TOURSPECGOLF Prototype shaft

[Blader-X]

A few months back I was luckily chosen to test out a new prototype shaft for TourSpecGolf. Its a five-ply shaft similar to that of the Roddio but IMO, a much better feel. After putting it through its paces I was asked compose a write up describing my thoughts. Here's those thoughts:

TOURSPECGOLF (TSG) prototype shaft: specs: 81gm/270 cpm/2.3 torque - 5-ply shaft - 45"

Placed in an Epon Technity Head 460cc, loft 9.5°, 1.5° open, 1° flat. (CPM rating from completed driver)

Comparative shafts used: Roddio WA-8A, Axiv V8076 both were in Epon Technity Head 460cc, 9.5°, 1° open, std lie.

Tester: BKD, 38yo, 20 yrs of playing experience, swing speed 115-120 mph.

Feel: The feel of the TSG proto is that of a very solid shaft. Nice heavy weight. Inspires a confidence that the shaft will deliver a proper thwack on the ball. I prefer heavier shafts and this one definitely fits the bill. In comparison to the Roddio, the feel of the shaft is much enhanced. Even though both are of the same weight, the TSG proto feels heavier but by no means “bulkier”. The “heavier” feeling gives me a sensation of more stability. In comparing with the AxivV, the AxivV had a tremendous amount of “feel” and always felt like the shaft was complementing the swing throughout. The TSG has a similar feel. However, the TSG takes this it one step further. At no point in any swings did the TSG feel like it would fail during the swing. It was always right there from beginning to end and delivered the club head precisely where it was aimed and swung to. Ranking in feel: 1: TSG proto 2: AxivV 3: Roddio

Dispersion: For this tester’s results, this shaft is by far the tightest in terms of dispersion. As far as ranking the three in dispersion: 1: TSG proto, 2: Roddio, 3: AxivV. The Roddio and TSG are close in terms of their dispersion but I would say the TSG beats it out. The AxivV though a great shaft is not near that of the former two. I have used the AxivV far more than the other two, but the TSG was tighter an all swings. It simply goes where ever you swing. Shots are able to be shaped with this but only by properly setting up. Otherwise it’s a fairly straight shaft.

Trajectory: Trajectory for this shaft is on par with the AxivV. Roddio is of a lower trajectory, however I prefer the flight of the TSG and AxivV. Both have a look of getting up initially and then flattening out over a long stretch before returning back down. All three give a “boring” flight as the ball comes off very well. To this tester, the trajectory of the TSG and AxivV are “stronger” than the Roddio. What I mean is the ball gets up and out quick and seems to stay at a certain altitude better.

Length: Many things factor into length, but in terms of these shafts I limited all comparisons to one course which I play very regularly. This course in near the ocean and is usually kept wet so it has limited roll and carry is important. All three are near each other for length but I must say the TSG edges out all the other three. The maximum carry I've gotten with the TSG proto was 285 yards with the average being around the 250-260 yard mark. The Roddio and AxivV have been about 5 and 10 yards shorter respectively. On a course which would be drier and faster all three would belt the ball a long way. I have hit the AxivV in dry conditions in the desert and have approached drives of 320-345 yards but those results were aided by the conditions (hard, fast and dry). If I took the TSG out there I have no doubt I would easily see these results if not a shade better.

Summary: Overall I would have to say the TSG beats out the AxivV and Roddio. In fact, it is this tester’s opinion that the TSG proto combines the unmatched (until now) feel of the AxivV with the “tightness” of the Roddio. I like all three shafts and I really believe the TSG to be a culmination of the other two. Feel is outstanding and complements the swing throughout its journey. The TSG flights the ball very well giving a strong mid-high trajectory on good swings. Dispersion is very tight. The ball goes where you hit it. This shaft delivers the club on the ball consistently at the middle of the clubhead. Impact tape confirmed this to me. All in all I love this shaft. I would really like to rip it apart and find fault with it but I simply cannot. I do not know the kickpoint of this shaft but would suspect it to be middle to middle-high. I’m not so sure where to improve upon this other than maybe either softening or stiffening depending upon the tastes of an individual golfer. I think low handicappers and really good, strong players will like this shaft immensely. It’s very supportive and delivers a strong hit to the ball. Good shoulder turn swings where everything is working together are rewarded with this shaft.

Graphics: Being a prototype this shaft was devoid of any graphics. Its a solid darker gray color which is just fine. Of course should this shaft hit the market, I'm sure it would be improved in this area, maybe a deep, dark ion finish perhaps?

This is basically my write up from a couple months back. The TSG shaft is still in play and I'm loving every second I get to swing it. I've gotten very accostumed to it and love it more now than when I wrote this review. A real winner and a must try should the opportunity present itself.

[gocchin]

I also had a proto shaft here for testing, a 68g 5 ply Stiff flex model that installed at 256cpm. Here are the launch results I compiled all using the same head:

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Its set to come out in 8-12 months from now so what you guys are hitting aka " supershaft " is still in test mode.

perhaps member " somedevil " will post about his several on course experiences with the shaft.