House of Forged: MLD Shaft Review

For those unfamiliar with the illustrious world of long-drive golf shafts—as I imagine many of my readers might be—allow me to introduce you to House of Forged. This distinguished American brand, a veritable stalwart in the high-octane arena of long-drive competitions, has spent more than a decade crafting shafts that have carried champions to World Long Drive titles and PGA Champions Tour victories. Manufactured by the artisans at LA Golf, these shafts are imbued with the sort of premium materials and painstaking engineering that would make even the most fastidious of connoisseurs nod in approval.

Contrary to popular belief, one need not swing a driver at 130 miles per hour—nor wear a cape and declare oneself a “Long Driver”—to reap the benefits of House of Forged’s creations. Their lineup embraces every swing speed with generosity.

Now, as someone who once dabbled in the energetic sport of World Long Drive—I wielded HoF shafts at an imposing 48 inches for years. But with my attention turned toward competitive golf proper, I returned to more conventional gamer lengths and the well-established tour shafts we all know. My rotation included the Graphite Design VF, the Fujikura Ventus Black, and the Mitsubishi Diamana WB… that is, until Robert Kent of House of Forged beckoned me toward a new creation: The MLD, developed in collaboration with LA Golf.

“MLD”—standing for Maximum Laminate Density—is the brainchild of Jeff Meyer. Imagine, if you will, a shaft painstakingly designed to eliminate voids and inconsistencies, resulting in a structure that is stronger, smoother, and harmoniously consistent. In the rarefied realm of premium shafts, this innovation promised a level of dispersion control that piqued even my most skeptical eyebrow.

Could this relatively unheralded contender truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the titans of the category? I obtained a MLD for my Cobra DS-Adapt LS to find out.

Initial Impressions & Aesthetic Appeal

Upon arrival, the level of care in packaging was so extraordinary it nearly brought a tear to my eye. The shaft arrived encased in hand-cut pool noodles, secured with a level of devotion that one rarely witnesses outside artisan craftsman.

The shaft itself bears a tasteful matte finish—typically in black, though I was fortunate enough to obtain an unreleased USA-themed version affectionately dubbed “Blue.” As a rather discerning aesthete, I relish a shaft whose graphics can be oriented face-down at address, preserving a pristine, uncluttered view. The MLD accomplishes this with elegance. The adapter installation was immaculate, with no excess glue or blemishes. And the pièce de résistance? A laser-etched model name—an understated yet exquisite touch.

Verdict: 10/10

Performance

The MLD I tested weighed in at 65 grams with 3.5 torque, offering a beguiling blend of smooth load and assertive release. Despite my swing speed residing above 120 mph, the shaft remained stable without veering into that “boardy” territory. Its balance between responsiveness and control is  symphonic.

For context, imagine the Mitsubishi Diamana WhiteBoard and the Fujikura Ventus Blue Velocore producing an exceptionally gifted prodigy—well-mannered, elegant, and devastatingly effective. That prodigy would be the MLD.

In testing with the Titleist ProV1x Left Dash, the Graphite Design VF did eke out a modest 1.5 mph advantage in ball speed, but in every other meaningful category, the MLD was the undeniable star. With slightly higher peak height, nearly identical spin, an average carry of 314 yards, rollout of 330 and dispersion tighter by seven yards compared to the next closest competitor, the MLD didn’t just compete—it performed. Quickly finding it way into my bag as my #1 gamer shaft, all hail House Of Forged.

Verdict: 9/10

Value

In the realm of golf equipment—where price tags often induce palpitations—House of Forged stands as a refreshing anomaly. Competing shafts regularly exceed $350+ new with no grip or adapter and often remain costly even used. HoF, meanwhile, offers accessibly priced excellence without sacrificing quality.

Their eBay storefront is a treasure trove of secondhand gems, and I encourage any golfer—novice or elite—to reach out directly to President Robert Kent. Mention SmackTalk Golf, and he will undoubtedly treat you with the sort of generosity and attentiveness that would make even the peerless customer service of Apple blush.

With the MLD representing their latest and most compelling offering, I would suggest beginning your exploration there.

Verdict: 10/10

Conclusion (with a Gentle Dose of Smack Talk)

It is a rare delight when a shaft offers visual sophistication, tactile refinement, and outstanding performance at a price that doesn’t require a loan or second job. House of Forged, with its long-standing pedigree and long drive approach, has accomplished exactly that.

The MLD surpassed expectations in nearly every measure, and I hazard you will not only enjoy its performance but appreciate the value proposition it represents. The only “smack” one could possibly deliver is that HoF is currently in transition with their website and operating via eBay and direct email only—a mild inconvenience, yes, but one offset by the uniquely personal experience of dealing directly with President Robert Kent. info@HouseofForged.com

So, reach out, explore their offerings, and prepare for a level of service—and performance you cant fathom.