The Clubmaker Report
Fujikura Ventus
Fujikura Ventus
It was a fantastic week at the Masters for Fujikura Golf and their Ventus shaft line. The top three finishers played Ventus, 21% of the Masters field had a Ventus in their driver, and the winner hit 77% of fairways with a Ventus Black in his driver.
Tour players have switched to the Ventus shaft because of it’s incredible stability and improved dispersion. They can use a bit lighter shaft than they normally would and pick up distance without sacrificing control.
The Ventus line comes in 4 models, listed below from highest launch/spin, easiest to hit to the lowest launch/spin.
If you have a slower swingspeed and need a little help getting the ball airborne, I’d go with the Red. Faster swingspeeds will benefit from the stiffer, lower launching Blue, TR, and Black lines depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Ventus Red, Blue, TR, and Black start at high 50 grams up to 106 grams and in A, R, S, X, and TX flex.
Here’s what Fujikura has to say about the Ventus:
The exceptionally engineered Ventus is designed to significantly tighten shot dispersion and maximize ball speed especially on off-center shots. Ventus is a Tour-inspired profile and the first to include Fujikura’s all-new VeloCore Technology in an accelerated taper, ultra-stiff tip profile. Maximum energy transfer from the tip section boosts the club head’s performance and a straight taper design enhances loading and feel.
The Ventus is priced at $350 plus installation on your favorite OEM sleeve. Send me a note at jhm@clubmaker-online.com for help choosing the right Ventus shaft for your game.
Fourteen Wedges
Japanese based Fourteen Golf makes some of the most unique and beautiful wedges you can buy.
They have a unique reverse taper design that won MyGolfSpy’s highest spin rating during their last wedge test.
Here’s what Fourteen says about their wedge design:
The RM4 wedges feature a reverse taper design of the club head. This "Reverse Muscle Design" concept positions the CG higher than traditionally designed wedges, creating higher spin and better trajectory control. In incorporating the "Reverse Taper,"
the topline is milled thinner for a more pleasing profile.
At Fourteen, we mirror mill each groove in our wedges. This takes a long time, and the payoff is worth that investment. The grooves feature optimal spin control, meaning more accurate shots and fewer missed greens. Having the tightest tolerance for flatness means the spin generated is consistent across the face.
Lofts are 46-60 degree and they have a choice of nickel satin finish or a light black finish. There are two sole choices in the higher lofts (56/58/60).
S (Standard) Sole
An all-around easy to use standard sole shape. Stability is improved thanks to more volume in the sole. The head glides smoothly through grass and picks up the ball easily making it easy to use from various lies such as bunkers and rough.
H (Hill) Sole
A sole that is more rounded towards the toe and heel with both toe and heel relief allow the wedge to be open or closed while still maintaining a constant bounce angle. More consistent results allow for more technical shots.
I can build them with about any shaft made and they start at $199 per club. If you’re looking for graphite I like the Hiskei graphite irons. Lightweight, low torque and a great value.
The lightweight Onuca stepped graphite shafts are also an excellent choice. 60 grams, 2.0 torque with a unique stepped design with a high launch profile.
Send me a note for help choosing the right shaft/flex for your Fourteen wedges.
Aw-shucks
Hiskei Wave Testimonials
Hello John, Been a while since I sent an email to you, hope your doing good. This is in regard to the Hiskei Wave shaft that I purchased at least 5 or 6 years ago, it is still in my driver, I have tried several different shafts , even the kinda new Graffalloy Pro Launch 45-A senior shaft, which is a good shaft, but the Wave shaft still beat it. I always keep coming back to the Wave shaft, there is one in my 3 wood that been in it for 3 years, so I have one in my Driver and 3 wood. I just wish they made these shafts for irons….
Just wanted to say the Wave shaft is still going strong here. —S
I have most flexes of the Wave shaft in stock and a fresh batch of OEM sleeves. Price is $150 for the shaft and $40 for the sleeve/install.
The Wave shaft plays about 1 flex softer than many shafts in the latest heavier weight clubheads.
I can build a great driver with a Wave and the new Hiskei Boyka clubhead. This driver is about 10% lighter than most drivers and can be built to 46” and still maintain a normal swing weight. Price is $399.
I’ve had some luck with the new Tour Edge drivers and the Wave shaft and can buy just the clubhead to build you a really nice Tour Edge 722 Exotics series driver.
One of my most popular drivers is the Krank Formula series. They are the only driver heads fit by swingspeed and they make a super flexible faced model for slow swinging golfers that will add yardage off the tee.
Send me a note at jhm@clubmaker-online.com for help choosing the right flex/clubhead.
Mitsubishi Graphite Putter Shaft
Mitsubishi has released their lates graphite putter shaft featuring Metal Mesh Technology for great feel and control.
The new MMT Putter shaft is made from “a new metal mesh called SPEEDMESH – a MICRO 304 SS 75% lighter and thinner than original Metal Mesh for maximized pliability – to the full length of the shaft to minimize deflection, increase the shaft’s recovery rate and promote a fuller release, helping you to hold your line and hole more putts.”
”Players report MMT Putter Concept creates a soft feel, and makes a putt struck with a milled putter face feel like it was struck with an insert.”
I installed the new shaft in my Yamada Emperor 2 putter and love the balance and feel of the new shaft. It’s very heavy (135 grams) and the putter feels like it could swing itself. I’ve tried a few much more expensive graphite putter shafts and think this one is the best.
Available in .370 parallel and also a taper tip design, only for plumbers neck putter models at this time. Price is $125 plus installation and any special putter grip you might like. Send me a note at jhm@clubmaker-online.com to order.
Star Grips
Things are slowly warming up north and it’s time to freshen up your clubs with new golf grips.
Star Grips makes the most durable and tacky grip you can buy in a few different designs.
I have all the specs, colors, models and prices at an older Clubmaker Report here.
I can fit about 15 grips in a flat rate box to save shipping, plan on about $10 shipping for up to 15 grips.
Send me a note at jhm@clubmaker-online.com to order.