When you can tout that your shaft design has set multiple world records for ball speeds before you officially release it, you have something to crow about. In the past, I’m not so sure that Kinetixx would have taken that opportunity as they have always been very much a brand that is content to do their thing knowing they’re doing it unlike anyone else with that being enough. However, 2023 is a different day for Kinetixx, and they are coming out swinging both in design as well as their marketing message.
With their new ultralight model named HYPERSONIC, they look more poised than ever to unleash an even more eye opening reality of how golfers of all swing speeds, even world long drive champions, can benefit.
Quick Take
A dynamic yet stable design that turns what most think lightweight is on its ear. There is an undeniable efficiency in the way that Kinetixx continues to design shafts which create and maximize energy transfer through the swing without sacrificing control. The nano carbon and vacuum cured technological baseline for the HYPERSONIC has the sheer speed potential that Velocity showcased, but with infinitely more stability in terms of feel.
Kinetixx HYPERSONIC
The HYPERSONIC is an ultralight design at its roots, but there is so much more going on than just that. I also implore you to not count this one out just because of the light aspect of the shaft, after all, Kyle Berkshire continues to break world records utilizing this one, and if it stands up to his swing we both know you will be just fine.
If you have followed THP for any amount of time, then you know that Kinetixx produces all their own materials and have innovated some of the most technologically forward applications and processes in golf shaft manufacturing. The HYPERSONIC uses 40T, 30T, as well as Amorphous (nano-carbon) materials that use Kinetixx vacuum curing process to minimize the amount of resin needed which allows more elastic strength and dynamic recovery.
Though the HYPERSONIC driver shaft will be available in four flexes, I received the D40 which is essentially Kinetixx equivalent to X-Flex. The shaft weighed in at 61g uncut which put it at 58g for me when trimmed to length and was installed into a Callaway adapter for testing to be done in a Paradym Triple Diamond 9.0 head. Emphasis was put on the having a smoother EI profile with it being listed out Firm+, Medium+, and Medium (butt, mid, tip). Also, it is worth noting that the HYPERSONIC is slightly counter-balanced (54%) and aims to be a mid-launch low-mid spin shaft.
All that aside, in my opinion, the new aesthetic direction for Kinetixx is excellent. The deep black finish has a light metal flake look to it and that background lets the silver and red branding pop. Not only that, while the original finishes of Kinetixx were bright, this is likely to appeal to more golfers as it will look good in any head on the market. That said though, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some additional colors like they did with the Velocity.
Putting the HYPERSONIC driver shaft in play was overall a fun experience. I have been a long time user of the Velocity shaft previously and I’ll admit to expecting similarities in feel here, I was wrong. The much lower torque rating (5.3 to 3.3 in the same D40 flex) obviously plays part there, but so does the overall design. What stuck out most to me is that the HYPERSONIC gives the same sensation of generating power/speed that the Velocity does, but in a much more familiar feel through loading and unloading.
You can see in the Foresight data in this article as well that the HYPERSONIC performed quite well for me in the Triple Diamond Paradym even with a very early season swing on my part. Sure, there is more to gain there if I would have adjusted the loft of the head perhaps, but I wanted pure data in a very low spinning and powerful head.
Most importantly, what I saw on the course replicated that which I recorded on the launch monitor. The HYPERSONIC generated surprising energy while being the second most stable lightweight shaft I personally have put into play, with the other being the MACH from Kinetixx which we have also reviewed. Driver shaft reviews are difficult because so much depends on the person and the fit to their swing, but I was heavily focused on ease of launch, speed potential, and consistency which the HYPERSONIC certainly delivered on. Could I use some more spin? Yes, but again, that could be rectified by the head loft, what shines to me is that this shaft was extremely playable long term for me in the head as-is without any fine tuning, yet.
The Details
I have long told anyone that would listen to pay attention to what Kinetixx is doing in the golf shaft segment, their ability to design extremely high tech and high performing shafts is not new. However, taking light weight to where they are with the HYPERSONIC and MACH and ensuring they do differentiate form one another should turn more heads than ever.
The HYPERSONIC is available through authorized Kinetixx dealers and fitting centers worldwide right now, as well as directly through the company. It is available in four flexes (D10, D20, D30, D40) and priced at $329.99. Be sure to jump into the conversation and keep a keen eye on THP as we will have much more coming with the brand.
For more information on this or any of the Kinetixx shaft offerings, check out their website at www.kinetixxgolf.com.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12176273, member: 62865″]
Pretty sure it’s 45”. I can check. It hasn’t moved since then. Probably the longest I’ve gone in 4 years without messing with something.
[/QUOTE]
Have you always played driver at 45”?
[QUOTE=”Golfever, post: 12176333, member: 11044″]
Installed.
[/QUOTE]
So to your question about the shorter shaft, is it depends. Although you may not swing it as fast, if the shortened shaft allows you to strike in the center of the face more resulting in higher ball speeds and better dispersion.
For me shorter shaft equates to both better dispersion as well as distance because it helps me be a more consistent ball striker (relative to a standard length shaft) with driver.
I play mine at 44.5 installed.
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 12176360, member: 38120″]
Have you always played driver at 45”?
[/QUOTE]
No, had been down around 44.5 or 44 which certainly runs counter to logic given I’m seeing more fairways at the longer length
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12176413, member: 74038″]
So to your question about the shorter shaft, is it depends. Although you may not swing it as fast, if the shortened shaft allows you to strike in the center of the face more resulting in higher ball speeds and better dispersion.
For me shorter shaft equates to both better dispersion as well as distance because it helps me be a more consistent ball striker (relative to a standard length shaft) with driver.
I play mine at 44.5 installed.
[/QUOTE]
Thank you, the dispersion certainly is there. I can’t speak to the distances as I was on a new course in Florida. But the launch looked higher than my former shaft. And carry looked good also.
Once I get back to Arkansas next week, on a course I know. I will be able to judge the distances better.
I don’t know what voodoo is in the hypersonic but give me all of that voodoo. Driver was the only thing working tonight. It was almost like it just had easy speed, which came from both the shaft and how it just kept wanting to center the club for me.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12263577, member: 62865″]
I don’t know what voodoo is in the hypersonic but give me all of that voodoo. Driver was the only thing working tonight. It was almost like it just had easy speed, which came from both the shaft and how it just kept wanting to center the club for me.
[/QUOTE]
I would concur to this. Between this shaft and the A1 Smoke driver. I am seeing distances that I haven’t seen for a long time.
I ordered the Hypersonic D20
Tipped .5” and it has felt really good to me.
When I hit the center with a baby draw, the ball just runs forever. Even uphill, which I think speaks to the additional speed created. ?
[QUOTE=”Golfever, post: 12263954, member: 11044″]
I would concur to this. Between this shaft and the A1 Smoke driver. I am seeing distances that I haven’t seen for a long time.
I ordered the Hypersonic D20
Tipped .5” and it has felt really good to me.
When I hit the center with a baby draw, the ball just runs forever. Even uphill, which I think speaks to the additional speed created. ?
[/QUOTE]
How would you describe the feel? To me, it’s stiff and wants to stay with me but not hard to swing or making me feel like I need go after it.
So first real outdoor test on course with the hypersonic D30. Always take what I am seeing indoors with a grain of salt. 8/12 fairways and the distance happily surprised me! One fairway missed was because I hit it through the dogleg into a pond.
I am note sure how to accurately describe this outside of goldilocks saying this is just right. Feels firm enough that it is not loose but not so loose that i dont feel in control. Seems to launch a tad higher than my previous shaft with alot less effort.
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12284219, member: 74038″]
So first real outdoor test on course with the hypersonic D30. Always take what I am seeing indoors with a grain of salt. 8/12 fairways and the distance happily surprised me! One fairway missed was because I hit it through the dogleg into a pond.
I am note sure how to accurately describe this outside of goldilocks saying this is just right. Feels firm enough that it is not loose but not so loose that i dont feel in control. Seems to launch a tad higher than my previous shaft with alot less effort.
[/QUOTE]
the less effort bit it what resonates with me
Rounds like this make me wonder why I tinkered with the Ballistic shaft. That one is good, no doubt, but doesn’t fit me as well as the Hypersonic. Just easy speed and easy to center. It’s like there is a kick into the ball but I at least have trouble feeling it, which I really like. Feeling a big kick freaks me out.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12289940, member: 62865″]
Rounds like this make me wonder why I tinkered with the Ballistic shaft. That one is good, no doubt, but doesn’t fit me as well as the Hypersonic. Just easy speed and easy to center. It’s like there is a kick into the ball but I at least have trouble feeling it, which I really like. Feeling a big kick freaks me out.
[/QUOTE]
I think you are right. You really don’t feel the kick of the shaft.. But the results are evident from the sound and feel off the face of the driver. At least for me
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12289940, member: 62865″]
Rounds like this make me wonder why I tinkered with the Ballistic shaft. That one is good, no doubt, but doesn’t fit me as well as the Hypersonic. Just easy speed and easy to center. It’s like there is a kick into the ball but I at least have trouble feeling it, which I really like. Feeling a big kick freaks me out.
[/QUOTE]
Grass isn’t always greener but seems like we all chase that bright shiny object into other pastures ?
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12290206, member: 74038″]
Grass isn’t always greener but seems like we all chase that bright shiny object into other pastures ?
[/QUOTE]
I putting the ballistic in the corner for a little while ?
[QUOTE=”Golfever, post: 12290165, member: 11044″]
I think you are right. You really don’t feel the kick of the shaft.. But the results are evident from the sound and feel off the face of the driver. At least for me
[/QUOTE]
I’m glad I’m not the only one
First outdoor range session with the hypersonic and had some high volume reps. The one thing that will get me in trouble is the short backswing with the aggressive transition.
However If I can slow down the backswing I can go at it hard and still get great results.
Just very smooth flowing no matter how hard I swing.
Once I got grooved with timing, I set a pretty small lateral limit window for myself and put drive after drive within that window.
Cannot wait for the next round to put this in play. Trust the dispersion will be there. Really want to see if the distances I saw last round continue going forward.
Putting one of these together right now with an adapter to work with a Cobra Darkspeed X head.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12309836, member: 3″]
Putting one of these together right now with an adapter to work with a Cobra Darkspeed X head.
[/QUOTE]
Can’t wait to see how that pair plays together. I’m guessing really well.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12309836, member: 3″]
Putting one of these together right now with an adapter to work with a Cobra Darkspeed X head.
[/QUOTE]
Sounds like a fun combo!