50 Words or Less
The Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red shaft adds slightly higher launch and spin to the tight dispersion that the Ventus family is known for. Much tighter feel than most “high launch” shafts.
Introduction
Few products show the difference between those that know and those that think they know like the Ventus Red shaft. Head to the golf forums and you’d barely know that Ventus Red exists – they all need the 2024 Ventus Black [review HERE] for their 140 MPH swings. Talk to a fitter, however, and you’ll hear about how often they put Ventus Red into golfers’ bags to optimize launch and maintain control. I tested the new Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red to see if it can improve on this high level of performance.
Looks
The graphics on the Fujikura Ventus shafts belong among the best logos: immediately recognizable without being overbearing. As such, they carried forward to the Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red. Nike isn’t ditching the swoosh, is it?
Two changes were made for the 2024 version, one large, one small. The larger change is the finish on the shaft which is now a matte red. Less obvious is the change to the Ventus branding which is now outlined as opposed to solid, making it more understated.
Feel
The rating of the Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red shaft will surprise many golfers. Per Fujikura, it’s “Ultra Stiff” in the handle, “Firm” in the middle, and “Stiff” in the tip. Also, the torque ratings aren’t very high – at 6-X, it’s 3.2 compared to 3.0 in the 2024 Ventus Black and 3.1 in the 2024 Ventus Blue [review HERE]. Again, the difference between reality and perception can be enormous.
When I was swinging the 2024 Ventus Red, I felt that it was only slightly softer than the Black and not necessarily softer than Blue but different. There was more of a distinct hinge in the middle than the smooth, longer kick in the Blue. The tip section of the Red felt very stable, even on toe or heel strikes.
Performance
One of the phrases that I used frequently as a golf instructor was, “Feel is not real.” That came to my mind often as I tested the Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red. I typically favor mid or low launching shafts, so I struggled to find a consistent, agreeable feel with the Ventus Red. But despite how I felt, this shaft produced overwhelmingly solid results.
The feel should have clued me in to the fact that the 2024 Ventus Red isn’t your normal “high launch” shaft (technically it’s billed mid/high launch by Fujikura). This is the highest launching Ventus, but it’s not that high. The “Medium Spin” categorization is about right – it spins more than the other Ventus shafts, but it’s nowhere near high spin in the larger landscape of shafts. While I didn’t test the original Ventus Red extensively, the Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red reminds me a lot of the Ventus TR Red [review HERE].
While the strong flight was a small surprise, what left me consistently scratching my head – in a good way – was the dispersion. Though I didn’t feel like I could call my shots, the ball kept finding the fairway. The 2024 Ventus Red did have a slight preference for a draw over a fade, but the curves were moderate.
The only area where I the Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red acted like a “normal” higher launching shaft for me was when I dialed up my speed and transition to 100%. In those instances, I did know where the ball was going – hard right. As always, this is only how this shaft interacts with my swing; your mileage may vary.
The Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red shaft is available in five weight classes. Three flexes are offered at 50 grams: R2, Regular, and Stiff. At 60 grams, that bumps up to Regular, Stiff, and X. Stiff and X are available at 70 and 80 grams. The 90 gram 2024 Ventus Red is offered only in X flex.
Conclusion
The Fujikura 2024 Ventus Red is an important addition to the Ventus family. For players that want tight dispersion but need slightly more launch and spin, it hits the sweet spot. Ditto for those that don’t get the feel they want from Ventus Black or Blue. Try all three with your Fujikura fitter to see which one can help you get the most from your woods.
Visit Fujikura HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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6 Comments
Isn’t this a better shaft for Meeker to review? I tend to think Ventus Red are for slower swingers who need higher launch (no offense)
George Bryan uses a red, i dont think he would be a “slower” swinger. Maybe relative to upper end tour players, but not relative to most golfers
Hi Matt,
Did the 2024 Red feel tighter or about the same as original red?
Dillon,
I didn’t spend a ton of time with the original Ventus Red, but my sense is that the entire 2024 line is a bit tighter.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
You said in a previous conversation that you preferred Tensei 1k red over Ventus OG & tr red. Do you still prefer it over this new red Velocore +? Johnny Wunder (tour rep) at Callaway is gaming 1k red in ALL his Paradym woods this year. What’s the main difference in your opinion. Is 1k red more anti left than ventus red? With your swing? I have tr red in a fairway and love it off the tee. Not so much off the deck.
Cheers take care.
Ben,
I generally prefer TENSEI over Ventus, simply for the feel. I haven’t run the 1K Red head to head with 2024 Ventus Red so I don’t have a strong opinion on the performance differences.
Best,
Matt