50 Words or Less
The Project X Red iron shaft is a sharp departure from the original Project X. Higher launch and spin. Much more active feel. Stable tip section.
Introduction
The original Project X iron shaft is one of the staples at the highest levels of golf. In the earlier years of my golfing career, it was seen as one of only two “real” choices if you were a high end player. But as times have changed, golfers have demanded more and more options. Enter the Project X Red iron shaft, a novel offering from one of the game’s most established names.
Looks
The Project X Red is a stepless steel shaft with a traditional gloss finish. The design of the shaft label is the same as the original Project X, with its vertical orientation, but the color is, of course, red. This is a jarring change, as Project X labels have been blue and only blue for the entirety of my golfing life. While unusual, the red label does look sharp, and you can always peel it off if you don’t like it.
Feel
If the traditionalist in me was shocked by the red sticker, they were absolutely stunned by the feel. The original Project X shaft was and is a board. The selling point is stability. If you want kick, take karate.
The Project X Red could not be more different. This shaft is smooth and active. I remember the very first time I swung it – when being fit for the Titliest T100 irons [review HERE] that they ended up in – I did a double take. These shafts still have a lot of tip stability, but the butt and mid sections are very energetic throughout the downswing. From a feel perspective, the Project X Red has more in common with the Project X iO [review HERE] or Project X LZ [review HERE] than the original.
Performance
The Project X Red is billed as “the next evolution” of the Project X line, with “elevated launch and spin characteristics.” Project X states that the Red is “Medium” in trajectory and spin, in contrast with the original PX which is “Low” in both. In my testing, I saw an obvious difference in ball flight between the two. You do not need a launch monitor to tell the difference; you don’t even need to know anything about golf. For me, the higher flight helps me to get better landing angles and more consistent distance gaps throughout the bag.
The Project X Red iron shaft is available in three flexes – 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5. These translate roughly to regular, stiff, and x-stiff. The uncut weights are 110, 110, and 120 grams, respectively. They are .355 taper tip, and come in lengths from 36.5″ to 40″ (40.5″ available at 6.5).
Conclusion
Years ago, players had to choose between tight dispersion and a higher, optimal ball flight. Stability with active feel was not a thing. Now, the Project X Red iron shafts allow you to have it all. If you want a mid weight iron shaft that feels great and also delivers under pressure, give this a try.
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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8 Comments
Matt,
How would you compare this to a C-Taper? More importantly, thank you for all of the great reviews. I always look forward to reading your articles.
Mack
Thanks, Mack.
For me, the C-Taper is a lot closer to the Dynamic Gold/original Project X than the PX Red. Lower flight, heavier, stiffer feel.
Best,
Matt
So maybe closer to the c taper lite?
Jay,
Closer to C-Taper Lite than C-Taper, but still not that close, to me.
Best,
Matt
Matt, the company profiles the shaft for fast tempo players. Did you find that to be the case?
Chip,
It’s working for me, and I would say that I have a faster tempo. I’m not sure you need a fast tempo to make it work, though.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, Great review as always. For the launch/spin of the PX Red, would you say is still lower launch and spin than the AMT Reds? Thanks.
James,
I don’t have enough time with the AMT Red to say for sure.
Best,
Matt