For Aretera Golf, the past few years have been a whirlwind. Like any young brand, there have been curveballs along the way, but thanks to the extensive experience behind the scenes, momentum continues to build. While the EC1 earned widespread praise both across the industry and within THP Community Testing, it was always clear that it represented only the beginning.
With the introduction of the Aretera AO2, the brand is not just expanding its catalog, but making a clear statement: they are here to push the envelope. Through an intense commitment to exotic materials and unconventional application methods, the AO2 blends dynamic power, stability, and what has become known as true Aretera feel.
Quick Take
This just might be the shaft which people have been waiting on from Alex Dee and Aretera which cements their place in the segment while also going toe to toe with the industry’s best. Both the Gray and Blue offer power by way of impressive efficiency, while not sacrificing incredible feel or true impact zone stability. With only a 7% difference in tip stiffness separating the two models, the AO2 lineup provides excellent fitting versatility for a wide range of swing profiles.
The Material Difference
From the very beginning, the driving force for Aretera Golf has been to create shaft options with an emphasis on materials and application techniques that would set them apart from the rest of the industry. If you haven’t checked out THP’s deep dive into the roots of Aretera, then that may seem quite bold of a brand soon approaching just their third year in operation. However, this is a new company with decades of experience under their belt, led by a core group of people driven by passion, creativity, and prior success within the shaft segment.
In terms of the design, Aretera describes the AO2 as a profile which is firm in the mid and tip sections but maintains a measure of “activity” in the handle. The result is a more enhanced connection for golfers who need high level torsional stability as well as energy efficiency, but without sacrificing “hand feel”, an area where some stronger profiles fall short.
Although the EI Curve is one of the more unique you will see, it is because of Aretera’s relentless pursuit of material superiority that it is possible. The key to that is the PowerGrid and Coreless Design technologies which are implemented into the AO2. By using the most premium and ultra exotic materials they can (some, they are the only ones currently using in golf) and weaving them into a thinner and lighter spread tow fabric, they also gain more multi-directional application potential than traditional materials/methods.
By then applying the materials in a way which has 16-20 layers (plies) within the AO2 compared to the 5-7 of most other shafts, Aretera has unlocked the flex versus feel conundrum. Historically, it has been a one or the other situation in wood shaft design, choosing stronger flex typically meant a more rigid/boardy feel, while emphasizing feel/flow often results in less stability. Thanks to PowerGrid and Coreless Design, Aretera has not had to do that with AO2, continuing what has come to be discussed on the THP Community as the “Aretera Feel”.
Of course, technology is always fun to discuss and break down, but if the performance does not manage to back it up, then it is all lip service. Aretera sent both the Gray and Blue AO2 to THP for a full review so we could get them onto the course as well as SkyTrak+ launch monitor to see just what it brings to the table.
Aretera A02 Shaft – Where Speed Meets Stability
As mentioned, both the AO2 Blue and AO2 Gray were in hand for this review in the 65-5 weight and flex designations. Both shafts were built with a Callaway adapter, and tested in the Elyte Triple Diamond Max (9.0°) driver head, set to standard/neutral.
As always, shaft testing presents challenges due to individual swing dynamics. However, meaningful performance insights can still be drawn through controlled testing and on-course validation.
Visually, the AO2 certainly screams Aretera in terms of its graphics and emphasis on showcasing materials via various finish techniques. Having personally worked with and reviewed both of the company’s previous offerings, this is the most eye catching with its pearl finish handle section gradually fading into an almost black look that still allows the unique checkerboard like weave pattern to show through.
The Gray or Blue accents pop just enough while not clashing with most drivers on the market. Once again though, Aretera is sticking with a dual graphic that puts the company name on two sides of the shaft, meaning there is no logo down option here. It is a little thing because the finish quality and looks are so fun, but worth noting for those who prefer the cleanest look possible at address.
Of course, paint doesn’t matter nearly as much if performance is there, and the Aretera AO2 showed to be a powerhouse of potential in that regard.
If you have never swung an Aretera shaft before, then the first thing that usually stands out is the feel, and that is true here, although in the case of the AO2 it is a much more uniquely addicting blend than from the EC1 we reviewed previously.
There is a baseline stability which never waivers from address to impact, with the shaft responding to the inputs the person swinging imparts. However, there is at the same time a level of flow which historically is not experienced from all but a handful of profiles built for power like the Aretera AO2 shaft is. Even bouncing from the Gray to the Blue, the same overall feel was present and met with a consistent stability which never wavered.
Launch Monitor Results (SkyTrak+)
10-shot averages, two outliers removed
Both were done in the same session, swapping between each model every five swings. As you can see, there is quite a lot to like, though perhaps how close the two are in terms of data might surprise some of you. There is a reason for that though, as the only difference between the two AO2 models is that the Gray has a 7% stiffer tip section, which shows in the slightly stronger ball flight data.
On-Course Performance and Dispersion
Of course, the more impressive aspect is that the performance from the controlled simulator hitting bay did carry over to the course as well. Overall, both profiles provided a solid launch that was followed by a ball flight that worked its way to the apex in a much flatter/piercing manner. Thanks to that, both maintained very nice playability even in windy conditions.
The beauty of the Aretera take on dialing in their shafts to each golfer with the only difference being that 7% increased tip stiffness in the Gray is that the rest of the profile remains familiar. Regardless of the swing put onto the ball, there was a fluidity and flow that you would never expect from an (in this case) X-Flex shaft. However, the stability that remains is what breaks the mind since historically these two traits don’t coexist.
That stability showed itself in testing in a couple of different ways. First, even when the extremes of the face were tested (and they were tested, no robot golfers here) there was no shudder or torsion sensation, despite that fluid feel making you think there would be. Secondly, both the Blue and Gray responded to whatever was thrown at it from a speed and/or tempo perspective, meaning that the shaft was always “there” when the clubhead returned to impact.
All of this combined made for some of the better driving that this reviewer has had this year, specifically in the way that the AO2 performed downrange from a dispersion aspect. Yes, big misses met the big movement you would expect from any clubhead/shaft combo, but on more average swings the dynamic lateral movement was much more tuned in, with the biggest tendency being a slight fade which is expected based on swing and driver head used for the review. All that to say, even though Aretera talks a lot about the “softer butt section” of the AO2, this is a shaft which stronger and more efficient swingers could mesh well with. Its launch is solid, not overdone, and the torsional stability helps create a very consistent spin profile.
The Details – Aretera AO2 Shaft Review
With the AO2 joining the EC1, not replacing it, Aretera has the foundation of an eye catching tandem of shaft profiles. With emphasis on ensuring the most exotic materials are being applied in the most technologically advanced ways, the brand has certainly done more than enough to make it worth the while to find a way to give both profiles a go to see what works best for ones needs.
In terms of the AO2 itself, there is much to like, with nothing on the table leftover. This one is about performance, and it delivers. Pricing on the AO2 Gray and Blue are $419.99 with each being offered in four flexes across four different weight options. The shafts are available at their ever growing network of certified fitters across the nation. For more information visit their website at Areteragolf.com.
