QUESTION: Hi,

I previously forwarded you an email about trimming instructions for the N.S. Pro 950GH shafts.  I forgot to mention that they will be installed in a Callaway X-22
model.  Also do I need to put lead weights at the tip to achieve a swingweight of D1-D2?

Thanks, Rubin

ANSWER: Hi Rubin,

Most golfers assume that there is one universal installation method for each manufacturer, each head model, and each shaft model. The reality is that every set installation should be calculated like a unique math equation to achieve the intended results. I strongly urge you to seek guidance from a skilled installer to insure that you attain the performance that you deserve.

Here’s the general answer:

N.S. Pro 950GH Trimming Instructions- Butt trim each shaft to the desired length. Do not tip trim.

The more accurate, specific answer becomes way more complicated. 

Here’s the best, most accurate answer:

N.S. Pro 950GH Trimming Instructions- Hosel designs are different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Select the proper raw shaft flex and raw shaft length, based on the bottom of the hosel bore to the ground measurement, and butt trim each shaft to the desired length. Do not tip trim.

Selection of the proper raw shaft flex and raw shaft length is accomplished by calculating the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, and then choosing the proper shaft based on this measurement.

The bottom of the bore to the ground is best calculated by measuring the total raw shaft length of a given iron shaft, and then a dry-fit installation of that given shaft and using the USGA 60 degree length measurement method, obtaining the raw club length. Subtraction of the raw shaft length from the raw club length leaves a remainder that is the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement. If you have a traditional set of shafts and you would like to achieve the stated flex that is labeled on the butt end of the shaft, and you have a traditional bottom of the bore to the ground measurement of 1″, then you will want to use the 37.5″ raw shaft length for your #5 iron. If however, you have a bottom of the bore to the ground measurement that is less or more than 1″, you will need to select a 38.0″ or 37.0″ raw shaft length for your #5 iron head to achieve the stated flex.

NOTE: This assumes that you are using a traditional set of 950GH shafts. Many of the OEMs (major manufacturers), utilize different raw length variations for their specific applications and thus each of our Authorized Installation Centers is required to know which variation supports the proper application.

I warned you that the specific answer to your question can be complicated.

Regarding your question of swingweight- most likely, you will need to carefully measure and then adjust your swingweight to your desired weight. Swingweight is best measured in its totality, meaning measured on a swingweight scale after the club has been installed. However, it is a good idea to understand that length, shaft weight, shaft balance, head weight, lie angle, grip weight, etc., all have an impact on the final swingweight. Depending on all of these factors, your set may need some weight adjustments to achieve your D1 or D2 swingweight. Ideally, selecting the proper head weight is the best method. However, if a small amount of weight is added securely and permanently to the tip end of the shaft, the head center of gravity, and the intended playing design of the head will not be sufficiently unbalanced.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello-

If I have 7 39.0″ 950 shafts, can I cut them from the butt to fit my set of
irons, or do the shafts have to be cut to fit the irons before I get them, and at
1/2″ increments? Thx, LJ

ANSWER: Hi,

It sounds like you have a set of 7 #3 iron shafts, which, regardless of how they are trimmed, will result in a set that plays odd and unbalanced. You will have to develop a different tempo and swing for each club in order to find reasonable performance.

You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Centers for help with your goal of a new set of shafts.

You might also consider reading through a couple of similar posts-

 Trimming Instructions for 950GH Parallel ‘R’ Model?

 Can I use 40″ 950 shafts for my Taylor set?

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Could you please tell me the trimming instructions for 8950GH-A shafts.
ANSWER: Hi,

Trimming Instructions - NS PRO 8950GH, All Flexes, For both Taper and Parallel Tip Models

“Butt trim to desired length”

“Do not trim from the tip”

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

Please tell me what the tipping requirements are for the 850GH steel R-flex
starting at #3-PW. Thank You, South

ANSWER: Hi South,

The 850 model, for both .355 taper and .370 parallel tip diameter models, and for heads that have a traditional bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, the trimming instructions are as follows;

“Trim from the butt to desired length”.

For more information on installation and trimming of Nippon Shaft models, click on the categories of TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS and SHAFT INSTALLATION PRIMER, located on the right side of this page. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I would like to know the trimming instructions for the Nippon 950GH parallel
regular shafts.  Is the 3 iron zero and 1/2 increments as usual? Thanks,  Barry  

ANSWER: Hi Barry,

Most of our constant weight parallel tip models, including our NS PRO 950GH .370 parallel tip model, is - “butt trim to desired length” for each iron. This means- butt trim the #3 iron shaft to your desired length, butt trim the #4 iron shaft to your desired length, etc.

If you trim any portion of the shaft from the tip end, you will alter the premium balance of this shaft model. Regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi,

I am about to tip trim some Aldila Gamer shafts for a set of irons.The trim
charts I found state that you should take off 1/2″ from the three iron down to
the wedges.That would make the pitching wedge 4″ on the tip trim.Looking at
Golfworks trim chart(IR21),The wedges are trimmed to 3-1/2″.Could you please
give me some input on this matter. Thanks!! Anthony

 
ANSWER: Hi Anthony,

I wouldn’t get too concerned over a 3 1/2″ tip trim versus a 4″ tip trim. The actual playing difference is slight. My only suggestion is if you like your wedge to have a bit more feel via a softer shaft flex, tip trim your wedge shaft at 3 1/2″. If you like your wedge to be stiffer than your #9 iron, go ahead and tip trim your wedge shaft to 4″. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

My question is that I purchased the WV105 wedge shaft from Golfsmith and could
not find Trimming Instructions on their website. After reading comments here I
now know tip trimming of your exquisite .355 tapered product is a no-no. Butt
trim to length only! Am I correct?
I do have a set of MX-25 with Nippons factory installed at MIZUNO.

EXCELLENT!

ANSWER: Yes,

You are absolutely correct. The WV series is “butt trim only to your desired length”.

We are glad to hear that you are having success with your Mizuno/Nippon Shaft combination, and hope that you have equal success with your new WV shaft. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I currently have a set of 950 steel shafts in regular flex.  Can I tip trim each
shaft for more of a stiff flex?  If so how much do you recommend taking off each
tip? Thanks, MC

ANSWER: Hi MC,

Regardless of whether your set is a parallel or taper tip diameter, I strongly recommend against any tip trimming of our discrete length, constant weight models- and our NS PRO 950GH model definitely falls in this category. Tip trimming will ruin the balance and feel of the 950 model, so only butt trimming is optimum to maintain the original design and feel.

Some of our Authorized Installation Centers will choose to hard step our 950GH model, (for example- installation of the #7 iron shaft into the #6 iron head to achieve a slightly stiffer flex), but in order to achieve a full flex stiffer, you will need to hard step your shafts by a factor of 3. This means that the #7 iron shaft will have to be installed into the #4 iron head, which now will create total length issues. 

If you need an ‘S’ flex, than have the ‘S’ flex installed into your set. This choice will give you the flex that you are seeking, and maintain the feel and balance that Nippon Shaft models are famous for. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Just wondering- can you tell the trim code for the Superpeening Blue? Tks, Bubba

ANSWER: Hi Bubba,

This model is always “trim to desired length from the butt end”.

Most every discrete length, constant weight, iron shaft design, will always be a butt trim model- but especially all taper tip models. If you trimmed this shaft model from the tip, you would change the shaft balance and shaft flex, but most importantly, you will make your .355 taper tip shaft into an odd size tip diameter, creating all kinds of installation problems. Thanks for your note. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have an N.S.PRO 850GH (R) Steel shaft 37.5″ Raw length. I want to
install the shaft in a Titleist AP1 5 iron. Factory spec. length is 38.0″ for 5
iron. When I install the shaft I will have about 1/4″ to trim from the
butt of the shaft.
I am assuming you do not recommend tip trimming these shafts? Just want to
confirm, because this is a live test club and if it works out I want to fit all
my irons with this shaft.

Thanks, Bob

ANSWER: Hi Bob,

This model is absolutely butt trim only. By trimming this model from the butt end, you will maintain the authentic balance and feel of your Nippon Shaft NS PRO 850GH model.

Many of our models have extra weight in the tip end. If you remove material off of the tip end, the balance will be changed. Thanks for your question. Mark