Author: Dennis Lawrey

Harrison Saga Driver Shaft

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Harrison SagaOverview/Technology-

The Harrison Saga was only introduced in 2008, but yet it has become one of the more stable shafts available on the market today.  The low Torque allows the stability along with the a mid flex point.  This combination makes this shaft a tight dispersion rates.

Harrison uses a low twist geometry that allows this shaft to have one of the best shot dispersion in its category (stable, low launch, shafts) appealing to the better golfer.

The Saga definitely is one of a dynamic profile. For example, as the overall shaft stiffness increases, the tip section stiffens up and its resistance to torque drops – by allowing the tip stiffness to correspond to the shaft flex, this allows for better players and average golfers to use the same shaft. Additionally Harrison tweaked the flex profile of the shaft so that the softer flexes have higher launch angle to appeal to a larger audience.

Harrison Saga Specs-

TYPE
CONSTRUCTION
TIP
TORQUE
FLEX
FLEX POINT
WT.
LENGTH
Wood
UTP Graphite
.335″
3.5°
A, R, S
Mid
65g
46″
Wood
UTP Graphite
.335″
3.5°
R, S, X
Mid
75g
46″

Player Comments-

“I absolutely love the Saga”

“For the performance to price aspect, it can’t be beat. I will say that it definitely isn’t as low launch as the WB”

Harrison Saga Summary-

Great addition to Harrison’s high quality shaft line. When you have Padraig Harrington, K.J. Choi and Rory Sabbatini touting your products, you bound to have some followers. The Harrison Saga should be no exception – it provides great stability and tight dispersion rates.

Comparisons and Resources for the Harrison Saga:

Harrison Saga Review

Harrison Saga vs. Diamana Whiteboard discussion at GolfWRX

Harrison Saga Tour Issue

Purchase/bid on Harrison Shafts

Fujikura Motore Speeder Driver Shaft

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Overview/Technology-

Fujikura released the Fujikura Motore Speeder in 2009′ with strong expectations.  I mean combining the best of two fantastic shafts in the Motore and Speeder cannot be anything less than fantastic!  And to be honest, the shaft has lived up to the hype.

The Motore Speeder is the most technologically advanced shaft they’ve made yet to date.  The shaft features the world’s first 7-Ply Cross Axis design. The major advantage of this shaft is indeed the technology behind it – 7 Axis technology, which claims a significant loss in energy and promotes a great feel as well as a kick seen by no other shaft. The Motore Speeder main advantage is definitely its ability to hold its characteristics under stress.  Reduce shaft deformation was the goal.  Made for players with relatively low spin coupled with high ball speeds. The result is a medium to high ball launch with extended carry.

The Motore Speeder offers two models, the blue and red model – otherwise known as the .0 (red) and 1.0 (red).  Both of the models taut the 7-Axis technology with main difference.  The Red model is slightly weaker in the butt which makes for a slightly higher launch and fairly low spin.  The Blue model has a lower launch and lower spin rates for those of you who “load” the shaft more.

Fujikura Motore Summary-

This shaft has proven itself in 2010′ and expect more to come in 2011′. If you like technology, put the Fujikura Motore Speeder on the short list. Being the worlds first 7 axis weave technology, makes this shaft something special. A significant reduction of twisting and rounding of the shaft resulting in maximum kick and carry without giving up accuracy, will be Fujikura’s push on this great shaft.

Fujikura Resources and Comparisons-

Fujikura Motore Speeder Review

Fujikura Motore Forum Talk

Fujikura

Purchase/bid on Fujikura Shafts

Matrix Ozik Driver Shaft

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Matrix Ozik XConOverview-

The Matrix OZIK shaft has been one of the most popular high-end driver shafts for a long time.  The Matrix is where they first eared the wide spread respect for being a premier shaft maker.

The Matrix technology is impressive – three major aspects, Deformation of Energy Analysis, Gradient Energy Flow Design, and Angular Velocity Fulcrum butt design. Collectively, these technologies make the OZIK what the high-end shaft it is today.  Deformation of Energy Analysis a a method for evaluating how a shaft construct relates to performance. The technology is deep into physics, or Power= Torque times Angular Velocity, or… speed that mass rotates around an axis. Matrix thesis is that most shaft are deformed and lost through the shaft’s design. Not so with Matrix, OZIK. End result is more energy is transferred at the right time at the right place. Gradient Energy Flow tip is a design that allows the shaft to be more stable at impact resulting in higher MOI (good thing). This result in a high launch, lower spin combination that helps the golfer promote a better launch. Angular Velocity Fulcrum butt design steals an idea from the Archer in that energy is built in the butt section and releases in the mid section greatly increasing the energy to the clubhead and ball.

The Matrix is used extensively on the PGA tour, with three out of the top ten players in their bag.  This is one area you’d thing Fujikura or Aldila own that statement.  No, it’s  Matrix OZIK laying claim to more top ten golfers in the world using their shaft.

SHAFT FLEX WEIGHT TORQUE LAUNCH SPIN LENGTH TIP OD TIP PAR
OZIK XCON 4 S 50.0 5.0 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 4 R, F 48.0 5.0 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 4 L, A 46.0 5.2 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 5 X 61.0 4.0 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 5 S, SG 59.5 4.0 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 5 R, F 58.0 4.3 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 5 L, A 55.0 4.3 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 6 X, XX 71.0 2.5 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 6 S, SG 69.5 2.5 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 6 R, F 67.5 2.5 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 6 A 66.0 2.5 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 7 X, XX 80.0 2.4 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 7 S, SG 78.0 2.4 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 7 R, F 76.0 2.4 HIGH LOW 46.0 0.335 3.5
OZIK XCON 8h X, XX 87.0 2.8 MID MID 41.0 0.370 3.0
OZIK XCON 8h S, SG 86.0 2.8 MID MID 41.0 0.370 3.0
OZIK XCON 8h R, F 85.0 2.8 MID MID 41.0 0.370 3.0

Player Comments-

“The ball seems to hang in the air while still going further, it comes down with a shallow angle of descent for decent roll”

“it is an awesome shaft. there’s much more to distance than swing speed. the x con 6 is another great shaft with very low torque. very piercing ball flight”

Matrix Ozik Comparisons and Resources-

Matrix Ozik Review

Matrix Ozik Shaft

Matrix Ozik Discussion

Purchase/bid on Matrix Shafts

Fujikura Motore Driver Shaft Review

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Overview-

Fujikura Motore is not new amongst serious golfers looking for an edge. However, the relatively new shaft as become an extremely popular driver shaft on the PGA Tour especially.

The Motore is undoubtedly one of the most technologically advanced shaft they’ve made, featuring the world’s first 7-Ply Cross Axis design. The major advantage of this shaft is indeed the technology behind it – 7 Axis technology, which claims a significant loss in energy and promotes a great feel as well as a kick seen by no other shaft. The Motore Speeder main advantage is definitely its ability to hold its characteristics under stress – no shaft deformation is key. Made for players with relatively low spin coupled with high ball speeds. The result is a medium to high ball launch with extended carry.

Motore Spec Sheet-

Motore Model Spin Launch Weight Torque
Motore 75 R Low Low/Mid 75 3.0
Motore 75 S Low Low/Mid 75 3.0
Motore 75 X Low Low/Mid 76 3.0
Motore 65 R2 Low Low/Mid 63 3.5
Motore 65 R Low Low/Mid 65 3.2
Motore 65 S Low Low/Mid 65 3.2
Motore 65 X Low Low/Mid 65 3.2
Motore 75 R2 Mid Mid 55 4.3
Motore 75 R Mid Mid 57 4.0
Motore 75 S Mid Mid 57 4.0
Motore 75 X Mid Mid 59 4.0

Player Feedback-

“I have absolutely loved the Motore 75x as a 3 wood shaft”

“off the tee, this shaft has been incredible”

“The 75 is awesome”

Fujikura Motore Comparisons and Resources-

Fujikura Motore Shaft Review

Fujikura Motore Specs

Purchase/bid on Fujikura Shafts

Aldila RIP Driver Shaft

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Overview-

Aldila RIP started out with a debut in test mode at the John Deere Classic in July of 2009′ and proved to be a pivotal marketing point for the shaft.  The RIP ripped a course-record low of 61.  And then, Heath Slocum followed up in August using the Aldila RIP in his driver to stun the top players in the world capturing a one-shot victory at The Barclays.  Steve Stricker, Geoff Ogilvy, Ross Fisher have all either played or tested the RIP shaft.  And to top it off, the RIP placed 1st and 2nd at the recent SBS Championship.

The RIP from there has absolutely taken off, and is now one of the most popular shafts on tour as well as on the golf courses around the world.

The Aldila RIP is a lower torque shaft with a stiff tip providing the better player a stable shaft.  Built for stability, reduced spin rate and an optimal trajectory, the RIP is ripe for the pickin’ come 2010.

“RIP(TM) is Aldila’s new shaft technology that provides a lower torque, increased tip stability and better tip stiffness control,” said Stewart Bahl, Aldila’s Marketing Manager. “The RIP(TM) is currently undergoing testing on the PGA Tour and is scheduled to be launched later this year and will be released in 2010 through some of the major OEM’s product lines.”

Aldila RIP Specs-

Flex Frequency Torque Weight Launch

RIP 60 Wood

R 245 3.2 62g. Low-Mid
S 260 2.9 63g. Low-Mid
X 275 2.7 66g. Low-Mid

RIP 70 Wood

R 245 3.0 74g. Low-Mid
S 260 2.7 74g. Low-Mid
X 275 2.4 77g. Low-Mid

Player Comments-

“RIP is the best shaft on the market”

“Another satisfied person with the RIP. Awesome shaft”

“I was driving the ball like I was 25 years old again”

Aldila RIP Comparisons and Resources-

Aldila RIP Shaft Review

Aldila RIP is the best shaft I ever hit – GolfWRX.com

Aldila RIP Specs

Purchase/bid on Aldila Shafts

Aldila NV Driver Shaft

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Overview-

The Aldila NV features a unique Micro Laminate Technology (MDT) that provides the player uncompromising power, a consistent flex, and superb feel… a highly effective combination. The Micro Laminate Technology allows for an extraordinary slim design that provides a stable profile. This technology has allowed the shaft to be an outstanding all around performer with fantastic feel.

NV 55

S 335/.350 .620 3.9 Low-Mid 57g 46-3.0 F
R 335/.350 .615 3.9 Low-Mid 56g 46-3.0 F
A 335/.350 .615 3.9 Low-Mid 54g 46-3.0 F
L 335/.350 .615 4.0 Low-Mid 55g 46-3.0 F

NV 65

X .335/.350 .625 3.5 Low-Mid 68g 46-3.0 F
S .335/.350 .625 3.5 Low-Mid 67g 46-3.0 F
R .335/.350 .620 3.5 Low-Mid 67g 46-3.0 F

NV 75

X .335/.350 .625 2.8 Low-Mid 78g 46-3.0 F
S .335/.350 .625 2.8 Low-Mid 78g 46-3.0 F
R .335/.350 .620 2.8 Low-Mid 78g 46-3.0 F

NV 85

X .335/.350 .625 2.6 Low-Mid 88g 46-3.0 F
S .335/.350 .625 2.6 Low-Mid 88g 46-3.0 F
R .335/.350 .620 2.6 Low-Mid 86g 46-3.0 F

Player Comments-

“Replaced the stock shaft on my driver with a pured Aldila NV 65 R”

“This shaft is all about trajectory”

“Dropped 10 strokes off my average at my regular course with the new shaft the first time out. Highly recommended for anyone considering a new shaft. Have it pured; it makes a difference!”

Who’s it For?

The Aldila NV definitely favors the stronger player, looking for a lower or penetrating ball flight.  Given the lower Torque combined with a Low to Mid launch, the NV is best suited for the low to mid handicapper.

Shaft Comparisons and Resources-

Aldila NV Shaft Review

Aldila NV – Leave Your Buddies Green with Envy

Aldila

Aldila NV Forum Post

Aldila NV 65 vs. VooDoo

Purchase/bid on Aldila Shafts

Driver Shaft Fitting – The Basics

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Driver shafts are the most misunderstood pieces of equipment in your bag.  Many people confuse the golf club and shaft as one in the same.

This is a very dangeous assumption, one that costs the golfer yardage and control, and quite simply playing your best golf.

Tom Wishon is one of the most experienced and well known club designer and researcher. In the video below, Tom covers the basics of shaft fitting, the major components you should be very familiar with and some suggestions to get a proper fitting.