1. Exactly what criteria = high launch low spin

ANSWER:  There are no exact criteria that “equal” high launch and low spin for all players.  In fact, the conditions that promote optimal launch and spin vary greatly from player-to-player depending on a player’s swing speed, equipment, and ability. For example a PGA Tour player with a ball speed of 170MPH may benefit greatly from a launch of 13 degrees and spin rates of 2500 RPMs. However, an average player with ball speeds of 130mph may need higher launch angles and spin rates to maximize performance and distance.  This is why we always recommend visiting an authorized club fitter to find out what combination is best for your game.

2. Do you acknowledge the practice to spine align or pure any of your shafts? Do you condone it? If not, why not?

ANSWER: There are a variety of techniques and procedures that promote alignment optimization and if using those techniques has an impact on your club’s performance you should consider the application of such techniques when fitting and building your clubs.

3. Why were the heavier weights (93 and 103) not carried over into the red/whiteboard lines?

ANSWER:  We continue to experiment with heavy-weight product primarily for Tour player use and product testing.  To date, the consumer demand is such that we limit the amount of heavy-weight product produced for retail use however we are constantly looking to add to our mix of SKU’s offered to our dealer network.

4. Does Mitsubishi have any plans to release a Low Torque (2.0-2.9) shaft in the near future?

ANSWER:  In fact Mitsubishi Rayon has several product lines that offer lower torque by your definition (including Blue Board Diamana, White Board Diamana, and Diamana Kai’li)  and we will continue to develop and experiment with low torque designs for future product lines.

5. What is the next step in shaft development? What should we be looking for in the near future from Mitsubishi? How much more do they think they can push the "technology envelope" with regards to spin reduction, launch angle management and dispersion?

ANSWER: This is an interesting question that requires a two-part answer.  In the “short-term” you will see Mitsubishi Rayon working to maximize the benefits of two recently released technologies developed by our team of engineers; MDT and MDI:

Modulus Differential Technology (MDT) is a process by which fibers with different responsiveness characteristics can be joined and blended in precise ways and has made its debut in the current Fubuki™ profile.  By applying MDT technology in pinpoint locations along the shaft, we can create unparalleled consistency in spin reduction and dynamic launch angles in a range of shaft profiles.  Look for future iterations of this design technique in the coming months.

Multi-Dimensional Interlay (MDI) on the other hand is a process by which we strategically position multiple layers of proprietary ultra-thin material at multiple angles of orientation throughout the entire length of the shaft.  This design technique delivers unparalleled consistency and control by minimizing torsional deformation in both the butt-section during unloading and in the tip-section through impact and has first been used in the most recent profile of our Flagship brand Diamana.

In the “long-term” what is “next” for Mitsubishi Rayon depends a great deal on what is next from club head designs.  We are constantly working with our partners to maximize the performance of next generation club head designs as well as to meet the needs of the best tour players in the world.

6. Is there any chance of the Fubuki being produced in higher weights for retail?

ANSWER: We are currently experimenting with a variety of weight and the impact of our MDT technology on those profiles.  Stay turned to GolfWRX for updates!