QUESTION: Hello,

I am currently using Titleist ZB irons with NS 95gram Regular flex. The problem is that I feel the shaft is too light and a little bendy. The ball flight tend to be too high especially when i hit my 8 and 9 irons.

When I hit my 3 or 4 irons , the ball tends to fly right.

Should I change the shaft to Stiff flex for more penetrating flight on my irons or change to a heavier shaft?

I hit my 7 irons around 160 yards and driver around 260 yards in hot asian humid weather. I am currently a 7 handicapper.

Appreciate your help,
Golf Addict

ANSWER: Hi Golf Addict,

The only true method of shaft fitting is via live comparison of shaft options. However, based on what you have described, your shafts are too light, too flexible, and too high of a launch for your body, swing , and game.

You absolutely should change your shafts to a heavier, stiffer, lower launching shaft. 2 models to consider are the N.S. Pro 1150GH Tour, or the N.S. Pro Superpeening Blue, both of which are available in an ‘S’ flex.

You can view the weights of these shaft models, and the specifications for the rest of our N.S. Pro line at www.nipponshaft.com. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I would like to confirm if the 750GH stiff flex is equivalent to the True Temper M80 stiff flex.  The club maker I had bought the M80 shafts from, highlighted that as the M80 shafts are made for the Japan market, the stiff flex is actually about the regular flex of a shaft made for the US market. 

While I understand there is no difference between the Nippon Shaft 750GH shaft for both markets, I was unable to locate any further information in the FAQ regarding this.  Appreciate your advice, please.  Many thanks in advance, Jynx

ANSWER: Hi again,

As you correctly stated, our shaft models flexes are not adjusted for different markets. Our “stiff” flexes will play to a traditional “stiff” flex for each weight class.

Regarding our colleague’s shaft model specifications, I recommend contacting True Temper.

You might actually consider your body to be the best resource for finding the ideal shaft. I know that often, shaft testing options are hard to find, but if you are able to find a facililty that has a variety of shaft models, weights and flexes, your body and swing will find the shaft model and flex that plays the most efficient, natutal and powerful. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I’m buying a new set of irons after playing my MacGregor JNP forged cavity backs
for 18 years. I currently have Project X 5.0 High Launch in them, and had to
deloft them to get the ball flight down a bit. (6 iron at 28*)

I’ve spent $400 on fitters, both of whom are listed on your list of Authorized Installation Centers, and
still not sure of what iron shafts to get. The heads will be Callaway Diablo
Forged, as they feel better than the other 12 I  hit.

One fitter suggests the NS Pro 105T, R flex. The other suggest the NS Pro 950,
not sure yet which flex but I think R. (He wants to build a few demo clubs, at
significant expense so I can test his top 3 shafts, one of which is NS). I hit the
6 iron 81 MPH. Tempo of 3. I hit the Callaway clubs my head pro has with the
made for Callaway 1100 Uniflex pretty well. But not able to hit all these side
by side!

So what are the attributes of these 3 shafts, 105T, 950, and 1100 Uniflex, and
which one  might work best for me?

Thanks, Mike,

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

It sounds like you have spent both money and time searching for your new set, yet are not really that close to knowing what is right for you. Please do not take this wrong, but asking raw information on these 3 shaft models is actually going in reverse. Looking at the raw shaft specs should only be a rough guide to give you a general idea of the length and launch profile. The most critical information to know, “which one might work best for me”,  is actually hitting them.

I strongly believe that ultimately, hitting your choices side by side is the way to go.  Unfortunately, our industry system is kind of like car dealers, in that you have to drive to three different dealers if you want to test drive Ford, Toyota, and Chevy. There are a few clubfitters that offer head and shaft connector systems so that you can test different head models with the same shafts. However, in your case, 2 of the 3 shaft models are proprietary shaft models made for Titleist and Callaway, and thus can only be tested within the Titleist and Callaway model families.

My recommendation is to hit all of them, even if not side by side, and make your decision based on which club performed the best, was the most natural and comfortable to swing, gave the most consistency, power and accuracy, without the need to adjust your swing, posture, etc.

You can look these shafts up on their respective websites-

NS 1100 = http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/Products/Clubs/Irons/DiabloForgedIrons/Specifications.html

NS 105T = http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/shafts_grips/shafts/default.asp?Filter=4

NS 950GH = http://www.nipponshaft.com/steel_950gh.html

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Callaway X-22 Pro Series with Nippon 990 shafts. I have been using the Nippon 850GH successfully in a set of Ping G15’s. Can I switch out the 990’s for 850’s without adversely affecting weighting? (Like the smaller head.)
Thanks, Steve

 
ANSWER: Hi Steve,

This would generally work if both head models have the same hosel design, bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, head weight, lie angle, etc. Then, at least, the shaft would be the same length, the same weight, and flex in a similar manner.

Of course, due to the differences in head absorption, and head weight distribution, the shaft would not feel exactly the same, or play exactly the same.

The conclusion is- “a given shaft model does not perform independently of the club that it is installed in- it is subject to the forces that the head and installation specifications exert on it.”   

It’s kind of like switching an engine between two cars. It will have to be installed properly, but even then, the different designs of the two cars will exert different forces upon the engine and it will not have the exact same performance, power, gas mileage, etc. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi there,

I am currently using True Temper ’R’ Fat Shafts, and am switching to a Mizuno model with the 950 shaft. Could you tell me which of the NS Pro 950 shafts are similar to these? ie, ‘R’ or ‘S’?  Regards Martin.

ANSWER: Hi Martin,

The Fat Shaft model is a unique design and certainly a different weight and geometry versus the NS PRO 950Gh model. However, with regards to flex, I would choose the same ‘R’ flex.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I was recently fitted for Titleist AP2 irons by a Nippon authorized fitter.  I
love the clubs.  But I’ve now decided to reshaft my backup Mizuno set with the
same type shafts.  My AP2s are fitted with NS Pro 105 stiff shafts that are Soft
Stepped once.  Can you tell me which Nippon shaft is the closest “non-Titleist”
equivalent?  I will go back to the same facility for reshafting but this
information will also help me shop more wisely should I decide to change my
backup set.  Thanks, Mike.

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

I am glad you are enjoying your Nippon Shaft / Titleist combination.

I will give you the same explanation as the previous post regarding your NS 105T shaft model. This model is a mid weight, mid/hi launch shaft model. However, please understand that there is no exact model like the 905 by Nippon Shaft. It is manufactured for the Titleist Company, and is a unique shaft model. 

A good comparison is- Coca-Cola is a unique soft drink. Pepsi might be similar to Coke, and certainly is the best match versus other options such as 7-UP, or Dr. Pepper, and certainly more similar than Iced Tea, Lemonade or Orange Juice, but nevertheless, Coke is a unique soft drink. Likewise, the NS PRO 905 model is a unique shaft model. However, two models in a similar range are the NS PRO 1150GH Tour and the 1050GH, available through our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com.

One suggestion that you might consider is having one of your Mizuno irons shafted with one of the above options to see if you find the performance you are seeking. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,
Comparing the Nippon 850GH and 950GH, which shaft is designed to produce the
higher trajectory?  Or is trajectory design roughly comparable and more
dependent upon the golfer and clubhead design?
I previously owned a set of 2008 Cobra FPIIs with the stock Nippon 1030H shaft. 
I should not have sold them and now I am trying to replicate performance in the
Ping i15.  How does the 850GH and 950GH compare to the Nippon shaft
manufactured for those Cobras? Thanks, Christina

ANSWER: Hi Christina,

You are right about shot trajectory. It is a combination of golfer, clubhead and shaft design. In the case of the NS PRO 850 and 950 models, they will produce a similar trajectory, but the 950 model, for most golfers is more of a mid/hi launch, with the 850 model being a mid launch. and thus, the 950 will gain a bit more height.

The 1030 model that is manufactured for the Cobra Company, is in the same trajectory family, but the shaft weight is slightly heavier, which can mean a lot to how your body and swing interact with a club.

I can not stress enough, that the true measure of any club’s performance should only be judged in it’s totality. This means that a given shaft in similar heads will not always produce the same performance. The combination of a specific head model, bore depth, sole design, head weight, shaft design, shaft flex, shaft weight, and 20 more variables, will yield a very specific performance, and when one of those variables are adjusted, the performance may be quite different.

You might consider hitting some different shaft models/head models. For more questions, please reply to this post or contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com. Regards, Mark