Equipment
WRX Spotted: Mitsubishi MMT iron shaft
It’s U.S. Open week, and with the best players in the world all in one place at Pebble Beach, it’s the perfect time for West Coast-based companies to bring out some of the new gear for testing. In the case of shafts: Mitsubishi Chemical is debuting the new MMT: Metal Mesh Technology iron shaft.
We reached out to Mitsubishi and they were happy to supply the full rundown on the new shaft currently wrapping up the testing phase;
“MMT stands for Metal Mesh Technology, an exciting, new innovation that expands the potential for composite iron shaft construction,” says Mark Gunther, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MCA GOLF. “It’s born from more than 30-years of composite shaft mastery at MCA – with the technology actually originating in our Archery Division – and opens up new avenues for our continued cutting-edge exploration.”
“Designed to maximize the benefits of both composite and steel performance, MMT takes full advantage of the Mitsubishi end-to-end manufacturing approach. As layers of prepreg are stacked to build the shaft’s core, a section of unique Metal Mesh is integrated towards the tip. This Metal Mesh – made up of individually braided strands of 304 Stainless Steel – improves the density and stability of the shaft. Together this yields a finely tuned, highly responsive shaft that still provides the consistent launch and spin control needed for precise iron play.
If you think you’ve heard MCA talk about a braided shaft before you are correct. They utilized this same technology (or at least part of it) in the OT, a shaft that was comprised entirely of braided strands of graphite. From an unfinished standpoint the OT was, and still is, one of the coolest shafts EVER made!
What’s interesting about this new shaft is that not only does the steel MMT add stability, but it also adds weight to the tip section. As an experienced builder, one of the biggest difficulties with graphite shafts especially in lighter weight models is that it is difficult to achieve a desired swing weight, or at least something in the range of what was fit, as mass decreases, it’s simple math. But by Mitsubishi Chemical using the much heavier material in the lower end and tip of the shaft, it should be easier to create the feeling of mass at the end of the club, something many players desire.
Currently being tested as a final prototype in taper tip the Parallel version be released this summer and available through MCA GOLF authorized retailers and dealers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $90.00 USD.
MMT Iron with Parallel Tips will be available in five weights from 40g to 80g. With a Tour taper coming later in 2019.
Weights and flexes
- MMT Iron 40 (L Flex)
- MMT Iron 50 (L Flex)
- MMT Iron 60 (A, R Flex)
- MMT Iron 70 (R Flex)
- MMT Iron 80 (R, S Flex)
Profile: Mid launch and mid spin
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Tony Finau has always been known as one of the longest players on the PGA Tour, but he has recently been working on adding a little more distance. Last year, Finau averaged 118.3 mph club head speed and 178.08 mph ball speed, all while playing a Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX driver shaft. This year, he has increased his club head speed to 123.93 mph and his ball speed to 183.32 mph.
However, Finau’s overall distance has decreased by two yards in that time. From a fitting perspective, something was amiss. We asked Tony about the shaft change at the Texas Children’s Hospital Open.
“[I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin. My driver’s been a little high spin for me over the last month or so, and so I just figured it was time to probably check out the equipment,” Finau said. “And it definitely showed me that I was using a shaft that’s maybe a little too tip-stiff for me, the way I load the club now. [I’m seeing] better numbers with the spin.”
Finau switched from the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70 TX into the Diamana GT 70 TX. The newer Diamana GT has a slightly different profile than the D+ Limited with the stiffest handle section in the Diamana lineup. The mid sections between the two are similar stiffness but the tip is just slightly stiffer in the Diamana GT. Both shafts are within one gram of each other in the 70 TX. The torque rating on the GT is 0.1 higher than the D+Limited’s 2.7 measurement.
Mitsubishi lists the Diamana GT as a shaft between the mid-launching Diamana TB and the new low-launch Diamana WB shafts. For most players, it would be considered a mid/low launch and low-spin shaft option. Mitsubishi’s Xlink Tech Resin System makes sure the maximum carbon fiber content is there for smooth feel without reducing the strength of the shaft. MR70 carbon fiber is used for reinforcing the shaft and boron is used in the tip for its high strength and compression properties.
Finau is still using his trusty Ping G430 LST driver in 9 degrees and has the adjustable hosel set to -1 degree of loft (standard lie angle). Finau’s long-time favorite Lamkin UTX Green grip is installed. He definitely has a few extra wraps of tape under that grip as you can see the bulge down where the grip meets the shaft.
One final note: Per Ping’s PGA Tour rep Kenton Oates, Finau’s driver is also adjusted to play one degree upright to help dial in his desired launch.
We’ll see how he fares with the new setup this week in Houston!
- Check out the rest of our pictures from the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open
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- Zac Blair what’s in the bag accurate as of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (10 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Red 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade M5 Rocket 3 (14 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Speeder 757 Evolution V1 X
Utility: Titleist U510 (3)
Shaft: Aldila Tour Blue 85 X
Irons: Ping i210 (4-6), Miura MB-001 (7-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 58-08M @57, 60 @61), Vokey Design WedgeWorks (52-M)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 X
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
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- Martin Trainer what’s in the bag accurate as of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Wilson Staff Staff Model (6.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kai’li Blue 70 TX
3-wood: Wilson Staff WLabs Prototype (13 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Orange 80 TX
Irons: Wilson Staff Staff Model (2, 4-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Wilson Staff Staff Model (52, 56, 60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Putter: Bobby Grace Greg Chalmers Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
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Curt
Jun 13, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Sounds like a Steelfiber.