As an unrepentant (golf) shaftphile, one of my favorite stops at the annual PGA Show is the UST Booth. You can’t miss it, it’s right under the giant UST sign suspended from the ceiling.
Except, this year it wasn’t.
Like other notables including Nike, Mizuno, SKLZ, TRUE Linkswear, Matrix, and no doubt others I missed, or, I suppose didn’t miss, UST chose to forgo a booth on this year’s show floor.
Fortunately, I was tipped-off to where one might look if he wanted to find UST. That info was good enough that I was able to get a preview of a couple of exciting new releases.
Elements Prototype Platinum
Unquestionably the Platinum is, for me, anyway, the most exciting UST release in years. I love the feel of the Elements Chrome, and I’m habitually a fan of both the feel and the dispersion I’ve seen with a good bit of the ATTAS line, but it’s also fair to say that none of the above has been ideal for higher spin guys…and I’m definitely one of those.
For those who like to dig into the material details, UST tells me it’s using aerospace grade 90T carbon fiber /125 MSI throughout the length of the shaft. That alone should draw immediate comparisons to Aldila’s 125 MSI Rogue Silver Limited Edition, which just happens to be my current go-to shaft.
Toray T1100G, which is both high-strength and highly-elastic is used to reinforce the tip. Strategically placed additional layers of carbon fiber provide more stability and help narrow dispersion.
The end result is a low torque, slightly counter-balanced shaft that should prove to be exceptionally low spinning. UST says that aggressive swingers could drop spin by upwards of 300 RPM. Needless to say I’ll be giving this one a long look.
For those who focus on graphics, the Elements Prototype Platinum is ion-plated and while simple in presentation, is drop dead sexy.
Listed at $500, the Elements Prototype Platinum could be the premium low-spin UST shaft that many of have been waiting for.
Elements Prototype Helium
As the name probably suggests, the Helium will be a lighter-weight offering (40 and 50g models). In fact, many of the key design elements are focused on reducing weight without compromising performance.
For the Helium, UST is using a lower resin carbon fiber material. The lower resin content not only helps to reduce weight, but it also adds stability while retaining feel.
Further weight reduction comes from what UST calls QuickClr paint, which is 50% lighter than traditional paint.
As far as performance goes, the Helium is counterbalanced in order to make heavier heads and longer playing lengths more manageable. Despite being lightweight, UST says the Helium is extremely stable, which should help tighten dispersion.
Expect Helium to be a higher launching shaft, and that alone suggests it won’t be low spin, but it should prove to be a compelling option for those looking for a lightweight and accurate shaft that doesn’t feel whippy.
Retail Price is $350.
ATTAS G7
Also shown is the new ATTAS G7. Available from 55 to 85 grams, the G7 continues the ATTAS tradition of offering mid-launch and mid-spin along with exceptional feel.
I suspect several of you will lust after this shaft for the graphics alone.
Retail Price: $400
Dave S
8 years ago
It’s a shame such a vital part of the golf club is so painfully boring to read about. No fault of MGS; they do the best they can to spice it up… but at the end of the day, shafts all look pretty similar and the tech behind them, while crucial to well-performing golf club, is very drab.
Tony Covey
8 years ago
Sadly, this is so true…the design specifications are about as exciting as what metals are being used in a given iron. Obviously it contributes to performance, and it so it matters, but shafts continue to pose a coverage challenge. We could just post pictures. We could talk about the bend profile and who it *should* fit…we can even gather launch monitor data from 1 to many golfers who by chance could be really good, or really bad fits for a given shaft. In the past we’ve experimented with a reference shaft, but that’s less than perfect. With shafts, much more so than clubs, you can’t really say ‘better’, only ‘different’.
In the big picture, what I think golfers care about with shafts are (in no particular order):
1) Looks (which is totally subjective)
2) Feel (which is totally subjective)
3) Performance (which is at best relative to the other shafts in a given manufacturers lineup)
I’ve got some ideas, but we’d love to hear yours as well.