50 Words or Less
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 shaft comes in two flavors: low spin and mid spin. Very different feels, though both are stable in the tip. Both deliver on their promised ball flight.
Introduction
The last expansion of the HZRDUS family was the RDX models [review HERE] which leveraged Hexcel’s HexTow carbon fiber for more strength and consistency. Project X continues to use Hexcel’s high end materials in their latest shafts, the iM10 Mid and iM10 Low. I tested both shafts to see what the namesake material could add to the HZRDUS line.
Looks
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 shafts have largely the same graphics we’ve come to expect from the HZRDUS line but with a bold, green accent color. Starting from the grip, there’s light grey “Smoke” branding on top of the matte black shaft. Next comes the trademark placard displaying the shaft’s specs. Green “HZRDUS” and “Smoke” branding take center stage followed by the new “iM10” logo. As is typically the case, you can get a completely clean look by installing the shaft logo down.
Feel
Despite being members of the same family, the two iM10 shafts are very different when it comes to feel. The iM10 Low is your classic HZRDUS – stout from butt to tip. This is a burly shaft that will stand up to very aggressive swings and transitions. You’ll get out of this shaft what you put into it but no more.
In contrast, the iM10 Mid is an easy-swinging shaft with a surprising amount of action in the top third of the shaft. The tip section has plenty of stability, but the kick under the grip gave me the feeling that the shaft was doing some of the heavy lifting for me.
Performance
Note: as you can see in the picture above the graphic, I tested the iM10 Low in TX which is stiffer than the 6.5 iM10 that I tested.
Since I had a pretty good idea what the Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 Low was going to do, I decided to start my testing with the iM10 Mid. As I noted above, the feel was a very pleasant surprise. I could get it to kick even without an aggressive swing, which led to very nice accuracy numbers. I was able to turn over the iM10 Mid pretty easily, but I found myself hitting more cuts with it because I was making more relaxed swings.
With the iM10 Mid, the ball launched in a medium window with just enough spin to optimize my carry distance. As always, it’s worth noting that I’m a low spin player and you should get fit to get the most out of your driver set up.
When I switched to the iM10 Low, I got the classic HZRDUS performance. The ball launched on a noticeably lower trajectory with a penetrating flight. As a low spin player, the iM10 Low was actually too low spin and launch and cost me a bit of carry distance, but high spin players may have very different results. In terms of dispersion, the iM10 Low will give you exactly what your swing deserves. With so little spin, my shots didn’t curve much, so when I got the face square at impact, the ball found the middle of the fairway.
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 Mid is available at 50, 60, and 70 grams. The lightest version has 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 flexes. The 60 gram version has the most flexes available – 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5. At 70 grams, you can get 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5. The iM10 Low is offered in 60 and 70 grams. The lighter version has four flexes – 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and TX. At 70 grams, you can choose from 6.0, 6.5, and TX.
Conclusion
The Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 shafts add two intriguing options to this hugely successful line. For players that have always loved HZRDUS, the iM10 Low will be an attractive choice. If you haven’t found a HZRDUS that you like in the past, check out the iM10 Mid. The feel is unlike any HZRDUS I’ve hit, but the tip stability is something all players will appreciate.
Visit Project X HERE
Matt Saternus
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Hi Matt,
Anything you’d compare the feel or profile of the mid offering? (I believe that is what is offered with the Callaway Epic Max line this year).
Thanks,
Bryan
Bryan,
Nothing that comes immediately to mind, no.
Best,
Matt
Thanks Matt,
I really like the Epic lineup this year, but I get frustrated with Callaway’s minimal stock offerings. At any rate, I have a fitting next week so we’ll see if it’s even the best match for me!
Thanks for the reply!
Bryan
Was this testing done on a driver?
Adam,
Yes, all our shaft reviews are done with a driver unless otherwise specified.
Best,
Matt
Awesome review, Matt.
Want to ask if this profile compares at all to the Tour AD DI in the same weight class?
Thanks!
Ian
Ian,
Are you referring to the iM10 Mid or Low?
-Matt
The iM10 mid, thanks!
Ian,
I would say that they both get described in similar ways (by me) but don’t quite feel the same. So, yes, same ballpark, but not quite synonymous.
Best,
Matt
Hi, im a ”slow ” swinging golf player and im thinking of buying a sim2max FW5 club Head with the Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 Low Spin 60 Graphite Wood Shafts-5.5 on the secondhand market, Will this be hard for me tho use this club or Will it work ok? Om looking for Hight in my shots.
Simon,
I would not count the iM10 as a high launching shaft, but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t have success with it. As always, the only way to know for sure is to get fit.
Best,
Matt
Hi
Pls, can someone explain to me why on the callaway line up they offer the project x smoke im 10 6.0 with a 60 g weight 3.7 torque and the specs of the same shaft in the web of project x is 66 g ?
What’s the specs of the project x smoke 70 im 10 6.0 stiff?
Regards
Hicham,
OEM stock shafts typically are not the same as the aftermarket version. You can read more about that here: https://pluggedingolf.com/are-aftermarket-shafts-better-than-stock-shafts-golf-myths-unplugged/
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Thanks for the info on this shaft. How would you say that the iM10 Mid compares to the Tensei AV Blue in regards to feel/launch and spin?
I always appreciate your reviews.
I have a full review of the most recent Tensei Blue here:
https://pluggedingolf.com/mitsubishi-tensei-av-raw-blue-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I noted that in your review for the Smoke Black, that it had been confirmed that the OEM version was identical to the shaft bought separately.
Do you know if this is the case with the im10? I only ask because I tried the OEM version in the Cobra LTDx LS, and it felt great with a 1.5 smash factor
John,
I’m not certain if there’s a “made for” version of this shaft or not.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
I currently have a Rogue Driver with a Graphite Tour IZ 6 stiff, how will the Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 60 Graphite with Max LS head compare in your humble opinion? I wanted to upgrade my Rogue head to see if I would get more distance and improved dispersion and it came with the HZRDUS shaft.
Mike,
I have no way knowing how those combinations will perform differently for you. My best advice is always to get a fitting and test a lot of things against your current gamer.
-Matt
I love my smoke rdx 6.5 and want to know which one to chose from those two?
I want to put it on my Maverik driver.
Thanks in advance
Kari,
Do you already have an iM10?
-Matt
Hi Matt
No, I dont.
I have the smoke rdx in my Cobra F8 and is curious which one would fit best to my other driver.
Dont seem to find it in Sweden no more.
Kari,
Is there something you’re unhappy with about the RDX?
-Matt
This shaft is by far the best I have ever hit. I have it on my Mavrik 12 degree driver and Epic Flash 3 wood. Specifically my 3 wood, I have never hit more greens from 215-225 out. I ‘m planning on putting this shaft on my Epic Flash 5 wood and Epic Flash 4 hybrid. My friends keep saying..” Wow you are really good with that 3 wood”. Hzrdus Smoke Green im/10 60 gram Stiff mid.
I currently play the Ping G400 10.5 driver with the Alta CB Regular 55 gram shaft (copper color). I believe the torque is 5.0. The Calloway Epic Max driver caught my attention. My swing speed is 85-90 MPH. Dicks is currently offering this driver at a discount. I am not familiar with the Project X HZRDUS IM10 Smoke shafts. I have been reluctant to purchase the club online due to my lack of knowledge of these shafts. When I click on right handed, Regular flex, the shaft offered is the Project X HZRDUS IM10 50G Graphite shaft. I just want to make sure I am not purchasing a stiff as well as a low torque shaft. Can you please offer me some insight. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Mark,
My best advice would be to go to a store and try the driver yourself before buying.
Comparing the iM10 to the Alta CB, the iM10 will probably feel a little stiffer and lower torque.
-Matt
Thanks Matt
Matt,
What driver head and loft did you use during your evaluation?
George,
PING G425 Max, 9*.
-Matt
Hi, Matt! Great review. So, I just this one and your review of the Evenflow Riptide. I am curious which shaft you prefer and then what type of player suits each shaft. Is it solely a tempo difference? Does one have an advantage over the other?
Josh,
Neither shaft has an objective advantage, it’s just a matter a fitting the right one to the right player. Broadly speaking, the HZRDUS line is better for more aggressive swingers.
Best,
Matt