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The Project X HZRDUS Black GEN 4 shaft continues to deliver the consistent, low launch, low spin performance we’ve come to expect. Friendlier feel than previous models.
Introduction
While the golf industry races ahead, constantly churning out new products, there are some things that you can rely on. The Project X HZRDUS Black has become one of those standbys. Now in its fourth iteration, this shaft has become a staple on Tour and in the bags of everyday golfers who want low launch, low spin, and supreme ball control. I tested this latest version to see what Dual Torsional Design can do to enhance its performance.
Looks
The fourth generation HZRDUS Black gets an updated font and an overall cleaner look. The signature hazmat placard with the shaft’s specs remains, but a lot has been removed. We don’t even have the Project X branding beyond the HZRDUS logo that we had in the first generation [review HERE]. Similarly, there’s no “Smoke” or “Smoke RDX”. The only markings beyond the placard and HZRDUS logo is the “Dual Torsional Design” near the tip.
Installed logo down, you get a clean, gloss black look at address. I’ve always thought the HZRDUS shafts did a good job with their aesthetics, but, in contrast to this simplified look, the third generation version seems quite busy [review HERE].
Feel
Having tested every generation of the Project X HZRDUS Black, I had a pretty clear expectation for what this shaft would feel like. Still, the GEN 4 managed to surprise me. What I wasn’t expecting was the incredibly clean impact feel. Hitting this shaft vs. many others was like using a graphite putter shaft vs. steel. There were no excess vibrations, just a clear sense of ball meeting club face.
The Project X HZRDUS Black GEN 4 has the same stiff butt and tip sections with an ultra-stiff mid as its predecessors. This is a shaft that is going to stay rock solid no matter how hard you swing it. It’s built to resist high swing speeds and aggressive transitions, and it does that job marvelously.
All that said, this is the friendliest HZRDUS Black that I’ve swung. It’s never going to kick or “activate,” but it doesn’t laugh at your efforts either. Previous versions seemed to dare you to swing harder. GEN 4 handles whatever you throw at it without demanding that you swing all-out.
Find softer feel in the Project X Denali shafts HERE
Performance
The engine behind the fourth generation of HZRDUS Black is Dual Torsional Design. In short, Project X makes the shaft with smaller “flags” to maintain a more consistent angle and create lower torque. If you want the full explanation with visuals, check out the video HERE.
Practically speaking, the Project X HZRDUS Black GEN 4 delivers the same performance we’ve come to expect. The stiff tip section keeps drives on a low, penetrating trajectory with low spin. For players that struggle with high spin or those that play in a lot of wind, this shaft can add distance and control.
In terms of accuracy, the HZRDUS Black GEN 4 is the kind of shaft that makes you fully responsible for your results. I’ve never swung a HZRDUS Black and thought, “That bomb/hook/slice/push/pull wasn’t what I was expecting.” Good swings produce laser-straight shots, bad swings tend to get what they deserve. That said, the low spin does reduce curve a bit, which helps to keep some poor shots in play.
Going back to the feel, the biggest change I noticed in GEN 4 is that I don’t need to give every swing 110%. The gentler feel allowed me to swing at 90% and enjoy the control this shaft offers without bringing in the high variance of all-out swings.
The Project X HZRDUS Black GEN 4 is available at 60, 70, and 80 grams. In both 60 and 70 grams, you can get 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and TX flexes. The 80 gram version drops the 5.5 flex.
Conclusion
The Project X HZRDUS Black GEN 4 is a smart, iterative upgrade on a shaft that’s approaching classic status. Its new Dual Torsional Design allows for lower torque and more consistency without creating a harsh feel. If you want a shaft to cut spin and put you in full control, visit your fitter to check this out.
Visit Project X HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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61 Comments
Matt,
Great review! I have the Hzrdus 4G in my TSR 3 and 5 woods and my findings have been similar. I feel like I can rip at the ball when necessary or be smooth when the occasion calls for it without much variance in results. I love this version compared to the RDX smoke black version of the shaft. I’d consider also installing this shaft into my driver if the Tensei 1K black wasn’t so good as well. Appreciate all your testing and reviews.
This shaft performed the best for me during my TSR fitting. Paired with the TSR2 head at 9°, I was getting 260 carry on Trackman at 102mph with 2400-2500 spin. My usual drives were in the 3000’s with other drivers. It was mid to high launch for me with low spin compared to other clubs. Perfectly on target. Performed better than the Mitsubishi 1K shafts and the Graphite designs that I tried. Felt smooth the entire swing. Very happy with it.
Brandon,
Great to hear, and a testament to what you can gain from fitting. I’m sure dropping 500+ RPM added a lot of distance and predictability.
Best,
Matt
Brandon very similar numbers with me, including spin rates! Now 61 and down 12 mph from 14 years ago absolutely love this shaft in my Exotics driver.
It was my first stint with the Gen 4 on my TSR 3 Wood from a Tensei Orange Pro. What a shaft that allows me to point and shoot where I need it to go. No hook or draw and it’s made my niggling friendliness with a 3 wood a thing of the past.
Best,
Vusi Dlamini (Ezulwini Golf & Country Club)
Has Project X dropped all the hand crafted models? What can be expected from the stock Titleist shaft offering vs a handcrafted model? I’ve always assumed there was a minor difference.
Cam,
Yes, the Hand Crafted label is gone. I believe that Project X currently states that there is not a difference between the aftermarket and stock versions.
Best,
Matt
Will this shaft add swing weight points? I am someone who like to play his driver shorter so will this help with keeping the swing weight up?
Carlos,
It depends on the shaft that you’re starting with. Generally speaking, I don’t think this should add much or any swing weight.
-Matt
How would you compare the hzrdus black gen 4 to the tensei 1K Pro White? I currently game the original pro white and I am a huge fan but I’m moving to a stiffer flex as swing speed has gone up. I tested the gen 4 60g in Xflex and it was okay but didn’t feel as smooth as my pro white. Local golf shops don’t have tensei pro white 1K to test unfortunately. Considering just blind buying it in a TX flex. Currently swinging at 112mph. Coming from the original pro white as I really enjoy it’s smoothness, do you believe I will enjoy the 1K pro white? Also do you believe TX flex will be too stiff? Looking forward to hear your thoughts!
Niko,
I have a full review of the TENSEI 1K White here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-tensei-pro-white-1k-shaft-review/
I do think that if you enjoy the TENSEI White profile, you’ll like the 1K White, too.
-Matt
I know this is a stretch between different spectrums of shafts but how does this compare to a ventus blue tr. I am thinking of purchasing the stealth two but I am stuck in between this shaft and the ventus… is it worth the upgrade? Are they pretty comparable?
Kylin,
I have a full review of the Ventus TR Blue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/fujikura-ventus-tr-shaft-review/
I don’t think the shafts are night and day different, but they’re also not that close in my mind.
-Matt
Matt – I have a Mavrik – 2 heads (the standard 10.5 5,5 shaft, and a newly purchased subzero9 degree head – seeking lower spin). I have a Hzrdus project X shaft 5.5 flex, marked “mid spin” and T800. Can you tell me anything about how this shaft compares to other Project X Hzrdus shafts and whether ot is an old model or relatively new? I’ played a riptide 5.5 shaft with the 10.5 and it seemed very high launch.
Thanks
Paul
Paul,
That shaft sounds like it was made for the MAVRIK, not one of the aftermarket offerings. That doesn’t make it better or worse, it’s just outside of the aftermarket HZRDUS line.
Best,
Matt
Okay, so I played college baseball, power hitter. My swing speed on track man averaged 115, peak was 119. I have the evenflow t1100 shaft, 75g .5” hard tip, x stiff shaft.. looking at this as a new option? With my swing speed, how will shaft adjust numbers? Current spin rate is around 3000-3400.
Jake,
Anyone who says they can tell you with certainty how any shaft change will affect your numbers is lying. On paper, the HZRUDS Black is stiffer and should bring down the spin, but “on paper” does not always translate to real life.
Best,
Matt
My experience with the Gen 4 shaft is not as pleasing. I found the frequency is a lot softer than its predecessor (a good 6 cycles, which is a whole 1/2 a flex softer), and my suspicions were confirmed when I demo’d it in a Srixon ZX7 9.5° Driver. Without the benefit of a Trackman, I noticed significant spin increase and drives ballooning (with hardly any wind).
Had the shaft less than 2 weeks and marks up far too easily in the bag….
100% agree with Steve. Great performance but marks up way too easily in the bag compared to others I’ve had.
Do you think the shaft would be a good fit for my son, his swing speed is on average 124 mph , has high ball flight , uses a TM Stealth 2 plus ?
Thanks
Doug,
The only way to know would be to get a fitting for him. No one can make a credible shaft recommendation over the internet.
Best,
Matt
Wow how old is your son? Carry 320 or so, that’s impressive.
Go Hulk! Go HZRDUS Green with that speed!
I think this is one of the most important information for me.
Good job,
cheers
Would you say this felt less demanding than Ventus black?
Randy,
No, they’re about the same.
Best,
Matt
Hey very interesting blog!
How would this pair with an older club like G400? Looking for little tighter dispersion. I have the stock Alta and it seems to flip on me. I’m demoing new drivers with these new shafts and wondering if I can get some life out of the G400. Thanks.
Jeff,
If it’s a good fit for your swing, there’s no reason it wouldn’t work well in a slightly older head.
Best,
Matt
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
Hi there mates, its fantastic post about educationand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest
but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site
to come back later. Cheers
Hi! I was recently fitted with a Hrzdus Black 4G 60gr 6.0 in my new Taylormade Stealth 2+ driver. But now when I have played some weeks I notice that my current miss is a weak push fade/slice. I always had a draw tendency before. In my old Titleist TS driver I was fitted with a Hrzdus Smoke Black 60 gr 6.0 https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-smoke-black-shaft-review/ and that one worked out pretty well, with a small draw tendency. I love the feel in my new TM driver along with the new Hrzdus Black shaft…but I wonder if it´s to stiff?? Whats the differences between Hzrdus Black 4G and the Smoke Black? My swing speed is 100-102 mph…thinking of trying a Hzrdus Black 4G 60 gr 5.5 instead of theh 6.0…what´s your thought about that??
Emil,
Moving down a flex could certainly help you to get the ball drawing again.
Were you seeing the push during the fitting?
-Matt
Hi Matt! Thanks for your answer. No, I didn´t see any obvious indications of a push during the fitting. When I hit a couple of balls on the range I manage to hit it straight again…if I really swing it hard. Maybe I slow down a bit when I´m on the course playing. Would you say that my old Smoke Black 6.0 is a bit more active compared to the Black 4G 6.0? /Emil
Emil,
I think the differences from generation to generation are pretty small, but it’s certainly possible the Smoke was just a slightly better fit.
-Matt
Hi! Yes, it could absolutely be like that. One other thought is to try a Hzrdus Smoke Blue RDX 60 gr 6.0 instead of my Hzrdus Black4G 60 gr 6.0. Will have a softer mid section, but still a low launch and low spin, maybe this could be easier for me to square up the club face? What´s your thoughts??
Emil,
I think that going Black to Blue is a big jump.
-Matt
Hi Matt! I’m struggling to get a Hzrdus Black 60gr 5.5. My “shaft-guy” proposed a Tensei 1K (or CK Pro Orange 50S to still get the low launch/ spin and stability, but a bit smoother feel. The backside is that I can’t try it before I order it…so wanted to hear your thoughts before I decide. Thanks!
Emil,
I would agree that any of the TENSEI shafts will feel smoother than the HZRDUS Black.
-Matt
Hey Matt I could really use your advice. So I’m looking to buy a cobra Aerojet ls 9 degree driver. I’m am struggling to decide between the hzrdus black gen 4 or the kai li white as those are both popular stock options. I haven’t hit driver on a track man but I have hit 2 and 3 irons and I swung those at 100 mph so I swing my driver over that what are the difference between the shafts could you recommend one of them for me and what stiffness I should.
-thanks
Nick,
My advice is always to get fit. You’re going to spend $500+ on a driver; there’s no reason not to make sure it’s optimal before you buy it.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
I was recently fit into a TSR2 driver and tested the HZRDUS Red CB 50g 5.5 Gen 4 and the HZRDUS Black 5.5 60g Gen 4. Everything about my swing speed – 85-90 mph says I should be in the Red CB 50, but fitter said the Black 5.5 60g was better for me. I thought Black was only for aggressive swingers. Does this make sense ? is the Black 5.5 60g a regular or stiff flex? I do tend to have a high launch.
Thanks!
Matt
Thanks,
Matt
Matt,
You’re just adding to the thousands of “You can’t fit on paper.” Play what actually works for you.
The 5.5 is akin to a regular.
Best,
Matt
Question, is a Lite shaft recommended with Darkspeed Driver or 60 grams should be the choice?
Ken,
It depends on the player.
-Matt
Helⅼo, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this article. It
was practical. Keep on posting!
Excellent review!
I’ve got a Kai’Li white (swapped with a mate who wanted my Kai’li Blue, as i felt it kicked a bit much) in my Aerojet driver currently, but recently got fit for 3w and ended up with this shaft in my TSR2. It even felt so good, I went ahead and ordered the same shaft for my TSR2 5w.
How would you compare the Hzrdus Black gen 4 to the Kai’li white for a driver?
Stig,
I have a full Kai’li White review here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-kaili-white-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt, thanks for the review.
Do you think a black 5.5 is comparable to a 6.0 silver for gen 4? Is most feel still lost in the black, even with a regular 5.5 flex?
I average around 95-100 club head speed, 135-140 ball speed & have a black 5.5 coming in. I traditionally do not like the feel of much lag & have more of a smooth swing, than an aggressive swing. So i’m not positive if the black is right for me.
Even though the best way to tell is to try, what are your thoughts on the above? Thanks you!
-Mike
Mike,
I don’t have any experience with the HZRDUS Silver; I believe that was a “made for” variant.
Best,
Matt
It looks like Project X has a Hzrdus Silver on the product line. I was looking at that or an iM10. I was hoping there might be a Hzrdus Silver review upcoming…
We don’t have one in at the moment, but I will reach out to ask about that.
Best,
Matt
Can this shaft be used as driver shaft?
Yes.
I have a swing of around 115-117 maybe higher, and i have a tendency to have a pull slice. I have a 55g 5.5 flex shaft right now on an older XR Speed I was wondering if either the gen 4 X stiff or a 1k Black would be better. I also have a problem with spinning a lot
Cameron,
Were you fit for the 5.5? On paper, your speed should be in a 6.5 and that could cut your spin.
Best,
Matt
Hello.
This is Korea.^^
It’s currently 106 miles head speed.
I’m curious about the recommended flex of BLACK GEN4.
My handicap is 2. ^^
Bum,
I’d recommend a fitting. You’re likely between a 6.0 and 6.5, but it’s impossible to say for sure.
Best,
Matt
Thank you, Matt.
I wish you always happy and full of good things.
I will visit again.