XCaliber vs Aerotech iron shafts

[GPF]

Currently considering the i95cw in regular flex but have also heard good things about the XCaliber iron shafts especially the cost. Anyone tried both and can comment on the differences in playability i.e. launch, spin, dispersion, feel, balance, etc. ?

1. do the XCalibers play true to flex? I'm currently playing DGSL S300 soft-stepped 1X. The i95s play strong to flex hence my choice of Regular flex. I'm considering the XCaliber 85gm Stiff flex.

2. are the XCaliber tapered version also constant weighted?

3. despite their lightweight, would the XCalibers result in a "normal" swingweight of approx D2 on a 5-iron trimmed to 38" playing length with grip? My heads are TM R9 TPs.

4. are the shafts spined at the factory like their wood/hybrid counterparts?

Thank you!

[jvincent]

I haven't played the Aerotech, but do have a set of Xcaliber in my backup set. I find the current version too light, but there is a heavier version coming out next year. Here is what I can give you in terms of info.

1. The Xcalibers play true to flex.

2. I believe this is the case. I had the parallel.

3. Actually yes. Not quite D2 but close. The Xcalibers are more tip heavy that most graphite shafts, which results in a close to normal swingweight at standard lengths.

4. Yes. They come with the spines marked.

I am waiting to try the heavier versions.

[GPF]

Thanks for your feedback. I'd also be interested in a slightly heavier version closer to 95-100 grams. Where'd you come across this bit of news? The AXE website doesn't seem up-to-date. What flex are you playing?

[jvincent]

There's a thread on GEA about the heavier shafts. A clubfitter in the states was doing some testing.

I generally play an S flex. I'm usually a 5.5 in Rifles.

[GPF]

I'm in the same flex range as you - previously played PX 5.5. Saw the thread at GEA about the heavier shafts planned for next year. Hope it won't be too long a wait. How's the dispersion, launch and spin of XCaliber S-flex compared to 5.5 Rifles?

[BC MIST]

I have used the i80's in my irons for three years now and would consider them the best graphite shafts that I have ever used. I tried an X Caliber in a sample 7 iron and while the performance was comparable to the i80, I just did not like the feel.

[jvincent]

I'm in the same flex range as you - previously played PX 5.5. Saw the thread at GEA about the heavier shafts planned for next year. Hope it won't be too long a wait. How's the dispersion, launch and spin of XCaliber S-flex compared to 5.5 Rifles?

I actually haven't played Rifles in a while, I was just using that as a reference.

At the time I was comparing them to KBS tours. Trajectory was about the same, I.e. a little on the high side. Dispersion and feel were actually quite good. I put a lot of spin on my irons and didn't see any change.

[GPF]

Thank you JVincent and BC Mist for your feedbacks.

[jvincent]

You're welcome.

Robin Arthur chimed in on the thread on the GEA with a bit of a description. Apparently the new, heavier iron shafts will have some kind of metal filament in them so I expect the feel will be different than the older versions.

I will be very curious to see how they play.

[GPF]

Interesting, sounds like the Steelfibers. If so, hope it won't be priced as much.

Searched the GEA forum for the aforementioned thread but didn't find it. Would you have a link? Thanks again.

[jvincent]

Here you go.

http://www.4gea.com/forum/messages.p...UM&msg=51079.1

[downhillslider]

You're welcome.

Robin Arthur chimed in on the thread on the GEA with a bit of a description. Apparently the new, heavier iron shafts will have some kind of metal filament in them so I expect the feel will be different than the older versions.

I will be very curious to see how they play.

Back in the day when Zero Tolerance was player in the component market, they had a line of graphite shafts called "XLT" and they had a filament of copper in the shaft.

It was available in 70 and 80 gr. with a +/- 2 cpm tolerance. Very advanced product for it's time.

My cost was $28 U.S / and that's when the Can. $ was $0.67

Long story short,I used the XLT 80 "R" for a while, " what a shaft!! "

I had stashed 8 of them away for me when the time came to permanently use graphite but a customer made me an offer back in July I could not refuse after he tried one.