Which Fuji Ventus Driver Shaft?

[GT1885]

I'm 67 and the original Blueboard, back in "my day", was the bee's knees for me. Back then my SS was around 105 and was pretty strong. Now? Ha!! The shafts I've settled into lately are older shafts. One real old...Aldila NVS in regular flex. I also loved the Fuji Motore VC6.1 in Regular flex.

If I was to buy one of the Ventus shafts which one do y'all feel I would like the best. I doubt that there's anything in the Black line and I see more in the Red line on the Champions Tour.

Edited December 26, 2023 by GT1885

[GolfSpy_APH]

Just now, GT1885 said:

I'm 67 and the original Blueboard, back in "my day" was the bee's knees for me. Back then my SS was around 105. Now? Ha!! The shafts I've settled into lately are older shafts. One real old...Aldila NVS in regular flex. I also loved the Fuji Motore VC6.1 in Regular flex.

If I was to buy one of the Ventus shafts which one do y'all feel I would like the best. I doubt that there's anything in the Black line and I see more in the Red line on the Champions Tour.

@GolfSpy BOS @GolfSpy_BNG @GolfSpy_BEN have all used the red and others in the ventus line do I will defer to them!

[Jim Shaw]

9 minutes ago, GT1885 said:

I'm 67 and the original Blueboard, back in "my day", was the bee's knees for me. Back then my SS was around 105 and was pretty strong. Now? Ha!! The shafts I've settled into lately are older shafts. One real old...Aldila NVS in regular flex. I also loved the Fuji Motore VC6.1 in Regular flex.

If I was to buy one of the Ventus shafts which one do y'all feel I would like the best. I doubt that there's anything in the Black line and I see more in the Red line on the Champions Tour.

The Aldila NVS line is really really good.. I still see the odd one at the provincial and national level, I currently have a red Ventus shaft in my driver and will not change it unless something really really jumps out at me, I will change the head but not the shaft.

[Preeway]

I would think if your swing speed 105 or lower then perhaps the red would be better suited to help with launch angle. I’m 50 and play the blue and my driver swing speed is around 108-110. Of course this could all vary with stiffness as well and the loft on the driver. I’d reckon you’re best off going to a fitter and sampling all the different options. 

[Josh Parker]

I have used the red and black. I actually preferred the red.  

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Everyone will tell you a fitting is the best way to determine which is best for your game and swing, and while they are correct, I’m also a believer that crowdsourcing answers can be beneficial when looking for a place to start. I have the red ventus in a 6s and I’ve tried the black in a 6x. For my swing, I absolutely loved the black in a 6x, while the red was a little on the whippy side. For reference, I swing rather aggressively and am around 105-112mph so the black x worked well for me. Another one of our members, @chisag, plays the red ventus in a r flex and may be able to give you more specific feedback. Good luck in your search

[GolfSpy BOS]

I’ve hit the blue in driver and fairway and the TR Red in a driver, I thought the blue felt better but I tend to prefer more feel on the handle, the TR Red felt really stiff in the handle but still had good launch. 

[funkyjudge]

16 minutes ago, GT1885 said:

I'm 67 and the original Blueboard, back in "my day", was the bee's knees for me. Back then my SS was around 105 and was pretty strong. Now? Ha!! The shafts I've settled into lately are older shafts. One real old...Aldila NVS in regular flex. I also loved the Fuji Motore VC6.1 in Regular flex.

If I was to buy one of the Ventus shafts which one do y'all feel I would like the best. I doubt that there's anything in the Black line and I see more in the Red line on the Champions Tour.

I have been a Fujikura Charter Dealer and Fitter for more than 15 years, and I've tried and fitted with every Fujikura shaft model that has been available over that time.  Although there have been a few Speeder models that I liked and played myself (primarily the various 661 Speeders, particularly the Gen V and VI versions, the original Ventus and Ventus TR shafts have become my overall favorites.

The Ventus Red would PROBABLY be your best bet, based on the information that you have provided. Don't get the impression that the Red profile -- either in the original Ventus Red or the TR Red -- are super-soft in the tip, or that they play like wet noodles.  The original Ventus Red has the softest tip section of any Ventus model, and the Ventus TR Red still has a medium-soft tip, but both of them still offer excellent control and mid-low spin but without a hint of a "boardy" feel, thanks to the proprietary VeloCore material in the mid and tip sections of those shafts. The Ventus Red models in a 70-Series have been the most popular fairway wood shafts for my fitting customers, including some hard swingers, and the Ventus TR red is excellent in both drivers and fairway woods (the original Ventus Red with VeloCore is fine in the driver for most golfers, too).

Your observations regarding the number of Ventus Red shafts that are in use on the Champions Tour (LPGA Tour, too).  There's a good reason (actually, lots of good reasons) for this, and control with great feel and decent launch and spin numbers for more "normal" clubhead speeds are among those reasons.

[chisag]

41 minutes ago, GT1885 said:

I'm 67 and the original Blueboard, back in "my day", was the bee's knees for me. Back then my SS was around 105 and was pretty strong. Now? Ha!! The shafts I've settled into lately are older shafts. One real old...Aldila NVS in regular flex. I also loved the Fuji Motore VC6.1 in Regular flex.

If I was to buy one of the Ventus shafts which one do y'all feel I would like the best. I doubt that there's anything in the Black line and I see more in the Red line on the Champions Tour.

 

... Right there with you and the Diamana Blueboard shaft and profile fit me like a glove. Lots of current shafts play and feel similar but the Ventus Red Velo is not one of them. It has a very stiff butt and a pretty stiff tip comparatively so it has a much tighter feel. That said, I love the Ventus Red because it has excellent dispersion for my swing and while the feel is different, it isn't a night and day or as Doug said "boardy" feel at all. Most shafts I love because I can feel the kick but the Red just feels very stable without a discernible kick, at least for a smooth swinger. 

... I know you specifically inquired about a Ventus but being a shaft Ho I have to ask, have you hit any of the Graphite Design AD shafts? The AD-MT is discontinued but for me very similar to the OG Blueboard in feel and performance, as is the AD-DI and the AD-IZ another one of my personal favorite shafts. To further confuse the issue  the current Kai'li Blue is as close to a modern OG BB as I have played. I have it in my fairway woods and I won't even try another shaft. 

 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

@GT1885 What driver do you play currently?  I’m have a Ventus Blue Velocore 5-R shaft with an all fit adapter sitting here that I’m not using. Since it’s the holidays I will send it to ya to try out your if ya want. Shoot me a PM and we can discuss if you are interested. 

[Preeway]

For those that know, what’s the key difference in the Velocore and non-Velocore shaft?

[Preeway]

Besides the additional cost

[chisag]

20 minutes ago, Preeway said:

For those that know, what’s the key difference in the Velocore and non-Velocore shaft?

 

... Over simplified the Velocore tip reduces twisting and provides tighter dispersion when missing the center. More accurate miss hits is why it is so popular on all the Tours. Here is a more detailed explaination:


https://fujikuragolf.com/technologies/velocore

[Preeway]

Thanks for that. I wanted the TLDR version. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

32 minutes ago, Preeway said:

For those that know, what’s the key difference in the Velocore and non-Velocore shaft?

The first difference which is the main one is the 70 ton carbon fiber flag which is what the velocore tech is, does not get installed in the non velocore version. Second is going to be the orientation of the flags used in the non velocore to influence torque and the overall EI profile of the shaft.
 

As good as the ventus shafts are they don’t fit everyone and several members here did a fitting hitting both the velocore and non velocore versions side by side and were fit to the non velocore shaft.

There are plenty of example on other forums where golfers used ventus velocore for a while and liked it but doing shafts like the tensei pro 1k white and black 1k better fits, along with some other shaft models. 

Edited December 26, 2023 by RickyBobby_PR

[GolfSpy AFG]

I am no shaft connoisseur for sure, but I have twice been fit (once at GolfTec in Omaha and once at Club Champion in Maryland) for driver and fairways and in both fittings Ventus Blue was the winner, and it was pretty clear.  Tried the TR a while ago and it didn’t do as well, interestingly enough.

[funkyjudge]

34 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

The first difference which is the main one is the 70 ton carbon fiber flag which is what the velocore tech is, does not get installed in the non velocore version. Second is going to be the orientation of the flags used in the non velocore to influence torque and the overall EI profile of the shaft.
 

As good as the ventus shafts are they don’t fit everyone and several members here did a fitting hitting both the velocore and non velocore versions side by side and were fit to the non velocore shaft.

There are plenty of example on other forums where golfers used ventus velocore for a while and liked it but doing shafts like the tensei pro 1k white and black 1k better fits, along with some other shaft models. 

As I have posted previously in other threads, I've fit about as many golfers into the non-VeloCore Ventus shafts as I have into the VeloCore models.  Most players who have a slower swing speed and more-deliberate tempo fare better with the non-VeloCore shafts (at 30-40% of the price of the VeloCore versions), while faster, more-aggressive swingers USUALLY do better with the VeloCore models.  One example of the opposite being true was a golfer with a 107-110 MPH driver speed who hit the Ventus Blue non-VeloCore shaft better than the Ventus Blue with VeloCore at a similar weight and same flex, and is still playing it about two years after I fit him for it.

[Preeway]

3 hours ago, funkyjudge said:

As I have posted previously in other threads, I've fit about as many golfers into the non-VeloCore Ventus shafts as I have into the VeloCore models.  Most players who have a slower swing speed and more-deliberate tempo fare better with the non-VeloCore shafts (at 30-40% of the price of the VeloCore versions), while faster, more-aggressive swingers USUALLY do better with the VeloCore models.  One example of the opposite being true was a golfer with a 107-110 MPH driver speed who hit the Ventus Blue non-VeloCore shaft better than the Ventus Blue with VeloCore at a similar weight and same flex, and is still playing it about two years after I fit him for it.

Thanks for this. I’m looking at buying a 6s Ventus Blue to compare with my 5s. It’s only an $80 drop to test it out and I really like my Non-Velo Ventus Blue. Thinking I’ll stick with non variety and see how it goes. 

[TJ Hall]

I’ve hit the Blue 5S (Sim 2 Max Driver) and Red 6S (Stealth 3 Wood) with good results and feel.  Played a Speeder (can’t remember the specific model) in a Ping G driver and loved that shaft…have always had good luck with a Fujikura shaft.

[bens197]

21 hours ago, chisag said:

... I know you specifically inquired about a Ventus but being a shaft Ho I have to ask, have you hit any of the Graphite Design AD shafts? The AD-MT is discontinued but for me very similar to the OG Blueboard in feel and performance, as is the AD-DI and the AD-IZ another one of my personal favorite shafts. To further confuse the issue  the current Kai'li Blue is as close to a modern OG BB as I have played. I have it in my fairway woods and I won't even try another shaft. 

 

If it weren't for me being preoccupied with other items, I would have visited this post to say exactly this!

If you're dead set on a Ventus, the consensus says Red...but IMO, red as it is not the TR.

If you're looking to go beyond Ventus, I would also suggest TENSEI AV Blue.

[chisag]

1 hour ago, bens197 said:

If it weren't for me being preoccupied with other items, I would have visited this post to say exactly this!

If you're dead set on a Ventus, the consensus says Red...but IMO, red as it is not the TR.

If you're looking to go beyond Ventus, I would also suggest TENSEI AV Blue.

 

... Good call! I did not want to overwhelm the post with multiple shafts but I should have mentioned the Tensei AV Blue. It has been in the top 3 of every driver fitting I have done and very similar in feel to the OG Diamond Blueboard. 

[GT1885]

On 12/26/2023 at 11:18 AM, Preeway said:

I would think if your swing speed 105 or lower then perhaps the red would be better suited to help with launch angle. I’m 50 and play the blue and my driver swing speed is around 108-110. Of course this could all vary with stiffness as well and the loft on the driver. I’d reckon you’re best off going to a fitter and sampling all the different options. 

I think I should have been more clear. My swingspeed was 105 back in my day. Now I'm sure it's in the low 90's.

[GT1885]

On 12/26/2023 at 11:33 AM, funkyjudge said:

I have been a Fujikura Charter Dealer and Fitter for more than 15 years, and I've tried and fitted with every Fujikura shaft model that has been available over that time.  Although there have been a few Speeder models that I liked and played myself (primarily the various 661 Speeders, particularly the Gen V and VI versions, the original Ventus and Ventus TR shafts have become my overall favorites.

The Ventus Red would PROBABLY be your best bet, based on the information that you have provided. Don't get the impression that the Red profile -- either in the original Ventus Red or the TR Red -- are super-soft in the tip, or that they play like wet noodles.  The original Ventus Red has the softest tip section of any Ventus model, and the Ventus TR Red still has a medium-soft tip, but both of them still offer excellent control and mid-low spin but without a hint of a "boardy" feel, thanks to the proprietary VeloCore material in the mid and tip sections of those shafts. The Ventus Red models in a 70-Series have been the most popular fairway wood shafts for my fitting customers, including some hard swingers, and the Ventus TR red is excellent in both drivers and fairway woods (the original Ventus Red with VeloCore is fine in the driver for most golfers, too).

Your observations regarding the number of Ventus Red shafts that are in use on the Champions Tour (LPGA Tour, too).  There's a good reason (actually, lots of good reasons) for this, and control with great feel and decent launch and spin numbers for more "normal" clubhead speeds are among those reasons.

What is the difference in the TR and Velocore models. I forgot to mention in my original post that I've tried a Blue in 6 regular. I could really feel the tip stiffness.

[RickyBobby_PR]

34 minutes ago, GT1885 said:

What is the difference in the TR and Velocore models. I forgot to mention in my original post that I've tried a Blue in 6 regular. I could really feel the tip stiffness.

The TR also has velocore in it. The TR shafts take the original ventus shafts and adds torsional stiffness in the mid section and the handle with another carbon fiber flag gets added to cover the butt and mid section. This allows the shaft to handle the stress put on these sections in the swing. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

2 hours ago, bens197 said:

If it weren't for me being preoccupied with other items, I would have visited this post to say exactly this!

If you're dead set on a Ventus, the consensus says Red...but IMO, red as it is not the TR.

If you're looking to go beyond Ventus, I would also suggest TENSEI AV Blue.

You could put almost every blue profile shaft as a suggestion. Graphite Design is all blue profile shafts with minor differences in the various sections of the shaft in each of their models. The Diamana TB is another example

[bens197]

37 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

The TR also has velocore in it. The TR shafts take the original ventus shafts and adds torsional stiffness in the mid section and the handle with another carbon fiber flag gets added to cover the butt and mid section. This allows the shaft to handle the stress put on these sections in the swing. 

RB...from what you've seen, is the TR a better or more purposeful design for aggressive or quicker tempo players?

[RickyBobby_PR]

19 minutes ago, bens197 said:

RB...from what you've seen, is the TR a better or more purposeful design for aggressive or quicker tempo players?

Sometimes it’s hard to say, example my aggressive swing should have fit an of hzrdus black, DB from PX agreed, I got fit and the OG yellow was a better fit.
 

Here’s what I’ve seen for ventus TR. it work better for the higher swing speed guys some who are looking for that in between “flex” which I hate to say but since it’s the same manufacturer it’s not as bad. Example someone may like the OG black but needs a different feel or to hope to change launch characteristics that go to blue TR. I’ve seen a couple people who didn’t like the OG blue go red TR.

The craziest thing I’ve seen was a buddy who is always on shafts like t1100 6.5 green tx that thought he was going to be get for into a black or black tr with ping and ended up getting better results with the OG red.

From a blind buy standpoint those with a more aggressive transition the TR of whatever of ventus they have or would generally fit too the TR in that color would be best.

Those that don’t like a stiffer handle or mid section stay on the OG color. This is where I’m at. I would stay blue 6s if I went back to a ventus, but I would try a red or red tr to compare and see if it unlocked something in the swing 

Edited December 27, 2023 by RickyBobby_PR

[funkyjudge]

17 minutes ago, bens197 said:

RB...from what you've seen, is the TR a better or more purposeful design for aggressive or quicker tempo players?

I’m not RB, but as a Fujikura Dealer/Fitter I would generally say “yes”.  Aggressive, quicker tempo players who load the shaft A LOT in their downswings usually benefit the most from the TR models in the Ventus lineup.

[bens197]

49 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

Sometimes it’s hard to say, example my aggressive swing should have fit an of hzrdus black, DB from PX agreed, I got fit and the OG yellow was a better fit.
 

Here’s what I’ve seen for ventus TR. it work better for the higher swing speed guys some who are looking for that in between “flex” which I hate to say but since it’s the same manufacturer it’s not as bad. Example someone may like the OG black but needs a different feel or to hope to change launch characteristics that go to blue TR. I’ve seen a couple people who didn’t like the OG blue go red TR.

The craziest thing I’ve seen was a buddy who is always on shafts like t1100 6.5 green tx that thought he was going to be get for into a black or black tr with ping and ended up getting better results with the OG red.

From a blind buy standpoint those with a more aggressive transition the TR of whatever of ventus they have or would generally fit too the TR in that color would be best.

Those that don’t like a stiffer handle or mid section stay on the OG color. This is where I’m at. I would stay blue 6s if I went back to a ventus, but I would try a red or red tr to compare and see if it unlocked something in the swing 

 

47 minutes ago, funkyjudge said:

I’m not RB, but as a Fujikura Dealer/Fitter I would generally say “yes”.  Aggressive, quicker tempo players who load the shaft A LOT in their downswings usually benefit the most from the TR models in the Ventus lineup.

Thanks fellas...this is super helpful and the in-between definitely makes sense.

I was intrigued by several players saying that some of their best numbers did occur with Red.  It seems odd but reinforces the point that these are just a guideline...you won't know until you put them in play.

[RickyBobby_PR]

2 minutes ago, bens197 said:

 

Thanks fellas...this is super helpful and the in-between definitely makes sense.

I was intrigued by several players saying that some of their best numbers did occur with Red.  It seems odd but reinforces the point that these are just a guideline...you won't know until you put them in play.

Yep. We can look at Adam Scott who bounced between the original ventus red and the autoflexx. The red was a surprise and the autoflexx not as much but while he had good numbers with the autoflexx it didn’t jive on the course with his feels and performance. Then he got into the ad di 7x. Which is inline with a blue profile