Fujikura Motore X HB Shaft

Following the success of the “relaunched” Motore X wood shafts, Fujikura extended the line into their hybrid shaft offerings. The new Fujikura Motore X HB is a universally appealing premium hybrid shaft option with a smooth feel and increased “torsional stability” for an all-around strong performance. With the hybrid slot covered in the Motore X lineup, golfers can now maintain a consistent feel and performance at the top of their bag.

The Looks

The original Fujikura Motore shafts were some of the flashiest shafts out there back in the day! The contrasting graphics were cool and the overall look was a far cry from the standard stock shafts you’d get in most clubs. The new Motore HB is a little more modest, but still clearly influenced by the originals. The scheme is a matte black base with a silver Motore logo and red-ish/orange/yellow accents similar to the original Motore F1 graphics. Fujikura also used their proprietary “Phantium Finish” which is a lightweight paint technique that allows them to save weight in the shaft.

How Does it Feel?

If you’re familiar with the Motore shafts of the past, or even the current Motore X wood shafts, you likely immediately think of that signature smooth Fujikura feel and accompanying flex profile. The Motore X HB shaft falls right in line with that reputation. What sets the Motore HB apart from its decade-old predecessors is the improved torsional stability. “Torsional stability” means the shaft is less inclined to twist and lose its shape during the swing. Fujikura achieved this through the use of a stronger 40 ton carbon fiber that’s lighter weight, but stronger. As such, they are able to make the Motore X feel firm and stable, but not heavy and boardy.

Fujikura intends for the HB shaft to be a natural transition from either the Motore X F1 or F3 in your woods. The designs, material, and technology used are the same, but in an optimal hybrid profile. In my opinion, Fujikura really did a great job making the HB fit right in with the family. Personally, I feel the Motore X HB best aligns with the F1 having a firmer tip section, but will still feel comfortably familiar if you’re an F3 player.

On-Course Performance

To understand the Fujikura Motore X HB shaft’s performance, let’s start by breaking down the profile. The handle section has a medium stiffness, the mid section is firm, and the tip section is stiff. This profile lends itself to a gradual bend that’s nice and smooth, but the launch and spin stay under control from the shaft firming up in the lower sections. Of course, how well this works for you will depend on the hybrid game you like to play. I like to be able to hit a piercing shot, but also be able to float a high and soft shot if I need to. I’m able to easily play both of these shots with the Motore X HB shaft.

I’ve mentioned torsional stability a few times in this review already, but it really makes a difference in the performance. I can’t speak for everybody, but hybrids get real squirrely REAL quick on me. With the Motore X HB having better/more torsional stability, I could just swing away and the shaft really helped contain everything so my dispersion stayed tight. For me, it’s always nice not having to think about the swing with a hybrid and just let it rip. Even players with more moderate swing speeds and smoother tempos will be able to maximize their performance, assuming they have the right fit for their swing.

Final Thoughts – Fujikura Motore X HB Shaft

The Fujikura Motore X HB is one of the more universal hybrid shafts I’ve hit in my time. Whether you’re a high-speed bomber or a smooth finesse player, the Motore X HB feels nice and clean with a wide range of shots and plenty of control. The HB hybrid shaft really ties up the Motore X shaft lineup nicely.

And assuming some of you might be wondering, no, you don’t need to play Motore X throughout all of your woods. All of them are solid standalone options that are worth considering in your testing or fitting. I would always encourage you to get fit for the best option for each club in your bag. It just so happens the Motore X lineup really flows well together.

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