QUESTION: Hi,

Several years ago I bought and have used the Nippon weighted

putter shaft. I’m  looking to buy some more. Is that shaft

still available and do you carry it, if  it is? Thanks, FOR

 
ANSWER: Hello FOR,
I am assuming that you are referring to the N.S. Pro PP ADJUST
Putter Shaft. This model is no longer in production. It is a 
great model, but the cost to manufacture this design made the
price quite high. Thus, we sold these to quite a few clubmaker
shops, but it never was a big success among the major 
manufacturers- again- loved the technology, not the price tag. 
 
One option that you might consider is pairing up our N.S. 
Pro 136 gram putter shaft with one of the Balance-Certified #5
counter-weights. Contact any of our Authorized Installation 
Centers at www.shaftology.com for more information.
Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am looking to get Mizuno blades. I am a scratch player with an 88 mph or so 6 iron
speed. I was fitted for Nippon 950 shafts per Mizuno’s system, and am wondering why
lightweight shaft (100 g vs 125 -130g) was chosen through this system? I feel
like the Project X performed better-drew a bit less and were somewhat more
reliable even though the lightweight shaft felt good? Thanks, IS

ANSWER: Hi IS,

The Mizuno Shaft Optimizer, as with any fitting tool, is only designed as a starting point for the fitting process. This tool includes many wonderful attributes of timing, load, speed and release, but can not give the 100% complete picture. The only true method of optimal shaft selection is via live, comparative testing. This is why Mizuno has built into their system, a group of quick-connect heads and shafts to give the fitter and the golfer the opportunity to instantly evaluate the feel and flight of the different combinations to maximize the needs of your body, swing and game.

I recommend to utilize the Optimizer Test Club, but listen more closely to which shaft model and head gives you the best combination of feel, swing, distance, control, and trajectory. There are quite a few differences between shaft models, including weight, flex, and balance, and if you let your body and swing sample the different models, you will be led to the proper shaft for your needs.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I always read your responses as very informative. I’m currently playing Mizuno
MX-300 with Dynamic Gold SL S300’s.  Don’t really like the feel and have
opportunity to purchase brand new NS PRO 105T pulls. Although a tad heavier, my past NS 950’s had more feel and a responsive tip. Do you see any problem with swapping these out?   Thanks for the time, Bill
ANSWER: Hi Bill,

Hi Bill,

I am not the biggest fan of installing used shafts  into a different set. Any shaft set that is taken from SET A, and replaced into SET B, will certainly play different, due to the different head weights, hosel geometry, and in many cases will have a balance that is unmanageable.

Regarding your question of - will the shafts perform well for you?- the 105T has a similar mid/hi launch as the NS PRO 950GH, but will feel quite different due to the heavier weight, and thus will play different. It maay feel better than your existing set, but the actual playing difference will only be determined by your live interaction with any shaft/head model combination.

If you are not super satisfied with your existing shaft model in your Mizuno irons, and had good success with the 950 model, then you are most likely going to find success in the NS PRO 950GH/1050GH model range. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Dear Friends,

I’m going to buy a new set of Mizuno MX-200 irons with steel shafts.

I would like to know the difference between the TT Dynalite Gold shaft,  compared to Nippon Shaft 950 or 850?.

I’m 58 years old and a 15 hdcp. I’m playng Callaway X-14 graphite firm shaft.

Thank you very much

Francesco, Italy

 

ANSWER: Hi Francesco,

I am always excited to hear from our golfing friends in Italy.

Your question about comparing shaft models is very popular. 

If you look up the raw weights of these shaft models on the True Temper and Nippon Shaft websites, you will see that the True Temper Dynalite SL model is in the 105 gram range, the NS PRO 950 is in the 95 gram range, and the NS PRO 850 model is in the 88 gram range. Your graphite shafts in your Callaway irons are most likely in the 70 to 80 gram range. So, if you are looking for more weight, feel and stability, all three of these shaft models are a step in the right direction.

The best method to determine the optimal performing shaft for your body, swing and game is to hit and compare each of these shaft models. I understand that this is a difficult thing to achieve, but it it the only definitive, true method.

For comparison of these shaft models, you might consider contacting a clubmaker center in your country. Try the website www.nipponeurope.com to discover if there is a fitter or clubmaker center in your country.

Also, contact our European Distribution Center, at that same site,  for a recommendation as to a clubmaker center in your country.

Regarding the  NS PRO 950 model, at 95 grams, its weight is directly positioned between that of a traditional steel and a traditional graphite, which is great for golfers who feel that traditional steel is too heavy, but traditional graphite is too light. If this sounds like your needs, and you like a mid/hi launch, the NS PRO 950GH model may be right for your body, swing and game. Our 1050 model is similar but gives just a slight more weight and feel, and the 850 model is a bit lighter than our 950 model, with more of a mid launch.

Regarding flex, you might consider choosing the flex that you have had most success with in the past.

Best of luck on your search. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I currently have Viper True Temper Firm shafts in my Mitsushiba irons. I am
wondering what shaft stiffness that the Nippon NS Pro 105T for Titleist would
similarly fit for this? If you need more information, I can provide more. Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

You might contact Mitsushiba or True Temper and ask them to define their rating of FIRM.

Many companies use the word FIRM as a rating of STIFF or a rating between REGULAR AND STIFF. If the rating is STIFF- then you would choose the 105T ‘S’. If the rating is between R and S, you might inquire if Titliest will install your set between R and S.

However, my best recommendation is to ignore your performance of your existing or previous set. The best method of shaft selection is via live testing and evaluation. The Titleist Company has hundreds, maybe thousands, of location for testing their head and shaft models.

If you decide to locate and visit one of these locations, your ability to find your best shaft, flex, and head vastly improves.

Many golfers damage their chances of finding their best set when they choose their equipment based on one variable such as a shaft flex rating from a previous set. It is a great waste of your money.

You might consider going to the Titleist website and contacting a few locations with regards to the NS 105T shaft. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am in the process of replacing the original shafts in a set of Cleveland CG-1
irons.  I believe Nippon is going to be my choice of shafts.  Regardless of the
model I select would it be beneficial to have the shafts SST Pured before
installation?  What is your position on this process? Thanks, Harry

ANSWER: Hi Harry,

Here’s a link to the answer to your question.

 Shaft Pureing? Splines? Shaft alignment? Is it just hype?

For more answers on this subject, click on the FITTING Q&A link, and then click on the “Shaft Alignment” Category on the right hand side of the page.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I’m looking to switch my Ping Eye 2 beryllium copper sand wedge and lob wedge
from steel to graphite shafts.  I am 66 years old and a 15 handicap.  They are
green dot.  I have no idea what kind of shafts to buy.  I’m looking for
something in regular flex (not senior).  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks, Larry

ANSWER: Hi Larry,

Are your iron shafts graphite shafts as well?

If so, you might consider matching the weight to your iron shafts- either the same shaft weight or heavier. Most golfers prefer slightly heavier shafts in their wedges.

Also, it helps to choose a graphite model that is of the constant weight variety. This means that each shaft is made for the specific club number of your set, so that the weight and balance is uniform for the specific club.

Depending on the weight desired, a couple of options are our NS PRO WT 6000 or 7000 graphite shaft models. 

You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Installation Centers for more help. they are available at www.shaftology.com. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello,

Is there any data or published articles comparing the dispersion patterns from a
one number ( flat ) frequency set of irons and set of golf clubs compared to a
sloped curve ( each club has a higher frequency number ) frequency set?  I have
had people claim to me that a steep slope curve is better than a shallow slope
compared to a horizontal or flat curve, and depending upon who is trying to sell
me clubs claiming that this is better because of blah, blah, blah. It makes
sense to me that there would be an “Iron Byron” based study to actually quote
data from and settle the argument.  I am biased because I have been playing a
one # frequency set for the past 4 sets of clubs, but would actually like to see
some hard published scientific study type data to support one method or another.

Thanks, OFG

ANSWER: Hi OFG,

The answer to your question is quite easy- “It depends on the golfer”.

Different installation methods with regards to butt frequency slope variations will meet with varying levels of success based on the golfers swing, how they feel the club when they swing, and their past experience.

(For background information to other readers of this Q&A- most every iron set is built to a certain flex, such as REGULAR or STIFF, but each club in the set will measure on a shaft butt frequency meter, progressively stiffer. as you move from the #3 iron to the PW. However, there are some iron sets that are offered by clubmaking shops, that will measure on a shaft butt frequency meter to be the same raw stiffness. If these meter numbers are plotted on a graph, the traditional set will have a line that is moving upward, or a “steep slope”, and the same raw stiffness set will thus have a line that is the same, or a “flat slope”.)

Moving back to our discussion -in simplest terms, most golfers swing with different amounts of “strain” on the shaft for different clubs. This is partly because they have learned to swing based on a steeper frequency type slope. This is also because this is what they have found feels best to them. Other golfers, typically who have the same length backswing, and exert the same amount of force or strain on the shaft, from their long irons to their short irons, prefer a flatter, single frequency type slope.

Neither system is right or wrong. Adjusting the slope, or relative shaft butt stiffness from club to club, is actually a fitting tool than can be used to match an overall shaft flex scheme to the type of golfer.

The discussion is also a “chicken or the egg” type argument. It can be argued that most golfers should play with a traditional steep slope because their swings dictate this. It can also be argued that most every golfer uses a steep slope set only because that is the system that their swings learned on and thus are based on. Maybe if everyone learned how to swing and play with a flat-line slope, when they first played the game, the steep slope users would be in the minority.

Doing an “Iron Byron” test would not yield any good data as to the preferred method since a robot type device would only be measuring which slope type would be best for the type of swing that you chose for the robot.

My best recommendation is to play with both type of sets, and make your conclusion based on the following statement- “Which set allowed you to swing in the most efficient, natural, and comfortable manner, without the need to adjust or manipulate your swing?”.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have Nippon 950 NS Pro 950GH stiff at +1/2 ” in my Mizuno irons. I want to
get some Mizuno Wedges 50, 54, & 58, and have them shafted with the 950GH’s also.
It will be a custom order from Mizuno.  I was wondering if the shafts could or
should be tipped a bit in the 54 & 58 since the heads are a bit heavier than the
irons and I don’t want the shafts to be too soft in the tip.
I was also thinking about ordering them +1/2″ to match the irons. Does it make
sense to do that with wedges also? Thanks, Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve,

I wouldn’t be too concerned about the shafts being too soft in the wedges. Most wedge heads have a heavier relationship than the corresponding iron set, but typically you are not swinging as full are as hard with most of your 54 and 58 degree wedge shots.

You might consider reading through the WEDGE SHAFT category under the READ ANSWERS section on the right side of this page, for more information on Wedge Shaft selection.

Also, regarding your question about length, most golfers that are playing with 1/2″ longer length irons will have their wedges made +1/4″ to +1/2″ long. You might consider a length scheme of PW= 36″, 50 Deg= 36″, 54 Deg= 35.75″, 58 Deg= 35.50″. This is a popular length scheme, but should be based on your personal preference. Regards, Mark