UST Mamiya LIN-Q Gunmetal Shaft

After previously reviewing the UST Mamiya LIN-Q Purple shaft, it was time to review its low/mid launch and spin counterpart. The UST Mamiya LIN-Q Gunmetal shaft is designed to have a low-to-mid launch and low-to-mid spin with strong energy transfer and stability for better control. Specifically for the player with a more aggressive swing. Like the LIN-Q Purple, the Gunmetal uses the same new Q-Fiber technology to achieve these results.

The Looks

When I hear the name “UST Mamiya“, I immediately think of a golf shaft with a black/yellow/white color scheme. While the LIN-Q Gunmetal is reminiscent of this color scheme at first glance, a closer inspection will show you it’s quite a bit different than the UST shafts of yesteryear. The black base really has more of a metallic gunmetal grey sheen to it (makes sense, right?) with some subtle shadow graphics mixed in with the signature LIN-Q branding and accents. Though not as loud and attention grabbing as the LIN-Q Purple, it’s a nice modest counterpart that’s still pretty slick.

How Does it Feel?

Like the LIN-Q Purple, UST Mamiya gave the LIN-Q Gunmetal a more stable tip and mid section. Being the Gunmetal is designed for a lower launch and spin, it feels a little more stout, but it’s far from boardy and still has a really nice kick to it. Thanks to UST’s Q-Fiber technology, the shaft is still stable but you still get a good sense of loading energy into the shaft and its release through impact. There’s still some good action in the LIN-Q Gunmetal’s tip section, but as the lower launch and spin model, it feels a little less lively than the Purple. This isn’t the worst thing in the world, however, if you have a more aggressive swing. A little more stability in the tip section helps you feel more in control of the club head throughout a swing with a more aggressive tempo.

On-Course Performance

I’m noticing a fairly consistent theme with UST Mamiya shafts. It seems like every time I test one of them, they do exactly what the product page says they’re going to do. Note: as an independent reviewer, I want to be clear, that doesn’t always mean it’s ideal for me, just that the data is typically consistent with how the shaft is advertised. In the case of the LIN-Q Gunmetal, it pretty much did exactly what UST said it does.

11.9º of launch is on the lower end of a medium launch for me, and the 2389 rpm spin rate is about as low as I can get before I start calling a shaft low spin in my driver. The level of spin with the launch and club speed I saw translated to good carry and overall distance. A strong ball flight, mixed with the general stability of the shaft, really helped me to keep my driver game under control with its tight dispersion. Lately, the ability to keep my driver on the planet is worth more than anything. Add in good distance on top of it, and I might just have a decent day on the course.

Final Thoughts – UST Mamiya LIN-Q Gunmetal

If there’s one thing I can say about both UST Mamiya LIN-Q shafts is that they must be onto something with this Q-Fiber technology. Both shafts are stable and hold up well under a full swing. The LIN-Q Gunmetal is easier to control while just swinging away. Stability in the tip and mid sections is definitely noticeable, but there’s still enough action to feel the energy load and release resulting in a nice pop to the golf ball. Just as the new Q-Fiber technology was designed to do.

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