The OT© Iron shaft originated in Japan in Mitsubishi-Rayon's "idea lab" called FRANKI (named for the Japanese word for incubator - "Fooranki") - a group of designers, engineers, tour reps and other specialists who spend their time and energy creating new ways of doing things.no matter how crazy they seem. The idea was to create graphite iron shafts that kept the feel of a steel shaft, but were more consistent and accurate.<br The OT© iron utilizes two new technologies: Tow Prepreg - The new OT© Iron shaft doesn't use traditional prepreg sheet, but instead uses a new material for the golf shaft industry called Tow Prepreg. Tow Prepreg uses carbon fibers that are arranged in super-strong "bundles" (the way a steel cable is made). These bundles are impregnated with resin to create the Tow Prepreg, and then woven together like a braid. Braided Technology - The "braiding" technology using Tow Prepreg is incredibly resistant to twisting and ovaling and creates a shaft with no spine, so the shaft performs more consistently than a shaft made with traditional sheet prepreg or steel. The braiding also minimizes vibration, to provide the feedback that's so important for iron play.