UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105 Shaft Review

UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105 Shaft

UST Mamiya launched their DART lineup of Recoil graphite iron shafts in 2021. That initial release was comprised of two lighter options coming at 65 and 75 gram weights. While these were perfectly fine shafts, many players requiring more shaft weight needed something else. UST Mamiya realized players were left yearning for an option that was a better fit for their game. Alas, their prayers were answered. The new UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105 is here as well as a 95 gram option. These new shafts feature the same “Dual Action Recoil Technology” for more stability, smooth feel, and an optimal ball flight. Except now they’re available in heavier weights for stronger swings.

The Looks

At a quick glance, the UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105 shafts have a shiny black base with red and white graphics. The graphics are in line with traditional Recoil branding, but the DART branding has its own unique character. A closer look, however, will impress you just a little bit more than you first realized. UST Mamiya used a process called “Ion Plating” to create a more advanced finish than traditional paint. Though the process takes more time and is more expensive, it provides more consistency throughout the shaft by evenly applying the finish. The way it works is that UST puts the raw shaft into a vacuum chamber where metal ions will bond to the shaft. It’s also interesting in that the shaft feels more metallic to the touch. Like if you tap two shafts together, they almost sound metal…but they’re not. It’s a cool finish.

How Does it Feel?

“Recoil” can be defined as “to fall back under pressure” or “to spring back to or as if to a starting point“. That’s the basic concept behind UST Mamiya’s Recoil shaft family, and specifically with the new Recoil DART. The way I would explain this concept is that if you think of the shaft as a tube, it will take a more “ovular” shape under the stress of the swing and impact. How quickly the shaft returns to a circular shape will play a huge role in feel. It will also impact energy transfer and stability. The less shape change that takes place, the further the ball will travel. Or, the shaft RECOILS back to shape and your control will be better.

That all still rings true from the lighter versions of the shaft, but the heaver 105-gram version felt tighter and more stable to me. This was somewhat to be expected with more mass and an extra stiff flex profile, but it’s still important to note. That said, the Recoil DART 105 is still a smooth/clean feeling graphite iron shaft. I felt like the energy release was definitely noticeable at impact with an almost “snap” on a good swing. The bend is fairly gradual as opposed to a super distinct kick point, BUT I would say that bend was noticeable more in the middle fifth of the shaft.

On-Course Performance

Much like the feel of the UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105, my dispersion was much tighter. The heavier weight was a better mix for my swing and I was able to keep the ball on my lines easier. I still had to keep a fairly smooth tempo from what I used to, but it wasn’t as major of an adjustment for me. The heavier weight helps provide the stability that the Recoil DART is supposed to deliver. Additionally, my flight was piercing with a touch of rise and a slightly-above-medium trajectory. Shaping and flighting the ball was fairly easy as well.

Final Thoughts – UST Mamiya Recoil DART 105

I continue to believe the UST Mamiya Recoil DART is an easy-to-hit shaft with wide appeal. You don’t have to be super human to realize its benefits, but bigger swings now have a DART option. Keep in mind that the Recoil DART 105 is still a graphite iron shaft. It definitely won’t be mistaken for a stout and heavy, low launch, low spin steel shaft. It’s just not supposed to be that. But if you’re looking for a stable graphite iron shaft with smooth feel, the Recoil DART 105 fits that bill.