50 Words or Less
The VA Composites Raijin is a high-end hybrid shaft made from premium materials with exceptional feel.
Introduction
Victor Afable has been around the golf industry for years. Most of our readers probably know him from his work making Oban one of the premier shaft companies in the industry. After years of working alongside other people in the industry, Victor decided it was time to launch his own company, and VA Composites was born.
With the intention to use nothing but the best materials and precise designs, VA launched with the Raijin shaft line. Knowing the importance of the fitting process, VA has made their shafts available through the best fitters in golf. I loved the Raijin 64 so much in my driver, I was anxious to try out the Raijin hybrid shaft. This review will take you through that experience.
Looks
No one will question your flair for style with a VA Composites Raijin in your golf bag. Though half the shaft is plain white, you’re immediately drawn to the dragon graphics in the middle of the shaft. The Raijin 64 got a lot of attention when it was in my bag and the hybrid shaft was no different. I have had the same shaft in multiple woods before, but never before has it been such a conversation topic. “Oh man, you have one of those dragon shafts in your hybrid too?!” Yes, I certainly do.
Feel
At the risk of making it sound like hyperbole, my first swing with the VA Composites Raijin hybrid shaft had me worried. It almost felt too smooth, like something must have gone wrong and I popped the ball up regardless of what the Trackman screen in front of me said. As I became more familiar with the Raijin hybrid shaft, I realized it just felt that good.
The Raijin hybrid is very smooth and easily launches the ball with some heat. Typically a hybrid shaft with a mid-high launch and low spin profile feels pretty stout and has some fight, but I didn’t feel that with the Raijin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a whippy noodle. The Raijin hybrid “holds up” through the swing and is easy to control with lots of response.
Performance
I mentioned above that the VA Composites Raijin hybrid was easy to launch and felt hot. My biggest performance gain with the Raijin hybrid was that I didn’t feel like I had to fight the club. Hitting controlled shots with some good height was effortless. I found I could lower my trajectory, but if you’re looking to just hit low bullets with your hybrid, a Raijin may not be the answer. This shaft is designed for those soft-landing approach shots into greens where trajectory is your best friend and it does that well. I envision this as the perfect 225-235 yard par-3 killer like #6 at Erin Hills (237 from the tips).
Conclusion
Like the VA Composites Raijin 64, the Raijin hybrid shaft is in a tight battle for my gamer. That feel and control I get from it is just so addicting. Maybe that’s a crazy justification for gaming a shaft, but it’s hard to argue with.
If you’re interested in trying a VA Raijin out in your hybrid, and you should be, contact your local Club Champion to setup a fitting. Admittedly, results may vary (that’s why we get professionally fitted) but I’m glad I gave the Raijin hybrid a try.
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Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.
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One Comment
And I just played Erin HIlls! Amen, I needed this shaft on that hole in particular! On my way to get this shaft.