QUESTION: Are the Nippon Shaft NS Pro 1030-H shafts in the Cobras parallel or tapered tip? Butt trim only? I’m thinking of using a couple demo 6 iron shafts
and trimming them to use in my wedges is why I ask.

Thanks, Landon
ANSWER: Hi Landon,

Regarding the use of 6 iron shafts in a wedge club- it is kind of like having a short shot with a sand trap between you and the pin- you could choose a #6 iron for the shot, but they make a club for that purpose- it’s called a wedge.

The Cobra models are .355 taper tip. However, just because a shaft will fit into the hosel of your club, does not mean that it will play well. With #6 iron shafts in your wedges, they will have a mismatched weight, flex and balance.

I think the choice of the #6 iron club over the bunker is looking quite foolish. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, Great site. I am new to clubmaking and have 

what may be an old question with a simple answer. If you

could humor me, I would appreciate it. Why aren’t all shaft

tips trimmed to the same length? If I were to make a set of

clubs with every iron shaft cut to the same length, say, 

a 6-iron length, would I want to trim all of the shafts to

a 6-iron tip trim, or still use the same traditional tip 

trims in 1/2″ increments for 3-9. Thanks for your time, Randy

 

ANSWER: Hi Randy,

Shaft weights, shaft lengths, and shaft flexes are integrated

into traditional building parameters. If you change one of 

the building parameters, club length, for example, you will 

have to change other things so that the clubs will have a

chance of performing in an optimal manner. In traditional

sets, each head has a different weight/length scheme. If you

make all the lengths uniform, you will have to re-design the 

head weight geometry or you will have a variety of feel issues

to deal with. No matter how you adjust the shaft trimming, 

each club will give different feedback and require a 

different swing approach. This game is already difficult

enough. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:

Mark,
Thanks for the frank response. I’ve since checked a few things out. What I am
doing right now is experimenting to better narrow down what I really want to end
up with. I have a set of TGI 120S graphite (similar weight to DNG, I misstated
them as TCI in the last question) to experiment with. They are Taper tip being
shimmed into a .370 hosel. My iron swing speed has decreased from ~90 to 78MPH
since I last played 10 years ago. My driver swing speed has also dropped from
~110 to 95 MPH. I used to hit driver around 250-275, PW 120 and 8 iron 150. It
is interesting that with the newer designs I get similar distances with lower
swing speeds. My hope is to get a feel for what I really want in the long haul
as it has been so long that I don’t have a clue. I have swung a few Irons and
drivers at the local shop and I seem to be gravitating toward the softer S
flexes with a higher kick point (more like the DNG). Stiffer feel and lower kick
point really mess with my swing as I don’t feel the shaft load at the top and
unload through the release. There were not any Nippon Shaft models available to try
out so I can’t relate any info back to you on them. Suggestions on where to
start and possible shafts to consider once I get a handle on flex and club
length/weight would be great.
Info: Weight 195, ht 5′10″, age 52, HDCP 15, tempo mod fast, Swing full with a
tendency to use a lot of hands, path slight outside in with 2 degree open face
(stiff flex), shot pattern straight to fade, R flex generates everything from
push fade to hook (esp if I jump on it).
Thanks, Jim

ANSWER: Jim,

It sounds like your list of questions has grown…, but I am not sure which issues are the most important to you. As in my previous reply, my best suggestion is to take a breath, and leave most of the installation whirlwind behind, and determine if you are looking for some fun experimenting with some odd combinations and different equipment options, or if you are looking for a performance attribute.Either of these are worthy pursuits, but I would definitely pick one.

QUESTION: How about a frequency for say a std length, PING s58 6 iron in 950GH X-flex? Mike

ANSWER: Mike,

I imagine that you are asking about a shaft butt frequency measurement…, which is a very narrow view of the total playability of the shaft model. At the very minimum, by asking about a butt frequency rating, you are dismissing the value of the tip and mid geometry of a shaft, which is certainly just as important in the category of rating a shaft by flex. I believe that you are asking for a one-dimensional answer in your search to find the best performing shaft, but a single butt frequency number will not actually help you.

I know that you can easily propose this question to any of the golf forums on the net and you will receive a variety of responses from owners of a butt frequency machine. The variations are a result of the different measurement methodologies that exist with respect to the clamping method, the base of the machine, the grip material/or lack of grip, the headweight, the bore depth of the hosel, the definition of standard length?, swingweight, etc.

Finally, if you followed a system of butt frequency equalization, like the PCS system of equalizing the measurement variances of different machines, and you were able to attain an equalized rating of say 5.0 or 6.2 or 7.1., these numbers have no validity unless compared to shafts of like geometries. For example, it is possible to build our 1150GH shaft, and our 750GH shaft and our Blue Superpeening shaft model all to have the SAME butt frequency measurement on a given machine, yet the actual playing flex will be quite DIFFERENT. 

How then is a golfer to know how to compare shafts? The scientists use things like the below EI curve chart. These measure the general bending properties of a shaft along its complete length. Regular golfers like ourselves use a much more accurate method- we use interactive live testing. I am sure that you would like a magic answer to your question to help you find the right shaft, but I am giving you the real news, that no such chart exists among informed minds. Best regards and keep asking questions and learning about your equipment choices. Mark

 

QUESTION:

What is the swing speed range or 6 iron carry distance recomended for the 950GH
x flex shaft?

Thanks, Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

The optimum golfer for a 6 iron shafted with a 950GH X flex is the golfer who is able to sense and interact with the shaft weight and flex so as to consistently strike the face in the center, with a consistent trajectory, and achieve optimum carry. This methodology isn’t as specific as a swing speed number, however it is more accurate and is the only methodology used by the world’s top players and how all of us average players judge if a set performs optimally.

After conducting over 20,000+ interactive fitting sessions, it has proven difficult to pin down a swing speed range because golfers with a wide degree of variation of swing speeds have fit into the same shaft model, weight and flex.

I urge you to conduct your own live testing through the use of a fitting event, demo day, fitting cart, or by connecting with one of our installation centers. Or… you could always consult our magic flex chart by looking at the Q&A subject categories.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I fly my 7 iron around 120 yards, then depend on roll for additional distance. My driver swing speed averages between 75&80 mph. Which Nippon Shaft model and flex would you recommend? Thanks, Bugs

ANSWER: Bugs,

Yes- if you like to guess at the best performing shaft for your body and swing and game-you can attempt to plug-in your distance numbers and swing speed to some kind of formula and spend a lot of money, and then say a prayer that things will work out.

Or……………..

You can get off that merry-go-round and join those who have been fitted in an interactive manner. Live testing is the preferred method to determine the optimum shaft choice for how your body senses the club, applies force to the club, swings the club, and powers the club. Every proper fitting must include interactive live testing. Please read some of the other posts in this section.

It is not easy to find a premium fitter. It is not easy to find a premium clubmaker. However, if you conduct your search in the most basic manner, or in the most comprehensive manner, and include some form of actual live testing, the reward will be great. Continue to read some of these Q&A posts, and talk with some of the professionals in your area. If you need help to access more information in your search, please contact us again. Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi, I am playing with Titleist 735’s with True Temper reg shafts, and I
find that I hit them too high with loss of distance. I am thinking of N.S.PRO shaft
110 grams. My swing tempo is smooth and my swing speed is 78/85 mph. I am a 1 handicap. “Can you help” with shaft selection.
Thanks, Brian- Vancouver, B.C. Canada

ANSWER: Hi Brian,

Of course this is the number one shaft question- “What shaft should I use?

First of all- as a low handicap player you are the most difficult to fit because you have a great ability to adjust to most any shaft weight/length/flex combination. However, what your body, swing, and game needs is the shaft weight/length/flex combination that allows you to swing in the most efficient manner without the need for adjustment and compensation.

However, don’t fall into the misguided thinking that simply plugging in a tempo and swing speed number will give you the ideal shaft weight/length/flex combination. This simply is just a crazy idea.

You are required to determine this in an interactive manner using some method of live testing.

I suggest that you read several of the posts located here, especially in the FITTING category. For optimal performance, you will eventually have to connect with a premium, skilled clubfitter. 

If your current shafts/set is causing you to hit it shorter and higher, than you are most likely playing with a set that has the wrong length, flex, and/or shaft weight. I strongly encourage you to begin your search in earnest and get out there and begin some interactive testing. When you find the optimal combination, you will lose the need to modify your swing and gain efficient power and control.

Best regards, Mark