Breakthrough Golf Technology has been making high-tech shafts and woods for putters for several years. BGT now has a shaft that can help improve your short game.
Multi-piece shaft made of graphite, steel, and aluminum, the ZNE shaft (pronounced zone) is now available. These pieces are combined to give you consistent and stable wedge shots. BGT has three ZNE shaft weights available (90, 120, and 130 grams), so that you can match your wedge shafts with your irons. Listen to the complete review on the Club Junkie podcast or any other podcast platform.
The Breakthrough Golf ZNE wedge shafts provide a unique experience on the green. You will feel like you are always in the exact spot where the wedge head is during your swing due to the shaft’s strength. It doesn’t matter if you hit a full swing wedge or a pitch shot just off the green, it feels very controlled. Due to its multi-piece construction, the ZNE offers a slightly softer feel and less vibration. The ZNE will not change the vibration of the entire body, so you will still be able to tell when you hit a solid shot.
When it comes to ZNE shafts, consistency is key. The 115 was installed in my 50-degree gap wedge. I took the first shots at the range within a very tight window. I hit at the “green” on that range, and I didn’t think any of the 10 balls would have missed. Each shot was identical and had very little left or right curvature. I’m a player who likes to draw, so that was a huge advantage over a straight shot. It was my honeymoon phase, which I initially thought was just a temporary phase. However, it wasn’t long before I realized it was the norm. Although I’m a good player, I can miss greens from any yardage. However, I hit the greens more often from 110 yards than I have for a while on the course.
Launch is slightly higher than the Nippon Modus125 Wedge shafts I’ve been using for 2 years on full shots. Spin is high. Every full shot from the fairway will hit me and spin back a bit. Shots from the rough are predictable and have a controlled release.
The ZNE 130 was heavier and I could feel a slight weight difference in my 56-degree wedge. The ZNE made it super easy to build the sand wedge. BGT balance is perfect. I didn’t have to use any tips weights or tricks and the wedge was stock D4 in swing weight at the standard length. I felt the same as with the ZNE115 gap wedge, the ball went exactly where I wanted it to. The shaft feels like it is connected to your hands, and you can see right where the face is during the swing. I don’t take full swings with my wedge, and only partial shots show the ZNE shaft’s stability and consistency.
I found it easier to get shorter, higher-aligned shots and the wedge bounce a little more. On those difficult, 30–50 yard pitch shots, center contact was more consistent for me. For every shot I hit, my contact was closer towards the center and less to the toe. Bunker play was easy, and you didn’t need to alter anything in your swing to get the ball out of sand. The shorter shots were predictable, and the ball was easy to check from tight lies.
Overall, I was more impressed with the Breakthrough Golf ZNE shafts than I expected. They are consistent, stable, and provide a solid feel on the green. I am excited to see technology used in more than driver shafts. I believe we are just beginning to make great advances for wedge and putter performance.
