Adams Speedline Fast 12 Driver Review: Is It Any Good? - SirShanksAlot.com

Adams Golf may not be the flashiest name in golf equipment, but their clubs have found their way into the bags of some serious players, including former world No. 1 Yani Tseng. One club that’s generating buzz is the Adams Speedline Fast 12 driver. Designed for speed and forgiveness, this driver boasts an aerodynamic clubhead and a promise of increased distance. But does it deliver? In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience testing the Adams Speedline Fast 12 driver, discussing its performance, feel, and key features. We’ll also explore the importance of shaft selection and the potential benefits of the adjustable LS model. Whether you’re a high-handicapper looking for more forgiveness or a seasoned player seeking extra distance, this review will help you determine if the Adams Speedline Fast 12 driver is the right club for you.

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by. today we have an independent review of the Adams Speedline F12. Enjoy!

Adams Golf may lack the cache of the game’s superstar brands, but the company occupies a special spot of its own: inside Yani Tseng’s bag. The world’s No. 1 female golfer plays Adams irons, fairway woods and hybrids, and tees off with a model from the company’s Speedline driver lineup (the 9032).

I recently tested one of the Adams family’s newest members, the Speedline Fast 12 driver, and while my results were no match for Yani’s, they weren’t half bad.

Meet the Adams Speedline Fast 12 Driver

The tested version’s specs were 10.5° loft and a 46-inch, 55-gram Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue shaft in stiff flex. The ProLaunch Blue is Adams’ stock offering – in fact, it’s only offering — in the Speedline Fast 12 driver as well as its draw-biased sibling, the Speedline Fast 12 Draw.

At 460cc, the Speedline Fast 12 maxes out on clubhead volume and features what the company calls “airfoil design elements” to enhance aerodynamics. Adams claims a 14% reduction in drag delivering up to 3 MPH in additional clubhead speed.

One final note: Adams also offers an adjustable version called the Speedline Fast 12 LS, as in Low Spin.

Looks

Viewed from the bottom, the Speedline Fast 12 is indeed an aerodynamic wonder. In fact, the toe of its curvy sole resembles a UFO of 1950s drive-in movie vintage. The driver sports a more traditional look when placed in playing position, with a comforting pear-like shape and muted gray finish. There’s no alignment guide on top, while three curved incisions near the trailing edge – the aforementioned airfoil design elements – provide a sense of balance. The club head is a muted grey, which take it or leave it, reminds me of a ladies driver.

Key Takeaways

The Adams Speedline Fast 12 balances speed and forgiveness: Its aerodynamic design and large club head help golfers gain distance and improve accuracy off the tee. A custom fitting can further enhance performance.
Consider aftermarket shafts: While the stock Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue shaft performs adequately, exploring other options can optimize feel and ball flight, especially for faster swing speeds.
Choose the right Fast 12 for your skill level: The standard model offers reliable forgiveness for average golfers, while the adjustable Fast 12 LS provides greater control for more experienced players seeking to fine-tune their game.

Target Audience: Who is the Fast 12 Designed For?

The Adams Speedline Fast 12 driver is designed for golfers who want both speed and forgiveness. Its aerodynamic design reduces drag and increases distance, making it a great choice for players looking to improve their tee shots. Think of it as a reliable club that helps get the ball airborne and down the fairway, even on off days.

The adjustable Fast 12 LS offers more experienced players the ability to fine-tune loft, lie, and face angle to optimize launch conditions. User reviews praise the club head’s “hot” feel when paired with a properly fitted shaft, significantly impacting distance and accuracy. This adjustability makes the Fast 12 LS a versatile option for golfers who like to fine-tune their equipment.

Custom fitting is crucial for maximizing the driver’s potential, as the stock shaft may not be ideal for every golfer. Here at Sir Shanksalot, we know the right equipment can make all the difference. The Fast 12 caters to a wide range of players, from amateurs to seasoned golfers looking for an edge. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or play more regularly, the Fast 12 has something to offer.

Does the Speedline Fast 12 Deliver on Performance?

A couple of qualifying factors from this test: 1. Shots were hit with a strong tailwind (20 MPH plus) coming slightly from the right. 2. I normally play a 43-inch driver, so this 46-inch version was a little long for me. Getting used to the longer shaft was difficult.

I tend to hit the ball pretty low with the driver, and that held true with the Adams Speedline. However, contact above the center of the clubface produced the desired high launch and good down-range carry (no doubt aided by the wind). The low-flying efforts sailed with good penetration in general, although some ballooning occurred on fades. Distance appeared to compare favorably with the higher-launching Cobra AMP, tested the same day.

Club Head Performance and Forgiveness

Beyond the sleek aesthetics, the real test lies in how the club head performs. Many golfers appreciate a “hot” feel—that satisfying sensation of solid contact that translates into impressive distance. The Adams Speedline Fast 12 seems to deliver on this promise, especially when paired with a properly fitted shaft. Feedback from other players suggests the Fast 12 provides good distance and a pleasing, muted sound at impact. Perhaps even more crucial is the club’s forgiveness. Off-center hits are an unfortunate reality for most of us, and a forgiving club can be a real game-changer. The Fast 12’s forgiveness is often compared to the Adams Fast 10, known for minimizing the penalty for less-than-perfect contact.

Distance and Speed Enhancing Features

Adams Golf designed the Fast 12 with a clear focus on speed and distance. The 460cc club head—the maximum allowable size—incorporates what Adams calls “airfoil design elements.” Think of these as tiny wings sculpted into the club head to improve its aerodynamics. This review suggests these design features contribute to a significant reduction in drag, potentially increasing club head speed by up to 3 mph, which translates to more distance off the tee. The Fast 12 minimizes side spin, helping maintain ball speed even on off-center hits, further enhancing distance and overall forgiveness. This combination of speed and forgiveness makes the Fast 12 an attractive option for golfers looking to improve their long game.

How Does the Speedline Fast 12 Feel?

At impact, the sound and feel were a bit clangy for my taste, but similar to many drivers on the market. Someday I’ll get used to that sensation, which reminds me of a frying pan hitting a golf ball, but for now it still jangles my nerves.

That said, I’ve experienced far worse. (Nike’s original square driver, for example.. if I wanted permanent ringing in my ears, I’d crank up the amps Pete Townsend style.)

Shaft Options and Feedback: Stock vs. Aftermarket

The Adams Speedline Fast 12 I tested came with the stock Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue shaft. While it performed decently for me, it’s worth noting that the stock shaft in other Fast 12 models (specifically, the Fubuki Alpha) has received quite a bit of negative feedback from golfers online. Many players, especially those with faster swing speeds (over 110 mph), report issues with the feel and consistency. The general consensus is that the stock Fubuki Alpha shaft doesn’t quite match the club head’s capabilities.

If you’re considering the Fast 12, exploring aftermarket shaft options might be a good idea. The RT Technology Zeus LT is a popular choice, often praised for its smooth feel and tighter dispersion compared to shafts like the Diamana Whiteboard. Other well-regarded alternatives include the Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue (which, as mentioned, came standard in my test club) and the Matrix Ozik 6m3.1. A proper shaft fitting is essential for maximizing any driver’s performance, and the Fast 12 is no exception. It can help you find the perfect fit for your swing.

Adjustability Options and Potential Issues

The adjustable version of this driver, the Adams Speedline Fast 12 LS (Low Spin), offers a level of personalization you won’t find in the standard model. You can adjust the loft, lie, and face angle plus or minus one degree, which can significantly impact your ball flight. This adjustability is a major advantage, allowing you to fine-tune the club to match your swing. It’s a feature that more experienced golfers will find particularly useful.

While the adjustability is a definite plus, the optional length extension has generated some discussion among golfers. Some have raised concerns about the club’s potential instability when extended. It’s something to consider if you’re thinking about adding length. I found the standard 46-inch shaft on the test model a tad long for my liking, so I’d probably skip the extension. As with most things in golf, experimenting to find what works best for you is key.

Is the Adams Speedline Fast 12 Worth the Price?

The Speedline Fast 12 retails at $299.99 for both the standard and draw models. That’s comparable to prices for new models from Cobra, Nike and others, and about $100 less than you’ll pay for the latest and greatest by the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade. The performance is about what you’d expect at that price, though the lack of shaft options is a Speedline drawback.

Availability and Pricing: New vs. Used Options

If you’re interested in adding the Adams Speedline Fast 12 to your bag, you’ve got options. When it first hit the shelves, the Fast 12 retailed for $299.99 for both the standard and draw models (source). This price point placed it competitively alongside new models from Cobra and Nike, and considerably less than top-tier brands like Titleist and TaylorMade.

Finding a brand new Fast 12 might take a little more effort now, but the used market offers excellent opportunities. eBay has a wide selection of Adams Fast 12 clubs, including drivers, fairway woods, and irons, in various conditions. Prices vary depending on the club, its condition, and the shaft, so you can often find a great deal. Checking out retailers like 2nd Swing Golf is also worthwhile, as they sometimes offer trade-in value for your old clubs, making the upgrade even more affordable.

Speedline Fast 12: What’s New?

The Speedline driver features 46″ shaft – which is a little longer than the more normal 44.5″. While this length will add to increased speed, it can also cause some swing problems for many players as it takes some getting used to. Adams was able to make the club more aerodynamic and forgiving by building this driver in a non-traditional shape… so kudos for that. Overall, this driver is quite similar to the 9088UL. While the model I hit did not have any adjustability, the LS (Low Spin) version does, which will benefit better players.

The Tour Van Version: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering what separates the standard Adams Speedline Fast 12 from the ones you see pros using. Tour van versions often undergo subtle, yet significant tweaks. Think of it like a tailor customizing a suit. The off-the-rack version is great, but the tailored one fits perfectly and performs better. For the average golfer, the retail version offers excellent performance, as highlighted in our review.

One key difference lies in shaft options. While the retail Fast 12 comes with the Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue, tour van versions offer a wider selection. This allows players to fine-tune ball flight and optimize launch characteristics based on their individual swing. Pros might opt for different weights, flexes, and even materials to dial in their performance. This level of customization isn’t always necessary for recreational players, but it can make a world of difference for those competing at the highest level.

Adjustability is another area where tour versions excel. While the retail Fast 12 LS offers some adjustability, the tour van versions often feature a wider range of settings for loft, lie, and even face angle. This level of customization allows for precise adjustments to match specific course conditions and playing styles. For example, a pro might lower the loft for a windy day or open the face angle to promote a draw. This level of precision is reflected in other sports as well, as discussed in our article on Ohtani’s 50/50 ball auction, where even minor details can have a significant impact.

Finally, even seemingly minor details like swing weight can be tweaked in tour van versions. This ensures the club feels perfectly balanced in the player’s hands, promoting a more consistent and controlled swing. It’s these small adjustments, combined with premium shaft options and enhanced adjustability, that make the tour van versions of the Adams Speedline Fast 12 truly unique. They’re not just clubs; they’re precision instruments tailored to the specific needs of elite golfers. You can find more information on the standard retail version in this review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Adams Speedline Fast 12 Driver suitable for high-handicap golfers? Yes, the Fast 12 is designed for a wide range of skill levels. Its large club head and aerodynamic features promote forgiveness and help get the ball airborne easily, which can benefit higher-handicap players. While the adjustable LS version offers more fine-tuning options for experienced golfers, the standard Fast 12 provides plenty of help for those still developing their game.

What are the key differences between the standard Fast 12 and the LS model? The main difference lies in adjustability. The standard Fast 12 has a fixed loft and lie, while the LS (Low Spin) model allows you to adjust the loft, lie, and face angle. This lets you fine-tune the club’s setup to optimize launch conditions and ball flight. The LS model is generally better suited for golfers who understand how these adjustments impact their game.

I’ve heard mixed reviews about the stock shaft. Should I consider an aftermarket option? While the Grafalloy ProLaunch Blue shaft performed well in our test, some golfers have reported issues with the stock Fubuki Alpha shaft found in other Fast 12 models. If you have a faster swing speed or specific preferences regarding shaft feel and performance, exploring aftermarket options might be beneficial. A professional club fitting can help you determine the best shaft for your swing.

Where can I purchase an Adams Speedline Fast 12 driver, and what is the typical price range? While finding a brand new Fast 12 might be challenging now, the used market offers many options. Check online marketplaces like eBay or reputable used golf equipment retailers. Prices vary depending on condition and included shaft, but you can often find excellent deals compared to the original retail price of $299.99.

What are the “airfoil design elements” on the club head, and how do they affect performance? These are aerodynamic features sculpted into the club head to reduce drag and increase club head speed. This can lead to greater distance off the tee. Think of them as small wings that help the club move more efficiently through the air.