The company philosophy states that there are many things that separate them from other golf shaft companies but one is most important: “We do everything ourselves”. The company doesn’t have to buy materials from outside the company whatsoever. Everything in a Mitsubishi shaft is created by the company from start to finish – something they call Vertical Integration. This allows them to control every step of the design and manufacturing process.
Mitsubishi (MRC Golf) has manufactured golf shafts for over 20 years and has been in the States since 2004. Most in America recognize the company beginning as the Diamana was first introduced for retail in 2005. In Japan the company is known for high end, high performance shafts. Small, calculated steps in their technology and evolution are responsible for the success that the company now enjoys. Many of us recognize their shafts being used by the pros and it is not lost on the staff how fortunate they are to have the number one golfer in the world as a user of their product. Nor is it lost that said golfer sticks with the equipment that works for a long time and is reluctant to change equipment.
Shaft making starts with what is called a monomer, or raw material, that goes through several processes (and several hundred yards of manufacturing space) to become carbon fiber. Next, this carbon fiber is put through even more processes until it becomes what is known as pre-preg. Here is where Mitsubishi feels they have the advantage: since most other shaft manufacturers must rely on outside sources for pre-preg they likely have less control. MRC Golf has control over what exactly goes into their pre-preg and, therefore, can incorporate more advanced and evolutionary performance enhancing materials. Companies that don’t make their own must take what is available instead of having more power over the materials and technology that goes into the pre-preg. In addition to controlling the manufacture of their own pre-preg, MRC golf manufactures their own resin and carbon fiber and harvests their own raw materials.
One of the newer Mitsubishi shafts, The Fubuki (Japanese for “Blizzard”), was introduced as a prototype on the PGA Tour early in 2008. In development for over two years, this shaft is an excellent example of MRC Golf’s precision engineering they achieve by controlling every step of their design and manufacturing process. Indeed, from the moment I tried out the Fubuki I was immediately in driver heaven. I couldn’t believe how smooth it felt and how nicely the ball launched. The shaft claims consistent launch and low spin.
The Fubuki is also characterized by a stable tip, stiff midsection, and a moderate to soft butt. The MDT (Modulus Differentia Technology) is incorporated in this shaft which basically puts together materials that normally don’t go together. This creates a “hinging” effect in the tip section the shaft that you can definitely feel. This technology helps isolate the kick point to provide consistent launch and surprisingly low spin numbers; even less than White Board Diamana. The company is continuing to experiment with this new technology and a variety of bend profiles.
If you watch golf on television or pick up a golf magazine nowadays and you can’t help but notice the Fubuki in the clubs of many high-profile players. Phil Mickelson played one in his FT9 at Doral a few weeks ago. In fact, Mitsubishi had the highest shaft count for the third week in a row at the World Golf Championship at Doral in Miami, Florida. In fact, six of the top ten finishers there played Mitsubishi driver shafts. Keep your eyes open and your likely to see the Fubuki and others more often.
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