Equipment
The 8 hottest driver shafts of 2018 on the PGA Tour
Driver shafts, especially in professional golf, are very similar to putters. As with changing putters to make more putts, golfers change out driver shafts semi-regularly looking for more distance or more fairways, but preferably both. And much like with putters, when another player switches to a new driver shaft and finds success, other golfers take notice. Every year it seems there is a “hot” driver shaft that players gravitate toward; in recent years, the Aldila Rogue comes to mind.
We wanted to figure out what the “hot” driver shaft is of 2018. To do so, we investigated the top-50 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings as of July 25 to figure out what driver shaft they were using. Below are the results.
Note: To qualify for the “hottest shafts” of 2018, the exact shaft model must have been used by more than one golfer in the top-50 of the OWGR. Order was determined by number of top-50 players using the shaft, and ties were broken by combined ranking of players using that shaft.
8) Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec
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- Kuchar’s Fuji Atmos Tour Spec shaft
Shaft is used by: Matt Kuchar (No. 26 in the OWGR) and Daniel Berger (No. 40)
Fujikura says: “The Atmos Tour Spec line is geared towards the performance golfer looking to keep the ball flighted down with low spin… Atmos is a true tour flighted line of shafts with a simple color coding – red as the higher launching, blue as mid launch, black as the lowest launch – similarities include keeping the handle flexes the same for feel, but adjusting mid and tip sections for launch and spin to achieve your desired ball flight.”
Read GolfWRX member reviews of the Atmos Tour Spec shafts here
7) Graphite Design Tour AD-BB
Shaft is used by: Xander Schauffele (No. 18) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (No. 39)
Graphite Design says: “The Tour AD BB ‘Blue Bullet’ wood shaft model is designed to promote a low/mid launch angle and lower ball spin. The Tour AD BB design features an increase in stiffness from the tip to the mid-section resulting in a higher kick point for lower launch angles.”
Learn more about the Graphite Design Tour AD-BB shaft here
6) Aldila NV 2KXV Green
Shaft is used by: Rickie Fowler (No. 9) and Kevin Kisner (No. 25)
Aldila says: “Aldila has created NexGen Micro Laminate Technology – new, even thinner high performance carbon fibers combined with today’s advanced fiber resin technology…. The 2KNV provides for even better feel and performance. Available in the Green design for those seeking a lower ball flight, the Blue design for those seeking a mid ball flight, and the Orange design for those seeking a higher ball flight.”
See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Aldila NV 2KXV Green shaft
5) Project X HZRDUS Black
Shaft is used by: Dustin Johnson (No. 1) — although he’s been switching off and on between a Project X HZRDUS Black and a Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution 2.0 Tour Spec — and Rafael Cabrera Bello (No. 29)
Project X says: “The shaft features increased stiffness along the full length of the golf shaft, which allows golfers to put more power behind the ball. HZRDUS Black is a low spinning and low launching shaft that is available in models for both woods and hybrids.”
Read more about DJ’s Project X HZRDUS here
4) Graphite Design Tour AD-IZ
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- Jordan Spieth’s driver shaft
Shaft is used by: Jordan Spieth (No. 8) and Webb Simpson (No. 21)
Graphite Design says: “The new Tour AD IZ shaft has a firm stiffness starting at the handle, and medium center section and a firm+ tip profile to promote a high launch angle and low ball spin rates. The new Tour AD IZ also utilizes Torayca T1100G carbon-fiber pre-preg with Nanoalloy technology in the tip section of the shaft for additional shaft stability, exceptional feel and precise ball control.”
Read more about the Graphite Design Tour AD-IZ shaft here
3) Mitsubishi Kuro Kage
Shaft is used by: Rory McIlroy (No. 7) and Tommy Fleetwood (No. 11)
Mitsubishi says: “This series of shafts feature two key technologies: Low Resin Content pre-preg and Titanium Nickel (TiNi) Wire. After first using TiNi Wire in our ultra-light products, we wanted to see how it would perform in heavier, tour-weighted shafts. Kuro Kage fiber plus wire equals power.”
See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Kuro Kage here
2) Project X HZRDUS T1100
Shaft is used by: Henrik Stenson (No. 17), Phil Mickelson (No. 22) and Charl Schwartzel (No. 48)
Project X says: “The new HZRDUS T1100 is the lowest spinning and lowest launching shaft in the HZRDUS family. HZRDUS T1100 uses T1100G fiber, the strongest fiber available, to build a shaft with an extra stiff tip section that is also counter-balanced. With a bend profile that is stiff throughout, HZRDUS T1100 is the ultimate spin killer for the game’s most aggressive tempo players.”
GolfWRX Members review the Project X T1100 here
1) Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange
Shaft is used by: Justin Rose (No. 2), Alex Noren (No. 12), Sergio Garcia (No. 20), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (No. 31), Ian Poulter (No. 32), Charley Hoffman (No. 34), Haotong Li (No. 42) and Tiger Woods (No. 50)
Mitsubishi says: “Tensei CK Pro Orange expands the Tensei CK Series – which features a multi-material design that incorporates more performance-oriented materials than we’ve ever used in a shaft. This first of its kind bend profile for MCA Golf uses a counter-balanced design along with an extreme tip-stiff design to provided added versatility for the stronger player. The Tensei CK Pro Orange incorporates the same Carbon Fiber/DuPont Kevlar (CK) weave found in the butt-section of all Tensei CK shafts – providing enhanced stability and maximum feel in this highly versatile design. This series also incorporates High Modulus, premium 40-Ton hybrid pre-preg infused with tungsten powder in targeted positions throughout the shaft. A tip-section reinforced with MR70 – Mitsubishi Chemical’s strongest carbon fiber to date, delivers lower torque, and delivers tour preferred control and stability.”
See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Tensei Orange shaft in our forums
Other driver shafts used by the top-50 golfers in the OWGR
- Accra Concept Series (Brian Harman)
- Accra Tour Zx 465 M5 (Tony Finau)
- Accra Proto (Pat Perez)
- Accra Tour-Z RPG (Gary Woodland)
- Aldila Rogue Silver 130 (Kevin Chappell)
- Aldila Rogue (Patrick Reed)
- Alidila Tour Green (Jon Rahm)
- Fujikura SIX (Branden Grace)
- Fujikura Speeder 757 Evolution (Kyle Stanley)
- Fujikura Speeder 757 Evolution IV (Marc Leishman)
- Grafalloy Bi-Matrix (Bubba Watson)
- Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8TX (Hideki Matsuyama)
- Graphite Design Tour AD Quattro Tech (Satoshi Kodaira)
- Graphite Design Tour AD-GP (Kevin Na)
- Mitsubishi Diamana D+ (Brooks Koepka
- Mitsubishi Diamana White D+ (Luke List)
- Mitsubishi Diamana BF (Justin Thomas)
- Mitsubishi Diamana Blue (Zach Johnson)
- Mitsubishi Diamana White LEX D+ (Paul Casey)
- Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana S-Series (Patrick Cantlay)
- Mitsubishi Fubuki K (Tyrrell Hatton)
- Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue (Ross Fisher)
- Project X Even Flow (Louis Oosthuizen)
- Project X HZRDUS Smoke (Bryson DeChambeau)
- TPT (Jason Day)
- UST Mamiya Elements Chrome Prototype (Cameron Smith)
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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a set of Artisan MB irons.
From the seller: (@Brandan): “Artisan MB 4-P. Matte black modus 120s. Close to mint condition. $1800 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Artisan MB irons
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Prior to getting back surgery in April of 2023, Will Zalatoris had established himself as one of the premiere ball strikers in golf. In his last full season on the PGA Tour (the 2021-2022 season), he ranked 3rd in Strokes Gained: Total, 11th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, 1st in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green and 13th in Driving Distance.
Simply put, Zalatoris stripes the ball.
On the greens, however, Zalatoris has had well-documented struggles, especially on short putts, and he ranked just 103rd in Strokes Gained: Putting in the 2021-2022 PGA Tour season.
His putting has always been his big question mark, but during the seven-month recovery period from surgery, Zalatoris has taken measures to rectify those issues.
Following in the footsteps of L.A.B. Golf putter users Lucas Glover, Adam Scott, and Camilo Villegas, Zalatoris showed up to the 2023 Hero World Challenge using an L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max broomstick putter, as reported by PGATOUR.com.
Previously, Zalatoris used an armlock-style putter, but it seems that Zalatoris is hopeful for the new broomstick style, which helps with both his stroke, and alleviating pressure off his surgically-repaired back.
View this post on Instagram
“I ordered a couple armlocks [from L.A.B.], and they ended up sending me a couple of broomsticks, and it took me probably three months before I was actually able to start practicing with it,” Zalatoris told PGATOUR.com. “But immediately, I loved it. I can see the line so much better. It’s just more comfortable, too…I mean, I know I was a pretty streaky putter. I mean, I’d always be a zero-strokes-gained guy, but I’d blow a few short ones here and there. But so far so good…the misses are just so much better.”
As Glover, Scott and Villegas have found out themselves, the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max putters use “Lie Angle Balanced” technology to ensure stability throughout the stroke. The winged-mallet putter heads are designed with a multi-material construction, consisting of 6061 aircraft aluminum bodies, and a 303 stainless steel midsection. They’re also individually weighted to help achieve lie-angle balance for each intended user, and the crowns have contrasting lines to help ensure proper alignment to the target.
Glover won back-to-back events at 2023 Wyndham Championship and the 2023 FedEx St. Jude Championship in August using the L.A.B. putter, and Villegas captured a win of his own at the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Maybe, just maybe, Zalatoris has found the answer to his putting woes, too. Surely he’ll need a few tournament reps before getting back into prime playing condition, but we’ll get a good look at his new broomstick putting stroke this week as he puts it to the test for the first time in competition following back surgery.
Head over to PGATOUR.com to read the full report on Zalatoris’ putter switch
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Tiger Woods is making his PGA Tour return at the 2023 Hero World Challenge this week, which marks the first time we’ll see him tee it up in competition since the 2023 Masters.
On Tuesday, we spotted Woods in the Bahamas using a new, unreleased TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver prototype equipped with a new Graphite Design Tour AD-VF 6 X red and black shaft.
? https://t.co/0pyqrJZKUP pic.twitter.com/iIz0CjZZIQ
— GolfWRX (@GolfWRX) November 29, 2023
Back in September, if you remember, Justin Thomas switched into a Graphite Design Tour AD-VF 5 X shaft in his Titleist TSR3 driver. Thomas wanted a longer driver option, and he found 15 more yards thanks to the new 45.625-inch driver.
This week, Woods showed up with the same shaft model (just slightly heavier and stiffer, due to the shorter length compared to Thomas).
So, what is it about this AD-VF shaft that’s attracting top names such as Thomas and Woods?
According to Graphite Design’s website, the AD-VF metalwood shafts have a “FIRM+” butt section, a “STIFF” mid-section, and a “VERY STIFF” tip section.
The “VF” stands for “Victory Force,” and the design promotes a low/mid launch, with low spin. The shafts, which are designed and manufactured at the Graphite Design Japan Factory, use “TORAYCA M40X” pre-preg material in the butt section, and “TORAYCA T1100G” pre-preg in the mid/tip sections to produce better control, stability, and feel.
Here’s how the AD-VF shaft compares to other shafts in the Graphite Design family, according to the company’s website, and as you can see, it’s as stiff as anything Graphite Design offers across the butt, mid, and tip sections. Reductively, you could call it the “stiffest shaft in the lineup.”
As a reminder, Woods most recently gamed the Fujikura Ventus Black with a TaylorMade Stealth Plus head at the Masters in April.
Woods is set to tee off on Thursday at 11:52 a.m. EST alongside Justin Thomas.
See Tiger Woods’ full WITB at the 2023 Hero World Challenge
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Report: Rory McIlroy planning to leave Florida as he eyes permanent move away from U.S.
The reason behind Azinger’s NBC exit as his replacement for Hero World Challenge is revealed
Pro becomes first new addition to LIV Golf for 2024
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Phil Mickelson doesn’t hold back in response to leaked PGA Tour memo offering members equity ownership opportunity
Brooks Koepka aims multiple jabs at LIV Golf on social media
Gary Player leaves fans stunned with 7-word putdown of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
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Viktor Hovland gives typically wholesome answer when asked how he’s spent his $34.5m yearly earnings
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Louise Ridderstrom what’s in the bag accurate as of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.5...
Tiger Woods WITB 2023 (November)
Tiger Woods what’s in the bag accurate as of the Hero World Challenge. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS Shaft: Graphite Design...
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We’re jumping in the WITB Time Machine and heading back to 2017 when Rickie Fowler was head of the class...
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Rory McIlroy what’s in the bag accurate as of the DP World Tour Championship. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9 degrees)...
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19th Hole2 weeks agoReport: Rory McIlroy planning to leave Florida as he eyes permanent move away from U.S.
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19th Hole1 week agoThe reason behind Azinger’s NBC exit as his replacement for Hero World Challenge is revealed
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19th Hole2 weeks agoPro becomes first new addition to LIV Golf for 2024
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19th Hole2 weeks agoPhil Mickelson doesn’t hold back in response to leaked PGA Tour memo offering members equity ownership opportunity
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19th Hole1 week agoBrooks Koepka aims multiple jabs at LIV Golf on social media
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19th Hole3 weeks agoGary Player leaves fans stunned with 7-word putdown of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
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19th Hole2 weeks agoViktor Hovland gives typically wholesome answer when asked how he’s spent his $34.5m yearly earnings
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Equipment2 weeks agoSpotted: New TaylorMade Carbonwood driver hits USGA conforming list
Paul
Aug 19, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Doesn’t seem to matter what shaft Woods uses. He still can’t hit a fairway.
ogo
Aug 22, 2018 at 12:01 am
I predict he will soon be playing a Seven Dreamer autoclave cured graphite shaft because all oven cured shafts are too soggy and floppy in the tip section causing Tiger driving problems.
Kanko
Jul 29, 2018 at 9:24 am
Notice ZERO Seven Dreamers shafts lol where’s that Seven Dreamers idiot? Hopefully got BANNED
walterg
Aug 5, 2018 at 5:30 pm
WRX moderators doing their utmost to delete any comments that disturb the gearheaded neanerthals that love their WITB gonadal symbols of manliness.
Diamondback Billiards
Jul 28, 2018 at 11:01 am
These golf equipment is the best but it is still up to the player who knows his talent in being top golfer.
Jack House
Jul 28, 2018 at 1:15 am
Whats the best shaft for an regular player… 80 MPH swing speed…. tough to fit between Regular and Senior flex//
joro
Jul 28, 2018 at 11:23 am
Give the Mitsubishi Tensei Blue in reg. That is what I use at 79, it is a soft R and a very good accurate shaft.
Leftshot
Jul 28, 2018 at 12:12 am
What a disappointment. The subject line of the email I got from Golf WRX was: ” The 8 Hottest Driver Shafts of 2018″. To then find out this was just an incident count of the top 50 pro golfers was a real letdown. Most of us couldn’t find a golfer more dissimilar to us than the top pro golfers. Thus the obvious reaction: Who cares? Maybe 1% of us have a swing similar enough to the top 50 professionals.
Donald
Jul 27, 2018 at 8:54 pm
I only buy and play tour proven equipment because I can afford the best. Stiff shafts are the best. I bag PXGs too.
Matt
Aug 7, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Congratulations.
Doug lamb
Jul 27, 2018 at 1:19 pm
Exactly!!
Shaft Shack
Jul 27, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Demo these great shafts and more at ShaftShack.com!
Funkaholic
Jul 27, 2018 at 11:06 am
I am still gaming my Diamana ‘Ahina 70 x5ct x in my driver 3w and 19* rescue, I have yet to find a reason to change.
Travis
Jul 27, 2018 at 7:03 am
The Tour AD-IZ has more usage that what was listed above. Last I checked Keegan Bradley was using it and he’s been at the top of ballstriking and total driving categories for a good while.
Eric
Jul 26, 2018 at 9:18 pm
I would love to see this with fairway woods. I am not sure you could narrow it down but it may be even more diverse.
phil
Jul 27, 2018 at 1:17 am
I would love to see that too. I love my fairway woods. I love my hybrids too.
Harv
Jul 26, 2018 at 7:31 pm
These are super expensive shafts… to pay off the pros to use them….
~j~
Jul 26, 2018 at 10:37 pm
eBay. Get’m for less than $100
jgpl001
Jul 27, 2018 at 6:11 pm
A T1100 for $100 you wish…..
millennial82
Jul 26, 2018 at 5:58 pm
saw Tiger using the tensei white.. got it.. love it.. now he changed to orange and whites not even on the this list… kind of hurts my heart…
millennial82
Jul 26, 2018 at 5:59 pm
great post by the way GOLFWRX. Thank you!
Aaron
Jul 27, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Lamest reason to ever buy any shaft. Use what fits you.
PushFade
Jul 26, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Not bigger money than they’d earn from winning a tournament. Winning tournaments = bigger endorsements deals. Your statement is not only untrue, your premise is flawed.
Francis
Jul 26, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Doesn’t Rory use the Tensei Orange as well?
Curt
Jul 26, 2018 at 6:11 pm
Yes he was and I thought I saw he switched for the British.
Francis
Jul 26, 2018 at 5:14 pm
…Okay, Donald
jc
Jul 26, 2018 at 4:33 pm
I sure don’t know a shaft that starts out even lower than my standard ping shaft…I want something that takes off like a patriot missle going after a scud.
Michael Baker
Jul 26, 2018 at 4:26 pm
GREAT article – SUPER comprehensive and interesting….
Not sure about DJ in the HZRDUS black though. He used it recently but I believe he’s back in Fujikura Speeder DJ this week?