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True Temper releases lighter, longer XP family of shafts

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Most golfers are familiar with the advantages of today’s game-improvement irons, which are helping golfers hit the ball higher and farther than ever before. But fewer are aware of the latest crop of  lightweight “game-improvement” shafts, which can further boost a golfer’s iron play.

One top-rated model is True Temper’s new XP shaft family, which was chosen by leading iron makers Callaway, Mizuno and Titleist to be the stock shaft in each company’s flagship game-improvement irons, Callaway’s Apex, Mizuno’s JPX-EZ and JPX-EZ Forged and Titleist’s AP1 irons.

Greg Cavill, vice president of alloy engineering for True Temper, credits the performance of the XP shafts to their variable wall technology, which allowed engineers to manipulate the thicknesses of certain parts of the shafts to improve distance, performance and feel.

In the butt section of the shaft, for example, the walls were made thinner, which was a key to making the XP 95 as light as 92 grams, more than 30 grams lighter than True Temper’s famed Dynamic Gold shafts. But engineers used thicker walls in the tip section of the shaft, which added weight to help stabilize the region.

True Temper Xp 105

Above: True Temper’s XP 95 shaft has a butt diameter of 0.605 inches, while the 10-grams heavier XP 105 shaft has a slightly smaller butt diameter of 0.600 inches. 

Engineers continued the give and take by changing the step pattern of the butt section of the shaft. Its steps were made longer than those in the tip section, making the butt section stiffer. The butt section was then further reinforced with another stiffening agent, a slightly larger outside diameter, which works with the shaft’s stiff midsection to force the tip of the shaft to “kick” at impact.

That kick is responsible for the shaft’s higher launch, which when paired with the added swing speed the lightweight shaft provides adds 6-to-8 yards more carry distance, according to True Temper robot testing.

True Temper’s XP 95 shaft, as well as the 10-grams heavier XP 105 shaft, have a balance point that allows iron sets to be built with traditional balance points. They’re available in R300 and S300 flexes, and cost $400 for a set of eight shafts (3-PW).

29 Comments

29 Comments

  1. BrianK

    Dec 4, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    For all of the people who will read this article and be truly interesting in the shafts, you need to try them. Don’t listen to the people whining about prices and if their game will change by 10 strokes. These are really good light weight shafts. Very good feel, exceptional control, and a little added distance. I have a set of the XP 105 and I have been really impressed with the vibration reduction in them. Been playing graphite for years and this is the first set of steal shafts that haven’t caused soreness in my shoulder. Even hitting off mats was no problem for me, and that was huge. These are not your lightweight “noodle” shafts of the past, these are legitimate shafts for good players who want to go a little lighter.

  2. Dan

    Dec 1, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    These shafts are only 26$ at golfsmith. Not sure where the 50$ came from.

    • True Temper

      Dec 2, 2013 at 11:04 am

      $50 per is MSRP meaning fit and installed. $25 as a component. Very much in line with other lightweight steel and far less than a lot of new graphite irons..

      TTS

  3. Pingback: Desde el tee: semana 48/2013 | Golf76.com

  4. Andrew Cooper

    Nov 29, 2013 at 4:35 am

    Equipment being too expensive is a myth! Golf equipment is no more expensive now in real terms than it was 20 odd years ago, certainly in the UK., Mizuno, Ping irons e.t.c. back in early 1990s cost around £500. Callaway’s Big Bertha and GBB drivers were £200-£300 when they came out. In 2013, you can still buy a cracking set of irons for £500. New Drivers are more or less the same-and the clearance deals on older models can be half that. If you’re going for up-charge options, like these shafts, and/or always want the latest clubs, then obviously that’s going to cost.
    For anyone new to the game, or short on cash, quality 2nd hand is the way to go. If you know what to look for, you could put together a great set for under £400.

  5. Giancarlo Baxa

    Nov 29, 2013 at 12:06 am

    I’m so sick about hearing about all these new shafts, new models, new everything. The bottom line is players clubs have all been the same since the change from the old persimmons to metal woods. A pure ball striker can perform on the same level no matter what clubs he’s using. There is nothing else manufacturers can do within the rules of conforming clubs that will make one club play much better than another. Basically the only difference is cosmetics, as much as manufacturers want you to believe that there is for example, ” increased ball speeds, different COG’s etc, it all means nothing. Give it up people, stop changing equipment and start changing your swing.

    • Brian

      Nov 29, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      There is nothing farther from the truth than what you just said. Go spend some time reading about modern equipment and I’m willing to bet you’ll reevaluate that statement.

  6. woot

    Nov 28, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    This is not a poor man’s sport, if you want to go cheap you can always buy the box sets from wal mart.

    • marko

      Nov 29, 2013 at 1:06 am

      Golf is a sport! And there fore should be affordable for ALL people.
      Don’t think for one minute because you make more money than someone else that YOU are a BETTER person and that YOU deserve special treatment. There is NO place in this life for Elitestests like You!!

  7. Really?

    Nov 28, 2013 at 8:56 am

    50 bucks a piece for steel shafts… I can find EVERY other steel shaft for cheaper than that… Even the KBS Customs are not 50 a piece.

    Another OEM pricing themselves out of most bags.

    • _Hawk3y3_

      Dec 1, 2013 at 8:55 pm

      Anyone paying $50 per shaft for these is stupid, lazy, or both. I play XP 105 S300 in my 5-PW and found them as a set of 1-time pulls on e-bay. $35 shipped for the whole set, and I had the serial numbers verified by True Temper. They truly are wonderful shafts and play very similar to Dynamic Gold. Don’t pay MSRP…spend a little bit of time searching for a deal or two.

  8. WP

    Nov 28, 2013 at 6:42 am

    On the other hand, for those ‘hacks’ that are willing to suffer the indignation of playing stock shafts, this is a good news story. I have the XP95 in my new AP2s, love them, and avoided the $25/per upcharge for PXi. A set of AP1 with XP95 could be considered a bargain.

    • Paul

      Nov 28, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Agreed, feel like I stole something after reading this article considering these are stock in the new ap1 and 2’s. I personally liked them better then any other lightweight shaft as well, pxi, steelfibres, etc. and no up charge, win-win.

  9. John

    Nov 27, 2013 at 10:34 am

    The real question for me is will these $50 a piece shafts lower someone’s score or handicap! I think I know that answer – I think they are running out of real ideas to improve club performance but need a another new idea to sell us equipment we don’t need.

  10. AJ Jensen

    Nov 27, 2013 at 10:24 am

    I don’t know that I want much ‘improvement’ out of my irons, in terms of distance. What I want from my irons is for them to go an exact distance and stop dead where they land.

  11. Michael

    Nov 27, 2013 at 8:18 am

    50 US-Dollar für a stable lightweight steelshaft? For that money, I would opt for an Aerotech Steelfiber in the correct weight.

  12. Kevin

    Nov 27, 2013 at 2:27 am

    50$ a shaft for 6-8 more yards? No thanks I’ll be back here using a 7 iron when you use an 8 for those prices

    • jgpl001

      Nov 28, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      There were many id..ts who were willing to pay $300+ when TM promised 15 yds with the RBZ, so what is the problem here?

      True Temper just need to have a brass neck and marketing hype machine like TM and they could double the price

    • Giancarlo Baxa

      Nov 29, 2013 at 12:08 am

      exactly right

  13. Marko

    Nov 27, 2013 at 2:20 am

    WOW! $50 bucks a shaft. This game is becoming to expensive.
    Not going to grow the game at these prices.
    $1000 for a set of irons?
    $300-$400 for a driver?
    $125 for each wedge?
    $100-$300 for a putter?
    $40 for a dozen balls?
    Really sad.

    • Zach

      Nov 27, 2013 at 2:52 am

      Completely agree! I can see why so many are leaving the game! Add to that cost membership fees for club members or for an average hack the green fees. Really hate to see this happen to my beloved game!!!

      • Ross

        Nov 27, 2013 at 6:34 pm

        It’s always been the way of golf… I was pretty poor growing up had hand me down clubs (not good quality and went hunting for golf balls to play and sell to cover my membership) The looks you get are never of encouragement…. it 99.9% scorn and the game has an ego and will continue to pander to the rich. 400 dollar head on a 400 dollar shaft, in a 400 bag…

        Buy second hand 24 months old gear… they big up the advances but its all marketing.

        Longest driver i ever hit was a mp650 with a graffaloy prolaunch red shaft… 90 dollars on ebay!

    • Martin

      Nov 27, 2013 at 8:37 am

      And if you really want to get properly fitted clubs, using the clubfix for example, it starts to get really expensive. A friend of mine got fitted for a new driver in Sweden (this was a serious fitter who really checked the club after it arrived, and it was an aftermarket shaft) and he paid: 750 dollars for it… So in the US its much cheaper…

      • Ross

        Nov 27, 2013 at 6:37 pm

        Everywhere is cheaper than in rip off Britain… unfortunately where i live… we have the links though

        • Jack

          Nov 27, 2013 at 10:08 pm

          But income must be higher to offset, no?

        • Nick Messi

          Feb 25, 2014 at 2:34 pm

          Try living in Australia mate.
          We get hammered left right and centre. Cars , housing , groceries , golf equipment , golf membership , green fees , private school fees ……. the list goes on and on.

    • Christopher Kee

      Nov 27, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      I agree. It’s $2,500 for clubs/bag/balls/shoes to get out on the course if you purchase new. Thank god for ebay!

    • Corrie-Lynn's dad

      Nov 28, 2013 at 10:55 am

      The game of golf has been expensive as long as I can remember.

      • marko

        Nov 29, 2013 at 1:15 am

        I can remember when $500 would get you a complete set. Not that long ago. When the tradition of golf was respected. Now they (OEM) just want to find a new way(HYPE) to seperate you and your money. Big heads,graphite shafts, and the change in the golf ball has ruined the GAME of golf. It’s no longer a game of skill. It’s just boom and gouge. Where is Payne Stewart. RIP.

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BK’s Breakdowns: Cameron Young’s winning WITB, 2025 Wyndham Championship

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Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!

Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX

3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX

Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X

Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype

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Whats in the Bag

Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)

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Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX

3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X

7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X

Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow

Check out more in-hand photos Malnati’s clubs here.

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Equipment

GolfWRX Members Choice presented by 2nd Swing: Best driver of 2025

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We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here

What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.

Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.

Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.

Best driver of 2025: The top 5

5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%

Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.

4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%

Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.

3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%

Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”

@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.

2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%

Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”

@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.

1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%

Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”

@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”

You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.

Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote

Driver Vote percentage (%)
Cobra DS Adapt Max K 4.85%
Ping G430 Max 10K 3.85%
Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond 3.68%
TaylorMade Qi35 3.51%
Callaway Elyte 3.18%
Cobra DS Adapt X 2.34%
Cobra DS Adapt LS 2.17%
TaylorMade Qi35 LS 2.17%

 

 

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