We just completed our Fujikura Axiom iron shafts review. Wow, we are impressed and here’s why – consistency, feel, technology and trends.
The trend away from heavy steel shafts (over 90-grams) to heavy graphite shafts continues. Fujikura AXIOM joins UST Mamiya Dart and Recoil, Mitsubishi Chemical Group MMT, Aerotech SteelFiber, OBAN and KBS TGI graphite in this line.
Fujikura incorporates the breakthrough VeloCore Technology used in Ventus shafts into the new Axiom iron shafts. They also took a unique approach to optimize for three shaft profiles – long-irons, mid-irons and short-irons. For example, Axiom’s LP (long parallel) is optimal for 2- through 4-irons. MP (mid parallel) is optimal for 5- through 7-iron. And SP (short parallel) is optimal for 8-iron through PW or AW. This level of customization is a club fitters dream, further tightening dispersion across the entire set of irons.
The intent of these graphite or multi-material shafts is to reduce the vibration in the shaft without sacrificing feel. Vibration is often tied to pain in joints, soreness and even fatigue in the hands. The latest generation of graphite iron shafts deliver the feel of steel without the effects from vibration.
Graphite iron shafts, especially in the lighter weights, were not well known for consistency. As you’ll see in the results below – consistency is as good, maybe better, than steel!
Full-swing Axiom Iron Shafts Review
Tester 1: 6-iron swing speeds 80-90 mph, typical 120-gram shaft, 8-handicap golfer with -3 degree outside-in club path.
In this test, we wanted to see how the AXIOM 105 and AXIOM 125 shafts perform against comparable steel and comparable graphite shafts. Clubs were built with closely matched swing weights and shaft flexes. The chart shows the best 4-5 out of 6-8 shots with each build.
- The result vs. steel: The bubbles and dots illustrate shot dispersion within each build. Clearly there is reduced dispersion with the AXIOM 105 and 125 shaft. And Tester 1 responded better to the 125-gram stiffer flex shaft than the stiff 105 shaft, but dispersion improved in both AXIOM shaft builds. Not shown in the chart is that the AXIOM 125 smash factor was 1.35 vs. 1.31 with other steel iron shafts. Further, we noticed an additional 250 RPM of spin rate with comparable attack angles.
- The result vs. graphite: Again, following the bubbles and dots, all graphite iron shafts had as good or better shot dispersion as steel. Interesting, but not shocking, was how comparable the Aerotech Steelfiber stacked up as a 110-gram shaft vs. the 105-gram and 125-gram shafts. Smash factors and spin rates increased with the Aerotech SteelFiber as well, but we did not see those gains in the TGI 110 or MMT 125 shafts. But each of those shafts still were very comparable to steel in performance.
Comparing Graphite vs. Steel Iron Shafts Demands a Custom Iron Fitting
The new technology in the AXIOM iron shafts is impressive, but at the end of the day what matters most to golfers is the sound and feel at impact. In our tests, the AXIOM shafts outperform comparable graphite iron shafts as well as steel counterparts. But each golfer is unique and deserves the unique experience. Experience AXIOM for yourself – our expert clubfitting team will identify the optimal shafts for your swing, giving you the freedom to experience setups with Trackman and a precision, perfect build specific to you. “The AXIOM shafts feel solid, less rigid especially with mishits, and yet gives incredible feedback. I was shocked by the numbers and impressed with the consistency. I’m a believer.” stated Tester 1.
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