The Evolution of Speeder Evolution
When Fujikura released the original Speeder Evolution two years ago, all indications were that it was a standalone shaft. Whether by design or in response to the tremendous success, Fujikura has now built a line of Speeder Evolution shafts: the Evolution, Evolution II, and the new Evolution III.
You can find reviews of each individual model HERE, but we received so much interest in comparisons between the lines that we felt obliged to deliver. This is how the three different Evolution models stack up for me.
Feel
In each of our Fujikura Speeder Evolution reviews, we’ve used the term “whip crack” to describe the feel. While each of the three models is unique, that common element ties the family together.
The original (blue) Speeder Evolution has the softest feel from butt to tip. It feels like the energy of your swing is smoothly transferred all the way to the club head.
The Speeder Evolution 2 has the firmest tip. The “whip” feels like it ends a few inches above the club head, making for a very stable feel that’s still lively in the butt and mid sections.
As you would expect, the Speeder Evolution 3 fits between the other two models. To me, it feels closer to the original Evolution with the energy flowing all the way to the club head but somehow infused with the stability of the Evo 2. For my swing, the Speeder Evolution 3 is that “just right” feel between too lively and too stiff.
Performance
I gamed both the Speeder Evolution and Speeder Evolution 2 over the last couple seasons, and I was blown away by the numbers the Speeder Evolution 3 produced for my review. With the family of shafts now complete, I wanted to go back and see how they compared head to head. I tested each Speeder Evolution shaft in the 757 model in X-flex with a PING G LS Tec head.
Also, I want to issue our standard caveat: keep in mind that these are only my results. Your results will likely be different, which is why you should work with a qualified fitter to find the best shaft for you.
Speeder Evolution
The original Speeder Evolution is billed as the highest launching shaft in the group, but the results were actually opposite for me. Because the shaft has the softest tip, my shots started further left, lower, and they had more draw to them. The original Evolution also produced the lowest spin numbers. This is a prime example of why you can’t pick shafts based on specs. You need to work with a fitter to see how a shaft will interact with your swing.
I also saw a slightly lower average club head speed with the Speeder Evolution. Though I love the very active feel, I sensed that I was holding back a little to keep the ball from hooking.
Speeder Evolution 2
Just as the “high launching” shaft produced low launching shots for me, the “low launching” shaft produced my highest launch and spin numbers. Because the Speeder Evolution 2 has the stiffest tip, I found that the ball was starting further right and higher. I was more accurate with the Evo 2 compared to the original Evolution, and I traded a little roll for carry distance.
Speeder Evolution 3
With the original Evolution, I had to work to keep the ball off the left. With the Evolution 2, I had to work to turn it over. The Speeder Evolution 3 asked me to do nothing but swing as hard as I wanted to. As the feel indicated, the Evolution 3 is just right for my swing – not too stiff, not too active.
In addition to producing very accurate shots, the Evolution 3 gave me the most ball speed along with excellent launch and spin numbers. I had both my longest carry and longest total distances with the Speeder Evolution 3.
Conclusion
While nothing can take the place of working with a qualified fitter like Club Champion, I do hope that this comparison gives you a starting point for thinking about which Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft can help you elevate your driving to the next level. As you can see, changing shafts can make a huge difference, so being fit for the best one is critical.
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Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Hi Matt, I am playing the evolution 757 blue and I am very satisfy with it.
Your review, comparing the 3 versions is very interesting.
Are you hitting evol 3 highier than evol. 1 or it is the initial launch that is different?
Best regards,
Richard,
The Evo 3 launches higher because it’s launching straight or a bit right instead of starting left.
Best,
Matt
It’s too bad you guys couldn’t get your hands on some Tour AD shafts to test. I have a GD Tour AD GP shaft that I’d love to see compared against the numbers you got the from the Evo III shaft.
How does the Fujikura Speeder Evolution compare to the Fujikura Speeder Platinum?
We haven’t tested the Speeder Platinum, so we can’t speak knowledgeably about that comparison.
Best,
Matt
Thanks for the reply.
The interesting thing is it supposedly uses 90t throughout the whole shaft.
Also the naming, which is similar to UST’s Elements Platinum.
http://www.fujikurashaft.jp/material/platinum_onyx/platinum.html
Hi Matt,
After you review, I was curious about Evolution iii.
Last month, I made a move and bought evol iii 661 to replace evolut i 757.
I am playing it since 3 weeks and I am very pleased with this new shaft.
I was surpise with the increase carry. It will stay in my bag.
No more shaft testing for me.
Best regards,
Richard
Hi Matt!
Your swing speed seems to be where I’m at. Just curious to see if you are more of a swinger vs. hitter? Also, do you have more of a late , mid, or early release in order to have better results with the 3 vs the 2?
Neil,
To be very blunt, none of those terms mean anything to me. I’m not trying to be unhelpful, but when you get into the way a swing looks or feels as opposed to the measureables, you’re asking for inaccuracy.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Currently I’m using Callaway Epic star driver(japan version) with the original stiff shaft Fujikura Speeder evolution. Is the Fujikura Speeder evolution 2 x-stiff shaft better than speeder evolution stiff shaft?
Steven,
There’s no such thing as one shaft being objectively better or worse than another; all that matters is how well the shaft fits your swing. Is there something you’re unhappy about with your current shaft?
Best,
Matt