Monthly Archives: May 2014

Matrix VLCT Driver Golf Shaft Review

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Driver Golf Shaft – Matrix VLCT SP & Matrix VLCT ST

By Russ Ryden, A Golf Digest America’s 100 Best Clubfitter
Fit2Score, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas

The VLCT model is the 2014 driver shaft from Matrix Golf Shafts. It is available in two versions, Sp and St. The stiffness on the shaft is shown as a speed rating. A = +75, R = +85, S = +95 and X = +105. My review samples were the original graphic. The name on the shaft is VELOX, that is changing. If you see a shaft labeled Matrix Velox, it is the same shaft, different graphics. The ST version has a stiffer tip to promote a lower launch. 

Matrix uses the term CFI, Circumferential Flexural Integrity for what I call radial consistency. They define it perfectly as ” an innovative layup method devised to insure a shaft’s flexing properties are consistent around the 360 degree circumference”. I checked a total of 18 shafts and found the radial consistency at 99.0% with a 0.7% standard deviation. Those numbers translate into a shaft that can be installed in any orientation. The shaft is suitable for rotating hosels. Alignment will add nothing of value to the performance of the Matrix VLCT shafts.

The technical discussion, measurements and testing results are available only to registered readers

I had a chance to talk to Tom DeShiell, Director of R&D at Matrix Golf Shafts at the 2014 PGA Merchandise show. He discussed all the 2014 models.

 The Velox 60 gram ST shaft is stock in the 2014 TaylorMade JetSpeed TP driver. At $400 retail for the driver, that is a great bargain, considering the retail price of the shaft alone is $375. 

UST Proforce V5 Golf Shaft Review

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Driver Golf Shaft – UST Proforce V5

By Russ Ryden, A Golf Digest America’s 100 Best Clubfitter
Fit2Score, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas

USTProforceV5_ImageThe UST Mamiya Proforce V5 is a 2014 update of the ever popular Proforce V2. I have never had much experience with this shaft so my comments will be limited to observations of the numbers. Comparing it to the single Proforce V2 that was in the shop, the Proforce V5 torque is about a half degree lower. That creates a more stable tip for the larger heavier driver heads that we now see loaded with bling.

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Radial consistency is excellent, the average was 99.8 with a standard deviation of 0.3%. None of the review sample exceeded my 2 cpm threshold, all were excellent. At this price point, that is notable. It reflects a trend in the shaft business to produce quality shafts that work consistently in any orientation in rotating hosels. The graphics of the Proforce V5 reflect that, wrapping uniformly around the shaft.

If you were familiar with the UST AXIVCORE Tour Green you will find the Proforce V5 to be quite similar. Compared to the AXIVCORE which integrates 4 axis material int he tip, the Proforce V5 has about a half degree more torque. You can expect a mid launch ball flight