50 Words or Less
The Mitsubishi Diamana RF shaft is the highest launching shaft in the fourth generation Diamana family. Very smooth, active feel.
Introduction
While the Redboard and its descendants have never enjoyed the internet love given to the blue and white Diamana shafts, it’s still an essential part of the line. Whether used in a fairway wood to provide some extra lift or in a driver, Diamana’s red shafts have delivered consistent performance to those with smoother swings. I recently tested the latest generation, the Diamana RF, to see if it carries on that tradition.
Looks
Regular readers know that I’ve never seen a Diamana shaft that I didn’t love aesthetically. While matte finishes are trendy right now, the Diamana RF goes with a glossy red that transitions to silver near the tip. The Diamana branding is classic, as is the flower band under the grip. Cool without trying too hard, eye-catching without being over the top. Perfect.
Feel
All Diamana shafts are known for smooth feel. The Mitsubishi Diamana RF takes that smooth feel and adds more kick.
To me, the Diamana RF has a small, smooth kick in the butt section and a more pronounced kick near the tip. In both cases, it’s not a dramatic hinge-and-release feel, rather a smooth, drawn out kick.
Interestingly, the EI chart on the MCA website shows that, among the Diamana family, the RF has the softest tip but the stiffest butt. This is an excellent example of how feel can be subjective and why you shouldn’t pick equipment based on a single specification on a website. While I have no doubt that Mitsubishi’s chart is accurate, the way this shaft feels in my hands is quite different.
Performance
As a low spin player living in a world where the majority of new shafts are billed as “spin killers,” I was excited to test the “mid-spin” Diamana RF. I don’t mind hitting low spin drives, but, living in a place where the ball rarely rolls, I was curious to see if I could tack on a few extra yards of carry instead.
On my best swings, I could clearly see the benefits of a the slightly higher spin I got from the RF. The ball had a different looking flight – it was as if gravity didn’t affect it the same way it does my normal drives – and it carried farther.
The downside for me was a loss in accuracy. Let me be very clear: that’s not inherent to this shaft, it’s a fit issue. My swing has more in common with a gorilla lunging at a golf ball than it does with Adam Scott’s syrupy tempo. To combat my…aggressive…transition, I need less “kick” and lower torque. Players with smoother transitions will love the way the RF explodes through the ball, doing the work for them.
The Diamana RF-Series shafts are available in 50, 60, 70, and 80 gram weight classes to cover everything from light weight driver setups to heavier fairway woods. Regular flex is available in 50 and 60 grams. Stiff and X-flex are available at every weight. For the biggest hitters, a TX is available at 60, 70, and 80 grams.
Conclusion
For the smoother swinger who likes a more active feel, the Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana RF shaft is a great choice. In addition to the softer feel, it provides a little extra lift through higher launch and spin. Make sure to visit a qualified Diamana fitter to find the right weight and flex for your swing.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Hi Matt,
I really enjoy your reviews. Also, I understand when you say one has to get fitted. It is a kittle difficult during these covid times. I have a very easy, smooth swing. Years ago I hit the original Diamana Red and I remember it was a perfect fit. Just too expensive. Currently I play a Titleist 910 fairway with a UST Mamiya Axiv Core Black 69 stiff. I believe it is counterbalanced, although that was not why I bought it.
Where is the balance point on the RF?
On paper, how do these two shafts compare?
Rudolph,
I don’t have any experience with the Axiv Core, so I can’t offer a comparison.
-Matt
As a follow up, how would the 60 vs 70gm shafts differ in performance? I understand it is all subjective, but what have you seen with yourself with different weights in the same shaft?
Rudolph,
For me, a heavier shaft tends to discourage a draw.
Best,
Matt
Iam 64 , 8 Hdcp , driver swing Sp is 95ish, 225 to 255 , only have a 5 wood , just got a 16.5 epic 4 wood so Iam looking for a HL shaft for it , I like a straight ball as u don’t draw on command, I hit the epic 5W 210-215 ish sfiff, is this shaft for me ???
Jack,
The only way to know is to get fit.
Best,
Matt
It would have been nice to have a chart to look at with torque numbers. Maybe that wasn’t available, but it should have been. Your answers too are always aloof. You could offer a bit more information from your experience. You won’t get sued for giving a little more advice. I think I can do better.
Sorry we don’t live up to your lofty expectations Rick. BTW – specs are available on the OEM websites (we even provide a convenient link at the bottom of all reviews). And if you think you can do better, by all means start your own site. Clearly you can do better than us.
– Meeks