5 replies to this topic

[robengel]

Can anyone comment on the differences between the D+ whiteboard, the 'ahina, and the kai'li?  I'm considering all three, I'm a smooth swinger, about 99mph and generally hit the ball pretty high.  Thanks!

[G-Bone]

'Ahina is the second generation of the original Diamana D (whiteboard), the Diamana D+ is the third generation.  'Ahina is manufactured with MDI technology and updated materials.  The D+ is manufactured with original "whiteboard" materials, but with the updated MDI technology.  So what this all means is this, 'ahina had a bit stouter feel than the original "whiteboard" with slightly lower launch and spin for most.  D+ has same feel as "whiteboard" and plays somewhere between "whiteboard" and 'ahina characteristics.

Kai'li is a different profile all together, it is based on original Diamana S (blueboard), but with updated materials and MDI manufacturing.  Therefor, for most players, it launches slightly higher and spins slightly more than "whiteboard" and a fair amount higher launch and spin that 'ahina.

In summary:
'ahina = low launch ~ low spin (most firm felling of the bunch)
D+ = low/mid launch ~ low/mid spin (middle firm)
Kai'li = mid launch ~ mid spin (least firm)

This is all assuming that you are looking at the 60 weight class in each shaft.

As a smooth swinger, chances are you will enjoy the feel and feedback of the Kai'li.  However, if you launch the ball high, you may enjoy the low launch characteristics of the 'ahina.  It would be my opinion, that a good middle ground  would be the new Diamana D+.  It should offer you a smoother feel than 'ahina, and lower launch/spin than Kai'li.

[shiney28]

I've got the same swing characteristics as you and play the D+. Absolutely love it.

[robengel]

I was hitting a demo 913D2 with the D+ shaft and was getting good numbers, I'm looking for an R11S (budget) with the right shaft, finding mostly the 'ahina and kai'li but I can't afford to just drop in whatever I want.  Thanks for the info G-Bone!

[G-Bone]

robengel, on 27 February 2013 - 03:01 PM, said:

I was hitting a demo 913D2 with the D+ shaft and was getting good numbers, I'm looking for an R11S (budget) with the right shaft, finding mostly the 'ahina and kai'li but I can't afford to just drop in whatever I want.  Thanks for the info G-Bone!

My pleasure!

Based on budget and what is available, I would strongly steer you towards the Kai'li over 'ahina.  Worst case you could tip the Kai'li slightly to get lower launch and spin, but Kai'li reacts much better to a smooth tempo.  I too swing the driver just under 100mph with a smooth tempo and find Kai'li to be almost perfect for me.  I'm currently experimenting with some Graphite Design shafts, but still haven't decided if they are better than my old faithful, Kai'li.

[robengel]

I was definitely going towards the Kai'li 70 with my ss and tempo being what it is