Fujikura Speeder Evolution VI Shaft

Fujikura’s Speeder name has been synonymous with smooth feel and premium performance for almost two decades now. One of the most successful lines in the storied Speeder history is the Evolution family consisting of eight different variations. In this review we’ll cover the Fujikura Speeder Evolution VI, a low-mid launch/spin option that falls right between the lower Evolution IV and higher Evolution V.

The Looks

The vibe of the Fujikura Speeder Evolution VI is sort of a mysterious. The base is primarily white that has a sort of ghostly smokey/foggy look to it with some black popping out here and there. Like some of the other Speeder Evolution shafts, the branding graphics on the label side are gold and white. There’s a white Speeder logo on the top with small red and gold Speeder wordmarks scattered in.

How Does it Feel?

There’s a signature smooth feel that is prevalent throughout Fujikura’s history of Speeder shafts whether it’s Motore, Evolution, or anything else. Speeder Evolution shafts have a very specific smooth feel and profile which you’ll only truly understand if you try them for yourself. With the Evolution VI specifically, the profile is stiff/firm/stiff resulting in a distinctly noticeable mid kick point, however, the firmer grip and tip sections provide a good sense of control and stability. There’s just the right amount of “whip” to give the shaft some life without feeling noodley or loose.

On-Course Performance

Every now and then a piece of golf equipment performs exactly as advertised. This is exactly what happened with the Fujikura Speeder Evolution VI. I’ve also noticed this to be consistent throughout the Speeder Evolution family ever since the original. Sure enough, compared to the Evolution IV, I launched and spun the VI just a bit more which is exactly where the VI is supposed to fall in the lineup. My shots had a comfortable mid launch every time and lived in the 2500 rpm spin zone.

Fujikura used what they call a “multi-hoop plied structure” in their Speeder Evolution lines. This creates internal and external “hoop” layers of their unique composite to prevental “ovalization”. That means the shaft will keep its shape better during the swing which will improve a lot of different things. First, this will make the shaft more stable for better control (tighter dispersion, better accuracy). Second, it will also help maximize energy transfer back into the ball resulting in strong distance. In a situation where a shaft “ovalizes”, it has to spend energy returning back to its original shape rather than focusing all of it into the golf ball. By reducing that need, the energy is instead transferred back into the ball for more speed which means more distance.

Final Thoughts – Fujikura Speeder Evolution VI

In my opinion the Fujikura Speeder Evolution starting points are the low/low Evolution II and the higher launching Evolution III. From there, there are multiple Speeder Evolution options that fit in between so you can get the exact combination of feel and performance to optimize your game. What’s nice about the Evolution VI is that it has a lot of of the characteristics of lower launching and spinning shafts, but isn’t too extreme. So you still get the stability you might need without having to swing a piece of rebar, but you also get a little bit more launch and spin without going overboard. I find this to be a sweet spot for players that can get the club around, but aren’t necessarily Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy with a super hard and aggressive tempo.

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