It is hard to remember a time when a new aftermarket golf shaft manufacturer created the buzz and attention like Aretera. However, when the lead designer also created the most popular driver shaft out there, it is merited. That is the situation Aretera finds itself in with the introduction of their debut designs, the Alpha One Blue and Gray. THP was able to get both shafts in-hand for review, and they did not disappoint.
Quick Take – Aretera Alpha One Review
Whatever the level of buzz behind Alex Dee’s first shaft design for his newly founded company Aretera, it should be higher. The Alpha One Blue and Gray are performers which offer a blend of stability and feel that will turn heads, not to mention impressive speed potential intertwined with downrange accuracy.
Aretera Alpha One Review – Technology
Even after all these years of getting to review golf equipment and products, I still get excited, but having both of Aretera’s debut Alpha One models in-hand, the Blue and Gray, admittedly took that to a higher level. Knowing that this design is the brain-child of Alex Dee who created what is still at this moment the most popular driver shaft in the world in the Ventus, and then getting to hear his excitement about this new direction on Off Course with Dan Edwards, which can be heard here, it would be nearly impossible not to get excited.
With Alpha One, the goal was to create a better driver shaft in terms of materials and applications, but also to simplify things. Where technology is concerned, the shafts are both the first to use “Spread Tow” carbon fiber in multiple layers at the full length of the shaft. This makes up 50% of the shafts weight, while maintaining maximum stability with a uniform feel thanks to how thin Spread Tow is compared to traditional materials.
That is a piece of what they are calling “POWERGRID weave” were the interlocking of materials distributes the force more evenly. That distribution, according to Aretera, is the key to how they have created a better energy transfer than the unidirectional applications historically used. Within all this, there has also come the ability to be less low-torque in the handle and mid-section as they are not having to give up feel for stability like other designs.
Alpha One Blue and Gray – Performance
Visually, the overall presentation Aretera has come up with for the Alpha One shafts seems to fit their goals and direction well. The pearl paint runs the length of the shaft, and each shaft is adorned with the corresponding color accents as well and the Aretera name. Honestly, they are really well done, though it is worth noting if you are someone who likes to go ‘label down’ on their driver shafts, the Aretera name is on both sides, so you won’t entirely get away from that.
However, looks aren’t the key interest here, are they? It is all about performance, and for that both the Alpha One Blue 65-5 and Gray 65-5 (5 being their X-flex) were installed into Callaway adapters and used in the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond head set at standard 9.0 with heavy weight forward. The data below represents the averages of ten shots taken with each setup, both with two shots thrown out:
| SHAFT | BALL SPEED | LAUNCH | SPIN | CARRY | TOTAL | HEIGHT | DESCENT |
| Alpha One Blue 65-5 | 162 | 15 | 2512 | 277 | 303 | 34Y | 38 |
| SHAFT | BALL SPEED | LAUNCH | SPIN | CARRY | TOTAL | HEIGHT | DESCENT |
| Alpha One Gray 65-5 | 162 | 15 | 2305 | 274 | 303 | 31Y | 36 |
No doubt you are likely looking at that data with the thought of how remarkably close they are in performance, but that is exactly the intent with Alpha One. You see, Aretera has designed these shafts with the focus on simplification while still offering different fitting capabilities. In fact, the profiles are the exact same in the handle and mid-section while the tip of the Gray is about 10% stiffer. So, as far as the design goes, the data certainly illustrates the differentiation intended with a lower peak and less spin in the Gray versus the Blue.
It was interesting working with both driver shafts to experience the similarities and differences in the feel. As someone extremely familiar with all the different Ventus models, the natural assumption was that these would be along that line, but that was not at all the case. There is a level of connectivity here that stood out above all else, because within that was not rigidity or stiffness, but rather flow and stability being intermarried.
The standout aspect during testing both on the launch monitor as well as the course was energy with accuracy. When talking energy, we of course mean speed, but it was the consistency which it was created over repeated swings that couldn’t help but excite. Then, adding to that a downrange consistency that for this tester rivaled that of the most popular driver shaft out there currently, you now have something that could make everyone take immediate notice.
In terms of other differences, the big story is sure to be one of needs for each golfer where it comes to dynamic loft at, and deflection through, impact. If you need a little more to improve face angles at impact, the Blue is for you, and with the most weights and flexes there (55, 65, 75) it seems like Aretera expects it to fit the broader segment. The grey on the other hand has more stability all the way through with the stiffer tip section and will deflect less because of that, often benefiting the stronger/quicker move.
The Details – Aretera Alpha One Review
Aretera’s Alpha One is available now at premium club fitters everywhere. The Blue is available in 55 (3, 4), 65 (4, 5), and 75 (4, 5) weights while the Gray comes in 65 (4, 5) and 75 (4, 5). The price point for the shafts is not a low one, as they will initially come in at $450.00 per shaft. This is planned to be the first design from Aretera, and it will certainly be fun to see what else Alex Dee has up his sleeve as time goes on. In the meantime, this release is poised to turn heads.
For more information on anything found in our Aretera Alpha One review, check out their website at www.areteragolf.com.
