Project X introduced the HZRDUS in 2015 and since then we have seen quite a few updates and versions of the shaft. The HZRDUS Black was the low launch and low spin shaft that we saw all over the professional tours and in bags of us GolfWRXers. This fourth-generation shaft follows the very popular HZRDUS Black, HZRDUS Smoke Black, and HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX wood shafts.

The HZRDUS Black Gen 4 isn’t a flashy shaft and keeps the simple, yet updated, graphics scheme of the original. The new shaft now has a gloss back paint and an updated HZRDUS font that has a little extra rainbow effect in bright sunlight. The traditional 4 diamond logo with the shaft specs is up near the grip and on the tip section of the shaft is the “dual torsional design” logo and text in a grey color that blends in nicely. Overall I like the look and think it pays homage to the original while still being modern and different.

On the course the HZRDUS Gen 4 has a little different feel than the original. The original HZRDUS Black Hand Crafted had a little harshness to it and you got a good amount of vibration to the hands at impact. The hew Gen 4 is a far smoother and much more solid feeling shaft. Loading the shaft at the top of the swing takes less effort and you can feel it build up some energy on the way down. It has a little more kick at impact than the Smoke Black RDX. The feel is closer to the Smoke and Smoke RDX shafts in that it does delete that harsh vibration while still offering feedback on mishits. The overall stiff profile with extra stiff midsection gives you the feeling of control and stability even when you decide to “go after it.”

The HZRDUS Black Gen 4 is a really solid performer on the course. Project X lists the shaft as a low launch and low spin option on their website with a weight of 60g and 3.3 torque for the 6.5 (X-Stiff) flex. For me the Gen 4 was more mid/low launch and low spin out on the course. I feel like this new HZRDUS is more playable for a wider range of golfers who still need the spin reduction but don’t need the stiffest, lowest launching shaft on the market. Players can easily square up the HZRDUS Black Gen 4 but it still fights the ball going left. There is a good kick at impact and this Gen 4 definitely feels like it tries to create more ballspeed than the original. I have a quick tempo swing and the stiff handle gives a confident feeling of control and that the shaft stays with you the hole time. I usually hit hard snap hooks as my miss but every so often I get stuck and hit it high and right. Those shots usually go nowhere and just spin up and fall out of the sky. The Gen 4 has helped lower the trajectory of that shot and flatten it out, giving me a little more distance. In general the HZRDUS Black Gen 4 just offers a very straight ball flight and wants to keep your ball online.

The Project X HZRDUS Black Gen 4 is a solid option for players who are looking to lower their launch and spin. It could also add tighter dispersion if you have a swing tempo that is on the quicker side. Project X has done well to keep the HZRDUS DNA alive while upgrading the technology and materials for better performance. Take a listen to the Club Junkie podcast below, or on any podcast platform, to hear the full review.