Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10
Our first introduction to Hexcel’s HexTow carbon fiber came via Project X’s 2021 Smoke RDX shafts. The use of these aeronautical materials better enables Project X to find the right balance of stiffness, durability, feel, and weight without sacrificing the structural integrity of the shaft. In short, carbon fibers that are stiff tend to be more brittle, and carbon fibers that are more durable aren’t as stiff. “This is where Hexcel’s most advanced HexTow carbon fiber comes in: iM10.” The Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 utilizes that very fiber which is both high strength and stiffer allowing for more stability and optimal performance.
The iM10 is available in a mid launch/spin design as well as a counterbalanced low launch/spin design geared more toward Tour players.
The Looks
Project X went with a pretty “all-business” look for the Smoke iM10. The base is matte black and the HZRDUS Smoke graphic is matte green for a slightly similar look to the previous black version of the HZRDUS Smoke Green shaft. Of course there’s the signature HZRDUS spec graphic, and then there’s Matrix-style Smoke branding right below the grip section. Overall, it’s a fairly minimalist look, but there’s a little character in there for good measure.
How Does it Feel?
My first reaction when I hit the Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 was “well, this shaft shouldn’t feel like this…” Throughout the swing, the iM10 felt extremely smooth and just overall really clean. The shot response is there so you know where you hit the ball on the club and if you caught it well, but clean is the best way I can describe it. Now, a golf shaft having such a clean feel isn’t unheard of, but a golf shaft with that feel and this level of stability is pretty uncommon. There’s a smooth flex to it in the lower portion of the middle section of the shaft, but the iM10 still holds up to a hard swing. The Smoke iM10 will be a great option for players that feel the HZRDUS Smoke RDX shafts are too stout for them.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115.2 | 171.7 | 11.1º | 2247 | 285.7 | 314.3 |
On paper, the Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 is designed for a moderate-tempo swing to achieve low-mid launch and low-mid spin. Well, at least the Mid version is, which is what I tested. Following my testing I would say this was pretty spot on but will depend on the specific player. I would classify my tempo as closer to aggressive than moderate, but the HexTow iM10 fiber was still plenty stable, easy to control, and delivered good results. So my point is that I think a player with an aggressive tempo that wants a stable shaft, but doesn’t want it to feel so stout could be a good fit for the HZRDUS Smoke iM10.
In terms of launch and spin, I’m pretty pleased with the numbers I had. 11.1º is comfortably on the lower end of a medium launch that I think I could easily get up around 12º. 2247 rpms is about as low as I can spin a driver while maintaining performance. Any lower and I either can’t keep it in the air, or I just don’t maintain those spin rates over time. So for a shaft geared toward a moderate tempo for “up to” mid launch and spin, the iM10 was more than playable for me.
Final Thoughts – Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10
I know I’m going to get asked this a lot so I’ll give my best subjective opinion to answer it here. The closest Project X comparison I can make for the Smoke iM10 is a combination of the HZRDUS Smoke Green and the Smoke RDX shafts. I would say the iM10 has the stability and control of the Smoke RDXs and the smoothness of the Smoke Green.
That said, I think the iM10 is very unique and a really interesting shaft for this kind of profile. I have hit very few shafts that feel anything like it with this playing profile. Like I keep saying, the Smoke iM10 feels extremely smooth and clean to the point it almost doesn’t make sense! For the stability I experienced with the data I got, this shaft should feel way more stout than it does. If that doesn’t quite make sense to you, I suggest trying one out for yourself. I’m sure this is just the beginning of more HexTow iM10-based shafts from Project X. Who knows, maybe iM10 will be the next T1100 carbon fiber in future golf shafts?!
I have a dilem, i just receive my Callaway Max LS and the stock shaft was The Smoke IM10 50G mid launch. my Actual shaft is a Tensei AV blue 65G. Im not sure what is the best for me and if the quality of those are similar in price and quality. Can you help me with that ?
I think you need more specifics in terms of how you actually hit each of the shafts. With this amount of information, there’s no chance we could advise you any direction. They two completely different shafts.
I just epic Max 9° crank down to 8* the person at Roger Dunn accidentally gave me 50 g stiff 6.0 swing at 105 to 112 for some reason this works so good have aggressive downswing the shaft still holds most likely purchasing 60 g 6.0 I usually play 6x but for some reason it works thank you project x
I have experienced the EXACT SAME RESULTS AS THIS!
Just a comment on the smoke black shaft
I’m 67 years young with a swing speed of aprox 85 to 90 mph not to fast ..
Some would say put him in a Regular because of my swing speed
I bounce around between a 9 and 11 Hcap…
Having said that, i was fitted with a Smoke Black 60 stiff shaft for my type of swing( aggressive )
Meaning i have a quick transition to the ball… I love the shaft it feels more stable at impact than most of the shafts I’ve
tried in the past …I also purchased the Smoke in the regular flex but didn’t work as well for me, felt a little loose ….
So i guess having gone through the fitting process, there are many variables that determine the best shaft for ones type of swing ..
Best to get fitted ,and get the best out of your game
Hope this helps a little for those asking what shaft is better for my swing speed ….
Now if you can just copy and paste this comment into every shaft review on our site, that would be great.
A lot of people don’t realize how little swing speed has to do with the overall picture of how well a certain golf shaft/flex will play for you. There are so many variables to consider.
I have played the HZRDUS yellow 6.0, 60gram, and a HZRDUS Smoke 70gram in my 3WOOD. The smoke shaft is awesome in the 3-wood, but the Yellow seems stiff in my driver and I never used very long, but it was just pretty common. I bought the new Epic Speed Driver and finally tried the HZRDUS smoke IM10 5.5, shaft in this IM10, and you are correct, this has a feel that is hard to describe. I wanted to try the 5.5 because I am a stronger player, too strong for most regulars, but tired of having to swing harder to make an X or a really stiff “Stiff” work well. I think this IM10 fills an important gap, and it allows me to take regular iron type of swings that are 90 percent. And when I want to BOMB one, it can take some abuse and not twist — and the 4.4 torque, seemed way lower and more like the 3.8 to 4.0 that I have been using. The shaft was a way of feeling light and absorbing energy also, the lightest feeling ever. Try one of the 5.5 if you have been feeling in between flexes.
There’s a lot going in your comment, but I think I’d start by digging into why you’d be in a battle of decision making from a regular flex to an X Flex. Frankly, I think you really consider a good fitting.
I was fitted to a Fukikura EVO 5 661 Stiff. However, I can’t afford a custom shaft this expensive. This shaft is a stock shaft for the Epic Speed, so want to get your thoughts on how these two shafts would compare. Realizing that swings are all different, but just on shaft characteristics, what would be your thought?
The two are nothing alike whatsoever. We have a Fuji Evo 5 review here on the site as well. Check that out.
No one has been able to give me a right answer so I’m trying you for assistance. Yes, big pressure.
I have an Epic Max with the iM10 50g mid r flex shaft. I cut 1.25” off to bring length to 44.5”. I replaced the Tour Velvet Align with a Winn Dry Tac 2.0 standard grip. What is my new swing weight and do I need to add anything to the head I terms of weight to get back to D3?
No one is going to be able to give you an exact answer without having the actual components in hand, but you should figure roughly three swing weight points per half inch. So if you cut off an inch and a quarter, you lost roughly 7.5 swing weight points. That’s the rule of thumb. In theory, two grams equal one swing weight point, but will also depend on where you put the weight to get the balance/swing weight right.
I was fitted for a 6.0 shaft flex cause of my swing speed but I got a 5.5 flex shaft i had snapped my old shaft in the head of my bb460 10.5deg r flex it felt whippy all the time when I swung hard I just got my epic max and the 5.5 does feel a little whippy but not like the reg. flex and I had that driver for years it wasn’t fit to me (grandpas) and I got the same-ish distances 230-270 yds. as I have with my epic except I had a maaajor slice. Is it the way I swing the speed of my swing or something else? I don’t want to drop ~$300 in something I don’t have to.
epic specs are the 5.5 60g 10.5 dropped a deg for better launch angle (it was sky rocketing) more draw to fight the slice .
I can’t answer if it’s your swing or speed based on the information provided. What is your swing speed? Do you know anything about your path or angle of attack? I feel like this is more likely what you’re fighting. 230-270 yards is a fairly significant swing speed range.
Also, adjusting your driver to a lower loft won’t fight a slice. If anything, it would enhance it. By lowering the loft, the club face is now set to a more open position (don’t think of it like opening a wedge, but more in terms of right to left bias). It will reduce spin a little bit, but if you’re already fighting the slice, it’s not going to help.
I was fitted into a sim with Ventus blue stiff flex shaft…really like my performance with the new cobra Ltd x but not sure what kind shaft to get, smoke im10 or Rdx blue
All three are very different shafts. If you like your performance with the new Cobra, why not get it in whatever shaft you were testing it with?
Bill, enjoyed reading this write up. It’s been about 7 years since I’ve purchased a new driver. I currently game the Nike Vapor Speed with the Diamana S+ Limited 60x Shaft. Really enjoy the shaft and how it plays for me. I tested out several new drivers this past weekend, looking at either the Callaway Rogue Max LS or Srixon ZX 5. Unfortunately my local golf store had limited stock on different shafts to try with each. I’ve been reading up on different shafts and trying to compare what I tested at the golf store. The one that performed the best for me was the TENSEI AV Raw Blue 65x but I still wanted to test my options and read up on other shafts as well. Any comparison on how this iM 10 shaft would compare?
On paper, I don’t think the two are that similar. The Tensei AV RAW Blue should play softer with higher launch and spin.
I currently use a project X HZRDUS smoke yellow 60 however it feels too stiff for my game and I feel like I need to swing a lot faster to get the most out of it. Will changing to a smoke IM10 5.5 benefit me?
Hard to say without any shot data of you testing both. You’re talking about changing flex and shaft model. That’s a pretty big change so hard to say. What are you seeing in your shots that make you think you need to swing faster with the Yellow?
Cobra just sent me out a 6.0 Smoke iM10 and I love it. I have a fast swing speed (around 115 driver) but don’t take the club back very far compared to most and would consider myself moderate tempo at best. I had previously played mid-high launch shafts but got convinced to play the Hzrdus Yellow years ago. I liked the yellow, but changed to the Yellow Smoke a couple years back and found that despite my swingspeed, I had to add loft to the head to keep it in the air. I didn’t push the ball, just didn’t have the spin needed to carry what I wanted. The iM10 is stable enough for my swing yet gives me the spin and height I need to get my desired carry. Plus I found I feel where the head is at more than with the Smoke yellow. Recommend for anyone who isn’t hitting their spin numbers but still needs something to hold up to their swing (but obviously no two swings alike…I personally like trial and error but getting fitted is cheaper). Great shaft.
Jeremy 6 HDCP
I play with the Hzrdus Blue RDX 6.0, 60gm shaft in my driver. I have an oppurtunity to get of the same model 3 wood with the IM10 70gm stiff shaft. Just wondering if I may be better off with using a blue in the 3 wood or will the IM10 be of similar and a good option
thanks
Tough to say. If you’re comfortable with the Blue RDX and feel like you’d like in a 3 wood, there you go. Otherwise, the iM10 is a blind shot unless you test it first.
I’ve been a Cobra guy in the past. After breaking my recent driver, borrowed a King F9 with the HZRDUS Smoke Blk 60 6.0 shaft. I do like it a lot, but feel like it’s just a bit too stiff. Seems like this shaft in the mid might be the answer for me. I will check it out, but interested in your thoughts.
For clarity in the question, “in the mid” what? Flex? Launch angle? An iM10 in the same flex as the Smoke Black will still retain a comparable stiffness, but the response/profile and launch may vary for you.
HZRDUS Black across the various iterations of the HZRDUS lineage will notoriously be the more stout and “boardy” option (not to say they’re boardy, just for reference in this conversation).
Historically I had good results with Grafalloy Pro Launch Blue both for launch and control in an r flex for driver and woods. Recently had good results wit Tensi Blue in a r flex in a Hibore Driver head as well. Im 75 years old with moderate swing speed and 7 handicap. Driver carry of 200. I replaced 5 iron with a 9 wood. The 9 wood is an old Orlimar trimetal with a TT EI 70 r shaft which feels very good to me as well.
I play MP 20 irons(replaced MP 29,s) with old (1990″s) steel weight G Loomis graphite shafts r tipped to stiffer. I hit those beautifully. 7 iron 130.
What stock shaft would you recommend for me to try in the Callaway Epic Speed line ?
I’m not sure what’s still available in that line at this point, but it sounds like something soft and higher launching based on the information you provided above. Tensei Blue, Ventus Red, etc are probably pretty good options.
Hi, Bill! Great review. So, I just this one and your review of the Evenflow Riptide. I am curious which shaft you prefer and then what type of player suits each shaft. Is it solely a tempo difference? Does one have an advantage over the other?
In short, it’s going to come down to your specific swing and how you interact with the equipment. I would say it’s generally worth keeping in mind that the HZRDUS family is designed with stability in mind both from a feel and performance perspective. EvenFlow is supposed to have a smoother feel/profile. Later generations of EvenFlow (MX and LX) featured more stability. That’s my two cents. Ultimately any advantages realized will come down to how well you interact with it. For instance, the Tensei White, on paper, is a good part for me to consider, but when I actually hit one, we just don’t get along well.
Nice review – sorta
With club head speed at 115.2 – your audience is about 4% of the golfing world.
Bring in what most players do – 85 to 100mph swing speed – to be relevant.
What you have to say is interesting BUT ……. it is like listening to my club champion tell me how his shaft is — that’s a so what.
I’m sorry, I can’t really help my swing being what it is. I try to explain my experience with elements of the shaft so people can apply that insight, not just my swing data. The reality is that if you’re basing a majority of your decision in golf equipment based on someone else’s swing speed, you’re likely missing 96% of the relevant experience required as your body, hands, swing, etc are going to respond and adjust to the equipment in their own way.
I also want to note that finding time and availability for a massive range of testers and interpreting their experiences into a written review is much more difficult than you think…especially when it’s not your full time job.
Your swing speed misses 90% of golfers.
I like your analysis but it is not relevant to most.
If all you’re focusing on in the review is the swing speed, you’re missing the point. I feel I convey the characteristics of the profile, feel, etc that translates beyond shot data. And even just because has the same swing speed as me (or doesn’t), it doesn’t mean they’re going to see similar shot data.
Bill, that’s exactly what you do – you swing a fair bit faster than me but I love these reviews – thanks!!!
I appreciate the support!