QUESTION: I just received a new set of Callaway Diablo forged irons with the NS 1100 shaft.
When ordered on the Callaway website, it was described as a stiff flex. When it
arrived, it says “uniflex”, and somewhere between regular and stiff. I’m having
trouble understanding that. Talked to Callaway, they describe your shaft as a
S300 Stiff, I can understand that.

Currently I am hitting Callaway X20 Tours
irons with Royal Precision Project X flighted shafts 6.0 Stiff and hitting them
well. I am looking for a similar flex and are you able to describe to me if the
NS1100 uniflex is close or not? I’ve hit the Diablo irons well in the indoor
test environment, also understand they are a 110 gram shaft and my current ones
are heavier although they feel about the same, assuming the total club weight is
similar.
Thanks for any help, Dave

ANSWER: Hi Dave,

First off, if you ordered a certain flex, and were given the wrong flex, then you should return your purchase. This is like ordering a hamburger and receiving a grilled cheese. You certainly deserve to obtain the flex that you purchased.

Next, regarding the flex designation “uniflex”, I would also describe it as a shaft flex that is between stiff and regular flex. Thus a shaft with a flex rating of “uniflex” will be approximately 1/2 of a flex, more flexible than a stiff shaft.

Finally regarding all of the different shaft models- it is difficult to describe in words the different playing and performance characteristics of the shaft models you have listed. We try to define them by flex and weight and launch profile, but the actual playability and performance certainly depends on the swing, body, and game of the individual golfer. Many golfers write in asking for the shaft recommendation that is right for them based on some kind of a mathematical formula. However, the most accurate assessment is live testing and comparison of different shaft models. 

It is okay to ask for comparisons, as in, I want a flex in your 990 model that is similar to my stiff flex Project X shaft, (which would be the NS 1100 in a stiff flex, and not a “uniflex” flex), however, remember that shafts of the same flex, will not play the same. Due to the design differences, they may flex the same, but will bend and twist and interact with your body and swing in a better manner, or maybe in a worse manner. 

Please write back anytime regarding your search for the right shaft. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am considering reshafting my old Ping Eye2 BeCu irons with an updated
steel shaft. I need a regular flex with a HIGH launch / low kick in a .355 tip. I
currently carry my 7 iron at 140 yards. What would you suggest? Thanks, Tom

ANSWER: Hi Tom,

The easy part is offering a shaft with these specifications.

One option is our NS PRO 950GH is our award-winning 95 gram model that is a mid/hi launch, available in .355 tip taper, raw lengths of 40.0″ through 35.0″, and flexes of A, R, S, and X.

We also offer our 950 model in a High Launch version, available through our Authorized Installation Centers.

For more specification information on the 950GH, and many other NS models, go to www.nipponshaft.com.

The more difficult aspect of your question is the determination of the exact specifications needed to enhance your performance. You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Installation Centers, at www.shaftology.com, and inquire as to the fitting services offered.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I recently hit Callaway Diablo Edge Tour irons with Nippon 1100 uniflex shafts
and was impressed with the feel, but a little concerned with the higher ball
flight.

I am currently playing Mizuno MP-60’s with DG S300’s and would love to
reshaft with these softer feeling Nippons. I am a scratch handicapper, 48 yrs
old, 106 mph driver speed, 80 mph-5 iron, medium swing tempo and have always
played DG shafts for the way they keep the ball down. I have experimented with
DG’S lighter shafts and dislike the feel, but due to injuries and creeping age I
am finding standard weight DG’s more work than fun to hit.

I understand all about the effects different heads, weight/bore depth etc have on shaft loading,
but is there a Nippon Shaft that might feel as “soft or sweet” in my MP 60’s as
the Callaway model, while keeping the ball down. I have read many of the Q&A’s
on this site and my e-mail isn’t much different, but access to fitting carts
where I live is very limited and the season is short, so your insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks Mark.  Regards, Cam

 
ANSWER: Hi Cam,

Thanks for your note.

You have several options to consider- but eventually, your definitive proving ground is only via live testing. I only say this based on personal experience.

I have personally fitted thousands of golfers, so I have quite a database of golfers and shafts and heads and specifications in my head. Therefore, you might think that I should have a learned ability to recommend the optimal shaft for a given golfer. Yet if all I have to rely on is the information that the golfer provides, their background, and their experiences, my record of finding the optimal shaft weight, length, geometry, and flex, is way less than 50% of the time. Hardly definitive! When I add in live, comparative testing, with golfer feedback, ball flight, how the golfer’s swing changes, and a bit of computer data, my success rate jumps to the 98th percentile.

So, regardless of your testing limitations, and the length of your season, you are wasting your time and limiting your performance and enjoyment of your game, if you ignore the most scientific method of shaft selection.

Regarding a couple of shaft model options for you to consider-

1) Our NS PRO Superpeening Blue iron shaft model will give you the low flight you seek, but will also be a bit of a burden on your creeping age and injuries.

2) Our NS PRO 1150GH Tour iron shaft model is easier to swing, and will produce a mid flight. We have several players on the Professional Tours using this model.

You might also consider having one or two of these shaft models installed into a club or two of your existing Mizuno MP-60 set. Best regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi,

I am interested in buying Mizuno MP-68 irons, with NS PRO 750 regular.
I want to know if this is possible, and where do I have to go in the USA to actually
buy them. Best Regards, Gerardo

ANSWER: Hi Gerardo,

Unfortunately, every premium shaft model model is not available with all the premium iron brands from the major manufacturers.

I would first contact the Mizuno Company as to their current shaft offerings. They are a first class company and work hard to meet the needs of their customer’s request.

Your next option is to contact one of our Authorized Nippon Shaft Installation Center. Each of our Centers has immediate access to the NS PRO 750GH model. You can find their contact information at www.shaftology.com.

Please write back if you have more questions. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Do you make any lighter weight shafts for junior golfers - but good junior golfers?

Like, if I wanted to fit an 11 year old for a set of AP1s . . .  . . (seriously)

tried with R flex 105T - too heavy . .  . .

Thanks, Neil

ANSWER: Hi Neil,

You’ve come to the right place. Nippon Shaft makes the most comprehensive array of lightweight and ultralightweight shaft models on the planet.

Please check out our most popular model specifications at www.nipponshaft.com.

For a list of our Authorized Installation Centers, please go to www.shaftology.com.

Some of our most popular iron shaft models for top junior golfers include our NS PRO 950GH, 850GH and 750GH.

Not every major manufacturer offers every shaft model in their product lines. For your project, I recommend contacting one or more of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquiring as to their fitting and installation services. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello,

I am a 7 handicap (59 year old, 5′6″, 145lb) female player.  I require a Senior
flex and a torque of @ 4.5-4.9 with a optimal swing weight of C9.  I would like
to get back into steel shafts in my irons for more feel, but am having a heck of
a time finding anything and can’t order clubs with a steel shaft light enough or
flexible enough from the major manufacturers.  I got fitted at the Titleist
program and they recommend an  85 gram Graman(?) shaft, graphite and say I won’t
notice any difference.  I am trying to hold out for steel.  Can you help?  I know
“light” is popular, so you are making a lighter shaft for men but how about
women?

It’s very difficult finding equipment as a lower handicap female player.  How
about getting into this market?  You will get a bonus of all the aging baby
boomer men as well as all the good women college golfers.  In the meantime, any
suggestions?

Just looked at your 850 and it only comes in men’s regular.  I need
senior flex.  Help?

Thanks! Cherie

 

ANSWER: HI Cherie,

Thanks for sending in your note.

One of the reasons why our Nippon Shaft Company has had such great growth over the last decade is the number of lightweight shaft variations that we offer. In Chicago alone, we inventory over 400 different sku’s of shaft diameters, flexes and weight options. 

By the end of this reply I think you will see quite a few shaft options for your game.

First- after having performed over 20,000 individual iron fitting assessments, I have learned that every single one of these golfers had very individual, specific needs. None of these golfers fit into a box. None of these golfers fit into a label of “Men’s, Ladies, Junior, Senior, Good Player, Bad Player, etc. What they fit into was a set of equipment specifications.

Through hitting, testing, and side by side comparison of different head, shafts, lengths, weight, flexes, etc, their body and swing and game, led them to find their optimal set of equipment specifications. This is the true method to find equipment that allows you to swing in the most natural, comfortable and efficient manner, without the need to adjust our body, swing or game.

Regarding your specific questions of finding lightweight steel models in an A flex or “Senior” type flex.

1) We manufacture the NS PRO 850GH in an R and an S flex, but we also make the R and S flexes in 10 raw lengths of 39.5″ through 35.0″. By selecting the specific raw length shaft for installation into a given set, a clubmaking shop can install a set of 850 shafts into a set to achieve flexes from a stiffer S, to a traditional S, a flex between an R and an S, a traditional R, a more flexible R, and even an A flex.

2) The NS PRO 950GH model is manufactured in even more flex ranges of X through A, and lengths of 40″ to 35″, allowing for flex installations of stronger X, traditional X, weaker X, stronger S, traditional S, weaker S, stronger R, traditional R, weaker R, stronger A, traditional A, weaker A, and stronger L flexes.

3) The weight of a custom installed 850 A flex set, depending on the final length of your set, will be in the 82-84 gram range. The weight of a custom installed 950 A flex set, also depending on your final length needs, will be in the 88-90 gram range.

4) Both the 850 and 950 models are of a “constant weight” design, which means that each shaft in your set will have the same final weight, which gives uniform feel and balance for each club in your iron set, eliminating the need to make swing adjustments from club to club.

Regarding instant availability of these choices, this is certainly an obstacle. The major manufacturers are not able to offer every shaft option and every equipment specification and financially remain in business. This is why many of the independent clubmaking shops exist. To provide the role of being able to special order and install the above shaft variation that exists in our industry.

My best recommendation is to contact the major manufacturer and inquire as to their custom department’s offerings, or contact one or more of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com and inquire as to their services. Regards, Mark