The world of golf equipment is constantly evolving, and the shaft is no exception. Enter ARETERA Golf, a new company founded by industry veteran Alex Dee, with a groundbreaking offering: the Alpha One. But what makes these shafts different, and can they live up to the hype?
Most of you guys have heard the whispers: Alex Dee, the Ventus maker himself, has left Fujikura and started his own company, ARETERA Golf. You might have seen glimpses of their new shaft at the PGA Show's Demo Day, leaving you wondering "What's going on here?"
What is ARETERA Golf?
Let's start with the name: Aretera (ah-reh-tay-ra) is derived from the Greek word for excellence and an individual's fulfillment of purpose. It's no surprise then, as Alex Dee describes it, that Aretera represents a culmination point for a "dream team" of industry veterans. All were at a stage in their careers where they craved a fresh challenge – to build something new from the ground up, a product that prioritizes performance without sacrificing quality. Here at Peoples Golf we take pride in our #OnlyTheBest inventory selection, this shaft is definitely one of them.
Who are the key players at ARETERA?
-
Alex Dee: A 25-year veteran of Fujikura engineering, Dee's fingerprints are on some of their most successful shaft lines, including the Vista Pro, Axiom, Pro, Speeder Pro, Motore, Blur, Ventus, and Ventus TR. He also spearheaded the development of Fujikura's Enso motion capture system and revolutionized their in-house testing methods.
-
Bill Stiles: With over 25 years in the industry, Stiles brings a wealth of experience across the entire product lifecycle, from initial concepts to global supply chain management. He's worked with every major OEM and aftermarket shaft maker.
-
Michel de Fontaine: The "operations guy," de Fontaine boasts 20 years of executive experience in consumer products and sports sectors, with a proven track record in both startups and high-growth companies.
Unveiling the Powergrid Advantage
Aretera's secret weapon lies in their Powergrid technology. This innovative design utilizes ultra-thin, high-modulus carbon fibers in a unique interlocking weave. This "grid" structure is visible on the shaft and helps distribute impact forces more evenly throughout the shaft, promoting two key benefits:
-
Increased Stability: The Powergrid reinforces the bias core of the Alpha One, leading to a noticeably firmer feel at impact. This translates to tighter dispersion and straighter ball flights, even on mishits.
-
Enhanced Energy Transfer: The interlocking weave also improves energy transfer from the clubhead to the ball. This translates to more efficient power delivery, potentially leading to greater distance gains.
Technical Specs and Performance Profile
The Alpha One series comes in two models: Alpha Blue and Alpha Gray. Both utilize a Constant Action profile, designed to deliver a smooth and consistent feel throughout the swing. The key differentiator lies in tip stiffness:
-
Alpha Blue: Designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, the Alpha Blue features a softer tip that promotes a higher launch angle and forgiveness on off-center strikes.
-
Alpha Gray: For those with higher swing speeds, the Alpha Gray offers a stiffer tip that promotes a more penetrating ball flight and increased control.
Both models are available in a range of flexes (Regular, Stiff, Extra Stiff) to cater to a wide range of golfers.
Expected Benefits and the Road Ahead
ARETERA promises a significant leap in performance with the Alpha One. Here's what golfers can expect:
-
Straighter Ball Flights: The improved stability should lead to tighter shot dispersion and more predictable results.
-
Increased Distance Potential: The Powergrid technology aims to deliver more efficient energy transfer, potentially resulting in longer drives.
-
Enhanced Feel: The Constant Action profile promises a smooth feel throughout the swing, improving overall control.
While ARETERA shafts are still new to the market, early reviews suggest they live up to the hype. If you're looking for a shaft that promises more distance, tighter control, and a premium feel, then the ARETERA Alpha One deserves a closer look. With its innovative Powergrid design and focus on performance, ARETERA is poised to make a significant impact on the golf shaft landscape.
To see our selection of ARETERA shafts go here. Or see what some of our other customers thought below,
"In TM QI 10 driver I previously had the stock Fujikura Low Torque 50 gm S shaft and distance and launch were good but variability was problematic especially if I tried to give it a little extra (could miss it right or left). The Aretera plays slightly stiffer and more stable with reduced spin. Compared to other premium shafts (Fujikura TR red 5 in stiff,) the Aretera F3 is perhaps more stable but feels slightly softer in the Stiff-Regular range. I can hit the Aretera high/low/or fade it on command. I have not missed a drive left yet which gives confidence to swing freely. Not sure how they did it even though I’ve read and listened to the marketing , but somehow the shaft is very stable with feel and while playing stiffer than labelled still is fun/easy. So far I give it the highest marks. There’s what I think. You asked for it and now you have it. Thanks as always for the excellent service and quality."
- DK in SC
"Got the ARETERA yesterday, gonna hit it tomorrow playing 18 but just wanted to tell you this thing seems like something else, it feels so weird when you waggle it, like powerful weird you know? Weight distribution feels like nothing I’ve felt before, there’s some weight in the handle, then a “thin” middle and all of a sudden you find this really heavy tip where the “powergrid” is. Definitely feels stiffer than both Ventus blue and TR… Of course I had to order another one for my TSR3!"
-Marcos in Mexico
"Not sure if you have had anyone give feedback on the aretera shaft but it is incredible. Hit it for the first time yesterday. Far more penetrating than the ventus black I had in the driver, and the feel was stable but not overly boardy. Best shaft I’ve tried to date. Driver, PW on one of the par 5s at my course and drove the green on a short par 4. Love the shaft! "
-Andrew in NC
