Equipment Review: Rombax Z Fujikura Shaft
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

Today, even amongst casual golfers, there’s a greater appreciation for fitting a clubhead – and a golfer, according to his or her skill level – with a proper shaft. Concurrently, today’s shafts are heads and tails above earlier prototypes in terms of performance. After all, a shaft is the engine of your golf club.

There are a myriad of options out there, but Fujikura appears to be leading the pack. The company enjoyed another exceptional year in 2007, retaining the #1 Driver and All Woods Shaft Brand position on the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour. Fujikura’s premier tour position was highlighted by being the #1 Driver Shaft Brand at all four men’s majors in 2007. On the LPGA and Champions Tour, Fujikura was the #1 Driver and Wood brand at their respective U.S. major championships.

My bag includes a pair of fairway wood Tour Platform shafts from Fujikura – some of the most responsive shafts I’ve ever played with in a strong 3-wood. Now, Fujikura introduces a new series of shafts for 2008, inspired by its Tour performance leadership and partnership with the world’s leading clubmakers, and its extensive global Charter Dealer network.

Among Fujikura’s new offerings: the Rombax Z series of shafts, designed for top-level Tour and amateur players who desire a low, penetrating ball flight. I certainly fit into that category. The Rombax Z shaft features a stiff tip and high bend profile, designed to dramatically reduce ball spin and launch angle of drivers and fairway woods.

Available in weights of 54 to 87 g, the Rombax Z models use an unprecedented combination of Fujikura’s Triax Material technology, and a unique, braided box-weave composite throughout the length of the shaft. My test shaft is the 7Z08 model, promoting low spin, low launch and high bend point. It’s available in 75 to 79 g shafts.

This is a shaft for serious players, and it produces explosive shots with amazing accuracy. No surprise, already this year, Fujikura scored a hat trick, winning the Driver Shaft and All Woods shaft brand (including hybrids) in the count at the Sony Open, Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the Buick Invitational.

To learn more about Fujikura and its new offerings for 2008, visit www.fujikuragolf.com.