Fujikura Speeder Evolution V
Fujikura‘s Speeder Evolution line has made quite the name for itself over the past few years. Coming off the successes and innovations since the original Speeder Evolution shaft, the Fujikura Speeder Evolution V is the new high-launching option in the lineup. According to Fujikura, the “materials and engineering processes that make up the V are more advanced than any Speeder that came before.” Well we put the Evolution V through its paces and this review will cover the experience.
The Looks
Like previous iterations of the Speeder Evolution family, the Fujikura Speeder Evolution V has the same “flamed” vibe to it, but the blue finish gives it a more chilled (as in ice, not relaxed) vibe. The finish, especially considering the flames of the Evolution II, reminds me of the Night King in Game of Thrones. The branding graphics are all gold and white in the same fonts as previous versions as well. Between the “flamed” look and the cooler blue colors, the Evolution V has a great blend of modesty and character all at once.
How Does it Feel?
Typically when I hear a shaft is built to be high launch, I expect it to be high spin, and therefore to have a softer and looser feel. I’ll start by saying, I think that feel is good for the right player, but if you have a more aggressive tempo or faster swing speed, that can often be a bad combination. (Think of the wet noodle comparison.) Not the case with the Fujikura Speeder Evolution V. The Evo V had a lot of the positive feel characteristics of the previous Speeder Evolution shafts. Throughout the swing, the Evolution V is very smooth, stable, and strong at impact. The biggest difference from previous models is that you can feel the tip section is a little softer promoting the higher launch.
Fujikura borrowed “MCT (Metal Composite Technology), 90 Ton Carbon Fiber for ultra-lightweight stability and Maximum Carbon Fiber Content (MCFC) pre-preg material” from previous Evo shafts. This combination helps give the Evolution V a similar response to previous Evo shafts. There are two new technologies in the Evolution V. The first is the “high-strength intermediate modulus material” which helps keep a lighter-weight shaft stable. The second is a new “Engineered Outer Bias Technology” for a smoother feel in loading the shaft.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114.8 | 164.7 | 13.5º | 2687 | 281.8 | 303.1 |
True, Fujikura bills the Speeder Evolution V as the highest launching shaft of its family. Keep in mind that’s a relative statement, not necessarily saying you’re hitting soaring balloons. Yes, in my Speeder Evolution testing, the V was the highest launching of the family. But, if you look at my actual numbers, 13.5º would hardly be considered HIGH. (The bulk of my shots were between 13.2º and 13.9º.) I think it’s more appropriate to say the Evolution V is extremely easy to get in the air. Furthermore, the bit of extra spin helps the ball stay in the air and get some solid carry.
My biggest performance take away was that the Evo V’s softer tip section paired with the stability of the shaft made it easy to launch and control the golf ball. Your personal swing characteristics will play a large role in this so proper fit is important.
Final Thoughts
When the Fujikura Speeder Evolution V started popping up for Tour players to test, the rumor was that there was a lot of excellent feedback from them. In the interest of full transparency and honesty, I will admit that I didn’t believe it. Not that those guys don’t ever use high-launch shafts, but I don’t feel like it’s super common for them. Too much spin and big balloons are one of their greatest fears! Well, following my testing, I totally get the positive feedback now. As long as the spin is contained, players can add a degree or two of launch (which leads to more carry) and still get adequate roll with plenty of control.
Not to worry though. The Fujikura Speeder Evolution V can be just as beneficial to us mere mortals. If you’re a player that likes a strong feel, but could use a little help launching and keeping the ball in the air, the Fujikura Speeder Evolution V is worth testing. The Speeder Evolution V is a versatile shaft with every bit of a premium feel to it.
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Can you think of any cheaper shafts with the same profile?
Hmmm, not really any that I can think of that compare. I’d say there are comparable worth A-B testing in the market, but they’re going to be in similar price ranges or higher. I don’t trust recommending “cheap shafts” because they are likely “made fors” with bad tolerances and may not perform to spec.