Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Shafts Buyer's Guide 2007

The engine of every club is the shaft, and now is the time to get your engine running at top speed. Today?s shafts are, without question, better than ever.

By Staff

Mitsubishi Diamana White Board www.mitsubishirayongolf.com (800) 347-4646 A Tour-quality shaft that’s made to provide extreme stability through impact and low-spin characteristics. Features: High-quality materials and Mitsubishi’s top processes and Tour-proven success. Plus, Tiger likes it. Advantages: The White Board is the third flex profile in the Diamana series and is made to allow players to load the shaft while maximizing tip stability and eliminating the harsh feel normally associated with shafts that feature stiff-tip designs. Benefits: Players who want the performance of a tip stiff shaft without sacrificing feel. Any golfer who plays with a high MOI driver. What We Like: Mitsubishi’s ability to provide Tour-caliber products that fit a wide range of golfers. Material: High Modulus Graphite Weight: 63g, 73g, 83g Torque: 2.8˚-3.1˚ Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R	SK Fiber Helium UL www.skfiber.com (800) 434-2379 Known across the long drivers’ circuit, SK Fiber is breaking through into the golf mainstream. Features: The Helium Ultra Light shaft is designed to accommodate golfers with slow swing speeds. The mid/low kickpoint helps launch the ball at a high angle, helping milk out as much distance as possible. Advantages: Because it’s so light, the Helium UL actually can increase a golfer’s swing speed, which then will help tack on an extra 4-5 yards for every increase in mph. Benefits: Slow swingers who crave added distance without sacrificing any control. We like the three options too, designed especially for golfers with swing speeds below 90 mph. What We Like: Great looks and even better feel and performance. Material: Graphite Weight: 52g, 55g, 59g Torque: 4.5˚ Flex Point: Mid/low Flexes: WR, WA, WL
RT Technologies Atlas www.rttechnologies.net (888) 474-1779 RT (Rigorously Tested) Technologies may not be a household name yet, but give it time. The consistency and performance of every shaft the company makes speaks for itself. Features: Made of filament-wound graphite, the Atlas shaft is built using nanotechnology for increased consistency and improved distance. Advantages: Golfers can expect the ball to have a boring trajectory. While the uneducated golfer may find that unappealing, better players know that’s what you want. Benefits: Better players, but mid-handicappers will see better results using this shaft as well. What We Like: The filament wound technology helps make this shaft feel great at impact. Material: Filament nano composite Weight: 65g Torque: 3.2˚ Flex Point: Mid/High Flexes: X, S, R	UST ProForce V2 www.ustgolfshaft.com (817) 267-2219 A high-performance shaft that delivers increased ball speed with less spin for less shot dispersion. Features: A low-torque design that’s optimized to work with modern drivers that measure over 400cc in volume. In addition to stabilization properties, the V2 also features a more flexible overall profile, including a more flexible tip section for enhanced feel and a better sense of where the clubhead is throughout the swing. Advantages: Greater stabilization of today’s modern oversized driver clubheads leads to more consistent impact positions, better contact and increased overall control. Benefits: A wide range of players. What We Like: Providing Tour-like performance for almost everyone. Material: Graphite Weight: 55g, 65g, 75g Torque: 2.2˚ (75g), 3.0˚ (65g), 3.7˚ (55g) Flex Point: Mid to Mid/High Flexes: X, S, R (A 55g only)
UST ProForce V2 High Launch www.ustgolfshaft.com (817) 267-2219 The Proforce V2 is a Tour-quality shaft designed for the best players in the world. The High Launch version provides the same quality but with a more active tip section to help lower hitters get the ball up. Features: The High Launch is made from the same high modulus materials and Tour-proven technologies as the original V2, but with a tip section that features a higher degree of flexibility and a bit more torque. Advantages: Made to order for players who naturally hit the ball low or have a tough time achieving an optimum trajectory. Benefits: Anyone who hits the ball too low or simply wants to hit it higher without extra effort. What We Like: Custom trajectory. Material: High Modulus Graphite Weight: 52g-77g Torque: 2.8˚-4.5˚ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R, A	UST iROD Driver www.ustgolfshaft.com (817) 267-2219 In 2004, UST introduced the now highly successful iROD Series, which consisted of shafts specifically designed to optimize the performance of hybrids, long irons and fairway woods. Engineers at UST took much of the same technology they used in the original line and applied it to a driver shaft. Features: Manufactured with a super-responsive, interlinked carbon material that effectively increases torsional stiffness in the midsection of the shaft. Advantages: The design is said to reduce clubhead twisting during the downswing for greater transfer of energy and greater accuracy. Benefits: All players. What We Like: Active tip section helps increase ball speed while encouraging a higher launch angle. Material: Graphite Weight: 65g Torque: 2.6° Flex Point: Low Flexes: X, S, R, A