Hi Warren - 

Everything you've stated here is accurate and it sounds like the Titleist Ahina 72 X works well for you.  It is possible that the aftermarket version could lower spin and provide slightly better accuracy over your current model but the differences in the X flex models is minimal.

The primary difference is in our Titleist versions is with torque values.  The Titleist proprietary shaft uses a progressively higher torque as the flex gets softer.  Our testing has shown that this provides the best combination of feel and repeatability.

This means that there is little to almost no difference in the X flex versions with only very small differences in weight and torque.  We design our X flex shafts for tour ball speeds so the difference in performance is minimal.

Hope this helps...

Since my right arm tendon problem has been cured my average driver speed on trackman went from 109-114 to 118-122 and the real Ahina 70x I'm killing it with 2100rpm spin in the 910D3. (I'm a high spin player and this combo is near to perfection as i'm gonna find)

2100rpm of spin is fine at higher clubhead speed, but for lesser swings you'll struggle to get the ball airborne.

I agree with Nick, unless you have Tour level 112+ clubhead speed on a consistent basis you probably don’t require the real Ahina, I can also confirm the Diamana upcharge AHINA shaft is really stiff.

The made for Titleist shafts are really good and sufficient for 95% of golfers, tipping the MFT Ahina is a good option is you need lower spin.

Thanks for your responses.

I am actually 24 years old and have a SS of 120+ as I have spent many years sprint swimming and power lifts. Unfortunatly when being fit I hit the ball too hard for the launch monitor (indoor studio) to pick up and thus I was given a selection of shafts to take to the range and have since decided on what I see as opposed to getting proper launch monitor data. As I have been playing more and more so far this season I have noticed I am hitting the ball further and further and have been loosing a bit of accuracy with my driver. 

I have just been wondering if my SS requires a stronger shaft so am thinking of going to try out other mitsubishi shafts such as the the ahina 70x.

Stay away from indoor fitting - not possible to properly fit indoors. Find a good titleist fitter through their locator service and then make sure they 1) use a launch monitor, 2) fit out doors and 3 ) use Pro V1 balls for the fitting.

Steve Ball.PGA
Senior Consultant to Titleist fitting

Outdoor fittings are much better than indoor fittings, basically because the indoor fittings only give launch data.  Which is fine but it takes away from visualizing the ball flight.  I've been fit indoors, and had good stats on the launch monitors (ball speed, swing speed, launch angle) with "stiff" shafts, tried outdoor fittings, had better stats, and was fitted with "extra stiff" shafts.  Definitely translated to more confidence on the course and better scores.

Warren,

I currently have installed the Diamana Thump Hybrid shaft in a couple of older Air Muscle utility irons (2 iron and 3 iron).  This is an awesome shaft.  I have the 103 gram "X" flex in both and this shaft is great for hybrids for a player with a high launch, high spin ball flight.  I have the 910 D3 (9.5 degree) with the Diamana White Board 83 "X" and am smoking it around 330 to 340.  But I have a swing speed of 122 with the driver.  You can get this shaft in a lower weight and a stiff vs. extra stiff flex.  Not sure of your swing speed or launch conditions.

The only problem with the Diamana Thump shaft is that the tip is .370 and will not fit the Titliest hybrid heads as they are .350 tip diameter with the Surefit hosel tip.  Hopefully, Mitsubishi will make these shafts with a smaller tip diameter and then Titleist would probably test them to see if they would be an approved shaft.

Another shaft option for you to consider would be to try the old Aldila VS Proto shaft (the blue version).  I just customed ordered a 910 FD (15 degree) with an 80 "X" Proto and a 910-H (17 degree) with a 95 "X" Proto hybrid shaft.  The Proto in my opinion plays very similar to the Thump shaft.  The specs are very similar as well, in terms of bend point, torque, and has a very stiff tip like the Thump, which will help take spin off the ball and give you a penetrating ball flight. 

Jason

Thanks for your response Jason,

My swing speed is around 120 and am not sure if this would require the full upgraded ahina. I play the D2 in 8.5 with the the stock X flex ahina at the minute. With your whiteboard do you have it tipped at all?

I am not worried so much about getting any more distance as I already hit the ball 300+, my issue is just controlling it! 

Just had a another look at the hybrid shafts and the one I am using currently the ahina 90x hyb which looks to have the same specs as the thump but 10 grams lighter.

Hi Warren,

I did not tip the Whiteboard.  To me, it plays plenty stiff enough in the tip.  If you are having control issues, maybe increase the swingweight of your driver a bit and it might help your timing some.

Thanks!

Jason

I typically find that I can acheive better control with a heavier shaft. At your age and swing speed you may consider the 80 gram version in your driver, their are still better players using 80 gram shafts in the driver. I don't know  if it's possible to purchase the Titleist Ahina 82 X flex in driver length and give that a go before dropping $350 + for the real ahina with simular specs.