INTRODUCTION
If you are a fan of golf on Tour, golf equipment, or club building, you are more than likely aware that Project X graphite shafts are common, successful, and even more so, noticeable in use. What you may not know is that Project X graphite shafts have recently experienced over 20 world-wide professional victories, two of which were Major Championships. With a resume that speaks for itself True Temper is back with an addition to the Project X family that breaks the mold and basis of previous models, not only technologically, but especially aesthetically.
With an introduction at the PGA Show held in Orlando, FL, True Temper unveiled the Project X Black graphite shaft and THP was fortunate enough to get this interview for our forum readers:
TECHNOLOGY
My first thought when learning I was going to be receiving the Project X Black for review was, “what are they going to do to improve their predecessor?” Sometimes I think that when you have something that works, and evidently works well based on the success we have seen from Project X on Tour, it can be risky completely over hauling the product. What True Temper has done is quite simply removing weight in order to help golfers of all skill levels increase speed. An increase in speed simply translates to more ball speed and more overall distance.
From True Temper:
The new Project X Black features reduced weight from the original Project X graphite for explosive power while preserving critical tip stability and low spin performance. Featuring proprietary Dual Torsional Control, Projext X Black reduces spin rates at impact for optimized peak trajectory with flatter descent angles for maximum carry and roll.
Well color me intrigued! I love the idea of a light weight shaft that offers low spin performance, yet helps me achieve maximum carry distance and roll. Initially, I was suspicious. How could True Temper make these claims? These claims almost seem like an oxymoron: low spin performance that maximizes carry and roll distance? In order to achieve this True Temper incorporated two critical components: TeXtreme and Dual Torsional Control.
1. TeXtreme: This is a revolutionary composite material that allowed True Temper engineers to eliminate weight compared to the original Project X design while maintaining the low torque, low spin properties that established Project X as the standard for all high-performance composite shafts.
2. Dual Torsional Control: DTC utilizes TeXtreme fibers oriented at 45-degrees on the outermost layers of the shaft and Super High Modulus axial plies inside to reduce dynamic shaft twisting by as much as 25% compared to traditional designs. As a result, Project X Black features unmatched torsional integrity and is the most stable lightweight composite shaft ever created.
Umm, True Temper had me at “most stable lightweight composite shaft ever created.” One last thing I want to leave you guys with as far as how technologically wicked the Project X Black shaft is, and this also comes directly from True Temper:
The Project X Black has the same launch conditions as the original Project X Blue shafts. The TeXtreme material allows us to build a shaft that is 10% lighter than its predecessor but maintain the same play-ability and performance
characteristics. In our player testing 75% of respondents found the Project X Black to feel more stable than the Project X Blue even though it is lighter.
LOOKS
By now many of you know that I am a meat and potato’s kind of guy when it comes to colors, styles, and aesthetics. My favorite color is black. It’s mean without being aggressive or offensive. It’s sleek and clean, and does a good job of not drawing attention to itself. If I were in charge of designing the finished product for True Temper for the Project X Black shaft, I would come up with exactly what they did themselves. I don’t know if this makes me a genius in the design department or if someone at True Temper shares similar sentiments to someone like me. Either way, this shaft absolutely appeals to everything I want when it comes to physical appearance.
As you can see, this simplistic approach is something that is synonymous with Project X graphite shafts, but personally, I much prefer the Black base color. The black base color is what I would call “jet black”. The “PROJECT X” script is almost a matte silver and it really pops in contrast to the base color, without being really bright and attention seeking. What really allows this shaft to absolutely shine for me in the looks department is the exceedingly intricate designs that weave amongst the base color black and the “PROJECT X” script. It’s hardly noticeable unless you catch it from the right angle but for me, it adds a layer of cool to the shaft design. I would best describe it as a tribal design and perhaps you can get a sense of what I am referring to in the following photos:
Without a doubt the Project X Black graphite shaft looks like it means business, but looks have little to do with performance so let’s get down to how this shaft performed for me.
TESTING
True Temper was kind enough to send THP a Project X Black shaft with a 6.5 flex. The Project X Black 6.5 shaft comes uncut at 46’’, has a .335 tip diameter and weighs 60grams. All of my testing occurred in a Taylormade R9 460 (9.5*), with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip, and at a length of 45.5’’. My testing took place over the course of 6 rounds of golf and around 4 range sessions. What struck me immediately about this shaft was how stable it was through the impact zone. I have been fortunate to test quite a few of True Temper’s competitor’s shafts in a similar weight range and I would easily rate the Project X Black near the top for stability. For a 6.5 flex shaft to feel so effortless was what really surprised me. I would assume the weight itself plays a major role in this.
One thing I wanted to consciously observe in my experiences was this touted “maximum carry and roll”. The truth is, this time of year, it’s almost unfair to try to even conduct these observations. Even though we’ve had a mild Winter most of the courses here have been damp due to morning frosts and the amount of rain received. Roll out was almost nonexistent from this shaft but I believe 99% of that has to do with the conditions. What I can comment on is the carry distance and the Black lives up to the hype. I was seeing a lovely mid/high ball flight that was consistent and became very predictable.
In all honesty, the Project X Black performed so similarly to its Blue predecessors, but what it does not do is fatigue the user. In my opinion that is a massive selling point and highlight of the shaft.
CONCLUSION
True Temper is a spearhead in the shaft industry. They are tour proven and have been represented by Golf’s elite. The Project X Black graphite shaft is proof of the direction in which True Temper is heading in the ever evolving shaft industry. I believe that as consumers, we are the ultimate beneficiaries of their progress. If you are looking for additional information concerning True Temper as a company or if you are interested in their products you can access that by visiting www.truetemper.com.
-TC
Thanks for the review TC, I have been looking forward to this one! I am glad to hear that it is just as stable as the blue line with a bit less weight. Now just to find out if it would actually increase club head speed and ultimately ball speed resulting in more carry. Obviously, that is a personal thing and one I must determine for myself.
Nice job highlighting the characteristics of this new offering!
Excellent review TC! I’m about to try out my first PX shafts, and it’s the blue model. I’m really intrigued, and if I like it, I will likely want one of these even more. So much detail in here, great job!
Excellent info TC. I am really excited to try this shaft out! I don’t see how you can go wrong with a lighter project x, it just sounds perfect.
Ive been a fan for a while now and not just of PX shafts but of these great reviews by TC. Once again I feel educated, informed and just plain more intelligent as a golfer after reading this review. I too like the change in color from the blue. Black is badass and means business. No fruityiness going on with black just ready to eat faces. Well done TC.
Great job TC! I really would like to put this shaft in my driver. I love the looks and hope the performance would translate to me. Thanks for a great review.
I really want to try this shaft. The Blue was just a little too low spin for me. Would love to see if this has enough spin to give me more distance. Great review TC
Great write up TC, I am very interested in this shaft….lighter with just as good if not better performance! How can we go wrong with that!
Good writeup TC, I can’t wait to test this in May. Hopefully the stability in the impact zone will help increase my consistency. Thanks for taking the time for the review…
Sounds like something I need to give some swings with in 2012. I know some Morgan Cuppers are very pleased to hear some thoughts on this. Thanks for the thorough review, TC.
Great review! This shaft definitely has me intrigued. I like how they took a great shaft and made it lighter with the same characteristics as the old shaft. I can’t wait to try this out myself.
Great review TC! The shaft looks great and its great the were able to reduce weight without really impacting performance at all. I would love it if these shafts worked for me!
“Maximum carry and roll” that is a bold statement, and one that I think will perk a lot of golfers ears up. Great review TC, sounds like this one may be a keeper for you.
I have been very judgmental of ProjectX for no apparent reason other than I always seem to have a low ball flight. Everyone else seems to rave about them and I want to but it’s never been a great fit. With the introduction of the Black I may now be able to share in the experience everyone raves about.
Nice review TC, thanks for highlighting the Projext X Black
The minute I heard about these I was immediately intrigued. Lighter and more stable? Yeah buddy! Great work on the review. I always learn something new from reading your reviews.
I’ve been waiting for this review for a while now and it did not dissapoint. I’m a huge fan of projectX shafts and I think this black shaft could be perfect for me. Thank you for the great review TC.
Another fine review TC! Sounds like TT has another great shaft on their hands that will be embraced by tons of people. I think this will be in many peoples drivers this year.
Nice review TC. I am really hoping to try this shaft out soon because I think the lighter weight will be perfect for me.
Great review TC! I’m very intrigued by this shaft. Mid-high ball flight, good. Low spin, that’s pretty good too! And it looks fantastic!
Sweet write up there TC! I was hoping you would get to review this shaft and i enjoyed your review.
Awesome work TC. Great write up. I loved the blue PX and can’t wait to try the Black!
Great review TC. I enjoyed the performance of this shaft when I tried it the other day.
Fantastic review TC! I am really excited to try one of these, I have heard great things so far and must see for myself.
Nice job TC. Keep up the good work.
Love the PX6.0. It’s a keeper.
After reading this review, I had to OEM one of these bad boys. I can’t wait to get it on the course.
Have the 6.0 in my i20 driver. This combination is long, really long!
I have the blue in my K15 and it’s been the best combo I have ever used. Hesitant to even consider switching, but if I did this would be the first shaft I’d hit. Great write up.
I have played the Project X Blue in my 910D3. I just WON a Black from True Temper in online program. Great service, they contacted me as to what flex I wanted and am eagerly awaiting the arrival so I can do a 3 way comparison between the Blue, the Black and my Rip Alpha on the D3. Thank goodness for the Titleist quick change ability.