Old School Shafts

[jholz]

When I was in grad school, Proforce V2's were all the rage. Never had the chance to hit one in the day.

 

But, my brother still plays one in his 909 D3. I swung it. Feels fabulous. Ordered one. $75. Hopefully get in play this weekend or the next.

 

But this got me to thinking...

 

We all know of those classic shaft profiles that are still available out there - Aldila NV, ProLaunch Blue, and the venerable Proforce V2, among others.

 

Do you think these shafts are giving up much against the Velocores, GD DI's, and other exotics? Anyone else using these "classics"?

 

All I can say is that I'm expecting a lower ballflight and some tighter dispersion from the V2. Hard to beat the price. We will see how it goes...

[ChxDigLongBall]

I still have a ProLaunch Red that I will put into play from time to time. Might just be for nostalgia for me. The Proforce V2 is still offered as a new shaft, just a different paint scheme. I've had members of mine have success with it recently. Both the standard and the HL version. I also still keep a Speeder VC 9.2 in a Callaway Apex UT that I'll hit from time to time. Don't feel like I lose anything with it.

[thecraw]

For me it was the Aldila NV in green and the all time classic Diamana Blueboard. Old Skool Classics

[BIG STU]

Depends on the player and how that shaft fits them. All that have been mentioned are still good for the right player even today. Back in the day the UST Pro Force Gold 65 was my shaft followed by the Green Aldila NV series. These days with my age and injuries no way I can hit those. 

[DaveGoodrich]

The vast majority of us don't need anything exotic, and in fact, won't benefit from expensive exotic shafts.  Pretty much all weights and basic flex profiles are available in the classic shafts, so modern technology can really only make minor tweaks "at the margins."   If you need something super light and super stiff, then maybe you need something newer that only exotic materials or manufacturing processes can produce.  That is not most of us.    

 

IMO, even all the hype about the Autoflex, etc., is mostly just challenging the conventional wisdom regarding strong players and soft/light shafts.  If it costs $800, it must have some really amazing technology/engineering, right?  But once folks were shown that fast swingers could hit a soft, light shaft with consistency, they went out and tried that concept using non-exotic older shafts, and lo and behold, found that they could hit a $60 A-flex Prolaunch Blue and it didn't balloon or "go left of left" for them.     

 

ProForce V2, Prolaunch Blue, YS-6+, NV, VS Proto.  All of these (and others) are great shafts if they fit the individual.  High quality, consistent proven performance, reasonable prices.  What's not to like?  

[phizzy30]

Different feel and a little more stability for me old school vs. newer shafts. 

[NRJyzr]

I'm still playing the NV quite a bit.  Have a few NV75, an NV105 in a wood, and just picked up a couple NV85's.  Fan of the shaft, obviously.  LOL

 

[Drivingrangehero]

9 hours ago, NRJyzr said:

Have a few NV75, an NV105 in a wood,

I’ve been looking to get a 7W shaft that’s in the 90-105g range since I play my 7W at 40”, how is the NV 105? 
 

I like the more stiff butt, firm to soft tip…… with some kick to it! 
 

If a profile fits, it’s worth keeping👍

 

id much rather pay $100 for a 4-5y old high modulus shaft, than >$350 for a new offering anyways, and sometimes the made for shafts work better than the high dollar ones. 
 

I prefer the Tensei Orange CK 75x in a 5 wood over the Pro Orange, the higher torque and softer tip is just a better fit for me in that club ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

 

 

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Edited April 14, 2023 by Drivingrangehero
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[golfinbrad]

Manufacturing process, tolerances and materials used have all greatly improved.  That said if an older shaft fits your swing then there is no reason to change.  The UST V2 has always been one of my favorites.  While I might try other shafts, the V2 keeps going back in the bag.

[NRJyzr]

40 minutes ago, Drivingrangehero said:

I’ve been looking to get a 7W shaft that’s in the 90-105g range since I play my 7W at 40”, how is the NV 105? 
 

I like the more stiff butt, firm to soft tip…… with some kick to it! 
 

If a profile fits, it’s worth keeping👍

 

id much rather pay $100 for a 4-5y old high modulus shaft, than >$350 for a new offering anyways, and sometimes the made for shafts work better than the high dollar ones. 
 

I prefer the Tensei Orange CK 75x in a 5 wood over the Pro Orange, the higher torque and softer tip is just a better fit for me in that club ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

 

 

 

. 

 

I've found it to play fairly similar to the 75 and 85 versions, aside from the obvious weight difference.  It's been a while since I've hit it.

 

Going to be hard to find a 105.  😐

 

Another one I've used with nice effect is the RIP Beta 90.  Found a couple new, thought they would be a nice add to the 3w slot.  Like them more than I thought I would.  Again, hard to find one, the seller I got mine from doesn't have any more of them.

 

Edited April 14, 2023 by NRJyzr

[Ger21]

I just picked up a couple Attas 5 Gogo shafts, 6S for driver, and 7S for my 4 wood. $120 for both. The driver is probably going to beat out the AD-IZ that I have. That IZ has been tipped and I don't like the feel. (Thanks Taylormade). Both clubs had Proforce V2's in them when I got them, and were very good. But a WRXer gonna Wrx.

[knudson81]

1 hour ago, golfinbrad said:

Manufacturing process, tolerances and materials used have all greatly improved.  That said if an older shaft fits your swing then there is no reason to change.  The UST V2 has always been one of my favorites.  While I might try other shafts, the V2 keeps going back in the bag.

 

I know a guy who still RIPS the UST V2 and plays it religiously to this day. He has tried other shafts but just comfortable with the V2. I on the other hand have tried some older Diamana and Matrix shafts that I have laying around and never found the old magic they once had. It is a bummer because I REALLY wanted the Diamana 93x to work in a 7w!

[golfinbrad]

17 minutes ago, knudson81 said:

 

I know a guy who still RIPS the UST V2 and plays it religiously to this day. He has tried other shafts but just comfortable with the V2. I on the other hand have tried some older Diamana and Matrix shafts that I have laying around and never found the old magic they once had. It is a bummer because I REALLY wanted the Diamana 93x to work in a 7w!

The V2 is a unique animal.  Seems like the guys who get along with it have a hard time finding something that has a similar feel.  Feel means so much.  I love seeing players gaming these old shafts.  Just reinforces newer is not always better.

[cgasucks]

Tom Wishon said that the bend profile of graphite shafts has changed very little in the past 30 years.  The only thing that is different now with the shafts of today is that they're made better with more exotic materials which translates into higher prices. 

 

When I started golf in 2000 a tour quality shaft was like $50.  Now it's $500.

Edited April 14, 2023 by cgasucks

[golfinbrad]

8 minutes ago, cgasucks said:

Tom Wishon said that the bend profile of graphite shafts has changed very little in the past 30 years.  The only thing that is different now with the shafts of today is that they're made better with more exotic materials which translates into higher prices. 

 

When I started golf in 2000 a tour quality shaft was like $50.  Now it's $500.

Totally agree and that increase has not translated into an equal decrease in handicaps.

[NRJyzr]

2 hours ago, cgasucks said:

Tom Wishon said that the bend profile of graphite shafts has changed very little in the past 30 years.  The only thing that is different now with the shafts of today is that they're made better with more exotic materials which translates into higher prices. 

 

When I started golf in 2000 a tour quality shaft was like $50.  Now it's $500.

 

I feel like we can blame Graphite Design for that.  I think they were the first to increase the prices well past other products in the market, with their YS line.  Such as I remember, that is.

 

I remember the ProForce shaft being not much over $30.  🙂

 

[Stuart_G]

19 hours ago, jholz said:

 

Do you think these shafts are giving up much against the Velocores, GD DI's, and other exotics? Anyone else using these "classics"?

 

 

If they are good fit, you wont loose a thing.  Might even gain something if they are better fit.

 

Personally I was a big fan of the PFv2, I just liked the Aldila VS-proto a tiny bit more.

[knudson81]

32 minutes ago, ProV9 said:

I still put the old diamana blue board into play every now and then. Feels almost as good as my Velocore. 

 

I have one as well and it does feel as smooth as silk, I just can't hit it anywhere near as consistent on the range or course. 

 

1 minute ago, Stuart_G said:

 

If they are good fit, you wont loose a thing.  Might even gain something if they are better fit.

 

Personally I was a big fan of the PFv2, I just liked the Aldila VS-proto a tiny bit more.

 

I tried like heck to get that shaft to work when it first came out! Tried it in just about every driver, fairway, and hybrid head I could get my hands on but it just didn't work for me. I was so bummed because that was the hottest thing in the shop around 15yrs ago!

[BIG STU]

3 hours ago, knudson81 said:

 

I know a guy who still RIPS the UST V2 and plays it religiously to this day. He has tried other shafts but just comfortable with the V2. I on the other hand have tried some older Diamana and Matrix shafts that I have laying around and never found the old magic they once had. It is a bummer because I REALLY wanted the Diamana 93x to work in a 7w!

IMHO if that Diamana 93 X had worked for you in a 7 wood that would have been a little pocket rocket. Me no way today with my back would I consider it

[Cwebb]

4 hours ago, golfinbrad said:

Manufacturing process, tolerances and materials used have all greatly improved.  That said if an older shaft fits your swing then there is no reason to change.  The UST V2 has always been one of my favorites.  While I might try other shafts, the V2 keeps going back in the bag.

 

There's nothing significant in the manufacturing process of the original V2's that is improved upon now.  If the bend profile, weight, and torque fit you, it's a great shaft.  Among a lot of others from many years ago

[jholz]

28 minutes ago, Stuart_G said:

 

If they are good fit, you wont loose a thing.  Might even gain something if they are better fit.

 

Personally I was a big fan of the PFv2, I just liked the Aldila VS-proto a tiny bit more.

 

I never had the chance to try the VS-Proto. But do still have a classic Aldila NV 75s in my DOT "Stenson Special" 13* FW.

 

I still put that club in the bag for certain courses. Tough to beat the head. Tough to beat the shaft.

 

That's why I keep playing it.

 

Although, I absolutely love hitting my current 15* G30 with the AD-DI 7X.

 

It's tough to go wrong with the options out there, and I'm always loath to blame the equipment.

 

As such, I've always had a frankenstein bag when it comes to shafts. I buy best available at a price I can afford.

Edited April 14, 2023 by jholz

[JCAG]

Aldila NV 55, A Flex SST Pured still my go to driver shaft.

[Stuart_G]

1 hour ago, knudson81 said:

I tried like heck to get that shaft to work when it first came out! Tried it in just about every driver, fairway, and hybrid head I could get my hands on but it just didn't work for me. I was so bummed because that was the hottest thing in the shop around 15yrs ago!

 

Sounds like a similar thing I went through with the original Grafalloy Blue.  Except I only tried it in one club before giving up on it and going to (really stumbling upon) the pro-lite.

Edited April 14, 2023 by Stuart_G

[drumdude96]

The YS6+ is still one of my favorite driver shafts of all time. The YS+ hybrid shaft ain't no slouch either. I actually just opened a 905T with YS6+ that I bought off Ebay for $45. Getting ready to head to the course with my early to mid 2000's vintage bag. 904F fairways and MP 30 irons round out the set.

[dmeeksDC]

About six weeks ago I put an Aldila ATX Tour Blue 85g hybrid shaft in a Mavrik Pro 23 degree head and it’s perfect. Fantastic performance. Stable but not boardy, penetrating mid-flight. Can pick up new ones for cheap these days. I always liked the ATX version and it still competes. Like it so much I may put a 75g fairway shaft in an og Rogue 7 wood head I got refinished. 

[Ger21]

3 hours ago, NRJyzr said:

I remember the ProForce shaft being not much over $30.

I remember the OG purple and yellow ProForce being about $70 from Golfsmith back in the day.

[Cwebb]

2 hours ago, Stuart_G said:

 

Sounds like a similar thing I went through with the original Grafalloy Blue.  Except I only tried it in one club before giving up on it and going to (really stumbling upon) the pro-lite.

 

 That super stiff middle section is a unique beast.  Made the shaft feel a bit dead to me.  I also preferred the Pro-Lite

[Cwebb]

1 hour ago, drumdude96 said:

The YS6+ is still one of my favorite driver shafts of all time. The YS+ hybrid shaft ain't no slouch either. I actually just opened a 905T with YS6+ that I bought off Ebay for $45. Getting ready to head to the course with my early to mid 2000's vintage bag. 904F fairways and MP 30 irons round out the set.

 

One of the very best shafts that has a soft overall bend profile through the tip.  Regardless of price

[Bad9]

3 hours ago, JCAG said:

Aldila NV 55, A Flex SST Pured still my go to driver shaft.

 

I still have a Graman UL440 regular that goes as good for me as all the shafts I have tried since.

[Mike_C]

About 20 years ago I had a UST Pro Force Gold 65 in an Orlimar HipTi driver that I just bombed and hit straight.   For some reason I never looked at it that close.  One day I did, and realized I had an R shaft.  I couldn't possibly be an regular shaft guy, so  I swapped it out for a stiff, never hit it nearly as good as I did the R......