I told my clubfitter I need a new Aldila VS Proto 65X...

[Klap]

You guys probably are better fitters than this:

 

"I already have a pretty perfect driver, and need a new one" That should be the easiest question for a fitter right?

 

The fitter checked the LM data with the old Ping Rapture V2 9deg head and an Aldila VS Proto "by you" 65X shaft and told me the previous fitter (Golf WRX) did a great job.

 

Some demo's and test shaft came close but it seemed best to order a Ping G25 8,5deg with an Aldila Rip'd NV 65X shaft since that should be a close copy of the old driver. It's a world apart! Lower launch and weird spin, the ball drops from the air about 25 yards shorter.

 

So I went to another fitter and the Fujikura motore F1 S seems close to the proto x, still lower smash factor and more spin so before I buy the F1 I would love to get your advice.

 

What modern day shaft is closest to the Aldila VS Proto "by you" 65X?

 

Tips are greatly appreciated!

[farmer]

The "by you" shafts are still available. Why not get a new one since it fits you?

[Klap]

That was my first hope. Yet the two stores/fitters told me they can't get it anymore. It's no option at Ping anymore either. I will push those stores a little and hope they can find a way at Aldila. Your reply gives me a little extra ammunition;)

[quote name='farmer' timestamp='1365206960' post='6771085']
The "by you" shafts are still available. Why not get a new one since it fits you?
[/quote]

[Klap]

BTW the representative from Ping (europe) advised an Aldila Phenom since that is the 'replacement', I tested it but that shaft gives much higher spin rates.

The Aldila fitting chart says the same, (somehow theory doesn't always match reality.)
http://www.aldila.com/custom-fitting/fitting-guide/

[rocker40]

Diamana Ahina 60 ?

[Vintage1976]

If PING or Aldila can't help you, I say get it yourself and bring it to your club builder [url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-ALDILA-VS-PROTO-65-X-STIFF-FLEX-335-TIP-WOOD-SHAFT-3-0-TORQUE-/380561017552?pt=Golf_Clubmaking_Products_US&hash=item589b344ad0"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-ALDILA-VS-PROTO-65-X-STIFF-FLEX-335-TIP-WOOD-SHAFT-3-0-TORQUE-/380561017552?pt=Golf_Clubmaking_Products_US&hash=item589b344ad0[/url]

[Stuart_G]

I wouldn't recommend the Ahina - that was lower launching for me.

From the little I tried it, the Trinity seems to be pretty close to the vs-proto (haven't looked at LM numbers yet though to confirm).

Also, the feel is a little different but I found the performance of the UST Proforce v2 65 almost identical to the vs-proto 60 (at least for the stiff versions). I swapped between those two (vs-proto and PFv2) for two years in my TM r9 and never did end up picking one over the other.

Also - it never hurts to call Ping directly. Sometimes (but not always) they can do things that are not on the custom list.

[Wooderson]

I have played the Motore F1 and I didn't find it anything like the VS Proto. The Motore F1 is the stiffest for flex shaft I have played. Wishons shaft software shows the stiff flex in 65 grams stiffer than most X flex shafts. You could also try the XVS6 Voodoo which is the same profile as the VS Proto, but with Voodoo rifling in the shaft.

Oops just went back and read your post. You are looking at the F1 in stiff.

[rwill]

I loved the vs and there are several on ebay for cheap. I considered buying a couple just to have around.

[Resili22]

I found this at Aldila.com.
Blue rectangle is the VS Proto... Trinity and Phenom seems to be your closest options.

Have a great game.

[g36man]

I don't know if your able to order this from ping but, the ATX blue is supposed to be the newest replacement for the vs proto. As others have said the voodoo should be a good choice or just get a old vs proto off of eBay.

[Klap]

Thanks for the tips!

Really curious about that ATX blue, after all the Proto is 8yrs. old So maybe there is a shaft that behaves similar with a better efficiency from todays technology. (Or is the improvement on the shaft market more PR than numbers?)

For now I will give the [color=#282828]UST Proforce v2 65 and a [/color][color=#282828]XVS6 Voodoo a shot! It seems clubmakers only work with the latest shafts and most shops (In europe at least not sure how this works in the US) can't order from shaft makers directly. Hope the XVS6 is still available[/color][color=#282828]. In US the options seem a bit wider, loads of shafts on eBay![/color]

[Ri_Redneck]

[quote name='Klap' timestamp='1365286488' post='6775377']
Thanks for the tips!

Really curious about that ATX blue, after all the Proto is 8yrs. old So maybe there is a shaft that behaves similar with a better efficiency from todays technology. [size=5][b](Or is the improvement on the shaft market more PR than numbers?) [/b][/size]

For now I will give the [color=#282828]UST Proforce v2 65 and a [/color][color=#282828]XVS6 Voodoo a shot! It seems clubmakers only work with the latest shafts and most shops (In europe at least not sure how this works in the US) can't order from shaft makers directly. Hope the XVS6 is still available[/color][color=#282828]. In US the options seem a bit wider, loads of shafts on eBay![/color]
[/quote]

Hmmm, I wonder?????

BT

[annisoren]

If a shaft fits you well, it does not matter its vintage. I have unlimited access to a Trackman and plenty of fitting carts - I cannot find a shaft that performs better for me than the Aldila NVS (which I think is even older than the Proto?).

[quote name='Klap' timestamp='1365286488' post='6775377']
Thanks for the tips!

Really curious about that ATX blue, after all the Proto is 8yrs. old So maybe there is a shaft that behaves similar with a better efficiency from todays technology. (Or is the improvement on the shaft market more PR than numbers?)

For now I will give the [color=#282828]UST Proforce v2 65 and a [/color][color=#282828]XVS6 Voodoo a shot! It seems clubmakers only work with the latest shafts and most shops (In europe at least not sure how this works in the US) can't order from shaft makers directly. Hope the XVS6 is still available[/color][color=#282828]. In US the options seem a bit wider, loads of shafts on eBay![/color]
[/quote]

[Rpardygolfpro]

^^^ I agree 100% I just picked up a GD TOUR AD YSQ 65 X off of ebay for a steal and so far it's the best feelign and performing shaft for me to date and I have hit a ton of them. Find what works and stick with it I say try to find a vs proto on the bay and get it shipped to you overseas. It would still cost less than most new shafts anyway i would imagine

[Klap]

[quote name='Rpardygolfpro' timestamp='1365377708' post='6781129']
^^^ I agree 100% I just picked up a GD TOUR AD YSQ 65 X off of ebay for a steal and so far it's the best feelign and performing shaft for me to date and I have hit a ton of them. Find what works and stick with it I say try to find a vs proto on the bay and get it shipped to you overseas. It would still cost less than most new shafts anyway i would imagine
[/quote]

One is being sent overseas right now! Can't miss with a shaft that works already;) You guys are right, somehow I have a weak for new and shiny stuff, always looking for something newer and better...... haha!

[Rpardygolfpro]

[quote name='Klap' timestamp='1365547224' post='6796049']
[quote name='Rpardygolfpro' timestamp='1365377708' post='6781129']
^^^ I agree 100% I just picked up a GD TOUR AD YSQ 65 X off of ebay for a steal and so far it's the best feelign and performing shaft for me to date and I have hit a ton of them. Find what works and stick with it I say try to find a vs proto on the bay and get it shipped to you overseas. It would still cost less than most new shafts anyway i would imagine
[/quote]

One is being sent overseas right now! Can't miss with a shaft that works already;) You guys are right, somehow I have a weak for new and shiny stuff, always looking for something newer and better...... haha!
[/quote]

sometimes that's it, looking for new isn't always finding better. I feel like I have truly found a winner in the YSQ it's far from new but new to me and it truly performs perfectly for me so if it works keep using it newer isn't always better as we all can attest and heck he shafts from the bay are usually new uncut anyway so its NEW anyway lol glad you found what you were looking for

[schlebrock]

One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.

[HISPL]

[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365640807' post='6806175']
One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.
[/quote]

With that being the case it sounds like Trinity could be a perfect match

Finding one cheap should be easy, I've seen a bunch of them for sale with the Callaway tip on them.

Pull the tip and sell it and it won't cost you very much for the shaft at all!

[pdaero]

Trinity 65X might be a fit. Good shaft, and has some kick.

[Stuart_G]

[quote name='HISPL' timestamp='1365643074' post='6806515']
[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365640807' post='6806175']
One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.
[/quote]

With that being the case it sounds like Trinity could be a perfect match

Finding one cheap should be easy, I've seen a bunch of them for sale with the Callaway tip on them.

Pull the tip and sell it and it won't cost you very much for the shaft at all!
[/quote]

I'm not sure. I've spent a little time with the Trinity (but no LM numbers) and it seems pretty close to the 'real' vs-proto 60. If ping's version was softer in the tip section, the rip beta might be a better fit.

[scoop79]

how do the spin/launch characteristics of the 8.5deg g25 compare to the 9deg Rapture?

[jokerusn]

If you aren't tied to Aldila, I'd also look at the Miyazaki Kusala Indigo. It's going to have a similar flex profile to the VS.

[Mav281]

I was looking at shaft options for my Callaway Razr Fit, but ultimately ended up moving to the Razr Fit Xtreme as it was a better package overall.

I can certainly vouch for the Trinity shaft being a high launching shaft, the problem I had with the Razr Fit was a low launch but the RFX gives a much higher ball flight and actually adds a very slight baby draw as well

[Woodie]

I can get you a nearly new "VS proto 65s" 350tip pulled from a Rapture... PM me, if interested!

[SheriffBooth]

Curious why you are going with a G25 head rather than the Anser, since you are coming from a Rapture V2?

[roll - gybe]

I play 2 VS Protos in 85x. I think they play like a Whiteboard, but not as beefy as the Ahina.
The F1 has a really stiff handle and a weak tip. It is a different animal.

I would just get the VS Proto 65x off Ebay and play it. The Aldila chart showing the VS as high spin is crazy. I think they also say the Serranno is high spin.

[Resili22]

[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365640807' post='6806175']
One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.
[/quote]

I found this quote here in WRX:

[b]"The VS Proto 65, VS Proto Hybrid 80, and the VS Proto Fairway 85 are new models in the VS Proto family. The torque, and flex profiles (tip and butt stiffness) are identical to the existing shafts in the VS Proto family, the VS Proto 60, 70, and 80, and the VS Proto 95 Hybrid. The only change is the weights!!!"

John Oldenburg (a.k.a. "shafted")
V.P. Engineering
Aldila Golf Corporation
e-mail: joldenbu@aldila.com[/b]

There seems to be a lot of debate about that the ones that finish in "0" are somehow different than the ones finishing in "5" but this is the closest proof I found that the discussion might be nonsense.

Have a great game.

[schlebrock]

[quote name='resili' timestamp='1365790685' post='6821159']
[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365640807' post='6806175']
One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.
[/quote]

I found this quote here in WRX:

[b]"The VS Proto 65, VS Proto Hybrid 80, and the VS Proto Fairway 85 are new models in the VS Proto family. The torque, and flex profiles (tip and butt stiffness) are identical to the existing shafts in the VS Proto family, the VS Proto 60, 70, and 80, and the VS Proto 95 Hybrid. The only change is the weights!!!"

John Oldenburg (a.k.a. "shafted")
V.P. Engineering
Aldila Golf Corporation
e-mail: joldenbu@aldila.com[/b]

There seems to be a lot of debate about that the ones that finish in "0" are somehow different than the ones finishing in "5" but this is the closest proof I found that the discussion might be nonsense.

Have a great game.
[/quote]

You can't buy the 65 gram version from any Aldila retailer and it's not on it's website. Plus the weight, the torque and materials used to make the 65 gram version are different from the aftermarket versions. Therefore, I consider that a "made-for" shaft.

Here's a comparison, I play the Recoil Tour 110 shafts in my Ping i20 irons. They are not on their website and are not sold by UST Tour SPX dealers. I consider my shafts a "made-for" version too as they are only available to OEM's and have different launch characteristics....just like the VS Proto 65. I'm sure that UST would not call them a "made for" shaft just like the Aldila VP didn't want to but that's just semantics IMHO.

I have played Ping clubs for years (specifically the Rapture with the VS 65) and wanted to help the OP. Sorry if I caused any confusion as that wasn't my intention. As long as the OP is informed, he can make the best decision for him.

Good luck.

[Resili22]

[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365794557' post='6821867']
[quote name='resili' timestamp='1365790685' post='6821159']
[quote name='schlebrock' timestamp='1365640807' post='6806175']
One thing that you need to consider is that the VS Proto 65 was a made for shaft for Ping. It does not have the same characteristics as the true aftermarket VS Proto shafts.

It launched higher, spun more and had higher torque ratings than the true aftermarket versions which have 60, 70 and 80 naming designations based on their raw weight.

Good luck in your shaft search.
[/quote]

I found this quote here in WRX:

[b]"The VS Proto 65, VS Proto Hybrid 80, and the VS Proto Fairway 85 are new models in the VS Proto family. The torque, and flex profiles (tip and butt stiffness) are identical to the existing shafts in the VS Proto family, the VS Proto 60, 70, and 80, and the VS Proto 95 Hybrid. The only change is the weights!!!"

John Oldenburg (a.k.a. "shafted")
V.P. Engineering
Aldila Golf Corporation
e-mail: joldenbu@aldila.com[/b]

There seems to be a lot of debate about that the ones that finish in "0" are somehow different than the ones finishing in "5" but this is the closest proof I found that the discussion might be nonsense.

Have a great game.
[/quote]

You can't buy the 65 gram version from any Aldila retailer and it's not on it's website. Plus the weight, the torque and materials used to make the 65 gram version are different from the aftermarket versions. Therefore, I consider that a "made-for" shaft.

Here's a comparison, I play the Recoil Tour 110 shafts in my Ping i20 irons. They are not on their website and are not sold by UST Tour SPX dealers. I consider my shafts a "made-for" version too as they are only available to OEM's and have different launch characteristics....just like the VS Proto 65. I'm sure that UST would not call them a "made for" shaft just like the Aldila VP didn't want to but that's just semantics IMHO.

I have played Ping clubs for years (specifically the Rapture with the VS 65) and wanted to help the OP. Sorry if I caused any confusion as that wasn't my intention. As long as the OP is informed, he can make the best decision for him.

Good luck.
[/quote]

Sounds fair enough.

I checked Golfsmith and Hireko and it is true they don't sell the "5" versions...

By the way, and to Klap, both retailers sell the VS Proto 60 for less than 60$...

Have a great game.