It’s U.S. Open week, and with the best players in the world all in one place at Pebble Beach, it’s the perfect time for West Coast-based companies to bring out some of the new gear for testing. In the case of shafts: Mitsubishi Chemical is debuting the new MMT: Metal Mesh Technology iron shaft.

We reached out to Mitsubishi and they were happy to supply the full rundown on the new shaft currently wrapping up the testing phase;

“MMT stands for Metal Mesh Technology, an exciting, new innovation that expands the potential for composite iron shaft construction,” says Mark Gunther, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MCA GOLF. “It’s born from more than 30-years of composite shaft mastery at MCA – with the technology actually originating in our Archery Division – and opens up new avenues for our continued cutting-edge exploration.”

“Designed to maximize the benefits of both composite and steel performance, MMT takes full advantage of the Mitsubishi end-to-end manufacturing approach. As layers of prepreg are stacked to build the shaft’s core, a section of unique Metal Mesh is integrated towards the tip. This Metal Mesh – made up of individually braided strands of 304 Stainless Steel – improves the density and stability of the shaft. Together this yields a finely tuned, highly responsive shaft that still provides the consistent launch and spin control needed for precise iron play.

If you think you’ve heard MCA talk about a braided shaft before you are correct. They utilized this same technology (or at least part of it) in the OT, a shaft that was comprised entirely of braided strands of graphite. From an unfinished standpoint the OT was, and still is, one of the coolest shafts EVER made!

What’s interesting about this new shaft is that not only does the steel MMT add stability, but it also adds weight to the tip section. As an experienced builder, one of the biggest difficulties with graphite shafts especially in lighter weight models is that it is difficult to achieve a desired swing weight, or at least something in the range of what was fit, as mass decreases, it’s simple math. But by Mitsubishi Chemical using the much heavier material in the lower end and tip of the shaft, it should be easier to create the feeling of mass at the end of the club, something many players desire.

Currently being tested as a final prototype in taper tip the Parallel version be released this summer and available through MCA GOLF authorized retailers and dealers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $90.00 USD.

MMT Iron with Parallel Tips will be available in five weights from 40g to 80g. With a Tour taper coming later in 2019.

Weights and flexes

• MMT Iron 40 (L Flex)
• MMT Iron 50 (L Flex)
• MMT Iron 60 (A, R Flex)
• MMT Iron 70 (R Flex)
• MMT Iron 80 (R, S Flex)

Profile: Mid launch and mid spin

• More photos in the forums: New Mitsubishi iron shaft