Shafts Buyer's Guide 2006
The fact that golfers feel they need a $300 shaft upgrade says a lot about what these ultra-high-tech models can do for your game
| Graphite Design Tour AD www.gdintl.com (888) 707-6132 | $329  A Tour-style shaft for every swing.Features: Graphite Design’s proprietary Ultra-High Modulus Material strengthens the shaft and makes it more resistant to twisting. Advantages: The I-65 model is designed with an exceedingly low amount of torque, making it a good option for stronger players. The W-60 possesses a more flexible bend profile and a very low kickpoint, making it perfect for players who need help getting the ball in the air. The W-70 has a similar bend profile to the W-60, but is slightly heavier for those who swing faster. Benefits: The three models make the Tour AD a shaft for all players. What We Like: Options, options. Material: Graphite Weight(s): 62g-74g Torque(s): 2.2˚ (I-65), 3.6˚(W-70), 4.8˚ (W-60) Flex Point: Low (W-60, W-70), Mid/High (I-65) Flexes: X, S, R | Harrison Mugen |
| Harrison Striper Tour www.harrison.com (800) 347-4646 | $60  The success of the Striper Tour is due to a proprietary laminate material formed with a low resin content for a torsionally tight design. Features: The shaft is very strong and flexes consistently for a high launch with less spin, making this shaft the ideal blend for driver clubheads more than 400cc in size. Three weights (62g, 72g, 82g) are available in all flexes. Advantages: The fusion material as well as the carbon nanotubes combine to produce the highly desired high-launch, low-spin characteristics. Benefits: If you’re interested in souping up your driver and want something a bit different, take a close look at the Striper Tour. What We Like: Negated shaft twist. Material: Graphite, Nano carbon Weight(s): 62g-82g Torque(s): 3.0˚ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R, A | Mitsubishi Bassara www.mitsubishirayongolf.com (760) 929-0001 | $150  An easier-to-hit model from MRC that can be played by both Tour pros and weekend golfers. Features: A softer bend profile and more moderate torque ratings than the Tour-intended Diamana Series, as well as three different weights to fit a wide range of players. Advantages: Higher trajectory, higher ball speed and more distance are the goals that the softer overall bend profile and more torque accomplish. Benefits: Recreational to better players with moderate swing speeds who want the feel and performance of a Tour-quality shaft but don’t want the extreme stiffness that normally accompanies such products. What We Like: MRC quality. Material: Graphite Weight(s): 63g, 73g, 83g Torque(s): 3.6˚-3.9˚ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R (L 63g only) |
| Mitsubishi Diamana Red Board | Penley ETA www.penleygolf.com (800) 543-2396 | $60  Penley’s high-performance ETA (Energy Transfer Accelerance) shafts have high-modulus fibers and high resin content in critical shaft flex areas for absolute distance, accuracy and minimal twisting. Features: The ETA 55 is a worthy choice for players with slower swing speeds. The ETA 75 is designed for players who prefer a heavier-shafted driver. The company also offers a low-torque Tour version of the ETA. Advantages: More energy at impact for more distance, thanks to quick tip-recovery time. Benefits: The ETA 55 and 75 are primed to please a variety of golfers. What We Like: Both shafts are equally effective in fairway and hybrid woods as well. Material: Graphite Weight(s): 55g, 75g Torque(s): 2.5˚ (75g), 4.3˚ (55g) Flex Point: 55g—Low, Low/Mid or High); 75g—Mid/High or High Flexes: X, S, R, A |
Harrison’s first ultra-premium model promises to be the company’s best.
A Tour-level model that features a slightly softer tip section for players who want a higher shot trajectory. 
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