Fujikura Speeder Evolution Shaft
The Fujikura Speed Evolution shaft is packed with feel and performance that made it one of the most popular shafts in golf. As of 2018 there are four shafts in the Speeder Evolution series. This review will cover the O.G. of the family (that means “the original”) – the highest launching of the series. The Speeder Evolution uses “Triax Core technology, three-directional woven graphite material on the inside layer of the shaft” to provide lightweight stability. Sounds pretty fancy, so let’s see how well it actually plays on the course.
First Impressions
I’m a sucker for the color blue. What does that mean for a shaft review? I don’t know, but the Fujikura Speeder Evolution was off to a good start with its blue finish. The red, white, and blue color combo with tasteful branding has a good look. It gives you a little character without going way over the top.
How Does it Feel?
A common theme through the Fujikura Speeder brand as always been a smooth consistent flex profile and the Speeder Evolution is no exception. If there’s one shaft brand on the market that has the whole smooth/consistent thing pegged, it’s Fujikura. There’s a lot of noticeable activity in the load/unload of the Speeder Evolution. The Triax Core keeps the shaft from feeling like a noodle. Instead you have a fluid flex but the shaft still feels strong and connected in the swing. If you’re looking for a lot of life and smoothness, the Speeder Evolution is for you. The most important part will be making sure you get the flex and weight right so you optimize the feel along with the performance.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 112.2 | 161.2 | 9.6º | 2489 | 264.4 | 290.9 |
The Fujikura Speeder Evolution is the highest launching shaft of the Evolution series. As you can see in the data above, my launch angle wasn’t high nor was my spin. So where did the height come in? I can’t tell you I was hitting moon balls with this shaft, but I did have a quickly rising ball. It obviously wasn’t too bad because I was still getting 25 yards of roll. Generally, with a high-launching shaft, I tend to struggle to find the center of the face. Whether it’s the “life” in the shaft or the kick point, I don’t know, but I struggle to maximize their performance.
Ultimately, I achieved the numbers above with a 1.44 smash factor and could certainly survive with that data. That said, I am leaving yards on the tee because it’s not the right fit for me. (I do play another Speeder Evolution model, however.) I imagine a player that’s better fit for this version of the Evolution is going to have some pretty monster results. Moral of the story? Go get fitted.
Final Thoughts
The Fujikura Speeder Evolution is an excellent feeling shaft with plenty of stability. Players looking for a lower kick point to help elevate the ball may be the best fit for the Evolution. In any case, getting properly fitted by a reputable Fuji dealer will help you figure out which Speeder Evolution is best for you.
Do not know if you can help or not in choosing a club shaft. There are so many, seems like more than the stars in the universe. That being said, I have narrowed it down to Two Fujikura shafts.
Buying the Taylor sims 2-Max HL Fairway Wood in the 16.5 loft. Need a 3 wood with a little more height and the HL is advertised as such.
OK, have a 72MPH swing on my Driver – 76 years old and a 16 to 18 handicap: In short, I probably fall somewhere between Poor and Poorer golfer. Here are a couple choices as of now anyway.
1- Ventus Blue 55 gram
2 – Air Speeder 45 gram – am I doubling up on height because this shaft is supposed to send the ball higher, and the Sims max 2 HL is supposed to also help hitting higher. With the combination of the air speeder 45 and the HL am I setting myself up to hit too high. My drives are usually 170 to 180 yards or so, but not getting the height.
In your opinion Do you think Ventus Blue 55 is best or Air Speeder 45?? Need a Senior shaft — maybe you have another shaft in mind. If that is the case, do you have any suggestions??
I truly hope I am not overreaching with my request, if so, please accept my apology.
Thank You’
Bob
That’s tough to really answer with that information. The best way to really know is trying stuff out, but based on best guess and the information you provided, I’d consider the lighter weight Air Speeder at 45 grams. The idea is generally that super lightweight shafts are senior/poorer skill friendly because they theoretically make it easier to launch the ball higher and maybe pick up a little club speed.