Lets talk shafts for a minute…

First, I mentioned Steelfibre above. What’s it all about?

About the company and the shafts. Aerotech is actually owned by True Temper (Project X also falls under the True Temper umbrella), and their iron shafts are the Number One played graphite shafts across all professional tours. Steelfibre shafts are available in many weights – including heavier weights preferred by players who prefer the heavier feel of steel. They will have the consistency of steel and the trajectory of steel, while having a shaft that has the “mass on the outer edge” of the shaft, which promotes a HIGH MOI shaft – meaning it’s very stable and it resists twisting on off center hits. Already sounds like a win with Rogue Max or Max OS…

But, how do they get their name? Are these steel or graphite? Or, maybe a mix of both? The answer is YES, they are a mix of the two. Essentially, the shafts are a graphite core with MILES of a very thin steel fibre (think 1/10th the thickness of a human hair) wrapped around the perimeter of the shaft. OK, but how much steel is there?? 59 miles worth!! ALL super thin and wrapped around the perimeter. It really does help give the consistence of steel, while giving the weight and precision of a graphite manufactured shaft. Think of it as a graphite core with a steel fibre wrapped around the outside.

The Steelfibre FC that we are offering is the Flight Control line. Essentially, it’s a flighted shaft in the mid- long irons (higher and easier to launch), but standard trajectory in the scoring clubs.

Got any cool WOOD shaft tips. Uhhh, Yeah!! We now offer the Fujikura Ventus Blue (non-VELOCORE) as a No Upcharge option in the 50 gram (R & S), 60 gram (R, S & X), and 70 gram (S & X) weights. So, no velocore is no big deal, right? Not so fast. First, the Velocore options are a $250 (wholesale cost) upcharge, and the Velocore options are the number one wood shafts on the PGA Tour week in and week out. Velocore adds a component of additional stability to the shaft, which is extremely beneficial on off-center hits. Combine this technology with the Rogue Driver and FW Wood heads, which are also extremely stable on off center hits, and you have an AWESOME setup. But the Standard version without Velocore is still good, right? Yes!! It has the same great feel, and some of the stability. As a STANDARD offering, it’s a superb option.

Red, Black, Blue – what’s the difference? Blue is a middle of the road trajectory, spin and feel. Red is a higher launching, higher spinning version, while Black is a lower launching, lower spinning shaft. They also now offer a BLUE TR – think the butt stiffness of Ventus Black with the mid and tip stiffness of Ventus Blue.

Back up a sec… Did you say a $250 upcharge? Yes I did. This is a $700 Wholesale driver that should get $850- $900 or so at retail. Yeah right, I don’t have those members… Yes, you probably do. How many of them buy XXIO or PXG i(n the old days), or even our Epic Star? How many go to Club Champion and pay $300 to get fit for a $900 driver? XXIO and Epic Star are geared towards game improvement and slower swing speeds. This is geared not only to better and average players with a higher budget, but people who appreciate performance. Do you have members who drive BMW or Mercedes, maybe wear a Rolex or even drink fine wine? These are the same members. $900 may seem laughable to you, but some members will not bat an eye. With driver purchases lasting more than a year or two now, players will spend a little more. Plus, the shaft is removeable, so he can take it with him to his next Callaway driver. It’s not as “out there” as you might think to suggest this. This performance will last a VERY LONG time. 

For what it’s worth, I switched to the Ventus Blue (with Velocore) this season, and it IS the real deal. When we come to your club for your fitting event – give it a try for yourself. 

On Ventus Blue (Non-VELOCORE) We are currently OK to deliver on 5R, 5S, 6R and 6S. Other weights will be available in late May. Some of the Velocore versions are currently out, but coming in in mid-late May with a few (7S, 7X & Blue TR 6S) not due in until August. Please use the constrained components guide during your fittings.

Hope this helps. Until next time – happy fitting!!