QUESTION: Is there any relation between shaft weight and flex?  For example, if I play a
65 gram regular flex in my driver, and switch to a lighter shaft 59 or 60 grams, should I
play a stiff? or stay with a regular?  My thinking is this: with a lighter
shaft, more swing speed is going to be produced which will cause the shaft to
flex more. Does this make sense? Please help… Title

ANSWER: Hi Title

The short answer is - if you are having success with your current R flex shaft, then you will have success with an R flex, no matter the weight.

Your theory would carry some validity, except swing speed is not that dominant of a factor in shaft fitting, despite the popular belief.

Shaft flex is primarily determined by the manner in which you swing the golf club, the forces you place on the shaft, and your interaction with the shaft as you swing. These are more difficult concepts to fully absorb and require quite a lot of testing to determine the best performing shaft flex.

However, one of the dominant factors in shaft fitting is the load and acceleration forces we place on the shaft. If by moving to a lighter shaft, our swing amps up and creates more stress on the shaft, then we will need a stiffer flex. This often happens when we hit our driver. This is not because the shaft is so much lighter than our iron shafts, and creates more swing speed. This is because we are trying to “kill it” and our fundamental swing changes. We are now loading the shaft differently and have created a quicker downswing transition. These fundamental swing changes stress the shaft in a different manner, and thus we will require a stiffer shaft flex. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I see that Swing Science Co. is listed on your website selling the NS PRO 8950
iron shafts, but I do not see that model listed on NipponShaft.Com. 

I was shopping around for Nippon iron shafts at one of your store centers where
most Nippon shafts sell for $60 and up and I mentioned the NS PRO 8950 and the
$20 price at Swing Science.  The center responded to me by saying the NS PRO
8950 at Swing Science is not made by Nippon, but made by some other cheaper
manufacturer only with the Nippon logo.

Can you respond?

Thanks, Marcus

ANSWER: Hi Marcus,

Here’s the straight scoop.

Not every model manufactured by Nippon Shaft is listed on our www.nipponshaft.com site.

The NS PRO 8950GH is one of our premium models manufactured by Nippon Shaft, with the same proprietary NSGS8655V shaft material and our unique heat treatment processes.

The NS PRO 8950GH model is distributed by the Swing Science Company at www.swingsciencestore.com and currently is the only Nippon Shaft model available for direct consumer purchase.

Unauthorized copies, knockoffs and counterfeit models do exist and typically are sold  on auction sites and through non-authorized distributors.

In North America, the NS PRO models 750GH, 850GH, 950GH, 1050GH, etc., are sold through our Authorized Installation Centers, exclusively on an installation basis.

Pricing is often determined by the fitting and installation services offered as well as the specific marketplace. However, a product that is sold on a direct sale basis, versus on an installed basis, will always be quite different.

Hope I was able to answer your questions. Regards, Mark 
 

QUESTION: Hi,

I am in the market for some new clubs and found some I really like with N.S. Pro
1050GH. I tried both the stiff and regular flex out at the shop and to be honest
could not feel a dramatic difference between the two. I recently got fitted on a
launch monitor for a driver and was recommended to go with the Pro Launch red in
stiff. My question is this, if a stiff shafts works better for me in a driver
does the same go for a set of irons? FYI I am a mid to high handicapper and have
an average tempo.
P. S. Hoping to become scratch in under a year and don’t want to buy new irons
and replace the shafts that soon. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.
Nick

ANSWER: Hi Nick,

Most assuredly you like the overall weight, feel, and geometry of the 1050 shaft. To determine the optimum flex, it is imperative to hit them outdoors. You will find a more efficient swing with fewer adjustments with the optimum flex. You will also see if the flight is optimal for your needs.

Regarding your question of driver flex and the relationship of iron flex. Most golfers find that they use either the same flex or slightly more flexible in their iron shafts versus their driver.

If you test your shafts outdoors and work with a skilled clubfitter/clubmaker, you may even determine that you need a sub-flex in the 1050 model. We carry the 1050 series in 66 different SKU’s to fit most any hosel geometry and any sub-flex between R, S, and X.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Wow! After reading all of your responses, I think your calling is politics …..
great tap dancing !!! I’m only kidding - I know just enough to know how
brilliant you are. The problem is, we’re just golfers and don’t know nearly as
much as we think we do. Heck, the fact is, I’ve been a single digit player for
40 years and under most circumstances, I’m happy when I hit nut-flush it.
Conversely, when I scull it close to or even into the hole, I’m not pleased ….
unless it’s for a lot of money …. and that stuff ended long ago. I finally
realized that it’s not fun to pray for one of your buddies to miss a 5-footer
for eagle !! Sorry, got windy. If the Nippon Shafts cannot be compared because
of their light weight, ABOUT what freguency would a 950GH regular play like -
3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 — closes count in horse shoes, handgrenades, atom bombs,
hurricanes, AND golf shafts …. unless maybe your a plus handicap. God Bless, Wally

ANSWER: Hi Wally,

Thanks for your candid note. All of us golfers are on the same journey. I have learned some of the same elements about this game- there comes a time to give up control over the result, (or better yet, give up the illusion that we ever were in control), and that the fun exists in hitting good shots and watching our partners and even competitors do the same.

Regarding your question, (and I will try to keep my politician side in check), there is no single “sound bite” type answer to your question. None. If you absorbed some of the answers that you read on this subject, you have learned that the composition of superlight steel shaft models must be more flexible in their RAW butt frequency numbers so that they PLAY to traditional flexes.

This fact has led to confusion among less knowledgeable club shops that try to apply a static numerical system to shafts of varying geometries that are in dynamic interaction with different golfer bodies, abilities and swing types.

This question is like asking me to mix a cocktail using the same scale as cooking a steak. How would you make a Martini medium-rare?

The bigger fitting problem comes when golfers try to apply a one system approach to shaft selection when a multi-dimensional mindset is needed.  Before we get to the question of, what flex in a given shaft?- first we must determine what general type of shaft geometry category you fit into. Iron shaft geometry categories can be loosely grouped into the heavier/traditional/forceful type category, and the lighter/steady/higher launch category. Examples of these 2 categories might be, NS PRO Superpeening Blue, True Temper Dynamic Gold and Rifle Project X in the first category, and NS PRO 950GH, NS PRO 850 and True Temper M80 in the second.

If a golfer fits into the first category, they can try our 950 model in every flex, length and swingweight, but it will never, ever work. So if you do not fit into the second category, there is no suitable answer to your question. Golf shaft fitting and playability does not function how most golfers view things- which is typically in a one dimensional flex mindset. After all, what you are really asking is- which 950 is for me? And the answer might be- none of them! If however, you fit into the second category, you will easily find the right flex, if you understand that the parameters of R, S, and X are accurate and not so variant as some golfers and internet forums proclaim.

Finally, I use butt frequency readings all of the time for various installation needs. Shaft frequency measurement is a wonderful invention. But using it to compare and fit different shaft models is worthless.

HERE’S THE BEST ANSWER: “Test shafts in a live setting, don’t get to crazy about the details, and if you like the feel, flight, and control of the shaft, you will almost always find that the best performing flex is one that you have always had success with.”

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have NS 950 ’R’  flex shafts in my Ping i5 irons.  I would like to place the same
shafts in my Cleveland CG14 wedges.  Would this pose any problems?

Joe

ANSWER: Hi Joe,

I will answer your question, but I also recommend reading similar wedge shaft questions in this FITTING Q&A section. Look for the “wedge shafts” category on the right side of the page.

Regarding your question, the general rule is to install the same shaft model in your irons, or a model that is just a bit heavier. Also, regarding shaft flex, install a flex that is the same or just a bit more flexible.

If you want a similar “swing feel”, then I recommend installing the NS PRO 950 into your CG-14’s. If you want a slightly heavier feeling at address and through impact, then I recommend installing the NS PRO 1050 model. Some golfers prefer even a heavier model in their wedges.

I recommend connecting with a competent clubmaker who can address the issues of hosel type, bore depth, measurement of the bottom of the bore to the ground, matching the ideal swingweight, and even optimum shaft alignment methods.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,
I moved from Japan recently.  I sold my Mizuno Japan clubs with NS Pro 950 GH
stiff.  Are the NS Pro GH stiff I buy in the US the same specs as those in
Japan?  Thank you for your help.

Taka Ogawa

 
ANSWER: Ogawa-san,

Yes, the 950 model is manufactured and delivered to the major equipment companies to the exact same specifications, regardless of the country.

The only possible variance is the manner in which each equipment manufacturer installs our shafts. I believe that in your specific case, Mizuno USA and Mizuno Japan install the 950 model to the same flex, insertion depth, etc. However, the length, swingweight, and lie angle differences will make the shaft feel and play differently.

I always recommend working with a competent shop, fitter, or clubmaker to guide you in your search for the best possible performance in your set.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a customer that wants to replace the graphite shafts (TFC 909i)in his
Ping Rapture irons with steel.  Would the NS Pro 750GH be a good choice? The
total weight would go up 10 grams, but how would it affect the swing weight? 
Clubs are currently at C6.  What shaft would you suggest?

Thanks, Nick

ANSWER: Hi Nick,

These are impossible questions to answer without some kind of fitting methodology based on the goals of the golfer. And don’t get hung up on the idea of what will happen to the swingweight. You are asking an installation question before you know what the golfer wants. This is like asking a customer how they want their steak cooked, but the only thing they have decided so far is that they don’t want the lasagna.

My assumption is that if a golfer wants their shaft replaced, they most likely are the wrong weight, the wrong flex, the wrong length, or a combination of all of these. If the weight is the issue, meaning the golfer needs more substance to interact with during their swing, I doubt changing the shaft to a steel model of 10 grams heavier will be the magic bullet.

To make a meaningful change, your golfer would have to at least move in to the weight of our 950GH model.

I would ask your customer what he prefers- guess using the trial and error system? hit some shaft models of differing flexes and weights? seek out a serious fitting assessment?

After you have some idea of what shaft weight, flex, or length will help the golfer, then you can make the calculations of swingweight for a given head.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I currently have 1050 stiff shafts and hit a mid high trajectory. Would
the 1050 X shafts give me a lower trajectory or is the only difference a slight
weight increase? Regards, Gordon

ANSWER: Hi Gordon,

If you change your shaft flex, you will have to change the way you swing. It might be a good change, or it might be a bad change. Ideally, we all want to find a shaft design that we can feel the weight, are able to gain maximum speed, return to impact in a consistent  manner, hit solidly, and achieve the ideal flight. This is a lot to ask for, but in today’s universe of shaft options, the optimal shaft model does exist for you.

If you are currently playing with too flexible of a shaft, then certainly your best direction is to go stiffer, which in this case, should help your trajectory issues.

If you like the weight and feel of your existing shaft, and are able to swing your set in a uniform manner, devoid of swing adjustments, then your only issue is to determine if the shot height is functional for your game. If everything is great except your trajectory, don’t change the flex or you will have to swing in an un-natural manner. The better choice is to find a shaft model that gives you a natural swing, optimum speed and optimal trajectory.

The only serious method to determine this is to find a serious skilled fitter and test different shaft options.

Of course, there is the question of your swing mechanics and the head style of your irons, but that is for another discussion.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

About two weeks ago, while waiting on a tee, I pulled out a 7 iron from the bag
of a 6’7” guy.  It was a Titleist 735 with a shaft made for Titleist (950) by
Nippon, stiff flex.  The real difference was in the club length.  His 7 iron is
the same length as my 5 iron (38.5″). 

Of course, I hit his irons a number of times over the past weeks and played very
well.  I found it easier to get into the ball at address and my balance and
tempo was much better with the longer club.  It was just easier to play from a
more upright position and without as much knee flex.

I have played well with my current specs, 4-6 USGA index, however, I feel that
many of my problem periods are caused by the need to fit into the ball at
address.  Consistency is difficult.

I would love to try one of your shafts, however, I think the shaft from the
Titlest iron would produce a trajectory that is a bit too high.  Not to mention
that I will be putting your shafts into irons with a .370″ bore.
What scares me is trajectory.  The stiffer shafts have always helped me keep the ball
down a bit.  Can we accomplish the extra length I want without getting a
swingweight of E5 and preventing 7 irons that need a “Heat Shield” for re-entry
into our atmosphere?

I can always just rip my rifle 6.5’s out and start experimenting, however, I
thought you guys would be able to lend some advice as where to start.

I have had a couple of static and dynamic fittings over the years. I have played these specs because that is what the fittings and personal experience recommended.

Thank you, John

ANSWER: Hi John,

I subtracted most of what you wrote in your letter and left the gist of your question.

First of all, I strongly advise you to find a serious fitter to guide you in your search. Obviously, you were able to stumble upon something by yourself that your other fitting sessions were unable to see, and you settled for a poor recommendation.

Next, the length seems to be the dominant specification in your improved balance and consistency, but do not discount the combination of the head, shaft weight, flex, lie angle, and swingweight. When you tested the Titleist iron, you were trying both the extra length, and the completed integrated combination of specifications.

Finally, the only way to know if a trajectory is going to be too high is by getting out there and experimenting. Many golfers write long missives asking perfect strangers on various internet golf forums trying to estimate how a club combination will play. Don’t join that club of golfers wasting their time behind a computer screen. Get out and enjoy the weather. Have some test clubs installed with some combinations that make sense and smack that little white ball around the green carpet and see what works for you. Also, don’t get too worked up over a swingweight number. Get worked up over performance, or lack of it.

One last thing, Nippon Shaft lives in the current world with all kinds of hosel diameters and geometries. We have .355 and .370 tip diameters in the same exact shaft models.

Best regards, Mark
 

QUESTION: Hi,

Two 5 irons are assembled with an NS PRO 1050 S flex. The weight of the heads ,
grips, ferrules, length, and hosel bore depth are all identical.  The only
difference is one iron head has a hosel that is 1/2 inch shorter.  Which club
will swing stiffer?

Thanks, Doug

ANSWER: Hi Doug,

I am assuming that in saying that the hosel is -1/2″ shorter, that you mean that the bottom of the bore of the hosel to the ground measurement is 1/2″ closer to the ground. Or said another way, the shaft goes into the hosel the same amount, for example 1.25″, but if held side by side in the playing position, the relative insertion depth on one of the clubs is 1/2″ closer to the ground then the other club. Is this your intention?

In your example, the club with the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement that is smallest, will play approximately 1/3 of a flex stiffer.  Please write back if we are not on the same page. Regards, Mark