On the cusp of the release of Axiv X, Mamiya Op's new Axiv series of shafts, I thought I'd clarify some of the differences between the original Axiv and the new ACCRA with Axiv Technology shafts. Accra is a subisdiary of Mamiya Op and has implemented some of the Axiv technology into their new line of shafts. The original Mamiya Axiv and Axiv V were perhaps the hottest shafts of 2006 and early 2007. When Accra launched their line of Axiv Technology shafts, because of the two very different markets in the US and Japan, I figured the shafts would be very different and I was correct. The original Axiv had many models of flexes and weights and you could even choose the kickpoint, low, mid, or high on all the shafts. The V-Spec were Ion plated with a mid/high kick and carbon weave min the mid section for stability. The Accra shafts do use the Tetra-axial weave in their 5 Axiv models but that's about where the similarities end. I posed the question about the differences in USM and JDM models to Gawain Robertson from Accra and received the following response:

"The two shafts are entirely different designs from a geometry standpoint and are designed for different markets. The AXIV material is the same but that is only in one section of the shaft. The AXIV material allows us and Mamiya to make a specific section of the shaft thinner yet stronger. Thinner makes for more feel, strength adds stability. It is a very cool material, as it allows us to use 4 different “prepreg” (modulus of graphite) in four different directions all in one ply."

Now with the emergence and growth of other high end JDM shaft companies like NGS Mach Line and Daiwa Roddio as well as pressure from new models from perennial number one and two Graphite Design and Fujikura, how will the new Axiv X series hold up? Initial review of the specs make it appear as if it's just a slight tweak of the V series. We'll see soon how they perform.