By Scott Kramer
Powering tee shots all starts with a well-fitted driver. More specifically, the driver shaft. Four of the top new models:
Fujikura Golf’s Speeder Evolution 661 ($400) is offered in mid-launch with mid-spin profiles, at both 66 and 76 grams. The straight taper shaft was used by Dustin Johnson to capture this year’s U.S. Open.
The Matrix OZIK ($325) comes in three flavors, each with a tip section optimizing unique launch characteristics. The M4 Black Tie is for aggressive players wanting a flatter ball flight and low spin; Q4 Red Tie is for tight dispersion in a mid-launch, mid-spin shaft at various weights; and X4 White Tie enables efficient energy transfer for control in a high-launch, low-spin shaft.
ACCRA’s Tour Zx400 Xtreme ($300) has an improved thin wall design that boosts energy transfer and provides unparalleled feedback. The walls absorb less vibration and enable the shaft to recover faster, for speed, tight dispersion and feel.
The Project X HZRDUS Yellow ($350) for woods is a back-weighted, low-spinning shaft with a straight tapered midsection. It’s best for golfers with a smooth swing tempo that want reduced launch and spin rates. Back-weighting allows for more mass in the clubhead, for boosted ball speed.
