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
Matt Saternus
Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)
- GOAT Grips Putter Grip Review - September 20, 2023
- Podcast Episode 198 – Dan Ridgway, GOAT Grips - September 20, 2023
- Srixon ZX7 Mk II Driver Review - September 19, 2023
Thanks for your review. I bought into the hype of the stability shaft and can’t say that it’s noticeably better/different for me than a regular steel shaft. Distance control is king for me as I’m not sticking that many approaches to 5 feet like the pros. Glad to hear this was able to improve on that for you and I’ll have to try and find a fitter that has these to try.
Thanks for the review Matt. Very intrigued by the profile of the Smooth. My simple brain usually thinks softer profile equals higher torque, so its interesting that the softest shaft is actually the lowest torque.
Hi Matt, really enjoy your reviews and the podcast is awesome.
This an interesting read in regards to the comparisons with LAGP TPZ 135, do you think the LAGP would be similar to any of these 3 models? Or totally different feel in all aspects?
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Nick,
I have a full review of the LAGP TPZ coming soon, but I would say the TPZ shafts are closest to the Fujikura MC Putter Firm.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt. Appreciate the reply.
I have the previous generation LAGP TPZ 135 in my putter and love it but interested in which one of these most compares to that one. I would say I do NOT have a “pop stroke” style but it was suggested to me the the X Frim would be the closest to the LAGP. Thoughts after you tested both?
Marty,
That’s a good question. The 135 is heavier than anything in the Fuji MC line. In terms of feel, I think the X-Firm would probably be closest.
Best,
Matt
How’s this compared to stability shaft?
I have a full review of the Stability Tour here: https://pluggedingolf.com/breakthrough-golf-stability-tour-putter-shaft-review/
-Matt
Thanks for another great review and introducing us to new golf tech. I always tend to agree with your reviews when I try/demo/ purchase clubs that you’ve reviewed. I was going to bite the bullet on a stability shaft but have heard mixed reviews on the product, and don’t love the look of them. I just ordered up an MC putter smooth can’t wait to put it on my Evnroll putter.