Matrix Speed Rulz shafts

Pros: A simple, powerful family of premium shafts. Each of the three Speed Rulz models (Type A, Type B and Type C) uses a distinct profile to help golfers maximize ball speed for more distance. All models available in both red and black cosmetics.

Cons: Since Speed Rulz shafts focus on ball speed, they’ll do little for golfers looking to significantly raise or lower their ball flight.

Who they’re for: Type A is designed for golfers with smooth tempos. Type B is a back weighted shaft that’s suited to golfers who play longer-length shafts or are looking to reduce swing weight. Type C will work best for golfers with fast club head speeds.

In the premium shaft space, high-quality materials and performance is a given. What’s not always offered, however, is a compelling narrative that’s not only clear from an engineering standpoint, but from a fitting standpoint as well. Matrix’s new Speed Rulz family of shafts aim to provide golfers with both.

Speed Rulz shafts use the high-quality materials that golfers want from a shaft in the $400+ price range. The most visible technology is Matrix’s proprietary “Mangsa” material, which is highlighted in a textured section below the grip. The aerospace-grade material is cross-sectionally laid in different areas of the shaft to improve hoop strength, which helped Matrix accentuate the three specific E.I. profiles offered in the line.

All of the shafts are also constructed with high-modulus, low-resin carbon fiber, which improves feel and creates the consistency golfers will expect from a $400+ shaft. Specifically in the tip section, Matrix used a double-bias wrap design, which stiffens that portion of the shaft and reduces torque.

What’s most intriguing about the Speed Rulz shafts, however, is their simple and powerful fitting story. All three shafts share a mid-launching, mid-spinning trajectory, which allows golfers to test them with a singular focus — discovering what shaft feels best to them. As our testing showed, it’s likely that the best-feeling shaft will also be the one that creates the most ball speed, the most distance and the tightest dispersion.

The Three Speed Rulz Models

Type A: A balanced EI profile (similar to Matrix’s RUL shafts) that’s slightly firmer in the mid section. It’s great for golfers with smooth tempos, as well as golfers with slower swing speeds. It’s slightly higher launching than Type B and Type C. Available in 50-, 60- and 70-gram models.

Type B: A counter-balanced, or back-weighted shaft. Smooth EI profile is slightly stiffer in the mid and butt sections. Great for longer builds or golfers who play drivers with heavier head weights. Available in 60-, 70- and 80-gram models.

Type C: The shaft has a softer handle section, and more stout tip and mid sections for golfers with faster swing speeds. Slightly lower-launching and more fade-biased than Type A and Type B. Available in 60-, 70- and 80-gram models. Used by Rickie Fowler in his driver (70X).

The Specs

The Results

To test the Speed Rulz shafts, we took them the LaunchPad at Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Three of its Trackman Master Fitters evaluated the three different shafts on Trackman using real, premium golf balls and TaylorMade’s M1 460 driver at 9.5 degrees. Each of the shafts were tipped 1 inch and trimmed to 45.5 inches. See the results from each tester in the charts below, along with a insight from each tester.

Best Feeling Shaft: Type B

Feedback: Tester 1 was the longest of the three testers, and created the most ball speed, carry distance and total distance with Type B.

Best Feeling Shaft: Type B

Feedback: Tester 2 generated the most club head speed of the three testers. With Type B, he created the most club head speed, ball speed, carry distance and total distance.

Best Feeling Shaft: Type A

Feedback: Player 3 generated the most club head speed, ball speed and total distance with Type A. The slowest swing-speed player, he felt Type A had the “liveliest tip section.”

Shaft fitting can be a complicated, confusing process, and Matrix has done an admirable job of simplifying it with its Speed Rulz line.

If you’re in the market for a premium shaft for your driver or fairway wood, it’s likely that there is a Speed Rulz shaft that can not only suit your needs, but will give you confidence through the process of elimination that you are making the right decision.