Project X has swiftly taken the golf industry by storm, quickly increasing its market share and competing with established giants like TaylorMade or Callaway. Their HZRDUS shaft releases have been especially successful, which has led to many arguments among enthusiasts on which line reigns superior over the others. Today, I’ll put some of these debates to rest by discussing how the OG HZRDUS Smoke Black shaft compares to its RDX successor.
The HZRDUS Smoke Black and Smoke Black RDX are both excellent shafts that can help improve your performance. However, while the former boasts a better overall feel and is usually preferred by high or mid-handicappers, the letter offers better overall control and works better for low-handicappers.
If you want to learn more about these two HZRDUS Smoke Black shafts, how they compare, their most prominent features, and their pros and cons, make sure to read on. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make the right decision on which would be the better choice for you, so without further ado, let’s begin!
HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX vs. Smoke Black: Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison between the HZRDUS Smoke Black shaft and its RDX successor:
| HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX | HZRDUS Smoke Black | |
| Feel | Excellent | Moderate |
| Price Point | High | Mid |
| Stiffness | High | Moderate |
| Best suited to | Low-Handicappers | Mid-Handicappers |
| Weight | Light | Moderate |
| Look | Sleek, Modern | Elegant, Simple |
Now that you have a better idea on where these two shafts stand in relation to one another, let’s dive into their individual features, pros, and cons.
HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX
The HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX is one of the latest additions to the HDRUX family. As such, it’s crafted with state-of-the-art technology whose aim is to lower its user’s score as much as possible.
The Smoke Black RDX is also known as one of the most stable shafts on the market, offering unparalleled control. That’s why low-handicappers seem to flock toward this shaft. However, don’t let its stiffness fool you; this is still one of the lightest shafts in the HZRDUS family, meaning you’ll have even more control over the trajectory and speed of your swing.
Pros
- Strong
- Stable
- Excellent for low-handicappers
- Cutting-edge technology
- Unparalleled control
- Smooth swing
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best for high-handicappers
Smoke Black
The HZRDUS Smoke Black original shaft is one of the pieces that put Project X on the map. Players loved its excellent feel and even better performance, a balance that was difficult to strike even by established giants of the industry.
These shafts are reliable, performance-enhancing, and an excellent choice for the casual player.
Pros
- Consistent
- Excellent for high-to-mid handicappers
- Moderate price point
- Cheaper than RDX
- Forgiving
Cons
- Not the best for low-handicappers
- What they provide in forgiveness, they lack in control
Conclusion
Though the RDX version of the HZRDUS does come with some upgrades compared to its Smoke Black predecessor, there OG’s classic design and reliable performance are still hard to beat. Therefore, it’s impossible to tell which one would be the best shaft for you without taking into account your preferences and playing style first.
Since the RDX is stiffer and offers more control over your swing, low-handicappers tend to prefer it over the OG. On the other hand, the first Smoke Black release boasts a better overall feel, so the casual player might find more value in it.