Project X HZRDUS Smoke Yellow Shaft Review

Here's what nobody tells you about counterbalanced shafts until you actually swing one: they don't feel lighter in your hands; they feel more balanced. It's hard to explain until you experience it, but imagine holding a sledgehammer by the handle versus holding it closer to the head. The total weight might be similar, but the control you have is night and day.

The Smoke Yellow achieves this through additional weight in the grip section, we're talking about roughly 10-15 grams more than a standard shaft. This drops the swing weight by about two points compared to something like the Smoke Green, which sounds scary if you're someone who's always chased that D3-D4 swing weight sweet spot. But here's the kicker: because the balance point shifts toward your hands, you can actually add more weight to the head without feeling like you're swinging a telephone pole.

I tested this theory by adding 4 grams of lead tape to my driver head (something I'd never do with a standard shaft). The result? My swing speed jumped from 108 mph to 111 mph, and the club still felt more controlled than my previous setup. The counterbalancing fundamentally tricks your body into swinging faster because the perceived effort is lower. It's not magic, it's physics, but it sure feels magical when you're striping drives 15 yards past your buddies.

The tapered grip section deserves special mention here. Unlike the original HZRDUS Yellow, which felt a bit boardy through the grip area, the Smoke Yellow has this progressive taper that fits naturally in your hands. Combined with that firmer mid-section, you get this sensation of the shaft loading and unloading in perfect sequence. It's smooth, predictable, and confidence-inspiring.

Project X markets this as a low-launching, low-spinning shaft, and technically, they're not wrong. But let me give you the real story based on my Trackman numbers and on-course experience. Yes, it launches lower than my old Ventus Blue. Yes, it spins less than the Smoke Green. But calling it "low launch" is a bit misleading.

In reality, this shaft produces what I'd call a penetrating mid-flight. My launch angle with the 70-gram X-stiff version hovers around 11.5 degrees with my 9-degree driver; that's the lower end of mid-launch territory, not truly low. Spin rates averaged 2,200 rpm, which is definitely on the lower side but not tour-pro low. What you get is this beautiful, boring trajectory that just cuts through the wind without ballooning.

The real magic happens in the stiff tip section. With a torque rating of just 3.5 degrees, this thing is incredibly resistant to twisting at impact. Even my heel and toe misses (and trust me, I have plenty) maintain a relatively consistent ball flight. I've played rounds in 20+ mph winds where other guys were struggling to keep the ball in play, and the Smoke Yellow just kept producing these reliable, penetrating shots that seemed immune to the conditions.

One surprising revelation: this shaft actually helped me hit a reliable fade. The low torque and stiff tip mean the face doesn't want to close as aggressively through impact, which, for someone who's battled the occasional hook, is a godsend. I can still work the ball both ways when needed, but my stock shot has become this controlled 5-yard fade that I can count on under pressure.

Let's talk about what you're actually getting for your money here, because at around $350-400, this isn't an impulse buy. The graphite construction is absolutely top-tier; you can feel the quality difference the moment you waggle the club. The "Smoke" yellow finish is stunning in person, with this matte-to-gloss gradient that looks way more expensive than it is. The shaft is available in both 65g and 75g weight configurations, giving players precise options to match their swing characteristics.

The shaft comes in 60g and 70g options, with flex ratings of 6.0 (Stiff) and 6.5 (X-Stiff) as standard selections. There's also a 6.5 TX (Tour X-Stiff) available through Project X's Small Batch program if you're one of those guys who can genuinely handle it (spoiler alert: most of us can't). The standard length is 46 inches, though I had mine trimmed to 45.5 inches for better control without really sacrificing distance.

What impressed me most was the adapter compatibility. I tested this shaft in three different driver heads, my Titleist TSR3, a friend's Callaway Paradym, and a Ping G430 Max- and the performance characteristics remained remarkably consistent. Some shafts completely change personality depending on the head, but the Smoke Yellow maintains its identity regardless of dance partner.

The parallel .335" tip diameter means this will fit pretty much any modern driver, though you'll want to double-check if you're gaming something older or more exotic. Installation was straightforward at my local shop, and after 50+ rounds, there's zero sign of wear at the tip or grip sections. This thing is built to last.

After extensive testing, I can tell you exactly who should and shouldn't consider this shaft. If you're swinging faster than 105 mph and fighting high spin, this is your shaft. Period. The combination of low torque, counterbalancing, and that stiff tip profile is perfectly suited for aggressive swingers who need help keeping the ball down.

I've also found it works brilliantly for players shifting from regular to stiff flex. The counterbalancing makes the shaft feel more playable than its actual stiffness rating suggests, so you get the stability benefits without feeling like you're trying to swing rebar. My buddy Mike, who swings around 98 mph, made the jump from regular flex to the 60g 6.0 version and gained 12 yards without sacrificing accuracy.

Here's who should look elsewhere: if you struggle with launch angle or need help getting the ball airborne, this isn't your shaft. Players with smooth, rhythmic swings might find the stiff tip section too boardy and unresponsive. And if you're someone who relies on feel to time your release, the counterbalancing might throw off your sequencing (though most people adjust within a few range sessions).

The workability factor surprised me. Despite the stability features, I can still shape shots when needed. It's not as easy as with something like a Project X HZRDUS Black, but for a shaft designed primarily for control and consistency, the shot-shaping capability is more than adequate for on-course situations.

This is where the Smoke Yellow really separates itself from the competition. In my testing, the performance ceiling, meaning how good you can be when everything clicks, is remarkably high. My best drives with this shaft are legitimately 10-15 yards longer than with my previous gamer, but more importantly, my bad drives are considerably better.

Over my last 20 rounds, I've tracked every drive using Arccos. My average driving distance increased from 268 to 276 yards, but the real improvement came in accuracy. Fairways hit jumped from 58% to 67%, and my offline dispersion tightened by nearly 30%. Those aren't tour-level numbers, but for a 10-handicap weekend warrior, they're game-changing improvements.

The consistency factor can't be overstated. With my old shaft, I'd have these Jekyll and Hyde days where I'd either stripe it or spray it everywhere. The Smoke Yellow has virtually eliminated those disaster rounds. Even when my swing gets quick under pressure, the shaft's stability characteristics keep the ball in play. I've actually started taking driver on holes where I used to hit 3-wood, simply because I trust this combination so much.

Energy transfer through impact feels incredibly efficient. You know that sensation when you pure one, and it feels like the ball just explodes off the face? That happens more frequently with this shaft than any other I've tested. The "Smoke" profile Project X talks about isn't just marketing speak; there's a noticeable difference in how energy loads and releases compared to the original HZRDUS line.

Absolutely, while the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Yellow Shaft is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:

Pros:

• Counterbalanced design genuinely increases swing speed without sacrificing control.

• Exceptional stability and consistency, especially for faster swingers fighting high spin

• Premium build quality that justifies the price point

Cons: 

• Not ideal for players needing help with launch angle or who prefer high-spinning shots

• Counterbalancing feel takes an adjustment period and might not suit every swing style.

• Premium pricing puts it out of reach for budget-conscious golfers