QUESTION: I have Titleist AP1’s with NS100 shafts. Are they the same as 950’s or 1050’s? What are their spec’s? I have a friend who likes them, but we can’t find NS100 shafts for sale.

Thanks, Fred

ANSWER: Hi Fred,

The NS 100 is a premium shaft model manufactured by Nippon Shaft, exclusively for the Titleist Company. This Titleist NS 100 model is only available through Titleist golf clubs.

Here is a link to their NS 100 description on the Titleist site-

http://www.titleist.com.sg/golfclubs/shafts_grips/shafts/default.asp?Filter=5

Here is a link to the specification page for the N.S. Pro 950GH and 1050GH models-

http://www.nipponshaft.com/steel.html

As you can see, the NS 100 is a bit heavier than both the 950 and 1050 model. All three of these models have a mid/hi launch.

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,

What are the standard installation lengths for Titleist NS Pro 105T shafts (3-9, PW)? And how do these shafts compare (characteristics) to other Nippon Shafts?  Thanks, GS
ANSWER: HI GS,

Here is a link to the Titleist site that shows the iron lengths you requested. Does this answer your question?

http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/irons/AP1.asp

Also, here is a link to the Titleist site that describes the NS Pro 105T shaft that is manufactured exclusively for the Titleist Company.

http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/shafts_grips/shafts/default.asp?Filter=4

Please go to www.nipponshaft.com to see many of our shaft specifications for our N.S. Pro shaft models.

If you have a more specific question, please write back soon. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Which Nippon Shaft for the Titleist 710 AP1 irons would best fit my swing speed of 87 mph with a six iron?  I’m gradually losing speed with age. Was 92 mph a few years ago.

I generally hit a low draw currently with Project X 5.5 and they feel heavy and stiff. Also, regular or stiff flex? I like the feel of Nippon Shafts. Thanks, Clark

ANSWER: Hi,

It is easy to give you a general shaft recommendation since you have given me a summary of your existing shaft performance. Primarily based on your current experience of your existing shafts feeling heavy and stiff, it would be quite smart to choose a shaft that is lighter and more flexible.

Choosing the N.S. Pro 970 model, in an ‘R’ flex, seems like a great idea.

Of course, the most accurate method of shaft selection is only via live testing. I strongly urge you to locate a Titleist Center that has a variety of test clubs, including the 970 and 105T models.

Regards, Mark

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’m buying a new set of irons after playing my MacGregor JNP forged cavity backs
for 18 years. I currently have Project X 5.0 High Launch in them, and had to
deloft them to get the ball flight down a bit. (6 iron at 28*)

I’ve spent $400 on fitters, both of whom are listed on your list of Authorized Installation Centers, and
still not sure of what iron shafts to get. The heads will be Callaway Diablo
Forged, as they feel better than the other 12 I  hit.

One fitter suggests the NS Pro 105T, R flex. The other suggest the NS Pro 950,
not sure yet which flex but I think R. (He wants to build a few demo clubs, at
significant expense so I can test his top 3 shafts, one of which is NS). I hit the
6 iron 81 MPH. Tempo of 3. I hit the Callaway clubs my head pro has with the
made for Callaway 1100 Uniflex pretty well. But not able to hit all these side
by side!

So what are the attributes of these 3 shafts, 105T, 950, and 1100 Uniflex, and
which one  might work best for me?

Thanks, Mike,

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

It sounds like you have spent both money and time searching for your new set, yet are not really that close to knowing what is right for you. Please do not take this wrong, but asking raw information on these 3 shaft models is actually going in reverse. Looking at the raw shaft specs should only be a rough guide to give you a general idea of the length and launch profile. The most critical information to know, “which one might work best for me”,  is actually hitting them.

I strongly believe that ultimately, hitting your choices side by side is the way to go.  Unfortunately, our industry system is kind of like car dealers, in that you have to drive to three different dealers if you want to test drive Ford, Toyota, and Chevy. There are a few clubfitters that offer head and shaft connector systems so that you can test different head models with the same shafts. However, in your case, 2 of the 3 shaft models are proprietary shaft models made for Titleist and Callaway, and thus can only be tested within the Titleist and Callaway model families.

My recommendation is to hit all of them, even if not side by side, and make your decision based on which club performed the best, was the most natural and comfortable to swing, gave the most consistency, power and accuracy, without the need to adjust your swing, posture, etc.

You can look these shafts up on their respective websites-

NS 1100 = http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/Products/Clubs/Irons/DiabloForgedIrons/Specifications.html

NS 105T = http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/shafts_grips/shafts/default.asp?Filter=4

NS 950GH = http://www.nipponshaft.com/steel_950gh.html

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am very interested in the Cobra S2 Forged irons and have hit them a few times at demo days and inside under a launch monitor. Everyplace I have hit them they
were only offered with the Nippon 1130 Tour Stiff shaft which did work well with the club. I hit the 9 iron an average of 140 yds (8-10 yards longer than my
Cleveland TA6 irons, R flex, and also a couple of degrees higher).

However, I would like a lighter shaft (I’m 64 yrs and not getting any younger and also still like to carry my bag which is not getting any lighter). I’m thinking that the Nippon 1030H might be what I’m looking for weight wise but am concerned the
launch angle will be too high. Any comments or observations? SC

ANSWER: Hi SC,

It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. One of the remaining questions is with regards to the shaft model and the height you will achieve.

I am glad that you have hit this model outdoors as it is important for all of us to feel the turf contact of the sole moving into the ground, and to see the flight of the ball.

I empathize with your thoughts of a lighter shaft for both swing needs and carrying your bag needs. It can make quite a difference.

Even with a different Cobra model head, you might consider demoing/testing the 1030 model, in both S and R flexes, to learn about the feel and flight of this specific model. If you are able to swing the 1030 shaft and make consistent contact, then most likely, the weight is not too light, and the flex is sufficient for your swing needs.

Regarding the flight question, my estimate is that you will achieve a mid launch with the 1130 model, and a mid/hi launch with the 1030H model. The exact flight achieved can only be known by actual testing and comparison. You might even consider buying one club, built to your best estimate, to know for sure.

Another option, that is a bit more expensive, but returns even more performance, is to find one of our Centers that offers expanded fitting options, beyond one or two shaft models. Finding a great head model, like the Cobra S2 Forged, and pairing that with one of a dozen high performance shaft options will yield great performance.

You may also find greater performance with your new set by working with one of our Centers to dial in the specific length/lie/swingweight/shaft alignment/grip needs. 

You may find optimalperformance in the 1130 or 1030 models, or in our expanded NS PRO line offered by our Authorized Installation Centers avaialble at www.shaftology.com. 

Best of luck on your search. Regards, Mark