50 Words or Less
The Fujikura Motore X shafts feel fast and explosive without sacrificing tip stability. Two profiles: one is low/mid launch and spin, the other is mid/high launch with mid spin.
Introduction
Released ten years ago, the original Fujikura Motore shafts were well known for creating speed. With another ten years of experience under their belt, plus new learning fueled by enso technology, Fujikura has brought back the Motore name for Motore X. This new version aims to keep the speed of the original while injecting levels of stability previously unheard of in a shaft like this.
Looks
On a background of matte black, the graphics on the Fujikura Motore X shafts are visually explosive. The silver elements around the predominantly white “Motore X” branding pop in the sun and are done no justice by photos. On the underside, a simple geometric graphic looks blazingly fast in a red-yellow-red gradient.
Feel
As you can see in the picture above, there are two models in the new Motore X family, the F1 and the F3. Fujikura states that the F3 is designed for “smooth and moderate swing types” with a handle and tip section that they bill as “firm.” The F1 is designed for “faster, more aggressive swing types” with “stiff” mid and tip sections.
In both versions, I felt a very strong kick that gave me the sense that the shaft was adding speed to my swing. What makes the Motore X shafts unique is that, despite the strong kick, the tip feels extremely stable. It’s a rare shaft that can encourage you to swing all out and kick aggressively through impact.
As you would expect, the F3 feels slightly more active than the F1. In both shafts, the “hinge” feels to me like it happens just below the grip, but the F3 loads more easily and kicks harder.
Performance
One important note to begin: the numbers above are not an apples to apples comparison of the F1 and F3. Knowing my swing and preferences, Fujikura sent the F3 in 70-X and the F1 in 60-X.
Speed is the legacy of the Motore shaft line, and the Motore X shafts both delivered for me. Despite a small, nagging injury, I posted my best club head speeds of the winter with both the F1 and F3. That led to more ball speed and some of my longest drives of the simulator season.
With Motore, speed is expected. The surprise bonus is the accuracy. With both shafts, I was able to swing as hard as I wanted without feeling out of control. The slightly stiffer, lower torque F1 produced the ball flight I prefer with a small bias toward the right side. With the F3, the majority of my shots carried a small, very acceptable draw.
Because I tend to hit more draws with softer shafts, the F3 launched just slightly higher than the F1 and spun a bit less. As we always emphasize, you cannot fit from spec sheets – you need to see how each shaft works with your swing.
The Fujikura Motore X F3 is available in weights ranging from 50 grams to 70 grams. In 50 grams, the flexes available are R2, R, and S. Stiff, Regular, and X are offered in 60 grams, and at 70 grams there is stiff and X. In the Motore X F1 there are fewer options: stiff and X at 60 and 70 grams, and X only at 80 grams.
Conclusion
Combining speed and stability is the holy grail in shaft design. With the new Motore X shafts, Fujikura is able to give golfers that rare combination. Visit your Fujikura fitter to test both the F3 and F1 to see if one can add more speed to your drives.
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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24 Comments
Matt,
Now that you’ve hit the Motore X and the Ventus Blue and Black, can you give us your comparison? Seems like you could play any of them. Did you pick one and why? Thanks.
Max,
The Motore X shafts are more active, the Ventus shafts, particularly the Black, emphasize stability. I’m going to continue gaming the Ventus Black for now, but I’ll continue testing the Motore X F1.
Best,
Matt
I’ve just started playing the Motore X F1, 70, Stiff, coming from fitted Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0. After 3 rounds I’ve hit more fairways and have some of the longest drives I’ve ever hit. I’m a shaft ho, i am praying GOD this is not placebo. Driver problems almost made me quit golf, and these last three rounds have been the most fun I’ve had in 5 years.
Thanks for the Motore X review! I still play the original tour spec in my 3 wood. Gonna have to give the new one a try. Please review the new Miura mb 101. I purchased the mb 001 after your review. They look very similar. The tb Zero is another new blade that’s supposedly the best mg (Miura) blade ever.
Ben,
The new Miura offerings are certainly on our list.
Thanks,
Matt
Matt –
Fujikura has long been my favorite shaft maker due to what you describe here, great feel and a tip that “kicks” but never out of control. Your description of these shafts makes them sound like they perform similar to the Motore versions used as stock offering on TaylorMade R9 series drivers, especially the R9 Supertri. If these are an upgrade then they should be special for a lot of golfers.
Thanks for the review Matt. My current gamer is the 569 Speeder Evo 3 in an SR flex. I have really enjoyed this shaft. How would the Motore X F3 in the 58 gram version compare? Always looking for some extra ball speed! Thanks Again.
Jeff,
I haven’t hit the Speeder Evo 3 569, so I can’t speak to how it will compare. I’d suggest testing both with a fitter to find out what works better for you.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Great review! How would you compare the F1 or F3 to the HZRDUS Red, as two shafts that advertise speed and tip stability?
Thanks,
Tom
Tom,
I have a full review of the HZRDUS Red here: https://pluggedingolf.com/project-x-hzrdus-red-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
How would you compare the Motore X F3 to the Fujikura Speeder Evolution IV (my current gamer and yours for a while I believe!)
Thanks
Jeremy,
I think it’s a substantial feel difference. The Speeders have a unique feel – active without a hinge. The F3 has a pretty strong, “normal” hinge-and-kick feel.
Best,
Matt
How did the F1 compare to the Ventus Blue in terms of dispersion? Was there much of a difference in distance? Would you rate the Ventus line more forgiving on mis-hits because of the velocore?
Thanks
Brandon,
Yes, I think the Velocore is more stable, especially on mishits, which leads to slightly better dispersion, assuming both are well fit.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
You said you would game the Ventus Black, but continue to test the Motore X. Did you, and what were your findings as the season went on between the two? Thanks, I look forward to your comments. All the best in the new year to you, and all of the PIG staff.
Joe,
Thank you.
The Ventus stayed in the bag for 2020. I think there are some changes coming in 2021, though.
Best,
Matt
How would you compare this to the Motore Speeder 757?
CY,
I have a review of the Motore Speeder 757 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/fujikura-motore-speeder-757-review/
-Matt
So between this, the diamana ZF and other MCA shafts you recently tested and liked, what are you liking the best ? Wonder which one will compete with the Ventus ?
Laban,
Until the snow melts, my WITB is undecided and, sadly, meaningless. When I finalize the bag for the year, I’ll certainly update the page.
-Matt
I tried the f1 and the f3. tipped and untipped….my swing is a smooth 108-112. im best in a stable stiff with some kick. the f3 hit very nice lower spin fades with cobra radspeed. very nice. it was hard for me to draw the f3. Tipping didnt help or hurt. the f1 is much more stout but allowed me to turn the ball over when needed. F1 felt harsher. fit me perfect as its a stout 6s… i think i could play the f3 in an x.
Hi Matt,
How would you compare the Tour AD IZ Wood shaft from this Motore X F3 Wood shaft?
Thanks!
Rold,
I have a full review of the AD IZ here: https://pluggedingolf.com/graphite-design-tour-ad-iz-shaft-review/
Best,
Matt
I know this is an old thread of comments and questions…that said..it looks like the F3 is at least the 60 gram (6) would play similarly to the Pro XL8R in the same weight class. Would you assume that to be so give or take?