Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX Shaft Review

50 Words or Less

The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX shaft has all the stability and low/low performance that this line is known for but with a smoother feel than previous iterations.

Introduction

In the world of golf shafts, there are a lot of low launch, low spin options, but HZRDUS Green stands apart.  Often known as “The Hulk,” this shaft is widely considered the burliest, stoutest, most unyielding of them all.  I tested the latest version, the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX, to see if it carries on that legacy.

Players seeking a more active HZRDUS should check out the Red RDX HERE

Looks

The major graphic elements of the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX make it instantly recognizable as a member of Project X’s first family.  The HZRDUS branding is prominent across the middle.  A hazmat placard with the shaft’s specs is located just below the grip.  Installed logo down, this shaft is completely graphic-free.

Where the Smoke Green RDX differs from previous versions, and from earlier members of the RDX line [reviews of the Blue and Black HERE] is in the base coloring.  The Smoke Green RDX shifts from a beautiful rich green in the upper half to solid black in the lower half.  Visually, this is my second favorite HZRDUS Green shaft behind only the Gamma PVD finish on the original Smoke Green [review HERE].

Feel

In the interest of not burying the lede, I’ll start here: this is the smoothest HZRDUS Green ever.  If you’ve followed the evolution of this model, you know smooth has never been in its vocabulary.  And, to be clear, I would not call this shaft smooth when considering the entire landscape of shafts.  However, compared to previous versions, the HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX is, well, smooth.

What it has in common with previous iterations is that it’s going to do what it’s going to do regardless of how hard you swing it.  It’s going to give a little hint of a kick in the middle whether you swing out of your shoes or try to nudge the ball down the fairway.

In the larger context, the HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX remains one of the more solid, stable shafts available.  If you want a shaft that can stand up to your most aggressive efforts, this is it.

Performance

As with previous versions, the HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX is designed to be the lowest launching and spinning shaft in the family.  It delivers on that promise.  The ball doesn’t so much jump off the tee as it sprints away.  With its boring flight path and minimal spin, this shaft is ideal for those that play in windy environments.

While the HZRDUS Green shafts have never been optimal for me in terms of distance (I’m already low spin), I have always loved their accuracy.  As in the past, I never felt like the Smoke Green RDX didn’t give me the exact result I deserved.  When I made a good swing, I could walk straight down the fairway knowing I’d find the ball there.  Conversely, when I hit one into the trees, I knew it was on me.  It’s also worth noting that this shaft, at least for me, strongly preferred the right side of the fairway.  With some effort, I could hit a draw, but most of my shots were small pushes or fades.

The big upgrade in this newest model of HZRDUS Green is the use of HexTow carbon fibers.  This is consistent with the other shafts in the HZRDUS RDX family.  HexTow is aerospace-grade material designed to be incredibly strong and consistent.

The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX shaft is offered in just two weights: 60 and 70 grams.  Both are offered in three flexes: 6.0, 6.5, and TX.  This translates roughly to stiff, X-flex, and Tour-X.

Conclusion

The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green RDX continues the legacy of “The Hulk” but with a slightly gentler feel.  Upgraded materials allow it to retain its signature strength and stability without being overly harsh.  If you need low launch and spin, this should be near the top of your demo list.

Visit Project X HERE

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Matt Saternus

Founder, Editor In Chief at PluggedInGolf.com
Matt is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Plugged In Golf. He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

8 Comments

  1. Thanks for this shaft review. I notice you provide launch monitor data which is nice but what drivers are being used to develop this data?

    I guess what I am trying to understand is the shaft being used in your shaft reviews any better or worse than the stock shafts provided with the driver that you are using in any given test ?

    • Matt Saternus

      Jack,

      With shafts – or even heads, to a certain degree – the question is not “better or worse” but “better or worse for me” which is why we emphasize fitting.

      -Matt

  2. Is the part where you said it is only available in 60 and 70 grams a typo? That picture shows a 65 gram shaft.

  3. Mike Mastroleo

    Hi Matt,
    What is the longest distance shaft you have tested year to date by numbers?

  4. Matt, I haven’t found one of these to test yet, how did the performance and feel compare to the Ventus TR 6x ( my current gamer)?

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