50 Words or Less
The Fujikura Ventus TR Black shaft is extremely stout. Low launch, low spin for the very fast, aggressive swinger.
Introduction
This past January, Fujikura expanded their hugely successful Ventus line with Ventus TR Blue [review HERE]. Gear junkies knew that TR versions of Black and Red were inevitable, and they have finally arrived. In this review, I’ll take an in-depth look at Ventus TR Black, an even stronger version of the toughest Ventus.
Looks
At a glance, Ventus TR Black doesn’t look terribly distinct from Ventus Black. The graphics near the handle are the same, the Ventus branding is the same, and the “VeloCore” mark is still present near the tip. However, when you take a closer look, you’ll realize that there’s a sparkle added to the black that gives the look a little more depth. Overall, the look is still all-business but with a little something extra.
Feel
Players who are familiar with Ventus Black [review HERE] may wonder how it was possible for Fujikura to make something even stronger. I can’t answer the how, I just know that they did.
Swinging the Ventus TR Black is like leaning on a wall. You can lean gently, you can press into it, but the wall isn’t going to move. No matter how aggressively I swung, the Ventus TR Black did not bend, kick, or twist, it just went exactly where I put it.
Fujikura rates the Ventus TR Black as being “Ultra Stiff” in the butt and tip sections and merely “Stiff” in the mid section. Players with significantly more speed may be able to feel that softer mid section, but I was not.
I would add that, though it’s incredibly strong, the TR Black doesn’t feel harsh or boardy. It’s a gentle giant. Could it shove you in a locker? Absolutely, but it doesn’t need to beat its chest about it.
Need higher launch or more active feel? Check out the Ventus TR Red HERE
Performance
The performance of the Fujikura Ventus TR Black mirrors the feel. Whatever you put into it, you will get out. Nothing more, nothing less.
After I got the feel for the Ventus TR Black, my drives became extremely predictable. The ball barely curved, and the start line was always where I expected (or deserved) it to be. On a good swing, I could walk down the middle of the fairway without looking up. If I made a poor swing, I would know immediately where to find the ball.
In terms of trajectory, the Ventus TR Black wants to fire low launch, low spin bullets. This does come with a bit of a caveat. The interaction of player and shaft is never fully predictable. While the TR Black didn’t kick the ball into the air, it did help me to keep the face from closing, thus producing slightly higher launch and spin than the Ventus TR Red. As always, we strongly recommend that you get fit to find the best shaft for your driver.
Finally, what I love about the addition of the TR shafts to the Ventus line is the ability to more finely tune your fit. I gamed the Ventus Black, and now with Ventus TR Blue and Ventus TR Black, I have options to take small steps up or down. If I gained speed or needed more control, I can go to Ventus TR Black. However, if I wanted a shaft to do a little more work for me, I can move to Ventus TR Blue.
Conclusion
For the fastest swingers seeking a shaft strong enough to control their ball flight, the Fujikura Ventus TR Black is it. No matter how aggressively you go after the ball, the TR Black will keep up with you and deliver predictable, consistent results.
If you’re looking for more Ventus TR content, Club Champion created a great video on the Ventus TR Black vs. the original Ventus Black HERE.
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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14 Comments
Great review! I game the OG black and love it. I have heard the TR makes it so you don’t have to go full bore and your ball still goes straight whereas with the OG the face may not close enough and you fade it more. I sometimes see that as well. Did you see that with the TR? This sounds like a shaft I need to try out.
Randy,
That’s going to specific to the individual golfer. For me, both the OG Black and TR Black go straight, but they both “require” a full effort.
Best,
Matt
Great review, I’m using Ventus TR Black 5X JP version (CPM 260), and the character is exactly what you wrote here. I really like solid feel at impact and much easier to hit as compare to other similar X flex shaft.
Do you have experience comparing this 5X TR Black with 6X TR Blue? Plan to also putting on my 3 wood Callaway Rogue LS currently with Atmos Black 6X (CPM 283).
AbiZid,
No, I only tested the 60 gram version.
-Matt
I currently have sim 2 driver would line to upgrade to this shaft
I put these shafts on my tsi2 4 wpod and 7 wood and they were good shafts until they snapped. The shaft in my 7 wood only lasted 3 months then it snapped right in the middle of the shaft during a swing then the 4 wood shaft did the same thing 4 months later. When I tried to get a replacement for them Fujikura said that they are not covered under warranty because the break was not 3 inches from the butt or tip of the shaft. It’s not worth paying $350 for a shaft if it isn’t going to last longer than 7 months no matter how good the shaft feels. DO NOT buy if you want a shaft that lasts.
Andrew,
Respectfully, the fact that you had two shafts snap in the middle leads me to believe something happened to them outside of normal use.
-Matt
Middle of the shaft tells me that you have a stand bag but you prefer to ride… Hence the Woods are at the bottom of your bag when you prop your stand down because its easy to have them in the back of the bag when you have it hooked up to the golf cart. These shafts are not meant to be chopped at with your irons leading edges… no shaft will endure that… 3-7 months best with that kind of care… I’m a club builder and repair guy I sell bags too and always catch 80% of the people who do this with zero clue when they explain to me how they set up their bags… I have a shaft that is over 20 years old and its not because its durable its because I baby it! Truth be told its not the shaft bro, its you!
-Ball just wants to go straight with this shaft, I only swing driver 95-98mph and was fit into this shaft in a TS3 10*. Didn’t feel boardy or “too stiff”.
Matt,
Do you have a Ventus Blue Velocore + review coming soon? Also I really want to put this black TR in Cally UW 21* . However, no one will give me a consistent answer for tipping instructions. Golfwrx forums say 1.5 inches.
Cally doesn’t seem to have a consistent answer either. Fujikura didn’t know either. The problem with the UW is that is doesn’t follow standard tipping instructions. It’s a unicorn 🦄! Thx
Ben,
Yes, I have one that I’ve been testing. The review will likely be up sometime in March.
Best,
Matt
I’ve got a ventus black in my UW. Thing is a weapon. Not sure of tipping instructions but it is a powerful combo
I am moving from the red/black ventus oem taylormade reg shaft to a senior flex on all woods and hybrids.
Should I stay with the original ventus or the TR?
I always hit a high alex with all my clubs.
You thoughts?
Charlie,
My advice is always to get a fitting.
The stock Ventus is not the same as the aftermarket Ventus, so that change alone is substantial, then you’re adding flex and regular vs. TR. That’s far too many variables to manage without trying them yourself.
Best,
Matt