If you’re in the market for a good golf shaft and are feeling a bit stuck on your options, I highly recommend thinking out of the box and branching out of the selections provided by industry giants like TaylorMade or Callaway. UST Mamiya, for example, a company that’s been manufacturing innovative shafts for more than three decades, offers some truly excellent options at even better prices. However, how do two of its Helium Black releases (4 and 5) compare?
UST Mamiya’s Helium Black 4 and 5 are great-quality shafts that offer an excellent feel and improved overall performance. They both measure 46” (117 cm) in length; however, the former is lighter and boasts a higher torque than the latter. Helium Black 4 is also more flexible than its counterpart.
If you want to learn more about the differences between these shafts as well as their pros and cons, make sure to keep reading below. In the following sections, I explore some of their most prominent features and how these translate to your golfing experience. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
UST Mamiya Helium Black 4 vs. 5: Comparison Table
Here’s how UST Mamiya Helium Black 4 and 5 shafts compare in terms of specs:
| Helium Black 4 | Helium Black 5 | |
| Price Point | Low | Moderate |
| Flex | High | Moderate-Low |
| Torque | 6.2° | 5.5° – 5.3° |
| Weight | 50 – 54 g | 58-60 g |
| Launch | High | High |
| Feel | Excellent | Good |
| Best Suited To | Mid or High-Handicappers | Mid or Low-Handicappers |
Let’s dive into the most prominent features, advantages, and drawbacks of each of these shafts below.
UST Mamiya Helium Black 4
The UST Mamiya Helium Black 4 shaft is generally known for its impressive forgiveness and high flex. That’s why it’s typically preferred by higher-handicap players looking to improve their style and skillset. This shaft is also lighter than its counterpart, meaning it’s easier to use and maneuver by less experienced players.
Pros
- Very forgiving
- Affordable
- Excellent for high-handicappers
- Lightweight
- Great feel
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much control
- Unsuitable for low-handicappers
- Not as sturdy as the Helium Black 5
UST Mamiya Helium Black 5
The UST Mamiya Helium Black 5 shaft, on the other hand, boast a stiffer nature that makes it ideal for lower-handicap players, even tour-level golfers. Though it’s a bit heavier than its counterpart, it comes with additional sturdiness and durability that make it extremely sought-after by more experienced players.
Another reason why pros seem to love this shaft is that it offers unparalleled control without sacrificing the overall feel.
Pros
- Excellent for mid or low-handicappers
- Very sturdy
- Great value for the money
- Unparalleled control
- Sleek design
Cons
- Unsuitable for beginners
- Not as affordable as the Helium Black 4
Conclusion
Though there are some slight differences between these two releases, there are still similar enough for you to have an excellent playing experience with either one. However, it’s still important to read through the information outlined above to make sure you’re choosing the option that fits your preferences and playing style best.
With that said, golfers of all handicap levels are guaranteed to enjoy playing with these Helium Black shafts, so no matter which one you end up choosing, I highly recommend giving at least one of them a try.