QUESTION: Hi,

I would like to build a set of irons using the 8950GH shafts, with

each iron varying 1/4″ in length instead of the customary 1/2″.

Head weights would be adjusted accordingly. For example,the 9 iron

will be 36.5″, and the 5 iron 37.5″. I’ve done this with other

shafts and have liked the results.  But those shafts were designed

to be tip trimmed.  How would I handle this with your shafts?

Thank you.  -Don

ANSWER: Hi Don,

There are all different kinds of ways to build golf clubs, and your

1/4″ length adjustment increment, is another relevant method.

However, our NS PRO 8950GH shaft model is not designed for your

project. This model, like most of our premium NS PRO shaft models,

has a unique weight distribution and balance, and if you remove

weight from the tip end of the shaft, to adjust for the shaft

flex for your unique building option, you will alter our intended

design, and the feel and balance will be lost. Also, the

warranty will be void due to the non-recommended tip trimming.

 

Having said all of the above, you still may choose to go ahead with 

your project. We do not provide the specific step-by-step instructions

to perform any installation project. This is why we have set up our 

group of Authorized Shaft Installation Centers- for help with all kinds 

of standard and non-standard installations.

 
My best recommendation is to enlist the aid of a competent clubmaker,
write down all the specifications you desire, including, the desired
shaft lengths, desired head weights/swingweights, bottom of the
hosel bore to the ground measurements, desired shaft flex, desired
shaft model, etc, and do the math that is required to select the
best raw shaft lengths for your project. In some cases, you may
decide to double up on some of the raw shaft lengths for your 
adjusted increment method and do no tip trimming so as to 
maintain the premium NS PRO feel and balance.
 
Based on how detailed of an installation you desire, and which
specification is the most important to you, you can then make your
decisions as to which installation option is best for you. 
Reagrds, Mark      

QUESTION: Hi,

I am going to reshaft my irons and was wondering if you could tell me what is
the difference between the 950GH and the V90 Nippon shafts. Also, Golfsmith is
selling a model 8950GH which I understand is heavier and stiffer then the 950GH. 
Is this correct? Thanks, Ken

ANSWER: Hi Ken,

All 3 of these models are from our award-winning 950 family, made from the same propietary NSGS8655V base material, and subject to our specialized heat treatment processes.

The V90 model is a couple of grams lighter and produces a higher ball flight, versus the NS PRO 950GH. The V90 has won the first two events on the LPGA Tour this year.

The NS PRO 8950GH is a couple of grams heavier, and plays half a flex stiffer, versus the NS PRO 950GH. The 8950GH is available in lengths of 39.0″ to 35.5″, (3 to PW), in .370 parallel and .355 taper tip diameters, in flexes of ‘A’ (Senior), ’R’ (Regular), and ‘S’ (Stiff), and can be purchased direct from Golfsmith, Swing Science, and Leaderboard Golf.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I have the 950GH ’stiff’ in my 4-PW (Nike Split Cavs) and have recently bought a 3
iron with a stock shaft. I would like the 950GH in this iron (Nike Pro Combo), but
as I understand it, only the 8950GH is available for this. I have read that the
8950GH is 1/2 flex stiffer. In which case, what flex would you recommend?
Considering it’s a long iron, would a regular (playing 1/2 stiffer) be the best way
to go?

Thanks for your help, Tom
ANSWER: Hi Tom,

You have several options, but I strongly recommend one course of action. If you like your set of Nike irons, and you want your #3 iron to play EXACTLY as the rest of your set, I would find a quality clubmaker and have them install your #3 iron to the same specifications as your set, based on taking the length, swingweight, shaft insertion, and grip specification measurements from your #4 iron. 

Any retail facility is able to purchase a shaft from our warehouse in Chicago for installation. Of course, my best recommendation is to contact one of our Authorized Centers for help with your project, as they have the most experience with installation of Nippon Shaft models.

If you want to choose the next best option, you can install an NS PRO 8950GH iron shaft by purchasing from the Golfsmith, Swing Science or Leaderboard companies. 

Regarding the appropriate choice, if your set of Nike irons is of a standard length, choose to purchase a #4 iron shaft, or 38.5″ raw length, in an ‘R’ flex, and install into your Nike #3 iron. The flex will very closely approximate your 950GH ‘S’ flex set.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello there,

This website is very informative and useful.

You commented that the NS Pro 8950GH is a bit stiffer than the NS Pro 950GH.
Will it work to soft-step the 8950GH once or twice to approximate the flex of
the 950GH? Del

ANSWER: Hi Del

If you soft step the 8950GH model once, meaning that you would install the #3 iron shaft into the #4 iron head, the #4 shaft into the #5 iron head, etc., then you will be almost identical to the flex in the 950 model.

Thanks for your kind words, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I really like your Nippon 950GH shaft.  Why don’t you sell this shaft through distributors such as Leaderboardgolf, Golf Works, Golfsmith etc.?

I’ve tried the 8950GH and didn’t like it.  $40 for an install is a little steep or $440 for a set of 11 clubs.  Is the 950GH that Titleist put in their 822OS the real deal?  It would be less expensive to buy up sets of those and pull the shafts.

Kind Regards, Rick

ANSWER: Hi Rick, 

Thanks for taking the time to send in your note. I do hear your frustration as to our distribution plans. We may not have a perfect system for everyone, but it is true that we do consider all of our customers and try to balance the needs of our largest OEM customers, our different global agents, our golfer users, our distributors, our Authorized Installation Centers, and the rest of the Nippon Shaft family. We are working hard to develop the best possible ways to balance the needs of all our constituency and make available our premium shaft models.

I know that you said that you have tried our NS PRO 8950GH and ”didn’t like it”, but I would consider giving it another try. The NS PRO 8950GH is from our 950 family, made with the same proprietary NSGS8655V steel material, and subject to the same specialized heat treatment processes, both of constant weight design, and both the 950 and 8950 models have a mid to high launch geometry. The difference is that the NS PRO 8950GH model is approximately 1/2 flex stiffer than our 950 model, which can make a shaft feel and fly quite differently. 

Our NS PRO 8950GH model is available in 32 different SKU’s of length, flex and tip diameter. (39.0″ thru 35.5″ lengths, Stiff, Regular and Senior flexes, and .355 taper and .370 parallel tip diameters). This model is now available through Golfsmith, Swing Science and Leaderboard. Also available through these companies is our new WV wedge series.

Regarding our shaft model available in the Titleist 822OS, yes, this 950 family shaft is made from the same NSGS8655V base shaft material, specialized heat treatment processes, constant weight design, mid to hi launch geometry, traditional flexes-1 iron to 9 iron, 1/3 flex softer in the wedges, premium model. 

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: I have been hitting the 950GH, but can’t find a place to buy it. RK

ANSWER: Hi,

Our NS PRO 950GH model is available through the major manufacturers and our Authorized Installation Centers, on an installation basis only. For information on our Centers, please go to www.shaftology.com.

For direct purchase of our NS PRO 8950GH model- which is available through the Golfsmith and Swing Science Companies, please contact them.

The NS PRO 8950GH is from our 950 series family, with the same proprietary NSGS8655V base material and specialized heat treatment processes as all of our 950 family. The 8950 is 1/2 flex stiffer than our traditional 950 model and is available in .355 taper and .370 parallel tip diameters, Stiff, Regular, and Senior flexes, and lengths of #3 iron to PW.

For more information on our popular NS PRO 8950GH model, please enter this model into the search box at the top right hand corner of this page. Regards, Mark

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I am thinking about buying Nippon Shaft 850GH, 950GH, or V90. Slow swing speed around 80 mph, age 61, hdcp 10. I currently have DG XP R300 & it feels heavy and stiff. My PW only goes 90-95 yds. Which shaft do you recommend and can I buy it in the U.S.?

Thanks, JI

ANSWER: Hi JI,

My best recommendation is to contact one of our centers, and iquire as to their fitting services. It is important to compare and test the differetn options so that you can accurately select the best shaft for you in terms of the ideal feel and flight.

If your current set feels heavy and stiff, I think your list of shafts will put you on the right track. The NS PRO 950GH is available through any of our Authorized Installation Centers or through most any major manufacturer. The NS PRO 850GH is available through our Centers. The V90 is a special order even through our Centers here in the US.

Another great option is our NS PRO 8950GH- one of our models from our 950 family. If you current set feel both heavy and stiff, then the NS PRO 8950GH, at 93 grams, and available in an ‘A’ flex or ‘Senior’ flex, is a great choice, and available for direct purchase from either Golfsmith or the Swing Science Company.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

Please confirm the right “head” for NS 8950 35.5″ and 38.5″. Do 9 iron and Wedge
use the same shaft, or is there a specific one for wedge?
Regards, LJV

ANSWER: HI LJV,

The question of how to match up the proper shaft with the proper head depends on a few variables. For a traditional hosel design, and thus to maintain a uniform flex rating, the raw lengths for the NS PRO 8950GH should be selected as follows:

#3= 39.0″, #4= 38.5″, #5= 38.0″, #6= 37.5″, #7= 37.0, #8= 36.5, #9= 36.0

The question of the wedge shaft should be selected based on the needs of the golfer. Regarding use of the NS PRO 8950GH series, golfers and clubmakers choose the 35.5″ length for all wedge clubs. However, I recommend that you select your raw wedge length according to this guideline; if you like the feel and flex of your #8 and #9 iron and generally see your PW as a full swing club, in the NS PRO 8950GH series, select the 35.5″ raw shaft length. If you like increased feel with your PW and you use your PW generally for shorter shots and the like, in the 8950GH series, select the 36.0″ raw shaft length.

For more information on the NS PRO 8950GH, including shaft selection and trimming instructions, please go to the right side of the page and look for the categories of “NS PRO 8950GH, and TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am trying to purchase some NS PRO 970 shafts for my irons. Where do I purchase them? Thanks, Frost

ANSWER: Hi Frost,

The NS PRO 970 model is manufactured exclusively for the Titleist/Acushnet Company and is only available in their models. Please contact an Authorized Titleist retailer for more information regarding the 970 model.

You might consider other NS models in the 95 to 100 gram range, one of which is available for direct sale, the NS PRO 8950GH, via www.swingsciencestore.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I am looking for a set of 8 (3 iron to PW) Nippon 950GH shafts in S flex.  None of the golf supply stores in my area carry Nippon.

Are you able to help me via mail order?

The shafts are for Macgregor PCB Tour Irons — which I believe need a .355 taper tip, but I am not sure.

Thanks, Kyle

 

ANSWER: Hi Kyle,

You have several options.(1) The NS PRO 950GH is available through our Authorized Installation Centers on an installation basis only. Please go to www.shaftology.com for their location and contact information.
 
(2) Contact the major manufacturers directly for new models or work on existing models.

(3) Our NS PRO 8950GH is available direct to you by going to www.swingsciencestore.com. 

Regarding information on the specification of your head, the 3 major factors that affect installation and playability include the specific head weight, hosel diameter, and ground to the bottom of the bore measurement. For best understanding how these factors integrate into optimum performance, I recommend contacting a skilled installer.

Regards, Mark