50 Words or Less
The Mitsubishi Diamana BB shaft updates the classic Blueboard with the latest material innovations. Classic smooth Diamana feel. Works well for a huge range of swings. Consistent performance.
Introduction
For twenty years, Mitsubishi’s Diamana line has been the gold standard for quality and feel in graphite shafts. Across numerous generations, these shafts have been consistent winners on worldwide professional tours and in fitting bays.
To celebrate this milestone, Mitsusbishi is bringing back the original names and profiles. We saw the WB – Whiteboard – earlier this year, and the end of summer brings the Mitsubishi Diamana BB, the successor to the Blueboard. I tested one to see how the latest material technology can make this classic even better.
Looks
The Mitsubishi Diamana BB shaft brings back all the classic elements of the original Diamana line with its own twist. Just below the grip, the flowerband wraps around the shaft in white and silver on a matte black background. The traditional Diamana surfboard logo sits between the flowerband and the BB designation.
While the original silver base color is the classic, I like the matte black even more. It allows the blue to pop without being a “Look at me!” shaft. I also like that you can get a totally clean look if you install the shaft logo down.
Feel
The key word with any Diamana shaft has always been “smooth,” and that’s never been more true than with the new Mitsubishi Diamana BB. This shaft doesn’t have a clear hinge or kickpoint; the energy pours seamlessly from grip to club head. This makes sense given Mitsubishi’s rating of the shaft as Medium+, Medium+, Medium from butt to mid to tip. For comparison, the new Diamana WB [review HERE] is rated Firm, Firm+, Medium+.
From a feel perspective, what stood out to me is how consistent it is regardless of effort. I could dial my speed down to the high 90s and still have the smooth sensation. Going all out over 110 MPH, the feel was the same, and the shaft held up.
Performance
Building on that idea of consistent feel across speeds, the Mitsubishi Diamana BB gave me the confidence to hit all types of shots at all different effort levels. After a recent round with rental clubs, I’ve been playing with a lot of 75% driver swings, and the Diamana BB was sensational for this. It felt like the shaft was adding some extra speed without opening up my dispersion. When I turned my effort up to 100%, the BB kept up rather than asking me to fit my swing to the shaft.
Before going any further, I want to highlight the thing that stood out most: the ball speed. Mitsubishi states that the 80-Ton Dialead Pitch Fiber in the butt section maximizes energy transfer. I can’t speak to that level of technicality, but I can report that the Diamana BB gave me some of the highest ball speeds and smash factors I’ve seen at every level of swing speed. This added pop would be a major factor in giving me the confidence to take my 75% swing to the course.
Another thing that was consistent across effort levels was the BB’s preferred shot shape. Regardless of how hard I swung, the Diamana BB preferred a tight draw. For my hook-prone swing, cuts required a bit of effort. As with any equipment choice, this has its positives and negatives. While I prefer to see a cut, I felt like I could aim the Mitsubishi Diamana BB down the right edge of any fairway and not worry about losing the ball. And, as always, your results may be completely different which is why fitting is so important.
Comparing the Mitsubishi Diamana BB to the WB, the launch and spin are higher. The BB is billed as mid launch and spin, the WB as low launch and spin. While the difference is not night and day, the numbers were significantly different* and there was a visible change in the ball flight.
*The numbers in this review are not comparable apples-to-apples with the numbers in the WB review.
The Mitsubishi Diamana BB is available in five weight class designations: 43, 53, 63, 73, and 83 grams. The lightest BB comes in five flexes: R2, R, SR, S, and X. Both 53 and 63 are available in five flexes, too: R, SR, S, X, and TX. BB 73 and BB 83 are offered in S, X, and TX.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Diamana BB is a worthy heir to both the Diamana and Blueboard legacies. It delivers the smooth feel that this line is known for while using the latest materials to add an infusion of speed. Whether you’re a smooth swinger or an aggressive hitter, put this in the lineup during your next driver fitting.
Visit Mitsubishi Golf HERE
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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13 Comments
So, the remaining question is: given the results- are you putting it in the bag?
Bob,
It’s going to hang out for a while and compete with the TENSEI 1K White. If I can keep up this 75% swing, I’ll end up bagging the BB. If I find that I can’t sustain less than 100% effort, I’ll stick with the TENSEI.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Great review as always. What flex and weight did you test with?
The 63-X shown in the pictures.
-Matt
Had the chance to try the Diamana BB 53X recently paired with a Cobra Darkspeed LS 9 degree driver head and it was smooth and buttery. Also created a tight draw with extremely good dispersion. Similarly, held up to whatever I threw at it. Reminded me a lot of the Diamana ZF 60S shaft that I was gaming up until a few months ago. All in all really liked it.
For me the sweet spot would be in a Low Spin Driver head or as a fairway wood shaft.
Hi Matt,
Great review as always. Just curious what weight and flex you tested?
The 63-X shown in the pictures.
-Matt
Would you go up in flex if you wanted to swing 90-100%
Alex,
No, that’s the beauty of the BB, it works at all effort levels.
-Matt
Hi again Matt! Great review as always!! Thank you!! Overall, what do you find/feel is the difference between the Diamana WB/BB vs Ventus Black/Blue vs GD VF? Just the overview in your mind. Again, 105 to 109 SS here, getting old!! Dammit!! Aggressive, Quick transition down and come over the top sometimes and have an early release sometimes. Also, a high ball, high spin player with a fade. Thoughts on the best 2 out 3 to try? Thank you Matt!! I thoroughly enjoy your detailed reviews!! Thanks!!
Joe,
If you’re looking to reduce launch and spin, Ventus Black and Diamana WB would be the obvious choices.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I’ve read your review on the Vanquish shaft and hit it myself and quite like it. Any qualitative comparison you can make with Diamana BB? I’m in the lighter 4R/43R weight category.
Thanks,
Matt
Matt,
Nothing comes to mind beyond what’s in the review.
Best,
Matt