50 Words or Less
The Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II is a stable, effortlessly fast, counterbalanced lightweight shaft.
Introduction
Hmmm. Well, it looks like I may have spoke too soon in my review of the Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution II. I truly fell in love with that 661, and, having never achieved much success with a sub-60 gram lightweight driver shaft, I didn’t expect to have that great of results with the Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II. However, I was mistaken and found everything great from the 661 except more speed and better results. The Speeder 569 Evo II ended up being the only shaft that had the goods to boot the 661 out of my bag immediately.
Looks
Consistent with the other two Speeder Evolution II shafts we’ve reviewed, the Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II has the same fiery orange, red, and yellow trippy finish that is sure to standout anywhere it goes. I’ve had these in my bag for awhile now and still get that “Oooh, what’s this?” feeling when I pull the club out for my next shot. The graphics in general are consistent with Fujikura’s branding for the past couple of years and help the look of the shaft really pop.
Feel (and Sound)
Like the other shafts in the lineup, the Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II has an extremely smooth flex profile with great feel and response. Fujikura has made the Speeder Evolution II series more counterbalanced and with a stiffer tip. The reason behind this is that as head designs have evolved over the last few years, the head weights have gone up and older shafts flat out weren’t working as well. The little bit of counterbalance and the stiffer tip make for a much more balanced golf club that stays consistent and under control throughout the golf swing. Whatever Fujikura has done, they got it just right. I have never felt a shaft that has this much kick in it in my life.
Normally we don’t describe “sound” when we review shafts, but I’ve never had sounds like I’ve been getting out of my driver with the Speeder 661 Evolution II, and now the 569. I’m finding the sweet spot with higher speeds much more frequently which is giving me one of the purest cracks off the face I’ve ever heard.
Performance
I find it interesting, albeit completely reasonable, how amazingly different the performance data came out for me with the Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II and the 661. The data here compared to the data in the 661 review doesn’t necessarily reflect it, but I found that I consistently hit the 569 further and with less effort which is directly correlated with the much higher swing speeds. I do get more spin with the 569, and a little less roll as a result, but I’m good with the totals.
Where I find the 569 to be better for me is in my ability to control the shot. I’m notorious for pulling and hooking ultra-light shafts, but the 569’s stiffer tip and counterbalance seem to do the trick and keep everything in control. With the 661, I would miss some tee shots right during a round, but have not had this issue with the 569 which is likely because I’m firing the club a bit quicker.
Through my epiphany with the 661 Evo II, and recent experience with the 569, I feel it’s important to point out that these Evolution II shafts seem exceptionally fast and easy to produce those speeds with. For me, it’s been one thing to top out at some of the club speeds I’ve experienced, but to achieve these numbers consistently is another story. I’m finding that my regular swing is producing higher speeds with no extra effort. The more I’ve discussed this phenomenon with other gear guys, I’m hearing the same story. The even more exciting part is that when I actually do try to put a little extra on the shot, the 569 holds up and I get higher swing speeds than I’ve ever had.
Conclusion
I won’t sit here and tell you that I’m as shocked by the Fujikura Speeder 569 Evolution II as I was with the 661, because that whole experience with the 661 was totally mind blowing and completely changed my game. Short version: I expected the 569 Evo II to be just as awesome, but too light for me. I stand corrected. The stiffer tip section, smooth flex profile, and slight counterbalancing make the 569 Evo II one of the most stable lightweight shafts out there. Oh, and the feel and performance are second to none. I thought the Speeder 661 Evolution II was one of the best pieces of golf equipment I’ve ever played, but the Speeder 569 Evo II has comfortably taken its place in my bag.
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Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.
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I was sold on the 661 II until I read this review. My driver speed is around 105 when warmed up.. Im a smooth swinger I feel but get quick from time to time and the miss is left. My thoughts were I’d have trouble with left pull/hooks with the 569. You seem to lean towards the 569 over the 661. Is weight the only difference? both stable? I hit the 757 at a demo day and was blown away but feel its just too heavy for late in the rounds.. Im 57 and still active / avid golfer and am trying to decide on the next shaft going in a newer M1. I’d appreciate your thoughts..
No difference, just the weight. The shaft holds up fine, but if you don’t adjust to the lighter weight, you can still have the lefts. I was able to adjust well and the change paid off for me.
What specifically do you like better? Feel? distance? how about dispersion?
I didn’t say anything about liking better. My numbers are just more optimized with the 569 so that’s what I play.
hi what head and loft did you play this in ??? i have the king ltd ,nowere to try out shafts here but i do like the sound off this shaft i think it would fit my swing speed off 88 but i wonder about what flex to get >?????
Believe it or not, my specs/data are sort of irrelevant to answering your question. At the end of the day, your specific swing and interaction with the equipment is going to determine the specs you need for the whole setup. Without being able to properly fit or test, I would guess 88 mph on driver speed is going to fall more in the Regular flex.
i have just bought a speeder evo 11 fairway wood 60s from japan its come uncut do i need to cut the tip or fit it right into adpator ?? its for my cobra 3 f6 wood its not the driver shaft its FW shaft any help on this thanks
There’s no distinction between driver and fairway wood for that shaft. This shaft should be .335 in all weights, and I believe that the Cobra adapters will be the same size for fairway and driver. This means you need to only tip trim according to trimming instructions found here (I googled them).
Hopefully that helps.
How would you compare the Fujikura Speeder Evolution II 569 to the UST Mamiya Elements Helium HE5F4? (59 grams) Trying to decide between the two, but unable to compare them in hand. Already play Recoil shafts in my irons which are great. The new red Evo III is out there too. :)
I’ve never hit the UST so I have no way of comparing, sorry.
Read Matt’s review on Fujikura Speeder Pro XLR8. Put the Speeder Pro XLR8 on my Nike Vipor Flex 440 driver. Absolutely love it! It has a lot of kick, probably the most kick I have ever experienced with any shaft. I wonder if you can compare the Speeder Pro XLR (40 ton carbon fiber) with the Evolution II (90 ton carbon fiber). Assume the Evolution II will feel much smoother maybe even more kick than the Speeder Pro XLR8 due to significantly more premium material added to the shaft? Thanks.
I understand what you’re saying but I think you’re trying to make an apple to oranges comparison. The numbers you’re mentioning don’t necessarily reflect superior or inferior materials, they’re just different.
Both shafts are good shafts with different profiles. How they respond to each individual is going to differ. Re only way to have any accurate idea on whether or not the Evo 2 will have the “kick” you’re looking for is by testing it.
Thanks Bill. Your comment on the “kick” and the shaft profile is created to fit a poticular swing type make sense. Put a Fujikura 569 Evolution II in play today. Felt the same amount kick as the Speeder Pro XLR8. The 569 Evolution II somehow allowed to make much better and solid strikes more consistently. Have to say, the 569 Evolution II is the most smooth feeling and packed with so much punch – I hit it about 15 yards longer without doing anything differently or special. No more fear of left and can hit as hard as possibly can. I always like Fujikura. Your and Matt’s reviews helped make the purchase decision on Speeder Pro XLR8 (Matt) and 569 Evolution II (you). For now, the 569 Evolution II is in the bag. I abusolutely love the feeling of the smoothest power punch in the shaft (kid not, got be the 90Ton carbon fiber and counterbalance profile). Look forward to reading more awesome reviews from you.
Thanks Bill! It makes sense but still think 90 ton carbon fiber will contribute to making the shaft more stable, feeling smoother. Kick is a different matter as you commented. It responds to the individual’s type of swing and reaction to different profile.
Just got my new Fujikura Evolution II R flex delivered yesterday. Will test both Speeder Pro XLR8 and Evolution II and find out about the “kick” soon.
Thanks for the informative review. Your and Matt’s review both helped my decision on purchasing the Speeder Pro XLR8 (Matt) and Evolution II.
Bill,
Your review is spot on. I demoed the 661 in the JPX900 driver and loved it, better than any other combo I’ve ever hit. I purchased the JPX900 driver with the 569 shaft based on your experience and my numbers and it’s an unbelievable combo. Same awesomeness as the 661, but in a faster, just as stable model. Thanks for your reviews, you are very good at it.
Steve
Dear Bill,
thank you for your interesting article. What is in your opinion the difference between the 569 shaft and the fujikura six shaft, both stiff ? I’m 57, but still playing long drives with a club head speed over 100 for the driver and a hdc.. of 2.
Thank you for your answer.
Frederik
I don’t know a ton about the Six and haven’t hit it myself. The Evo 2 SHOULD be lower launch and spin by the spec sheets.
Some guy I played with last week said this is a standatd shaft with the Mixuno driver. Is that correct?
Johan,
I version of the Speeder Evolution II is in one of the Mizuno drivers, but I don’t believe that it’s the same as the aftermarket version.
Best,
Matt
I TOO HAVE THE STIFF 661 IN MY MIZUNO 900 AND LOVE IT BUT JUST PICKED UP THE SAME CLUB WITH A STIFF 569 SHAFT TO TRY AS MY BALL FLIGHT IS LOWER THAN OPTIMUM. HOPE THE 569 WILL GIVE ME A BIT HIGHER TRAJECTORY DUE TO ITS SOFTER TIP FLEX AND IF SO WILL TRADE THE 661 — RELUCTANTLY!
I paid a lot of money for my Mizuno clubs and my driver snapped at the end. I wish they would send me a new one with an oversize golf pride grip.