Golf shafts are an essential component of a golfer’s equipment. They help transfer energy from the golfer to the golf ball, affecting the overall performance of the shot. Among the various shaft manufacturers, Project X has earned a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable shafts. In this article, we will compare two popular shafts from Project X: Project X LZ (Loading Zone) and Project X, focusing on their characteristics, performance, and suitability for different golfer profiles.
Technology and Design
Project X LZ: The Project X LZ shaft is designed with a unique Loading Zone technology that concentrates more flex in specific areas of the shaft, enhancing energy transfer and providing an improved feel. The midsection of the shaft is softer, allowing for easier loading, while the butt and tip sections are stiffer, ensuring stability and control.
Project X: The standard Project X shaft features a constant taper design, which maintains a consistent wall thickness throughout the shaft, ensuring a uniform flex. This design delivers a smooth energy transfer, excellent control, and consistency, making it a popular choice among professional and amateur golfers alike.
Performance
Project X LZ: The Loading Zone technology in the Project X LZ shaft promotes a higher launch and increased ball speed, resulting in longer distances with less spin. The shaft’s unique flex profile also provides enhanced feel and feedback, making it easier for golfers to control their shots.
Project X: The Project X shaft is known for its low launch and low spin characteristics, providing a penetrating ball flight that suits players looking for more control and accuracy. The constant taper design ensures consistency and stability, making it an excellent choice for golfers who prioritize precision over distance.
Suitability
Project X LZ: The Project X LZ shaft is ideal for golfers who need help generating more distance, as it promotes higher launch and increased ball speed. It is suitable for players with moderate to aggressive swing tempos who are looking for a shaft with a softer midsection and enhanced feel.
Project X: The standard Project X shaft is best suited for golfers with a faster swing tempo and a more aggressive transition, as its low launch and low spin characteristics help maintain control and accuracy. It is an excellent choice for skilled players who prioritize shot-shaping and consistency over distance gains.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Project X LZ Irons | Project X Irons | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaft Weight | 85g | 115g | Project X LZ Irons | Lighter shafts can help golfers increase swing speed and generate more clubhead speed, resulting in more distance. |
| Flex | Regular, Stiff | Regular, Stiff | Tie | Both models offer the same flex options to suit a range of player types and swing speeds. |
| Swing Weight | D2 | D3 | Project X Irons | A slightly heavier swing weight can provide more stability and control in the swing, which can be helpful for players who struggle with tempo or consistency. |
| Material | Steel | Steel | Tie | Both models are made with high-quality steel materials that are durable and reliable. |
| Grip | Golf Pride | Golf Pride | Tie | Both models come standard with the same high-quality grip, but players can always swap out the grip for their preferred brand or model. |
| Ball Speed | 128 mph | 126 mph | Project X LZ Irons | The lighter shafts and lower center of gravity in the LZ Irons can help golfers generate more ball speed and distance. |
| Launch Angle | 18° | 19° | Project X Irons | The higher launch angle in the X Irons can help players get the ball airborne more easily and provide more carry distance. |
| Spin Rate | 6,200 rpm | 6,400 rpm | Project X Irons | The slightly higher spin rate in the X Irons can be beneficial for golfers who need help stopping their shots on the green or for players who want more control on approach shots. |
| Distance | 170 yards | 165 yards | Project X LZ Irons | The combination of lighter shafts, lower center of gravity, and better ball speed can help golfers achieve more distance with the LZ Irons. |
| Forgiveness | High | Medium | Project X Irons | The larger clubhead size and perimeter weighting system in the X Irons provide more forgiveness on off-center hits, making them ideal for players who need help with consistency. |
| Club Set Makeup | Available as 4-PW, AW | Available as 3-PW | Project X LZ Irons | The LZ Irons come with an additional wedge option, providing more versatility and shot-making ability around the green. |
| Blade Length | Shorter blade length with a compact head design for improved feel and precision on approach shots. | Longer blade length with a larger head size for increased forgiveness and easier launch on shots. | Project X LZ Irons | The smaller blade length and more compact head design can offer better feel and control, which can be ideal for players who value precision and shot-shaping ability. |
| Vibration Dampening | Features multi-material construction with a thermoplastic polyurethane insert for improved feel and reduced vibrations. | Does not feature vibration dampening technology. | Project X LZ Irons | The vibration dampening technology in the LZ Irons can help reduce hand fatigue and improve overall comfort during play. |
| Center of Gravity | Low and deep CG location for higher launch and increased ball speed. | Higher and more forward CG location for improved accuracy and control. | Project X LZ Irons | The lower and deeper CG location in the LZ Irons can help players achieve a higher launch and more distance, while the higher and more forward CG location in the X Irons can help players achieve a more penetrating ball flight and better accuracy. |
| Sound | Delivers a softer and more muted sound upon impact, creating a more pleasant auditory experience. | Produces a slightly louder and more metallic sound, which some golfers may prefer. | Project X LZ Irons | The softer and more muted sound in the LZ Irons can create a more pleasant auditory experience, while the louder and more metallic sound in the X Irons can provide more feedback for players who prefer a more responsive and lively feel. |
| Feel | Provides a more responsive and lively feel, allowing for greater feedback and shot-shaping ability. | Offers a softer and more cushioned feel, resulting in less hand fatigue and improved comfort. | Project X LZ Irons | The more responsive and lively feel in the LZ Irons can provide greater feedback and shot-shaping ability, which can be ideal for players who value precision and control. The softer and more cushioned feel in the X Irons can be more comfortable for players who prefer a more stable and predictable clubhead. |
| Appearance | Features a sleek and modern design, with a chrome finish and subtle branding. | Showcases a more traditional and classic look, with a satin finish and prominent branding. | Project X LZ Irons | The modern and sleek design of the LZ Irons can appeal to players who prefer a more contemporary look, while the classic and traditional look of the X Irons can appeal to players who prefer a more timeless and classic aesthetic. |
| Weight Distribution | Features a progressive weighting system that moves weight from the longer irons to the shorter irons. | Utilizes a perimeter weighting system that distributes weight around the edges of the clubface for improved forgiveness. | Project X Irons | The perimeter weighting system in the X Irons can provide more forgiveness on off-center hits and help golfers achieve a more consistent ball flight, while the progressive weighting system in the LZ Irons can provide more control and shot-making ability. |
| Shaft Material | Incorporates a lightweight graphite option for players looking to reduce weight and increase swing speed. | Only available with a steel shaft. | Project X LZ Irons | The option for a lightweight graphite shaft in the LZ Irons can benefit players who want to reduce weight and increase swing speed, while the steel shaft in the X Irons can provide a more traditional and stable feel. |
| Player Type | Ideal for low to mid handicap players who value precision and control over forgiveness. | Best suited for mid to high handicap players seeking improved forgiveness and distance. | Project X Irons | The greater forgiveness and distance in the X Irons can be more beneficial for mid to high handicap players who need help with consistency, while the precision and control in the LZ Irons can be more suited for low to mid handicap players who want more shot-shaping ability. |
| Price | Priced higher than the Project X Irons due to its advanced technology and premium feel. | More affordable option compared to the Project X LZ Irons while still offering solid performance. | Project X Irons | The X Irons offer a more affordable option while still providing solid performance, making them a better value for players on a budget. |
| Availability | Available at select golf retailers and online golf stores. | Widely available at most golf retailers and online stores. | Project X Irons | The X Irons are more widely available, making them easier for players to purchase and try out for themselves. |
| Customization | Offers multiple custom fitting options, including shaft type, length, and lie angle adjustments. | Limited custom fitting options available. | Project X LZ Irons | The greater customization options in the LZ Irons can help players find the perfect fit for their swing and playing style, while the limited options in the X Irons may not suit every player’s needs. |
| Shot Trajectory | Designed to produce a lower ball flight and improved workability, making it ideal for players who like to shape their shots. | Designed to launch the ball higher and straighter, providing maximum forgiveness and distance. | Project X LZ Irons | The lower ball flight and improved workability in the LZ Irons can be more beneficial for players who want to shape their shots and control their trajectory, while the higher launch and forgiveness in the X Irons can be more suited for players who need help with consistency and distance. |
| Shot Dispersion | The LZ Irons are known for their consistent and tight shot dispersion, which can help golfers hit more fairways and greens. | The X Irons offer a more forgiving sweet spot, which can help golfers reduce the severity of their mishits. | Tie | Both models have their own strengths when it comes to shot dispersion, with the LZ Irons providing more consistent and accurate shots and the X Irons providing more forgiveness on mishits. |
| Offset | The Project X LZ Irons have a slight offset design, which can help players who tend to slice or push the ball. | The Project X Irons have a minimal offset design, which can suit players who prefer a more traditional look at address. | Project X LZ Irons | The slight offset design in the LZ Irons can be more helpful for players who tend to slice or push the ball, while the minimal offset design in the X Irons can provide a more classic and traditional look at address. |
| Workability | The Project X LZ Irons are designed to provide better workability, making them ideal for shot-making and shaping. | The Project X Irons are designed to provide maximum forgiveness and distance, which can benefit players who need help with consistency. | Project X LZ Irons | The better workability in the LZ Irons can provide more shot-making and shaping ability, which can be ideal for players who value precision and control. The greater forgiveness and distance in the X Irons can be more suited for players who need help with consistency and distance. |
| Durability | The Project X LZ Irons are made with a durable steel material that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. | The Project X Irons are also made with durable steel material and can hold up well over time. | Tie | Both models are made with durable steel materials that can withstand regular use and hold up well over time. |
| Shot Height | The Project X LZ Irons are designed to produce a lower ball flight, which can help players control their trajectory. | The Project X Irons are designed to produce a higher ball flight, which can help players get more height and distance on their shots. | Project X LZ Irons | The lower ball flight in the LZ Irons can be more beneficial for players who want more control over their shots and a more penetrating trajectory, while the higher ball flight in the X Irons can be more suited for players who need more height and distance on their shots. |
| Appearance Color | The Project X LZ Irons come in a dark finish with red accents for a sleek and modern look. | The Project X Irons come in a classic satin finish for a traditional and timeless look. | Project X LZ Irons | The dark finish with red accents in the LZ Irons can provide a more modern and sleek appearance, while the classic satin finish in the X Irons can offer a more timeless and traditional look. |
| Shot Control | The Project X LZ Irons offer better shot control and precision, allowing players to shape their shots and control their ball flight more easily. | The Project X Irons are designed to provide maximum distance and forgiveness, making them more forgiving on off-center hits and ideal for players who need help with consistency. | Project X LZ Irons | The better shot control and precision in the LZ Irons can be more suited for players who value precision and control, while the greater forgiveness and distance in the X Irons can benefit players who need help with consistency and distance. |
| Spin Control | The Project X LZ Irons are designed to provide better spin control, which can help golfers get more distance and accuracy out of their shots. | The Project X Irons offer a slightly higher spin rate, which can be beneficial for golfers who need help stopping their shots on the green or for players who want more control on approach shots. | Tie | Both models have their own strengths when it comes to spin control, with the LZ Irons providing better spin control for improved distance and accuracy, while the X Irons offer a slightly higher spin rate that can be more beneficial for stopping shots on the green or controlling approach shots. |
| Sole Design | The Project X LZ Irons have a wider sole with a cambered design, which can help golfers hit cleaner shots from various lies and turf conditions. | The Project X Irons have a narrower sole, which can help players make cleaner contact with the ball and get through the turf more easily. | Project X LZ Irons | The wider sole and cambered design in the LZ Irons can be more helpful for players who struggle with various lies and turf conditions, while the narrower sole in the X Irons can provide a more consistent and clean contact with the ball. |
| Clubhead Size | The Project X LZ Irons have a slightly smaller clubhead size, which can offer a more traditional and compact look at address. | The Project X Irons have a larger clubhead size, which can provide more forgiveness on off-center hits and help golfers get the ball airborne more easily. | Project X LZ Irons | The slightly smaller clubhead size in the LZ Irons can offer a more traditional and compact look at address, which can be preferred by some players, while the larger clubhead size in the X Irons can provide more forgiveness on off-center hits and make it easier for players to get the ball airborne. |
| Shot Feel | The Project X LZ Irons offer a soft and responsive feel at impact, providing better feedback for golfers on their shots. | The Project X Irons offer a solid and consistent feel at impact, which can be helpful for players who prefer a more stable and predictable clubhead. | Project X LZ Irons | The soft and responsive feel in the LZ Irons can provide better feedback for golfers on their shots, allowing them to adjust their swing accordingly, while the solid and consistent feel in the X Irons can provide a more stable and predictable clubhead, which can be preferred by some players. |
| Center of Gravity | The Project X LZ Irons have a low and deep center of gravity, which can help players launch the ball higher and with more distance. | The Project X Irons have a more forward center of gravity, which can help players achieve a more penetrating ball flight and better accuracy. | Tie | Both models have their own strengths when it comes to center of gravity, with the LZ Irons providing a low and deep CG location that can help players launch the ball higher and with more distance, while the X Irons offer a more forward CG location that can help players achieve a more penetrating ball flight and better accuracy. |
| Custom Fitting | The Project X LZ Irons offer a variety of custom fitting options, including shaft type, length, and lie angle adjustments. | The Project X Irons offer limited custom fitting options, but still offer some adjustability in terms of shaft type and length. | Project X LZ Irons | The greater variety of custom fitting options in the LZ Irons can help players find the perfect fit for their swing and playing style, while the limited options in the X Irons may not suit every player’s needs. |
Conclusion
Both Project X LZ and Project X shafts offer unique benefits to different golfers. The Project X LZ shaft, with its Loading Zone technology, caters to golfers looking for increased distance and a higher launch, while the standard Project X shaft is designed for players who prioritize control, accuracy, and shot-shaping capabilities. It is crucial for golfers to understand their swing characteristics and preferences to make an informed decision when choosing the right shaft for their game.
