50 Words or Less
The new Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX and HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX shafts are made of military grade carbon fiber for even higher consistency. Black is great for the fast, aggressive swinger. Blue hits a sweet spot of stability and kick.
Introduction
In five short years, Project X’s HZRDUS line has gone from brand new to a mainstay in the golf world. It’s become one of the go-to shafts for players seeking low spin and total control over their tee shots. In year five, Project X is releasing the third generation of HZRDUS – HZRDUS Smoke RDX. Using military grade carbon fiber, it aims to be the strongest, most consistent HZRDUS yet.
Check out the newest RDX shaft, the HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX, HERE
Check out the Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 shaft HERE
Looks
The new HZRDUS Smoke RDX shafts maintain the overall look of the HZRDUS line while adding new base colors. The change from HZRDUS Smoke Black to HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX is fairly small. Instead of the matte charcoal grey, the RDX uses a sharp, high gloss black. The branding is the same, save for the addition of “RDX” behind the “Smoke”.
What will turn heads is the base color on the HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX. Blue is my favorite color, so I’m already in the tank for this one, but the finish is spectacular. It’s rich, it’s shiny without having too much glare, and the blue changes tone depending on the light.
Sound & Feel
I’ll start with one of the reigning champs for stability, the HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX. Like it’s predecessors, the original HZRDUS Black and the HZRDUS Smoke Black [review HERE], the HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX is rock solid. My swing speed is as high as it’s ever been, my transition is aggressive, and I still couldn’t make this shaft twitch. Like it’s immediate predecessor, it doesn’t feel boardy or harsh, it simply doesn’t move. As someone who values consistent feel, I love this.
The HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX is a totally different animal. Like the Yellow HZRDUS shafts of the past [review HERE], the differences start with it being counterbalanced. The Blue feels notably heavier in the hands, and the head feels lighter. Additionally, the stiff butt and tip sections sandwich a very soft middle. This creates a pronounced kick through impact without the downside of a loose, torque-y tip.
Performance
My notes on the HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX make heavy use of the word “No.” No torque, no kick, no surprises, no curve, no ballooning. If you’ve liked previous HZRDUS Black shafts, the RDX will be everything you hoped for. In addition to launching penetrating missiles off the tee, it feels surprisingly easy to swing. Even in TX flex (which is a little ambitious for my speed), I never felt like I had to stand on it. Normal swings, easy swings, and all-out swings all produced boring trajectories with virtually no curve. For me, the launch and spin were a little too low to optimize my distance, but the accuracy and predictability were phenomenal.
Now, it may have something to do with the color, but the Smoke Blue RDX performed better for me than any Smoke Yellow ever has. I liked the feeling right away – the heavier grip and lighter head. Then I nuked the first ball, so I really liked it. With the counterbalanced shaft and a little more kick, my angle of attack ticked up, my swing speed went up, and my launch angle and distance followed. I lost a little predictability but not much, and I was happy to make that trade for the extra distance.
Let’s shift to a little tech talk about what makes the new Smoke RDX shafts different from HZRDUS shafts of the past. The primary difference is the quality of carbon fiber. Project X has worked with HexTow to use aerospace-grade carbon fiber. Specifically, they’re utilizing HexTow HM54 and IM2C to give the shafts more strength, stability, and consistency.
Also, according to Project X, in the RDX line there will not be a “Small Batch” label as there was with the original Smoke. All Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX shafts will be the “real deal” whether they are stock or purchased aftermarket.
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX is available in 60, 70, and 80 grams. At 60 and 70 grams, Project X offers 5.5 (regular), 6.0 (stiff), and 6.5 (X-flex). At 80 grams, only 6.0 and 6.5 are available. The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX comes in the same three weight classes, 60, 70, and 80 grams. What is different is that the Blue RDX adds TX at 60 and 70 grams, drops the 5.5 at 70 grams. and has only TX at 80 grams.
Conclusion
With just two offerings, the new Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX line covers a wide array of golfers. For the super aggressive, high speed player, the Smoke Black RDX is ideal. It provides tons of control while keeping the launch and spin low. For everyone else, the Smoke Blue RDX provides a balance of stability and kick in a counterbalanced package that may help to boost swing speed in some players.
Visit Project X HERE
Matt Saternus
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Is it me or are those spin rates completely unplayable on an actual golf course?
Why would you think these spin rates are unplayable?
-Matt
I agree. At those swing speeds, your ball flight won’t be super stable and the launch will be low. Per Trackman, optimized ballflight at those swing speeds would be achieved by adding spin – 2000-2300 rpms. 27 and 32 yards of roll is a lot. You’d be running through a lot of fairways if you’re not extremely straight or you’re not shaping it perfectly to suit the hole. While you may give up a touch in total distance raising the spin, that would allow you to play these just about anywhere. If you got the Smoke Blue in 6.5x instead of the TX, that would prob be a perfect pairing.
Ben,
I appreciate your contributions, but for anyone else reading these comments it needs to be said that there is very little merit in the idea that dropping down a flex will either A) increase spin several hundred RPM or B) do so without affecting other elements of performance. Fitting is a mix of art and science with many moving pieces. Oversimplify it at your own risk.
-Matt
Hi! My driver swing speed is between 95 and 100 mp with ~150 mp for ball. I have a TM5 driver with Fujikura Ventus Blue 6S shaft. My friend has a TM Sim2 with a Project X Black 60 gr 60 shaft and I love it cause I gained 10 yards with his driver (290 compared with 280 mine, on total distance). Which one do you recommend me, black or blue?
Not my experience of the new smoke rdx. I played the Titleist TS3 8.5 Deg with smoke 6.0 last year or so. Loved it. Swing speed approx 103mph. Loved the wee kick but stable feel. Got fit recently for the Titleist TSI3 and found the Black smoke RDX to be very soft compared to the original smoke. Felt like a totally different shaft and launched much higher. Ended up going with Graphite Design Tour AD XC. Felt much more stable than Smoke RDX. Smoke RDX is not a straight replacement to original smoke so get fit and compare.
Actually the RDX in 5.5 is a reg+ which half way between reg and stiff
I totally agree with you, but the company who makes the shafts seems to refer to the 5.5 as “Regular” flex, even though the number of cpm’s say it is a half flex shy of their “stiff flex 6.0”.
So it isn’t just Matt who is referring to them as “regular”.
The Blue sounds something like the Project X LZ. I have then in my irons in graphite. What do you think about having that softer middle in both irons and driver?
Tom,
If that works for you, that’s great. I certainly think there’s merit to having similar profiles in your woods and irons.
-Matt
Still using Ping 410 driverhead?
Yes.
Nice review Matt, thank you. I have no problem with those spin #’s. For me with ball speeds around 145 and 15/16* launch I get good carry and roll. I DO play my golf on firm Texas bermuda fairways.
Hey Matt did you like the the Hzrdus Blue better than the Ventus Blue?? Sounds like Project X is trying to accomplish the same thing with these shafts as Fuji did . Thanks for all the great reviews and insight!!
Yeah, probably by a small margin I prefer the HZRDUS Blue RDX. Over a bigger sample size, maybe it would tilt the other way, but all my sessions with the HZRDUS were a lot of fun and the highs were really high.
Best,
Matt
How does RDX Blue launch and feel when compared to Fujikura Ventus Blue, given the Ventus has “Velecore” and RDX is using “Hexacore”
I have a full review of the Ventus Blue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/fujikura-ventus-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt, wondering if the RDX blue is right for me. I swing at 105-107 mph. I hit down on the ball aliittle so launch angle is on the low side. That being said my spin rate is a little on the high side. In my irons I play the project X LS 6.0. Thank you , great review
Greg,
The only way to know for sure is to get a fitting. Anyone who tells you they can fit you on the internet is lying at worst, misrepresenting their abilities at best.
-Matt
I need a shaft tsi3 9.0 degree driver Thanks.
Hi Matt- So are you saying all Hazrdous RDX shafts are the same- Meaning getting a stock RDX Blue shaft in the SIM2 is the same shaft as paying $300 for an individual hazrdous RDX blue shaft? Or is there a difference between the stock shaft and the aftermarket premiere shaft? Would love to know only because Ventus gives stock shafts that don’t compare to the aftermarket ventus velocore shaft. Thanks
Deon,
In the review, I said that ACCORDING TO PROJECT X all of the RDX shafts are “real deal.” I cannot personally affirm or reject that statement.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How does the blue feel compared to speeder evo ii and iv.
Thanks
Liam
Liam,
You can find all of my Speeder reviews here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=speeder
-Matt
Looks like the RDX sold in “box stores” do not have the “Hexcel” on the shaft. I have to assume made for is different aftermarket…. Misleading? Thoughts? Thanks
LJ,
I haven’t been in any “box stores,” so I can only speak to the driver that was sent to me which does have the HexCel markings on the shaft.
-Matt
How would you compare the HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX to the Smoke Green TX? I’m looking for something that’s stiff in the mid but without the stiff tip.
Laban,
I have a full review of the Smoke Green here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-smoke-green-shaft-review/
-Matt
Dear. Matt
what length did you play in test?
and swing weight?
Do you like the HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX better than the Diamana ZF or TB? I read where you really liked those two shafts was wondering where this ranks
Laban,
If you’re asking strictly about my preference, I like both Diamana shafts more than the Blue RDX. The Blue RDX is very good, but there are very few Diamana shafts that I’ve not loved.
-Matt
Thoughts on HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX vs Tensi white raw stiff shafts ?
Mel,
I have a full review of the TENSEI White Raw here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-tensei-av-raw-white-shaft-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt,
After testing the RDX black and Ventus Black, which did you like better? And is the Ventus black still in the bag for you?
Cheers!
Afiq,
I prefer the Ventus Black, but it’s not in the bag. https://pluggedingolf.com/about/matt-saternus/matts-whats-in-the-bag/
-Matt
That’s a tease! Hehehe
What shafts are you using now with the PING G325?
Afiq,
I’m experimenting with the Nippon MB+ and Diamana TB for now.
-Matt
Hi Matt-
Great review as always. We’re seeing the beginning of a trend on tour to guys going lighter and softer: think autoflex and Louis’ 55 Alta cb. All of that being said, I know previous versions of the hzrdus line sorta played plus half flex so 6.0 was more like a s+. Do you still think that is the case with the RDX line? My understanding was tipping a 6.0 would play a lot like a softer or standard x flex. Again, understanding each shaft is different and feels are unique, would you say that it’s fair to say the RDX models still play stiffer than stated flex when compared to most other models?
Riley,
I think the RDX line feels consistent with previous HZRDUS shafts.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Informative review. Regarding the Blue RDX- would you say its characteristics are similar to those of the Graphite Design Tour AD-BB? Your description of a stiff butt and tip with a softer middle section suggests so but wanted to get your thoughts concerning how those two shafts compare and contrast.
Thanks,
Howie
Howie,
I haven’t reviewed the Tour AD BB, so I can’t knowledgeably compare the two shafts.
Best,
Matt
Is the RDX Blue more like a new version of the Evenflow Blue instead of the Riptide CB ?
I really like EF Blue, and thinking of switching to the RDX when I get a new driver. Thanks for the review !
Carl,
No, the RDX Blue is more like the HZRDUS Yellow.
-Matt
So is the TX fairly stout in the Blue or do you still have the feel (and more stability) in it since a SS of 108 (i know a person’s transition is also important when looking at flex) seems like the TX would be harsh
Randall,
The Blue feels true to flex to me.
-Matt
Hi Matt – How would you compare the HZRDUS Black RDX to the Ventus Blue (both in stiff)? Considering the two to go into my Titleist TSi3 9 degree Driver. Swing speed between 100-105 and I am looking to lower my spin. Thx!
Ray,
I have a full review of the Ventus Blue here: https://pluggedingolf.com/fujikura-ventus-shaft-review/
-Matt
Kinda funny
Bored on a Friday night and while researching and noticed your SS has increased over the past seven years. But flashback to your testing of the fubuki zt you had a lower swing speed (100), yet produced a 259 carry and a 285 net…
You should dust that shaft out and give a test run against all the latest and greatest
Hey Matt,
Just recently bought a tour flex project x hzrdus rdx black graphite, can you tell me how many grams that shaft is? I cant seem to find the weight associated with “tour flex”
Thanks
Chris,
The weight should be listed on the placard under the grip.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Great review as always.
Im a lefty 18hcp with a bit of left-side fade/slice tendency.
I recently bought a new RadSpeed driver with RDX Blue 70g 6.0, moving from previous Aldila Rogue Pro Silver 110 70g in a previous Speedzone but have noticed my miss has been accentuated and I’m wondering if the RDX is a bit softer in mid-section and it’s not helping. I swing about 107-109mph. I feel like the Rogue was helping manage the miss little better and was giving me more consistently straight shots.
Thanks
In my personal experience a slice is always accentuated by a shaft that is too stiff as the shaft cannot load and unload properly, thus leaving the face open.
Conversely, a shaft that is too soft will result in hooks, as the shaft overloads and unloads too much closing the face at impact. Best thing to do is get fitted.
I swing a 72 gram extra stiff shaft and attempted swinging a friends 55 gram regular flex in the same head. I found with very moderate tempo controlled swings I could hit very high bombs that seemed to stay in the air forever. However, any deviation from this swing and I was hitting aggressive pull hooks that I could not control. I also tried hitting a 44 inch HZRDUS black shaft in my same head that had been tipped one inch and all I could manage was a low bullet that often times sliced on me, showing that I could not get that shaft to load properly. My experience is anecdotal so your mileage will vary, but I always say get fitted if you’re unsure of your particular tendencies and how a shaft will perform for you.
Hello Matt,
I have a swing speed of 120 MPH, bought the Titleist TSI 3 with the RDX 6.0, could bomb it reasonably well, but went and purchased a Aldila Rogue MAX 65 x flex today from 2nd swing and OMG laying out bombs 330, can you tell me why the RDX with a torque of 3.5 would be better for me than the Aldila Rogue MAX with a torque of 4.2???
I’m not sure I understand your question. It seems like the Rogue MAX is working better for you, unless I’m misreading something.
Best,
Matt
I was playing the black 6.0 RDX in my SIM2 and it was ok, tried to go with the blue 6.0 RDX thought I would get more pop, instead got crazy hooks and pulls. Decided to get a fitting and I hit the Ventus black 6.x better, with club speed only 101-103 not sure about that. I am 6’4 and fitter thinks my height plays a part in it. Thoughts? 16 HC
Hal,
If you saw good results, what are you not sure about?
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt
Great review, very informative.
Matt I am a 55 year old of 4 handicap, don’t have the club head speed I used to, it is around 97 now
( bad back), would the Blue shaft be better suited for me than the Black at about 70g at 5.5 flex?
Regards
David 😎🕺
David,
My best advice is to get a fitting. Swing speed alone is not going to determine whether you would do better with the Blue or Black.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Appreciate all the reviews here. Just a question of curiosity when perusing your numbers. Of particular interest are the low spin numbers you seem to manage with any shaft – is this due to a highly positive angle of attack?
You seem to mention in your reviews that you prefer a tip stiff/stronger flex shaft, I’m guessing this is for face control rather than maintaining low spin?
Appreciate your response.
Chris,
You’re correct on both counts. I like the feel of softer shafts, but accuracy usually goes out the window.
Best,
Matt
I got the RDX Smoke Black 70g/6.5 in my 300 mini driver.
Hi Matt, great review. I spent the last 3 months deciding which shaft compliments the taylormade stealth plus. I concluded that the mid launch character of the stealth head was optimised with the project x Hzrdus black 60g hdx 6,5 flex shaft. It performed best in the fitting bay and I was able to try the shaft/head combination on the course, prior to purchase. I appreciate you describe the black hdx as a stable but smooth shaft, its certainly not a telephone pole like the Ventus black 6x. A very happy plus 4 handicapper.
Curious if anyone knows the situation with pricing for these shafts? Many oem’s offer them as stock offerings, but to buy them aftermarket they are approx. $225. This doesn’t make sense to me and I have followed the stock, made-for and aftermarket golf shaft industry for about 25 years.
Hi
How is the feel/kick of the Rdx blue compared to your ad di?
Brian,
I have a full review of the Tour AD DI here: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-designs-tour-ad-di-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt. I really enjoy and appreciate your thorough reviews. After looking at your reviews for the Hzrdus Smoke Yellow and the RDX Blue, I was shocked at how similar your numbers were (albeit a year apart). Would you say that they the RDX Blue is just a slightly updated version of the Smoke Yellow?
Thanks,
Tim
Tim,
No, the Yellow is counterbalanced with a different profile than the Blue.
10 years of swinging everything under the sun has helped me to figure out how to make a lot of different things work.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Always highly appreciate your reviews.
I‘m currently playing the Cobra ltdx with the Tensei White AV Series. Spin is great, but launch is too low. Do you think the rdx blue could solve this, which means higher launch with same spin? I‘ll make a fitting anyway just wanted to hear your opinion
Best
Luis
Luis,
It’s possible, but the different feel could also negatively affect other things. It’s hard to change one variable without changing others.
Best,
Matt