Overview/Technology-

The Graphite Design Aura is quite possibly the only shaft that literally will fit into any swing  frequency.  Each Aura features a unique dynamics profile that is suitable for a particular swing.  The Aura has 4 models to choose from, each noted by a color.

Red = Power | Pro Launch | Do you need better ball spin? | Low Torque | Low Trajectory
Gold = Strength | Mid Launch | Do you need better accuracy? | Mid Torque | Mid Trajectory
Blue = Consistency | High Launch | Do you need more distance? | High Torque | High Trajectory
Green = Balance | High Launch Plus | Do you need more carry? | Highest Torque | Highest Trajectory

Each color represents suitable for a swing profile - from Red (accomplished player looking for performance and control) to Green (players looking for launch, distance and carry).  The Aura is a very versatile shaft sure to please most player demands.

Actual Player Feedback-

“I have a guy with 110 swing speed hit Aura Pro in the new Taylormade R7 Limited 9.5* and just smoked it!!”

Pros/Positives-

The color coded shaft coupled with a very reasonable price (in many cases under $50), makes it a no-brainer for the price conscience golfer looking to take the guesswork out of shaft fitting.  Graphite Design also has one of the best customer service of all shaft makers.

Cons/Negatives-

Probably still unproven from the standpoint of the sheer numbers that play the shaft.

Overall Rating-

As mentioned, in this economy, many golfers are turning to cost effective means to updating their golf equipment but still demanding good value and performance.  The Graphite Design Aura meets all of the criteria - performance, ease of fitting and cost effectiveness.  Try out the Aura and see if it fits your game.  Golf Shafts are the engine of the golf club, check out our extensive and exclusive golf shaft reviews.

Overview/Technology-

Our review today is delving into somewhat more reclusive territory - hybrid shaft.  And the UST IROD is a good place to start.

The IROD got its start as the world’s first hybrid golf shaft series, designed specifically for today’s hybrid clubs. This shaft series popularity began to take shape, especially amongst tour players and serious amateurs.  Today, the shaft is no doubt, amongst the elite hybrid shafts.

So makes the IROD special?  UST has definitely corned the hybrid shaft market putting a ton of time and money into their R&D and it shows.

Interlinked Carbon is used to prevent shaft deformation, commonly seen in driver shafts.  This provides shot-making ability and confidence soaring, from the tee and the fairway. Interlinked Carbon is a 3K weave material used to create strength.

Performance-Driven Tip Sections in each IROD model - designed to complement and maximize shot performance. This shaft is designed to give you consistency, accuracy and launch for the ultimate in control.

The UST IROD shafts are available for fairway woods and hybrids.

Actual Player Feedback-

“I install nothing but UST IROD Shafts on all the hybrids I assemble”

“The Irod S shaft is just right, more penetrating flight and provides good feedback when you hit”

“I highly recommend this shaft”

Pros/Positives-

As mentioned, UST has taken the hybrid shaft technology to a new level.  Really nobody matches this shaft in a hybrid or fairway wood for that matter, in our opinion.

Cons/Negatives-

None really.

Overall Rating-

If you are looking to re-shaft or upgrade your fairway or hybrid clubs, you definitely need to try the UST IROD hybrid shaft. This shaft is in a class of its own - super-responsive carbon creates a strength in the shaft to promote a higher launch angle, a perfect fit for utility clubs.

Overview/Technology-

The Fujikura ZCOM Six is one of those golf shafts that doesn’t necessarily get the wide-spread praise that some of the other Fujikura shaft receive.  But let me tell you, this is one sweet shaft.

The ZCOM is an ultra-lightweight shaft that increases launch angle and spin and performs extremely well for a wide range of players.  Players from Senior to the PGA tour, all have benefited from this shaft.

Considered to be a medium launch, medium spin shaft.  The higher torque (4.5) coupled with a light weight (range of 52 to 59 grams), makes this shaft a monster for increasing distance and carry.

The ZCOM bending profile allows for a flatter ball flight which is why the better players like this ultra light shaft. For above average to better players with smooth tempos, the ZCOM is truly a shaft built for speed and distance.

Actual Player Feedback-

“The Z Com shafts are premier possibly the best shafts on the market especially the SIX”

“Simply the best distance shaft on the market.  I sell ton’s of these monster’s.”

Pros/Positives-

An Ultra lightweight shaft that will definitely increase ball speed.  This is a proven winner on all tours making this a very versatile shaft - many players will fit well into this profile.  A couple of guys that play the ZCOM?  How about Zach Johnson (fairway) and Luke Donald for starters.  On the LPGA tour, Annika Sorenstam is probably the best known user of the ZCOM.

Cons/Negatives-

Price.  This shaft is an upper end shaft over $200.  Not many people will drop this kind of money.

Overall Rating-

Providing you don’t mind spending extra on a shaft, the Fujikura ZCOM Six is definitely one to try.  The ZCOM is a lightweight shaft that delivers ball speed that produces performance in both carry and distance.  Fujikura should really market this shaft more, many golfers would love this shaft.