When you can tout that your shaft design has set multiple world records for ball speeds before you officially release it, you have something to crow about. In the past, I’m not so sure that Kinetixx would have taken that opportunity as they have always been very much a brand that is content to do their thing knowing they’re doing it unlike anyone else with that being enough. However, 2023 is a different day for Kinetixx, and they are coming out swinging both in design as well as their marketing message.
With their new ultralight model named HYPERSONIC, they look more poised than ever to unleash an even more eye opening reality of how golfers of all swing speeds, even world long drive champions, can benefit.
Quick Take
A dynamic yet stable design that turns what most think lightweight is on its ear. There is an undeniable efficiency in the way that Kinetixx continues to design shafts which create and maximize energy transfer through the swing without sacrificing control. The nano carbon and vacuum cured technological baseline for the HYPERSONIC has the sheer speed potential that Velocity showcased, but with infinitely more stability in terms of feel.
Kinetixx HYPERSONIC
The HYPERSONIC is an ultralight design at its roots, but there is so much more going on than just that. I also implore you to not count this one out just because of the light aspect of the shaft, after all, Kyle Berkshire continues to break world records utilizing this one, and if it stands up to his swing we both know you will be just fine.
If you have followed THP for any amount of time, then you know that Kinetixx produces all their own materials and have innovated some of the most technologically forward applications and processes in golf shaft manufacturing. The HYPERSONIC uses 40T, 30T, as well as Amorphous (nano-carbon) materials that use Kinetixx vacuum curing process to minimize the amount of resin needed which allows more elastic strength and dynamic recovery.
Though the HYPERSONIC driver shaft will be available in four flexes, I received the D40 which is essentially Kinetixx equivalent to X-Flex. The shaft weighed in at 61g uncut which put it at 58g for me when trimmed to length and was installed into a Callaway adapter for testing to be done in a Paradym Triple Diamond 9.0 head. Emphasis was put on the having a smoother EI profile with it being listed out Firm+, Medium+, and Medium (butt, mid, tip). Also, it is worth noting that the HYPERSONIC is slightly counter-balanced (54%) and aims to be a mid-launch low-mid spin shaft.
All that aside, in my opinion, the new aesthetic direction for Kinetixx is excellent. The deep black finish has a light metal flake look to it and that background lets the silver and red branding pop. Not only that, while the original finishes of Kinetixx were bright, this is likely to appeal to more golfers as it will look good in any head on the market. That said though, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some additional colors like they did with the Velocity.
Putting the HYPERSONIC driver shaft in play was overall a fun experience. I have been a long time user of the Velocity shaft previously and I’ll admit to expecting similarities in feel here, I was wrong. The much lower torque rating (5.3 to 3.3 in the same D40 flex) obviously plays part there, but so does the overall design. What stuck out most to me is that the HYPERSONIC gives the same sensation of generating power/speed that the Velocity does, but in a much more familiar feel through loading and unloading.
You can see in the Foresight data in this article as well that the HYPERSONIC performed quite well for me in the Triple Diamond Paradym even with a very early season swing on my part. Sure, there is more to gain there if I would have adjusted the loft of the head perhaps, but I wanted pure data in a very low spinning and powerful head.
Most importantly, what I saw on the course replicated that which I recorded on the launch monitor. The HYPERSONIC generated surprising energy while being the second most stable lightweight shaft I personally have put into play, with the other being the MACH from Kinetixx which we have also reviewed. Driver shaft reviews are difficult because so much depends on the person and the fit to their swing, but I was heavily focused on ease of launch, speed potential, and consistency which the HYPERSONIC certainly delivered on. Could I use some more spin? Yes, but again, that could be rectified by the head loft, what shines to me is that this shaft was extremely playable long term for me in the head as-is without any fine tuning, yet.
The Details
I have long told anyone that would listen to pay attention to what Kinetixx is doing in the golf shaft segment, their ability to design extremely high tech and high performing shafts is not new. However, taking light weight to where they are with the HYPERSONIC and MACH and ensuring they do differentiate form one another should turn more heads than ever.
The HYPERSONIC is available through authorized Kinetixx dealers and fitting centers worldwide right now, as well as directly through the company. It is available in four flexes (D10, D20, D30, D40) and priced at $329.99. Be sure to jump into the conversation and keep a keen eye on THP as we will have much more coming with the brand.
For more information on this or any of the Kinetixx shaft offerings, check out their website at www.kinetixxgolf.com.
