Diamana ZF Replacement (2025) - Ventus Red TR....something else

[cjgrode]

I am looking to replace a damaged Diamana ZF 50S in my driver and a 60s in my 4 wood. I tried the GT and it didn't have the same feel as the ZF (felt more stout). Is there a comparable shaft, profile wise, within the Ventus or Graphite Design line? I have a slower takeaway but aggressive transition and the ZF (combined blue/whiteboard profile was awesome. I am currently gaming a PXG Black Ops driver at 10.5* and a black ops 4 wood. I have tried a AD VF, Ventus Blue+, and Denali Blue all at 50S and the results were less than stellar. It seems like if I go full whiteboard profile I lose feel (too stout) and traditional blueboard kills my dispersion and distance (too much spin). 

 

My SS is about 105 mph and generally play a slight draw or fade. I tend to swing with a pretty neutral AoA so typically have to play 10* drivers with a low spin shaft. Here are some ideas I've seen online but not sure if any of these would be similar to the ZF? Any other recommendations? 

 

Ventus Red TR 50S

Diamana BB 53S

GD AD UB (possibly tipped) 50S

Edited April 28 by cjgrode

[cjgrode]

Just realized this wasn't in the appropriate forum, can a mod move this to the "shafts" forum. Sorry!

[03trdblack]

The Mitsubishi Kai'li White was supposed to feel like a Blueboard profile but still play like a whiteboard, according to the marketing. 

[cjgrode]

1 hour ago, 03trdblack said:

The Mitsubishi Kai'li White was supposed to feel like a Blueboard profile but still play like a whiteboard, according to the marketing. 

 

Have you tried the Kai'li White? I know it's a stock shaft in a lot of clubs these days but I personally haven't hit it. I have tried both the 1k black and white in a GT2 but didn't hit either that well. 

[noodle3872]

Tour AD IZ is a stiff - soft - stiff shaft that could be worth a test. Maybe even 2024 Ventus Blue. ZF is a pretty unique profile. 
 

Grab a ZF off eBay?

Edited April 28 by noodle3872

[cjgrode]

21 minutes ago, noodle3872 said:

Tour AD IZ is a stiff - soft - stiff shaft that could be worth a test. Maybe even 2024 Ventus Blue. ZF is a pretty unique profile. 
 

Grab a ZF off eBay?

 

Thanks for the feedback. I can get a ZF for sure on eBay but I don't have anyone local to trim, add the adapter etc so typically use Grips4Less for assembled shafts. 

 

I have used the AD IZ in both a hybrid and driving iron and really liked it. Never tried it in a driver but might be worth it. Have you tried the ZF in the past? I see in you are in BB right now and tempted to try that and maybe tip 1". New to all that so probably would be too expensive of a test going that route. 

[noodle3872]

IZ is good. Smooth. Loads nicely but stable. 

[03trdblack]

7 hours ago, cjgrode said:

 

Have you tried the Kai'li White? I know it's a stock shaft in a lot of clubs these days but I personally haven't hit it. I have tried both the 1k black and white in a GT2 but didn't hit either that well. 

 

I use the White myself and really like it. Stable and smooth and it is somewhat similar to the Diamana PD. Even though it's a stock shaft, it's very high quality and not a cheap "made for".

 

[phizzy30]

16 hours ago, cjgrode said:

 

Thanks for the feedback. I can get a ZF for sure on eBay but I don't have anyone local to trim, add the adapter etc so typically use Grips4Less for assembled shafts. 

 

I have used the AD IZ in both a hybrid and driving iron and really liked it. Never tried it in a driver but might be worth it. Have you tried the ZF in the past? I see in you are in BB right now and tempted to try that and maybe tip 1". New to all that so probably would be too expensive of a test going that route. 

I had the ZF in both driver and 3 metal.  I'd say TR red is the closest feel wise but not quite as smooth.  AD IZ is a good option as well but feels pretty linear yet it's not quite as stout feeling as the GT.  Diamana BB is smooth, has a slightly more kick/bend/load than the ZF, IMO and I saw higher ball speeds.  In fact, I have one on the way as we speak that I will rotate along with my AD VF.  

[cjgrode]

2 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

I had the ZF in both driver and 3 metal.  I'd say TR red is the closest feel wise but not quite as smooth.  AD IZ is a good option as well but feels pretty linear yet it's not quite as stout feeling as the GT.  Diamana BB is smooth, has a slightly more kick/bend/load than the ZF, IMO and I saw higher ball speeds.  In fact, I have one on the way as we speak that I will rotate along with my AD VF.  

 

This is awesome info. Did you tip extra on the BB you ordered?

 

I did cave in and order a GT in a heaver weight to try and was thinking about a Red TR and IZ to try after. Funny how even as an average player certain shafts stay with us. I had a backup ZF I sold 2 years ago thinking I would upgrade to something new and shinny (I am a club ho after all) but haven't found anything else in driver that matched up as good as the ZF. 

[LoopySwing13]

22 hours ago, 03trdblack said:

The Mitsubishi Kai'li White was supposed to feel like a Blueboard profile but still play like a whiteboard, according to the marketing. 

Was going to recommend the kaili white as well. Tried both Ventus blue and black and this was the middle. Didn’t like it as much in 3 wood though, landed on a Ventus red (OG) for 3 wood. 

[phizzy30]

17 hours ago, cjgrode said:

 

This is awesome info. Did you tip extra on the BB you ordered?

 

I did cave in and order a GT in a heaver weight to try and was thinking about a Red TR and IZ to try after. Funny how even as an average player certain shafts stay with us. I had a backup ZF I sold 2 years ago thinking I would upgrade to something new and shinny (I am a club ho after all) but haven't found anything else in driver that matched up as good as the ZF. 

I have all my driver shafts tipped half inch.  BB is arriving later today and I will test it some more later this week.  I can't wait to get her out on the course!!!  

[cjgrode]

1 hour ago, phizzy30 said:

I have all my driver shafts tipped half inch.  BB is arriving later today and I will test it some more later this week.  I can't wait to get her out on the course!!!  

 

If you remember please let me know how it works for you. Looks like we like similar profile shafts but you clearly swing much faster than me 🙂

[EDT501]

Huge fan of the ZF. Not sure what it is, but with the driver I find the timing just works. Tried the GT and a bunch of other options mid last year and didn’t have anything capture that same experience. I’d just buy another if something happened to mine and not worry at all about missing out by passing over newer options. Especially given you can usually find the ZF at discount now.

[cjgrode]

23 hours ago, EDT501 said:

Huge fan of the ZF. Not sure what it is, but with the driver I find the timing just works. Tried the GT and a bunch of other options mid last year and didn’t have anything capture that same experience. I’d just buy another if something happened to mine and not worry at all about missing out by passing over newer options. Especially given you can usually find the ZF at discount now.

 

Same. I gave the GT a try for 27 holes (came yesterday) and had a couple really long drives but everything else was a bit off. Outside of eBay do you have and places your buy shafts from--especially older shafts?

[beluga99]

I got the Kai'li in my G430 as stock.  It's a nice shaft that feels good, and hits a nice window with adequate spin.  I too have a deliberate takeaway and a fast transition and swing around 108-110.  I would definitely recommend, although I have been looking at something a little bit lighter/counterbalanced as the G430 swing weights at D5 so I can get a little handsy when not swinging well.  May just reduce the weight at the back of the head.

[phizzy30]

14 hours ago, beluga99 said:

I got the Kai'li in my G430 as stock.  It's a nice shaft that feels good, and hits a nice window with adequate spin.  I too have a deliberate takeaway and a fast transition and swing around 108-110.  I would definitely recommend, although I have been looking at something a little bit lighter/counterbalanced as the G430 swing weights at D5 so I can get a little handsy when not swinging well.  May just reduce the weight at the back of the head.

Since the Kai'li white feels good/right, I would just switch out the weight to something lighter.  However, if you want some something slightly counterbalanced which has a very similar profile to the KW and in the MCA family, I highly recommend the 1k pro orange.  It's even smoother than the KW, and swing weights out 2 points lighter so your driver will be in the D3 range.  

[Pnwpingi210]

On 4/29/2025 at 9:23 AM, phizzy30 said:

I have all my driver shafts tipped half inch.  BB is arriving later today and I will test it some more later this week.  I can't wait to get her out on the course!!!  

Looking forward to hear your thoughts on the bb!

[cjgrode]

My Ad-IZ 6s showed up today but was only able to hit about 10 shots with it but really liked the feel. Always liked the profile in a hybrid but this was my first time trying it in the driver. Was only using my eyes but dispersion and distance seemed better than the VF and was also launching higher which I like. I also never really went after any so that will be the test this weekend when I get to play a round or two. 

 

[Leftyjoe89]

I played the zf for a little while and switched to the tzsix and went from one of my worse clubs in the bag to one of the best.  I’m not much of a shaft expert but they both had stiff butt section which is what works for me and they both have good feel. I’d say the zf has more kick to it and was a little easier to turn over but the tz six was a little straighter to a little fade for me. Might be worth giving a try. 
 

I will say I wasn’t a fan of Ventus red , it was better for me than the Ventus blue which is probably one of the worse shafts for me when it comes to timing. 

[beluga99]

On 5/2/2025 at 6:10 AM, phizzy30 said:

Since the Kai'li white feels good/right, I would just switch out the weight to something lighter.  However, if you want some something slightly counterbalanced which has a very similar profile to the KW and in the MCA family, I highly recommend the 1k pro orange.  It's even smoother than the KW, and swing weights out 2 points lighter so your driver will be in the D3 range.  

Great info thank you!  I'll try both but do love the 1K shafts that I have tried historically.  May have sent me down another rabbit hole...

[phizzy30]

8 minutes ago, beluga99 said:

Great info thank you!  I'll try both but do love the 1K shafts that I have tried historically.  May have sent me down another rabbit hole...

I love the 1k shafts as well but the 1k black line just lacked feel which is unusual considering that the other colors are feel ok to great.  My favorite is the 1k PO as it's smooth, linear yet not overly stout and is stable.  I actually regret selling it awhile back, lol.  

[djhgolf]

On 4/29/2025 at 7:23 PM, phizzy30 said:

I have all my driver shafts tipped half inch.  BB is arriving later today and I will test it some more later this week.  I can't wait to get her out on the course!!!  

Look forward to your thoughts on the BB performance vs VF? Interesting...

[cjgrode]

@phizzy30 Did you end up liking the BB? I am thinking about ordering that or the Ventus Blue+. In a weird twist I tried some shafts that were more butt soft and tip stiff and was getting really good numbers. I don't know if the BB would work but any other great driver shaft recommendations that are softer in the butt and stiffer in the tip? I actually think I might try the 1k Pro Orange but since I play my driver around 44.5" (give or take) not sure on the weight I would need. Maybe go to 60?

[phizzy30]

14 hours ago, cjgrode said:

@phizzy30 Did you end up liking the BB? I am thinking about ordering that or the Ventus Blue+. In a weird twist I tried some shafts that were more butt soft and tip stiff and was getting really good numbers. I don't know if the BB would work but any other great driver shaft recommendations that are softer in the butt and stiffer in the tip? I actually think I might try the 1k Pro Orange but since I play my driver around 44.5" (give or take) not sure on the weight I would need. Maybe go to 60?

I do like the BB so far, but I have to really be on top of my transition.  If I get too quick, it tends to go left.  Nice thing is that I I'm able to play the fade with the BB but still turn it over when necessary.  I'm slowing getting used to the kick/load which is the key.  Velo+ blue and BB are different in that BB kicks a bit more in the mid and feels smoother.  Aside from the Velo+ blue, you could look into the AD VF/XC/UB(has a softer mid), 1k PO and Kai'li white.  CK pro orange is older but still really good and stable.  What weight do you normally play for driver shafts?  I had the 1k PO-60TX and I loved it.  The 70 felt off for some reason.  Maybe it's the slight counterbalance that's the culprit.