It’s been a while since posting a review, been busy with all sorts of amazing projects and I feel refreshed and thankful to be back into the swing of things. I recently got out there to try the new Diamana ‘ahina 70 Stiff flex in an Epon AF151 10.5 head .5 closed face angle. I built the club un tipped with a final length of 45 inches coming in at a D3 swing weight. I first want to comment on the Epon AF151 head, it’s the closest thing I can find to the ol Epon 460ZR which was a driver I am absolutely head over heels for. On to the review…
About My Game:
I am about a 14 handicap today, I’ve been in the single digits off and on and recently more so hovering around a 16+. I’ve wrestled with back and weight problems that have prevented me from reaching my full potential. I naturally hit a medium trajectory ball and with equipment tweaks know how to get it a higher, I’m very sensitive when it comes to equipment and feel and shafts. The long game is my weakest aspect, accuracy has always been my key over distance. My driver swing speed is currently averaged around 97-100mph with a very fast tempo. My bad shot is a slice or pull due to the common over the top problem while my good shot is dead straight.
Diamana ‘ahina review
I received a sample of the Diamana Ahina to review and requested the heavier 70 gram version to help smooth things out with my tempo. Keep in mind this is only one man’s experience and also be aware that I shouldn’t even be playing a high kick shaft in the first place. Before building this Epon/ahina combo i had the Titleist VG3 in play with a Graphite Design DI-7 Stiff flex installed aftermarket by yours truly. I am in love with this combo and will never ever sell it..:)
During the first round of play I did need adjustment time, The positive was that it was long no matter with a pull or fade. My bad shot the slice had a tighter dispersion than with my Tour AD shaft. This I can appreciate when my game is not on firing on all cylinders. I feel that the extra distance came from spin reduction and the medium trajectory creating more forward roll. With modest torque ratings at 2.7 its not difficult to turn over.
By the second round into the new ‘ahina things were more fluid and I really noticed the great feel this shaft has which I contribute to it’s softer but section. Compared to other high kick low spin mid trajectory shafts it doesn’t feel nearly as boardy as others. The kick was smooth and well mannered all in all throwing the ball out into the 235-245 range for me which is great considering I was able to hit most fairways consistently. Below is a chart showing the stiff tip of the ‘ahina and softer butt end promoting improved control and maximum kick/power in the downswing.
To sum it all up this shaft is great for those who already hit a higher ball and those who require a tighter dispersion. I personally will not be using this shaft as I do not feel it serves my already low ball flight yet I can totally see it working very well for the faster swinger who go’s after it and wants to keep their trajectory in check. Overall It’s an amazing step forward when compared to the Diamana white board improving on dispersion, feel, and distance. I’m more of an ‘ilima guy myself… The Diamana ‘ahina is now available at the TourSpecGolf Proshop for $360.00, need a discount? contact us via PM through the forums.
This one seems like the new and improved white board. I was wondering why the price is much higher than the other Diamana shafts. diamana must be getting strict with their price points.
Would like to see how it compares to a Fubuki Alpha
Yes, i agree. how does the fubuki shaft compare to the ahina, kaili and ilima?
Diamana has been in my bag for many years but time to change up to new Diamana.
I’m getting some ridiculously low spin from my 701R + Kai’Li combo (1900-2100 on a Trackman). I’m a little wary that this may lower the launch and spin too much. That being said, I’m still going to give these a try.
SO many shafts so little time . . .
The new Titelist 910 D2 Driver is offering a choice of Diamana shafts. Becasue there are no industry standard guidelines for X, S, R & Sen flexes, I find it very difficult to determine which model is best to use. Yes, I know getting fitted will help make that determination, but what would I consider if I wanted a feel and performance that falls somewhere between a Stiff and Regular flex in a Diamana and what would be a similiar shaft to compare? Thanks.
@MyBluC4:
Unfortunately Diamana doesnt have much flex options like other brands in the market. Not sure which diamana titleist is using.
The Diamanas from the new Titleist 910 line are NOT the same as aftermarket. In the same vein as the previous “Made for” Diamanas, the Titleist “versions” use the same tech but are slightly “watered down” (i.e. increased torque, softer tipped, etc.) to fit a broader range of average amateur golfer. I’m hazarding a guess that the S-flex in the “Made for” stock 910 shaft would be somewhere between an R and S in the true aftermarket version.
Hi,
Great review and blog. I am in Brazil and own a distributor, ecommerce and custom build Miura and other Golf clubs. You mentioned the Epon 460 ZR. I amtrying to find those drivers but no luck. I have emailed Epon but no luck as well.
I will be going to the PGA in Orlando and would like to get some special clubs there. Maybe you guys can help. Cheers
George
I recently changed my Tietlist D3 Driver ( had a motore shaft on it-60gms SR ) to Diamana Ahina SR 9 Degrees. Had it on the course just for one game so far. I must say the feel is very good. You can almost feel you are ONE with the driver when you hit the ball. Didnt see must difference on the distance since i am not pushing it like i use to with my Motore. When i do that, i tend to slice pretty bad. Maybe i need some more work on it and see where it takes me.