Fujikura Ventus Black Shaft
Fujikura first introduced the world to its Ventus shaft line and new VeloCore technology with the mid-launch Ventus Blue shaft. Tommy reviewed it for us previously and had nothing but high praises for this latest innovation from Fujikura. So much so that the Ventus Blue immediately went into his bag. Now we get to tackle the Fujikura Ventus Black – the low launch/low spin option of the Ventus family. Between the VeloCore technology and firmer tip section, the Ventus Black certainly delivers on its goal to significantly tighten dispersion and add distance to off-center hits.
The Looks
Fujikura went with a very simple cosmetic design for the Ventus lineup. Being called the Ventus Black, you guessed it, Fujikura went with a glossy black base. The graphics are a light silver with a slight touch of holographic sheen to them. While the Ventus Black doesn’t scream out for attention in your club, it does create a slick and modest look that says, “I’ll just let the performance do the talking, thank you.” One thing to point out is the VeloCore logo toward the tip of the shaft. I’m firmly suggesting you make sure to install graphics down (unless you get your gear PUREd, then you’re out of luck) for a cleaner look at address.
How Does it Feel?
The Fujikura Ventus Black does a good job of feeling firm and stable without feeling dead and boardy. A lot of shafts in the low/low family (not all!) are known for lacking load or kick due to their stout profiles. The Ventus Black, however, does a pretty good job managing this struggle. You definitely feel that the tip is very firm but the response is still precise and you can feel the shaft kick plenty. Don’t get me wrong, this shaft is very stable (more on that in a bit), but you can feel a good energy transfer with some pop at impact.
Fujikura is priding itself on its new VeloCore technology which is designed to create a ton of stability both at the transition and impact. Players with more aggressive swing tempos are the perfect candidate for this tech. “The multi-material core is crafted with full-length, ultra-high modulus Pitch 70 Ton Carbon Fiber — 150% stronger and more stable than T1100g.” If you look at the graphic above, the idea is that this stronger material stabilizes the head for more control at impact. This in theory should make you more consistent and your margin of error much smaller for better dispersion.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116 | 174 | 10.5º | 2565 | 284.5 | 308.5 |
To say the Fujikura Ventus Black is a low launching shaft would be an understatement based on my testing. I haven’t been able to average as low as 10.5º of launch with a driver in years. The majority of my best shots all came in sub-10º and were absolute bullets. Perfect for Links golf. That said, sometimes you need a little height to carry some trees, ride the wind, etc. In my testing, I was able to reach as much as ~14º of launch on the high end, but I had to work for it and was far from the stock shot.
Normally, I would be in pretty tough shape with such a low launch. However, with the Ventus Black’s stability being so strong, I found I could swing the club a lot “harder” and faster. This allowed me to pick up carry yards I would normally lose to the low launch. With the ability to really just “swing away,” I could just go after the ball and let the VeloCore take care of the rest.
Letting the “VeloCore take care of the rest” isn’t as hyperbolic as it sounds. I quickly noticed that shots I knew were bad were still staying within my target range and getting out there. That’s not to say you can’t duck hook or slice, but it almost seemed as if the club was able to contain the miss all by itself. You just swing. This is all a long-winded way of saying I do believe the VeloCore tech delivers on its goal to significantly tighten up shot dispersion.
Final Thoughts – Fujikura Ventus Black
The Fujikura Ventus Black is 100% a low launching shaft. No doubt about it. The spin is reasonably low but doesn’t completely disappear – which may be a good thing considering the stock low bullets that live inside. In my humble opinion, the Ventus Black is a Tour-caliber shaft that will best fit a small percentage of us mortals. (Check out the more player friendly Blue and Red models.) If you are a good fit, the Ventus Black is a strong performer. It’s forgiving, stable, and full of control. This shaft is as accurate as they come but you need to have some power in your swing to maximize performance. Perfect for some of the big hitters on Tour this next season.
Thanks for the review!
How does this compare to the Atmos TS Line? Similar concept on providing different launch profiles.
I have very little experience with Atmos, but I know it doesn’t have VeloCore.
Most shaft lineups that have multiple models within it have multiple launch profiles. Especially with Fujikura.
I currently play a 6x with my sim 2 and it was worlds stiffer then the original tensei blue s. My swing speed varies. Stepped on is 121 and my controlled swing is 114. Should i have maybe just kept with the ventus as a s or is the x right? There isnt really a ton of feel for me.
Tensei Blue is always going to play way softer than Ventus Black. They don’t really share many similarities and have almost complete opposite profiles.
Your swing speed is more than enough for X flex in a Ventus Black, but there a lot of other factors to consider such as your tempo, your angle of attack and ability to launch the ball, swing path, spin, etc.
As far as feel, there are a lot of factors that contribute to that in a golf shaft too, but it’s also fairly subjective as everyone has their own unique sense of feel. If you’re looking for resolving a feel issue, it’s not going to be as much about the items covered above. Those are going to address performance issues.
Im using hzrdus hulk smoke green 6.0 S, what actually the different between fujikura ventus black velocore 6s, as these 2 shaft are both low spin and low launch shaft.
I’d say take a look at the numbers between the two reviews and that shows how they performed for me. But the reality is, it’s going to be mostly feel and how your hands personally react to the equipment.
How does it compare to HZRDUS t1100 6.0. SS 112 ball speed 162sh launch 13.4
Also haven’t hit that shaft.
For the record, while those numbers are helpful, it’s not considering smash, any angles, spin, etc AND how you actually physically respond to the shaft. There’s a lot to consider for a shaft fitting recommendation beyond a few numbers. That’s why we all stress the importance of fitting these days.
Bill,
How would you describe the differences between the Diamana DF and the Ventus Black?
Thanks,
Joe
Couldn’t tell you, never hit the Diamana.
Bill,
How about the differences between Ventus Black and Tensei Pro White?
Thanks again!
Joe
Haven’t hit the Tensei.
I have a swing speed of around 95-100 would a Ventus black stiff work or is it to much? Really looking to lower some spin and ball flight.
Your swing speed shouldn’t really weigh in as long as there’s a flex and weight for you. It really depends on what your current launch and spin looks like and with what shaft and head combo. What kind of transition you have. Need more info to really give you the insight you’re looking you.
Hey Bill have you hit any shafts?? LOL
Are you serious? I think the reviews on this site, as well as the site I came from, would show I’ve hit plenty. Is the expectation that all three of us are supposed to have hit every shaft that’s been made in the past 5 years?
The dispersion with the Ventus black is tight. My Rogue SZ and Epic SZ with the Black Ventus 6x is unbelievably accurate. My other shafts are Attas Coool 6x, HZRDUS Smoke 6.0 stiff and LA Golf Black Tie 60 Stiff. The Ventus black 6x is stiff tipped but very smooth. (I was not expecting the Ventus black to be this smooth). My numbers are 107 swing speed with a carry of around 265 and total of around 285 / 290 ish. Spin – 2900.
The best stock shaft that has upper end aftermarket shaft qualities is the HZRDUS smoke (Low launch and low spin). The Attas cool 6x is very stiff feeling (Mid launch / Low to Mid spin). The LA Golf black tie(Mid launch / Mid spin) 60 stiff is very smooth with a little more kick than the other shafts I have. But my dispersion numbers are so much tighter with the Ventus black. Any other shaft that I have ever tested has me on average 14 – 16 yards of center. The Black Ventus has me at 7 to 8 yards off center. Unreal shaft.
Just got fit for the first time ever in a driver. Been playing the TM tour spoon (13*) that’s super old. Driver ss 120-122 and my fitter only had the Ventus black 7s. Loved the feel and spin was good but dispersion was a little high. Ended up getting fit into the KBS TD 60 cat 4. Taken it out twice now and not sold on the feel or dispersion. Put my neighbors Ventus Black 6x in my head and piped like 8 or 9 in a row. Really tempted to just swap it out but second guessing myself cause it’s not what I got fit for, but again I couldn’t cause he didn’t have the 6x… any advice?
Aside from finding a way to actually get fit for it, my advice would be making the same coin flip you’re mentally battling.
How does this compare to the HZRDUS Hulk shaft?
I’ve been thinking about a way to answer this since the comment came in, and I don’t feel like I actually have a great response. I think others would ultimately just discuss what they think about the two shafts, but really, the comparison won’t be fair to you. In short, you and I both swing a club different and will physically response to the club combinations differently, therefore, the comparison is fairly subjective.
I personally don’t think the two shafts are anything alike, and I never thoughts the HZRDUS Smoke Green was as stout and super low/low as it was billed. It’s a really good golf shaft, I game it in my 3 wood, but I don’t think it’s in the same conversation as Ventus Black in terms of characteristics.
I just got fitted for a new Ventus 7x Black , and I have to say I love it . Feels very stable any you can just smash the ball and it stays smooth and steady. Was well worth the extra money . Swing speed in and around 122 sometimes 125 . Ball up to 185 in Ireland cold weather carrying 290 . Great shaft and enjoyed the review .