32 replies to this topic

[Jeffyr11]

So I have been playing the 'ahina since it came out and love the shaft.  I talked to my Nike rep and he thinks that he can probably get me a driver this year.  Looking at the specs of these two shafts, they are almost identical but wanted to see if anyone had any experience with the two, since I would have to pay for the shaft upgrade.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Lobber]

I find the Kuro Kage to feel better. Less boards. Spin is a bit higher too.

[Jamboy72]

I didn't find the spin much higher, but I also went up a flex...feel is smoother than ahina, imo

[dlefty]

Kuro Kage SILVER version will be in that 'ahina family" of performance.

[HateTheHighDraw]

 dlefty, on 11 February 2013 - 11:59 PM, said:

Kuro Kage SILVER version will be in that 'ahina family" of performance.

Correct.  The Kuro kage black is more like a blueboard/kai'li.

[Jamboy72]

 HateTheHighDraw, on 12 February 2013 - 09:38 AM, said:

 dlefty, on 11 February 2013 - 11:59 PM, said:

Kuro Kage SILVER version will be in that 'ahina family" of performance.

Correct.  The Kuro kage black is more like a blueboard/kai'li.

That's probably a pretty fair  comparison

[Honman]

Personally I find the kuro kage awful. I'm a loader on the transition and kk just feels like it twists all over the place. I'd recommend at least going up one flex if you want to try and make it work.

[MarkFromTheUK]

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

[Honman]

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

Haha. I actually thought it was even worse in the covert fairways.

Give it's its due. The 100x hybrid is ok.

[johnnythunders]

^{Tried the Kuro Kage Black last year in 50 and 60 in regular and they did not fit my fast transition and was all over the place. Felt smooth though. Too bad the Cobra amp pro has it also as I would like to try that one.}

[Golfer525]

I thought the KK silver felt awesome in the Covert Tour. Very stable and I swing 122-124mph.

[TMBob]

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

[PaulFitz]

I have played both in my Cover Tour. I had a hard time hitting the KK straight. Also, higher torque on the KK.

[MarkFromTheUK]

 TMBob, on 13 February 2013 - 01:25 AM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

[storm319]

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

 TMBob, on 13 February 2013 - 01:25 AM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

Agreed. It looks like MR created the Kuro Kage and Diamana+ lines as affordable options for stock OEM offerings rather than producing several distinct "made for" shafts.

[Yepyukon]

You could always get the Kuro Kage and if you don't like it as much, have your 'ahina pulled from your current driver and swap the adapter.

[Jamboy72]

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

 TMBob, on 13 February 2013 - 01:25 AM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

I'd be interested to know why you think that shaft is such a piece of junk

[wundej]

 topekareal, on 15 February 2013 - 06:28 PM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

 TMBob, on 13 February 2013 - 01:25 AM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

I'd be interested to know why you think that shaft is such a piece of junk

Me too. I was fitted on a trackman last year and out of all the $$$ shafts, the KK Black worked out the best for me in the Razr Fit, highest ball speed and best numbers. Sometimes they don't work for everyone, but clearly a few guys hate this shaft. During a demo day at a location w/ a trackman again, the KK Silver worked out the best for me in the Covert Performance.

[Mikey Town]

I like this shaft quite a bit, too.

I just went through a fitting for an Amp Cell Pro and the stock Kuro Kage gave me the best numbers of all.  I tried Black Tie, Red Tie, White Tie, 'ahina, and AD DI as well.  Granted, I ended up going up in flex, to an X, when all the others were an S, but I don't care much about that.  I also don't have a quick transition, like many others here say they have, so that could play into it, too.

105-108 SS, Smooth-ish transition... Kuro Kage X + ACP = Beast!

[Johnny4379]

It seems to be really hit and miss with the reviews on this shaft.
When it first came out last year people were raving about it and what an amazing shaft it was, kicking out the DI and blah blah...
Now that it's a stock offering from some Mfgs, all of a sudden it's straight garbage

[JaxBeachNole]

I have had the KK in my 3Wood and play it in my hybrid right now. I've played all kinds of MRC shafts and the KK is smooth but it was too loose for my 3 wood, I imagine that the same would be said for it in the Driver.

I think the Ahina/Kaili generations felt much more stable than the KK.

[Jamboy72]

 Johnny4379, on 21 February 2013 - 09:31 PM, said:

It seems to be really hit and miss with the reviews on this shaft.
When it first came out last year people were raving about it and what an amazing shaft it was, kicking out the DI and blah blah...
Now that it's a stock offering from some Mfgs, all of a sudden it's straight garbage

I guess that's part of my question...seems like when it was a bit more "exotic" people had more favorable opinions...but now that it's a stock offering, it's lost some of the luster...Honestly, I'd just like to understand why...

[Qegurezi]

 Johnny4379, on 21 February 2013 - 09:31 PM, said:

It seems to be really hit and miss with the reviews on this shaft.
When it first came out last year people were raving about it and what an amazing shaft it was, kicking out the DI and blah blah...
Now that it's a stock offering from some Mfgs, all of a sudden it's straight garbage

I wonder what opinions would have been if it came out at say, a $275 price point.

[riot1013]

I play the KK Silver in an "x" and don't have any problems at all.  I went from an ATTAS Elements RK7x and have no issues at all.  I think the story is the same for everyone...it fits you or it doesn't.  

Nick Watney plays the Silver as does at least one other Nike staffer (can't remember who off the top of my head).  Those guys are playing for alot of money to be putting a "crap" shaft in their club.

[Johnny4379]

 Qegurezi, on 22 February 2013 - 12:28 AM, said:

 Johnny4379, on 21 February 2013 - 09:31 PM, said:

It seems to be really hit and miss with the reviews on this shaft.
When it first came out last year people were raving about it and what an amazing shaft it was, kicking out the DI and blah blah...
Now that it's a stock offering from some Mfgs, all of a sudden it's straight garbage

I wonder what opinions would have been if it came out at say, a $275 price point.

Or a $200 up charge

I've got the black in an R1 that I haven't hit yet.
Going to try to get out tomorrow and ill post some feedback.
Hoping its more like the fubuki a then the ahina

[DoubleEagleAt12]

I cant see anything being as good as the ahina, but then again i never try anything else. i love it. i think it takes time to get us to and build confidence with any club. if it aint broke, dont fix it.

[nbg352]

 storm319, on 13 February 2013 - 08:27 PM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

 TMBob, on 13 February 2013 - 01:25 AM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 12 February 2013 - 02:06 PM, said:

Kuro Kage is an adequate fairway shaft, but I agree with Honman... it's an awful driver shaft. Why it is in the Covert Tour is beyond my comprehension.

I hear people saying it's a poor man's Diamana, but it's just poor.

I would like to know just how this shaft became a stock offering for two major OEM just like that?

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

Agreed. It looks like MR created the Kuro Kage and Diamana+ lines as affordable options for stock OEM offerings rather than producing several distinct "made for" shafts.

FYI, the KK shaft in the covert tour is NOT a made for. It is th real deal.

[wundej]

 Johnny4379, on 22 February 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

 Qegurezi, on 22 February 2013 - 12:28 AM, said:

 Johnny4379, on 21 February 2013 - 09:31 PM, said:

It seems to be really hit and miss with the reviews on this shaft.
When it first came out last year people were raving about it and what an amazing shaft it was, kicking out the DI and blah blah...
Now that it's a stock offering from some Mfgs, all of a sudden it's straight garbage

I wonder what opinions would have been if it came out at say, a $275 price point.

Or a $200 up charge

I've got the black in an R1 that I haven't hit yet.
Going to try to get out tomorrow and ill post some feedback.
Hoping its more like the fubuki a then the ahina

The Black profile is closer to a blueboard, silver is along the lines of white. It will probably be more along the lines of an alpha for you than ahina.

[storm319]

 nbg352, on 22 February 2013 - 11:34 AM, said:

 storm319, on 13 February 2013 - 08:27 PM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

Agreed. It looks like MR created the Kuro Kage and Diamana+ lines as affordable options for stock OEM offerings rather than producing several distinct "made for" shafts.

FYI, the KK shaft in the covert tour is NOT a made for. It is th real deal.

I didn't say that the KK was made for, but if you look at the specs (4+ degrees or torque) and notice the fact that they are produced in China (high end MR shafts are produced in Japan, cheaper lines and made for shafts have been produced in China) they are more comparable to past "made for" shafts than any of the high end Diamana shafts.

Basically they created the equivalent of a "made for" shaft without the "made for" label (I guarantee that Nike is paying no more per shaft for the KK than they did for last year's made for Nike Fubuki or Ahina). Also keep in mind that "made for" does not equal "bad shaft", although it does seem to have that stigma around here.

[nbg352]

 storm319, on 22 February 2013 - 07:07 PM, said:

 nbg352, on 22 February 2013 - 11:34 AM, said:

 storm319, on 13 February 2013 - 08:27 PM, said:

 MarkFromTheUK, on 13 February 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

Because it's not a premium shaft. OEM's can put it in their clubs for very little expense, justifiably call it "real deal" and won't have to worry about the "is it a made-for?" question.

99% of golfers will see the name Mitsubishi Rayon and think it is a top shaft, without realising that it's actually utterly crap.

Agreed. It looks like MR created the Kuro Kage and Diamana+ lines as affordable options for stock OEM offerings rather than producing several distinct "made for" shafts.

FYI, the KK shaft in the covert tour is NOT a made for. It is th real deal.

I didn't say that the KK was made for, but if you look at the specs (4+ degrees or torque) and notice the fact that they are produced in China (high end MR shafts are produced in Japan, cheaper lines and made for shafts have been produced in China) they are more comparable to past "made for" shafts than any of the high end Diamana shafts.

Basically they created the equivalent of a "made for" shaft without the "made for" label (I guarantee that Nike is paying no more per shaft for the KK than they did for last year's made for Nike Fubuki or Ahina). Also keep in mind that "made for" does not equal "bad shaft", although it does seem to have that stigma around here.

I have been assured by Tom Stites at Nike that this shaft is the REAL deal. That it is made in China accounts for the ability to still sell this club at a reasonable? price. A shaft ordered from KK would match the specs of a KK shaft normally found in a covert head. Since  many members here seem to live or die by the real deal shafts, it is important that they know this. You are absolutely right in saying that many made for shafts are very good and well suited to the heads they are attached to.