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.
Will be interesting to see how much of a measurable difference between the original and this updated version in the swing, and in the numbers.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 12094356, member: 59233″]
Will be interesting to see how much of a measurable difference between the original and this updated version in the swing, and in the numbers.
[/QUOTE]
Based on how massive the performance potential of pitch fiber is from the discussion on Off Course this past week, I’m betting it’s notable.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094361, member: 1579″]
Based on how massive the performance potential of pitch fiber is from the discussion on Off Course this past week, I’m betting it’s notable.
[/QUOTE]
That’s why I’m hoping robot numbers can come out to show it with the exact swing parameters.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 12094363, member: 59233″]
That’s why I’m hoping robot numbers can come out to show it with the exact swing parameters.
[/QUOTE]
I also posted this reply in the wrong thread. It’s early. ?
Naturally, there will be a ton of buzz around this one.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094406, member: 1579″]
Naturally, there will be a ton of buzz around this one.
[/QUOTE]
I completely agree with this statement!
Great write up [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] !
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094367, member: 1579″]
I also posted this reply in the wrong thread. It’s early. ?
[/QUOTE]
So many articles this morning!
I actually think this would be something I like from a feel perspective based on your description [USER=782]@ddec[/USER]
Being a Ventus Blue player currently I am very curious to see how this is different. Really like the color update too.
Not in fact a collab with Good Good [USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER] haha
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12094520, member: 1193″]
I actually think this would be something I like from a feel perspective based on your description [USER=782]@ddec[/USER]
[/QUOTE]
me too. I’ve never hit a Ventus with VeloCore. But I like what I’m hearing. Little softer under the hands seems like a good thing.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12094987, member: 782″]
me too. I’ve never hit a Ventus with VeloCore. But I like what I’m hearing. Little softer under the hands seems like a good thing.
[/QUOTE]
That’s kind of like the magic trick for me. Really improves feel.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12094989, member: 1193″]
That’s kind of like the magic trick for me. Really improves feel.
[/QUOTE]
I’m one that has a hard time feeling like I am properly loading the shaft, so that helps in general.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12094991, member: 782″]
I’m one that has a hard time feeling like I am properly loading the shaft, so that helps in general.
[/QUOTE]
Hmmm. Loading? Never heard of that.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12094987, member: 782″]
me too. I’ve never hit a Ventus with VeloCore. But I like what I’m hearing. Little softer under the hands seems like a good thing.
[/QUOTE]
The TRs are too much under the hands for a lot of people. So a little more feel there would be great.
I’ll be curious to find out if it’s a worthwhile addition to the lineup.
I just got fit into the TR Black and very happy with it so far. I like what they have done.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12094993, member: 1193″]
Hmmm. Loading? Never heard of that.
[/QUOTE]
some mythical achievement that guys like [USER=10545]@Jeff Spicoli[/USER] talk about.
I still have the blue ventus in my 3 wood. Wonder if any OEM’s are going to offer this in any of their stock drivers? Hint, hint … Titleist or Callaway?
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12094968, member: 5944″]
Being a Ventus Blue player currently I am very curious to see how this is different. Really like the color update too.
Not in fact a collab with Good Good [USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER] haha
[/QUOTE]
More than just a color scheme hahaha
Pre-ordered, cuz why not?
I need to swing this immediately. Preferably before I peel the sticker and have the OG Blue I just bought installed.
Everyone knows how popular these are. Well the real ones that is. Not the biggest fan that they use the same name for made for shafts but there’s no denying the performance of them! I’d gladly give this one a swing. Love my Red and enjoyed the Blue when I had it
Used in 26% of fairway woods is a pretty crazy stat. Interesting that there is a big % difference between driver usage and FW usage. Would have thought they might be a little closer.
I didn’t mention the color when I first commented, but the lighter blue is sooooo much better than the darker blue of the previous versions
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12094994, member: 53737″]
The TRs are too much under the hands for a lot of people. So a little more feel there would be great.
I’ll be curious to find out if it’s a worthwhile addition to the lineup.
[/QUOTE]
What does that impact out of curiosity. Is it mostly on feel? I have always felt for some reason I don’t have the most sensitive hands when it comes to feel.
Is butt stiffness the difference between the old blue and the TR? I have played a TR Blue for most of the fall and had really good luck with it. I had never had really good luck with the Ventus shafts before. I got the TR from a buddy who it was too light for (5s). I wasn’t fitted for it but hit it more consistently than the VA Badazz I was fit for.
I am interested to hear about the new Blue. I can’t guarantee I hit the Blue or TR in a fitting I hit a ton of different shafts. I am looking forward to hearing how the new one works out.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12094994, member: 53737″]
The TRs are too much under the hands for a lot of people. So a little more feel there would be great.
[/QUOTE]
I can agree with this. TR is a little too stout under the hands for me.
I am not sure I completely understand this release.. feel like not a lot..
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 12096097, member: 48542″]
What does that impact out of curiosity. Is it mostly on feel? I have always felt for some reason I don’t have the most sensitive hands when it comes to feel.
Is butt stiffness the difference between the old blue and the TR? I have played a TR Blue for most of the fall and had really good luck with it. I had never had really good luck with the Ventus shafts before. I got the TR from a buddy who it was too light for (5s). I wasn’t fitted for it but hit it more consistently than the VA Badazz I was fit for.
I am interested to hear about the new Blue. I can’t guarantee I hit the Blue or TR in a fitting I hit a ton of different shafts. I am looking forward to hearing how the new one works out.
[/QUOTE]
If it’s right for you it’s great. If it’s not it can make people do all kinds of stuff. Pull the handle, cast, use too much effort in general. A lot of the people they played the OG Black went to TR Blue. I play OG Black and I didn’t like the new TR black.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12096166, member: 53737″]
If it’s right for you it’s great. If it’s not it can make people do all kinds of stuff. Pull the handle, cast, use too much effort in general. A lot of the people they played the OG Black went to TR Blue. I play OG Black and I didn’t like the new TR black.
[/QUOTE]
I never hit the OG Black well. I stumbled into the Blue and if seems to work for me on the golf course.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12094968, member: 5944″]
Being a Ventus Blue player currently I am very curious to see how this is different. Really like the color update too.
Not in fact a collab with Good Good [USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER] haha
[/QUOTE]
Of course you would play the Blue…
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 12096219, member: 48542″]
I never hit the OG Black well. I stumbled into the Blue and if seems to work for me on the golf course.
[/QUOTE]
I didn’t care for the black at all, didn’t even try the blue cause of the dislike for the former.
[QUOTE=”MWard, post: 12096252, member: 3474″]
I didn’t care for the black at all, didn’t even try the blue cause of the dislike for the former.
[/QUOTE]
I wasn’t planning to try any of the Ventus shafts but I re-tipped a shaft for a buddy and put it my driver to hit it and make sure it came together. I hit the shaft great. I knew it wouldn’t fit my buddies swing if it worked for me. When he hit it he was wild with it. I took it back and continued to hit it well. After the experience with the black the Ventus shafts weren’t on my list. I stumbled into it.
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 12096379, member: 48542″]
I wasn’t planning to try any of the Ventus shafts but I re-tipped a shaft for a buddy and put it my driver to hit it and make sure it came together. I hit the shaft great. I knew it wouldn’t fit my buddies swing if it worked for me. When he hit it he was wild with it. I took it back and continued to hit it well. After the experience with the black the Ventus shafts weren’t on my list. I stumbled into it.
[/QUOTE]
That’s a pretty evil way to commandeer a Ventus ?
Love that color but the cynic in me just wants to know when we will see misleading Velocore+-less versions offered by a club OEM
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12094968, member: 5944″]
Being a Ventus Blue player currently I am very curious to see how this is different. Really like the color update too.
Not in fact a collab with Good Good [USER=53139]@Templet0n[/USER] haha
[/QUOTE]
You can’t deny the Paradise Blue element so that helps! ?
But seriously I like the release and strictly aimed at the wider range of golfers who probably didn’t like the TR release. If this fixes the “feel” TR took away I can see it being really popular
[QUOTE=”MWard, post: 12096440, member: 3474″]
That’s a pretty evil way to commandeer a Ventus ?
[/QUOTE]
I knew once I hit it that it wouldn’t fit him. His swing is faster and with a different tempo than me. I did buy it from him. He might be more of a club ho than I am so he had no shortage of other driver options.
[MEDIA=youtube]JBaYtgqbkiI[/MEDIA]
This feels like a cash in..
Maybe missing Dee already.
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12113708, member: 53139″]
This feels like a cash in..
Maybe missing Dee already.
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Excuse Me What GIF by Bounce”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/nTfdeBvfgzV26zjoFP/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12113797, member: 5944″]
[IMG alt=”Excuse Me What GIF by Bounce”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/nTfdeBvfgzV26zjoFP/200.gif[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
Mike Dee. He was the head engineer there. He developed the OG Ventus and most of their other products. He is now on his own. See last week’s Off Course.
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12113816, member: 53139″]
Mike Dee. He was the head engineer there. He developed the OG Ventus and most of their other products. He is now on his own. See last week’s Off Course.
[/QUOTE]
I did in fact listen to last weeks off course but couldn’t tell you his name when referenced as Dee haha
[MEDIA=youtube]8x2yBq9d5oA[/MEDIA]
[MEDIA=youtube]_zbiN_AKljg[/MEDIA]
big fan of the color..can’t wait to hit it
At my CC driver fitting a few weeks ago final shaft selection came down to the Ventus Blue or the VA Slay. Similar results in both for me, so fitter told me just get the Slay because it was like $100 cheaper. :p Liked the Blue, though. Good feel, looks great. For me that day it didn’t have a performance increase worth the higher cost. YMMV.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9246583[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9246584[/ATTACH]
I hope this can outperform the og blue.
[QUOTE=”badolds, post: 12179861, member: 47579″]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”20240305_155118.jpg”]9246583[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”20240305_155054.jpg”]9246584[/ATTACH]
I hope this can outperform the og blue.
[/QUOTE]
Looking forward to your thoughts
Glad to hear it has a softer feel. Was never pleased with the Ventus feel as being a long time Speeder fan/player.
Got some swings in last night with the TSR2 Velecore+. I was seeing some very nice ball speeds and could not tell the difference in feel between the Velecore+ and the og Ventus Blue. Launch angle was similar as well. I am not sure if it’s a big upgrade as of yet but I can assure you it feels wonderful and produces bombs!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9247184[/ATTACH]
I am always high spin so 3200 does not bother me. 160 mph is high for me but I was seeing mid 150s the entire session. I was seeing a fade on most shots but could turn it over easily if needed.
The TSR2\Velecore+ combination has kicked the Epic Max Ls\og ventus blue out of the bag for now.
I was not a fan of the Ventus Blue TR. It performed fine when I was swinging good but the feel was not for me. This has that smooth feel of the OG.
[QUOTE=”badolds, post: 12185070, member: 47579″]
Got some swings in last night with the TSR2 Velecore+. I was seeing some very nice ball speeds and could not tell the difference in feel between the Velecore+ and the og Ventus Blue. Launch angle was similar as well. I am not sure if it’s a big upgrade as of yet but I can assure you it feels wonderful and produces bombs!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”20240307_222042.jpg”]9247184[/ATTACH]
I am always high spin so 3200 does not bother me. 160 mph is high for me but I was seeing mid 150s the entire session. I was seeing a fade on most shots but could turn it over easily if needed.
The TSR2\Velecore+ combination has kicked the Epic Max Ls\og ventus blue out of the bag for now.
I was not a fan of the Ventus Blue TR. It performed fine when I was swinging good but the feel was not for me. This has that smooth feel of the OG.
[/QUOTE]
Hello – so you feel its not smoother than the current V Blue? I had read and heard that Fuji soften its a bit. Errr was hoping for a smooth feel. Closer to Speeder…
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12185568, member: 21078″]
Hello – so you feel its not smoother than the current V Blue? I had read and heard that Fuji soften its a bit. Errr was hoping for a smooth feel. Closer to Speeder…
[/QUOTE]
It feels very smooth to me like the OG Ventus Blue and smoother than the TR. Is the feel improved over the OG? Not noticeably so but that is very subjective. You should definitely not take my post above as being negative, quite the opposite actually. It feels and performs great!