Project X LZ Shaft Review

When I initially held the Project X LZ, I could immediately feel something was different. The shaft has this unique variable wall technology that creates reinforced sections in the butt and tip while maintaining a more flexible midsection. It's not just marketing fluff; you can actually feel the difference when you waggle the club. The butt section feels substantial and stable, almost like a board, while the midsection has this controlled flexibility that's hard to describe until you experience it.

What really caught my attention were those rapidly tapered steps from the grip through the midsection. They're not just for show (though they do look pretty slick). These steps, combined with micro steps in the steel models, create what True Temper calls the "loading zone." I was skeptical at first. How much difference could some tapering really make? But after hitting balls for three straight weeks with these shafts, I'm convinced. The way this shaft loads during the shift is unlike anything I've felt before.

The three-wall design is what sets this apart from every other steel shaft I've tested. Most steel shafts feel either boardy and harsh or soft and inconsistent. The LZ somehow manages to feel smooth and explosive simultaneously. During my testing, I noticed my smash factor increased incrementally – not dramatically, but consistently. We're talking about going from 1.46 to 1.48 on average with my 7-iron. That might not sound like much, but over 18 holes, those little gains add up to real distance.

I compared these directly to my gamer Energetic Golds, and while both offer that low-launch, low-spin profile I prefer, the feel is completely different. The DGs feel more linear through the swing, while the LZ has this pronounced loading sensation that almost feels like the shaft is gathering energy before releasing it. It's addictive once you get used to it.

Here's where the Project X LZ really won me over – the FlexLok technology. I've played shafts with aggressive kick points before (looking at you, original Project X graphite), and while they can produce incredible shots, they're timing nightmares. Miss your timing by a fraction, and you're hunting for your ball in the woods. The LZ's FlexLok maintains that consistent kick feel across multiple swings, which basically means the shaft performs the same way whether you're fresh on the initial tee or grinding through the back nine.

During my month-long test period, I tracked my dispersion patterns religiously. With my previous Project X 6.0s, my typical 7-iron dispersion was about 18 yards left to right. With the LZ 6.0s, which tightened to 12 yards. That's a 33% improvement in accuracy without sacrificing any distance. Actually, I gained about 3 yards on average, though I attribute that more to the improved energy transfer than any launch condition changes.

The reduced timing sensitivity is real. I purposely tried to manipulate my tempo during range sessions, quick shifts, slow and smooth, even that jerky move I make when I'm nervous. The shaft responded predictably every time. It's forgiving in a way that doesn't feel mushy or disconnected. You still get feedback on mishits, but the ball doesn't go sideways like it would with a shaft that has a more aggressive kick.

What surprised me most was how this technology scales across different flexes. I tested the 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 flexes (my swing speed hovers around 95 mph with a 7-iron, so I'm right in that 6.0 wheelhouse). Each flex maintained that same loading characteristic but adjusted the release point perfectly for different swing speeds. The engineers clearly put thought into how the loading zone positioning changes by flex to enhance ball speed and spin for each player profile.

If you're coming from standard Project X shafts expecting that penetrating, low-launch path, you're in for a surprise. The LZ delivers what I'd call a "Goldilocks" launch, not too high, not too low, but just right. The mid-path launch profile with mid-range spin rates hits a sweet spot that I didn't know I was looking for. My 7-iron launch went from 14 degrees with my old shafts to about 16 degrees with the LZ, while spin stayed reasonable at around 6,200 RPM.

This might not sound exciting, but here's why it matters: that extra launch helped me carry two more bunkers that I used to have to lay up short of at my home course. The ball flight has this flat apex path that's incredibly satisfying to watch. It's not ballooning, but it's not that low bullet that struggles in crosswinds either. Think of it as the path you'd want if you could only play one shaft for the rest of your life.

The easy launch capability really shines with the longer irons. My 4-iron, which has always been a struggle to get airborne consistently, suddenly became playable again. I'm getting the ball up without having to make swing compensations, and it's landing softer on greens. For someone shifting from graphite back to steel (or vice versa with their LZ Tour 90 graphite option), this launch profile bridges that gap perfectly.

I also tested the graphite variant, the LZ Tour 90, which weighs in at 80-87 grams depending on length. It maintains that same mid-launch, mid-spin DNA but with the obvious weight savings. If you're on the fence about graphite in irons, this might be your gateway drug. It doesn't have that "graphite feel" that turns off purists; it's crisp and responsive while being easier on aging joints.

True Temper offers the steel LZ in four flexes: 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5, with weights ranging from 110 to 125 grams. That's a narrower range than some competitors, but honestly, if you need something outside these parameters, you're probably not the target market. The .355 taper tip diameter is standardized across all models, which made installation straightforward for my club builder.

The finish options deserve mention. You can get these in classic chrome or a murdered-out blackout finish. I went with blackout because I'm apparently still 15 years old at heart, and after a month of play, there's minimal wear. The steps and loading zone are still clearly defined, and the finish has held up better than the black PVD finish on my wedge shafts.

One detail I love: the consistent 2-inch tip section across the entire set. Many manufacturers vary tip length throughout the set, which can create an inconsistent feel from club to club. With the LZ, my 4-iron feels like a lighter version of my 9-iron, not a completely different animal. This consistency breeds confidence, especially when you're standing over a long iron shot under pressure.

For those interested in woods, there's also the LZ-55 graphite wood shaft. At 55 grams, it's aimed at the average golfer looking for that mid to high ball flight. I didn't test these extensively, but I hit a few drivers with them at a demo day. They're solid performers if you're not chasing tour-level low spin numbers. Think fairways hit, not long drive competitions.

Let me paint you an image of where these shafts really shine. Last month, I played in our club championship qualifier in 20 mph winds. The kind of conditions where every shot feels like a gamble. With the LZ shafts, I had this confidence I haven't felt in years. The consistent loading meant I could trust my tempo even when the wind was howling. The mid-path flight cut through the wind without getting knocked down or blown offline.

I shot a 74 that day, my best competitive round in two years. Was it all the shafts? Of course not. But they removed a variable from the equation. I wasn't fighting my equipment or second-guessing whether I could flight a shot properly. The shaft did its job consistently, which let me focus on mine.

The 7% greater energy transfer True Temper claims? I can't verify that exact number, but I can tell you my Trackman numbers support the claim. My ball speed with the same clubhead speed increased by about 2-3 mph across the board. That translates to 5-7 yards of extra carry with my 7-iron. Not earth-shattering, but definitely noticeable when you're trying to reach tucked pins.

What really sold me was a simple test I did with my regular foursome. I had them each hit five shots with their current shafts and five with the LZ (same heads). Three out of four saw tighter dispersion patterns. The fourth guy, who swings like he's trying to kill the ball, didn't see much difference; these shafts still reward good swings and punish bad ones. They're not magic wands, just really well-engineered tools. You can source these shafts through True Temper performance fitting centers, where expert fitters can match you with the ideal flex and weight combination.

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

Pros:

• Exceptional feel through the "loading zone" that provides both feedback and forgiveness

• FlexLok technology delivers consistent performance regardless of tempo variations

• Mid-launch, mid-spin profile fills the gap between traditional low-launching steel and higher-launching graphite

Cons: 

• Premium pricing ($65-80 per shaft) puts them above many competitors

• Limited flex options might not suit extreme swing speeds (very slow or very fast)

• The unique feel takes adjustment if you're used to traditional steel shafts