At the start of 2025, Mitsubishi launched the Diamana RB (Red Board) to the 6th-generation Diamana shaft line to complete the hat trick (White, Blue were re-introduced in the fall of ’24) celebrating the model’s 20th Anniversary.
The Diamana WB and BB were introduced late last year. The RB completes the Diamana family, offering the highest-launching and highest-spinning option profile. It’s the first time since 2009 that the brand has featured the Red Board profile.
For over two decades, Mitsubishi’s Diamana shaft line has been a mainstay in the industry and on major tours around the world. Known for its smooth feel, Mitsubishi says, “everything to do with Diamana is about creating the best-feeling golf shaft imaginable”.
Tech: All of the 6th-generation Diamana family, features the new 80-ton DIALEAD pitch fiber in the handle to support increased energy transfer to the ball at impact for more ball speed. The Xlink Tech Resin System strengthens the shaft by bolstering the carbon fiber volume. The shaft’s torque is regulated by a new orientation of piles in the tip section to take advantage of higher MOI clubheads for tighter downrange dispersion.
The Diamana Red Board is a bit of a contrarian to the recent trend of low launch/low spin shafts, As a 100 mph swing speed player who doesn’t produce enough backspin, this review was exactly what the doctor ordered. Although many high-speed players typically are looking to reduce spin, there’s a percentage of these players who need to add spin – and for those, RB may be the right fit. Diamana RB is availabale in a wide range of weight classifications from 43 to 83 weight and flexes from R2 to TX.
Testing: I’ve been playing the same driver head for two years now and have tested several brands and models of shafts, so I know exactly where the performance baseline is. Typically, I’m very untypical when it comes to fitting a driver, especially the shaft (while most are searching for gear that produces low spin, I don’t produce enough backspin), which makes me the perfect candidate to test the Diamana RB – the highest launch/spin shaft of the Diamana line.
The new Diamana shaft graphics are a new spin on a classic theme, the flowers and the oval branding look sharp.
When I’m swinging well the speed is just over 100 mph, the ball speed will get to 150ish, the launch is around 13-14 degrees and the backspin will be in the 1800-2100 range (a bit lower than ideal), so the quest to find a shaft that consistently produces 2200-2500 spin with a med-high trajectory, producing a little push-draw is the goal. Unless I’m setting up to hit a cut, I never want to see my golf ball start left.
Initially, in the A1 setting with the weight in the heel (draw bias) on my Titleist driver, the ball flight was less than ideal (low pull hooks). I tinkered with the loft sleeve (changing to a flatter lie-angle, B1) and moved the weight to the neutral setting. Instantly, we saw high bombs that started a tad to the right and gently fell to the left, so I kept the setting right there. Average ball speed #’s with the Diamana were between 146-151 mph, launch was 13-14 degrees and the carry distance on center strikes was between 247-256 yards (262-280 yards total). Perhaps most importantly, spin was around 2400 which will allow the ball to stay in the air a bit longer. I didn’t tinker further, opting to test the consistency of the Diamana RB. Even as I tired, the driver delivered consistent, launch, shot-shape and distance numbers.
With the initial launch monitor testing now finished, the Diamana RB will take it’s place in the bag and make its way to the golf course for several rounds of on field testing. We’ll report back on those results soon. Stay tuned . . .
For more info on Mitsubishi Shafts: https://mitsubishigolf.com/
