50 Words or Less
The Fujikura SIX XLR8 gives even more speed to players who can benefit from a lighter shaft but prefer a heavy, stout feel.
Introduction
Over the last two seasons, Fujikura has built a great line up of shafts to fit a variety of swings and budgets. This year, rather than add a new model to the roster, they’ve supercharged the current models with the XLR8 line. As with the other XLR8 shafts, the Fujikura SIX XLR8 adds counter balancing and a more dynamic kick to an already excellent shaft.
Feel
The defining feature of the original SIX is still present in the SIX XLR8 – it’s much lighter than it feels. I typically player shafts in the 70 gram range, and the SIX XLR8 felt very comfortable to me despite being more than 10 grams lighter. The counter balancing in the SIX XLR8 is noticeable but not extreme. I felt the difference immediately, but it didn’t demand any conscious adjustment.
The SIX XLR8 punches above its weight during the swing, too. It’s very stout in the tip while remaining smooth in the butt section. The mid section of the shaft is where you’ll feel the most action, but the kick on this shaft is still very moderate, even in the XLR8 version. The SIX is definitely built more for stability than kick.
Looks
At a glance, the Fujikura SIX XLR8 could easily pass for the standard SIX. Fujikura’s trademark two-tone graphics wrap the shaft in dark grey and blue. The main difference is the XLR8 logo in grey on the lower/mid portion of the shaft.
Performance
As I tested the Fujikura SIX XLR8 in my PING G LS Tec driver, two things stood out to me. One fit my expectations, the other did not.
Based on what I have learned about the XLR8 line, I was expecting to see strong ball speeds from these shafts. That proved to be true. After a couple swings, I was consistently at the top end of my ball speed range without feeling like I was swinging out of my shoes. Though the SIX XLR8 doesn’t feel like it has a huge kick, there’s clearly something in the design that maximizes the energy transferred to the ball.
What I was surprised by was the accuracy. Typically, when I read about a shaft having “more kick” or “better energy transfer,” I translate that to mean “softer tip” and some one-way trips to the left side of the range. That wasn’t the case here. From smooth swings to the ones I gave 110%, the SIX XLR8 produced reliably straight shots.
Conclusion
Last year, the Fujikura SIX was in serious contention for a spot in my bag, and this year the SIX XLR8 will receive similar consideration. Fujikura has delivered exactly what they promised: the heart of the SIX is intact, but now it’s faster and more counterbalanced. As always, please remember that as well as this shaft performed for me, you should go see an authorized Fujikura fitter before putting one in your bag.
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SIX XLR8 LM
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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I am getting old (over 80 now). I used to be a good golfer playing off a 4 handicap,but now as you will realise I have lost a lot of distance and most to the holes on my Course are now three shotters. I used to hit over 250 yards, but now only manage between 185 -190 on a good shot. I have been looking for “the magic bullet” to get extra length and it seems the Fujikura Six XLR8 r2 (senior) shaft might do the trick. It’s not much good going to a fitter, because they only stock certain Shafts. My present Driver is Callaway XR16 with a Fujikura Speeder 565 Evolution “a” shaft. I appreciate you cannot give cast iron guarantees but any thoughts you have would be appreciated. I should have added I live in Scotland
Bill,
There’s nothing intelligent or helpful I could honestly say about whether the SIX XLR8 will work for you. I don’t know the state of club fitting in Scotland, but I have to believe there’s someone doing proper fittings like Club Champion does here in the US. If you could find them, they could certainly help boost your distance.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
You mention that you expected the SIX XLR8 to potentially be hook-prone but found that it wasn’t. Do you have a sense of how the XLR8 version compares to the SIX Tour Spec in terms of being able to swing all-out and not feel like it’s going to hook?
John,
I think that would vary from person to person. Some will find that the counter balancing helps prevent a hook more than the stiffer tip and vice versa.
Best,
Matt
I Have a shaft Fujikura Six XLR 8 flex R2 do you you recommend for my Driver Ping G 400 ?
Which is the weight of the shaft ?
I am 70 year old and my swing speed is p/m 70jorge
Regards,
Jorge Sanhueza
Jorge,
There’s no way for me to make a good recommendation without working with you in person. I would suggest seeing a fitter in your area to find the best shaft for your G400.
Best,
Matt