Callaway Apex Uw Budget Shaft Options (Aldila NV Green 85x / Proforce V2 8x)

[TigerDeChamb]

Hi Club Fitting Experts,

I recently picked up a Callaway Apex UW 21° and need a more budget-friendly shaft. As a scratch golfer with a fairly high swing speed (~118mph driver SS), I’m looking in the 85-105g range. The Apex UW’s .335 hosel requires a wood shaft, which raises costs compared to hybrid shafts.

For reference, I play a Fujikura Ventus Black Velcore 6X in my driver (tipped 1.5") and love its feel, but $500 for a hybrid shaft isn’t justifiable. I’m considering the Aldila NV Green 85X and Proforce V2 8X.

Here are the specs for comparison:

Proforce V2 8X

Weight: 86g

Torque: 1.8

Launch: Low/Mid

Kick pt: ???

Aldila NV Green 85X

Weight: 89g

Torque 2.8

Launch: Low

Kick Pt: Mid/high

Fujikura Ventus Black 9x (For Comparison only)

Weight: 93g

Torque 2.8

Launch: Low

Bend pt: High

Based on these specs, the Aldila NV Green seems closer to the Ventus Black 9X. However, I’ve heard good things about the Proforce V2 as well. Has anyone tested these and can confirm which is more similar to the Ventus Black 9X profile?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[saevel25]

What golf shaft(s) do you have in your driver and woods? I would say try to match those. 

[TigerDeChamb]

24 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

What golf shaft(s) do you have in your driver and woods? I would say try to match those. 

I play a bit of a mixed bag (see below), but I think I like the feel of the Ventus Black line the most. The thing is, it's hard to justify $500 for a shaft for a utility wood which is why I am considering cheaper options such as the Aldila NV Green 85X and Proforce V2 8X. I just want to know which would feel more similar to a Ventus Black profile if that makes sense.

Driver: Ping G430 LST 9deg - Fujukura Ventus Black 6X (Tipped 1.5")

Mini Driver: Taylormade 300 Series - Project X HZARDUS Smoke Blue 6.5 X-stiff 70g

Hybrid: Srixon ZXi 19deg - Fujukura Ventus Blue 10X HB

Callaway Apex UW 21 deg - ...

Edited June 18, 2025 by TigerDeChamb

[saevel25]

Not sure I can answer then. Weight, torque, launch are similar, but what can be impactful is bend profile of the golf shaft. 

If you like the Fujikura Ventus Black, then I am not sure the Aldila works. It could be close, but noticeably different. Especially for a scratch golfer. I don't know how you react to the golf club fitting.