Equipment

Ask Mitsubishi Answered

Published

17 years ago

Jun 1, 2009

Some time ago I started a thread in the forums that posed this: “If you could ask the engineers behind Mitsubishi shafts a technical question (or questions) about their product what would you ask?” The board answered and following is the resulting dialog that I received back from Mitsubishi. All information is exactly as it was received from the company:

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!

Check out the original thread here.

Equipment

TaylorMade goes bigger with Spider ZT Max putter

Published

10 hours ago

Jun 4, 2026

Brian Knudson

In the zero-torque putter world the TaylorMade Spider ZT has carved out a great following of golfers who love it. So TaylorMade wanted to go bigger and it did, literally. This new Spider ZT Max features a larger body that is made from aluminum to allow for heavier steel and tungsten weights to move to the perimeter. Combining the weight distribution with the larger size increases stability and the putter will reduce twisting on toe or heel impacts.

TaylorMade kept the zero-torque design the same with a shaft that inserts right near the CG location and 34mm behind the face. Placing the shaft here keeps the putter balancing with the toe up, helping keep the face pointed towards the target throughout the stroke. Each shaft is bored into the head with a 2 degree forward shaft lean to help keep that toe-up design consistent.

A unique sole design is incorporated into the putter to work with the center shaft so the putter doesn’t rock when it is soled on the green. Engineers looked at many different angles and putting strokes to make sure that the putter sits square behind the ball so alignment is easier. While you don’t see the bright white True Path alignment feature on the top of the putter, it is there in milled form. Milled lines on the top of the putter are the exact same width of a golf ball in order to help create better center face contact. The Pure Roll insert on the face is made from a combination of Surlyn and aluminum for a soft but solid feel. Forty-five degree grooves provide immediate forward roll and consistent speed on shots that don’t find the center of the putter.

Golfers can get the new Spider ZT Max in standard length, counter balanced, and in a long model. Offering the putter in these options lets players who find an alternative putting stroke better an option to get a high MOI mallet. The standard length models with get the same KBS CT 120 steel shaft as the new Spider Tour Torched putters while the CB and Long putters will get a KBS Graphite shaft that is heavier (155g & 210g). A Super Stroke Off-Axis Tour 2.0 and a Super Stroke 3.0 17″ grip are stock on these Spider ZT Max putters.

Spider ZT Max Pricing

Standard: $449.99
Counter Balanced: $499.99
Long: $549.99

Equipment

TaylorMade launches Spider Tour Torched putters

Published

12 hours ago

Jun 4, 2026

Brian Knudson

TaylorMade has dominated the mallet putter market with their expansive Spider putter line over the last few years. From players on professional tours to us everyday players, you will see a lot of Spider putters in bags. For 2026 TaylorMade is updating the Spider line with the new Spider Torched series that features a new torched PVD finish and some new head shapes.

The first thing you will notice about the Spider Torched putters is the bronze color finish. This finish takes inspiration from Rory’s custom Spider that is heated with a torch to get a multi-color bronze finish. When you heat stainless steel to around 600°F to 900°F it will change to this bronze color in a process called temper color. This happens because very high temperatures cause the metal’s surface to react with oxygen in the air, creating a thin transparent layer that gradually becomes thicker over time. Instead of using the time-consuming torching process, TaylorMade went with a more durable PVD finish to get a similar look.

Rory’s TaylorMade Spider Tour X

With the new launch we get the familiar Spider Tour head shapes that we know and love with the Spider Tour and Spider Tour X. Both are offered with different hosels as well to give looks that golfers will love and influence the toe hang of the putters for fitting different putting strokes. It doesn’t stop there as TaylorMade is also giving us the new Spider Tour V and Spider Tour F shapes that offer a different look and alignment at address. All of the heads stay true to being a Spider by their high MOI design for stability and forgiveness. A sole plate with updated graphics moves weight away from the center of the club head and out to the perimeter.

“The Spider Tour putter family represents the very best of what we do at TaylorMade. Nearlytwo decades of engineering, refinement and Tour feedback have gone into building thisfamily—and this new finish brings a level of visual sophistication that matches theperformance underneath it. These are putters that belong in the hands of the best players inthe world, and they’re proving it every week.”–Andrew Oldknow, Senior DirectorProductCategory and Design

More Photos of the TaylorMade Spider Tour Torched Putters

For lining up the putter we see the tried and true True Path alignment that TaylorMade has been using on Spiders for what feels like forever. This high contrast line makes it faster and easier to get the putter pointed towards your target for more accuracy. You can also see the legendary Pure Roll insert that is made from white TPU for a softer feel. Each insert contains horizontal 45 degree grooves that put more forward roll on the ball and reduce hopping and skidding. Behind the insert is a Hybrar Echo Dampener that will reduce unwanted vibrations for a softer feel and sound at impact. On the sole TaylorMade kept the TSS weights so that you can dial in the head weight in order to get the perfect feel out of your Spider Tour Torched.

Spider Tour

Spider Tour F

Spider Tour V

Spider Tour X

Spider Tour Counter Balanced

More Photos of the TaylorMade Spider Tour Torched Putters

All of the new Spider Torched putters are offered with a premium KBS CT 120 putter shaft that features a gloss black finish. This upgraded shaft features a stiffer feel and low toque for added stability and consistency. The stock grip is a Super Stroke Pistol 1.0 while the counter balanced models get a Super Stroke 2.0 XL grip that is longer, 13.75″, in order to grip it further down easily. A new brown head cover has a leather texture and looks really good with the brown and light blue accents on it.