Fujikura Member Trip and VeloCore Fitting Experience Live at Fujikura HQ! Follow Along Here!

[Longballjock]

Just now, gsrjc said:

I’m curious how you selected your shafts for wedges and what did you do. I’m using LA golf wedge shafts but been intrigued about the axiom but they don’t have wedge shafts. Did you need to tip any of the short shafts?

I went with the 105s, I had just got a new set of SM9 heads and was wanting to give them a shot.

I went short Profile with no Tipping. Plays like a spinner shaft and feels great. That's in my 54 and 58

[gsrjc]

Just now, Longballjock said:

I went with the 105s, I had just got a new set of SM9 heads and was wanting to give them a shot.

I went short Profile with no Tipping. Plays like a spinner shaft and feels great. That's in my 54 and 58

Thanks. What made you not tip it?

[Longballjock]

Just now, gsrjc said:

Thanks. What made you not tip it?

I've always played 8 iron shafts in my wedges (soft stepped) for a little softer more feel profile. I like it like that for delicate shots.

[gsrjc]

3 minutes ago, Longballjock said:

I've always played 8 iron shafts in my wedges (soft stepped) for a little softer more feel profile. I like it like that for delicate shots.

Thanks dude. I’ve heard that before so cool. 

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, gvogel said:

I am really interested in upgrading either my G425 or TSR2 with either a Ventus TR Red or Blue.  How would I go about determining which one is better, and determine whether the Reg or R2 would be right?

What is your set up right now in those two clubs? I mean the obvious answer is to get fitted. It would depend on how much load you put on the shaft. If you load it harder, chances are you would do better with the TR Red since it has the stiffer handle. If you don’t put as much load on the shaft the TR Blue would be better. When I was fitted, Andrew (Fujikura’s fitter) started me in TR Red. It was ok, but no real performance difference over what I was using and didn’t feel good to me. Then he put me in Blue, it was better feel wise, but nothing special performance wise. Then I tried TR Blue. First swing, BANG! I could feel the shaft kick and it gave me 4mph ball speed with same launch and spin. Almost 7 yds carry. As I swung more it just got better and better. Ended up picking up almost 6mph ball speed and over 9yds of carry. Now that I’m used to it, I’m carrying it 10-15yds further. I’m mid 80’s SS with the driver if that helps, but it’s not necessarily how fast you swing, it’s how you load it. I would start with TR Blue 5R and see how that works. It’s lighter weight, but VERY stable and incredibly tight dispersion.

[hammergolf]

3 minutes ago, gsrjc said:

Thanks dude. I’ve heard that before so cool. 

I’ve been doing that for a very long time as well. Incredible the difference in feel and control on touch shots like @Longballjock said. It also helps to keep the ball down and actually increase spin on full shots as well.

[gsrjc]

Just now, hammergolf said:

I’ve been doing that for a very long time as well. Incredible the difference in feel and control on touch shots like @Longballjock said. It also helps to keep the ball down and actually increase spin on full shots as well.

I always just went with a dedicated wedge shaft so I'll have to get my fitter to build me one to try out. 

[hammergolf]

3 minutes ago, gsrjc said:

I always just went with a dedicated wedge shaft so I'll have to get my fitter to build me one to try out. 

You’ll never go back to the old way once you feel the difference. 

[gsrjc]

18 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

You’ll never go back to the old way once you feel the difference. 

Nice. Can’t wait to try then.  Thanks for your advice. 

[hammergolf]

3 minutes ago, gsrjc said:

Nice. Can’t wait to try then.  Thanks for your advice. 

Let us know how it goes.

[gvogel]

9 hours ago, hammergolf said:

What is your set up right now in those two clubs? I mean the obvious answer is to get fitted. It would depend on how much load you put on the shaft. If you load it harder, chances are you would do better with the TR Red since it has the stiffer handle. If you don’t put as much load on the shaft the TR Blue would be better. When I was fitted, Andrew (Fujikura’s fitter) started me in TR Red. It was ok, but no real performance difference over what I was using and didn’t feel good to me. Then he put me in Blue, it was better feel wise, but nothing special performance wise. Then I tried TR Blue. First swing, BANG! I could feel the shaft kick and it gave me 4mph ball speed with same launch and spin. Almost 7 yds carry. As I swung more it just got better and better. Ended up picking up almost 6mph ball speed and over 9yds of carry. Now that I’m used to it, I’m carrying it 10-15yds further. I’m mid 80’s SS with the driver if that helps, but it’s not necessarily how fast you swing, it’s how you load it. I would start with TR Blue 5R and see how that works. It’s lighter weight, but VERY stable and incredibly tight dispersion.

Currently playing HZRDUS Red 5 5.0 in TSR2, and stock regular shaft in G425.  The shaft in the G425 feels like a noodle; the HZRDUS is just OK.

 

I may have to start with the Ventus TR Blue 5R.

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, gvogel said:

Currently playing HZRDUS Red 5 5.0 in TSR2, and stock regular shaft in G425.  The shaft in the G425 feels like a noodle; the HZRDUS is just OK.

 

I may have to start with the Ventus TR Blue 5R.

Well that’s a good one, since I’ve played HZ Red before and the Alta CB shaft from Ping. For me, the Ventus Blue has the same handle feel as the HZ Red, but is more stable and has more kick at impact. Similar trajectories, but more ball speed and much tighter dispersion. 
The Alta CB isn’t near as stable in the driver. Yes, it has a very soft feeling mid section to me, but with less kick to me. It was a good fwy wd and hybrid shaft for me, but I don’t get along too well with CB driver shafts. 
I think you will really like the TR Blue 5R or R2 depending on the amount of stiffness you like to feel. The R will feel stiffer in the handle than the 5.0 HZ Red, but won’t feel like rebar. Flex wise the R2 is closer to the 5.0

[968cab]

I’m a firm believer in the “whatever works for you is THE best way to do it” philosophy…

 

Having said that, the 8i into a wedge technique—“Tiger stepping”—is based on using one flex stronger than the other irons. For example: regular flex in irons you would use *stiff* 8i shafts in the wedges (soft stepped “twice”).

 

Stiff in your irons, you’d use X in the wedges. 
 

I believe/think weight should also theoretically go up one class…resulting in “heavier and softer”, 10-15grams as the goal. Tough to do with the Axiom line up.

 

Anyway, there are some very detailed threads about this from VERY knowledgeable and experienced builders (I’m not) if you care to read about it more. 
 

But what works works. 👍🏼👍🏼

[gvogel]

1 minute ago, hammergolf said:

Well that’s a good one, since I’ve played HZ Red before and the Alta CB shaft from Ping. For me, the Ventus Blue has the same handle feel as the HZ Red, but is more stable and has more kick at impact. Similar trajectories, but more ball speed and much tighter dispersion. 
The Alta CB isn’t near as stable in the driver. Yes, it has a very soft feeling mid section to me, but with less kick to me. It was a good fwy wd and hybrid shaft for me, but I don’t get along too well with CB driver shafts. 
I think you will really like the TR Blue 5R or R2 depending on the amount of stiffness you like to feel. The R will feel stiffer in the handle than the 5.0 HZ Red, but won’t feel like rebar. Flex wise the R2 is closer to the 5.0

That's good information.  I don't think that Titleist offers the R2 flex in the Ventus TR 5, so I would go aftermarket.

 

I need to go to my club person and find out what my swing speed is.

 

I have a great shaft in a G25 - I know that because we put it on a frequency analyzer a couple times and it frequencied perfectly back and forth no matter what orientation - so no puring was required.  I might try that shaft in the G425.  It frequencied as a firm regular, stiffer than regular but not stiff.  That was a fine driver for me, but I played the 9.5 in the + position, and I need more loft now.  The Titleist is 11* playing a bit over 12*.

[hammergolf]

31 minutes ago, gvogel said:

That's good information.  I don't think that Titleist offers the R2 flex in the Ventus TR 5, so I would go aftermarket.

 

I need to go to my club person and find out what my swing speed is.

 

I have a great shaft in a G25 - I know that because we put it on a frequency analyzer a couple times and it frequencied perfectly back and forth no matter what orientation - so no puring was required.  I might try that shaft in the G425.  It frequencied as a firm regular, stiffer than regular but not stiff.  That was a fine driver for me, but I played the 9.5 in the + position, and I need more loft now.  The Titleist is 11* playing a bit over 12*.

Ok based on that info, I think the TR Blue R will be good for you then. The R2 would prob be too soft.

[EagleGSU]

I went in blind and ordered a set of the axiom 105s shafts. Coming from KBS $taper 120s. Will I notice it being noticeably lighter, but still have a lot of control of the clubhead?

 

Made the switch as I thought the 120s were a little bit heavy towards the end of rounds, and I was having to work really hard to swing fast. 

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, EagleGSU said:

I went in blind and ordered a set of the axiom 105s shafts. Coming from KBS $taper 120s. Will I notice it being noticeably lighter, but still have a lot of control of the clubhead?

 

Made the switch as I thought the 120s were a little bit heavy towards the end of rounds, and I was having to work really hard to swing fast. 

I don’t think you will, but maybe @Puppetmaster @eric61 and @CactusGolf can give you a better answer since it’s what they were fit into. If I’m not mistaken, both Puppet and Cactus had KBS shafts in their irons before the change.

[Puppetmaster]

2 hours ago, EagleGSU said:

I went in blind and ordered a set of the axiom 105s shafts. Coming from KBS $taper 120s. Will I notice it being noticeably lighter, but still have a lot of control of the clubhead?

 

Made the switch as I thought the 120s were a little bit heavy towards the end of rounds, and I was having to work really hard to swing fast. 

 

Can't confirm for your swing, but as posted before, a lot of this comes down to how you load the shaft more so than how fast you're swinging. My unsolicited comment here is that you probably shouldn't be trying to swing fast toward the end of the round, so perhaps the $-Taper aren't a good fit. Anyway, by the sounds of it, you'll probably like them. 

 

From the KBS line, the Tour 125 S+ fits me the best, and while I liked the straightness of the Tour V 110, I didn't load it enough, even at a lighter weight, so spin rates were too low. I have $-Taper S in another set of irons and numbers wise, they are somewhat close to my numbers with the Tours. 

 

The Axioms fit my swing - they load easier than the Tour V, but I don't feel like there's any lack of control. Mine are 105-S hardstepped. 

[EagleGSU]

55 minutes ago, Puppetmaster said:

 

Can't confirm for your swing, but as posted before, a lot of this comes down to how you load the shaft more so than how fast you're swinging. My unsolicited comment here is that you probably shouldn't be trying to swing fast toward the end of the round, so perhaps the $-Taper aren't a good fit. Anyway, by the sounds of it, you'll probably like them. 

 

From the KBS line, the Tour 125 S+ fits me the best, and while I liked the straightness of the Tour V 110, I didn't load it enough, even at a lighter weight, so spin rates were too low. I have $-Taper S in another set of irons and numbers wise, they are somewhat close to my numbers with the Tours. 

 

The Axioms fit my swing - they load easier than the Tour V, but I don't feel like there's any lack of control. Mine are 105-S hardstepped. 

Thanks for the comment. I really do like the $ tapers, and have had pretty good success with them. Will probably end up putting them in another set of irons lol

 

I'm just kind of a gear junkie and always like tinkering. And I do like the idea of graphite shafts with new tech stuffed in them. I'm not sure if it was you in a video I watched, or maybe it was a comment on here about feeling like you got "easier speed at the bottom, or more effortless speed" or something along the lines of that. And that's what I'm hoping I experience. But don't want to feel like I lose any control compared to the KBS shafts, which I'm glad you said you didn't experience.

 

edit- it was you I went back in the thread  and your exact words were "but for me, it is "easier" speed without having to swing harder"

 

 

My swing speed at the start of a practice session with a 7 iron is generally around 82-86mph. And towards the end drops to like 76-78mph. So if the Axioms can negate that drop-off just a little I'll be satisfied. lol Could all just be mental though and losing technique.

 

And you're probably right about trying to swing fast later on in the round. I normally put together a good front 9, and almost always lose it somewhere on the back just from getting tired. I also get neck and shoulder pain from lingering issues from outside of golf, so maybe the graphite will be good for that as an added bonus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 29, 2023 by EagleGSU

[Puppetmaster]

@EagleGSU yup, I still feel that way. Sounds it might be more of a weight issue, so hopefully dropping to 105 from 120 will help you. Again, knowing nothing about your swing, I wonder if you should consider doing a soft step even. Maybe try a single club soft stepped first?

 

A 105 gram graphite iron shaft sounds light, but don't let that fool you, these play more stable than you think. My 7i SS is 88-90 mph. 

 

I think you'll like the shafts, just a matter of getting them set up properly. 

 

In other news, my TM data did end up coming in but it's a mess, between hitting some sh*nks and forgetting to tag the clubs/shafts when I rotated, so more on that later.  

[Puppetmaster]

Had some issues with the Trackman reports, mostly operator error and ongoing swing struggles, but here are some summary stats. Average of around 8-10 shots each. 

 

June 2023 

TM TP MB 7-iron with KBS Tour V 110 S

SS 86 mph 

Carry 163 yd

Spin 5684 rpm

AoA -2 degs

Peak 87.8 ft

Land angle 45 degs

 

Control club (you'll see why this matters)

Cobra Fly Z+ with KBS Tour 125 S+ 

SS 87.6 mph 

Carry 172 yd

Spin 5720 rpm

AoA -1.8 degs

Peak 97.6 ft

Land angle 47.6 degs

 

August 2023 

TM TP MB 7-iron with Axiom 105-S, hard stepped once 

SS 89.1 mph 

Carry 173 yd

Spin 5318 rpm

AoA -1.3 degs

Peak 94.1 ft

Land angle 46.5 degs

 

Control club 

Cobra Fly Z+ with KBS Tour 125 S+ 

SS 90.2 mph 

Carry 172 yd

Spin 5037 rpm 

AoA -0.67 degs

Peak 87.8 ft

Land angle 44.3 degs

 

Glad I thought to have that control club in there. Used new Srizon Z-Star XV for both session (yes, I need a higher spin ball, but had to keep it comparable for this). I guess with more play and practice in 2 months, and some frustration swings, my speed is up 3 mph so that's not just from the shaft change. However, now I'm swinging shallower with more left misses, hence the shallower AoA and lower spin. Makes sense given the 2-way miss and sh*nk probability.

 

Regardless, I still like the Axioms better than the Tour V, all else considered. Even with all the swing issues, peak height is up and the ball is coming down steeper. Feel is better for sure. If and when my swing improves, I'm willing to bet those other numbers improve too.

 

However, given the struggles and lack of consistent play over the past 3 years, the age of the MB has come to an end. I know a single shot on a Trackman doesn't matter, but I hit an one absolute bomb that went 184 yards; 90 mph swing, 103 peak height, 11.2R side spin, etc. With an MB. Felt so good. Anyway, the Axioms will be in some more forgiving heads soon *cough*King Tour*cough* @hammergolf 

 

Data aside, as posted before, I've hit some outstanding shots on the course and feel totally comfortable with my irons these even later in the round. Have the shafts improved my game though? On the good shots, absolutely lol. No equipment change is going to help the stinkers right now, considering I can hit a duck hook with a PW. Ok, that's it for now before I keeping rambling on about my crappy game. 

[hammergolf]

12 hours ago, Puppetmaster said:

Had some issues with the Trackman reports, mostly operator error and ongoing swing struggles, but here are some summary stats. Average of around 8-10 shots each. 

 

June 2023 

TM TP MB 7-iron with KBS Tour V 110 S

SS 86 mph 

Carry 163 yd

Spin 5684 rpm

AoA -2 degs

Peak 87.8 ft

Land angle 45 degs

 

Control club (you'll see why this matters)

Cobra Fly Z+ with KBS Tour 125 S+ 

SS 87.6 mph 

Carry 172 yd

Spin 5720 rpm

AoA -1.8 degs

Peak 97.6 ft

Land angle 47.6 degs

 

August 2023 

TM TP MB 7-iron with Axiom 105-S, hard stepped once 

SS 89.1 mph 

Carry 173 yd

Spin 5318 rpm

AoA -1.3 degs

Peak 94.1 ft

Land angle 46.5 degs

 

Control club 

Cobra Fly Z+ with KBS Tour 125 S+ 

SS 90.2 mph 

Carry 172 yd

Spin 5037 rpm 

AoA -0.67 degs

Peak 87.8 ft

Land angle 44.3 degs

 

Glad I thought to have that control club in there. Used new Srizon Z-Star XV for both session (yes, I need a higher spin ball, but had to keep it comparable for this). I guess with more play and practice in 2 months, and some frustration swings, my speed is up 3 mph so that's not just from the shaft change. However, now I'm swinging shallower with more left misses, hence the shallower AoA and lower spin. Makes sense given the 2-way miss and sh*nk probability.

 

Regardless, I still like the Axioms better than the Tour V, all else considered. Even with all the swing issues, peak height is up and the ball is coming down steeper. Feel is better for sure. If and when my swing improves, I'm willing to bet those other numbers improve too.

 

However, given the struggles and lack of consistent play over the past 3 years, the age of the MB has come to an end. I know a single shot on a Trackman doesn't matter, but I hit an one absolute bomb that went 184 yards; 90 mph swing, 103 peak height, 11.2R side spin, etc. With an MB. Felt so good. Anyway, the Axioms will be in some more forgiving heads soon *cough*King Tour*cough* @hammergolf 

 

Data aside, as posted before, I've hit some outstanding shots on the course and feel totally comfortable with my irons these even later in the round. Have the shafts improved my game though? On the good shots, absolutely lol. No equipment change is going to help the stinkers right now, considering I can hit a duck hook with a PW. Ok, that's it for now before I keeping rambling on about my crappy game. 

Those stinkers will be pure shots with the King Tours….. 😉

[gsrjc]

@Puppetmaster I was having some issues recently with hitting some balls thin and I add about 2 points of swing weight from D2 to D4 and also flattened the lie just a tad. I’m hitting the ball so

much more clean now and there is no major left miss anyone. Perhaps something to look into it you go back to Tyson’s West or somewhere else to get dialed in better. 
 

For me since I previously had the LA golf shafts which are a little counterbalanced we tried a lighter swing weight thinking that might work but in the end, the irons are built to what I tested so the SW is what did it. I was surprised about being a tad flatter on the lie angle but I’ve been working hard on my swing so I give that to it. 

[Puppetmaster]

@gsrjc thanks for the suggestion. Pretty sure it is all me but regardless I was going to have TWG tweak all the lies (and check lofts) of the King Tours. 
 

As for the Axiom 105 in my 17* hybrid, I love it. Most consistent club in my bag over one round. So full endorsement from me, a great nobody, if anyone wants to throw an Axiom into a hybrid. 
 

Launches a little higher than expected, but in a good way, considering it’s a low lofted hybrid. Plenty straight and just loving the feel of it. I’m using it primarily as a tee club; been playing some tighter courses lately and it has been useful. 

[gsrjc]

2 hours ago, Puppetmaster said:

@gsrjc thanks for the suggestion. Pretty sure it is all me but regardless I was going to have TWG tweak all the lies (and check lofts) of the King Tours. 
 

As for the Axiom 105 in my 17* hybrid, I love it. Most consistent club in my bag over one round. So full endorsement from me, a great nobody, if anyone wants to throw an Axiom into a hybrid. 
 

Launches a little higher than expected, but in a good way, considering it’s a low lofted hybrid. Plenty straight and just loving the feel of it. I’m using it primarily as a tee club; been playing some tighter courses lately and it has been useful. 

Sounds good dude. 

[EagleGSU]

Axioms secured 👍

 

 

Edited September 1, 2023 by EagleGSU

[Jbar]

On 8/31/2023 at 2:00 PM, Puppetmaster said:

@gsrjc thanks for the suggestion. Pretty sure it is all me but regardless I was going to have TWG tweak all the lies (and check lofts) of the King Tours. 
 

As for the Axiom 105 in my 17* hybrid, I love it. Most consistent club in my bag over one round. So full endorsement from me, a great nobody, if anyone wants to throw an Axiom into a hybrid. 
 

Launches a little higher than expected, but in a good way, considering it’s a low lofted hybrid. Plenty straight and just loving the feel of it. I’m using it primarily as a tee club; been playing some tighter courses lately and it has been useful. 

Which shaft did you have before Axiom in your hybrid? Does it feel looser than the previous one?

[gvogel]

On 8/29/2023 at 9:37 AM, hammergolf said:

Well that’s a good one, since I’ve played HZ Red before and the Alta CB shaft from Ping. For me, the Ventus Blue has the same handle feel as the HZ Red, but is more stable and has more kick at impact. Similar trajectories, but more ball speed and much tighter dispersion. 
The Alta CB isn’t near as stable in the driver. Yes, it has a very soft feeling mid section to me, but with less kick to me. It was a good fwy wd and hybrid shaft for me, but I don’t get along too well with CB driver shafts. 
I think you will really like the TR Blue 5R or R2 depending on the amount of stiffness you like to feel. The R will feel stiffer in the handle than the 5.0 HZ Red, but won’t feel like rebar. Flex wise the R2 is closer to the 5.0

I got on a launch monitor yesterday and my swing speed is 79 - 80.  So I am definitely an R2 candidate, and maybe in a Motore F3.

 

My next purchase will be SuperSpeed trainers.

[Puppetmaster]

16 hours ago, Jbar said:

Which shaft did you have before Axiom in your hybrid? Does it feel looser than the previous one?

The hybrid came with a MMT Hybrid 80X. Played with it one round and the  MMT seemed to launch lower but felt nowhere as stable and I was hitting it less consistently than the Axiom. I think it was more that it was too light for me. 
 

The Axiom was a significant improvement, so I guess no, the Axiom is not “looser”. As others have posted before, you can feel the Axiom work but it isn’t for lack of control. It’s predictable and stable, without being too dead. 

[hammergolf]

6 hours ago, Puppetmaster said:

The hybrid came with a MMT Hybrid 80X. Played with it one round and the  MMT seemed to launch lower but felt nowhere as stable and I was hitting it less consistently than the Axiom. I think it was more that it was too light for me. 
 

The Axiom was a significant improvement, so I guess no, the Axiom is not “looser”. As others have posted before, you can feel the Axiom work but it isn’t for lack of control. It’s predictable and stable, without being too dead. 

King Tours report????