Overview/Technology-

ACCUFlex who?  That may be the sentiment for golfers that don’t keep the pulse of the latest golf equipment.  ACCUFlex is one of those companies that keep a low profile.  They can run but they can’t hide though – all avid golfers know all about ACCUFlex.  The ACCUFlex Evolution is probably their best known and popular shafts, best known for the Long Drive Championship winnings.

The ACCUFlex Evolution utilizes Nano technology and actually was one of the first to use Nano Tubes, a highly effective way of keeping the shaft denser with fewer voids.  The end result?  A much stronger material with less weight – a deadly combination for heavy hitters.

The ACCUFlex is a low torque (around 2.8) with a mid-flex point.  This results in a low, penetrating ball flight, perfect for the person looking for such a ball flight.  ACCUFLEX suggests those with higher swing speeds and a later release are best suited to the Evolution.

Actual Player Feedback-

“Fairway Finding Machine”

“Accuflex Evolution is a great shaft for an aggressive hitter”

“Evolution could be a double eagle!”

Pros/Positives-

An absolute killer shaft for heavy hitters.  Very stout shaft made for the big dogs.

Cons/Negatives-

It’s not for the faint heart.  If you are an average swinger looking for a high launch, you are best to look elsewhere.  This shaft is best suited for aggressive swingers.

Overall Rating-

Very nice shaft made specifically for the heavy swinger with better tahn average club head speed with a late release.   The ACCUFLex Evolution plays very true to flex.  If you are in between a regular or stiff, you are probably better airing on the side of caution and sticking with the Regular.  Put the ACCUFlex Evolution on your list of shafts to try.

No related posts.

Overview/Technology-

Nippon shafts for irons have been around a long time.  With that length of time comes accumulated knowledge of how a shaft should perform.  They know shafts, because they’ve been in the trenches coming up with new technology and offering to the golfing public.

I was browsing their website recently and came across this on their home page which I whole heartedly agree:

“The shaft is one of the most important yet most overlooked elements of golf equipment. The fact is,the proper shaft can make a major difference in club performance and in your enjoyment of the game of golf.”

That said, Nippon is without a doubt a leader in the golf shaft market, especially the iron shafts.  Nippon shafts come standard in many of the top golf club manufacturers including Cleveland, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, and Srixon.  That says a lot for the trust factor of Nippon.

Nippon offers many models and we will delve deeper into each of their models individually in later reviews.

The Nippon Models-

Nippon 750GH- The Lightest of the Nippon steel shafts, designed for a stable, fluid swing.

Nippon 850GH- Rapidly growing in popularity, pegged as “attacking” shaft.  Still an ultra-lightweight model that features an easy contact thanks to their light weight and consistent directionality.

Nippon 950GH- Nippon’s top-selling model and probably the favorite among golfers of most all levels looking to take their game to the next level.

Nippon 1050GH- A heavier model made for golfers that like to hit hard.

Nippon 1150GH Tour- Another shaft made for golfers that hit hard.  The 1150GH TOUR Steel shaft for irons (Semi-lightweight type) the semi-lightweight steel shaft.

Nippon 950 GH WF- The long irons combine easy-swinging light weight with easy contact — plus the kind of distance you have to experience to believe.  Short irons provide a slightly heavier feel for stability.

Nippon V90- Inherits likened performance of the 950GH but while further reducing weight to 90 grams and using a lower center of gravity.

Actual Feedback-

“Nippon 990 Uniflex in my irons and they are the best steel shafts I’ve used”

Pros/Positives-

Nippon is certainly one of the top steel shaft makers around and it shows.  They have a loyal following that swear this is the best steel shaft available.

Cons/Negatives-

Probably not as well known as Rifle and True Temper due to it’s basically an Asian shaft, but nevertheless retain a large market.

Overall Rating-

I would confirm Nippon are among the best, if not the best iron shafts available today.  They provide a wide variety of options/models and have a strong following.  I recently did a Poll on the favorite steel shaft and Nippon came in a close second to Rifle ahead of True Temper!

Related posts:

1. True Temper Dynamic Gold Shaft Review
2. Rifle Flighted Shaft Review
3. Rifle Project X Review

Earlier last month, I submitted a review on the Fujikura E150 series, this week, I want to continue with this model, taking a closer look at the E200 Series, specifically the Fujikura E250, E260 and E270 shaft.  The E200 series is a step up from the E100 series but provides the widest range of fitting.  Basically the average golfer looking to improve will find this shaft alluring.  Designed for a player looking for a mid launch, mid spin characteristics.

A closer look at the E200 Series-

Fujikura E250 – The weight ranges from 57-59 grams with a 4.2 torque.  The E250 is designed for the average player looking to increase swing speed with a lighter shaft.

Fujikura E260 – The weight ranges from 66-68 grams.  The 60 gram shaft is designed with a more stable shaft with a 3.9 Torque.

Fujikura E270 – The E270 is by far the most stable in the E200 family with a moderate 3.3 ~ 3.8 Torque reading.  The E270 is for the better player looking for a lower ball flight.

Pros/Positives-

A very stable shaft that accommodates a wide range of players.  Great shaft, great name, great price.

Cons/Negatives-

“Exclusive to our network of charter dealers”, probably not one of Fujikura’s most accessible shaft.

Overall Rating-

An excellent all around shaft that fits the masses, the Fujikura E200 Series is a great all-around shaft.  Whether it’s the lightweight E250, well rounded E260 or the tight spe E270, this shaft does well and would fit well in most all golfers bags.

Related posts:

1. Fujikura Vista Shaft Review
2. Fujikura ZCOM Six Shaft Review
3. Fujikura E150 and E160 Shaft Review

Fujikura Vista

Overview/Technology-

The Fujikura Vista is not only considered to be a classic by not only Fujikura, but by many avid golfers that swear to the performance of this shaft.

The Vista comes in either Pro or Tour versions.  Today, we will take a quick look at this great shaft.

The Vista Tour is a low spin, low launch shaft for quicker tempos.  The Tour only comes in only 60 or 70 gram weight class.

The Vista Pro on the other hand, is covers a broader spectrum, but is mainly for the smooth tempo player, looking for a medium to higher launch and keeping spin at bay.  The Pro ranges in weight from 50 grams all the way up to 90.  Fujikura really did a good job of offering this shaft to a wide variety of players.

Actual Player Feedback-

“Great shafts”

“I get a strong med-high ball-flight. Shaft’s very stable through impact and made the already explosive feeling clubheads, even better”

“4.1 Handicap, can usually pop a drive out there anywhere from 10 yrds – 300+ yrds, if I jump on it. Pretty wild until I got this golf shaft. Granted, I have been swing the club pretty well these days, but this is the best golf shaft I have used in a long time. I was using the Adilia NV stiff, but it was still to wippy, has some real issues with spraying shots left and right. Same with my old Clev Launcher 460 8.5deg, with the original Fujikura gold color golf shaft, sFlex”

“Great shaft if you want to lower your trajectory”

Pros/Positives-

A proven shaft that has been part of Fujikura for quite some time.  A very solid shaft that a wide variety of golfers look for in a shaft.

Cons/Negatives-

Tour has minimal options.

Overall Rating-

If you are looking for a stellar shaft in a decent price range, you need to try the Fujikura Vista.  Most golfers will opt for the Pro only because of the vast number of options available, especially in the number of weight options in the Pro.  The very cool silver metallic finish is very attractive is a topper.  Two thumbs up!

Related posts:

1. Fujikura ZCOM Six Shaft Review
2. Fujikura E200 Shaft Review
3. Fujikura E150 and E160 Shaft Review

The Aldila DVS incorporates a new responsive tip that promotes extra kick at impact, making this a shaft for players looking for more power but yet keeping such measurables as Torque and Launch in check.  To counter the responsive tip, Aldila stabalized the shaft with a unique flex profile and a fairly low torque.

Aldila’s revolutionary Micro Laminate Technology, enhanced with carbon nanotubes is responsible for giving this shaft an extremely stable but yet responsive feel.

Responsive tip with a low torque responds well to certain type of player, namely better than average looking for some distance.  “High performance technology harnessed and perfected into a special blend of weight, torque, flex and feel. Simply put, sneaky long.”

DVS 60

X	.335/.350	.630	3.3	Mid	63g	46″-3.5″	F
S	.335/.350	.630	3.3	Mid	63g	46″-3.5″	F
R	.335/.350	.625	3.3	MID	63g	46″-3.5″	F

DVS 70

X	.335/.350	.625	2.8	Mid	71g	46″-3.5″	F
S	.335/.350	.625	2.8	Mid	71g	46″-3.5″	F
R	.335/.350	.625	2.8	Mid	71g	46″-3.5″	F

DVS 80

X	.335/.350	.630	2.3	Mid	84g	46″-3.5″	F
S	.335/.350	.630	2.3	Mid	84g	46″-3.5″	F
R	.335/.350	.630	2.3	Mid	84g	46″-3.5″	F

Actual Player Feedback-

“this one gives more of a feedback pop at impact”

” im loving this DVS shaft”

Pros/Positives-

Much has been written about the “liveliness” of this shaft.  A very responsive tip combined with a stable profile and “controlled” torque make this a very good shaft in the right hands, a player looking for distance not but not at the expense of control.

Cons/Negatives-

If there are any negatives, it may be or feel too “whippy” to some.

Overall Rating-

The Aldila DVS will fit well with a better-than-average player looking for extra distance.  The responsiveness with control is well documented and would be a nice find for anyone looking for this combination.

Related posts:

1. Aldila NVS Shaft Review

Accra DyMatch

The Accra DyMatch originated by the sheer number of players, both recreational and tour, that were using the same drivers shaft, fairway wood shaft and hybrid shaft.

“That situation led to some interesting discoveries.  “We got to learn and watch what was going on out on the tour and DyMatch is a direct derivative of what we learned in our first year.”

“Until now most manufacturers have been design shafts statistically – creating them based on specs and profiles that they want to achieve.  Then they take them out and test them.”

For the DyMatch took a very different approach.  They challenged their engineers on a project, giving them the premise that the specs were going to be thrown out the window – they basically wanted a “kick ass” driver shaft using general profiles. That is, a shaft based on a tip and butt section.

Th end results is an exceptional driver shaft between 55 and 75 grams with an easier “load” than any previous Accra.  They proceeded to test their shaft on average golfers all the way up to Tour players.  A resounding consensus was met – the “smoothest” feeling shaft, maybe on the market.

The DyMatch comes in three models (S Series) and one iron model (I Series).

Accra DyMatch S1 Series-
This series of shafts is designed for the golfer looking for speed and distance.

Accra DyMatch S2 Series-
The Series #2 shafts are designed to increase stability for those with higher club head and ball speeds.

ACCRA DyMatch S3 Series-
The S3 Series is the ultimate matched series of graphite shafts designed for the serious golfer looking for performance and feel.

Actual Player Feedback-

Pros/Positives-

A very smooth feeling shaft that will fit many player profiles.

Cons/Negatives-

Price tag is higher than most shafts.

Overall Rating-

We like this shaft because Accra took the time and went against the grain a bit on this one.  Most shaft makers will not even entertain the thought of not conforming to specs.  Well, Accra did it and it looks like the pulled out a good one – The Accra DyMatch is a unique shaft that caters to many types of players.

Related posts:

1. Accra AXIV Shaft Review

Fujikura E100 Series

Taken straight from Fujikura, the Fujikura E100 Series which consists of the Fujikura E150 and Fujikura E160, “Proven Technology for the Player Looking to Get Better,” these are words that probably hit home for the majority of golfers out there.  The E100 Series is designed for the good player that wants to take that next step, but just not quite ready for prime time, tour type player that is – this is likely to hit home for a great number of you reading this review.  So let’s take a look at this nice shaft by Fujikura.

Fujikura E150 – this model is fairly light coming in at only 55-58 grams with a with a high spin rate.  The Bend profile is also low making this a shaft that will probably produce more distance given it’s weight and bend profile.

Fujikura E160 – this model is a slightly heavier model than the E150 coming in at 64-66 grams.  The Bend profile is Low to Medium.  This will produce a more piercing ball flight than the E150 but still is considered a high launcher.  Both models are in fact, considered to be a High Launch shaft.

Here’s a visual comparison-

Fujikura E150 vs. E160

Actual Player Feedback-

“it gives me a great penetrating ball flight and allows me to shape the ball with out any extreme shape”

Pros/Positives-

This is a good fit for a low to mid handicapper, probably with a smooth swing.  The higher spin rate combined with a Bend profile lends itself well to a higher ball launch and will be well suited for a good player looking to get better with distance.

Cons/Negatives-

Probably not well-suited for a low handicapper with a strong or fast swing speed.  Again, given the profile of the shaft, it may start ballooning on this type of player.

This shaft may be an “in between-er” for some golfers.  Designed for the better player but some of its characteristics still lean toward the recreational player looking to get better.  The only way you can truly determine if its a good fit for you is to try it out, preferably on a launch monitor.

Overall Rating-

The Fujikura E150 and Fujikura E160 are very good shafts, made by one of the best shaft makers in the business.  Definitely worth giving it a test drive.  Again, we recommend getting trying before buying, preferably on a launch monitor.

Related posts:

1. Fujikura E200 Shaft Review
2. Fujikura ZCOM Six Shaft Review
3. Fujikura Vista Shaft Review

UST IROD Hybrid Shaft

Overview/Technology-

Our review today is delving into somewhat more reclusive territory – hybrid shaft.  And the UST IROD is a good place to start.

The IROD got its start as the world’s first hybrid golf shaft series, designed specifically for today’s hybrid clubs. This shaft series popularity began to take shape, especially amongst tour players and serious amateurs.  Today, the shaft is no doubt, amongst the elite hybrid shafts.

So makes the IROD special?  UST has definitely corned the hybrid shaft market putting a ton of time and money into their R&D and it shows.

Interlinked Carbon is used to prevent shaft deformation, commonly seen in driver shafts.  This provides shot-making ability and confidence soaring, from the tee and the fairway. Interlinked Carbon is a 3K weave material used to create strength.

Performance-Driven Tip Sections in each IROD model – designed to complement and maximize shot performance. This shaft is designed to give you consistency, accuracy and launch for the ultimate in control.

The UST IROD shafts are available for fairway woods and hybrids.

Actual Player Feedback-

“I install nothing but UST IROD Shafts on all the hybrids I assemble”

“The Irod S shaft is just right, more penetrating flight and provides good feedback when you hit”

“I highly recommend this shaft”

Pros/Positives-

As mentioned, UST has taken the hybrid shaft technology to a new level.  Really nobody matches this shaft in a hybrid or fairway wood for that matter, in our opinion.

Cons/Negatives-

None really.

Overall Rating-

If you are looking to re-shaft or upgrade your fairway or hybrid clubs, you definitely need to try the UST IROD hybrid shaft. This shaft is in a class of its own – super-responsive carbon creates a strength in the shaft to promote a higher launch angle, a perfect fit for utility clubs.

No related posts.

Overview/Technology-

The Harrison Saga is a new shaft, introduced in 2008, and is known for one of the more stable shafts available today.  The low Torque coupled with a a mid flex point, makes this shaft tough to beat in the dispersion category.

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-

Actual Player Feedback-

“The Saga turned out the longest with the best dispersion”

Pros/Positives-

The Saga is a very and dynamic shaft that will appeal to the many, better golfers.  It’s low Torque combined with a mid flex point provides all the stability you need in most cases.  In addition, this shaft is most golfer’s price range, a medium priced shaft with great features.

Cons/Negatives-

Even though the shaft profile is dynamic, the mid bend point and lower Torque will probably scare some away.

Overall Rating-

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.

Related posts:

1. Harrison Mugen Shaft Review

Fujikura ZCOM Six

Overview/Technology-

The Fujikura ZCOM Six is one of those shafts that doesn’t necessarily get the wide-spread praise that some of the other Fujikura shaft receive.  But let me tell you, this is one sweet shaft.

The ZCOM is an ultra-lightweight shaft that increases launch angle and spin and performs extremely well for a wide range of players.  Players from Senior to the PGA tour, all have benefited from this shaft.

Considered to be a medium launch, medium spin shaft.  The higher torque (4.5) coupled with a light weight (range of 52 to 59 grams), makes this shaft a monster for increasing distance and carry.

The ZCOM bending profile allows for a flatter ball flight which is why the better players like this ultra light shaft. For above average to better players with smooth tempos, the ZCOM is truly a shaft built for speed and distance.

Actual Player Feedback-

“The Z Com shafts are premier possibly the best shafts on the market especially the SIX”

“Simply the best distance shaft on the market.  I sell ton’s of these monster’s.”

Pros/Positives-

An Ultra lightweight shaft that will definitely increase ball speed.  This is a proven winner on all tours making this a very versatile shaft – many players will fit well into this profile.  A couple of guys that play the ZCOM?  How about Zach Johnson (fairway) and Luke Donald for starters.  On the LPGA tour, Annika Sorenstam is probably the best known user of the ZCOM.

Cons/Negatives-

Price.  This shaft is an upper end shaft over $200.  Not many people will drop this kind of money.

Overall Rating-

Providing you don’t mind spending extra on a shaft, the Fujikura ZCOM Six is definitely one to try.  The ZCOM is a lightweight shaft that delivers ball speed that produces performance in both carry and distance.  Fujikura should really market this shaft more, many golfers would love this shaft.

Related posts:

1. Fujikura E150 and E160 Shaft Review
2. Fujikura E200 Shaft Review
3. Fujikura Vista Shaft Review