Your steering shaft is spinning — on purpose. Here’s why

For most players, choosing a new driver shaft comes down to two numbers: weight in grams and flex (S, R or X). However, there is a third, often misunderstood metric that dictates whether your ball finds the fairway or deep: torque. So today, we’re going to talk a little bit about Where General 6 lineup from Mitsubishi and what they’ve done to rethink torque for the modern golf swing — and how they can match your swing profile.

While “bend” describes how much a shaft bends toward or away from the target during the course of the golf swing, torque measures how much the shaft resists rotation about its center. Measured in degrees, torque is the “drive shaft” of your golf club. If you’ve ever felt like your swing was on plane, but the clubhead was “wobbly” or unreasonably open at impact, you’ve experienced the effects of a torque profile that doesn’t match up well.

What exactly is torque?

In technical terms, torque is the measurement of the angular displacement of a shaft under a standard load. If a shaft has a 3.0° torque rating, it rotates less than a shaft with a 5.0° rating.

High speed players with aggressive transition moves put tremendous stress on the shaft. If the torque is too high for their speed, the clubhead will lag, the face will stay open, and the result is usually a high and weak putt. Conversely, a player with a relaxed, deliberate pace may find that a low-torque shaft feels “crushed” or “dead,” making it difficult to set the face and leading to a loss of feel, but also a significant loss in performance.

Mitsubishi’s secret: 46 tons of carbon fiber

The challenge for engineers has always been to reduce torque without adding too much weight or making the axle feel too stiff. Mitsubishi solved this in the Diamana Gen 6 by using 46 ton high modulus carbon fiber in the angular layers.

By strategically layering these high-strength fibers at specific angles, they can “lock” the shaft against twist while maintaining the smooth, springy feel that has made the Diamana a staple on major tournaments for two decades.

Matching the lineup to your swing

The 6th generation Diamana family – consisting of WB, BB and RB – offers three distinct ways to handle torque based on your specific swing profile.

1. Diamana WB (White Board)
Diamana WB is the ultimate “anti-twist” weapon. Designed for the hitter rather than the swinger, it features the lowest torque in the lineup. If you have a high swing speed and a violent transition, WB stays steady, ensuring the face doesn’t roll prematurely. It produces a low launch profile and low spin for maximum control.

Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana WB Wood Shaft

The board is back. After a few years away, the vintage surfboard always associated with Diamana™ returns with the Diamana WB. Built on a hugely popular and tour-proven platform, the WB delivers classic low-low performance and the legendary stability and control you’ve come to expect after two decades. The first in the 6th Generation Diamana™ family, the WB is designed with all the traditional branding that made the Diamana™ so beloved, including flowers on the handle, a surfboard behind the Diamana logo and a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class designations. But rest assured, the only thing coming back about the Diamana™ WB is its looks. Indeed, 80 ton super high modulus Dialead Pitch Fiber is used in the butt to provide maximum stability and increased power transfer and 46 ton high modulus fiber is used in the shaft corner layers to reduce torque without increasing weight for improved control and stability. The orientation of the carbon fiber in the tip section has been optimized to further reduce torque. The classic feel of this Diamana™ profile is achieved through the use of our proprietary Xlink Tech™ Resin System and MR70 technologies. Our Xlink Tech™ resin system increases shaft strength and durability while increasing carbon fiber volume for better feel. Feel and strength are further enhanced through the use of our aerospace grade MR70 fiber – our strongest fiber to date.

View Product

2. Diamana BB (Blue Board)
Diamana BB is the central part of the lineup. It offers a medium torque profile that provides that signature “smooth” feel. By using an 80 ton dialead fiber in the butt, Mitsubishi ensures that while the shaft feels active and responsive, it remains stable through the impact zone. This is for the golfer looking for a classic 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 designations. This shaft incorporates advanced engineering and material innovation, making it a good choice on tour. Key Features: Maximum Energy Transfer: Uses super high modulus 80-ton pitch dialead fiber in the butt. Greater stability: Uses 46 ton high modulus fiber in the shaft rotation angle to reduce torque. Improved feel and durability: Mitsubishi’s proprietary Xlink Tech system increases the shaft’s overall strength and durability, while increasing carbon fiber volume for superior feel.

View Product

3. Diamana RB (Red Board)
The Diamana RB is designed for players who need a little more help getting the ball in the air. While it has a more active tip section to increase release, torque is still tightly controlled by the 46-ton fiber. This allows for a high-release profile without the “loose” feel often associated with draw-bias or high-release shafts. A first for the Diamana brand; a lower torque profile for early release golfers.

Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana RB Wood Shaft

The Diamana™ RB (Red Board) – the third profile in the latest generation – is designed with all the traditional branding that made Diamana so beloved – including a return to the original 53/63/73/83 weight class designations – and all the engineering prowess and material innovation that made the brand dominant on tour. Offering a slightly higher launch angle than the BB, the Diamana™ RB is designed to promote ease of launch while also maintaining control on the ground. The Diamana RB is a classic “Red Board” profile — unavailable since the 2nd Generation Diamana — that features an active tip section while retaining the same material technology package and low-torque control characteristics as its lower-end counterparts.

View Product

Stability is speed

Choosing the right torque isn’t about finding the “best” number; it’s about finding the number that matches your tempo. A shaft that spins just the right amount for your swing lets you swing the club with complete confidence. Keep in mind that weight and bending will also affect torque. Within the same profile, a heavier shaft or a stiffer bend will have a lower torque level.

As always, the best place to find the right drive shaft for you is to visit your local authorized Mitsubishi dealer, such as your local True Spec Golf.