50 Words or Less

The Fujikura MC Putter shafts offer three different flexes to suit different preferences and swing types.  Very noticeable differences between the three.  Clean impact feel.

Introduction

For the truly gear-obsessed, putter shafts have become one of the hottest topics of 2021.  Three of the newest entries in that category are the Fujikura MC Putter shafts.  Refreshingly, rather than making hard-to-validate claims, Fujikura is focusing on fitting.  Each of the three flexes – Smooth, Firm, and X-Firm – will appeal to different players just as different flexes are needed in wood and iron shafts.  I tested each of the three models to see how much difference a putter shaft can really make.

Before we jump in, I want to thank SWAG Golf for their help with this review.  SWAG generously provided Handsome One putter heads so we could test these shafts head-to-head in real time.

Looks

If you want to try a graphite putter shaft without screaming to everyone, “HEY LOOK, I’VE GOT A GRAPHITE PUTTER SHAFT,” you’ll like the Fujikura MC Putter.  Each one starts with a matte black finish at the butt end then transitions to a different color depending on the flex.  The Smooth is predominantly silver, the Firm is medium grey, and the X-Firm is almost black.

Graphically, one side the MC Putter shaft is very busy.  In addition to “MC Putter,” it also announces its MCT and RCT technologies (more on these later).  If you prefer a cleaner look, install the shaft logo down.  In this position, all you’ll see is the slick “MC” logo subtly hidden in the color transition.

Feel

I started the testing by weighing each of the MC Putter shafts.  All three were perfectly on spec at 115 grams.  This puts them close to the average steel shaft in weight.  In addition to weighing the same, each shaft has the weight distributed in the same way, so the swing weight won’t vary between shafts.

Another commonality between the three shafts is Rubber Composite Technology (RCT).  This refers to the sheet of rubber that runs through the full length of the shaft to dampen vibration.  The result is a very pure impact feel.  You don’t get any excess vibration in your hands, just a very clean, connected sense of impact.

Now let’s dive into the differences between the three models.  The Smooth model is the one that stands out the most from traditional steel putter shafts.  Whether they loved it or were thrown off by it, every player who tried the Smooth immediately felt the difference.  Interestingly, the Smooth has the lowest torque of any of the MC Putter shafts meaning it will bend during the stroke but doesn’t twist.  Also worth noting is that the “action” in this shaft is felt primarily in the butt section; the tip is very stable.

The MC Putter Firm is the model that is closest to steel, though it has less torque.  This version was the one that everyone liked.  Players with smooth strokes and those with aggressive strokes all putted competently with the Firm.  This shaft has a little action, but it’s only noticeable on longer putts.

MC Putter X-Firm is the new offering for the second generation of this line.  This is ultra-stiff, designed for the player with a very aggressive stroke, one you might describe as “jabby” or a “pop” stroke.  At short range, it feels like the Firm.  At longer range, the Firm starts to come to life, but the X-Firm does not.

Performance

I went into this testing expecting to find the same thing I often do with driver shafts: I love the feel of softer shafts but need the performance of a stiffer shaft.  After some indoor feel testing, I even wrote that in my notes: “The Smooth feels great, but there’s no way I can control this.”

When I went to the practice green to gather some data, my expectations were turned on their head.  With the MC Putter Firm, my distance control was good, slightly better than with steel.  I attribute this to both the slightly lighter swing weight compared to steel and the lower torque.  Less torque means less lost energy on mishits.

With the X-Firm, my distance control was a little worse.  After some time, I noticed that the X-Firm was actually affecting my stroke, making me “pop” at the ball a bit more, which is not natural for me.  This reminded me of using a driver shaft that’s too stiff and overswinging to get it to “activate.”  When I had other golfers test these shafts, I noticed the same change in their stroke with the X-Firm.  Sometimes this was positive – if it fit their natural tendency – and sometimes it was not.

The real surprise came when I tested the MC Putter Smooth.  My first set of 30-foot putts all ended within a foot of the cup.  I posted it on Instagram [follow us HERE], as one does, but chalked it up to a fluke, beginners luck.  Then I did the same thing again.  The third set saw one ball left outside of that one foot circle, but the Smooth was still magnitudes better anything else I was testing.

No matter how long I’m around this game, the same messages keep getting reinforced.  You need to try stuff for yourself, and you need to have an open mind.  I’m thankful for the opportunity to try these shafts.  This is the first thing I’ve seen in a long time that’s meaningfully improved my putting, and I can’t wait to install the Fujikura MC Smooth into my gamer.

I also want to note the second key technology in the Fujikura MC Putter shafts, Metal Composite Technology (MCT).  This is a blending of metal and carbon fiber to dial in the performance and feel of these shafts.  An 8″ band of steel in the tip provides stability while a copper sheet in the handle offers a slight counter balancing.  You can see the steel in the picture above and the copper sheet above the “Feel” heading.

Finally, the Fujikura MC Putter shaft is currently offered in .355 tip.  It can be installed in a .370 hosel if you tip trim 0.7″.  At this time, the MC Putter shaft is only designed for installation on plumbers neck putters.

Conclusion

I’ve reviewed several other premium putter shafts in the past, and my takeaway has always been, “This is nice, but there’s not an obvious difference between this and steel.”  The Fujikura MC Putter shafts offer an obvious difference and with it, a chance to meaningfully improve your putting.  If you’re looking to upgrade your putter, find a way to try all three and see if you don’t improve your putting, particularly your long putting, with a better fit shaft.

Visit Fujikura Shafts HERE

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Matt Saternus

Founder, Editor In Chief at PluggedInGolf.com

Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)

• TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway Wood Review - March 30, 2023
• PXG 0311 GEN6 Driver Review - March 29, 2023
• Edison 2.0 Wedge Review - March 28, 2023