Archive for the 'Ultimate Fitting Destination' Category
Saturday, August 28th, 2010
QUESTION: Hi,
I have recently been fitted on Trackman, and a flex of 4.8, on the lower side of regular (DG) has been recommended. My five iron swing speed is 78mph and I currently play TT 105 gram shafts. My fitter says I should not go any higher and in fact lower is better.
I tried the Mizuno tool, and far down the list, it said I could play 1050s, but I think there might be better alternatives? I guess i have a smooth swing and transition but am aggressive through the hitting area. Missed shots are generally thin, and I have about 3 degrees forward lean at impact.
I will be changing to Japanese irons, probaly Miura or RC.
Can you help me out or give me some direction? Bruce
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ANSWER: Hi Bruce,
If you read just a few of my replies, it quickly becomes apparent that my fitting philosophy is more about actual performance, versus predictive guess-timation.
Trackman, the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer, and Butt Frequency numbers are all great tools to utilize in this fitting discussion, but eventually, your optimal equipment should be selected based on the feel of your swing and the efficiency of your flight.
Every time my fingers hit the keyboard in responding to golfer’s questions, Â my goal is to communicate that you will only be successful in choosing equipment if you understand the following statement-
“Choose equipment to optimize the feel of your swing, and the efficiency of your flight, WITHOUT the need to compensate.”
This means understanding that optimal equipment helps your body, swing and game perform naturally, powerfully, and efficiently. If a set is the right weight, length, flex, sole, kick-point, etc., then the body, swing and equipment work together in a natural flow of balance and power. If the set is off in any of these areas, compensations are required, which puts stress on this equation.
Thus, sometimes our bodies are able to make the needed adjustments, and we have a good result. But other times, we are not able to make the correction, and the result is a thin shot…
My recommendation is to begin to leave behind the less than perfect “predictive” ideas of swing transition and shaft lean, and instead, think in terms of the following-
From now on, everytime you talk to a fitter, or test a certain shaft, or club, or loft, etc., think in terms of the feel and the flight that test sample produces.
For example:
Did that shaft/head combination feel like it was in sync with my body and that I could make consistent contact?
Is the flight I am achieving too low, too high, or just right?
Do I feel like I have to rush or speed up with a given shaft flex? Or become more deliberate or slower than my natural swing ?
Regarding your specific situation-
1) Does your current shaft feel too heavy, too light, or about right? Compare your shaft weight to some of our model specifcations at www.nipponshaft.com. Also, is the flight achieved with your set ideal?
2) During your Trackman session, possibly the data showed that a shaft flex, stiffer than the suggested rating, yielded less ball speed, or less carry, which often is the result of a shaft model that is too stiff. This would also match up with a body/swing feeling that a given shaft feels “hard” and is not giving much help.
3) Finally, regarding a head model, while Miura and RC, are of high quality, it is quite important to also find if the performance is right for your body, swing and game. Testing and comparison of models gives you the best chance of learning if a given head design, weight, sole, etc., work for you.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination, General Fitting Questions |
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
QUESTION: Hi,
I have Rifle Lite 6.0 shafts in my irons, but will need to re-shaft the set
soon. The Rifle Lite shaft is out of production. I am looking at your shafts as
a quality product. I carry my irons the following distances…What shaft in your
range of products do you think best matches my present set of irons?
GW=100-115 yards
PW=118-125 yards
9i= 128-140 yards
8i=145-158 yards
7i= 155-168 yards
6i= 168-177 yards
5i= 178-188 yards
4i= 190-203 yards. My driver speed is 110 MPH. My handicap is 4.0. I am 57 years
young. I swing pretty herd at the ball. I am looking for a shaft that is lighter
than what I am swinging now in the Rifle Lite shafts, although I don’t know the
weight of the Rifle Lite shafts. I like a really stiff shaft because my
preference is to have a tight dispersion of my iron shots. I don’t want the
shafts so light they feel too different. What are your suggestions? Paul
ANSWER: Hi Paul,
You are really asking a question that can only be answered through an experiential interaction. This means- it is incumbent upon you to feel the weight, length, and flex on your body and swing, and to see the flight that a given shaft model yields, by testing and comparing shaft models in a live setting. Any guess or estimate will never give you a clear picture of your optimal shaft needs. After performing thousands of fitting assessments, I have learned that there is no expert or formula that is capable of adequately expressing the feel, flight and turf contact that a golfer uniquely experiences. Eventhough these recommendations are generated literally millions of times each year, via the internet, over the phone, or at an indoor golf shop, the reality remains that a golfer can only be fitted via a live, comparative, experiential assessment.Â
I know that finding a clubmaking facillity or test center that provides what I am suggesting, can be difficult, but it is achievable. I would start at our Authorized Installation Centers network. Go to www.shaftology.com and click on the CENTER Locator Link, and contact a few of our centers to inquire as to the fitting services offered. There are also thousands of locations that offer comparison of different models and flexes via Titleist, Callaway, Mizuno, Taylor Made, Ping, and Tour Edge center.
Regarding your specific question of some potential models that might work for you- I would consider our N.S. Pro 1150GH Tour or 1050GH iron models. Both of these are available in Stiff or Extra-Stiff flexes, or in any sub-flex between S and X, in parallel and taper tip diameters, and in lengths of 40.0″ to 35.0″.
For a list of our shaft dimensions, please visit www.nipponshaft.com. Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
Monday, August 16th, 2010
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a set of Ping i15 irons with stiff graphite shafts. I came from an i5 Ping steel iron shaft and found them too stiff.
IÂ switched to the graphite, looking for a little more distance, and found them too soft.
I am a 5 handicap, with a smooth swing, age 62, and 6 feet, 210 lbs. I am thinking of trying a Project X or Rifle shaft, 5.0.
Any suggestions? Help! PLB
ANSWER: Hello PLB,
Your best chance of finding equipment that is right for you begins with using some practical common sense.
Leave behind the notions of age, handicap, and body size as criteria for optimal shaft selection.
There are golfers in their 60’s that play like Tom Watson and Hale Irwin, and their are sixty year old golfers who can barely hit the ball a hundred yards. There are 5 handicap players who smash the ball into the heavens, and others who are short hitting, low flight, scrambling 5 handicappers. How could these criteria ever convey any meaning, shaft selection-wise?
Next, jumping from set to set, based on archaic myths of “choose graphite for more power!”, or ”choose what’s popular on tour!”, is a waste of time and will keep you floundering in your current predicament.
Choose your next set based on performance.
The best method, the most accurate equipment method, is to test and compare different models, weight, and flexes, and plug-in your answers to the following performance questions-
“Which model gives the best feel during the swing and at impact?”
“Which model allows my body to swing in the best rhythm, balance, and comfort?”
“Which model allows my swing to achieve the best flight and the most consistent contact?”
“Which model does not force me to make adjustments to achieve the best combination of feel, flight and consistency?”
Our current industry is set up for the ease and speed of selling golf clubs, but this is an anti-gravity system of matching you up with the best performing equipment. It is easy, but often results in a poorly matched set.
Find a source that will help you test different head/shaft models.
One place to start is our Authorized Installation Centers. Go to www.shaftology.com, click on our CENTER locator, and inquire as to the Fitting Services offered.
In your specific case, it sounds like you jumped from a heavy, stiff product to a light, “unstable for your body”, product.
Instead of trying another “maybe” set, I urge you to connect with a Fitting Center that will offer you the experience of testing a sensible variety of head, shaft, and specification combinations so that you can answer the above performance questions.
It make take some time and energy, but it is well worth it.
Please reply with any feedback or questions. Regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Frequently Asked, Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination, General Fitting Questions |
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Note to reader- sorry for the ”run together” style of this note. I have been unable to adjust this particular article. Thanks, MarkÂ
QUESTION: Hi again,I have seen a common thread with your replies: Go hit the shafts and select the one that feels best! Of course, that’s the best approach. But it’s not practical, and it cost you a lot of business. I’m most likely going to go with Project X rather than Nippon, because I’m familiar with Project X and can’t find after 2 weeks of looking, a place to demo the Nippon Steel shafts side be side.
Suggestion: I belong to 2 Country Clubs in California, and I attend about every demo day from club manufacturers. They are all the same- they want to sell you their clubs, regardless of what shaft goes with them. We both know that the shaft has more influence on satisfaction than the club head.
So, you guys should start holding demo days. Pick about 4 different high quality heads, and demo your range of shaft options. Encourage participants to test your shafts against what they currently play. But don’t just go on feel, but measure stats too.
Thanks, Mike
ANSWER: Welcome back Mike,
You bring up several great points, but don’t give up hope on finding your best equipment. I suggest that you jettison the old school mindset of demo days, predictive guess club fitting, and limited shaft testing options, and start exploring the new world.
100 years ago, golf equipment was built one club at a time, with special regard given to testing and fitting the unique needs of the individual golfer. Then, the industrial revolution hit, and prices plummeted and availability soared for off the rack sets, but at the great expense of the individual golfer, who a century later, seeks more than just the off the rack, generic technology, and a return to individually fitted equipment.
With the equipment rulings over the last few years, placing strict technology limits on the major manufacturers, a seismic shift in fitting/testing applications is moving in your direction.
As recent as 5 years ago, there were few testing fitting/testing options for the major head and shaft manufacturers. Because of the technology limits placed on equipment, the major companies are forced to re-direct their resources on fitting and testing options, and you now have 1000’s of locations to test and compare equipment options. It may not be exactly how you want things, but please read on.
Fitting carts from Cobra, Cleveland, Tour Edge, Titleist, Mizuno, Ping, Nike, Taylor Made, Callaway, etc., offer immediate evaluation as to which club feels and flies the best. The next generations systems, including the Callaway Opti-Fit, Taylor Made Select Fit, and Mizuno Optimizer Systems, all offer the opportunity to test and interact with a variety of interchangeable head and shaft options for instant evaluation.
Most every major manufacturer has similar systems in place, or is working on these interchangeable systems for the near future.Â
With the adjustable head systems of Nike, Taylor Made, Callaway, and soon Titleist, and others, the world is fast becoming a testing-friendly world again, as it was 100 years ago.
Even with all of these testing options by the major manufacturers, there is limited opportunities to compare across company lines, which has given rise to several high performance equipment facilities, most notably Hot Stix and Cool Clubs. Both of these firms have several locations around the US and offer the opportunity to interchange and test a variety of head and specialty shaft options. These type firms also blend the feel of the club, the flight of the ball, and the computer data that you seek. There are several other clubmaking firms in our network offering head and shaft connector fitting systems.
My mantra of recommending that golfers test, test, test, is based on 20 years of testing well over 20,000 golfers. Utilizing a system of interchangeable head and shaft options, the feedback of the golfer, live conditions, a doppler radar system, and my fitting expertise, I have learned that the most important element in the fitting process is the golfer’s interaction with the test clubs.
If a golfer is able to test, in a live setting, off turf, with a variety of head and shaft options, using a methodology of evaluating the success of a given combination based on achieving a performance that is natural, efficient, and powerful, without the need to adjust or modify their body, swing , or game, then the golfer will find their best equipment.
The difficult part is that there remains a huge amount of obstacles in your path. All of us major companies still derive the majority of our sales from “off the rack” purchases, and thus much of our energy is devoted to this side of the business. The media, marketing efforts, and almost every retail sales portal, also continues to support this channel with most of their energy.
Finally, most every golfer is not aware of how to properly test and evaluate clubs. There needs to be a shift in how a golfer thinks about and selects equipment. Currently, golfers think in terms of distance, forgiveness, feel and trajectory that a given golf club produces. However, it is much more than that. Golfers should look to the following 3 point methodology- “What combination of head, shaft, and installation specification allows a golfer to (1) swing with the most power, control and consistency, (2) achieve the most efficient flight, and (3) without the need to adjust his body, swing or game.
For your current search, I would give up the idea of a traditional demo day if you are looking for the complete answer, take my equipment evaluation methodology to heart, and also, give up the idea of hoping that the NS 105T or NS 1100 are going to be offered in a side by side analysis. These shafts are great models, and may or may not be for you, but they are proprietary to Titleist and Callaway, and will only be available in Titleist and Callaway heads, and the only option to pursue in your original note is to find a facility that is a Callaway, Titleist and Nippon Shaft Center, that offers interchangeable combinations- which is quite remote.
Thus, my recommendation is to test the clubs you are considering using the above testing methodology, even if not side by side. If you wish to go beyond these three shaft models, contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com and first inquire if they offer the type of fitting services that you seek. Depending on how much testing detail you desire, you may need to decide on spending time and money to travel to your best location. One last option is to visit us in Chicago and take advantage of our fitting services that I have described above.Â
Thanks ofr listening to my long note. Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Shaft Availability, Frequently Asked, MUST READ!, Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
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.Â
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
Posted in NS PRO Models, Ultimate Fitting Destination, Our Shaft Colleagues |
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
QUESTION: Hi,
My questions is in regards to shaft weight. Currently my driver
shaft is a Diamana 63 gram S flex. I seem to always be hitting
the ball on the heel of the face, and regardless of any swing
changes, I can’t seem to move to the center. My swing speed
is between 115-120 with the driver. I have a 85 gram shaft in
my 3 wood and love the feel of it. Occasionally I will hit the
3 wood farther than the driver.
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I was doing research and found several sources stating that a
shaft that is too light will cause a lot of heel shots. I
would like to go with an X flex in my new shaft, but was just
curious what a good weight would be. I am leaning towards a 83
or 93 Diamana Blue Board. Any advice? Ken
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ANSWER: Hi Ken,
You have pretty much answered your own question. If you are not
hitting your current driver very solid, but really like the feel
and playability of your #3 metal, than it makes sense to have a
similar shaft weight and flex installed into your driver.
Often a golfer has a difficult time finding the center of the
face with a shaft that is too light for their body and swing.
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Most golfers prefer a driver shaft weight that is the same or
slightly lighter than the shaft weight of their #3 metal.
Most golfers prefer their driver shaft flex to be approximately
the same as their #3 metal.
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So, it makes sense to choose a shaft weight in the 75 to 85 gram
weight range for your driver, based on your #3 metal weight.
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Of course, my best recommendation is to find a premium fitting
center and have your driver fit with regards to shaft weight,
length, flex, loft, head style, etc. In today’s world, there
are hundreds of options, and we deserve a driver that plays
natural, efficient, and powerful, without the need to adjust
our swing, body or game.
Â
Our NS PRO Tour 75 and 85 shafts are excellent choices that you
might consider. They are both available through our network of
Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
QUESTION: Hello,
I am 70 years old, with a 6.4 USGA handicap, using X-Tour irons, with Aldila 85 R shafts. My driver club head speed is 95-98 MPH. I am looking at Titleist AP2’s with Aldila VS Proto-T 85 stiff shafts. What effect would the stiff VS-T 85 have?
Thanks, JM
ANSWER: Hi JM,
Your only true, reliable answer, can only be known if you actually test the VS-Proto 85 S shafts.
For example- if you told me that you typically eat spicy food, and then informed me that you were looking at trying some even spicier food, and then asked what the taste difference might be…, I would say…, that the spicier food will taste more spicy. Which is kind of an abvious thing to say, but I am trying to convey that no one can tell you how a given food will taste to you, or how a given shaft will play for you.
A stiff shaft will play stiffer than a regular shaft, but which is better? If your body swing and game require an R shaft, the stiffer shaft will require your body and swing to make unwanted adjustments to make the stiff shaft perform close to reasonable. However, if the spicy food tastes bland to you, the spicier food may be a more enjoyable experience. Thus, if you need a stiff shaft, things will be more natural, efficient and powerful with the stiffer shaft.
However, it is not as simple as trying a different flex. there are several variables in play here- a different shaft model, a different head model, a different sole contacting the turf, a different balance, and most assuredly- different installation methodologies by the two companies.Â
Grasping for information using a math formula, such as driver speed, is hardly of any help.
It is time for you to choose a shaft selection method that is more befitting of your champion status. You are a golfer who deserves the best. Choose a fitting assessment method that gives you instant evaluation of what is optimal for your body, swing and game.
I strongly urge you to find a fitting facility that offers a wide array of quick connect premium head and shaft options, so that you can test and compare the feel, swing, flight, contact, and playability of your set and the different models that are available.
Some of the options that exist are the Callaway Opti-Fit Centers, Taylor Made Select-Fit Centers, or the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer Centers. In addition, you might consider contacting the Titleist Fitting Centers for help with your questions. Finally you might find that some of our Authorized Installation Centers offer these type of connect systems in their fitting services. They can be contacted at www.shaftology.com.
Please let me know what you find in your search.
Best regards, Mark
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Posted in Shaft Fitting, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
QUESTION: Hello,
I currently have a set of Hogan Apex blades with their steel “4″ flex shaft (I really have no clue what this is supposed to be comparable to). Although it has served me fairly well over the years, I am in search of something new, and feel
there may be something better in all areas for me…. (distance, shot dispersion, trajectory)Â
Ideally, I am looking for something with a little tighter shot dispersion and maybe a touch lower ball flight. (sometimes harder to verbalize what I envision)
If it helps, I am a 3-4 handicap with a consistent swing from club to club through the set. Thank you for your help.
Regards, Tony
ANSWER: Hi Tony,
Your existing shafts are typically described as a mid-weight, mid-launch shaft model. The #4 on the shaft label, was used by the Hogan Company to mean an ‘S’ flex.
To find better performance, with regards to the 3 important variables you have listed- what is required is to find a shaft model that allows you to swing with power and efficiency.
Like finding a baseball bat that gives consistent contact and power- which model length and weight will help you achieve your goals? There is no mathematical formula that can accurately predict what you need. The true method of optimum bat selection is to test the different models in order to determine which bat model, material, weight, length, and balance, feels and plays the best.
Likewise in golf, you might consider testing a few models and flexes to determine which weight, balance, and flex is right for you. 2 models to consider are our NS PRO Superpeening Blue, and our NS PRO 1150GH Tour. If you have always preferred a traditional ‘S’ flex, then you probably will find your optimal flex in that area, but it would be a good idea to hit a variety of flexes to make sure you are in the right place.
For specification information on these models, please visit www.nipponshaft.com. For help with testing shaft models, you might consider visiting www.shaftology.com, clicking on the CENTER LOCATOR link, and contacting one or more of our Authorized Installation Centers, and inquiring as to the fitting services that they provide.
By comparing different weights, flexes and models, you have the opportunity to instantly evaluate the shafts that will help you reach your goals of better distance, trajectory and dsipersion.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Ultimate Fitting Destination, General Fitting Questions |
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
QUESTION: Hi,
Male, age 53, handicap 4.
I’m a smooth swinger (ala Fred Couples). I feel my shafts are too heavy (Black Gold 121g). They seem to force me to swing too agressive most of the time in order to take full advantage of the shaft.Â
I would like something lighter so I can decide how much to put into the shot and not the other way around. Swing speed is around 98, 105 when pushed. Any suggestions on model/make?
Thanks, RH
ANSWER: Hi RH,
For sure, your existing shafts are too heavy, too stiff, or both. The only true method of accurate shaft selection is via live testing and comparison. With this method, you know in an instant, which shaft model, weight, and flex is for you.
There are thousands of golfers like yourself, who are waking up to the realization that it is better to INVERT the equipment equation, and have your shafts adjusted to your body, swing and game needs, versus the old school method of adjusting your game to the needs of your existing shafts.
Some lighter shaft models to consider are our NS PRO 950GH, 999GH, 1050GH.
You may want to contact one or more of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com and inquire as to the Fitting Services offered. Regards, MarkÂ
Posted in Shaft Fitting, Golfer Interaction, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
QUESTION: Hi Gang…
Okay… I have played this game for many years..high school and
college.. and tried to qualify for the senior U S Open at 52.. I am 54 now and want to get serious again. Oddly, I have never been fitted for clubs.. I know that there are so many ways now to increase distance and control.Â
I hear you guys make the best lighter shafts … I would think lighter may mean more distance hopefully without losing control. I am exploring and would love your input ..Â
I am about your average size golfer… 5′11′ and 196 lbs.. I am a 4 handicap.. my swing speed is around 100 to maybe 105.. I hit a 7 iron 145 to 158. I use Mizuno MP33 blades. (tried the so-called game inprovement clubs-can’t look at um) Â
Where can I go from this point, as far as technology, to increase distance and take advantage of all that is available…?  If I
simply changed to one of your better lighter shafts in my irons, what could I expect from this ? Is this a good starting point? Â
I wish I knew more about all this tech stuff and really do not have much of a clue about how to go about finding the best situation possible.
The pros have so much of an advantage on most of us.. It is just not a guessing game for them because they have the best possible fit clubs and ball for their individual games.. I want that … HELP!
Thanks, Cecil
ANSWER: Hi Cecil,
Like most every golfer, especially among golfers our age, you grew up finding some equipment that worked reasonably well, and then LEARNED to ADJUST to the rest. This was OK when we were younger, but if we want to play our best, the time has come to leave behind compensations, and choose power and efficiency.
The starting point is a combination of both, the new technology options, but also discovering how to fit our equipment to our bodies and swings.
This means the following- “The best equipment is that which allows us to swing in the most powerful, natural and efficient manner, with the most powerful, natural, efficient flight, without the need for compensation or adjustment in our swing, body or game.”
Are you with me so far?
Your equipment salvation may include one of our premium lightweight shaft models, but it doesn’t start there. It begins with finding a clubfitter or facility that offers a variety of test combinations that, via testing and comparison, will lead your body to finding the best heads, shafts and specifications for your body, swing and game.
You would be wise to consider going to www.shaftology.com and click on our CENTER LOCATOR, and contact several of our Centers, inquiring about the fitting services that they offer.
This is not an easy task to accomplish. Most golfers, and clubmakers, do not understand exactly how things should work, and thus our fitting choices/availabilities are quite mixed up. However, if you pursue live testing, and demand comparative choices, you will find the hottest and most consistent performing equipment.
Please stay in touch with your progress. Regards, MarkÂ
Posted in Frequently Asked, Ultimate Fitting Destination, General Fitting Questions |
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