Japan is often looked to as a benchmark for cutting edge technology, science and gadgets. When it comes to golf equipment, its no different. Japanese golf shaft companies are known worldwide as manufacturers of high end, top quality shafts. Finding the right shaft is a science in itself and in Japan, there are plenty of products and options to choose from to fit your game. Even with all the companies to choose from, there is no doubt that over the last 4 or 5 years there still remains the big three who dominate the market especially when it comes to pro usage.

Graphite Design, Fujikura, and Mitsubishi Rayon have owned the majority of market share among pro golfers in Japan. Pro usage of certain equipment can cause a trickle down effect to the average consumer and recreational golfer, hey who doesn't want to play what the pros play? The influence is definitely there, especially in Japan where following trends is what life is all about. While it's true some pro players are paid to play certain manufacturer equipment through sponsorship, much of the time the shaft choices are left up to the players themselves. Gakken Sports came out with some interesting Pro usage shaft data that I've posted up here for reference.

A quick look at the 2003 and 2006 driver shaft market share data from Gakken Sports reflects the dominance by the big three and especially by Graphite Design over the last 4 years. In Japan where Pros don't make nearly as much as PGA or US Pros, their shaft choice can play a big impact on their performance and career acheivements.

Some key points over the last four years:

2003

Speeder by Fujikura is a big hit. The Speeder model is the dominent model on the Japanese tour. Overall, Graphite Design is the top shaft manufacturer. Percentage of players who played other shafts besides the big 3 is relatively large at 29.3%.

2004

Speeder is still favored among players. Graphite Design continues its overall dominence and Mitsubishi Rayon introduces its new shaft Diamana starting this year.

2005

Diamana by Mitsubishi Rayon increases strongly in numbers. Speeder on the other hand, begins drifting downward in usage. Graphite Design also falls below 30% overall market share for the first time in a few years. Honma begins to make a showing in shaft market with a respectable 6.1% of pro usage.

2006

Graphite Design's Tour AD PT model is extremely popular and brings the manufacturer back over 30%. GD's Tour AD line is at an all time high. Reax by Fujikura makes a good showing probabaly thanks to it being the stock shaft in TaylorMade Drivers. Mitsubishi Rayon counter with new types of Diamana including the Red Board and recently released White Board.

So the question is can anyone challenge the dominance of the big three shaft companies in Japan? Recently there has been lots of press given to both Mamiya OP's Axiv and Matrix shafts. But it's yet to be seen if they can make a dent in Pro market share. The percentage of "Other" shafts in play has declined significantly, leaving little room for other Japanese and Overseas shaft companies to manouvre.