a Speeder 757 I don't know what it is. That's what it feels like, spins like, and acts like. It was great, 15 years ago. Now it's just good.

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by TollBros, 09 July 2017 - 09:29 PM.

[TollBros]

Swing Type: (Michael J. 100mph)

Smooth easy tempo, parallel swing with a progressive load and gradual speed through the golf ball. Text book swing positions with positive AOA and swing almost dead down the line. Swing tempo similar to Ernie Els. Very accurate driver of the ball who can work the ball both ways easily. Normal flight is a medium high straight low spin shot. Control player who favors accuracy over distance. Premier ball striker.

Personal Driver: Taylormade 2017 M2 9.5, Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Blue 70 stiff

Edited by TollBros, 18 May 2017 - 09:30 PM.

[TollBros]

Ok I gave you guys 3 more swing profiles today, the other 2 come tomorrow. Then I will give you Aaron's shaft notes, followed by Rickeys data, then his test notes, and so on.

[r34civic]

Thanks for bringing this back!!

[TollBros]

 r34civic, on 17 May 2017 - 11:26 AM, said:

Thanks for bringing this back!!

It's a ton of work honestly. The worst part is the player notes. The guys write down notes as they are hitting the products. Now I have to take these, type them out into something conherent, haha, and post them. It reminds me of homework.

[Shilgy]

Thanks Toll-I was looking for this thread the last day or so and wondering where it went. Now we now.  Gotta keep those trolls under the bridge where they belong.  

And thank you for including real world-106mph- guys in your test as well. More relevant to some of us mortals.

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[TollBros]

 Shilgy, on 17 May 2017 - 12:17 PM, said:

Thanks Toll-I was looking for this thread the last day or so and wondering where it went. Now we now.  Gotta keep those trolls under the bridge where they belong.  

And thank you for including real world-106mph- guys in your test as well. More relevant to some of us mortals.

Troll free please. Haha. The last 2 will be 100 ish range swing speeds. I tried to represent most everyone, including swing types. The goal is to give a representation of speeds and swing types that you can look at and say "hey that guy swings a lot like me" so that the data is not only entertaining, but truly worth something.

[masamitsu]

Thanks for doing this.  Very interested in the last 2 guys as they'll be more along my lines.

[cmb71]

Many thanks for putting this together.  This is going to be a really good follow.  

I am a fan of Atmos Blue and HZDRUS Yellow (like you, hate the bright yellow) and Tensei Blue in a Fwy wood.  Anxious to try the Orange but seems hard to find.  I will be excited to read the other players' feedback as well.

[Wesquire]

I'll admit that I can't "feel" much difference between shafts and I tend to launch high, but the T1100 blows everything else out of the water for me. Have it in 6.5 tipped 1", feels good to me and it produces perfect launch numbers.

Edited by Wesquire, 17 May 2017 - 12:49 PM.

[hwu1]

yeaaaaaaaaaaa thanks JT! This stuff is awesome!

One thing to maybe look into - is it possible to post videos of each player?

[TollBros]

 hwu1, on 17 May 2017 - 12:52 PM, said:

yeaaaaaaaaaaa thanks JT! This stuff is awesome!

One thing to maybe look into - is it possible to post videos of each player?

We actually do supply shadow videos for clients but what you're asking for starts dipping into the area where companies pay big money for. I'm allowed to post this type of stuff if the guys and I do it with our own supplied product on our own time but I can't get too crazy or the boss will not be happy. Once we sponsor the site, maybe.

[moonshine]

What...all this great work and no black tie?

JK...can't wait to see the rest and again good work.  Can I equate Aaron's results with gamer shaft as feeling "the force?"

[macnewma]

Very interested in these results. Thanks for doing the work.

[EvanScottKing]

Awesome data collection and write-up so far, TollBros!  It's great to see people working on doing comprehensive reviews with a larger sample size than so many other seem to do.  

I like how clinical your review is as far as working to keep things standardized, but have a question on using the exact same head for each tester: Are you using any of the adjustability of the driver head or modifying things like the  swing weight from player to player or even shaft to shaft as it can be such a personal preference in terms of feel and thus overall performance?

I'm sure some of those details will come out in the individual player's notes on each set-up, but thought I'd ask to be sure and get a clear answer.  Thanks again for all your work.

[jph4387]

So glad to have this thread back, thanks JT.  I was so mad when it was taken down last time.

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[TollBros]

EvanScottKing, on 18 May 2017 - 10:25 AM, said:

Awesome data collection and write-up so far, TollBros!  It's great to see people working on doing comprehensive reviews with a larger sample size than so many other seem to do.  

I like how clinical your review is as far as working to keep things standardized, but have a question on using the exact same head for each tester: Are you using any of the adjustability of the driver head or modifying things like the  swing weight from player to player or even shaft to shaft as it can be such a personal preference in terms of feel and thus overall performance?

I'm sure some of those details will come out in the individual player's notes on each set-up, but thought I'd ask to be sure and get a clear answer.  Thanks again for all your work.

Very good questions. We go D2 on all drivers. Pretty much every player is D1-D3 range in the driver they play on the course so it's a nice compromise. As for the face angle, I do allow players to adjust the face angle as preferred by each player as long as it stays the same for every single shaft.

[TollBros]

jph4387, on 18 May 2017 - 01:50 PM, said:

So glad to have this thread back, thanks JT.  I was so mad when it was taken down last time.

Well I'm always happy to share as long as it's kept fun and enjoyable. I enjoy the process, and I hope that it is both entertaining and useful.

[Peanut191]

Thanks for bringing the thread back.  Looking forward to the rest of the reviews.

[hwu1]

JT,

What made you guys decide on the M2 head vs the M1's? Also, did you guys test using the '16 or '17 M2?

Apologies if the answer was already posted.

[EvanScottKing]

TollBros, on 18 May 2017 - 03:55 PM, said:

EvanScottKing, on 18 May 2017 - 10:25 AM, said:

Awesome data collection and write-up so far, TollBros!  It's great to see people working on doing comprehensive reviews with a larger sample size than so many other seem to do.  

I like how clinical your review is as far as working to keep things standardized, but have a question on using the exact same head for each tester: Are you using any of the adjustability of the driver head or modifying things like the  swing weight from player to player or even shaft to shaft as it can be such a personal preference in terms of feel and thus overall performance?

I'm sure some of those details will come out in the individual player's notes on each set-up, but thought I'd ask to be sure and get a clear answer.  Thanks again for all your work.

Very good questions. We go D2 on all drivers. Pretty much every player is D1-D3 range in the driver they play on the course so it's a nice compromise. As for the face angle, I do allow players to adjust the face angle as preferred by each player as long as it stays the same for every single shaft.

Good to know when looking at the data, thanks for the info.  

You said all shafts were the same length - 45"?  Would it be too much to ask to include the playing length of each tester's gamer set-up as well?  Part of my interest is looking at what shaft each swing profile prefers/gets the best results from and it'd be nice to know what they're coming from.

I noticed you have wind in the Trackman data; was that normalized out?  And where are you guys doing the testing?  More just curious on these as there aren't many ranges around me where people who carry the ball 300+ yards can really get after it.  The couple players I know who can hit like that aren't allowed back at most ranges in the area, haha

I missed a bunch of the last thread before it was locked-up, so if I'm rushing a bunch of whats coming down the pipeline just let me know and I'll wait.  Cheers

[TollBros]

hwu1, on 18 May 2017 - 04:16 PM, said:

JT,

What made you guys decide on the M2 head vs the M1's? Also, did you guys test using the '16 or '17 M2?

Apologies if the answer was already posted.

2016 M2 tour issue 8.5 head. It's a head everyone is used to testing with. No particular reason except that everyone likes it and has hit it before.

[TollBros]

Last 2 player profiles posted.

[Harve10]

Awesome work and much appreciated. Looking forward to the updates along the way.

[TollBros]

Harve10, on 18 May 2017 - 09:46 PM, said:

Awesome work and much appreciated. Looking forward to the updates along the way.

Thank you. I'll add in Aaron's shaft notes tomorrow.

[TollBros]

Aaron's full shaft summary posted

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