For many golfers, choosing a new driver comes down to two numbers: weight in grams and flex (S, R or X). However, there is a third, often misunderstood metric that determines whether your ball hits the fairway or deep rough: torque. So today, we’re going to talk a little bit about the Diamana Gen 6 lineup from Mitsubishi and what they’ve done to reimagine torque for the modern golf swing – and how they might suit your swing profile.
While “flex” describes how much the shaft bends or moves away from the target during the golf swing, torque measures how much the shaft resists twisting in the middle. Measured in degrees, torque is the “direction point” of your golf club. If you’ve ever felt like your swing was on-plane but the clubhead “wobbled” or opened up improperly, you’ve experienced the results of a mis-matched torque profile.
What exactly is torque?
In technical terms, torque is a measure of the angular displacement of a shaft under normal load. If a shaft has a torque ratio of 3.0°, it turns less than a shaft with a torque ratio of 5.0°.
High speed players leading the rotation put a lot of stress on the shaft. If the torque is too high at their speed, the clubhead will be, the face will remain open and the result is usually a high, weak piece. Conversely, a player with a smooth, deliberate tempo can find a low torque shaft that feels “boardy” or “dead,” making it difficult to square the face and lead to a loss of feel, but also a significant loss in performance.
Jake Morrow / GOLF
Mitsubishi’s secret: 46-ton carbon fiber
The challenge for engineers has always been to reduce torque without adding too much weight or making the shaft feel too stiff. Mitsubishi solved this in the Diamana Gen 6 by using 46-ton high-modulus carbon fiber plies.
By properly positioning these high-strength threads at certain angles, they can “lock” the shaft against twisting while maintaining the smooth, elastic feel that has made the Diamana a mainstay on big tours for two decades.
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Jake Morrow / GOLF
Matching the line to your swing
The 6th Gen Diamana family – which includes the WB, BB, and RB – offers three different torque management modes based on your specific swing profile.
1. Diamana WB (Whiteboard)
Diamana WB is the ultimate “countermeasure” weapon. Designed for the “hitter” rather than the “swinger,” it features the lowest torque on the list. When you have a high swing speed and a violent transition, the WB remains stable, ensuring that the face does not turn prematurely. It produces a low launch and a low spin profile for maximum control.
Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana WB Wood Shaft
The board is back. After a few years away, the classic surfboard always associated with Diamana™ makes its comeback with the Diamana WB. Built on an incredibly popular and tour-proven platform, the WB delivers classic low-end performance and the stability and control you’ve come to expect after twenty years. The first in the 6th Generation Diamana™ family, the WB is designed with all the traditional products that make Diamana™ so popular, including the flowers on the handle section, the surfboard behind the Diamana logo, and returns to the original design of the 53/63/73/83 weight class. But rest assured, the only thing holding Diamana™ WB back is its appearance. Indeed, a super high-modulus 80-ton Dialead Pitch Fiber is used in the butt section to deliver maximum stability and increased power transmission and a high-modulus 46-ton fiber is used in the shaft angle to reduce torque without increasing weight for improved control and stability. Carbon fiber orientation in the tip section has been improved for further low torque. The classic feel of this Diamana™ profile is achieved through the use of our proprietary Xlink Tech™ Resin System and MR70 technology. Our Xlink Tech™ Resin System increases shaft strength and durability while increasing carbon fiber volume for better feel. The feel and strength are enhanced by the use of our aerospace-grade MR70 fiber – our strongest fiber to date.
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2. Diamana BB (Blue Board)
The Diamana BB is the main feature in the lineup. It offers a moderate torque profile that provides a signature “smooth” feel. By using 80 tons of dialead pitch fiber in the shaft section, Mitsubishi ensures that while the shaft feels active and responsive, it remains stable in the impact area. This is for the golfer who wants a mid-launch, mid-spin flight.
Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB Wood Shaft
Diamana BB (Blue Board) is the second profile in the latest generation of Diamana shafts. It features the traditional branding that made Diamana famous, including a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class. This shaft combines advanced engineering with innovative materials, making it a top choice for touring. Key Features: Super Power Transmission: Uses super high-modulus 80-Ton Dialead Pitch Fiber in the butt section. More Stability: Uses a modulus of 46 tons high fiber in the angle of the shaft wraps to reduce torque. Improved Feel and Durability: Mitsubishi’s proprietary Xlink Tech system increases overall shaft strength and durability while optimizing carbon fiber volume for improved feel.
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3. Diamana RB (Red Board)
The Diamana RB is designed for players who need more help getting the ball in the air. While it has an active tip section to increase launch, torque is still tightly controlled by the 46-ton fiber. This allows for a high launch profile without the “loose” feel often associated with a drawn bias or high launch. The first of the Diamana brand; low torque profile for early release golfers.
Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana RB Wood Shaft
Diamana™ RB (Red Board) – the third profile in the most recent generation – is designed with all the traditional brand that makes Diamana so popular – including a return to the original designation of the weight category 53/63/73/83 – with all the engineering ingenuity and innovation that made the product stand out on the tour. Offering a slightly higher launch angle than the BB, the Diamana™ RB is designed to promote easier launches while maintaining ground control. Diamana RB is a classic “Red Board” profile – not available since the 2nd Generation of Diamana – with an active tip section while still maintaining the same technical package of materials and low torch control features as its lower launch counterparts.
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Stability is speed
Choosing the right torque isn’t about finding the “best” number; it’s about finding a number that matches your tempo. A shaft that twists just the right amount for your swing allows you to release the club with complete confidence. Remember that weight and flexibility will also affect torque. Within the same profile a heavy or flexible shaft will have a lower torque rating.
As always, the best place to find the right drivetrain is to visit your local Authorized Mitsubishi Dealer, such as in your area. Special Spec Golf.
