UST Mamiya Helium Black Shaft
Historically, lightweight and stability haven’t exactly gone hand in hand. Sure, some brands have had success here and there, but generally speaking, super light shafts have not been known for their stability, ESPECIALLY with higher swing speeds. UST Mamiya introduced their lightweight Helium shaft last season which was a good execution of a lightweight shaft that actually had good performance, stability, and a responsive feel. This season, UST adds a black colorway to the lineup that will be heavily featured as a shaft option with many OEMs.
The Looks
Much like the silver Helium, the UST Mamiya Helium Black has the same hexagonal graphic and “HeLIUM” logo. The previous silver Helium shaft had a little more pop to it whereas the Helium Black has a more modest appearance. Though the black base with minimal white and silver branding leaves you with a simple look, it also makes the white and silver “honeycomb” graphics really pop.
How Does it Feel?
The UST Mamiya Helium Black’s counterbalance plays a key role in such a lightweight shaft. A lighter shaft is supposed to result in faster speed, but with such little mass in the shaft, it can often feel like you have a sledgehammer at the end of a long twig. When UST Mamiya reduced the shaft weight, they needed to manage that hammer/twig sensation somehow. To combat that feeling, UST used a carbon fiber with less resin to stiffen the walls of the shaft and they also counterbalanced it. What this means is that the shaft, while lightweight, will still have stability and the counterweight will balance out the weight distribution. The end result is a controllable shaft with a precise feel and balance point.
On-Course Performance
| Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin | Carry (Yds) | Total (Yds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114.6 | 170.2 | 15.5º | 2720 | 281.9 | 300.2 |
Based on my experience, the UST Mamiya Helium is best for a player with a somewhat aggressive swing that’s looking for a little more speed and more carry. As billed, the Helium Black was stable throughout the swing so you could still get after it without losing control of the shaft. The biggest difference I noticed was that I launched the ball quite a bit higher and was on the higher end for spin. This is the combination you want for more carry off the tee. The higher launch will get the ball in the air and the spin will hold it up there longer.
The good news is that the spin is still reasonable. 2700 rpms still allowed for about 20 yards of roll and wasn’t so high that I couldn’t control where the ball went. It was just enough to keep the ball in the sky, but still get the total distance and control I need.
Final Thoughts – UST Mamiya Helium Black Shaft
The UST Mamiya Helium is a stable shaft that doesn’t sacrifice feel and performance as a result of its lighter weight. Balancing stiffness, stability, and feel for a wider audience in a lightweight package is no easy task for a shaft company. I believe that UST Mamiya managed to accomplish that balance pretty well. Players that want to pick up more speed and launch without having to change their actual swing may want to consider testing the UST Mamiya Helium with their local fitter.
On a mavrik wood a light or heavier grip would do what to my distance.
Absolutely nothing. Only impacts your swingweight and overall club weight.
Thanks Bill for the precise review. I want to check out the Mavrik with this shaft. You keyed me to further pursue.
Tried this shaft on a new Cobra KING SZ Speedzone driver, 10.5 and also hit with Tensei and HZRDUS. I’m a 18hcp younger senior. Hands down the best feel and control. On a pro-shop simulator, averaged 10-15 more yds carry, and stayed straighter. Thank you for the review. Not so familiar with this shaft brand, so your review made me very comfortable purchasing.
The UST Helium has had quite a bit of success since its launch with the exact demographic you represent. I’m hearing that story quite a bit for this shaft and have seen it in person as well.
what is the difference in the helium black 4 and black 5 on the Callaway Mavrik 3 woods?
Weight. 40 gram range of 50 gram range. 5 is also available in both light and regular flex whereas 4 is only in light.
For a women’s fairway wood, would you generally recommend the Helium Black 4 since it is lighter (for a high handicapper)?
Tough to say. Really depends on the player and how they swing the gear with their own hands. Handicap and gender don’t translate into a shaft weight or flex in my opinion. Sorry that’s not more helpful.
I recently got a Callaway Rogue Driver (used) with a UST Helium Black, but as a 4F3, which doesn’t seem to exist. Did I get a dud?
I don’t know for sure, but it’s most likely a model specifically made for Callaway by UST, not the aftermarket one. Super common with stock shafts. Take a look if you can find the Rogue on the Callaway site anywhere and it’s probably listed as an option.
Hi Folks
My question is I been using a Callaway BB21 with a Helium 4f3 shaft and been hitting the ball really well I getting the new Sim 2 draw driver when released will this shaft be ok in this club I am not the longest of the tee anymore and the Callaway driver has given me a extra 20 metres off the tee .
The Callaway is a loan club
No reason it couldn’t be, but it’s a totally different head which probably weights different as well. It’s entirely possible your body won’t respond to it the same and it won’t play as satisfactorily as your current setup. It’s also entirely possible it will be great. The only way you’re really going to know is by testing.
UST Mamiya Helium Black 4 is a “Light” flex. Is that Senior or more of a ladies’ flex?
I honestly don’t know, but the difference between ladies and senior is a misnomer for flex designations. The reality is, one isn’t better for “women” or better for “old people”. Light flex I would assume is a lighter flex profile than regular. How light, I don’t know.
My wife has a 4F1 shaft on her Mavrik Max 3W. I purchased a men’s Maverik Max 3W with a (5F2) senior flex and was told the haft was identical but both my wife and I feel it’s stiffer and I can’t hit it as well as I can her club. I’ve searched on line for a good comparison between the 2 but can’t find anything. Short of stealing her club I’m short on what to do lol
4 = the weight, 1 = the flex. 5F2 is a weight class and flex heavier. The reality is that you guys have two completely different golf shafts so they are likely very different clubs to you.
Bill, I’m looking at getting the new 2021 Callaway Epic Speed 3-wood. I’m 74 now, still play to a 7 but have lost distance and swing speed (about 85/driver). I’ll get the 16.5 loft for a better launch angle for me. My old Epic GB 3-wood was fit for me a few years ago with an OBAN ISAWA 65-O3 shaft (regular), which seemed to be good for me. Any advice on shaft recommendation for the new club that would simulate the Oban? I don’t think the Oban is one of their options, even under customization. Thanks!
Are you asking in terms of the stock shafts they offer, or just any shaft on the market? Because if it’s any shaft on the market, it’s sort of a shot in the dark.
Why not just pull the Oban out of your old fairway wood and put it in the new one?
Thanks Bill. I was referring to the various shaft options that Callway.com offers. But yes, I was thinking of using my Oban in the new club, but I don’t have a shaft-puller and the new Callaway 3-wood does not have an interchangeable, adjustable hosel… you can’t just screw in a new shaft. Would it be a big deal to change the tip on my current Oban and put it in the new club?
No, it would be easy for any reliable club builder. Just don’t do it without a shaft puller. That’s bad news.
OK thanks Bill!
Bill, How do you think the UST Mamiya Helium Black 4 Graphite compares to an Aldila Quaranta 40gm A flex shaft?
Zero idea, sorry. I’ve never hit the Aldila, or even knew about it for that matter. I’d just be guessing at best based on product descriptions.
Thanks
What’s the difference between the Helium Black and the discontinued Helium SIlver?
I was confused at first too so I asked them. Same exact shaft, just different color finishes.
It’s a Callaway only shaft, you will not find it on UST’s web site. I have it in the New Epic Speed driver
What’s a Callaway only shaft? The Helium is used by multiple brands and can in fact still be found on UST’s site.
Has the Mamiya black shaft 4f3 more or less flex than the 4f1.
Thank you.?
4F1 is L flex (ladies or lite, not sure what UST designates their L as) and 4F3 is regular flex, so “two flexes” stronger.