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
 

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,  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

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a mizuno fitting iron; with an X flex.  What is an X flex?
Thank you, RP

ANSWER: Hi RP,

X Flex is a rating of the shaft flex. The scale is loosely described as follows;

LL = super flexible

L = very flexible

A = flexible

R = medium or regular

S = stiff

X = extra-stiff

XX = double extra-stiff

Best regards, Mark

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.

I 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

QUESTION: Hi there,

I am a trained clubfitter. I have a set of Callaways with 1050 Stiff shafts. They play very nicely and I like the flex.

I have another set of irons I built which I have installed 1150GH Tour Stiff shafts in. They feel a little too stiff for me - though I can hit them fine. They just feel a bit too stiff. So I was going to soft step them.

My question is, would I need to softstep them once or twice to get them to play more like the 1050 in flex?

For your information, I am a smooth swinger. My swingspeed with a 6 iron is around 82-83 and around 103-105 with driver.

Love your shafts. Thanks, Hugh

 

ANSWER: Hello Hugh,

I am glad to hear of your love affair with our shafts.

If both sets are installed to an ‘S’ flex, and one set “feels” stiffer than the other, then it is not a question of flex. There is a difference in the weight, balance, and geometry of these two models, that is not allowing your body and swing to perform in the same manner with both sets, which often can be assumed to be a flex issue, in that a set plays more difficult, but for different reasons. Also, if the heads are different models, there will be a decided difference in feel, flight and performance.

After many thousands of assessments, I have learned that it is a much better method to “measure” the performance of a given set, versus the guesstimate methods of prediction based on age, handicap, gender, or the mph of a clubhead moving through the air. 

When playing and comparing two different shaft models of different weight, balance and geometry- how well we swing, the flight we are able to achieve, and the head delivery method we attain, are dependent on the suitability of a given model to our body, swing and game.

More specifically, if the 1150GH set feels too heavy, is more difficult to achieve the same flight as the 1050, or comes with an iron head that does contact the turf as efficient as your Callaway set, then you might interpret these feelings as “stiffer’.

You might consider adjusting the flex of your 1150 set, to find a flex rating that is better suited to you, but you may also find that no matter what flex adjustment you make, the weight, balance, geometry and head, still are not optimal for your needs.

Thus, if the 1050GH/Callaway combination yields the best feel and flight and consistency, a multitude of adjustments to the 1150GH may not produce a similar performing set.  

Regarding your original question of soft-stepping your 1150GH set- as a general rule, adjusting a traditional 1150GH shaft installation by installing , for example, a #3 iron shaft into a #4 iron head, will yield a shaft flex that is 1/3 softer.

Please reply with what you learn about your set. Regards, Mark
 

QUESTION: Mark,
I currently play Ping G-10′S. They have the Ping AWT steel shaft in them. I am 6′3 and I play them .75 inch over standard length. I currently pull the ball to the left.

I believe all of my fittings are correct…except for the shaft. I did
not research shafts when being fitted by Ping. I took what they suggested and have the standard AWT steel shaft.
I’m 47 years old and my swing is slowing. I currently swing around 90 mph and will only slow in the future. My elbows hurt after each round and I’m exhausted. I feel that this shaft is to heavy in my irons. I’m looking at sending the clubs to Ping and having the Nippon 850GH Shaft put in them.
My question is basically …….will these shafts help with my accuracy, and obviously being lighter, help my elbows and body to feel better after each round?
Think these shafts will improve my game? I’m just an average golfer…..but not getting any younger. Also, if I do this, what shaft flex would be best ….stiff or regular? I think regular. Please respond.
Thanks, Jeff
AMSWER: Hi Jeff,

Your set of questions is the information that every golfer seeks.

For example, a runner who hits the track on a regular basis, and then finds himself him racked with pain and exhausted after each session, is either using poorly suited shoes, or in unstable health, or a combination of both issues.

Golfers are no different. If your body engages in this wonderful game on a regular basis, but you end up exhausted and in pain, I would seek some help to find your answers.

There is a 100% chance that you will do best, both game improvement-wise, and body-wise, if you find more of a comprehensive approach, versus just some random advice on the web or from a brochure. My experience has shown that you have less than a 5% chance of finding the solutions you seek via random, predictive advice based on swing speed, age, handicap, ability, power, or the level of pain in your joints.

Seeking advice based on age or shot direction, sounds like an easy remedy, but will most likely direct you to where you are right now- with another wrong shaft and still reaching for the Ibuprofen. The N.S. Pro 850GH shaft sounds like a step in right direction, but wouldn’t you like to take the exact right step for you and your golf game?

You might start your search by finding a competent clubmaker center or independent fitter that can help you answer the most basic of your questions. Our Nippon Shaft Authorized Installation Centers can be found at www.shaftology.com by clicking on the CENTER Locator, and inquiring as to the fitting and installation services offered. 

This approach may include shipping clubs to and from one of our centers, or may even include travel on your part, which may be way more than you are ready for, but may also be the perfect solution for you.

In general, if you feel in pain, and are exhausted after the round, you may be playing with a shaft that is too heavy, too short, or possibly too stiff for your needs.

If I was working with you in a fitting session, I would have you test several combinations of longer length, lighter weight, and varying flex, to determine which shaft specification resulted in the best combination of body feel, balanced swing, and efficient flight. This is the only shaft assessment format that leads to an optimal fit for your swing, game and tired and aching body.

Of course, if there is no relief from ANY shaft/equipment combination, then it is time to see a health professional. 

Regarding your question of finding better accuracy- a given shaft never hits a club off-line. Accuracy problems arise when a golfer can not adequately adjust to a given, unnatural shaft model or flex, and thus the body is in the wrong position throughout the swing, and at impact, which then results in a shot location that is out of position. However, if a shaft is optimal for a given golfer, then the golfer swings in a natural, comfortable, powerful motion and is in a great position, both during the swing and at impact, resulting in accurate, powerful golf shots.  

Please reply any time. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I recently bought Mizuno MP52 irons with regular graphite Matrix 84 shafts and am very unhappy with the ball flight (low and right). Could you recommend a better
shaft? My index is 3.5 and my driver swing speed is 90 - not sure about iron speed . Thanks, SP

ANSWER: Hi SP,

Please take my reply in the best possible spirit.

My best suggestion is to read through some of the posts in this Q&A to begin to learn that optimal shaft selection is based on the performance you achieve with a given model and flex, versus a mathematical guess based on a single, lonely criteria of how fast your head flies through the air.

If your are hitting your shots “low and to the right” with your current set, and you are obviously aiming to hit it “far and straight”, then the problem lies either with your swing, the head, the shaft, or the building specifications (length, lie, flex, etc.).

If you generally have success with most iron sets, then this set must be quite ill-fit in that you are unable to find a golf swing that will adjust to this set, and at best, achieve low flight, mis-directed shots.

My best answer is to consider contacting one of the Mizuno Fitting Centers, either with the Fitting Carts, or the Shaft Optimizer System, that contains a wide array of interchangeable head and shaft options. In this manner, you can achieve instant evaluation of the answers you seek.

Another choice is to contact any clubmaker center and ask for their help in assessing your shaft needs. Always call ahead to inquire of the fitting services offered. One place to start is www.shaftology.com by clicking on the CENTER locator link.

At the very least, go to a driving range or any outdoor facility that offers test/demo clubs and hit and compare graphite versus lightweight steel versus traditional steel. It is very common for golfers to find inconsistent, difficult performance with traditional graphite shaft models in their irons, and my guess is this weight does not allow you to swing in a natural, efficient, powerful manner.

It is not a question of quality of manufacture, most often it is a question of finding the needed weight for the golfer to athletically interact with the golf club.

The worst shaft selection option is to base your choice on a math formula, swing speed number or an outright guess according to your handicap.

Please reply with any questions. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi there…

… and thank you for your time in advance…I am currently playing Mizuno MP57’s, the shafts are DG S300.  I typically hit a cut and recently have slowed down my swing speed. My problem is I can no longer work the ball right to left (draw) and the S300’s now feel heavy and stiff to me (even though i’ve used these shafts my whole golfing life). 

I recently hit the Nippon NS Pro 1100, and “Wow!”
did they feel great, but very soft.  Although, I am seeking a shaft that is soft, allowing for more flex and higher launch, which the 1100 felt very close, I was also duck-hooking the ball. Is there another shaft/flex in the middle of the 1100 and s300 that I should also try? LS

ANSWER: Hi LS,

Your note is similar to what millions of golfers have experienced. Any golfer who has been playing golf for a long time has had only one shaft choice- that of a heavy model.

Eventhough you are playing with a high performance shaft model that is still being used by many tour players, your game has moved into a different performance level, which explains the feeling that your shaft is now heavy and stiff, is difficult to make the head go where you want it to go, and the WOW energy that you felt in the NS 1100 model.

The only true method of optimal shaft determination is via live testing and comparing. I conduct hundreds of live shaft assessments each year and learn at each session, that a golfer, given a wide array of test samples, and a sound testing methodology, will lead themself to the best shaft model, weight, and flex.

In your situation, based on your short note, I would guess that you will have good success in that 1100 model, only in an ‘S’ flex, or in our N.S. Pro 1150GH Tour model, also in an ‘S’ flex. There is also a chance that you might perform best with our N.S. Pro 1050GH ‘S’ flex.

For fitting help- you might consider contacting one or more of our Authorized Installation CENTERS, at www.shaftology.com and inquire as to the fitting services offered. For specification info on our N.S. Pro models, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Would like to change the shafts in my son’s Taylor Made Burner irons from graphite to steel.  He’s 14 yrs. old, currently 5′5″ and growing. His driver swing speed is around 95 mph.  Would the 950 shaft be a good choice? Do you recommend leaving them the standard length or have them shortened to fix his current height?  Thanks, JM

ANSWER: Hello JM,

Your logic sounds reasonable enough, however, these are questions best left for an experienced fitter. If your son likes the game is going to continue on in golf, one thing is for sure- he will also continue to grow, and you will have similar questions next time, and then again.

I recommend that you contact a fitter or two and find someone that can be a regular resource for your equipment questions. Also, if you have a teacher for your son, it is not a bad idea for you to make your teacher aware that you are working with a fitter. There are synergies that can be very benefical to your son’s game.

Regarding your specific questions, the shaft choice seems to be a good stepping stone moving from graphite to steel. You might consider finding a driving range that offers some demo/test clubs, in any head brand, and have him hit lighter and heavier shafts and gauge his response.

Regarding the length question, at 5′ 5″ and growing, most younger golfers should be playing at a traditional length, and most fitters will stress that the length/lie relationship is very important. The Taylor Burner irons are not the easiest to physically alter the lie angle, but a first class shop will be able to help you.

Please write back any time. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

My swing speed is 81 mph with an iron, 88 to 90 with a driver .  Hit a 6 iron 160 yards. Handicap 9. Currently play Ping G10 steel irons stiff flex.  Swing coach wants to reshaft the Ping irons with a Nippon N.S. pro 850 steel light weight
shaft Regular flex.   Getting older and have had recent shoulder surgery. 
Sounds like a great idea- do you agree? and also do you have wood shafts you could recommend? DP

ANSWER: Hi DP,

Here’s a bit of education- but please do not take this wrong.

You are right that it “sounds good”, but that’s about all. I would never assume that age and recent surgery means a shaft change.

(1) Your shaft choice should be based on performance 100% of the time. This means how well a given shaft feels during the swing, and at impact, how far you hit a given shaft, how consistent, how solid, how accurate, and the flight you achieve. These are performance factors. 
(2) The next best method of fitting shaft is to base your choice on what you currently have, and what your shaft experiences have been in the past. If your current shaft is a 125 gram ‘S’ model, and feels a bit heavy, and you are struggling with a loss of distance and a lack of trajectory, and feels like you are working too hard, then these are the signs that your shaft is most likely too stiff and too heavy. However, finding the exact weight and flex, should not be guessed on using swing speed or some other form of mathematical estimation.

(3) Most swing coaches are ill equipped to make shaft assessments, especially if it is based solely on factors of swing, power, age, and recent surgery. (Of course, your swing coach could have used different criteria not stated in your email).

I recommend that you pursue one of several options that include;

- connecting with a fitting professional

- hitting a variety of different shaft model’s to test and compare which is the best for you, your swing and your game

- have a shaft installed into one of your existing irons and compare that to your current set so as to gauge your actual performance

- at the very least, talk to a knowledgeable clubmaker center, and communicate your current situation, current and past shaft experiences, successes and failures, and ask for their recommendation as to the best approach for your game

One place to start is to go to our CENTER LOCATOR at www.shaftology.com and inquire as to the fitting services offered. Best regards, Mark

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