The most prevalent question I got last week was “what are the hot combinations of head and shaft you’re seeing out there?” There are several. Let’s chat.

On the Iron front, specifically with Paradym, The Elevate shafts have been a home run. Paradym seems to launch a little on the low side from what we’ve seen so far, so Elevate with the softer tip helps to launch the ball a little higher. It is also designed to add a little spin which is a good thing for this strong lofted head. We have had the most success with the Elevate 95 and 115 versions, but that is more player specific. KBS has retired the Max family, which also fit this category, so this leaves Elevate as the last shaft standing. Paradym X has outsold Paradym by a significant margin so far this winter. 

We offer True Temper AMT Black, Red and Tour White at no upcharge. The technology is simple. AMT stands for Adjustable Mass Technology. In English, as the shaft gets longer, it gets lighter. The shaft has a weight range (instead of a fixed weight like all other True Temper shafts). Tour White is built on the Dynamic Gold Platform, but shafts range from 106g in the long irons to 130g in the short irons in S300 (Dynamic Gold is 130). White has a similar trajectory and spin to Dynamic Gold. Black is a mid-weight option (96g to 116g in S300), and will have a medium trajectory and spin. Red is the lightest (95g – 107g (4-7 iron have constant weighting)), with highest Trajectory and spin. This family is a GREAT option for someone who has trouble getting through longer irons, but needs weight for control in the short irons. No upcharge – worth a look. Slightly quicker tempo? Try AMT Red instead of Elevate 95… Trying to get away from those older, heavier shafts? Try AMT White or Black.

On the Driver side, the Ventus Blue non-velocore version has been a home run. This shaft worked it’s way to our number one driver shaft shortly after launch, and it has rolled into the number one option for Paradym too. I would include this in every fitting. As a refresher… Velocore is a type graphite that is found mostly in the tip section of the shaft. It makes the shaft incredibly stable and greatly increases the players likelihood of hitting the ball on the center of the face. This will also reduce twisting during the swing and at impact – especially on off center hits. This option is a $250 upcharge (at cost). The non-velocore option is a downgrade, but even without the added stability, it’s still a phenomenal shaft!! With the Velocore option, it’s no wonder why this is the number one driver and FW Wood shaft on every tour world wide. At no upcharge, the non-velocore version is a certain contender. Another strong option is the Paradym Ventus TR Edition. This is an $850 retail driver. It has velocore, so it is a little less expensive (about $50) than the non- TR version. If he’ going to $600, why not go to $850… haha

Here are some new shaft options:

Irons:

KBS Tour Lite. These are available in a 95 (R), 100 (S), and 105 (X). They have the same feel as the KBS Tour, but in a lite version. This will do what Elevate 95 does (higher spin, higher launch). They claim there is a nice distance gain (9%) with this shaft. I got new fitting shafts in late last week and have not yet tested them. This is a $25 per club upcharge with our Irons. 

Nippon launched the Modus 115 over the winter. This is a no upcharge shaft in Apex and Paradym, but $15 per club in Rogue (this is true of all Nippon shafts). Here’s one that won’t make sense to you. These shafts weight 118 grams in stiff flex. The Modus 120 weighs 114 grams. Huh?? These two shafts are actually in 2 different families. Read on… The 105, 115 and 125 are one family, while the 120 and 130 are a different family. Seems like they could have gotten a little more creative with the naming, but that’s me. The 115 and 105 that we carry are a mid trajectory, mid spin, While the 120 is a softer feeling shaft that will launch a little lower, but spin a little more. Different shafts for different folks.

Driver:

I mentioned the Fujikura Ventus TR line above. This line of shafts has a stiffer handle (matching Ventus black), but the mid and lower section match the color of the shaft. So a Ventus Blue TR will have a Ventus Black butt section and a Ventus Blue Mid and tip section. The firmer handle will make the shaft feel firmer, will lower the flight, and make it more stable. GREAT option for handsy players.

Not to be left out, Graphite Design has introduced a new CQ shaft. It stands for “Conquest”, and it replaces the old AD-MJ line. This is a bit more stable than the AD-DI due to a new type of graphite used. Very good feeling shaft. This is $205 upcharge for drivers and FW Woods. If you have a Graphite Design enthusiast, it’s worth a try.

I hope this helps!! Happy Fitting