TW's Axis Prototype Shaft

Precision · February 9, 2006

Woods opens his season by making equipment changes

By E. Michael Johnson-Golf World

ALTHOUGH it's not unusual for players to start the year with new equipment, Tiger Woods usually wasn't one to do so -- until last week, that is.

Woods didn't exactly overhaul his bag at the Buick Invitational (although he did sport a new, spiffy blue and silver one to house his clubs), but there were interesting comings and goings. After a one-round trial at December's Target World Challenge, Woods was back teeing it up with Nike's SasQuatch 460cc driver, albeit still searching for the right head/shaft combination. Woods used a prototype Grafalloy Axis shaft in round one but switched back to the Mitsubishi Diamana shaft he used last year for the final three rounds of the Buick. Although he found only one fairway Thursday, Woods cited distance over accuracy for the shaft change: "I hit it 15 yards farther, period. So it's hard to give up."

Woods didn't give up on his Nike Forged Blades, but he did put a backup set in play due to wear and tear on his previous gamers. "My grooves were getting a little worn down from all the practicing," said Woods, whose winter break from competition included a 24-day stretch during which he didn't touch a club.

That left little time for him to tinker with his 5-wood. Long known as the king of the "stinger" 2-iron, Woods recounted a shot he played on No. 6 on the South Course as an example of why the 5-wood was in the bag.

"I drove it just in the right rough," he said. "Had not a very good lie at all, [and] had an opportunity to use 5-wood and run it right down the fairway. If I'm stuck with a 2-iron in the bag, I don't have that opportunity." Which might help explain why Woods, who won the Buick in a playoff, said he would travel this year with 15 clubs and make his choice of carrying the 2-iron or 5-wood based on the layout.

Given Woods' penchant for sticking with what's in his bag, that might mean those 15 clubs will see him through the entire year.

"He played an Axis 75 Tour X tipped 3/4" during a round one @ the Buick. The raw CPM of the 75 X shaft is 265 & is 1/2 a flex stiffer in the butt section but significantly stiffer in the tip." ~ Don Brown, Product Development Manager

Leftystar · February 10, 2006

I can't wait to have mine put in tomorrow.

So you bought the one that was for sale in the Classified's - I think that's a good decsion :drinks:

Let us know how it works. What did you end up paying for it? if you don't mind me asking. thanks.

Mr3Putt · February 10, 2006

I got mine today. 75X and better yet, came with a Bridgestone J33 460 on the end. What a sick combo !! Now if the damn snow would melt I can see what it's all about. Funny thing, though, for a 75gram shaft it feels awful light. Swing weight is D3 ??? Who cares, I'll take the 15 yards all day.

Volcanicstrad37 · February 10, 2006

Where are you guys finding these shafts?

Extreme Firepower · February 10, 2006

Where are you guys finding these shafts?

I know, I hope you all paid top dollar for them, make me feel a little better.

If you got them for a steal, public inquiry is called for!! :drinks:

Gte some reviews up here, it's your civic duty to those who can only dream!

illinikyle · February 10, 2006

There was one for sale here...listed around $200

Leftystar · February 10, 2006

Where are you guys finding these shafts?

I know, I hope you all paid top dollar for them, make me feel a little better.

If you got them for a steal, public inquiry is called for!!

Gte some reviews up here, it's your civic duty to those who can only dream!

I think Leftygolfer bought a one time pull off this site, not sure though. It was listed for $230 i think, thread is closed.

Which i think is a Steal!!! :drinks: ;)

Volcanicstrad37 · February 10, 2006

Does anyone have "sources" availible to be able to get one to sell... If so what is the projected cost? I'm just trying to figure out some more options for a new driver I'll be getting.