50 Words or Less
The Fujikura Pro Tour Spec shaft has the same balance of kick and stability that the Pro does, but with a higher kick point and a slightly more stout feel.
Introduction
With three of their latest models, the Speeder, Fuel and Pro, Fujikura has introduced a standard and Tour Spec model. While both versions of each line have been successful, it’s no surprise that the Tour Spec models are the ones that garner the most attention – who doesn’t love “Tour” equipment? In this review, I’ll discuss the key differences between the Pro and the Pro Tour Spec so you can pick the right model for your game.
Feel
As you would expect, there is a pronounced difference in feel between the Fujikura Pro and Pro Tour Spec. The first thing I noticed was that the Pro Tour Spec was much more stout – there’s less kick than the Pro given the same swing. Beyond that, the kick point is a little bit higher, closer to the grip, than in the Pro. Overall, this gives the shaft the feeling of more stability.
Even with these differences, I would still rate the Pro Tour Spec as being between the Speeder and Fuel lines in terms of feel. It’s not as smooth or active as the Speeder, but it has more kick than the Fuel.
Looks
The Fujikura Pro Tour Spec has the same graphics as the Fujikura Pro, but in a black and white color scheme as opposed to black and blue. For me, and everyone else who’s seen it, the graphics here check all the boxes: they’re unique and instantly recognizale without being distracting at address. As a bonus, the black and white will look great with any driver, be it a traditional black crown or a wild Cobra orange.
Performance
On the launch monitor, the Fujikura Pro Tour Spec performed very similarly to the Pro, but with some small, predictable differences. The launch and spin were both slightly lower, which is what I expected from a shaft with a higher kick point. I attribute the differences in club head speed and ball speed to the fact that I felt more comfortable with the Pro Tour Spec compared to the Pro. I could easily play either one, but I felt “in sync” with the Pro Tour Spec from the get go whereas I needed a few swings to get in a groove with the Pro.
What was interesting to me is that the trajectory difference between the Pro and Pro Tour Spec was much more pronounced when I tested them on the range. The Fujikura Pro launched the ball noticeably higher, though the ball flight was still quite strong. The Pro Tour Spec had a much lower, more penetrating trajectory. With both shafts, my shots were ending up in approximately the same place, they just took different paths to get there.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Fujikura has produced another Tour Spec winner with the Pro Tour Spec shaft. It hits a great middle ground between kick and stability, but has a little extra heft for the big hitters. With this latest addition, Fujikura has rounded out a truly impressive 2014 line up. If you need some extra horsepower in your driver, find your nearest Fujikura fitter.
- OnCore Elixr 2022 Golf Ball Review - December 7, 2023
- Titleist U505 Utility Iron Review - December 6, 2023
- Podcast Episode 205 – Learning Golf from Chess - December 6, 2023
Hi Matt, Out of the two shafts, I take it you prefer the 73TS in stiff. My swing is about 108MPH with a quicker trainsition I’m trying to smooth out.
You think the X flex might be too much?
Eric,
Yes, I preferred the TS. As for a recommendation, I wouldn’t buy anything without a proper fitting with a Fujikura Charter dealer.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, I have read many of your reviews and these spin rates look like the lowest you have had. This shaft looks almost ideal for you if you could increase your launch angle closer to the 17 degree mark and maintain these spin rates. Is it possible to achieve the launch angle with this shaft? Just wondering? Using the 17/1700 rule for maximum distance.
Jack,
First, it’s important to recognize that 17/1700 is not a rule, it’s a product of TaylorMade marketing. Optimum launch and spin are relative to ball speed.
Beyond that, the numbers that we post should not be used for apples-to-apples comparisons. Shafts are tested at different times and under varying conditions, so they’re only there as a rough guide to how the shaft performed for the reviewer.
All that said, there’s no reason a player couldn’t launch the Pro Tour Spec at 17* with the right head and swing.
Best,
Matt
Looking for a 3 wood shaft for 915F. I currently have TEE CB5 with Ka’ali 70x. From time to time it gets a little spinny and balloons on me. I’m trying to decide between this Fuji Pro TS, Aldila Rogue silver 110 or Diamana W. All in 70-80g range. Do you prefer one over the other?
Thanks
Jeff,
All three are quality. I would make a decision in a fitting where I tested each one.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I currently am playing an 8.5 Srixon driver with the graphite design AD-BB8x and my ball flight is a little lower than i would prefer. My old instructor told me to look into this shaft in 80g or 90g version. would this shaft launch higher than my current shaft? my sping speed is 118 and my carry is 255 total 285 with current set up. Thank You
Kyle,
If you’re only getting 255 carry with 118 swing speed, either you’re greatly exaggerating your SS or you are in desperate need or a fitting. You’re leaving up to 40 yards of carry on the table.
I don’t make any recommendations about shafts here because no one can do a good job with that over the internet. You need to find a fitter that can let you try these shafts to find out what they actually do for you.
Best,
Matt
Hi there,i was wondering how would you compare the 2 shafts , I am comparing the Speeder Evo TS in stiff and Pro 63 TS in stiff. My club head speed is 92-95mph, moderate tempo. I like a low to mid launch and looking for more accuracy/dispersion and distance, like we all. Which would be the one to go for. Cheers
John,
I would recommend a high quality fitting. Investing several hundred dollars in a shaft based on a guess is not a smart play.
Best,
Matt
Where is the balance point on this shaft? Tip or high balance point?
Clay,
Neither tip nor high, it’s well balanced.
Best,
Matt
Hi
Could you tell what is the lowest spin and launch shaft in the fujikura range
Thanks
Nathan,
The shaft that actually produces the lowest launch and spin will vary by the individual. Fitting is everything.
-Matt
What is the difference between the Hybrid Fujikura PRO 73 HB- S 42 76.00G and the PRO 80h Fujikura? I was fitted with the 73 HB and received the PRO 80h so just want to be sure I’ve got the right shaft or best available based on my fitting. Thanks, David
David,
I’m not well versed enough in the hybrid line up to answer that question. I would suggest contacting Fujikura.
-Matt
So I know I am diving into an old thread. Is this the same shaft that is coming in the Titleist 917? Is so how does this compare to the Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana ‘Ahina? I worked at a golf smith and in my down time tested with the Ahina extra stiff and if far and away performed the best for me. Just curious if I should front the cash for the upgrade or go with this.
Paul,
The aftermarket, “real deal” Diamana Ahina does not come stock in any driver to my knowledge.
Best,
Matt
I went through an hour long fitting a few years ago and was fitted in a Taylor Made R1 set at optimal launch and 3 degrees open so I wouldn’t keep overcooking it or hooking it. It was an X stiff too.
Long story short, I went out and played with it for a few rounds and borrowed my friend’s Taylor Made RocketBallz Stage 2 non-adjustable 10.5 in stock stiff and boomed it 15 yards past my R1. I now play my RBZ stage 2 in 10.5 stiff and love it.
Curious what loft and driver head you used to test the Pro and Pro Tour Spec? Thanks!
Alex,
I believe it was a PING G or G30 LS Tec, 9.5 or 10.
Best,
Matt