Ventus Black alternatives - looking for more response

[jonescm128]

I was recently fit into a Ventus Black shaft after trying quite a few options out. I have since used it on the range and during three rounds and I just find it not responsive enough. I really enjoy the other aspects of the shaft but it feels so incredibly stiff at contact I am looking for something a bit softer. 

 

I use the Ventus Blue on my 5W and really like the feel of that but the fitter thought the Black would be a better option for me on the driver because of the low launch. I do like the flight I get from the Black but it feels like I am using a steel pipe with how stiff it is.

 

Would the Ventus Blue be a nice step down from the Black?

[bmbsawy]

Just an opinion from a recovering shaft junkie… If you like the performance you’re getting from the shaft, if you play it long enough you will adapt to the feel.

 

if you get to the course and can’t strike it well or don’t like the performance, that is another story altogether.

[NosajNeelik]

Kaili white is like the VB but with more feel 

[Honman]

4 hours ago, jonescm128 said:

I was recently fit into a Ventus Black shaft after trying quite a few options out. I have since used it on the range and during three rounds and I just find it not responsive enough. I really enjoy the other aspects of the shaft but it feels so incredibly stiff at contact I am looking for something a bit softer. 

 

I use the Ventus Blue on my 5W and really like the feel of that but the fitter thought the Black would be a better option for me on the driver because of the low launch. I do like the flight I get from the Black but it feels like I am using a steel pipe with how stiff it is.

 

Would the Ventus Blue be a nice step down from the Black?

I would look at TR blue maybe if you're keen on ventus. 

 

But I've found both Diamana WB and GD VF to be better feeling. I've found WB to be a brilliant shaft. 

[Whodamon1]

ACCRA Shogun Red, to me, has similar characteristics to the Ventus Black, with better feel and more kick.

[awtryau89]

Denali Black is an in between VB and Black to me. 

[Krosch3]

Yeah I moved to Denali black from Ventus black. Easy transition and more feel.

i also bumped up to 70 profile from 60 

[CWT33]

5 hours ago, jonescm128 said:

I do like the flight I get from the Black but it feels like I am using a steel pipe with how stiff it is.

 

Would the Ventus Blue be a nice step down from the Black?

im with you on that. I hate the way ventus black feels..

 

so Im playing an og ventus blue 6x tipped 1”, and before that a Red TR 6x tipped 1” (purple). Absolutely love them.
Stable but feel like a shaft. 

 

Tinkering over.. (except for a hulk I just ordered).  Word on the street is that new Ventus Black + is a little more feels than prior gen blacks.. 

 

 

[tilasan]

Did you try the black velocore+?

[bcflyguy1]

6 hours ago, jonescm128 said:

I was recently fit into a Ventus Black shaft after trying quite a few options out. I have since used it on the range and during three rounds and I just find it not responsive enough. I really enjoy the other aspects of the shaft but it feels so incredibly stiff at contact I am looking for something a bit softer. 

 

I use the Ventus Blue on my 5W and really like the feel of that but the fitter thought the Black would be a better option for me on the driver because of the low launch. I do like the flight I get from the Black but it feels like I am using a steel pipe with how stiff it is.

 

Would the Ventus Blue be a nice step down from the Black?

This is what happens when fitters try to manipulate launch conditions with shaft changes rather than head properties. If you hate the feel, it simply doesn't matter how good the launch conditions are. That negative feel is going to have detrimental effects on your golf swing if you persist with it.

What driver shafts have you really liked in the past?

[IC3BURGH]

Black Velocore+ is probably a good first step. You could also consider GD AD-VF. Mitsubishi 1K Black also in the neighborhood. Have only played the second two, but I gravitated to them for similar reasons that you want something different - they both felt just a tad smoother/softer without totally giving up the Ventus Black profile.

[kevster1]

From a feel perspective the GD VF is their version of a black profile but not nearly as harsh feeling

[NorCal678]

I just got an Elyte triple with a Ventus Black 7x VC.  It feels amazing.  Stable but love the release not boardy at all.  

 

Just curious what is your driver SS and what flex did they put you in.  If you are like 105 ss and they put you in an x, that could be the issue.  If you don't have the speed for the flex, its going to feel too stiff no matter what shaft you use(unless you like that). 

 

Agree with others, using a shaft to change spin launch isn't the way to do it.  Head is for spin/launch.  Shaft is for feel and consistency.  Shaft can change launch/spin, but that has more to do with changing head delivery.  Its the last step, not the first.    

Edited March 21 by NorCal678

[Lord Helmet]

TR Blue or 2024 Black+ is where I would start - Im a fuji fanboy.  If neither of those 2 work, Ive heard (not hit) the GD VF is pretty good.  

 

You might also consider dropping a flex in the black you have and tip trim.

 

LOL, I just suggested you spend like $1500 bucks.  Sorry man.

[rbpwrx]

4 hours ago, NosajNeelik said:

Kaili white is like the VB but with more feel 

+1
Kai'li White 70TX here, nice linear load and bend, plenty stable, low torque, but feels plush.

[Pnwpingi210]

2 hours ago, CWT33 said:

im with you on that. I hate the way ventus black feels..

 

so Im playing an og ventus blue 6x tipped 1”, and before that a Red TR 6x tipped 1” (purple). Absolutely love them.
Stable but feel like a shaft. 

 

Tinkering over.. (except for a hulk I just ordered).  Word on the street is that new Ventus Black + is a little more feels than prior gen blacks.. 

 

 

Ventus black 6x going to feel like a Ventus blue 6s compared to a px smoke green in tx.

[Urb]

Evenflow Riptide black has a similar profile and should be smoother.  Cheap experiment.

 

[Red4282]

Diamana WB, or Ventus TR Blue. You could also stay in the black and move down a flex.

[Joesti]

I cant recommend trying the ad vf enough. Such a nice feeling shaft that is a low/low. very smooth loading shaft and doesnt feel like rebar. I tried it at my local store last week and i cant stop thinking about it. The denali black is nice as well. Im currently playing ventus blue but im gunna order the vf.

[ARSM1932]

I would recommend that you try the Ventus TR Blue, I play the Diamana WB 63TX in driver and love it but its not really much if any softer than the Ventus Black 6X although I think it feels much better.

[Harmcyn]

Aretera Alpha One Gray

[30putts]

Tensei 1k black is a great sleeper pick, same stout feel 

[AmateurAmateur]

Accra RPG tour gold

[phizzy30]

I had a similar issue a few years back.  OG black spit out optimal numbers but I wanted something else with a little more feel.  AD VF is in my bag now and it's basically a smoother feeling OG black.  I would highly recommend it or something like the TR blue which is similar but has a touch more kick.  

[Veebee3]

Yup AD VF is the answer. 

[LoopySwing13]

23 hours ago, NosajNeelik said:

Kaili white is like the VB but with more feel 

Echo this 100%. I had been playing Ventus blue for a while but didn’t get along with Ventus black, but kaili was the middle. 

[CTG77]

21 hours ago, Joesti said:

I cant recommend trying the ad vf enough. Such a nice feeling shaft that is a low/low. very smooth loading shaft and doesnt feel like rebar. I tried it at my local store last week and i cant stop thinking about it. The denali black is nice as well. Im currently playing ventus blue but im gunna order the vf.

Agreed.  I'm on the Stiff / X-stiff bubble at 105-110 swing speed with my driver.  The Tour AD VF-6S has been amazing in my GT2.  I'm hitting longer drives than ever and am more consistently in or safely close to the fairway than ever.

[Stephen1125]

Tensei 1K black is a great option. It has more feel than the Ventus. 
I like the TR black the best and it’s my gamer shaft in DR, 3w, 7w & 9w.
 2024 Velocore + would be my second pick. 
 

I should add that I don’t tip my shafts in driver or 3w. 7w & 9w are tipped 1”
 

My swing speed is 118mph with smooth tempo. 

Edited March 24 by Stephen1125

[Harmcyn]

I played with Aretera Gray for a bit but I’ve got real comfy with Dianna WB 63 TX

 

lots of feel and easier to turn over but can still knock flight and spin down with the best 

[Pepperturbo]

On 3/21/2025 at 1:11 AM, jonescm128 said:

I was recently fit into a Ventus Black shaft after trying quite a few options out. I have since used it on the range and during three rounds and I just find it not responsive enough. I really enjoy the other aspects of the shaft but it feels so incredibly stiff at contact I am looking for something a bit softer. 

 

I use the Ventus Blue on my 5W and really like the feel of that but the fitter thought the Black would be a better option for me on the driver because of the low launch. I do like the flight I get from the Black but it feels like I am using a steel pipe with how stiff it is.

 

Would the Ventus Blue be a nice step down from the Black?

NOT responsive to my thinking means it's too stiff.

 

I happen to have 2 original Red (5-6 series) and a TR blue 5 series S in driver from introduction to 3/24; when I discovered Diamana GT 50 / 56g stiff.  IME, GT is comparable to Ventus Black only with a slightly softer tip and more feel.   I have a fast tempo, so a stiff handle and mid-section is best, add a slightly softer tip, gets the ball out there near the ball of much younger guys.

 

Whether BLUE works for you depends on your tempo and feel.