50 Words or Less
The Aldila Ascent shaft provides higher launch without raising spin too much. A tight, controlled kick. Stable impact feel.
Introduction
Late 2020 and early 2021 have seen a shaft market crowded with sequels but relatively light on new products. The Aldila Ascent is an exception, a brand new offering from one of the most prominent makers. The Ascent has an intriguing promise – higher launch without compromise – which I was eager to test.
Looks
The “Dynamic Deep Red Metallic Flake” color of the Aldila Ascent looks fantastic. The upper two-thirds of the shaft is red with white graphics and that flips in the lower third. With an emphasis on the bold color, graphics are kept fairly minimal. There are some small geometric designs and “Ascent” branding in a futuristic font. Near the tip, “Impact Stabilization Zone” technology is highlighted.
Feel
I tested the Aldila Ascent in both X and TX flex. In the standard X-flex, I found that it had a very tight kick through impact. I felt the bend primarily in the lower third of the shaft, but the tip was much more stable than I was expecting from a shaft billed as higher launching.
When I switched to the TX, the feel got predictably stiffer. The kick was still present, but it was dialed down substantially, and I had to give it a full go to activate it. If you like the feel of a stout shaft but are looking for higher launch, don’t be afraid to give the Ascent a chance, particularly in a flex above your normal range.
Performance
Typically, a high launching shaft feels very lively and has a soft tip section. This is great for increasing launch angle but it can also raise spin to undesirable levels and sacrifice control. The Aldila Ascent aims to solve those problems with the Impact Stabilization Zone. The Impact Stabilization Zone is a section of the shaft which is stiffer and infused with tungsten to create more stability and improve energy transfer.
In my testing, the Ascent performed exactly as promised. The launch angles I was seeing were some of the highest that I’ve posted with my gamer in quite a while. While my launch angle came up, my spin rates stayed in a range that optimized my carry distance and kept the ball in the fairway.
Not only was the Ascent able to manage spin while raising my launch angle, it was also predictable in terms of direction. As regular readers know, I tend to avoid active-feeling shafts because they can lead me to spraying the ball. With the X-flex Ascent, I was hitting a very comfortable, playable draw almost every time. When I moved up to TX, the dispersion was equally tight but shifted toward the middle of the fairway. With both versions, what I liked was that there weren’t any shots that left me wondering, “How did the ball go that way?”
The Aldila Ascent is available in 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 grams. In 40 grams, R2, Regular, and Stiff flexes are offered. Regular, Stiff, and X are offered at 50 grams. At 60 and 70 grams, only faster swingers need apply as Stiff, X, and TX are the available flexes. The 80 gram version is only offered in TX.
Conclusion
The Aldila Ascent delivers exactly what it promises: higher launch without compromise. If you’ve avoided higher launching shafts because of spin or accuracy concerns, this is one that you need to check out. And, depending on your feel preferences, don’t be afraid to step outside your normal flex.
Visit Aldila HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
- Reader Review – Nippon Modus Hybrid HL Shaft - November 14, 2025
- Volvik VTU3 & VTU4 Golf Ball Review - November 11, 2025
- Odyssey S2S Tri-Hot Putter Review - November 10, 2025
34 Comments
This could be the shaft that unleashes my 9° G30 LST again!
wow Matt, those are some of the best driver numbers Ive seen from you in a long time! For the player that needs some launch, this seems like an awesome shaft
Id be very intrigued by this in a fairway. Reminds me of the Graphite Design Tour AD-IZ which has been my favorite fairway wood shaft for launch and low spin….. but Im really loving the Ascent color
Wow Matt, those are some excellent numbers. Did you test the 60 or 70 gram shaft?
60 gram.
-Matt
What is cost of this shaft, and would it be as good for slower swing speeds(around 80)?
Joe,
I don’t know the cost.
As to fitting an 80 MPH swinger, if it’s well fit, there are absolutely a lot of 80 MPH swingers that the Ascent will be great for.
-Matt
$250 on Golf Works, so that must be the standard price.
Matt –
Are you saying you preferred a stiffer shaft than normal with this offering or more flexible.?
Thanks!
Travis,
I’m not sure I was really saying either. In the Ascent I would probably play the TX, though I could play the X, too. Depending on profile, I’m usually between X and TX because I prefer a stiffer, more controlled feel in general.
Best,
Matt
Great review Matt! Sounds like this shaft worked well for you. From your recollection, what are some of the straightest shafts you have ever tested and would this make the cut?
Mat,
For me, stiffer shafts, particularly in the tip, have always been the straightest. The Ascent is very good, but probably not in the top echelon, though this is all based on memory as opposed to head-to-head testing. For me, some of the straightest shafts have been from the HZRDUS line, the Ventus Black, Nippon MB+, Diamana white profiles, etc.
-Matt
Is wflex a woman s shaft
Which 60 gram shaft do you like for distance and dispersion?
Al,
The best way to find your optimal shaft is to get fit.
-Matt
Hi Matt:
Great review! I have the Ascent shaft for my Ping G425 LST and Sim Max2 3W. from fitting. How would you rate Ascent vs Ventus shaft? I never tried the ventus until I picked up a sim2 max 5W.
Julian,
I have a full review of the Ventus here: https://pluggedingolf.com/fujikura-ventus-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Which shaft did you like best the Adila Ascent or Mitsubishi Kali?
Mark,
I prefer the Kaili.
-Matt
Matt,
I purchased a new TM stealth….
Had the ascent stiff shaft..
TM gave me the shaft.. I am a 67 year old 5 with SS of 103-105 MPH
This buggy whip did nothing but flight the ball uncontrollably even at 8.25* which my old M1 was set up at… I returned to PGA super store…They changed out to a new shaft titleist is putting in their TSI
What a difference… No super whip at bottom, no TWISITNG OF THE HEAD at impact, no uncontrollable flighting.. you get the true results of your swing
PGA Store rep told me its a $300.00 dollar upcharge but they let me swap it at no cost.
Thank you PGA super store, shame on Taylor Made to charge %$585.00 and stick a sub standard buggy whip in the head….
I know this review is a couple years old now. I have been struggling with my ventus black and looking for a stable profile with different feel. Do you think the Ascent can fit that bill?
Randall,
The Ascent is quite different than the Ventus Black, so it fits the bill in that way.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I meant from a stability standpoint along with having the different feel. My problem is when I am not swinging fluidly or the swing is just off, the ventus black just is off and hard to time.
Thanks,
Randy
Randall,
You’re a regular reader, so you know that ultimately I’m going to recommend that you get fit. I don’t think there’s much that’s as stable as the Ventus Black.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Fair enough and thanks for recognizing my name :)
Randy
Is the Ascent 40g Aflex shaft not available anymore? I just hit that shaft at a fitting on 01/27/2024.
Larry,
I’m not sure what lofts and flexes are currently offered.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, I have been having trouble with my driver for some time now, have tried a lot of different approaches including switching shaft. My clubhead speed is similar you your own and I was fitted for a X Stiff Hzrdus Smoke 6.5 60g shaft. I found I could not keep this one on the planet. I tried switching in a Fujikura Pro Xlr8 Pro 71 Stiff flex, which performed better but still very inconsistent. I also know it could very well be my technique, but I don’t struggle with other clubs really. On holiday recently I rented a driver with an Ascent 40 S Flex shaft and suddenly gained consistency for that week. You have massive knowledge on this topic, I was wondering if you could give me an idea why this one would have worked over the other two? Just so I know what to look for that suits. Sorry for the very long message. Last resort here…
Thanks,
Diarmuid
Diarmund,
A couple thoughts:
1) With the rental driver, what head were you using? The shaft is really important, but it’s not everything. The head alone is important and the way the head and shaft interact is important.
2) Based only on what you’ve said, it seems like lighter and softer was helpful. I would bring that information to a fitting and see if that can lead you in a better direction.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt, appreciate the reply.
1. The driver head was a Titleist TSR2, 11 degree head, A1 setting. My own driver is a Cobra Speedzone 10.5 head, STD setting. Might be just TSR2 has better forgiveness perhaps.
2. Yes, I will do this, just counterintuitive for a somewhat fast swing speed of about 105 that lighter and softer would be easier to control, which is probably the main reason I wanted to ask you about it.
Diarmund,
If I had a nickel for every time I saw something counterintuitive in a fitting, I’d own an island. It’s why I always harp on the importance of fitting. I know that frustrates a lot of people, but I’ve seen bad-on-paper things work way too often to blithely tell people, “Sure, you swing fast, play heavy and stiff.”
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt, not an exact science, definitely not with me anyway… The TSR2 stock options seem to be as follows: Hzrdus Red CB, Tensei AV Blue, Hzrdus Black, Tensei 1K Black.
In terms of lighter and softer profile, something like the Tensei AV Blue might be the one to try based on my reading. Would you agree?
The Tensei Blue is pretty middle of the road. It does come in some light variants though.
-Matt
Hello Matt
I am a senior with slow swing speed
Looking at Callaway Big Bertha 23 irons with graphite shaft
What is the best shaft for me, Ascent 50 or RCH 65 callaway
Thank you
Vinnie,
The only way to know is through a fitting. On paper, slower swingers should benefit from a lighter shaft, but that’s not always the case in reality.
Best,
Matt