UST Releases Proforce AXIVCore Shaft Series

Graphite shaft technology seemingly grows by leaps and bounds with each new release from the various manufacturers. There is some exciting, cutting-edge technology being used for the making of the next generations of graphite shafts and it will be very interesting to stay abreast of what is available now and what is coming down the road.

With that, the folks at UST have just come out with their new Proforce AXIVCore Shaft Series which will give you at least 30 extra yards of distance and pinpoint accuracy with your woods and hybrid. Okay, I made that claim up but they do utilize some pretty neat technology to give you a graphite shaft that fits you like a glove and provides performance that you’ve come to expect from UST.

Join me as we take a look at the Proforce AXIVCore Shaft Series.

Technology
The Proforce AXIVCore Shaft Series utilizes a UST “proprietary process of weaving specific high-modulus carbon fibers in the critical four axis directions necessary in shaft design to optimize stiffness, hoop strength, and torsional resistance.”

For us non-engineers, basically this design helps provide the shaft with more stability as well as a more “consistent shaft recovery” so that the shaft gives you the same performance time and time again.

Proforce AXIVCore Blue
The Proforce AXIVCore Blue shaft is a high launch shaft and features what UST describes as “an active tip section that optimizes torque and improves feel and generates more spin for greater carry distance.”

The Proforce AXIVCore Blue carries a MSRP of $115 (street price of about $90) and comes in a variety of flexes and weights to fit a smorgasbord of swing profiles. You can add one of these to your collection today. Specs are as follows:

Flex   Weight  Torque  Butt OD   Butt   Mid   Tip   Parallel  Tip OD  	
----   ------  ------  -------   -----  ---   ---   --------  ------        
 L 	57 g 	5.5 	0.592"    236   5.3    20     4.0"    0.335" 	
 A 	58 g 	4.9 	0.595"    249   5.9    22     4.0"    0.335" 	
 R 	58 g 	4.6 	0.595"    262   6.5    23     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	58 g 	4.4 	0.600"    275   7.3    25     4.0"    0.335" 	
 R 	70 g 	3.8 	0.607"    266   6.9    25     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	70 g 	3.8 	0.607"    279   7.6    27     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	70 g 	3.8 	0.607"    293   8.2    29     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	78 g 	3.3 	0.616"    279   7.6    27     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	78 g 	3.3 	0.616"    293   8.2    29     4.0"    0.335"

Proforce AXIVCore Tour Black
For those golfers who prefer a initial high launch with low spin and increased ball speed, the Proforce AXIVCore Tour Black has already been tour-tested and “incorporates superior high-modulus carbon fiber in the mid and tip section of the shaft, and the flexible, low torque tip section creates a higher launch trajectory with less ball spin, and provides the player with better control.”

Tour performance doesn’t come cheap as the Proforce AXIVCore Tour Black carries a MSRP: $165. You’ll have to wait until January 2009 to see if this is the right shaft for you. Specs are as follows:

Flex   Weight  Torque  Butt OD   Butt   Mid   Tip   Parallel  Tip OD  	
----   ------  ------  -------   -----  ---   ---   --------  ------        
 R 	68 g 	3.1 	0.609"    265   6.8    24     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	68 g 	3.1 	0.609"    279   7.5    26     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	68 g 	3.1 	0.609"    293   8.2    28     4.0"    0.335" 	
 R 	77 g 	2.6 	0.616"    267   6.8    26     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	77 g 	2.5 	0.616"    280   7.6    26     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	77 g 	2.5 	0.616"    294   8.2    28     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S 	86 g 	2.1 	0.619"    283   7.8    26     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	87 g 	2.1 	0.619"    297   8.3    28     4.0"    0.335" 

Proforce AXIVCore Tour Red
We’re not done yet. For golfers that have above average ball speed but don’t want a higher launch, then let me introduce you to the Proforce AXIVCore Tour Red. While similar to the Tour Black model, the Tour Red Series features a stiffer tip profile that delivers a “strong, penetrating launch trajectory, low spin, and firmer feel.”

Like the Tour Black Series, you’ll have to wait until January 2009 to get one of these bad boys and it will also carry a MSRP of $165. Specs are as follows:

Flex   Weight  Torque  Butt OD   Butt   Mid   Tip   Parallel  Tip OD  	
----   ------  ------  -------   -----  ---   ---   --------  ------        
 S 	68 g 	3.2 	0.609"    265   6.8    24     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	69 g 	3.2 	0.609"    293   8.4    30     4.0"    0.335" 	
 XX 	69 g 	3.2 	0.609"    294   8.3    32     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S	77 g 	2.6 	0.616"    280   8.0    28     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	78 g 	2.6 	0.616"    293   8.7    31     4.0"    0.335" 	
 XX 	78 g 	2.8 	0.616"    294   8.6    34     4.0"    0.335" 	
 S	87 g 	2.1 	0.619"    283   8.2    28     4.0"    0.335" 	
 X 	87 g 	2.1 	0.619"    297   8.8    31     4.0"    0.335" 	
 XX 	87 g 	2.3 	0.619"    298   8.7    34     4.0"    0.335"

Hybrids
Not to be left out in the love, the AXIVCore Series extends for hybrid shafts as well. Featuring a Blue, Tour Black and Tour Red, the flight characteristics are similar to the breakdown you see above. Look for these to show up in January 2009 (sorry no pricing as of yet.)

In the End
If your current driver or hybrid doesn’t seem to have the same zip or if are craving some change in your golfing diet, then perhaps it’s time to schedule a session with a launch monitor and get fitted for a new shaft. As far as graphite shafts prices go, the new line from UST seems to be quite reasonable and is definitely a cheaper option to give your current driver new life rather that plunking down $400-$500 for a new one.