Grafalloy BiMatrx Prototype 80x - TRACKMAN TESTED (see post 23 for 65s test results)

[eagle1997]

[quote name='blink3665' timestamp='1348031572' post='5661893']
Quick question. Is this the same shaft as the one that came out in 2006 (?)? There are old clubs with the old BiMatrx in them on eBay for $25-50... where a new BiMAtrx is $100. Any difference?
[/quote]

blink, this is a new version of that shaft. bubba re-popularized it, grafalloy tweaked it, added a few colors and the words "tour prototype" to it, and re-released it. i can't tell you the differences between the old and new version performance-wise, but maybe the guys in the know can.

[eagle1997]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1348028154' post='5661751']
Great review...! That head is IMO one of the best Adams has made...!! I am really thinking about getting one of these shafts around 70 Grams or so and tipping with an R11 tip and trying it in both my RBZ and Superdeep and seeing how it plays. Anything more consistent for me is a winner!
[/quote]

this was my first experience with the 9015d. of course i read up on it on golfwrx. i really like how it sits slightly open - it makes me feel like i can't overhook it. in spite of the open face, i can't over fade it either. which leads me to believe that it's a combination of the higher loft and steel tip working in my favor. the face feels hard, and the sound is definitely less pleasing than the i20... but it's hard to argue with results.

note: as far as i know, the bimatrix only comes in 65g (R & S) and 80g (X).

[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1348028237' post='5661757']
BTW - you and I have the same miss. Path positive. Face angle to path closed. What I think is a pull hook isn't... My coach reminds me of this after I hit one left of left . Face angle hooks = OB and hitting 3 from the tee lol!
[/quote]

i'm not a big 'let's go to the videotape' guy, but i've seen my clubface at the top, and it is incredibly closed. i find it amazing that i can even get the ball airborne. another reason i don't like taking video of my swing... it's brutal to see, and soul-destroying to analyze.
swarnry, here's a loaded question for you - what's your "fix" for having too shut a face at impact?

[swanry30]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1348031475' post='5661889']
6 degree LDA head? Haha

I'm curious about the sftp 2.0 now.

Do you have version 1 or 2? I've got the 2.0 v2 5w and actually like it better than my RBZ 3w
[/quote]

v1! i don't know why people think you can't turn it over. love the way the v1 sounds and feels.

[eagle1997]

note: there is a mini golfwrx outing happening in maryland on 10/13 at worthington manor. any wrxer is welcome to play, just hop on the maryland golfers forum and mention your interest. i will have the 9015d/bimatrix combo there for anyone who wants to test hit it on the range.

[jabroni23]

With the higher launch, would this make a good 3 wood shaft?

[swanry30]

[quote name='jabroni23' timestamp='1348083448' post='5664553']
With the higher launch, would this make a good 3 wood shaft?
[/quote]

that's what i think...

[apex523]

Just based off personal experience with the old bi-matrix prototype pink in fwy-x, the launch and spin were both quite low. Too low for my 13* 3 wood. Very stout feeling as well.

[Johnny T]

[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1348091130' post='5665067']
[quote name='jabroni23' timestamp='1348083448' post='5664553']
With the higher launch, would this make a good 3 wood shaft?
[/quote]

that's what i think...
[/quote]



Agreed (speaking on behalf of the stiff flex Bimatrx). I wish they made a 75g stiff version so I could put one in a fairway.

[PCH]

Has anyone hit this shaft in a fairway wood?

[jabroni23]

[quote name='PCHulse' timestamp='1348636736' post='5697071']
Has anyone hit this shaft in a fairway wood?
[/quote]
bump

[swanry30]

[quote name='jabroni23' timestamp='1348659317' post='5697509']
[quote name='PCHulse' timestamp='1348636736' post='5697071']
Has anyone hit this shaft in a fairway wood?
[/quote]
bump
[/quote]

I haven't - but after a friend hit my driver, he is considering switching his driver/fw shafts. Personally, I think it would work great!

[PCH]

Well I think I'll have to try it out. So do I go Pink or Lime Green is the question?

[LuckyGolfer2009]

OP - Did you have to add weight to the head to get the D4, or was that just how it worked out? I guess I should be asking what the original head weight was with the SF2.0 prior to installation?

[Fatz]

Can anyone directly compare the performance in X, to AD DI 7X?

Interested and sort of in between both right now.

Currently using and fitted for a Acrra Tour Z M4 tipped 1.5". I like it but I find it a bit too bendy and tough to control when I lean on it.

Hit a AD DI 7x, in an RBZ and the numers had me thinking wow I gotta try this in my Anser.

Does the Bimatrx have similar LA/Spin?

I like the idea of the heft to go as short as 44.5 to 44" in my anser.

[swanry30]

[quote name='LuckyGolfer2009' timestamp='1348727732' post='5703039']
OP - Did you have to add weight to the head to get the D4, or was that just how it worked out? I guess I should be asking what the original head weight was with the SF2.0 prior to installation?
[/quote]

No weight added. I remember it being 204g.

[swanry30]

[quote name='Fatz' timestamp='1348929474' post='5716889']
Can anyone directly compare the performance in X, to AD DI 7X?

Interested and sort of in between both right now.

Currently using and fitted for a Acrra Tour Z M4 tipped 1.5". I like it but I find it a bit too bendy and tough to control when I lean on it.

Hit a AD DI 7x, in an RBZ and the numers had me thinking wow I gotta try this in my Anser.

Does the Bimatrx have similar LA/Spin?

I like the idea of the heft to go as short as 44.5 to 44" in my anser.
[/quote]

Fairly similar in launch and spin - the DI7x had a lower overall flight, firmer feel, and more run out. The BiMatrx is easier to turn over, more active and carried further.

Results vary for each golfer!

Ever considered the tour z in the +?

Ball flight lowest to highest...

Tour z+ m5
DI7x
BiMatrx 80x

[Fatz]

I like the idea of Matrix being the highest.

How do spin rates match up between AD DI 7 and Bimatrx?

When you say easier to turn, do you mean whippier and hook prone?

[Fatz]

I've given thought to Z+, but got fitted into Z tipped 1.5"

But in the Anser this shaft seem to stay around 9* LA/ 3100rpm. And because of weight it's over 45"

I love this head and would like to try something with a bit more launch and carry and low spin that I could build at 44-44.5" and maintain a decent swingweight in the D's. When I get into C's I can't feel where the F the head is coming down.

[DNice26]

Swanry, I know you are typically a fan of the kai'li..... I'm currently playing the 70g X in and RBZ tour and I was wondering if you could provide your feedback on a similar shaft but with a bit tighter feel? I bomb mine but sometimes I seem to get an awkward release through the ball, whereby the shaft seems to kick funny. I'm just curious of your take? How would the kai'li compare to say a Motore Speeder or the AD DI?

Many thanks!
D

[swanry30]

[quote name='Fatz' timestamp='1348941876' post='5717869']
I like the idea of Matrix being the highest.

How do spin rates match up between AD DI 7 and Bimatrx?

When you say easier to turn, do you mean whippier and hook prone?
[/quote]

Sorry for the extremely delayed response!

I have not hit the BiMatrx and DI7 in the same head to give an absolute nod to one or the other... My gut tells me they spin similar in x flex 80 vs 70 - however the DI7x will flight lower and will be harder to work right to left. The BiMatrx would need some tipping even in the 80x to feel less active for me to game it...

[swanry30]

[quote name='DNice26' timestamp='1348948375' post='5718363']
Swanry, I know you are typically a fan of the kai'li..... I'm currently playing the 70g X in and RBZ tour and I was wondering if you could provide your feedback on a similar shaft but with a bit tighter feel? I bomb mine but sometimes I seem to get an awkward release through the ball, whereby the shaft seems to kick funny. I'm just curious of your take? How would the kai'li compare to say a Motore Speeder or the AD DI?

Many thanks!
D
[/quote]

I will appoligize to you as well...

I really like the kai'li 80x for a fairway wood shaft - partially because it was available through TMag as a upgrade. All in all it has been good to me. I have a 70x sitting around that came with my r11s - and we didn't get along! Some people love this shaft for a driver, but it spun too much for me... In the same head my vts 7x silver (which I thought was similar on paper - got it in a trade - wanted the black but settled) was miles longer. Back to your question. The DI7x flight way lower with lower spin. The best comparison in the Motore Speeder line would be the 7.0. The 7.1 launches the same but spins less.

Have you tried the x7a3?

[Fatz]

So the general consensus here is that the 80x Bimatrix still feels a bit loose and likes to turn and go left?!

My misses tend to be hooks. I worry if this might not be for me in the end.

[jabroni23]

I personally did not have any issues fighting the hook with the 80x. My misses are pulls and hooks, and I did neither with it. It was pretty darn straight for me with a couple that leaked right. I gamed the AD DI 7x for a season and the BiMatrx feels much heavier that the weight would suggest. I think the AD DI felt more lively at transition, where the BiMatrx gives more of a kick at impact. My current gamer is an Attas T2 7x and it feels more stout that than the BiMatrx throughout most of the swing, but I can turn it over easier with a nice draw. I really didn't draw the BiMatrx, just straight with some leakers. I'm thinking about grabbing a BiMatrx 65g stiff and seeing how that feels. If it's a little loose, I'll tip it a bit and see what happens. I want to see what the 80g X does in a fairway wood.

[swanry30]

[quote name='Fatz' timestamp='1349890607' post='5776581']
So the general consensus here is that the 80x Bimatrix still feels a bit loose and likes to turn and go left?!

My misses tend to be hooks. I worry if this might not be for me in the end.
[/quote]

i'm not sure that is the general consensus - it really will depend on the golfer his/her transition. a quicker transition player could turn the ball over easier with this shaft. in general this shaft does like straight - with the tendency slight draw flight. it doesn't enjoy a cut flight as much and will move very little.

[swanry30]

[quote name='jabroni23' timestamp='1349894761' post='5777017']
I personally did not have any issues fighting the hook with the 80x. My misses are pulls and hooks, and I did neither with it. It was pretty darn straight for me with a couple that leaked right. I gamed the AD DI 7x for a season and the BiMatrx feels much heavier that the weight would suggest. I think the AD DI felt more lively at transition, where the BiMatrx gives more of a kick at impact. My current gamer is an Attas T2 7x and it feels more stout that than the BiMatrx throughout most of the swing, but I can turn it over easier with a nice draw. I really didn't draw the BiMatrx, just straight with some leakers. I'm thinking about grabbing a BiMatrx 65g stiff and seeing how that feels. If it's a little loose, I'll tip it a bit and see what happens. I want to see what the 80g X does in a fairway wood.
[/quote]

interesting! this proves that we all have a different perception of feel - or perhaps describe it differently.

i agree that the bimatrx feels heavier than 80g - but i felt it was more lively than the DI7x.

[jay65]

Hi

Thanks for a very interesting and informative review.

I actually went to my fitter last Friday, to be fit for a new 913, when I got there, he told me that his 913 heads hadn't come through to his fitting cart yet, so was left feeling very short changed. However, whilst I was there, my fitter decided to have an intense Trackman shaft test with me at his indoor studio. Now, I don't want to sound like I'm making excuses, but I hadn't even swung a Club since the last time I visited my fitter on August 31st because I had been having some shoulder problems, so without having even swung a club for 2 months, it was obvious my swing was not going to be in tip top condition, but I thought I would give it a go anyhow.

I wanted to see how this Bi Matrix shaft performed, so my fitter put me into a Rocketballz Tour head 9* of loft with the Bi Matrix 65S. Immediately I felt comfortable with the shaft. I had already tried a few other shaft combos, so I had some base line launch numbers to work against. I had hit the Matrix 6m3 Stiff, and my numbers averaged 151 mph ball speed, 2200rpm, L.A. 12.1 degrees, this combo was giving me my best results. When I tried the Grafalloy Bi Matrix, like you my ball speed was down 4-5 mph to 145-146 mph. I thought, 'how odd' because the ball seemed to be coming off the face much faster, the feel was 'spot on' for me. It was launching at 14* with 2900 rpm of spin, but with only 145 mph. Something didn't seem right to me. As I sensed the shaft was performing better than the figures showed, much the same as your experience. My fitter said he would have liked to seen the Bi Matrix shaft tipped for me just half an inch to steady the tip and reduce that spin a hair, and possibly one degree less loft in the Driver, but none of that would increase the ball speed, so my fitter automatically discounted the Bi Matrix. Yet something was still making me feel that the Bi Matrix felt great, and something was not right with those figures. So your experience, that was so close to mine, has intrigued me.

I'm wondering if I should go against my fitter and the Trackman numbers and go with my instinct and get the Bi matrix installed into a new 913, and hope, like you, that the real world experiences defy the numbers!!! Tough decision.

[sharks25]

Bumping this a bit.
Im a low-ball hitter with a slightly negative AOA. Im looking into getting a 12* Cleveland Classic (Iheard they launch a little low) and pairing it with a blue BiMatrix. Do you guys think this setup would be a good fit? Also, I swing my 6 iron around 87-88 mph, I forget my driver speed. Do you guys think a stiff or x-stiff would be best for me? I hit a Fubuki in stiff and it felt a little whippy for me.
Thanks guys!

[jay65]

[quote name='sharks25' timestamp='1351546096' post='5863909']
Bumping this a bit.
Im a low-ball hitter with a slightly negative AOA. Im looking into getting a 12* Cleveland Classic (Iheard they launch a little low) and pairing it with a blue BiMatrix. Do you guys think this setup would be a good fit? Also, I swing my 6 iron around 87-88 mph, I forget my driver speed. Do you guys think a stiff or x-stiff would be best for me? I hit a Fubuki in stiff and it felt a little whippy for me.
Thanks guys!
[/quote]

Hi

I found the Bi matrix 65S to launch quite high, so with you having 12 degrees of loft, it could be too much. But if you go up to the X, Grafalloy only offer this in 80 grams. If you think you can handle that, then fine, but my swing speed with a 6 iron is very similar to yours, and I know I couldn't handle an 80 gram shaft in a Driver in an X flex, no chance. But you may be different of course. Personally, i would go with the 65S but have it tipped half an inch. But thats just me I guess.

[sblack5]

I have this shaft in2 different drivers......my driver ss is around 121ish and i use the 65stiff....but i have an easy and smooth transition....ive swung the 80x. And had a ust v2 96x in another club....the bimatrix 80x is a beef shaft with the steel tip...thats why i opted for the 65s.......

[bjtiger75]

Just an FYI but the bimatrix I received had instructions from Graffalloy not to tip the shaft, but to butt trim it even for fairway woods. Thought this was strange, but just passing it along.