A $1,200 Shaft? Really?
While luxury club brands like PXG and Honma are making traction selling expensive gear to American golfers, shaft company Seven Dreamers is asking — and getting — $1,200 on up for its graphite shafts. Based in Japan, the manufacturer has brought its products to North America for 2018 after establishing itself for four years overseas. Justifying the price, company officials are adamant that their shafts will outperform any on the market. “We make our own prepreg using the best-possible materials,” says Mike Rossi, an industry veteran previously with the likes of True Temper and Aldila who spearheads the Seven Dreamers U.S. effort. “We autoclave it in a unique way, removing any unneeded resin. There’s no unevenness on the surface after curing, so we don’t have to grind the surface, which can compromise a shaft. Nor do we paint it. There are also no air bubbles in the end product, either. Then we identify the spine and mark it up for a grip.” Rossi describes the shafts’ feel as “responsive and pleasant.” Seven Dreamers offers 28 shaft models, currently for woods only. To try out the shaft, you’ll have to visit an authorized, high-end custom clubfitter.
My low score out of a handful of trips around the golf course is 85. All other posted scores have been between 95 and 99. Why is my handicap at 13.2?