Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+
Following the success of VeloCore+ technology in Fujikura’s wood shafts, the brand has now introduced this innovation to their hybrid models. VeloCore+ enhances stability, delivering tighter dispersion and more efficient energy transfer for improved control and consistency. The Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ is built for players who want these benefits in a low-launch, low-spin profile for a more penetrating ball flight and minimized spin. If you’re after a hybrid shaft that delivers ultimate stability and controlled trajectory, the new HB Black could be the perfect fit.
The Looks
The Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ exudes a sleek, high-performance aesthetic. Unlike the previous Ventus hybrid shafts, which featured a glossy finish, the HB Black sports a stealthy matte black look that minimizes glare and gives it a bit more refined appearance (in my opinion). Classic Ventus branding remains, but with subtle changes, including a white-outlined wordmark for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Just below the grip, the signature Ventus band ensures instant recognition, while the addition of a VeloCore+ graphic near the tip highlights the shaft’s cutting-edge technology.
How Does it Feel?
For those familiar with the original Fujikura Ventus HB Black, they know it to be extremely stable and firm. My experience was that it required significant swing speed to properly load and release that shaft. With only 90g and 100g options, it clearly catered to stronger players capable of unlocking its full potential. The new Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ carries on the same ultra-stiff handle and tip section, with a stiff midsection, but the addition of VeloCore+ technology makes a massive difference in the feel.
Overall, VelCore+ introduces a bit more life and response to the Black profile. This upgrade makes the shaft feel easier to load and release, without sacrificing the signature stability that Ventus is known for. I was able to swing as hard as I could without sacrificing control…but I also didn’t have to. That was a big difference from the predecessor where I felt like I couldn’t take any swings off. Don’t get me wrong, the original felt great, I just had to really swing it. With the new VeloCore+ version of the Ventus HB Black, I feel like I can make my normal golf swing and still get the full benefits of the shaft. It’s also much more precise and smoother in terms of feedback in your hands.
An 80g version also joins the lineup. This also helps in providing a more “accessible” option for players seeking the low-launch, low-spin benefits without the added weight of the heavier models.
On-Course Performance
A recurring theme for me with VeloCore+ has been, “it does everything that Ventus did before – just better.” That perfectly sums up my testing experience with the Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ shaft. To be fair, I’m sure a large part of that had to do with it being 80 grams and a much better fit for my game.
The easy low launch/spin was there, and allowed me to hit a nice piercing 225-yard shot. Exactly what I look for my stock hybrid shot to be. This automatic shot resulted in tight dispersion and an impressive level of reliability in a typically difficult club. It seemed like I could just keep hammering shot after shot on the same exact line. If I wasn’t careful, I might have given people around me the impression that I was a lethal hybrid player!
Part of the value in VeloCore+ is supposed to be speed and distance increase. In my testing, I wouldn’t say it “went farther” as much as it helped me reach my maximum distance more consistently and with less effort. VeloCore+ makes the shaft easier to groove, allowing for a more repeatable “return to its starting point” for a center-face strike. This resulted in consistently tighter dispersion, more speed, and greater distance.
Playing the Ventus HB Black in 80g made it a lot more versatile for me as well. This weight made it easier for me to flight the ball and shape my shots a bit easier than the heavier weight I had in the previous model. Of course, I didn’t need much help for the built-in low shot, but when I needed to flight one a bit higher for a softer landing, I was able to do so.
Final Thoughts – Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+
Fujikura took an already impressive hybrid shaft and made it even better with VeloCore+ technology. The Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ retains the signature low launch, low spin, and unmatched stability of its predecessor, but with a better feel and improved performance. The addition of an 80-gram option makes it more playable while still delivering the penetrating ball flight and control that Ventus Black is known for.
