Equipment

Fujikura officially introduces Speeder Evolution IV shafts

Published

7 years ago

Sep 27, 2017

All the way back in the beginning of August at the 2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, we spotted a new, “Japan” release of a Fujikura Speeder Evolution IV shaft — we were left to speculate about its materials, specs and profile, however. Today, Fujikura officially introduced the Speeder Evolution IV shafts, and we now have all of the information.

Discussion: See what GolfWRX members are saying about the Speeder Evolution IV shafts

Fujikura’s line of Speeder shafts began with the Speeder 757, and it has been one of the most popular shaft lines on Tour since the late 1990s. Before this release, there was also a Speeder Evolution I (highest launch, mid-spin), II (low-to-mid launch, low spin) and III (mid-launch, mid-spin). The new Evolution IV is most like the Evo II; it’s designed for low launch and low spin, but “has a slightly softer mid-to-tip section to increase launch angle while maintaining low torque and spin,” according to Fujikura.

SpeederEvoIV

The Evo IV shaft also uses new materials and constructions including a new high-performance intermediate modulus 70-ton material for lightweight stability, and an “Engineered Outer Bias Technology” for a smoother loading feel. Like previous Speeder Evolution shafts, the Evo IV uses Metal Composite Technology, 90 Ton Carbon Fiber and Maximum Fiber Content pre-preg.

Fujikura’s Evolution IV will be available from 56-to-77 grams (569, 661 and 757) with flexes ranging from SR up to X. They will be available for $400 (MSRP) starting on October 1, selling exclusively at JDSClubs.com, and available through Fujikura’s national charter dealer on November 1.

Discussion: See what GolfWRX members are saying about the Speeder Evolution IV shafts

Your Reaction?

LIKE58
LEGIT4
WOW3
LOL2
IDHT2
FLOP1
OB0
SHANK5

Related Topics:

Up Next

TaylorMade launches TP Red Putter Collection to be sold at retail

Don't Miss

Spotted: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 prototype wedges, X Forged driving iron

GolfWRX Staff

We share your golf passion. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX, Facebook and Instagram.

18 Comments

Maruman

Oct 28, 2017 at 7:31 am

you guys sound worse than addicts…just don’t buy if you don’t want to..i am happy they keep trying to improve..for the next buyer.

Reply Report comment
Bugs

Sep 29, 2017 at 1:13 pm

Is everything going to be painted gold now?

Reply Report comment
M Smizzliest

Sep 28, 2017 at 6:25 pm

LH ping adapter needed!

Reply Report comment
Teaj

Sep 28, 2017 at 8:51 am

So a site that entrenches itself in the equipment world of golf should not be mentioning the release of a new version of a shaft that was vastly popular? And Heaven forbid a manufacture try to improve on a popular model using new tech and materials.

Reply Report comment
- Da Judge
  
  Sep 28, 2017 at 10:50 pm
  
  What was wrong with the previous old models? Should they all be chucked out and replaced with the new and improved model shafts so you can finally hit the ball solidly? And what happens when they come out with another model claiming superiority over the previous model? Watcha gonna do then??
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Teaj
    
    Oct 2, 2017 at 10:40 am
    
    I didn’t say that there was anything wrong with the new models, but as far as performance goes using new tech and new materials could improve a shafts play-ability, feel, consistency. if a company is not improving on there current line of products they wouldn’t be in business for very long.
    
    Also just because a company comes out with a new model doesn’t mean its going to out perform for some players, I get that but for some it can. The what was wrong with the previous model comment is an odd one because everything over they years have had new renditions not just in golf but cars, structures. everything evolves (pun intended) over the years why would that stop with shafts? Unless you are still hitting your driver with a TT DG S300 driver shaft that is.
    
    Reply Report comment
Mad-Mex

Sep 28, 2017 at 12:01 am

Why do I keep coming back ?!?!?!? this is like a woman’s magazine!! full of adds !!!!

Reply Report comment
- OV
  
  Sep 28, 2017 at 1:12 am
  
  “adds”? …. or, “ads”? …. big difference….!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - AD
    
    Sep 28, 2017 at 11:17 am
    
    We’re all ADD
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Doobie
      
      Sep 28, 2017 at 7:09 pm
      
      Speak for ….. and today is Thursday, right?
      
      Reply Report comment
- C
  
  Sep 28, 2017 at 7:48 am
  
  Only you know the answer to that question. And if you aren’t talking about the information about upcoming products, why not use things like NoScript and uBlock Origin?
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Doobie
    
    Sep 28, 2017 at 7:10 pm
    
    upcoming…. upcoming…. upcoming …. …. when will it stop!!!!!
    
    Reply Report comment
AD

Sep 27, 2017 at 9:02 pm

Another repaint job huh

Reply Report comment
- BB
  
  Sep 27, 2017 at 9:07 pm
  
  How can you say that when the GolfWRX staff mimics Fujikura with this information?:
  “The Evo IV shaft also uses new materials and constructions including a new high-performance intermediate modulus 70-ton material for lightweight stability, and an “Engineered Outer Bias Technology” for a smoother loading feel. Like previous Speeder Evolution shafts, the Evo IV uses Metal Composite Technology, 90 Ton Carbon Fiber and Maximum Fiber Content pre-preg.”
  It’s just gotta feel and play better than anything before!!!!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - OV
    
    Sep 28, 2017 at 1:13 am
    
    It all makes sense to me, and my game ….. NOT!!!!!!!!
    
    Reply Report comment
  - AD
    
    Sep 28, 2017 at 11:16 am
    
    We’re all brothers in sarcasm
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Doobie
      
      Sep 28, 2017 at 7:08 pm
      
      Gearhead golf is a joke.. a bad joke …lol
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Da Judge
        
        Sep 28, 2017 at 10:52 pm
        
        Now now ….. gearheads have feelings too and want to feel what their favorite pro golfer is swinging. They are only toys for boys.
        
        Reply Report comment

Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

10 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

Your Reaction?