50 Words or Less
The Fujikura AXIOM graphite iron shaft delivers consistent performance, even for aggressive swingers. Lower launch and spin. Gives golfers total control of their ball flight.
Introduction
If you’ve been paying careful attention to the PGA Tour, you’ve noticed that graphite iron shafts are becoming more common. While heavyweight steel is still the default, more professionals and skilled amateurs are realizing that graphite shafts can stand up to fast swings. Not only can graphite handle the load, it offers more possibilities into terms of weight and design.
This trend can only be accelerated by the arrival of the Fujikura AXIOM graphite iron shaft. Utilizing the same VeloCore Technology that has made the VENTUS a global success [VENTUS reviews HERE], AXIOM promises players consistency and shot control throughout their set.
Looks
Like most of the Tour-caliber graphite iron shafts released in the last couple years, the Fujikura AXIOM keeps things visually understated. The shaft is matte black with white and grey graphics. With a “logo down” installation (above), you see a small Fujikura logo below the grip, encased in repeating Vs.
With a “logo up” installation, the AXIOM branding is visible. The A in AXIOM mirrors the repeating Vs that resurface under the AXIOM branding. As with VENTUS, Fujikura gave AXIOM a futuristic font to convey the technology involved in its design. The only color on the shaft is the tiny red Fujikura logo.
Like the “real deal” Ventus shafts, the Fujikura AXIOM iron shafts have the VeloCore logo near the tip.
Feel
Built to deliver consistency – even for stronger players – the Fujikura AXIOM shafts have a very stout feel. If I were to compare the AXIOM to a Ventus, it would be the Ventus Black [review HERE].
This is a shaft designed to give you the same sensation swing after swing, no matter how hard you lean on it. For me, the AXIOM doesn’t feel rigid or harsh, but there isn’t a pronounced kick, either. I like this, especially in an iron shaft, because it gives me the sense that the shot is up to me. There’s no feeling of needing to sync up with the shaft; I just need to deliver the club head to execute the shot at hand.
Finally, the Fujikura AXIOM does a little bit to clean up the feeling of impact. It didn’t alter the character of the clubs I was hitting, but, as with graphite putter shafts, impact felt a little more “pure.”
Fujikura AXIOM Specs
Before I get to my results, let’s dive into what the Fujikura AXIOM offers. Like most graphite irons shafts, AXIOM comes in a parallel tip. Unlike most graphite iron shafts, there are three models: AXIOM Long Iron (2-4), AXIOM Mid Iron (5-7), and AXIOM Short Iron (8-W). Because there’s less tip trimming required, Fujikura states they’re able to use premium materials further down the shaft.
The Fujikura AXIOM also comes in three weights: 75, 105, and 125 grams. The 75 gram version is offered in R2, Regular, and Stiff flexes, promising a level of stability you don’t typically get at this light weight. At 105 grams, Fujikura makes Stiff and X flexes. They state that this model allows players to drop some weight without sacrificing control. The heaviest AXIOM is available only in X flex and meant to withstand the most aggressive swings with sub-2° torque values.
Performance
I tested the Fujikura AXIOM at 105 grams in X flex. These shafts were installed in my GEOM Moe irons [review HERE] after I gathered extensive data with the Modus 115 shafts that were previously installed. Thanks to Club Champion for PUREing and installing the AXIOM shafts.
My biggest takeaway is that these shafts deliver on the promise of dropping weight while preserving consistency. Despite being 10 grams lighter than my gamers, the AXIOM produced launch and spin numbers that were almost identical. More importantly, the dispersion and consistency were just as good. The benefit came from the reduced weight and the small uptick in ball speed – about 1 MPH on average.
What sets the AXIOM apart from most graphite iron shafts I’ve tried is the control it gives me over the shot. Just like a well-fit steel shaft, the AXIOM felt like a blank slate where I could paint whatever shot I wanted. These shafts favor a lower launching and spinning shot, but I could hit the ball high, left, or right without difficulty.
Finally, I noticed very little difference when switching from the AXIOM Long Iron to Mid Iron to Short Iron, and I think this is very positive thing. While each shaft is designed to optimize a particular portion of the iron set, it was not something I had to think about while I played.
Conclusion
The Fujikura AXIOM graphite iron shaft is a big step toward the normalization of high level golfers putting graphite into their irons. At over $100 per shaft, AXIOM is not for everyone, but the cutting edge never is. If you want to get great consistency and shot control in a lighter iron shaft, the AXIOM is something you need to try.
Visit Fujikura Golf HERE
Matt Saternus
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Will these be available from the OEM’s at any point?
I’m sure that if there’s enough demand they will be.
Best,
Matt
Matt, great review. Did you feel the velocore in the axiom provided any additional forgiveness/helped when you miss hit or didn’t strike a shot as clean compared to your gamer?
James,
I didn’t see any data to support that. That said, my gamers are a perfect fit and I’ve been using them for several years exclusively. For a new shaft to jump in and go shot-for-shot with them is more than impressive in my book.
Best,
Matt
Why do Axiom iron shafts not come in .355 taper tip?
Joe,
The tip is .370 and can be prepped to fit a .355 hosel.
-Matt
Hey Matt,
Good stuff and Thanks for sharing
How Was the feel experience from going lighter(10gram) than your gamer? Something you Could get use to? What ajustment would you make to make them feel at your spec?
Soren,
It wasn’t a big enough change to bother me; I could easily play them. I think that often players go to a lighter shaft that’s also softer and that twofold change gets them tripped up.
Best,
Matt
I have hit these in 105X as well. My experience aligns fairly well with your description here. Very quality product. Although with the word velocore, gonna hit the pocket book. Also found the LA A series Low to be quite similar to these. From a Nippon 125 user here.
What’s your swing speed, launch angle and ball speed for a 7i with the 105x? I’m thinking of trying something new and I’m coming from a modus 120x and the tour elevate 115x. I’m looking to knock down spin and launch.
Drew,
With caveats for the fact that sometimes people and gear mix in unusual ways, I don’t think you’re going to see a big difference between the AXIOM and the Modus 120 in launch or spin.
-Matt
Well, he reviewed the 80g. Which is perfectly fine. But the heavier weights in the MMT really should have a different name. The 105 and the 80 are like a kbs tour lite vs a tour v. No resemblance in any shape of fashion other than three letters on the shaft. Drew – the Axiom feels much more premium than the MMT in my experience. I find the heavy weight MMTs to be a bit boardy. The Axiom felt more like a premium graphite wood shaft.
Have you tested the MMT iron shafts? I play the MMT 105TX and curious how these compare.
Casey,
No, but Matt Meeker has a review here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-mmt-iron-shaft-review/
-Matt
How do these compare to x7?
James,
I’ve never played Dynamic Gold X7 shafts, so I couldn’t say.
Best,
Matt
Since they are .370 can I use them in a hybrid
Yes.
-Matt