Equipment

The 8 hottest driver shafts of 2018 on the PGA Tour

Published

8 years ago

Jul 26, 2018

Driver shafts, especially in professional golf, are very similar to putters. As with changing putters to make more putts, golfers change out driver shafts semi-regularly looking for more distance or more fairways, but preferably both. And much like with putters, when another player switches to a new driver shaft and finds success, other golfers take notice. Every year it seems there is a “hot” driver shaft that players gravitate toward; in recent years, the Aldila Rogue comes to mind.

We wanted to figure out what the “hot” driver shaft is of 2018. To do so, we investigated the top-50 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings as of July 25 to figure out what driver shaft they were using. Below are the results.

Note: To qualify for the “hottest shafts” of 2018, the exact shaft model must have been used by more than one golfer in the top-50 of the OWGR. Order was determined by number of top-50 players using the shaft, and ties were broken by combined ranking of players using that shaft.

8) Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec

: Kuchar’s Fuji Atmos Tour Spec shaft

Shaft is used by: Matt Kuchar (No. 26 in the OWGR) and Daniel Berger (No. 40)

Fujikura says: “The Atmos Tour Spec line is geared towards the performance golfer looking to keep the ball flighted down with low spin… Atmos is a true tour flighted line of shafts with a simple color coding – red as the higher launching, blue as mid launch, black as the lowest launch – similarities include keeping the handle flexes the same for feel, but adjusting mid and tip sections for launch and spin to achieve your desired ball flight.”

Read GolfWRX member reviews of the Atmos Tour Spec shafts here

7) Graphite Design Tour AD-BB

Shaft is used by: Xander Schauffele (No. 18) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (No. 39)

Graphite Design says: “The Tour AD BB ‘Blue Bullet’ wood shaft model is designed to promote a low/mid launch angle and lower ball spin. The Tour AD BB design features an increase in stiffness from the tip to the mid-section resulting in a higher kick point for lower launch angles.”

Learn more about the Graphite Design Tour AD-BB shaft here

6) Aldila NV 2KXV Green

Shaft is used by: Rickie Fowler (No. 9) and Kevin Kisner (No. 25)

Aldila says: “Aldila has created NexGen Micro Laminate Technology – new, even thinner high performance carbon fibers combined with today’s advanced fiber resin technology…. The 2KNV provides for even better feel and performance. Available in the Green design for those seeking a lower ball flight, the Blue design for those seeking a mid ball flight, and the Orange design for those seeking a higher ball flight.”

See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Aldila NV 2KXV Green shaft

5) Project X HZRDUS Black

Shaft is used by: Dustin Johnson (No. 1) — although he’s been switching off and on between a Project X HZRDUS Black and a Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution 2.0 Tour Spec — and Rafael Cabrera Bello (No. 29)

Project X says: “The shaft features increased stiffness along the full length of the golf shaft, which allows golfers to put more power behind the ball. HZRDUS Black is a low spinning and low launching shaft that is available in models for both woods and hybrids.”

4) Graphite Design Tour AD-IZ

: Jordan Spieth’s driver shaft

Shaft is used by: Jordan Spieth (No. 8) and Webb Simpson (No. 21)

Graphite Design says: “The new Tour AD IZ shaft has a firm stiffness starting at the handle, and medium center section and a firm+ tip profile to promote a high launch angle and low ball spin rates. The new Tour AD IZ also utilizes Torayca T1100G carbon-fiber pre-preg with Nanoalloy technology in the tip section of the shaft for additional shaft stability, exceptional feel and precise ball control.”

3) Mitsubishi Kuro Kage

Shaft is used by: Rory McIlroy (No. 7) and Tommy Fleetwood (No. 11)

Mitsubishi says: “This series of shafts feature two key technologies: Low Resin Content pre-preg and Titanium Nickel (TiNi) Wire. After first using TiNi Wire in our ultra-light products, we wanted to see how it would perform in heavier, tour-weighted shafts. Kuro Kage fiber plus wire equals power.”

See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Kuro Kage here

2) Project X HZRDUS T1100

Shaft is used by: Henrik Stenson (No. 17), Phil Mickelson (No. 22) and Charl Schwartzel (No. 48)

Project X says: “The new HZRDUS T1100 is the lowest spinning and lowest launching shaft in the HZRDUS family. HZRDUS T1100 uses T1100G fiber, the strongest fiber available, to build a shaft with an extra stiff tip section that is also counter-balanced. With a bend profile that is stiff throughout, HZRDUS T1100 is the ultimate spin killer for the game’s most aggressive tempo players.”

GolfWRX Members review the Project X T1100 here

1) Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange

Shaft is used by: Justin Rose (No. 2), Alex Noren (No. 12), Sergio Garcia (No. 20), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (No. 31), Ian Poulter (No. 32), Charley Hoffman (No. 34), Haotong Li (No. 42) and Tiger Woods (No. 50)

Mitsubishi says: “Tensei CK Pro Orange expands the Tensei CK Series – which features a multi-material design that incorporates more performance-oriented materials than we’ve ever used in a shaft. This first of its kind bend profile for MCA Golf uses a counter-balanced design along with an extreme tip-stiff design to provided added versatility for the stronger player. The Tensei CK Pro Orange incorporates the same Carbon Fiber/DuPont Kevlar (CK) weave found in the butt-section of all Tensei CK shafts – providing enhanced stability and maximum feel in this highly versatile design. This series also incorporates High Modulus, premium 40-Ton hybrid pre-preg infused with tungsten powder in targeted positions throughout the shaft. A tip-section reinforced with MR70 – Mitsubishi Chemical’s strongest carbon fiber to date, delivers lower torque, and delivers tour preferred control and stability.”

See what GolfWRX Members are saying about the Tensei Orange shaft in our forums

Other driver shafts used by the top-50 golfers in the OWGR

Accra Concept Series (Brian Harman)
Accra Tour Zx 465 M5 (Tony Finau)
Accra Proto (Pat Perez)
Accra Tour-Z RPG (Gary Woodland)
Aldila Rogue Silver 130 (Kevin Chappell)
Aldila Rogue (Patrick Reed)
Alidila Tour Green (Jon Rahm)
Fujikura SIX (Branden Grace)
Fujikura Speeder 757 Evolution (Kyle Stanley)
Fujikura Speeder 757 Evolution IV (Marc Leishman)
Grafalloy Bi-Matrix (Bubba Watson)
Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8TX (Hideki Matsuyama)
Graphite Design Tour AD Quattro Tech (Satoshi Kodaira)
Graphite Design Tour AD-GP (Kevin Na)
Mitsubishi Diamana D+ (Brooks Koepka
Mitsubishi Diamana White D+ (Luke List)
Mitsubishi Diamana BF (Justin Thomas)
Mitsubishi Diamana Blue (Zach Johnson)
Mitsubishi Diamana White LEX D+ (Paul Casey)
Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana S-Series (Patrick Cantlay)
Mitsubishi Fubuki K (Tyrrell Hatton)
Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue (Ross Fisher)
Project X Even Flow (Louis Oosthuizen)
Project X HZRDUS Smoke (Bryson DeChambeau)
TPT (Jason Day)
UST Mamiya Elements Chrome Prototype (Cameron Smith)

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31 Comments

Paul

Aug 19, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Doesn’t seem to matter what shaft Woods uses. He still can’t hit a fairway.

Reply Report comment
- ogo
  
  Aug 22, 2018 at 12:01 am
  
  I predict he will soon be playing a Seven Dreamer autoclave cured graphite shaft because all oven cured shafts are too soggy and floppy in the tip section causing Tiger driving problems.
  
  Reply Report comment
Kanko

Jul 29, 2018 at 9:24 am

Notice ZERO Seven Dreamers shafts lol where’s that Seven Dreamers idiot? Hopefully got BANNED

Reply Report comment
- walterg
  
  Aug 5, 2018 at 5:30 pm
  
  WRX moderators doing their utmost to delete any comments that disturb the gearheaded neanerthals that love their WITB gonadal symbols of manliness.
  
  Reply Report comment
Diamondback Billiards

Jul 28, 2018 at 11:01 am

These golf equipment is the best but it is still up to the player who knows his talent in being top golfer.

Reply Report comment
Jack House

Jul 28, 2018 at 1:15 am

Whats the best shaft for an regular player… 80 MPH swing speed…. tough to fit between Regular and Senior flex//

Reply Report comment
- joro
  
  Jul 28, 2018 at 11:23 am
  
  Give the Mitsubishi Tensei Blue in reg. That is what I use at 79, it is a soft R and a very good accurate shaft.
  
  Reply Report comment
Leftshot

Jul 28, 2018 at 12:12 am

What a disappointment. The subject line of the email I got from Golf WRX was: ” The 8 Hottest Driver Shafts of 2018″. To then find out this was just an incident count of the top 50 pro golfers was a real letdown. Most of us couldn’t find a golfer more dissimilar to us than the top pro golfers. Thus the obvious reaction: Who cares? Maybe 1% of us have a swing similar enough to the top 50 professionals.

Reply Report comment
Donald

Jul 27, 2018 at 8:54 pm

I only buy and play tour proven equipment because I can afford the best. Stiff shafts are the best. I bag PXGs too.

Reply Report comment
- Matt
  
  Aug 7, 2018 at 12:31 pm
  
  Congratulations.
  
  Reply Report comment
Doug lamb

Jul 27, 2018 at 1:19 pm

Exactly!!

Reply Report comment
Shaft Shack

Jul 27, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Demo these great shafts and more at ShaftShack.com!

Reply Report comment
Funkaholic

Jul 27, 2018 at 11:06 am

I am still gaming my Diamana ‘Ahina 70 x5ct x in my driver 3w and 19* rescue, I have yet to find a reason to change.

Reply Report comment
Travis

Jul 27, 2018 at 7:03 am

The Tour AD-IZ has more usage that what was listed above. Last I checked Keegan Bradley was using it and he’s been at the top of ballstriking and total driving categories for a good while.

Reply Report comment
Eric

Jul 26, 2018 at 9:18 pm

I would love to see this with fairway woods. I am not sure you could narrow it down but it may be even more diverse.

Reply Report comment
- phil
  
  Jul 27, 2018 at 1:17 am
  
  I would love to see that too. I love my fairway woods. I love my hybrids too.
  
  Reply Report comment
Harv

Jul 26, 2018 at 7:31 pm

These are super expensive shafts… to pay off the pros to use them….

Reply Report comment
- ~j~
  
  Jul 26, 2018 at 10:37 pm
  
  eBay. Get’m for less than $100
  
  Reply Report comment
  - jgpl001
    
    Jul 27, 2018 at 6:11 pm
    
    A T1100 for $100 you wish…..
    
    Reply Report comment
millennial82

Jul 26, 2018 at 5:58 pm

saw Tiger using the tensei white.. got it.. love it.. now he changed to orange and whites not even on the this list… kind of hurts my heart…

Reply Report comment
- millennial82
  
  Jul 26, 2018 at 5:59 pm
  
  great post by the way GOLFWRX. Thank you!
  
  Reply Report comment
- Aaron
  
  Jul 27, 2018 at 11:50 pm
  
  Lamest reason to ever buy any shaft. Use what fits you.
  
  Reply Report comment
PushFade

Jul 26, 2018 at 5:50 pm

Not bigger money than they’d earn from winning a tournament. Winning tournaments = bigger endorsements deals. Your statement is not only untrue, your premise is flawed.

Reply Report comment
Francis

Jul 26, 2018 at 5:15 pm

Doesn’t Rory use the Tensei Orange as well?

Reply Report comment
- Curt
  
  Jul 26, 2018 at 6:11 pm
  
  Yes he was and I thought I saw he switched for the British.
  
  Reply Report comment
Francis

Jul 26, 2018 at 5:14 pm

…Okay, Donald

Reply Report comment
jc

Jul 26, 2018 at 4:33 pm

I sure don’t know a shaft that starts out even lower than my standard ping shaft…I want something that takes off like a patriot missle going after a scud.

Reply Report comment
Michael Baker

Jul 26, 2018 at 4:26 pm

GREAT article – SUPER comprehensive and interesting….

Not sure about DJ in the HZRDUS black though. He used it recently but I believe he’s back in Fujikura Speeder DJ this week?

Reply Report comment

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules