50 Words or Less
The Newton Motion shaft has a unique, fluid feel during the swing. Eschews weights and flexes for a simplified fitting system. Moderately priced and delivered ready to plug into your driver.
Introduction
Most successful companies want to expand. For putter makers, this typically means getting into wedges or accessories. Sacks Parente is not your typical putter company, so they turned their expertise making graphite shafts toward the opposite end of the bag: the driver.
The result is Newton Golf Shafts and their first release, the Newton Motion driver shaft. With two Champions Tour Top 3 Driving Accuracy performances already under its belt, it’s off to a prodigious start. I tested one to see if it can help regular golfers split more fairways, too.
Looks
The Newton Motion shaft makes a great first impression with a stunning, color-shifting paint job. A blend of blues, purples, and greens, the exact hues shift with the light. To me, it’s one of the best looking shafts in recent memory. I like even it more for its subdued tones which don’t scream for attention or cause distractions at address.
With such a bold color, the graphics don’t need to do much. The Newton branding is fairly basic and confined to the mid section of the shaft. You can get a blank look if you install the shaft logo down.
One final spot of interest is the array of dots below the Motion branding. Newton uses these dots to indicate the weight and flex of the shaft. This is a smart way to keep the loaded flex words – stiff, regular, senior – off the shaft.
Feel
The first thing I did after connecting the Newton Motion shaft to my PXG 0311 GEN6 driver [review HERE] was to give it the wiggle test. And wiggle it did. It seemed like I could see the shaft bending to and fro as I shook it, almost like a fly rod.
When I first took it to the range I was expecting this same sensation, and it delivered. The Newton Motion has a loose, languid feel that seems to encourage an unhurried swing. There isn’t a strong kick or release of energy nor a distinct bend point. It felt like it had more in common with swinging an Orange Whip than the types of shafts I typically game.
Interestingly, there was a noticeable change in feel when my speed ratcheted up or down. I tested the five dot model, which is recommended for speeds from 105-115 MPH. During that first session, I was right in the middle of that range. There were also sessions where I was at the bottom end of that range or even a bit below. At lower speeds, the shaft felt significantly more stable. It was still smooth, but the feel was more conventional.
If you want a smooth feel but don’t want to go too far from the norm, you might consider being a little ambitious with your choice of “flex.”
Find the same feel in the Newton Motion Fairway Wood Shaft HERE
Performance
Newton touts four technologies in their Motion shaft. Elongated Bend Profile refers to the idea that the bend in the Motion happens over a longer span than with other shafts, leading to increased speed. Kinetic Storage Construction is the claim that through proprietary construction, the fibers in this shaft store more energy than in other shafts. The third technology is Newton Symmetry 360 Design, a claim that their shaft is spineless and free of inconsistencies. Finally, there’s Variable Bend Profile, the idea that each model is designed with matching bend and torque properties.
The latter two claims are not unique to Newton. Many companies such as TPT [review HERE] claim to produce spineless shafts. Similarly, other shaft makers vary their shafts within a given model to better fit the player.
Elongated Bend Profile, however, is something that I think most golfers will feel when swinging the Newton Motion shaft. Whether this truly stores more energy, I can’t say, but there is a unique feel to this shaft that does seem to promote a more relaxed swing. Whether or not that leads to superior results will vary.
For me, the Newton Motion was not a natural fit, but I was able to get good results after making some adjustments. Regular readers know that I am not a smooth or gentle swinger of the golf club. As such, my initial results ranged from “Left” to “Really Left.” These hooked shots came along with the matching lower launch and spin.
As I worked to smooth out my swing and actively keep the club face open, I began to produce picturesque push-draws. These shots launched high with mid-high spin and a moderate amount of draw. The threat of the hook was always in my mind, but the results of my focused swings were consistently strong.
The Newton Motion shaft is offered in six variants, denoted by the number of dots on the shaft. The lowest CPM, highest torque, lightest weight version has one dot. It specs out at 210 CPM, 45 grams, and 6.0 torque. The weight and CPM go up, and the torque goes down, as the number of dots increase. Newton’s six dot model weighs 70 grams, measures to 285 CPM, and has a 3.7 torque. According to Newton, the bend point of the shaft also moves up as the number of dots increases.
Conclusion
From the unique feel to the unusual fitting system, the Newton Motion shaft genuinely brings something different to the table. They’re also making aftermarket shafts more accessible with a direct to consumer price of $250 which includes a grip, the adapter of your choice, and 30 days to swap the shaft for a different “flex.” If you’re a smooth swinger looking for a shaft to complement your style, the Newton Motion is worth a look.
Buy Newton Motion Shafts 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.
- Secrets of a Master Club Builder - October 10, 2024
- Mustard Golf App Review - October 9, 2024
- Podcast Episode 228 – In Depth with Titleist on the New GT Line - October 9, 2024
28 Comments
Matt,
What distance results did you get with this shaft? More? Less? Same?
Thank you.
Gary,
Compared to my gamer? Less.
-Matt
What playing length does the shaft come with? 45 inches? I didn’t see this information or a selection option when ordering on their website. Thanks for an informative review,
Jay,
The Newton website states, “All Ready-to-Play shafts are built to 45.75 inch in playing position.”
-Matt
How many yards at an 80 mph club speed? How about a 75 mph speed?
Dan,
Fully optimized, an 80 MPH swing can carry the ball 200 yards.
-Matt
Hi Matt
Great input for readers. I play a Graphite Design AD tp6 stiff.
Curious your thoughts how the newton 4 dot will compare.generally need a firm tip/medium butt as I have a shorter faster swing kind of an amateur version of nick price in the day
Adam,
I have my full review of the AD TP here for comparison: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-designs-tour-ad-tp-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Driver swing speed hovers right around the 105 mark sometimes slightly less & sometimes slightly more. Fairly smooth transition. Would you recommend the 4 dot or 5 dot? Assuming nowhere to really demo theses shafts.
John,
The only demo system is the ability to return it for a different flex. As I said in the review, if you’re in between and want a firmer feel, go up a dot. Softer feel, go down.
-Matt
I’m 72, and probably carry the ball 180. After reading reviews, I pulled the trigger for the one dot Motion shaft. Beautiful to look at but didn’t feel anything as light as my gamer. After attaching my TSI1 head to it, I was surprised how little it flexed. Even though the temperature is now in the high 40’s°F and I was layered up, I went out back to hit some balls. The only thing consistent was I really had to slow down the feel of my swing to get any kind of consistency. It wasn’t as long as my gamer. I played 18 holes yesterday, and swapped out the shaft after 9. Considering the weather conditions, I’m not willing to give up on the shaft, YET! It will definitely take some getting used to.
Thanks for the honest review. What is your gamer shaft? I have the TSI 2 with a Graphite Design shaft HD IZ and am very comfortable with it but was interested in the Newton. I am in the same age range as you and carry the ball just over 200. Please follow up on continued testing of the Newton shaft. Thanks.
Matt,
Just like to say thanks for the review. I read about these shafts and am interested but have some uncertainty about them. All of a sudden I thought of Plugged In Golf, and sure enough there was your review. Haven’t decided yet, but I will probably order one just for the heck of it. Nice to have a dependable source of accurate information on new products. Thanks again for being that source!
Thanks, John! It’s very gratifying to hear that our reviews are valuable to you.
Best,
Matt
Your reviews are always a valued part of buying decisions. They are a go to site when considering a new addition to the bag.
I’m tempted to pop for it – going to demo both a 2 dot and a 3 dot to replace the Speeder NX in my Stealth 2. I’m looking for a mid launch/mid spin shaft for my low 80’s swing speed. The speeder launches too high and I’m not getting the carry distance from it. If not the Newton then I’m going with the Riptide CB which I was fitted for recently in the Qi10 (but not interested in spending the $$$$ for the Qi10) .
Thanks for the review. I purchased one and tested it vs my Ventus Blue. The Newton shaft does have a very interesting feel. After a long range session the ball marks on the face of my driver were consistently dead in the middle of the club face with the Newton. The Ventus ball marks on the face were inconsistent across the face. The Newton was longer on the range with tighter dispersion. The Newton is in the bag…
I appreciate all the reviews but most are for the 5 or 6 dot. I’m in the less than 100mph swing category and wondering if the shaft will make a meaningful difference to consider the 3 or 4 dot. Haven’t seen any reviews other than the 5 or 6 dot.
Butch,
The shaft is fundamentally the same, the dots are just the fitting system.
-Matt
I play a 40 gram senior shaft on a Ping 425 driver what shaft dot do you recommend
Ken,
Newton’s website, which is linked above, has a chart that gives a Dot recommendation based on swing speed.
-Matt
I wish at some point reviews could be had by golfers with slower swing speeds, maybe 75-85 mph where many of us fall into. Looking for reviews on the Newton motion shaft, every single review was with the 5 or 6 dot model. Same way with most golf club reviews, always with mid 90’s to 100 mph swing speeds. I guess seniors and women are left to guess based upon stiff and extra stiff reviews.
John,
Why would the review be any different for a slow swinger? The faster swingers are testing with shafts that fit them; the shaft should perform the same at every flex, if it’s well fit.
-Matt
I bought a 4 dot shaft for my Mizuno ST 320 Max driver. I had a Mitsubishi Kai Li shaft so a good quality shaft. When I switch I could immediately feel a difference and I did not feel comfortable at all. I feel you can sense the elongated flex. I took it to the range and quickly got used to the feel. Played the front nine of my home course to get a feel for its length. Struggled a bit with tempo as again the feel was different. Settled in on the back. Swing speed is around 105-110 MPH so lower end of the 4 dot. Once I got the tempo correct wow. Number 10 I usually hit about a 260 drive. With the Newton Shaft 290 effortlessly. On 11 I hit it 310 (cut the corner on a slight dogleg). To be fair I am in Northern Colorado about 4000′ elevation. The only comment I would make is like any club/shaft is your tempo is off not much benefit. When grooved the Newton shaft makes for an effortless long driving experience.
Can someone help select the right shaft if you come to the factory? I live in KC and could drive up to St. Joe.
Frank,
I don’t think that’s something they advertise, but you can email the company and ask.
Best,
Matt
You made a mystery statement, no comprende. ” if you want a smooth feel but don’t want to go too far from the norm, you might consider being a little ambitious with your choice of “flex.” ”
Ambitious? What? I am between 2 dot and 3 dot. SS is mid 80s. Have blue Evnflo Riptide 40 A in a PXG 0211 driver. It is OK but I have to backswing very slowly. Does ambitious mean get the stronger 3 dot and hope I can power up and make it work?
Yes, it is Sept. 2024 and I am thinking of getting in to beat the price increase.
Donn,
Yes, by “ambitious” I meant going with a stronger flex than you’d normally play.
Best,
Matt