Pros: Cool graphics and a smooth feel that’s consistent in both models.

Cons: High price ($349).

Bottom Line: Need to hit it lower? Try the Tour Green. Need to hit it higher? Try the Tour Blue.

Overview

The Aldila Tour Green and Tour Blue are direct descendants of the company’s hugely popular “NV” shafts, which have been a staple on the professional tours for almost a decade. But shaft technology has come a long way in 10 years, and so have the materials and processes that were used to create the Tour Green and Tour Blue shafts.

The graphite fibers used to make the shafts are between three one-thousandths and five one-thousandths of an inch thick, which creates more consistent wall thicknesses throughout the shaft, and also reduces the amount of glue needed to hold the fibers together. That allows the shafts to be made stiffer, lighter and lower in torque than previous models.

Like the NV shafts, the new models use Aldila’s Micro Laminate Technology (MLT), which means that extremely thin, strong layers of graphite were stacked on top of each other to create the shafts. That gives them a smooth feel, and according to John Oldenburg, vice president of engineering for Aldila, the most consistentcy of any shafts his company has ever produced.

The Tour Green and Tour Blue shafts are also designed with a balance point that is slightly closer to the handle than the original NV shaft, which helps balance out the weight of today’s heavier driver heads and gives golfers the opportunity to play the longer-length shafts (between 45 and 46 inches) that have become common in the golf industry without increasing swing weight to intolerable levels.

Both shafts carry an MSRP of $349. Check out the specs and review below.

Tour Green

Tour Blue 

Performance

The Tour Green has a stiffer tip section than the Tour Blue, making it launch lower and spin significantly less (about 500-to-700 rpm less on average for me). For that reason, it makes sense as a driver shaft, or as a fairway wood shaft for golfers who struggle to control spin with their fairway woods. It was also a major improvement of Aldila’s RIP Alpha shafts (one of my favorites), launching about 1-to-2 degrees higher with the same amount of spin.

The softer-tip Tour Blue shaft offers a significantly higher launch (about 3-to-4 degrees higher than the Tour Green on average for me) and because of the higher launch and spin, it gave me a steeper angle of decent (33 degrees vs 27 degrees on average ). That makes the Tour Blue a great choice for golfers who need need a higher launch and more spin with their driver. And for those players who love the feel of the Tour Green in the driver, the Tour Blue will be their ideal fairway wood shaft.

Looks and Feel

Both the Tour Green and Tour Blue shafts looks amazing with their color-coded circuitboard graphics that seem to drip down the shaft from beneath the grip. Aldila used the circuit board graphic to demonstrate all of the tech that went into creating these shafts, a nice touch in an area of golf equipment where premium materials and constructions can often go unnoticed. Another great part about having the graphics high on the shaft is that they creates minimal distraction and contrast for golfers who have a driver that may not match the blue and green shafts.

My only complaint is that I’m partial to blue, but I’m a high-launch, high-spin player. So if I could change anything, I would like to be able to swap the graphics so I could have a Tour Green with blue paint. But I’ll live.

Describing the feel of a shaft is the hardest part of a review, because it’s so dependent on a golfer’s preferences and the way that they load the shaft. The only way that I can accurately describe it is to use some other popular shafts for comparison. To me, the Tour Green and Tour Blue shafts have a feel that’s something like if Mitsubishi’s Diamana “White Board” and Aldila’s “RIP Alpha” shaft had a baby. The Tour Blue and Tour Green aren’t as soft-feeling as a White Board, but they’re not as stiff as a RIP Alpha. They’re perfectly in the middle, offering a smooth feel without feeling whippy or like rebar.

The Takeaway

The Aldila Tour Green and Tour Blue might be two of the simplest shafts for golfers and fitters to wrap their heads around. If a golfer needs to hit the ball lower than their current shaft, try the Tour Green. If they need to hit it higher, try to Tour Blue. It’s that simple.

I strongly suggest you the Tour Green and Tour Blue if you’re in the market for a new premium driver or fairway wood shaft. Golf gear heads know that the best shafts are the ones that give them the best numbers and maintain a specific feel. Aldila, maybe more than any other company, seems to have provided that with these.

Pros: Best Grips offers classy, hand-crafted leather grips in several designs. They’re unbelievably tacky and durable, and the variety of grip textures will please even the pickiest of players.

Cons: The stitches on the bottom of the grip could be problematic for players who prefer a smoother feel. Price range ($16-to-$20 each) could also be a deal breaker.

Bottom Line: Best Grips has captured the lost art of hand-stitched leather grips in a classy way. With a variety of colors and textures from which to choose, it will be hard for golfers not to find one that they like.

Overview

Best Grips is headquartered in Conroe, Texas, and has boldly chosen the name Best Grips, stating “our grips will single-handedly beat any other grip in a head-to-head test.”

“We are proud of our grips,” said Best Grip President Albert Sewill. “Each one is hand crafted and can take hours to complete. We aim to have the highest craftsmanship offered in a grip.”

All of Best Grips’ club grips are made of leather and feature ”Pro Taper,” which means that they are slightly larger at their bottom, the part of the grip that’s closer to the clubhead. The company decided on the design after its research and testing on the PGA Tour revealed that many tour players have their grips built to have less taper in the bottom hand.

Best Grip also hand stitches each and every grip, creating a seam on the bottom of the grip that acts like a rib, or a subtle reminder of where the hands should be positioned.

Sewill’s father is a chemist, and with his assistance they created a grip that can withstand the toughest conditions. Their technology is called “ProTac,” a moisture-activated synthetic additive that is absorbed into the leather and remains there for the life of the grip.

“Grips that are painted, non-genuine Leather, or rubber will not absorb ProTac,” according to Best Grips’ website. “They rely on substances chalked onto the top of the grip. As the grip wears away and time dissolves the grip, the tackiness withers away.”

Best Grips is not limited to just club grips, however, as they offer an array of putter grips, head covers and accessories made with the same high-level craftsmanship. Their exotic leathers and wide variety of styles create endless possibilities.

Best Grips’ stock club grips include: the Classic and Classic Oversized (smooth and firm), the Gridiron and LTD Gridiron (made from the same material as professional footballs), the MicroPerf (includes microperforations to increase surface area and tack) and the Harcourt (made from the same material as professional basketballs and slightly softer than the Gridiron).

The Review

The most impressive part of Best Grips, by far, is their unbelievable tackiness. Like all golfers, I’m skeptical of companies claiming superior technology, but ProTac is exactly that.

From left to right: Best Grips’ MicroPerf, Gridiron and Classic club grips. 

For this review, I received samples of the Gridiron, Classic and MicroPerf, which all had extremely high levels of tackiness. I hit about 500 balls with each of the grips, and not only did they stay tacky, but they still look brand new.

Any grip can be tacky when it’s new and dry, however, which is why I put the Best Grips to the ultimate test. I dunked each of them in a bucket of water, and then proceeded to hit balls with them. They experience was amazing, and similar to dunking a rain glove in a bucket of water and then swinging away. Conventional wisdom says the performance of the grip should have been compromised, but the water didn’t affect the Best Grips at all. If anything, they felt a little tackier!

I felt that all the Best Grips were a little firmer than rubber grips I’ve used. I’m not sure if it’s because the leather is actually thicker, or if it’s just the fact that my brain equates leather with more thickness. Either way, I enjoyed the firmer feel and the shock-absorbing qualities. Golfers picky about “feeling” every mishit might not like the dulled vibrations, but they will likely be in the minority.

My favorite Best Grip was by far the Classic, which gave me the most feedback and felt the tackiest to me. I really enjoyed the smooth, traditional leather texture. Some golfers might like the Gridiron grip, which feels exactly like an authentic NFL Football, but it was sensory overload for me. The MicroPerf is a nice middle ground, with just enough texture to improve grip but not enough to affect my feel of the club head.

My personal thoughts aside, I had zero performance issues with Best Grips. As long as a they’re installed correctly, with their seams on straight, most golfers should be more than impressed with their performance. Selecting the right grip is a bit trickier, however, and golfers might want to order single grips in different styles before they commit to a 13-club set.

Looks and Feel

Simply put, Best Grips look as good as they feel. The leather is high quality and beautifully hand crafted, and each grip evokes the nostalgia of hickory shafts and persimmon club heads. They just ooze class.

The stitching on the bottom of Best Grips provides a subtle reminder that will be loved by those players seeking a ribbed-style grip. If they’re also looking for a tacky grip, something that’s not often found in a ribbed-style grip, these could be paydirt.

Best Grips’ custom options also allows golfers to choose from one of 50 colors, 14 different stitch colors and 100 exotic skins. We’re talking alligator, ostrich, lizard… crazy stuff like that. Golfers can also add embossed logos, custom initials or engraved designs for a one-of-a-kind custom look.

The Takeaway

Even with their price tag of $16-to-$18 each, golfers will be hard pressed to find a nicer leather grip than Best Grips. If you’re looking to bring a touch of class to your clubs and get great performance as well, Best Grips might just be your next grip.

For more information, visit Best Grips’ website.

KBS has announced the release of its new “Tour-V” steel iron shaft, which is lower spinning than the KBS “Tour” shaft and weighs about 10 grams less.

The Tour-V (known as the “Tour V2″ in its prototype phase) has been in development since early 2012. It was first used on the PGA Tour by Phil Mickelson, who worked with KBS shaft designer Kim Braly to create a shaft that had the feel of the KBS Tour, but produced a lower launch and less spin.

Click here to see the other clubs and shafts Mickelson uses.

To make the shaft, Braly lengthened the step pattern of the KBS Tour, while also increasing the outside diameter of the shaft and thinning its walls. Those changes gave the shaft a lower ball flight, and also made it 10 grams lighter.

“Dispersion with the Tour-V is some of the tightest we have ever seen and it maintains our signature smooth feel at impact,” Braly said in a KBS press release. “Lighter weight has become more popular and this allows golfers to swing a little easier.”

The Tour V is available for pre-order immediately, and will begin shipping on Nov. 1. The shafts will be offered in three flexes: R (100 grams), S (110 grams) and X (120 grams). The Tour-V will also be the stock shaft offering for  Callaway’s Apex Pro irons, which will be available in early 2014.

Click here to see what GolfWRX members are saying in the forums.

Above: The KBS Tour-V shaft (left), has a larger outside diameter and thinner walls in the tip section than the KBS Tour (right).

Above: Notice how the KBS Tour-V shafts, when paired side-by-side with the KBS Tour shafts, have longer steps (in both pairings, the KBS Tour is on the left and the Tour-V is on the right). This change, combined with the change in wall thickness and outside diameter, gives the shaft a more penetrating flight. 

In June, the KBS launched its C-Taper Lite iron shaft, which filled a gap between the KBS Tour 90 and KBS Tour shafts. The Tour-V fits between the company’s C-Taper and KBS Tour shafts, offering the smooth feel of the KBS Tour with a launch and spin that is closer to the C-Taper.

Mitsubishi Rayon’s new Diamana W-Series shaft is the third generation of the company’s “White Board” shaft, a low-launching, low-spinning model that has been extremely popular with pros and amateurs since its launch in 2006.

The most notable difference between the W-Series and its predecessor, Mitsubishi’s Diamana ‘ahina shaft, is the shaft’s stiffer butt section. That area of the shaft was reinforced with a special material made by Mitsubishi’s parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical, called Dialed. Dialed (also known as “pitch” fiber) is a high-modulus carbon fiber that’s about twice as strong as standard golf shaft materials.

Click here to read about Alidila’s Rogue shaft, which uses the same pitch fiber in its design.

According to Tsutomu Ibuki, president of Mitsubishi Rayon, Dialed increases the consistency of the W-Series shaft and adds a more stable feel. But there’s also a performance benefit.

“The modulus is kind of a spring,” Ibuki said. “The modulus is higher, so it’s a stronger spring.”

More “spring” means more ball speed, and if the W-Series is a good fit for a golfer’s swing and launch conditions, it also means more distance.

Golfers currently playing the ‘ahina are likely to see a higher launch and slightly more spin from the W-Series due to its slightly softer tip, a design change prompted by today’s extremely low-spinning driver heads. That puts the launch and spin characteristics of the W-Series closer to the design of the original White Board shaft, the D-Series, which is still used by several of the world’s top golfers including Tiger Woods.

Like Mitsubishi’s third-generation “Blue Board” shaft, the Diamana B-Series, the W-Series shaft has the company’s “Tough-Qure” technology in the tip section, a resin system that reduces the tip’s deformation during the swing.

The Diamana W-Series shafts will hit stores on Oct. 7 and will carry an MSRP of $400. It will be available in 50-, 60- and 70-gram model, all in R, S and X flexes.

 Click here to see what GolfWRX members are saying about the shaft in the forums.

 Click here to see what GolfWRX members are saying about the shaft in the forums.

Matrix’s new line of Velox shafts are designed to help golfers maximize clubhead speed, regardless of what type of driver setup they play.

In the past, better golfers gravitated toward drivers built to shorter lengths, which offered them more control and consistency than longer clubs. But the creation of larger, more forgiving club heads has led to the use of longer clubs by many golfers, as the wider arc that longer clubs create during the swing can help them generate additional club head speed and thus more distance.

Wider swing arcs have another possible benefit as well. They can help golfers improve their swing path, because wider arcs increase the chance that a golfer will swing the club on an in-to-out path, as well as with an upward angle of attack; a key ingredient to maximizing distance off the tee.

One of the problems with longer-length drivers, however, is that their extended length moves the balance point of the club closer to the club head. That issue is exacerbated by the fact that today’s adjustable driver heads are heavier than past models, tipping the balance point even farther toward the head. The movement of the balance point toward the head is called an increased “swing weight,” which makes the club feel heavier to a golfer.

For golfers who wish to take advantage of longer-length drivers but want to maintain a traditional swing weight, Matrix designed the Velox Sp shafts. The Sp shafts are counterbalanced, which means they have more weight in the butt section of the shaft to balance out the extra length, extra head weight, or both.

The Velox shafts, which also come in a non-counterbalanced St model, were created with much more than proper weight distribution in mind, however.

Tom DeShiell, director of research and development at Matrix Shafts, said his team designed the Velox shafts to help golfers maximize the amount of energy they could transfer into the ball. They did so with deformation of energy (DE) analysis, a study of the curvature of a shaft during the swing and how it affects energy transfer.

“We wanted to optimize that curvature for golfers with different swing speeds,” DeShiell said.

Instead of the traditional R, S and X flexes, the Velox Sp and St shafts are categorized with numbers that relate to a golfer’s swing speed: 85, 95, 105 and 115. The 85 model will work best for golfers with a swing speed around 85 mph, the 95 will work best for golfers with a swing speed around 95 mph, and so on.

“Every different player has a different response to a shaft,” DeShiell said. “So, that’s where we tried to just concentrate on their swing speed.”

According to DeShiell, all golf shafts have a decrease in stiffness from the butt section to the tip section. But the rate at which that stiffness changes has to vary for golfers to get the most energy transfer from a shaft. For that reason, the Velox shafts for golfers with slower swing speeds have a rate of stiffness that decreases more rapidly, while the models for golfers with faster swing speeds decrease in stiffness more slowly.

The Velox shafts are currently being tested on the PGA Tour, and will be available at retail on Nov. 1. The Sp shafts (offered in weights of 50, 60, 70 and 80 grams) will retail for $275, while the St shafts (offered in weights of 60, 70 and 80 grams) will sell for $375.

Most golfers are familiar with the advantages of today’s game-improvement irons, which are helping golfers hit the ball higher and farther than ever before. But fewer are aware of the latest crop of  lightweight “game-improvement” shafts, which can further boost a golfer’s iron play.

One top-rated model is True Temper’s new XP shaft family, which was chosen by leading iron makers Callaway, Mizuno and Titleist to be the stock shaft in each company’s flagship game-improvement irons, Callaway’s Apex, Mizuno’s JPX-EZ and JPX-EZ Forged and Titleist’s AP1 irons.

Greg Cavill, vice president of alloy engineering for True Temper, credits the performance of the XP shafts to their variable wall technology, which allowed engineers to manipulate the thicknesses of certain parts of the shafts to improve distance, performance and feel.

In the butt section of the shaft, for example, the walls were made thinner, which was a key to making the XP 95 as light as 92 grams, more than 30 grams lighter than True Temper’s famed Dynamic Gold shafts. But engineers used thicker walls in the tip section of the shaft, which added weight to help stabilize the region.

Above: True Temper’s XP 95 shaft has a butt diameter of 0.605 inches, while the 10-grams heavier XP 105 shaft has a slightly smaller butt diameter of 0.600 inches. 

Engineers continued the give and take by changing the step pattern of the butt section of the shaft. Its steps were made longer than those in the tip section, making the butt section stiffer. The butt section was then further reinforced with another stiffening agent, a slightly larger outside diameter, which works with the shaft’s stiff midsection to force the tip of the shaft to “kick” at impact.

That kick is responsible for the shaft’s higher launch, which when paired with the added swing speed the lightweight shaft provides adds 6-to-8 yards more carry distance, according to True Temper robot testing.

True Temper’s XP 95 shaft, as well as the 10-grams heavier XP 105 shaft, have a balance point that allows iron sets to be built with traditional balance points. They’re available in R300 and S300 flexes, and cost $400 for a set of eight shafts (3-PW).

Fujikura’s new “Pro” shafts are mid-launch, low-spin shafts that are designed to help golfers hit the ball farther by improving the “kick speed” they get from their shafts.

Jeremy Butler, Fujikura’s director of sales, said the company’s Enso system played a big role in the creation of the new series. Enso is a 3D motion capture system that records golf swings at up to 700 fps, allowing it to analyze shaft metrics such as bending, twisting and kick speed.

“The biggest thing we try to do is increase the kick speed of the shaft just prior to impact,” Butler said. “The way we’ve designed the Pro series shafts helps us do that.”

Each of the shafts has Fujikura’s high-inertia tip (H.I.T.), a design that takes weight out of the tip section of the shaft to increase the shaft’s inertia. But the tip section maintains its stiffness thanks to the company’s CAGE technology, which reinforces the lighter-weight area.

To improve energy transfer, the butt section of the shafts is designed to be slightly softer than previous mid-launch, low-spin shafts like Fujikura’s Motore F3. That allows golfers to store more energy in the shaft and then release it at impact, Butler said, resulting in faster club head speeds.

The Pro series shafts ($199) will be available in mid-February in weights of 53, 63 and 73 grams, in flexes R2 to X. They will also be available in hybrid shafts with weights of 63, 73 and 83 grams (R2 to X flexes).

“Tour Spec” versions of the Pro shafts, which have a higher-overall stiffness, can be identified by their white graphics. They will be available at a later date, and will be offered in weights of 63 and 73 grams in S and X flexes.

Also available in the Pro series are Fujikura’s Pro 95 graphite iron shafts. The parallel-tipped iron shafts are all designed with a 2-iron length, and maintain a traditional steel-shaft swing weight when cut to length.

Because they are lighter than most steel iron shafts, Butler said golfers should be able to swing them a little faster. That should help golfers hit their iron shots higher and farther, and the absorption properties of the graphite material also cuts down on the vibrations golfers feel in their joints through impact.

The Pro 95 iron shafts are all black, and will sell of $55 each (R and S flexes) when they are released in mid-February. Like the other Pro series shafts, a Tour Spec version is also in the works.

Click here to see what members are saying about the shafts in our forums.

Click here to see what members are saying about the shafts in our forums.

The days of steel-shafted irons are numbered.

That’s what golfers are hearing from graphite shaft makers, who after many years of trial and error have created a new crop of products that are breaking down the perception that graphite shafts can’t possibly match the performance of steel models.

“What we’re seeing is the evolution of graphite shafts,” says Ian Fraser, the lead club fitter at Modern Golf, a custom golf club fitting facility in Toronto. “Shaft makers are getting really smart about the way they make graphite iron shafts.”

For years, golfers with slow clubhead speeds have reaped the benefits of graphite iron shafts, which can be as light as 50 grams each — half the weight of the average steel shaft. Their lightweight design can help certain golfers, particularly ladies and seniors, swing their irons faster. And the low bend points of many lightweight graphite shafts can also help boost launch and spin, a big part of the equation to help golfers with limited clubhead speeds hit their irons farther.

But graphite shaft makers have struggled to impress better golfers, who knowingly or not tend to build their iron games around the shaft they play, Fraser says. That’s because for decades, the shaft of choice for better golfers has been True Temper’s Dynamic Gold, a heavyweight steel shaft with a high bend point that produces a low, penetrating ball flight.

“Better golfers are used to seeing the Dynamic Gold ball flight,” Fraser says. “When you give them something that’s a little different, they get scared of it.”

In the past, manufacturers tried to create graphite shafts that felt and performed like popular steel models by adding additional layers of graphite in key areas of the shaft. That not only helped increase weight, but it gave the shafts a similar launch to popular steel models. The problem was that the additional graphite material made the walls of the shafts thicker, which according to Joe Kwok, owner of Joe Kwok Golf Shop in San Francisco, Calif., made them feel overly stiff to golfers.

“During a fitting, golfers are operating on feel,” Kwok says. “They say, ‘Man, these graphite iron shafts feel as stiff as a board.’ On the machine scale they’re not, but that’s how they feel.”

The biggest selling point of graphite iron shafts has always been their ability to ability to reduce vibration, which helps minimize wear and tear on a golfer’s joints. That can mean more rounds, longer practice sessions and less injuries. But now there’s a new reason to make the switch. Advancements in materials and construction have allowed manufacturers to make graphite iron shafts that feel more similar to steel, and in some cases can offer better performance.

So what’s the downside of graphite shafts? Well, like all premium equipment in golf, it’s cost. Certain models can sell for as much as $115 per shaft, while most steel shafts cost only $15-to-$40 each.

Not scared of the extra cost? Here’s four top-rated graphite iron shafts to try, and what you need to know about each of them.

Aldila RIP Tour

Aldila’s RIP Tour graphite iron shafts give golfers greater control over the twisting of the club face thanks to their extremely low torque, which at 1-to-1.4 degrees is actually lower than that of tour-quality steel shafts.

Their low torque is made possible by the company’s extremely strong “torque control fibers,” which run at a 45-degree angle to a shaft’s axis. Those fibers have a strength of 40 MSI (40 million pounds per square inch), 30 percent stronger than steel, and are balanced throughout the shaft to offer consistency that is as good if not better than steel shafts, says John Oldenburg, vice president of R&D and new product development for Aldila.

Aldila’s RIP Tour shafts were used to win twice on the PGA Tour in 2013, by Boo Weekley at the Crowne Plaza Invitational and by Ken Duke at the Travelers Championship. They’re offered in three different stiffnesses that are indicated by the color of the words “RIP TOUR” on the shaft. Gold is the stiffest, while silver is less stiff and copper are the softest.

Cost: About $50 each
Weights available: 115 grams and 90 grams

AeroTech SteelFiber

AeroTech Steelfiber shafts are made with a high-strength graphite core, which is wrapped with thread-like “steel fibers” that are eight microns in diameter, about one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. The idea is to give the shafts the vibration absorption of graphite, but add to the stability that golfers have grown accustomed to from steel.

“The hoop orientation of the SteelFiber material keeps the shaft from deforming at impact,” says Chris Hilleary, President of Aerotech and designer of the SteelFiber shaft. “It also surface weights the shaft, which improves MOI to keep the shaft from wanting to twist at impact.”

While the shafts are more than a decade old, they have spiked in popularity in recent years due to usage by Matt Kuchar, who began playing the shafts in his iron in 2008. After trying Kuchar’s shafts, Brandt Snedeker put the same shafts in his irons, and several other PGA Tour players have followed suit.

Interested golfers should know that the higher balance point of the shafts will decrease an iron’s swing weight by about three points, which won’t be much of a problem if you’re buy a new set of irons from an established club builder. But if you’re planning to use your current set of iron heads, be prepared to deal with lighter-feeling heads or break out a roll of lead tape. Also, SteelFiber shaft also tend to play stiffer than the indicated flex, which is why Kuchar and Snedeker each play stiff-flex 95-gram models.

Cost: About $55 each
Weights available: 74 to 125 grams

nVentix Nunchuk xi

Nuncuck’s xi graphite iron shafts have a two-pronged design: very stiff tip and butt sections and a softer mid section to help control the amount of a shaft’s twisting. That design helps the shafts maximize the stability of the club face, the company says, leading to more consistent contact regardless of a golfer’s swing speed.

Since the shafts come in one flex and one weight, 104 grams, the weight of the shafts will decrease as they are cut shorter. That means weight will have to be added to the club heads on the short end of the set to achieve consistent swing weights.

Cost: About $55 per shaft
Weights available: 104 grams

UST Mamiya Recoil

UST Mayima’s “Recoil” shafts are constructed with denser graphite materials, which allows engineers to increase the weight of the shafts without making the walls overly thick. That change lets the shafts “oval” more during the downswing, creating a better energy transfer and a trajectory that’s similar to leading steel models.

Recoil shafts have gotten high marks for feel from better players, some of which have seen slightly increased ball speed over a period of shots when compared to steel. They’re available in several different models, but it’s the heavier, stiffer Recoil Prototype shafts that have caught the attention of long-time steel shaft users, including Jason Day and Ernie Els, who have experimented with the shafts on the PGA Tour.

The company also makes a “standard” Recoil shaft model, which is available in the same weights as the Recoil Prototype — 95, 110 and 115 grams — but have more torque and a softer overall profile.

Models, weights, flexes:

• Recoil Prototype: Taper tip, 95, 110 and 125 grams, available through  UST Mamiya TourSPX dealers only
• Recoil (standard): Taper tip, 95, 110 and 125 grams
• Recoil 800 Series: Parallel tipped, 50-to-94 grams depending on flex, available through UST Mamiya TourSPX dealers only
• Recoil 600 Series: Parallel tipped, 67-to-84 grams depending on flex

Cost: From $40 to $115 Recoil per shaft, depending on model.

Tour Edge is bringing the the same technology used on the PGA Tour to all its product lines. The company has finalized an agreement with SST Pure to have its shaft alignment technology used on all of its Tour Edge and Exotics golf clubs.

“SST PURE system is the cutting edge of shaft alignment and a perfect complement to our high-end Exotics technology,” said David Glod, Tour Edge president and chief designer. “The new automated system is one of only 25 currently in use and it’s great that we can offer this viable technology to our Exotics customers.”

The SST PURE process was developed by golf-industry veteran Dick Weiss. The patented process analyzes the structural irregularities that exist in a golf shaft and locates the shaft’s most stable orientation. Off-line bending and twisting of the shaft are minimized and repeatable impact on the center of the clubface improves by up to 51 percent.

Click here to read our review of Tour Edge Exotics’ new XCG7, XCG7 Beta and CB Pro fairway woods, which we gave a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

The computer generated process is completely automated using the new PURE SPECS system, which takes about two minutes per shaft. This premium service will be available on all Exotics products, new and old.

“We are very excited to be working with Tour Edge Exotics,” SST President Brian Adair said. “Our Tour van works tirelessly with professional golfers to perfect shaft alignment for the best players in the world. Teaming with Exotics, our PURE process can be put into effect on the front end for players of all abilities with their technologically advanced golf clubs.”

Many prestigious custom club fitters and more than 200 Tour players use the exclusive shaft alignment system by SST PURE. Combining SST PURE’s ground-breaking system with Exotics will offer players of all abilities some of the best that industry technology has to offer.

For more information and pricing visit www.touredge.com.

Fujikura fans, it’s official. Last year, Fujikura released its popular FUEL shaft in a Limited Edition paint scheme to celebrate the year’s first major. This year, the newly relaunched Speeder 757 receives its special “Masters” green and yellow color treatment.

Much like last year, these Limited Edition Masters Speeder 757 shafts will be available through select Fujikura Dealers shortly, but in very limited supply. You’ll also have a chance to win one here on GolfWRX in the near future and you can visit SpeedToTheMajors.com for a chance to win right now.

Click here to read what GolfWRX members are saying in the forums.

Matrix’s new TPHDe shafts use the latest materials in a new construction that can improve ball speed, feel and stability, according to the company.

Like its predecessor, Matrix’s TPHD shaft, the TPHEe uses exotic materials such as Zylon, Boron and Gmat to stabilize the shaft without increasing weight or making the shaft feel stiffer.

In Matrix’s TPHD, the HD section, or 16-sided hexadecagonal internal platform, was located in the upper portion of the shaft. In the TPHDe, Matrix extended the HD section down the body of the shaft. According to Chris Nolan, Matrix’s executive vice president for global operations, that allowed the company to make improvements to the shaft’s design that were not possible with the TPHD.

“In car terms, we’re trying to make sure the chassis is as stiff as possible,” Nolan said. “By extending the HD section, we’re able to increase stability without losing feel.”

The exotic materials and the construction of those materials, however, come at a cost. With a $1200 MSRP, the TPHDe is one of the priciest shafts on the market.

“We’re dealing with different raw materials that have different properties, and it’s a very technical process to get those materials to stay together,” Nolan said.

The TPHDe shafts offer a mid-launch, mid-spin trajectory and are available in weights of 50 grams, 60 grams and 70 grams in eight different flexes ranging from lady to XX-stiff.

They have a balance point that is about 0.5 inches higher (toward the butt section) than the TPHD, which allows golfers to retain traditional swing weights with today’s heavier club heads or build the driver to a longer finished length to increased club head speed.

Matrix’s TPHDe shafts will ship to retailers later this month.

Mitsubishi Rayon’s new Fubuki J was introduced to PGA Tour players this week at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, where three players including T3 finisher Matt Every put the new shaft in play in their drivers.

The Fubuki line of shafts is best known for its use by Phil Mickelson, who played the company’s Fubuki K shaft in his Callaway X Hot 3Deep fairway wood that he used as a driver for his back-to-back wins at last year’s Scottish and British opens.

The Fubuki J shares a similar construction to the Fubuki K, using the company’s Ninja Core — a metal mesh construction that’s located in the butt section of the shaft — to prevent ovaling and improve energy transfer. It also has the company’s Modulus Differential Technology (MDT) in its tip section, a combination of different types of graphite materials that add stability and work like a hinge at impact to accelerate clubhead speed and improve launch and spin conditions.

Above: The Fubuki J’s Ninja Core adds stability to the butt end of the shaft by merging graphite and stainless steel constructions. 

What’s new about the Fubuki J is that it is a counterbalanced shaft, which means that its balance point has been moved farther toward the shaft’s butt section. Counterbalanced shafts are nothing new in the industry, but the way in which Mitsubishi Rayon designed the Fubuki J is. Instead of adding more graphite material to the butt section of the shaft, which can alter a shaft’s feel, the company mixes about 5 grams of tungsten powder into the materials that make up the Fubuki J’s butt section. That makes it a good fit for many of today’s heavier adjustable metal wood heads, which tend to have heavier-than-normal swing weights.

According to Mitsubishi Rayon shaft representatives on site at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, the Fubuki J was launching as much as 2 degrees higher than the Fubuki K for some players while maintaining roughly the same amount of spin.

The Fubuki J is available in four different weights: 50 grams (R, S and X flexes), 60 grams (S and X flexes), 70 grams (S and X flexes) and 80 grams (X flex). It’s currently available through authorized Mitsubishi Rayon dealers and sells for about $400. Check out the gallery below for more technical information about the shaft.

*Matt Every used the Fubuki J in his Callaway Big Bertha driver (click here to see all the clubs in Every’s bag). John Peterson (60X) and Matt Bettencourt (70X) also used the Fubuki J this week in their drivers at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. 

Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Fubuki J in our forum.

Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Fubuki J in our forum.

Few graphite shaft makers can claim the success of Mitsubishi Rayon’s Diamana shafts, which have been used to win more than 100 events on golf’s major professional tours since 2004. That makes it a big deal when the company tests a new line of Diamana shafts, as it is doing this at the Quicken Loans National.

The most well-known of the company’s Diamana shafts are its original S-Series and D-Series models, known as a “Blue Boards” and “White Boards,” respectively, and they’re used by a staggering amount of the world’s best players. 

Tiger Woods uses the original Blue Board shafts in his driver and fairway woods, while Gary Woodland plays the Diamana S+ Series shafts in his driver and fairway wood. Jordan Spieth, on the other hand, plays an original Blue Board shaft in his driver and a Diamana D+ Series shaft in his fairway wood.

The new models are the second-generation of the company’s Diamana +Plus Series that are played by Woodland and Spieth. They’re called the S+ and D+ Series, and use new technologies that make the shafts a viable option for everyone from the best golfers in the world to the weekend player.

The profiles of the first-generation and second-generation Diamana +Plus series shafts are similar, which means that they should produce close to the same launch and spin characteristics for most golfers. There are material differences between the shafts, however, which will make the second-generation shafts a better fit for many golfers.

Mitsubishi Rayon’s second-generation Diamana +Plus Series shafts have a matte gray finish, making them a better fit for many of today’s colorful driver, fairway wood and hybrid heads. The first-generation Diamana S+ and D+ shafts had matte blue and black finishes, respectively. 

The second-generation Diamana +Plus shafts expand the company’s Multi-Dimensional Interlay (M.D.I.) technology throughout the length of the shaft, where it was previously only used in the tip. That allows each shaft to be made about 3-to-4 grams lighter without affecting the shaft’s bend profile, said Mark Gunther, Mitsubishi Rayon’s vice president of sales and marketing. Unlike the original Diamana shafts, it also allows Mitsubish to tune the torque of each shaft to a specific flex, giving softer-flex shafts a little more torque and stiffer-flex shafts a little less torque.

What’s also new is that the the second-generation S+ Series shafts are counterbalanced, which means that they have a higher balance point that allows today’s heavier driver, fairway wood and hybrid heads to be played at a standard length or a longer-than-standard length without a drastic affect on swing weight.

The S+ Series shafts are slated to be released in more flexes and more weight options than ever before as well, with an emphasis on going lighter. Golfers will be able to get a 52-gram S+ Series (R and S flexes) for the first time, as well as more standard-weight options: a 62-gram model (R, S, X, TX), a 72-gram model (R, S, X, TX) and an 82-gram model (X, TX).

TX-flex shafts, which are available in each 62-gram, 72-gram and 82-gram shaft model, use special 46-ton carbon fiber materials that allow the shafts to be stiffer and have less torque than X-Flex shafts.

The D+ Series, which launches lower than the S+ Series, will also be available in a 52-gram model for the first time (R, S and X flexes), as well as a 62-gram model (S, X, TX), 72-gram model (S, X, TX) and 82-gram model (X, TX). It will not be as counterbalanced as the S+ Series shafts, however, because of its target audience. Golfers who tend to be a fit for the D+ Series often want their woods to have either a shorter length, heavier swing weight or both, which generally negates the benefits of a counterbalanced shaft.

Golfers looking for an aggressively counterweighted shaft from Mitsubishi Rayon will be pleased to hear that along with the company’s recently-released Fubuki J shafts, it will release a new Diamana M+ Series shaft, which is inspired by Mitsubishi’s original Diamana M-Series “Red Board” shaft. It’s the highest-launching of the three shafts and is expected to hit the PGA Tour for testing in October. It will be available in a 52-gram model (R, S), a 62-gram model (R, S, X, TX) and 72-gram model (R, S, X, TX).

Like the rest of the line, the M+ Series will be available in limited quantities this fall and will sell for about $300.

Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the second-generation Diamana +Plus Series shafts in our forum.

Pros: A new take on the traditional pistol-style putter grip. Design minimizes wrist breakdown and lays the foundation for a more consistent stroke. Solid construction, comparable to grips from major manufacturers.

Cons: The necessary hand position may alter a golfer’s putting stroke. The different look and feel to gripping the putter will take getting used to.

Bottom Line: If you have the yips or wrist breakdown, are unhappy with your current grip or style, or are merely looking for something different, Garsen’s putter grips are worth a try.

Overview

A golfer since a young age, Bernerd Garsen has spent the past 12 years in the South Florida golf industry, most recently as an assistant golf pro.

It was during this time period that the idea behind his grips began to take shape. As Garsen says:

“Just by working with people and being around golf, I saw that people had a lot of wrist breakdown. The putter grip hasn’t been changed in ages except for size and material. This is a new shape, a new design.”

Garsen’s grip is designed with an inverted v-shape on its front, which according to the designer puts the hands in a neutral position by placing one thumb on each side of the grip. As a result, the elbows are pulled tighter to the body at address and the shoulders fall back and relax. That lays the foundation for a more stable, consistent stroke.

How does it work? Here’s the claim from Garsen:

“[The] patented, two-sided design, which places your hands into a neutral position, turns your elbows into your body and sets your shoulders back. This puts your body in a relaxed position and eliminates unnecessary wrist breakdown. This creates a more repetitive putting stroke. Together, these characteristics contribute to a more confident putting stroke, which will lead to making more putts.”

According to Garsen, top teachers Mike Bender, Pete Cowen and Mike Shannon, are promoting the grip and it has been favorably received by touring professionals.

Garsen has only been in the grip business for a year and he’s already making significant strides with tour players. J.B. Holmes won the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this year with a Garsen G-Pro EDGE on his putter (and picked up 1.4 strokes on the field with the flatstick for the tournament). World No. 2 Henrik Stenson is presently using the MAX.

The G-Pro EDGE retails for $19.95. It’s available in Black, White, Blue Red.

• Grip diameter: Semi Mid-Size
• Weight: 73 grams (+ 1 – 3 grams)
• Core Size: .580
• Firmness: Medium
• Shock Absorption: High
• Material: TPO
• Feel: Semi-tacky
• Profile: Semi-Tapered Paddle

The G-Pro MAX retails for $24.95 and is available in Black/White and White/Black styles.

• Grip diameter: 2 inches
• Weight: 60 grams
• Core Size: .60
• Firmness: Medium
• Shock Absorption: High
• Material: High-Tech PU Material
• Feel: Semi-tacky
• Profile: Semi-Tapered Pistol

Performance

Traditionally, evaluating the performance of a grip outside of looks and feel is difficult unless the grip makes a specific claim. For example, the SuperStroke is designed to minimize hand action and wrist breakdown.

Garsen makes the same claim.

Both the EDGE and MAX force a golfer’s elbows back against the body, which does create a greater feeling of stability and sense of connectedness in the putting stroke. To a degree, it also seems easier to grab your putter and set up squarely from the position.

As a result of the way a golfer is forced to hold the putter with the Garsen grip, wrist breakdown is virtually impossible, as is a significant amount of manipulation with the hands. This was certainly evident in testing Garsen grips on a couple of putters, and it’s easy to see why an historically iffy putter, J.B. Holmes, would be attracted to the model.

Looks and Feel

The feel of the EDGE and MAX are comparable to grips from any other major manufacturer. To a degree, rubber is rubber. Obviously, the EDGE is a standard size grip and the MAX is sized similarly to the SuperStroke Slim 2.0.

The distinct elements of both the look and feel of gripping a putter with a Garsen installed come from the way you grip the Garsen grip.

Some golfers may feel gripping the putter in the manner above alters the putting stroke stroke somewhat. While Garsen makes the argument the change is for the better, the determination is up to the individual golfer to make. Regardless, it’s important to stress that the grip necessitates a different grip, as it were.

The Takeaway

While Garsen’s grips make take some getting used to, they’re certainly worth a shot for golfers who struggle with their putting, particularly those who deal with lead-wrist breakdown and general yippiness.

And of the above, there are many.

Those who prefer a thicker grip ought to try the MAX, while those who like the traditional pistol-style putter grip should consider the EDGE.

Whether the creatures of habit that walk our golf courses will get on board with something that looks different than the grip they’ve been playing forever and necessitates a new way of holding the putter remains to be seen.

Ultimately, Bernerd Garsen has created a variant of the traditional putter grip that does what it claims to do. And he’s not done innovating yet: Garsen told us that he’s just returned from China where he discussed the production of a new, three-sided grip.

In 1992, Davis Love III installed Loomis Golf graphite shafts in his irons. The subsequent four wins on tour had competitors and aficionados scratching their heads and asking what exactly happened to DL3′s game? It turned out that those shafts were the offspring of a high-priced line of fishing rods, invented by Gary Loomis and predicated on flexible, balanced and dense graphite. Given recent events and announcements, Davis might want to re-examine his irons shafts as he prepares for the Champions Tour.

What events? Which announcements? Jeffrey and Robert Meyer, experienced men in the golf industry and owners of Meyer Performance Composites, have opened the factory doors in Wonka-like fashion and are producing the Loomis graphite iron shaft again. Jeffrey Meyer began designing golf shafts at Aldila in 1987. He worked as director of golf shaft development at Acushnet from 1996-2002 and then as director of metal wood development from 2002-2007. His brother, Robert, was an All-American golfer at BYU and played professional golf for about 10 years. Robert Meyer enjoyed success on the Canadian PGA and Golden State Tours. He then served as the PGA tour rep at Graphite Design from 1999-2008.

If you search the name, “Gary Loomis” on major engines, you’re more likely to find references to his fishing rod exploits. His unique carbon fiber construction techniques were honed in his days working on Lamiglass and Talon rods. Until Loomis arrived at the caravan, the world’s finest golf touring pros were hesitant to use graphite in anything other than metals and woods (yes, those were still around). They complained that graphite-shafted irons were too stiff and were rarely balanced through the set. After the major golf success of the 1990s, Loomis sold his company to Aldila or Shimano … or someone else, depending on the report you read. What is certain is that he left the business he had owned since 1973, even though the legendary name, G. Loomis, lived on.

From time to time, Loomis resurfaced, like a more frequent and human version of Brigadoon. In 2008, he spoke at the International Professional Association of ClubFitters exposition, where he maintained that the impact of the golf shaft on effective and efficient clubfitting was never in doubt and that the properties of each shaft had direct impact on the success of the fitting and use of the clubs.

The company’s mission statement discusses “highest modulus materials” and “densest laminates” as attributes. Jeffrey Meyer broke down in layman’s terms precisely what separates Loomis shafts from the competition.

“The Loomis iron shafts are known for their low torque, stability, superior vibration dampening with excellent feel similar to the fishing rods Gary Loomis produces. This is accomplished by utilizing tools with very small diameters, using better materials and taking extra steps in the manufacturing process to ensure that maximum laminate density is obtained. Better materials, better designs and better manufacturing processes result in superior products.”

Today, the Meyer brothers count on the unique quality of the Loomis shaft to be its principal selling point.

“With the assistance of the Mitsubishi Rayon Company, the EFP Tour and EFP 95 iron shafts are made with superior high modulus fibers (40 ton/57 msi tensile modulus) and resin systems combined with their world class manufacturing to produce consistent, high quality shafts,” Meyer said. “These designs also incorporate a proprietary titanium-nickel fiber that help to optimize the balance and feel of these shafts.”

To celebrate the return of the product, the Meyers brothers are focusing the marketing energy on the crossover between golf and collegiate sports. Loomis graphite irons shafts are available in the team colors of 31 major universities.

Given that tomorrow’s pros are today’s collegians, if Loomis shafts catch their eye, the next generation of touring professionals might opt in a dominant way for Loomis shafts, just as the generation of 1990 did.

Visit Loomis’ website for more information.

Cons: Due to the precise design utilizing high quality materials, the shafts come with a hefty price tag of $473, which is more than most drivers and outside of many consumer’s budget.

Bottom Line: Basileus has produced an extremely smooth, exotic-looking shaft that will improve the driving games of golfers who can afford to game them.

Overview

The process of producing a Basileus shaft started out with the vision of creating shafts that the company could proudly deliver to its customers that were customized for each individual. To achieve this, Basileus created a matrix they call an A-B Map that was derived from the analysis of data from thousands of shafts using its proprietary EI Curve distribution method of shaft analysis. Each shaft Basileus makes fits in the matrix, which makes finding a profile easier to find for the player.

Basilius shafts are made from the high modulus carbon materials from Japan, designed in-house in and manufactured in Japan. All visual aesthetics are also decided in Japan and painting is performed in Japan using special technologies and quality controls.

In short, Basileus has seen an increasing trend by shaft manufacturers towards cost cutting and they feel that fewer of its competitors shafts truly meet the objectives, wants and needs of the player. Even the common message communicating the products sales pitch of “Hit the ball farther” without actually providing any real solution to the users needs had to be addressed.

Through design, calculations and countless trial and error, Basileus feels they have perfected its shafts and identified the crucial bits of data that can help users understand the objective characteristics of its shafts and choose the ideal shaft for their style of play.

According to the website, the Fiamma shaft, which is said to have a calculated flex in the tip-end that helps to provide extra distance, also includes “a relatively more pliant tip allows for better ball engagement. A rigid mid-section gives the Fiamma a solid feel. Best suited for quicker swing tempos and compact backswings.”

Here were the club specifications for my review

Basileus Fiamma 60X
Flex/Gram: Extra Stiff /67.5 grams
Torque: 3.5
Length: 45.5 inches
CPM: 265
Swingweight: D3
Installed in a Miura SIT 460 Driver (9 degrees) at Aloha Golf Center, Basileus specialist in the State of Hawaii.

Performance

The Basileus Fiamma, according to its A-B shaft matrix, falls in the “A” quadrant. It has a softer tip and is stiffer towards the middle and butt section. It’s designed for those with a smoother tempo and compact swing. The Fiamma shaft was also designed for a quick launch, a tight dispersion with a slight draw bias.

My initial testing thoughts were that the Fiamma felt so much softer than what I expected from the numerical CPM. Due to the initial feel, at first I thought I’d easily overpower the shaft once I began increase my swing speed. I quickly noticed during the range session that although the shaft felt soft, it kept up with my swing, even when I tried to max out my speed to test its performance.

It wasn’t too soft, but rather extremely smooth. The softer tip section appeared to collect perfectly at impact no matter the strength of swing I put on the ball. The head squared up nicely with limited torque. The shaft had a different, elevated feel compared to other popular shafts that I’ve played in the past.

The trajectory of the Fiamma was a quick launch and penetrating flight. It reminded me much of the Graphite Design DI shaft in trajectory, but had a surprisingly smoother feel. Considering I’ve always appreciated Graphite Design shafts for years, finding something that felt smoother was astounding. Compared to the DI that I had been recently gaming, I saw a 100-to-200 rpm average spin reduction, a 1-to-2 degree higher launch and about 8-to-12 yards of total distance distance after switching shafts.

The Fiamma shaft provided mental confidence as well. My dispersion was extremely tight and accurate and I noticed I gained notable yards off the tee on the course that I play weekly.

I always hesitate to mention anything about yardage gains in shaft reviews because I feel when I personally read those statements that I’m reading a biased commercial rather than an honest review. In this instance, however, the Fiamma has amazed me quite often on the same course I’ve played regularly each Saturday for the past seven years. It’s helped take me to spots down the fairway that I’ve rarely hit from before, due mostly to the consistent performance of the shaft giving me confidence to go after the ball.

The shaft has not failed to keep up with an increased swing speed, with no delay in the transition. It kicks properly where I need it and matches well with my swing characteristics and tempo. Of course, this could be said of any custom fitted shaft, but the feel of this shaft reigns superior to others that I’ve been fitted into.

This is the fourth shaft that I’ve tried in my Miura SIT 460 head. Since I’ve been using the same driver head in my testing, that has taken out a variable when comparing shafts. Therefore, I know the performance improvements I have noticed are due to the variable change in shaft.

Looks and Feel 

The Basileus shafts are undeniably eye-catching, flashy shafts. Basileus shafts feature tasteful graphics, dynamic colors and authentic silver plating, which most companies fail to use. The use of silver is probably not very cost effective or practical on a golf shaft, but Basileus believes that its shafts will play well and are works of art in themselves.  Basileus spared no expense in developing and manufacturing its shafts.

The Fiamma shaft starts off purple at the butt, fades to pink in the middle and ends at chrome to the tip. Raised silver plating over the Basileus name, which begins after the tribal-like chrome graphics, emanate from the purple area. The whole package is arresting in its gleam. It’s truly an artful looking shaft and at the same time is a bit sinister in looks. With a $473 price tag, you expect to get more than just a solid shaft and the Fiamma doesn’t disappoint.

Its feel is something difficult to describe because, like a putter, shafts are personal. For me, as I wrote earlier, the Fiamma feels much softer than it actually plays. It’s a lively shaft in that there is no board-like feeling, yet it maintains playability and smoothness despite any swing speed increases. The Fiamma is consistent whether I’m attempting a bunt swing down a narrow fairway or when I’m swinging for the fences on a wide open par-5. It has the feel of a regular-flex shaft but plays like an extra-stiff and manages to keep up with swing speed increases despite its soft feel.

The Takeaway

Now available in America, The Fiamma will gain popularity for the Basileus brand due to its excellent design and performance characteristics. Its feel, high-quality materials and manufacturing process equates to one of the finest quality shafts available on the market.

Although the price is steep for an entry into a lesser known shaft company in America, I recommend Basileus as a strong option for a shaft fitting. Out of four popular shafts I’ve used previously, this is the best-performing and best-feeling shaft that I’ve put into my Miura FIT 460 driver.

Pros: Premium shaft with ripples that create more consistency and reduce vibration. They’re also a great value at $125 each.

Cons: The Wave shaft produced a slightly lower launch and higher spin for both testers.

Who’s it for? Anyone looking for a smooth-feeling shaft, more control or both at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Overview

The Hiskei Wave Shaft has the surface of a lake on a windy day, but don’t be fooled by its looks; the shaft can perform with the best.

It’s made from premium 40-ton Amorphous Toray Japan material, and the shaft has five ripples, or “waves” that run up its spine starting from about 10 inches away from the tip.

“When people see it, they laugh,” Muir said. “They think it’s a gimmick.”

The undulations provide multiple different kick points that isolate the tip of the shaft, reducing vibrations and absorb shock, producing a smooth feel throughout the swing.

Hiskei, the components division of GV Golf, is a global brand based in Japan that produces drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and shafts. “Lightweight” and “premium quality” are its specialties according to John Muir, founder of Clubmaker Online and the North American distributor for Hiskei products. The company originally produced lighter clubs and shafts for senior golfers who needed help creating speed, but new X, XX and XXX-Flex models have broadened its reach.

The 48-inch long drive shaft ($199) is made for long drive competitors and is designed differently than the 46-inch model in order to support the increased load those golfers place on the shaft. While CPM (cycles per minute, a measure of shaft frequency) for the X-flex is 265, CPM for the XX is 283 and the XXX is 290.

The introductory price on the 46-inch Wave shaft is $125 (regular price will be $149.95).

Our Zak Kozuchowski and I took the shaft to Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., for testing at its Launch Pad Fitting Center to see how it compared to one of the most popular aftermarket shafts on the market.

The Review

After warming up, we both hit 10 drives with a Hiskei Wave (X-Flex) and a Matrix White Tie 6X3 in a 9.5 degree TaylorMade SLDR driver head. Both shafts weighed 70 grams and were tipped 1 inch. We chose the five most similar swings, removing outliers so the averages reflect a fair comparison of five solid strikes for each shaft for each tester.

Zak Kozuchowski

• Clubhead speed greater in Wave shaft by 1.2 mph.
• Ball speed higher in Wave shaft by 2.6 mph.
• Launch angle lower by 1.7 degrees with Wave shaft.
• 2.8L side total with Wave shaft, 13.5R side total with White Tie.

Andrew Tursky

• Spin axis lower by 1.9 in Wave shaft.
• Side total 17.2R with White Tie shaft, 5.2R with Wave shaft.
• Smash factor 1.45 with White Tie shaft, 1.47 with Wave shaft.

Zak saw an increase in clubhead and ball speed, and would have found the fairway more often (lower spin axis, less side total). I saw a decrease in speed and distance, but reduced my side total and spin axis as well, meaning I too found the fairway more often with the Hiskei Wave shaft.

The Takeaway

If you’re a golfer who doesn’t need help raising launch or lowering spin, the Hiskei Wave could be the ticket to longer and straight drives. And even if your launch conditions aren’t optimal, the tight dispersion we saw from the Wave could pay huge dividends if you’re a golfer who struggles to find the fairway.

Pros: A high-launching shaft that feels very smooth. Available for woods (50, 60 and 70-gram models) and hybrids (70 and 80-gram models).

Cons: They’re cheaper than Graphite Design’s Tour-AD shafts, but they’re still pricy. Wood shafts have an MSRP of $269. Hybrid shafts have an MSRP of $129.

Who’s it for? These shafts could fit a wide range of golfers, but they’ll be preferred by those who enjoy the feeling of the shaft loading and unloading during the swing.

The Review

Looking into a new shaft for your driver, fairway wood or hybrid? You’re in luck, or maybe not, because the amount of shaft options available in today’s market can be head spinning, even for educated golfers.

The good news? If you’re looking for the most premium and consistent shafts on the market — which means you’re willing to pay for the best — you’ve narrowed your list to a handful of companies, and one of those companies is Graphite Design.

Graphite Design, based in Japan, has a reputation for creating shafts that perform well and have an even better feel. The company’s shafts have been No. 1 on the Japan Golf Tour for more than 10 years and are also well represented on the PGA Tour — Jordan Spieth, Martin Kaymer, Lydia Ko and Ryo Ishikawa all have at least one Graphite Design shaft in their bag.

The YS NanoReloaded shafts are the latest version of Graphite Design’s YS shaft series, which has been popular with golfers since its release in 1999 — so popular, in fact, that the company re-released the series with updated graphics under the name YS+ in 2005.

From Top to Bottom: Graphite Design’s YS+, YS NanoReloaded Seven, YS NanoReloaded Six, and Tour AD-DI shafts. 

The newest models have new graphics, too, but what’s more important is their new materials. Graphite Design added the same nano-alloy material to the YS NanoReloaded shafts that it uses in its pricier Tour-AD shafts. Graphite Design calls it “DI Technology,” and it allowed the YS NanoReloaded shafts to be made more stable than their predecessors in the tip and butt sections, yet maintain the smooth feel for which the YS shafts are known.

For Gear Heads: The biggest difference between the YS NanoReloaded and Tour AD shafts? The YS NanoReloaded shafts use a 46T carbon fiber material. The Tour-AD shafts use a 50T carbon fiber material that produce slightly less torque. The 50T material is more expensive, but remember that expensive shafts do not necessarily perform better than less expensive shafts. 

So how did they test? I tried the YS NanoReloaded shafts at the Launch Pad at Carl’s GolfLand in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., in the following clubs:

• Callaway Big Bertha Alpha (10 degrees) — YS NanoReloaded Six X (45.5 inches, tipped 1 inch)
• Callaway X2 Hot Pro (15 degrees) — YS NanoReloaded Seven X (43 inches, tipped 1.5 inches)
• Callaway X2 Hot Pro (18 degrees) — YS NanoReloaded 85X (40.5 inches, no tipping)

I generally play a 70X shaft in my driver, an 80X shaft in my three wood and a 90X shaft in my hybrid with the same lengths and tipping, but an 80X wood shaft and 90X hybrid shaft is not available in the YS NanoReloaded line. For that reason, I chose shaft models that were 10 grams lighter in each club.

All things being equal, lighter shafts generally create a little more spin than heavier shafts, which was a concern of mine. As a high-speed, high-spin player, I’ve relied on heavier shafts to reduce my spin rate and give me a feeling of more control over the club. To me, extra weight gives shafts more of the smooth feel that I prefer.

What’s nice about the NanoReloaded shafts is that I was able to get the smooth feel I like from a shaft that was 10 grams lighter and I didn’t lose anything in the way of performance. Both my launch angle and spin rate stayed in my desired range. You can see one of my best hits on the screenshot below.

Ideally, a properly fit shaft should create either:

• A jump in club head speed.
• An improvement in control.

When golfers see both, they know that the properties of a shaft are working with their swings instead of against it.

One of the perks of being the Managing Editor of GolfWRX is that I’ve been fit for many clubs, many times by many different fitters. It’s fair to say that my current shafts are about as dialed in as they can get. That’s why the YS NanoReloaded impressed me — I was able to maintain the club head speed that I create with my current shafts, and enjoyed the fact that they were a little easier to swing because of their lighter weight.

Would I make the change? In the driver and three wood, definitely. The smoothness of the shaft gave me confidence to lighten my grip pressure and swing a little easier than I otherwise would, and I saw no performance drop in the numbers.

The hybrid — not so much. It has a similar feel to the wood shafts, but I found that it was noticeably higher spinning. Golfers who like their hybrid shafts to feel and perform like heavier, more traditional steel shafts probably won’t like it, but the YS NanoReloaded Hybrid shafts could be a good fit for golfers who are looking for a higher flight.

The Bottom Line

My testing showed that even high-speed, high-spin players can get great performance from the YS NanoReloaded, which means they’ll fit a wide variety of players. The smooth feel and added stability to the shafts make them an attractive alternative to Graphite Design’s higher-priced Tour AD models, which have an MSRP of about $500, as well as other premium, high-launching shafts on the market.

If shaft feel is important to you, you’ll want to find a way to test these.