Aretera AO2 Shaft Review: Speed, Stability, Exotic Materials

[Jman]

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 […]

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[ChrisATL]

Great writeup @Jman ! I’ve been able to try the previous Aretera shaft at a fitting and I came away impressed, particularly with how stabile it is.

Appreciate you sharing the El curves - it seems very unique, particularly the transition point between handle and mid section.

Need to give this a try next time I’m at a fitting. Thanks!

 

[baylrballa]

Maybe I’m reading into it more than I should at this point but seems like the AO2 addresses some of my long-term uneasiness with the EC1

 

[Mayor McCheese]

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 […]

See full article...

I think the AO2 is a great next step for Aretera. From listening to an interview with Alex & Chris, it seems they first created the EC1 to be a bit more applicable to a large swath of golfers who like a very smooth shaft with some activity in the midsection. Now they have AO2 as an option for more of the aggressive transition players who are looking for a firmer feel at tip and midsection. I’d like to give the AO2 a swing, but I think the EC1 that I’m already in is right for me. But this gives Aretera a catalog now that can cover a whole lot of golfers.

 

[hedley_lamarr]

So many great options!

 

[CSILKEY7]

I loved the EC1 Blue in the Elyte TD at the beginning of this year! Looking forward to testing this out this year!

 

[Lord Tox]

I find that data pretty interesting. Barely any difference between the 2 but I love the feel/stability talk.

 

[Jman]

I find that data pretty interesting. Barely any difference between the 2 but I love the feel/stability talk.

Pretty cool to see for me during the testing because it’s doing what they should. With the only difference in the two being 7% more stiffness in thee tip of the Gray, it should bring flight a little stronger, and lower spin as well as launch a touch, and it did.

I do think the data will surprise though in that these things don’t make massive sweeping changes in launch or spin like the internet sometimes believes they will.

 

[Jman]

Maybe I’m reading into it more than I should at this point but seems like the AO2 addresses some of my long-term uneasiness with the EC1

Quite different shafts, as intended.

 

[Lord Tox]

Pretty cool to see for me during the testing because it’s doing what they should. With the only difference in the two being 7% more stiffness in thee tip of the Gray, it should bring flight a little stronger, and lower spin as well as launch a touch, and it did.

I do think the data will surprise though in that these things don’t make massive sweeping changes in launch or spin like the internet sometimes believes they will.

We've done tests before showing shafts don't affect as much as some think but thats pretty minute.

 

[Jman]

We've done tests before showing shafts don't affect as much as some think but thats pretty minute.

I went in expecting about a degree of launch and around 150 RPM since the profiles are essentially identical except the 7% increase in the tip stiffness, and it was pretty darn spot on.

The cool thing is similar was seen when I reviewed their original design, certainly validates their fitting story for why they do the two models the way they do within each line. Also goes to show just how impressive their tolerances and material tech are to bring the consistency that they do.

 

[gkeller813]

Great write up @Jman . Seems like a good advancement here from Aretera, but it sounds like a great shaft. Stable with some feel.

 

[Lord Tox]

I went in expecting about a degree of launch and around 150 RPM since the profiles are essentially identical except the 7% increase in the tip stiffness, and it was pretty darn spot on.

The cool thing is similar was seen when I reviewed their original design, certainly validates their fitting story for why they do the two models the way they do within each line. Also goes to show just how impressive their tolerances and material tech are to bring the consistency that they do.

That certainly isn't much. I guess what I'm getting at does it matter which color you go with if the differences are that small?

 

[moistmayonnaise]

Loving my EC1 gray. Seems like the AO2 would be more "boardy" which is what I was using and not going back to.

 

[Jman]

Great write up @Jman . Seems like a good advancement here from Aretera, but it sounds like a great shaft. Stable with some feel.

Thank you!

The “Aretera Feel” is prominent, and consistent. It also doesn’t sacrifice dispersion to get it, which is most impressive.

 

[Jman]

That certainly isn't much. I guess what I'm getting at does it matter which color you go with if the differences are that small?

I got you.

I’d say, that’s the hard part to show people in a review, and the difficult part with all shaft reviews.

On the baseline for me, just looking at the data, they’re pretty interchangeable and in terms of flight it translated on course well, except in really windy days the black was a little more untouchable in the air.

But, the dispersion and directional tendencies is what data can’t show. For my move, the “circle” downrange was tighter in the black, enough to make a notable mental difference when picking lines on the course.

The tip section stiffness difference in the two (both here and EC1) combined with user inputs and swing tendencies/faults makes for a pretty cool, albeit unique compared the the rest of the market, fitting matrix.

 

[BriMac]

I like the expansion of the line, rather than a replacement. The EC1 is staying in the bag for me, but I'll have an eye out for these.

 

[Templet0n]

This brand has interested me since the beginning. I have yet to try any of their shafts but I would like to.

It is interesting to me that these are not "that" low in torque.. Yes, I know that is only one piece of the puzzle and low low torque that was once super popular seems to be less in vogue these days. Or maybe less needed or more understand. Honestly not sure. But it seems that low torque (numbers in the 2s) is less and less prevalent.

 

[gkeller813]

I got you.

I’d say, that’s the hard part to show people in a review, and the difficult part with all shaft reviews.

On the baseline for me, just looking at the data, they’re pretty interchangeable and in terms of flight it translated on course well, except in really windy days the black was a little more untouchable in the air.

But, the dispersion and directional tendencies is what data can’t show. For my move, the “circle” downrange was tighter in the black, enough to make a notable mental difference when picking lines on the course.

The tip section stiffness difference in the two (both here and EC1) combined with user inputs and swing tendencies/faults makes for a pretty cool, albeit unique compared the the rest of the market, fitting matrix.

I feel like dispersion can increase average distance on course too, becasue you have less shots that find the trees or thick stuff. Something that gives me confidence to swing a little more free too.

 

[Jman]

This brand has interested me since the beginning. I have yet to try any of their shafts but I would like to.

It is interesting to me that these are not "that" low in torque.. Yes, I know that is only one piece of the puzzle and low low torque that was once super popular seems to be less in vogue these days. Or maybe less needed or more understand. Honestly not sure. But it seems that low torque (numbers in the 2s) is less and less prevalent.

View attachment 9400135

It’s part of their key technologies in application that allows that, and yes, it’s why you can’t just look at torque.

Traditionally made shafts have 6-7 layers or material, here there is over double that. Within that, historically you had to choose feel OR stability given the layer numbers and application.

With spread tow and even more exotic materials, the added layers available both in weight and strength/stiffness they have decoupled that old choice. It’s why I’ve so long talked about the “Aretera Feel” in the review of this as well as the EC1 homepage and forum reviews.

It breaks preconceived molds and connotations of things like torque rating.

 

[Jman]

This brand has interested me since the beginning. I have yet to try any of their shafts but I would like to.

It is interesting to me that these are not "that" low in torque.. Yes, I know that is only one piece of the puzzle and low low torque that was once super popular seems to be less in vogue these days. Or maybe less needed or more understand. Honestly not sure. But it seems that low torque (numbers in the 2s) is less and less prevalent.

View attachment 9400135

Also, it’s linked in the article since so many missed it when it was originally published a while back, but the piece I wrote on the brand and its roots also dives deep into the material and application processed that makes Aretera different than others:

Aretera Golf - Built Different - The Hackers Paradise

Aretera Golf burst onto the stage, looking to disrupt the status quo by bringing another heavyweight contender into the world of shafts.

www.thehackersparadise.com

 

[Templet0n]

Also, it’s linked in the article since so many missed it when it was originally published a while back, but the piece I wrote on the brand and its roots also dives deep into the material and application processed that makes Aretera different than others:

Aretera Golf - Built Different - The Hackers Paradise

Aretera Golf burst onto the stage, looking to disrupt the status quo by bringing another heavyweight contender into the world of shafts.

www.thehackersparadise.com

Yeah, I read that it is super interesting. Alex is a smart cat. Going out on his own was brave in the shaft world. But it looks like they are making strides.

 

[Chef23]

Great write up @Jman. I have been interested in Aretera since they released their first shafts but haven’t had the chance to hit them yet. I am going to make an effort to hit a few of them in the spring.

For me I think the 55/4 1 model would be a good place to start. I like the stability but I don’t hit the ball super high or with a ton of spin.

 

[Jman]

Great write up @Jman. I have been interested in Aretera since they released their first shafts but haven’t had the chance to hit them yet. I am going to make an effort to hit a few of them in the spring.

For me I think the 55/4 1 model would be a good place to start. I like the stability but I don’t hit the ball super high or with a ton of spin.

I’m really hoping we see these in more people’s hands, it’s a really really solid design.

 

[Jman]

Headed back out for a walking round as our course gives the employees the week off. Gray in the TD Max gets the nod.