Introducing the 2024 Fujikura Ventus Blue
Fujikura introduced its Ventus shaft at the 2018 Safeway Open, and it quickly became a popular choice on the PGA Tour. Today, it is still the most preferred shaft on tour. In the 2022-2023 season, 9% of the players used Ventus driver shafts, and 26% used fairway wood shafts. Talk about an impressive achievement, as no other shaft on the market was used more. Fujikura has done an incredible job with the Ventus line, and they are now launching an updated version called Ventus Blue to make it even better.
What has made Ventus such a special shaft over the past six years? The secret lies within VeloCore. VeloCore is Fujikura’s special sauce that helps bring extra stability to the golf shaft by using ultra-high Pitch 70 Ton Carbon Fiber and exceptional feel by including 40 Ton bias layers. While those materials might be a bit much to understand, having them has proven to deliver outstanding stability throughout a golfer’s swing and impact with the ball. With several equipment manufacturers pushing the MOI discussion these days, it’s notable that VeloCore helps maximize your clubhead’s MOI and ball speed because it reduces the twisting your clubhead experiences at impact.
Introducing a new and updated version of Ventus comes with the usual complexities that arise from previous success. The goal is to create something worthy of the Ventus name and retain its unique feel while offering the performance enhancements that today’s golfers seek. We want a product that allows us to hit the ball longer and straighter while maintaining that signature Ventus feel. In other words, golfers want improvements without ruining a good thing. As we have seen in various parts of the golf industry, it can be challenging, but Fujikura is ready to take it on.
“VENTUS launched on global Tours in 2018 and has been the absolute standard in wood shaft performance ever since,” says Fujikura Product and Brand Manager Spencer Reynolds. “With this iteration, we set out to improve the original model by incorporating the new material and technology advancements we’ve pioneered over the last 6 years. In player testing we achieved our target launch and spin numbers consistent with the original VENTUS Blue, but increased ball speeds and tightened dispersion, giving players enhanced performance in the areas that matter most. More speed, more distance, and improved accuracy.”
Fujikura follows the same playbook they did when launching the original in 2018 by releasing it first in what became known as Ventus Blue. As a shaft profile, this Ventus Blue is mid-launch and low-spin and should fit a wide demographic of golfers. Ventus Blue also tends to be a bit softer in the butt/handle section of the shaft, which tends to make it easier to load.
For the new 2024 Fujikura Ventus Blue, the company is introducing VeloCore+, which builds upon VeloCore’s success in Ventus, Ventus TR, and AXIOM shafts. The new VeloCore+ design is set to enhance the feel and performance of Ventus. This technology features a re-engineered multi-material bias core with an additional premium bias core material, thus promoting even tighter dispersion and increased ball speeds. During their player testing, the new Ventus Blue has shown undeniable speed, accuracy, and distance increases. I don’t know about you, but I’ll gladly sign up for that.
Those looking to upgrade their driver or fairway wood shaft can purchase the new Ventus for $350 starting in February, as it will be available through authorized Fujikura Charter Deals and select OEM custom programs. Ventus will be available in a range of weights, from 52 grams up to 94 grams, and will come in flex profiles from R2 to X-Stiff.
