Cleveland HiBore shaft options

[elivate]

I was just reading the review of the HiBore XLS and I was curious about the two shaft options.

The review states:

The Red is the heavier weight, lower torque version with a higher kick point than the Gold.

Can someone please clarify for me exactly what this means? If I am looking at the Gold and The Red shaft, what does the difference in weight, torque, and kick point actually mean as far as how the ball flight will be affected?

[Bump-n-MI]

Higher kick point promotes a lower launch angle.

[elivate]

Higher kick point promotes a lower launch angle.

OK, thanks so of the two shafts the Gold should promote a higher ball flight then?

[Bump-n-MI]

Yes.

Fujikura® Fit-On M™ Gold Standard Trajectory Shaft


Low-Mid kickpoint and active tip section for increased launch angle
Higher ball speed and optimal trajectory results in maximum distance with smooth feel at impact
Stiff Flex: Weight: 60 g; Tip: .350; Butt: .600; Flex Point: Low-Mid; Swing Weight: D3/D2; Torque: 3.5°
Regular Flex: Weight: 55 g; Tip: .350; Butt: .600; Flex Point: Low-Mid; Swing Weight: D3/D2; Torque: 3.8°

Fujikura® Fit-On M™ Red Tour Trajectory Shaft


Designed for strong players with fast swing speeds or players who struggle with too much spin
Mid-High kickpoint and low torque allow skilled players to control their trajectory
Stiff Flex: Weight: 65 g; Tip: .350; Butt: .600; Flex Point: Mid-High; Swing Weight: D5/D4; Torque: 3.1°

[elivate]

Thanks for the info!

the HiBore XL (last years model) is on my radar right now, but I am concerned about getting the proper shaft...

I see you have the Cleveland Hi-Bore 9.5 w/Aldila NVS, how do you like that setup?

[BigDubz]

I commented on the review (very nicely done btw), and after hitting both versions on a launch monitor, the basic difference for me was the amount of ball spin and launch angles. I was hitting a driver with an Aldila NV65 stiff shaft, lower kick-point and getting very high ball flight that didn't roll far and would sometimes even spin back.

I ended up purchasing a Hibore XL driver, with the red shaft stiff. The result has been more control on the height of my drives.

For instance, a typical, off the left big-toe setup hits what I would consider a "normal" trajectory, while moving the ball back in my stance allows for a lower "under the wind" drive about half as high.

The torque is how much rotation of the shaft (think ringing out a towel) is allowed. In shafts with more allowed twisting, off-center hits had me feeling the club head twisting. I don't know if the lower torque shaft I have now affects my distance, but the solid feel on impact is a confidence builder and worth a few yards.

This is my first driver with "High MOI" and all the new fancy technology, but on the monitor, it seems to me that the shafts made the real difference. I would highly recommend investing in some time on a monitor before plunking down for a new driver. Some retail stores will offer this service at a discounted or free rate is you purchase a driver.

Anyhow, thats my best estimation of the terms and how it all fits together, hopefully others will chime in and put some more perspective to it.

[elivate]

So I finally bought this driver, can't wait to get it. After a lot of research and searching I found an ebay store selling this driver with the Grafalloy Pro Launch Blue 65S shaft! This should be a great shaft for me and I am excited to get this baby and try it out. I went with 10.5 degrees of loft over the 9.5 I currently have, that and the prolaunch shaft should give me a nice high ball flight, just what I am looking for!