50 Words or Less
The new Fujikura Speeder NX uses Variable Torque Core technology to create consistent, predictable ball flight. Strong trajectory with mid/low spin. Explosive feel that will be somewhat familiar to Speeder fans.
Introduction
If you were to make a short list of the best-loved, most enduring golf shafts, Fujikura’s Speeder would be at or near the top. That’s why my eyes got big when I was informed that they were making a major change to the Speeder line by ending the Speeder Evolution series [find all our Speeder Evolution reviews HERE]. What’s taking its place is Speeder NX, a new line with Variable Torque Core, a design concept fueled by Fujikura’s research with ENSO.
Looks
I will admit that my blue bias is definitely a factor here, but I think the Speeder NX is the most beautiful shaft Fujikura has ever made. As you can see above, it starts out with as a rich navy blue at the butt and transitions to a brighter blue at the tip. It’s more evident in the brighter section, but there’s a subtle sparkle that runs the entire length of the shaft.
The branding is big and bold with “Fujikura” on one side and “Speeder NX” on the other, both in a futuristic font. Variable Torque Core is called out between the Speeder NX branding and the weight and flex specs.
Feel
Throughout the many variations of Speeder Evolution, there was a very consistent feel. I always described it as a whip crack, with the energy sizzling from the butt down to the tip. It was uniquely Speeder, and I loved it. But Speeder NX is a whole new beast.
What I feel in the Speeder NX is a smooth, long kick that’s contained to the middle of the shaft. It’s as if the whip crack feel has been limited, omitting the tip and grip. Despite that big, explosive feel in the middle, both ends of the shaft feel very stable.
The other noteworthy trait of the Speeder NX is that it doesn’t take much to make it kick. Even on days when I wasn’t very fast or swinging very hard, the Speeder NX gave me that same energetic release.
Performance
I usually like to ignore the technical talk or at least leave it for later, but with the Fujikura Speeder NX it deserves to be highlighted. Prior to the Speeder NX, torque has always been measured as one number. Now, Fujikura is measuring and altering torque at numerous points along the shaft to fine tune the performance. They’ve found that torque is one of the biggest levers they can pull in changing a shaft’s performance. Fujikura refers to this technology as Variable Torque Core – VTC.
In the Speeder NX, Fujikura has dialed down the torque in the tip and butt section. They have found that this increases dynamic loft for a higher trajectory and closes the face faster for increased ball speed.
What stands out most as I look back at my testing of the Speeder NX is how predictable it is. That’s not what I would have expected from a shaft with so much kick, but it’s undeniable when I look at the data. For me, almost every shot started on the centerline or just left with a slight draw. If I got out of sorts, I could hit a pull, but the right side was out of play unless I really tried to work a fade.
In terms of ball flight, the Speeder NX launched nothing but boring, mid trajectory bombs. To be clear, though this shaft is predictable, I mean boring like penetrating, not dull. Quite the opposite, I was excited every time I watched another drive scream down range.
The new Fujikura Speeder NX is offered in weights ranging from 40 grams to 70 grams. At 40 grams, the flexes available are R2 (softer than regular), Regular, Stiff/Regular, and Stiff. At 50 grams, the offerings slide up one level to Regular, Stiff/Regular, Stiff, and X. Fujikura makes the Stiff/Regular, Stiff, and X at 60 grams, and those who want the 70 gram version can choose between Stiff and X.
Conclusion
Fujikura took a risk in reengineering the Speeder, but it’s paid off. Variable Torque Core is one of the most exciting advancements in shafts, and I can’t wait to see where they take it next. Whether you’re new to Speeder or a longtime fan, get to a Fujikura fitter to try the Speeder NX.
Visit Fujikura HERE
Matt Saternus
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I would love to know if it could be fitted to my m5 , and how much ? I have a tensei orange 60 gr normal at mo, play with a draw , but sometimes feel like I’d like something just a tad more feel and kick oriented.
Graham,
Any Fujikura dealer could order one of these and install a TM adapter on it for you. I would recommend contacting Club Champion.
Best,
Matt
Great review, Matt – as a fellow blue fan, I’m intrigued.
How’s the balance point in this one? Closer to the handle like ventus blue?
Jourdan,
It doesn’t feel noticeably counterbalanced to me.
-Matt
Hello Matt- Do yo have more feedback on the feel? Does it feel stout or a smooth Evo 6 or 7 type?
And how would it compare to the Diamana BF?
Thank you
Landy,
Respectfully, I’m not keeping any secrets when I write the Feel section. Anything I think is relevant about the feel is in the review.
I have a full review of the Diamana BF here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-diamana-bf-shaft-review/
-Matt
For premium shafts as such, at least kindly provide more manufacturing info such as country of production and carbon material grade (e.g. Fuji’s Daytona Speeder using 90 ton carbon, Platinum Speeder 80 ton, both made in Japan, and so forth).
With all due respect, it’s not Matt’s job to give us all the construction and material info. He reviews them and gives us his honest opinion on how it performs/feels/looks, for Him! Go to the Fuji site for construction info mate.
Is it worth to upgrade. I think its not.
Martien,
Leaving aside issues of construction and material quality, no shaft is objectively better than another. It’s all about fit. If your current shaft fits you, there’s no need to change.
-Matt
Thanks for the review Matt,
Interesting thought this might of replaced the 1K in your bag as a previous Evo guy. Comparing the 2 you still averaged 7 more yards with the 1K over the NX.
Hi Matt, great review. Any idea on RRP for this? Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
I think the new “VTC” tech could be a nice addition, time will tell once I get my hands on one .
Nick,
I’m sorry, what is RRP?
-Matt
Oh sorry, maybe it’s called something different in the US.
Recommended retail price.
Cheers
Nick,
Gotcha. I believe it’s $400.
Best,
Matt
How does this compare to the ventus velocore?
Stew,
You can find reviews of the Black and Blue Ventus here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=ventus
-Matt
I’m considering the Speeder NX, along with the Diamana TB and the Graphite Design Tour AD HD, for my driver. (I’ve demoed the HD and got great numbers, but haven’t yet had an opportunity to try the new generations of the Speeder and blueboard. Hope to soon.) I read your reviews of all three carefully. I like softer-mid shafts with a kick — I know it’s been some time since you tested all three, but I wonder if you could offer any comparison on the kick you got from each of them.
Eric,
As you noted, it’s been a while since I hit the AD HD, so there’s not much I can add beyond what’s in the reviews.
Best,
Matt
It’s been 6 months since your inquiry, hopefully you’ve been able to demo all 3 shafts. I’ve personally never tried the HD, I’ve never like the GDI shafts I’ve demoed in past thus did not consider it. I did demo extensively the Diamana TB, Ventus Blue and Speeder NX in ST220G head. I’ve always been fan of Diamana shafts but the TB in 5X, 5TX and 6X felt soft and unstable. I had worst dispersion with all 3 TB’s vs Ventus Blue, Ventus Black and NX. The NX feels extremely stable, by far the most stable 50g shaft I’ve ever swung. I had similar numbers on monitor w/Ventus Blue 7X but I was looking to go lighter and I’ve played 65g Diamana White for last few years. I like the Speeder NX 50X in ST220G so much, I ordered my C722 3-wood w/Speeder NX 60X. It’s still being built but my demo numbers on launch monitor were ideal, just like my driver numbers. I wish it weren’t $400 but I typically keep drivers 3-4 years at minimum, if I like them, and this setup will be hard to beat for foreseeable future.
I have a member that has it in his Driver and fairway. Wants to find something comparable in a hybrid shaft. Any recommendations?
Ryan,
My advice is always to get fit. Short of that, they might think about the Motore X hybrid shaft.
Best,
Matt