Graphite Design YS-6 vs Prolaunch Blue

Shaft Science
Trust us, new shafts are about more than just fancy paint jobs that look cool in your brand-new driver. The top models for '07 feature some impressive technology, ranging from nanotechnology to the fusion of new materials to form shafts that promise longer and straighter golf shots. But for us, no matter how cool the new stuff is, we believe the right shaft may not always be the most popular or expensive, but the one that best fits your specific swing. So, before you spend a lot of money on several shafts that may or may not be a proper fit, start your shaft-buying process with a visit to your local clubfitter. It not only will save you money, but a clubfitter can prescribe the right shaft specs so you can make a better decision on what kind of shaft you want in your driver, woods, hybrids and irons. Follow these steps, and you'll reap the rewards of a new shaft.

Understanding Our Charts
Features: The primary design elements that make the shaft noteworthy, as well as what the shaft was specifically designed to do during the golf swing.
Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the shaft's performance and how it can help make a positive impact on your swing.
Benefits: A general recommendation as to which skill level or player type would best be served by the shaft model featured.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing.
Material: What the shaft is made of, as well as distinguishing manufacturing processes.
Weight: The variance in shaft weights offered in a particular shaft model.
Torque: The rating of twistability in each shaft. More torque generally equates with more forgiveness.
Flex Point: Location on the shaft of maximum shaft bend. High flex points promote a low trajectory, low flex points promote a high trajectory.
Flexes: The full line of flexes available.

Accra SE www.accragolf.com (613) 634-4036 Though lesser known than some, Accra makes top-quality shafts that are worth a serious look by anyone who wants to juice up their driver. Features: Construction featuring ultra-high modulus materials fuses three ingredients to create extremely low-torque values, very high hoop strength and an active tip section._Ê Advantages: Increased ball speeds with the advantage of tighter dispersion and outstanding stability. The Accra SE also boasts a pleasing feel that's less "boardy" than other high-performance, low-torque models. Benefits: Demanding players who want a blend of distance and precision in a low-torque shaft, without a harsh feel. What We Like: Very low torque! Material: High modulus composite Weight: 74g, 79g, 81g, 82g Torque: 1.5__, 1.6__, 2.1"Ê Flex Point: Mid Flexes: M5 (X), M4 (S)	Accuflex Creation www.accuflexgolf.com (800) 721-3342 Billed as an ultra-premium shaft, the new Creation from Accuflex has the makings of not only an excellent_Ê long drivers' shaft, but also one worthy of play on any professional tour. Features: The Creation is constructed with Accuflex's proprietary Nanomet technology to produce a shaft that has awesome stability, weight distribution, distance and feel. Advantages: The long butt section of the shaft adds power, especially for faster swingers. Also, the Creation is designed to promote a high launch and a mid-to-low spin rate, which is ideal with today's big drivers. Benefits: Better players with faster swing speeds. What We Like: It's expensive, but the paint job and the performance make the Creation worth it. Material: Nano composite Weight: 65g, 80g Torque: 3.2"Ê Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S
Accuflex Evolution www.accuflexgolf.com (800) 721-3342 A high energy-transfer shaft. Features: The Evolution features Nano Composite technology, which increases the surface area of the shaft. This effectively creates a tighter molecular structure by eradicating voids in the material. Advantages: What this means for the golfer is a shaft with a lighter overall weight that has greater fiber density, making it stronger and more able to efficiently transfer energy than models with less-dense materials. In addition, the superior quality provided through Nano Composite technology creates more feedback and a better feel. Benefits: Low torque, mid-flex point designed for fast swingers. What We Like: The high-quality materials and lighter weight. Material: Nano composite Weight: 70g-74g (X-R) Torque: 2.8__ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R	Aerotech SteelFiber www.aerotechgolfshafts.com (888) 733-8988 An uncommon construction and blending of materials makes the SteelFiber unlike any other shaft._Ê Features: A unique combination of steel and graphite fiber, extreme uniformity of shape and relatively low torque ratings. Advantages: Typically, golfers associate steel shafts with control and consistency and graphite with light weight and increased swing speed. The combination of materials in the SteelFiber shafts are aimed at producing both the control of steel and the power of graphite. Benefits: Golfers who desire the ultimate control and consistency of a steel shaft, with the added torsional properties and feel of graphite. What We Like: Best steel/graphite hybrid we've seen yet. Material: Graphite, Steel Weight: 65g, 75g Torque: 65g—4.3__-4.6__; 75g—3.8__-4.0__ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: S, R
Aldila NVS www.aldila.com (858) 513-1801 Same technology as the original NV, but with a more responsive tip. Features: High-quality Micro Laminate construction that provides increased consistency. A flexier, more responsive tip section gives players with slightly lower swing speeds more optimal performance. Advantages: Micro Laminate construction makes the NVS more consistent and more capable of efficiently transferring energy throughout the swing and into impact. Benefits: Players who want a Tour-quality shaft but with a more flexible tip section that will allow them to optimize trajectory and distance. Players who swing more than 100 mph should opt for the NV._Ê What We Like: The performance. Material: Nano carbon Weight: 55g, 65g, 75g, 85g, 95g, 105g Torque: 2.1__, 4.4__ (55g) Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R (A, L 55g only)	Aldila VS Proto www.aldila.com (858) 513-1801 Aldila's next-generation Micro Laminate Technology featuring carbon nanotubes produces the company's ultimate performance model. Features: Micro Laminate Technology makes a jump to the future with the addition of carbon nanotubes. Aldila's proprietary A65 Performance Resin System also contributes to the overall performance of this advanced player's shaft. Advantages: The extreme strength of carbon nanotubes in combination with Aldila's other impressive technologies makes the VS Proto extremely resilient and consistent, producing longer, straighter shots for those who can handle it. Benefits: Stronger, more accomplished players who generate plenty of clubhead speed. What We Like: Nanotechnology. Material: Nano carbon Weight: 63g, 71g, 81g Torque: 2.2__-3.2__ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R

Fujikura E300 Series www.fujikuragolf.com (800) 728-6420 A company known for ultra-premium performance (and price) shafts offers a new, more affordable series that can fit almost any golfer. Features: Available in 55g (350), 65g (360) and 75g (370) models, all of which are built with the extremely high-quality materials and processes expected from Fujikura. Other features include a relatively high kickpoint and stiff overall profile, as well as attractive ion plating. Advantages: Range of weights and torques make the E300 Series perfect for clubfitting purposes. Fujikura's top-quality materials provide outstanding consistency and distance. Benefits: Golfers who want a more boring trajectory and mid torque. What We Like: Top-notch Fujikura quality that doesn't require a major investment of cash. Material: Graphite Weight: 55g, 65g, 75g Torque: 3.2__-3.8"Ê Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R	Fujikura Speeder Series www.fujikuragolf.com (800) 728-6420 One of the most expensive and highest-quality shaft lines currently available, the Speeder Series from Fujikura is both technologically advanced and diverse. Features: The key to all Speeder shafts is the company's proprietary Triax material, which is a carbon fiber that's woven in a honeycomb structure, giving each shaft greater resiliency and a better ability to withstand force. Advantages: Speeder shafts deform less during the golf swing than many competitive models, resulting in more consistent performance, better vibration dampening and enhanced energy transfer at impact. Benefits: Better players. What We Like: Everything. It's tough to beat the Speeder. Material: Graphite Weight: 42g-77g Torque: 2.5__-4.4__ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R
Fujikura Rombax www.fujikuragolf.com (800) 728-6420 The most advanced model yet from a company known for producing the ultimate in composite shafts. Features: The new Rombax, which is said to surpass the Speeder in overall performance, takes Fujikura's patented Triax technology and combines it with another box weave to form a new patented technology called—you guessed it—Rombax. Advantages: The new Rombax design helps the shaft maintain its shape and resist deformation during the loading and unloading that occurs during the swing, producing an earlier squaring of the clubhead and more consistent impact. Benefits: Accomplished players who demand the ultimate in performance. What We Like: Fujikura's dedication to innovation and quality. Material: Graphite Weight: 55g, 65g, 75g Torque: 3.8"Ê Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R	Grafalloy Prototype Comp NT www.grafalloy.com One of Grafalloy's top designs continues to be a popular choice among discerning golfers. Features: The Comp NT is built with carbon nanotubes in its resin system, which dramatically increases the strength properties of the shaft, as well as the uniformity of the material from the butt to the tip. Advantages: This feature helps provide greater resiliency during the swing and a greater transfer of power for increased ball speed. Another benefit of the Comp NT's makeup is a low amount of twisting (torque), which helps produce less dispersion and more accurate drives. Benefits: All players. What We Like: The Micro-Mesh tip and carbon nanotubes that provide outstanding consistency._Ê Material: Nano composite Weight: 65g, 85g Torque: 3.1__ (65g), 2.7__ (85g) Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R
Grafalloy EPIC www.grafalloy.com For years, golfers have wanted a shaft that combined the performance benefits of graphite and steel, and this is Grafalloy's solution. Features: Constructed from a proprietary Nanofuse material made by harnessing the strength of nano-crystalline metals and fusing them together at the molecular level with a composite polymer substrate. Advantages: The tremendous strength of the Nanofuse material gives the EPIC an improved ability to resist deformation during the swing, producing superior accuracy and shot dispersion. Benefits: Any player who wants a lightweight shaft that's made with arguably the most advanced material in the industry. What We Like: Extreme innovation and great, unique look. Material: Nanofuse Weight: 68g Torque: N/A Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R	Grafalloy ProLaunch RED www.grafalloy.com The original ProLaunch Blue was a great shaft that provided a trajectory that was a bit too high for some. The Red is made to solve the problem by providing a Tour-like ballflight. Features: The most prominent feature of the ProLaunch Red is Grafalloy's proprietary Micro-Mesh tip technology, which is made possible by a blend of high quality materials and advanced processes. Advantages: The low-torque design of the ProLaunch Red combined with Grafalloy's Micro-Mesh tip technology provide a boring, Tour-like trajectory, tight shot dispersion and an improved feel. Benefits: Advanced players who're looking for a Tour-like trajectory off the tee. What We Like: Grafalloy quality. Material: High-modulus graphite Weight: 62g-66g Torque: 3.0__ Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R

Graphite Design YS-6+ www.gdintl.com (888) 707-6132 The mainstay of the Graphite Design shaft line, the YS-6+ is a premium quality composite shaft that works extremely well with today's oversized titanium drivers. Features: A low-torque mid-kick design that's built from high-quality composite materials using Graphite Design's top-notch manufacturing processes. Advantages: Expensive materials and advanced processes lead to increased accuracy and a more efficient transfer of energy through impact for improved ball speeds._Ê Benefits: A wide range of players who desire a solid blend of distance, accuracy and feel. What We Like: Graphite Design's great products without a lot of hype. Material: High modulus graphite_Ê Weight: 65g-67g Torque: 3.5__ Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R	Graphite Design Pershing www.gdintl.com (888) 707-6132 Graphite Design's latest flagship model was developed with versatility in mind. It's a premium composite shaft that's aimed at all players. Features: The Pershing provides the "full monty" when it comes to features, including four weight categories, multiple tip diameters and a high balance point engineered for modern mega-sized driver heads. Advantages: Multiple weights and slightly higher torque ratings make the Pershing extremely versatile. The high balance point enhances feel while providing improved stability for oversized drivers. Benefits: There's a Pershing for almost any golfer, but this shaft will best fit low- and mid-handicappers. What We Like: Great fitting options. Material: High modulus graphite Weight: 47g-62g Torque: 5.8__, 4.4__ Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R, RR
Graphite Design Tour AD Quattro Tech www.gdintl.com (888) 707-6132 Possibly the most technologically advanced GD shaft, the Quattro Tech is specially designed to maximize stability for oversize drivers. Features: A construction that incorporates a revolutionary 4-axis material made exclusively for Graphite Design. Slightly higher torque ratings for enhanced playability. Advantages: The 4-axis material used to build the Tour AD Quattro Tech provides superior stability for oversize clubheads. The more force placed on the shaft, the more feel and control it delivers. Benefits: All players, but the Quattro Tech is better suited to mid- and high-handicappers. What We Like: A premium shaft that's easy to swing. Material: 4-Axis composite Weight: 54g, 56g, 58g, 65g Torque: 5.5__ Flex Point: Low Flexes: S, SR, R, RR	Harrison Mugen www.harrison.com (800) 347-4646 Harrison's first ultra-premium model promises to be the company's best. Features: Innovative construction that features the fusion of Ultra Thin Ply (UTP) prepreg resin and satellite-grade graphite fiber, as well as the addition of single-walled carbon nanotubes that are embedded in the tip section of the shaft. Advantages: The extreme strength of the fusion material as well as the carbon nanotubes combine to produce the highly desired high-launch, low-spin characteristic that all golfers looking for distance want. Benefits: Any serious player who wants a very high-quality shaft with an extremely strong tip section for increased durability and feel. What We Like: The combination of fusion materials and nanotubes. Material: Graphite, Nano carbon Weight: 62g, 72g, 82g Torque: 2.8__ Flex Point: N/A Flexes: X, S, R, A
Mitsubishi Bassara www.mitsubishirayongolf.com (760) 929-0001 An easier-to-hit model from MRC that can be played by both Tour pros and weekend golfers. Features: A softer bend profile and more moderate torque ratings than the Tour-intended Diamana Series, as well as three different weights to fit a wide range of players. Advantages: Higher trajectory, higher ball speed and more distance are the goals that the softer overall bend profile and more torque accomplish. Benefits: Recreational to better players with moderate swing speeds who want the feel and performance of a Tour-quality shaft but don't want the extreme stiffness that normally accompanies such products. What We Like: MRC quality in a variety of models. Material: Graphite Weight: 63g, 73g, 83g Torque: 3.6__-3.9"Ê Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R (L 63g only)	Mitsubishi Diamana Red Board www.mitsubishirayongolf.com (760) 929-0001 A Tour-level model that features a slightly softer tip section for players who want a higher shot trajectory. Features: A more flexible tip than the closely related Blue Board model, as well as a construction that utilizes more than 20 different types of materials._Ê Advantages: The softer tip section is aimed at making it easier for players to get the ball airborne and on a higher trajectory. It also makes it easier to produce a right-to-left shot shape. Accompanying low-spin rates complement the high-trajectory characteristics for max distance. Benefits: Anyone who wants to hit the ball higher and longer. What We Like: Mitsubishi getting serious in U.S. shaft market. Material: Graphite Weight: 63g, 73g Torque: 2.8__ (73g), 3.2__ (63g) Flex Point: Mid Flexes: X, S, R (L 63g only)

Mitsubishi Diamana White Board www.mitsubishirayongolf.com (800) 347-4646 A Tour-quality shaft that's made to provide extreme stability through impact and low-spin characteristics. Features: High-quality materials and Mitsubishi's top processes and Tour-proven success. Plus, Tiger likes it. Advantages: The White Board is the third flex profile in the Diamana series and is made to allow players to load the shaft while maximizing tip stability and eliminating the harsh feel normally associated with shafts that feature stiff-tip designs. Benefits: Players who want the performance of a tip stiff shaft without sacrificing feel. Any golfer who plays with a high MOI driver. What We Like: Mitsubishi's ability to provide Tour-caliber products that fit a wide range of golfers. Material: High Modulus Graphite Weight: 63g, 73g, 83g Torque: 2.8__-3.1__ Flex Point: High Flexes: X, S, R

SK Fiber Helium UL www.skfiber.com (800) 434-2379