Graph Blue vs. Fujikara

[Andy_79]

It seems that the R7 driver that I bid for didn't work out due to me being away on hols and being unable to pay in the way the seller wanted.
I have now spotted a brand new R7 fitted with a Graphaloy Blue shaft. It is 199 pounds and with it you get a free TM hat worth 20 quid. The h/cover & weights, etc, are all included.
The one with the Fujikara shaft was 20 pounds more expensive, and also included in the price was the h/cover & weights. It was brand-spanking new, also.

What I would like to know is what shaft option you guys would go for. I am swinging towards the Blue as I have used it before. Also, I am in the way of thinking that if it is good enough for Tiger & "Mr He Who Loves Himself" (Poulter), then it is good enough pour moi.

What do you guys think, and why ?

Ta.

[nsherman2006]

Blue is a good hitter's shaft. If you take an aggressive swing, go for it. If you swing easy, you might want to go for something a little softer, as the blue's play stiff to flex. And Tiger uses a Mitsubishi Diamana, not a Blue

[Rockford35]

Two beasts of different breeds.

The Graf Blue is really a shaft that you either love it or hate it. It feels "boardy" and some guys like more of a "tip" feel in their driver shaft. Personally, I love the Blue, but I think I have a crayon in my brain.

The Fuji can be a great shaft. I say that, because there are a shed-load of Fuji's out there that are OEM and a lot of aftermarket ones as well. The Titleist Fuji isn't my cup of tea, yet the one that Cleveland has is sweet. I've only hit a few aftermarket Fuji's, they were better than average.

Honestly, you should get the same shaft that was in that R7 that you were hammering at the range that day. I can safely say that that shaft would be much better for you before saying that either the Blue or the Fuji would be any better.

For what it's worth....

R35

[Maverick]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

Two beasts of different breeds.

The Graf Blue is really a shaft that you either love it or hate it. It feels "boardy" and some guys like more of a "tip" feel in their driver shaft. Personally, I love the Blue, but I think I have a crayon in my brain.

R35

so that's what it's called?!? LOL I agree it does feel "boardy" but I dig it. I play the R(egular), which seems like a stock Stiff/X..to me. I guess they're known to play a little stiffer than others rated at the same?

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by Maverick

so that's what it's called?!? LOL I agree it does feel "boardy" but I dig it. I play the R(egular), which seems like a stock Stiff/X..to me. I guess they're known to play a little stiffer than others rated at the same?

Yes, and even moreso in bore thru drivers like Callaway and Titleist.

R35

[VtDivot]

Originally Posted by nsherman2006

Blue is a good hitter's shaft. If you take an aggressive swing, go for it. If you swing easy, you might want to go for something a little softer, as the blue's play stiff to flex. And Tiger uses a Mitsubishi Diamana, not a Blue

Tiger did play a proto Blue for a few tourneys when he first went to the Ignite 460 I think.

[longiron]

I hit the fuji shaft in a Titleist and was happy but not giddy over it. I hit the blue in a Ping and a barrowed TM R7 and hated it. I got a real high, almost ballon hit out of it just couldnt find a good fit for me. I ended up geting a NV 65 S flex put into a Titleist 905T and love it.

[Maverick]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

Yes, and even moreso in bore thru drivers like Callaway and Titleist.

R35

oh geez, got a double-whammy, playing a Cally GBB 415 w/the ProLaunch BLUE...

[Rockford35]

The prolaunch isn't as stiff as the regular Blue is...

R35

[Dorkman53]

Both the Grafalloy Blue and the Fujikura 757 seem to play close to one flex stiffer than stated flex, in my experience. I love the 757; I have it in both my driver and 3 wood. It's not the longest hitting shaft I've used, but it is a great balance between reasonably long and excellent feel and control. Like many things in life, it's a matter of personal preferences.
My suggestion is to ignore the shaft selection guide on the Fuji website regarding swingspeed vs. shaft flex selection. It predicted an "S" flex for me. I got an S flex, and it felt much too stiff; I couldn't feel the shaft loading and tended to overswing it. I lost both distance and control. I later got the R flex and (untipped) it has worked out just right for my high 90 mph driver swingspeed.

[Andy_79]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

For what it's worth....

A lot, always.....

I had to set up the configuration to a strong fade that day though, dude, to enable me to to counteract the draw I was expecting with the softer shaft. My swing-speed has been measured at boarding on 'X' flex; getting up towards 115 mph. Definately after a more "performing" shaft.

[dave.]

I tend not to think to much about shafts,they all work well,the ones you mention.Imho,you need loads of money,loads of time and need to be of +6 to really feel the differences some players talk about.I mean,you hit how many drives a week? 20 or 30 on the range,how many of those out of the sweetspot,and how many drivers do you carry with the same head but different shafts to compare immediately? I've used the Blue,the Prolaunch,the Fujikura and the NV65,and didn't really have a problem noticing any real differences in any of them,however,like I say,I use one driver at a time.

Prolaunch does go a bit higher though.

[Andy_79]

I feel that the NV goes a good bit higher too, tbh. 15 quid of difference; the Fujikara would set to cost me 215, as opposed to 199 with the Blue. That's in UK Sterling, and I don't know about you U.S. guys, but in my eyes at least, that represents excellent value for money. Gonna ring the guy on Tuesday to discuss it further. Think the Blue *looks* better and I like the way it plays, although wouldn't mind giving the 757 a bash, like. Still undecided. lol.

[dave.]

If I ever get to +6 and on the Champions Tour I might bother with shaft specs,as it is just playing a stiff is as complicated as I want it.Apparently,my 983E is a bore through and as such with a Graffaloy Blue it will feel heavier because od something called a thicker tip.

It goes over my head to be honest.

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by dave.

If I ever get to +6 and on the Champions Tour I might bother with shaft specs,as it is just playing a stiff is as complicated as I want it.Apparently,my 983E is a bore through and as such with a Graffaloy Blue it will feel heavier because od something called a thicker tip.

It goes over my head to be honest.

Have to agree with Dave on this. A lot of this banter is just "head wrecking material". It's not really going to make a whole world of difference to my game, except perhaps confidence. Yes, I do have a Fuji in my 983K and I do like it, but it's not going to make the difference in me shootin' a 73 or a 83. As such, I would ask Andy to add another voting option: "Hey, mine's a cheeseburger!"