Hireko Forum

mattdive@comcast.net · Joined: Jun 20, 2008 Messages: 7 Offline

I recently built 3w and a 4h mantara clubs using Aldila VX shafts tip trimmed to regular flex. The 3 wood gets less distance than my 5 wood (clone of a Nike) and the 4 hybrid isn't as long as my 6 hybrid (also a Nike clone).

I hit two buckets at the range comparing the new and old clubs. My swing isn't exactly consistent, but the results were.

Could it be the shafts? My clone hybrids have older True Temper Graphite Gold shafts (R). The 5 wood has a NGC branded graphite shaft (R).

This is my first time using the Aldila VX shafts (based on reviews on Hireko's site). I am not very impressed with the heads, either.

Any suggestions?

Jeff Summitt · Joined: Jan 13, 2006 Messages: 2541 Offline

The VX is an entry level shaft that Aldila has sold well for years. There could be a number of reasons why distance is less than expected. One of which could be the shaft is not well suited to your swing (strength and tempo). A few other things to look at are the lengths, lofts, swingweight - not just what they are stated in the specifications, but the actual measurements.

Is the True Temper Graphite Gold the True Temper Dynamic Gold Graphite? If so, that is a much different shaft in terms of stiffness than the VX. Unfortunately I do not have any info on the NGC shaft.

Jeff Summitt

clubmakr@ptd.net · Joined: Dec 8, 2006 Messages: 51 Offline

My experience with Aldila VX shafts is that they play a lot stiffer than several other brands. They seem to have a "dead" feeling. I don't have any scientific data to support that just my opinion.

I also have had a distance problem when using the VX shaft. My recommnedation is to go with the Hireko X-Class.

Hope this helps,

Bob

mattdive@comcast.net · Joined: Jun 20, 2008 Messages: 7 Offline

Thank you for the tips.

The NGC shaft (National Golf Center) is a pretty whippy shaft, but must have low torque because it doesn't twist - hits dead straight.

The True Temper graphites have a gold logo that says "Graphite Gold" (R)
They are about 10 years old and came off some irons made by Mastergrip Golf. They seem far more flexible than the Adilia VX shaft.

I also built a 9w for my father-in-law using the VX shaft and an Acer XP head (clearance). It looks like a very nice club, but he says he can't hit it well at all.

I am 6'5" with long arms. My driver is 45.5" long (cut down from a 46" for more control). My average driver distance the last time I hit the range was 245. I hit the 5w over 200 yds. My swing tempo is fairly moderate (low and slow going back, with a somewhat quick transition to the downswing). My 7-9 irons have Apollo Shadow steel shafts on Acer hollowcore heads. I can hit those nice and soft (unless I overswing) with decent trajectory and distance. I don't have a handicap, but haven't been playing long and am somewhat inconsistent.

For the Mantara 3w, what shaft would you recommend? I've been looking at the X-class, Acer Velocity, SK Fiber Tour Trac 80, and the True Ace Orange Ion, but am open to any suggestions.

For the Mantara 4h, I've been considering the True Ace Cadence Orange Hybrid 75, Apollo Shadow Hybrid Graphite, and the X-class. Are there any others you'd recommend within that general price range that may be similar to what I can actually hit?

Thanks.

Jeff Summitt · Joined: Jan 13, 2006 Messages: 2541 Offline

If they are "pretty whippy", then I might suggest using a shaft with a softer tip section to complement the Apollo Shadow steel shafts. The Acer X-Class or the Velocity (same shafts but different graphics) would meet that criteria. Since you have been hitting R-flex, I would continue with that despite what distance or swing speed you have since it seems to work. Also, use the same shaft in the fairway and hybrid, although the hybrid will use the iron version of the shaft.

Jeff Summitt