We do not speak to it much on this platform, as the typical story lies with the entire club. What it does, why it’s essential, and what that means for you.
However, this week at the RSM Classic, our performance team will be working with a new “part” that is intriguing to the gear heads but also a part that can have some performance benefits for all of us.
Why are we talking about this?
Simple, we see everything on TOUR…everything. This however is unique in the sense that the story and approach by Aretera is something that really got me thinking. Even more to that, these shafts will be ALL OVER THE PLACE in the coming months including our custom matrix (not to mention every fitting bay and probably OEM).
This launch is a newsmaker. No doubt. These guys mean business.
ARETERA Golf is the now 2-year-old shaft brainchild of Alex Dee (formerly of Fujikura), Michel de Fontaine, Bill Stiles, and Chris Elson. They are all industry veterans with over 100 years (collectively) of experience.
You may ask, isn’t there like 100+ shaft companies doing the same thing?
The answer is SORT OF. Like anything else, it’s how you get there and the ultimate user experience that claims victory.
In the case of a golf shaft, center contact consistency and ball speed as a result is the secret sauce.
So what is Aretera doing differently to claim real estate on TOUR and in the fitting bay?
Short answer, figure out the middle section of the shaft.
Introducing the newest member of the Callaway Golf shaft matrix, The Aretera ΣC1
Whats the Story?
According to Aretera Golf
EC1 Series CONTROL CENTRTM Technology Key Features & Benefits
-Utilizes ultra premium high-modulus materials and spread tow fabrics to the layup
in critical areas and in strategic orientations promoting enhanced torsional
stability with a seemingly effortless flowing transfer of power.
-Features a more compliant mid- section with firmer butt and tip sections providing
for a very smooth, balanced feel promoting higher launching conditions.
-Enhances overall connectedness and torsional stability throughout the shaft
without compromising feel or performance while minimizing excessive spin
common to off center hits promoting more consistency in repeatable centerness of
contact & a more fluid loading of the shaft not typically experienced in compliant
mid-section designs.
In simple terms….
Through the combination of new materials and a new approach, Aretera felt that finding a mid-section that was not only stable BUT also flexible would enable them to create a part with a firm handle and tip section that also felt smooth. USUALLY shafts with firmness in the tip and handle section will feel boardy somewhere.
Aretera claims to have solved this feel issue which allows ANY player to find what they are looking for. Essentially eliminating the need for different colors for different types of players. There is a grey and a blue option here but the profile itself stays the same.
Grey is SLIGHTY stiffer in the tip section vs the Blue, all else the equal.
Make sense?
This is what Aretera Co-Founder Alex Dee had to say
“Shafts with active mid-sections have broad appeal to golfers: The shaft loads more effortlessly, smooths out your tempo, and can have a great kick at impact. The problem with this profile is it’s typical for the kick to lack consistency, leading to difficulty squaring the face or finding the face center. We effectively solved this problem with our Control Centr technology in our new EC1 wood shafts. EC1 has an entirely different layup from typical shafts to better balance and integrate twisting and bending stiffness, and it also strategically employs high modulus, advanced carbon fabrics to enhance stability and control.”
Who will benefit from this?
“Aretera is for the player looking for feel coupled with unparalleled stability and control. It’s low hanging fruit for the industry to chase stability by simply increasing stiffness. We are taking a different path. It’s our mantra to craft premium shafts that not only feel great but will genuinely surprise you in how stable and controllable they perform—and we achieve this with advanced design, exotic materials, and a passion for excellence.”
-Alex Dee, Aretera
My testing
I had the opportunity to test the Aretera EC1 earlier this month at ECPC. It needs to be said that when it comes to shafts, feel and center contact is literally all I care about, the rest I can address through the clubhead.
I was testing with my Ai-Smoke TD T 8.75, 196G, 45.25EOG, Tipped .5 at a swingweight of D3
This is how it compared vs my gamer MCA Blue Board 63TX at the same spec.
10 Shots with each, CTX golf balls, TrackMan.
Gamer set up AVG (BB 63TX)
Launch 11.8
Ball Speed 164.7
Spin 2398RPM
Carry 288 yds
Despersion 70%
I hit this driver really well, probably the best set-up I’ve had since my OG Callaway Epic Speed TD in regards to efficiency.
Aretera Set-Up (Blue 65/5)
Launch 12.2
Ball Speed 165.5
Spin 2265 RPM
Carry 290 yds
Despersion 80%
Verdict?
The Aretera gave me a slight uptick in speed and dispersion which in my opinion is a tie as the numbers are almost identical. What surprised me was the ability to shape shots. The slightly smoother feel of the EC1 allowed me to transfer a little more feel in my hands which made it VERY easy to turn over AND hit it low. I’m a hands dominant player so whenever I try something that compliments a feel i’m chasing it piques my interest. I am actually going to try this set up at the THP Grandaddy in early Dec.
At first glance I’d say that the Aretera feel is UNIQUE and definitely translates into the way the ball flies.
Aretera will be available SOON via Callaway Custom
Weights 45-55-65-75
Flex 2 (soft) to 6 (TX)
Ill keep digging on this, its really good.
Happy Hunting
LFG
JDub