The third major release in Adams Golf’s Speedline series of drivers and woods has for the most part stayed true to what has made the previous iterations a success: increase clubhead speed via the reduction of air resistance. Upon visiting the product page for the new Speedline FAST 10 driver, you may be led to believe that the page could double for that of a sports car or airplane. Technology such as FEA simulation, CFD analysis, and the use of a wind tunnel may have seemed outlandish years ago, but when you think of ways to get the most of your power transferred to the ball, it only makes sense to reduce the effect of those forces that slow your club down.
Let’s take a look at the latest from Adams – and all the technology they’ve put into the clubs.
Speedline Drivers
Adams relies on simple physics and aerodynamics in an effort to help the player swing the club faster. Makes sense, doesn’t it? In fact, Adams has done such a good job with this concept, the new 460cc FAST 10 driver has 10% less drag and turbulence than any other previous model. The end result is a driver head that cuts through the air on the downswing faster and more efficiently, producing up to 15 yards more carry distance than before. This design results in less of your energy being wasted on pulling the club through the resistance of the air, and more of it being transferred to the ball. The face area has also been expanded 17% and features a larger sweet spot than previous generation’s Speedline models.
In order to reduce that drag and improve the efficiency of the club’s movement through the air, the head of the FAST 10 driver underwent a 100% increase in toe curvature and a 300% decrease in heel curvature. On top of the aerodynamic improvements, the new Speedline driver also has a 10% increase in MOI over previous models, making it the most forgiving Speedline driver to date.
The sole is particularly busy, with various equations decorating the bottom, along with Speedline FAST 10 graphics, grid-like graphics extending from face to back on the heel and toe sides, “Aerodynamic Technology” decorating the back bow, Adams Golf on the toe side, and the loft on the heel side, all on top of a blue base. Luckily, the distracting graphics are not seen at address, where the Speedline FAST 10 driver maintains a very traditional, clean, pear-shaped appearance.
The President and CEO of Adams Golf, Chip Brewer had these comments on the FAST 10 lineup:
The success of the Speedline series clearly shows that the benefits of a driver head with aerodynamic shaping which delivers increased distance has resonated with golfers of all playing abilities. Now, with the launch of Speedline FAST 10 as the third-generation of this technology, we have furthered our lead in this exciting new category of drivers.
Chip Brewer, President & CEO, Adams Golf
Four lofts are available, ranging from 8.5° to 10.5° and a 12.5° (in one degree increments) model. The FAST 10 is pretty long in terms of overall club length at 46.125″, and may be a little longer than some like. All lofts have a lie angle of 58° and a swing weight at D2. Adams gives you two stock shaft options; the Aldila Wasabi 60g and the Matrix HD 60g, both of which are available in flex profiles ranging from A- all the way up to X-Stiff. The standard grip is the Adams Tour Velvet on all models except for those with the A-flex shaft, which is topped off with the Winn Grip G8. A multitude of custom options are available from Adams, including shafts from manufacturers such as Aldila, Graffalloy, UST, and others. There is also a draw version available for those looking for a closed face. MSRP is $399.99.
Fairway Woods
When looking for a fairway wood, versatility is normally one of the key qualities you’re probably looking for, as you’ll be hitting if off of both the tee and the turf. Adams concentrated on that playability factor with their new fairway woods by the strategic placement of weight pads and a 57% increase in sole camber. The weight pads are placed in the various locations around the head to help golfers with various swings. In the standard model, the weight pad is located in the back of the head, which helps to produce a higher launch. The other variation, a draw model, locates the weight pad near the heel. The FAST 10 fairway wood also makes use of a precision milled sole plate to optimize the center of gravity.
Again, like the driver, the sole of the fairway wood is a little busy, but not to the extent of the driver. Though the crown keeps a clean appearance, the sole is decorated with Adams and Speeline graphics, as well as web-like sections on the heel side and rear of the head.
Three lofts are available: a 13° strong 3W, a 15° standard 3W, and an 18° 5W. Like the driver, both the Aldila Wasabi and the Matrix HD shafts are available as standard shaft options, though these both weigh in at 70g. Flex options are available from A- to X-stiff, with the same grip choices as the FAST 10 driver. Custom options are available if you prefer another shaft. The MSRP for the FAST 10 fairway wood is $299.99.
Final Thoughts
It really looks like Adams has another winner on their hands, as the recently released Golf Digest had the FAST 10 driver listed as one of its gold medalists. Sure, the soles of both lines might be busier than others on the market, but that’s irrelevant in my book. You don’t see the sole when you’re standing over the ball at address. Performance is what matters, and for those of us looking to squeeze ever mile per hour out of swing (under control, of course), the Speedline, and all of its aerodynamic enhancements is worth at least a demo.
Had the 1st model hit it well then puff could not hit it at all!! LOL So I will give this a try.
A stock shaft that’s over 46″ long! I would guess that making solid contact would mean more distance than the few mph of clubhead speed. Controlling a driver that long is going to take some great coordination and skill that most hackers just don’t have.
Lots of commentary of the merits / demerits of the trend toward longer driver shafts (started by Taylor Made, but gaining momentum). Since nobody should be buying off the rack gear these days given the advantages of custom fitting, can’t we just order a shorter shaft? Are there other side effects to doing this to be concerned with this?
Let’s see, shaft length = 46.125″. Average shaft length on the PGA tour is 44.5″.
Is there a message here?
I haven’t tried this new Adams model yet, but I demo’d last years model on a launch monitor and for me the technology of these clubs are real. I tried a variety of Drivers that day from Taylormade, Titleist, Cleveland,,,ect, and the Adams Speedline was nearly 3mph faster on average on swing speed and my total distance was longer than any of the others. When it comes time to replace my old driver the Adams Speedline will be at the top of the list for consideration.
I have Adams idea pro set (irons and hybrids) which are fantastic. Dropped 3 stokes in the first 2 months. Tried the driver against my titliest 905T. No difference in swing speed or distance. A bad swing was a bad result with either. This is not a knock on the Adams driver but rather confirms it is definitely worth considering as I find my 905T a great club to swing.
While I agree that it is a little on the long side (I’m being nice, work with me here 🙂 ), you can’t really base it on what tour players have in the bag. On tour, driving accuracy is much more important than distance, whereas a lot of amateurs want as much distance as possible. I’m not saying that’s the best approach, there are just a lot of people out there that will do just about anything to get their clubhead speed as high as possible at the expense of control.
I also think different configurations work for different people. The shaft on my driver is 45.75″, and it works well for me, but I also know a ton of people that play at 44″-45″ and will never go longer.
Yes, the retailer can most likely cut the shaft down in store and re-grip it, and you walk away with it that day. If they can’t, they can definitely special order one for you.
As far as side effects, yeah, the swingweight will change, and it may play a tiny bit stiffer. Are those side effects negative? Nah, I really think they’d be all positive to be quite honest. Because of the shorter shaft, You’ll be more in control of the club, and the difference in stiffness will most likely be unnoticeable, but that would mostly depend on how much it is shortened.
If you have a s/s of 115 mph and play fairways 28 yards wide you’ll want a shorter shaft. I have an 83 mph s/s, went to a 46.5″ shaft and now easily clear a creek that had been a thorn in my side for years. But rest assured, the very minute the fairways I play shrink by 30% and my distance increases by 30% I’ll cut that sucker down.
I’m a 13.2 index, and just bought the Fast 10 Driver (9.5* with the Stiff Flex Matrix Shaft)…I was fitted for it, and walked into the shop wanting to buy the Ping G15. The Fast 10 consistantly flew 12-15 yards longer than the G15.
I really wasn’t interested in buying an Adams club, but the numbers don’t lie. After a full practice session on the range following my purchase, I can confidently say this club is for real. I’m taking it on the out on the track this weekend and will follow up with further results.
I’m not sure which shaft to get on the Speedline Fast 10 driver. the Matrix, or the Wasabi. could you help me.
I just turned 60. My h/c is 7. My swing is smooth and probably 80-90mph.
Thanks for your help
Charlie
I hit 50 balls on a driving range with a 10.5 degree Fast 10/Matrix shaft and my impression was that it hit too high (windy day). The next time I visited they had received a 9.5 degree Fast 10 with the Wasabi shaft. I hit approx 75 balls with the two demos just to compare. I hit both high, the Matrix probably a little higher, but I hit more accurately with the Wasabi shaft – right down the center most of the time – I pulled the Matrix far left occassionally. The distance was excellent with both (no wind this time). I only had one miss-hit with the 75 balls – kind of a shank. I really liked the feel of the driver with the Wasabi shaft, so I ordered an exact copy of the demo (9.5 degree with Wasabi shaft, not draw biased). There is a gift certificate deal presently, so the price is right. I can’t wait to try it on the course.
I got the names of the shafts reversed in my previous comment, my 63 yr old memory is not dependable. I did not do as well with the Aldila Wasabi shaft as with the Matrix HD shaft, so I ordered the club with the Matrix HD. I hit consistently straight down the middle with that shaft. The club was back-ordered, so Im still waiting. I am hitting my present driver longer than I’ve driven in years – it’s this years model of a Super club introduced last year. I like the club but I’m inconsistent with it, some left, some right, some down the middle. I’m hoping for more consistency with the Fast 10 driver. It’ll be nice if it also hits just as far the present one.