QUESTION: HELLO MARK, HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE IN DISTANCE DOES ADDING 1 INCH IN SHAFT LENGTH EQUATE TO IN IRONS? I WILL BE BUILDING A NEW SET OF IRONS AND I AM TRYING TO GET A SPECIFIC DISTANCE GAP BETWEEN EACH ONE.   THANKS, ALAN

ANSWER: Alan,

If I could achieve one goal on this Q&A section, it would be to educate golfers to have a different perspective about golf club interaction. You are asking the question as if you were a machine and not a human golfer who senses and interacts with your golf equipment in a very specific manner.

If I added an inch of shaft length to my set, I probably would hit some shots further, but I would develop swing compensations and would not always find the center of the face, so I would also have some shots achieve less distance. If I shortened my set, I would most likely lose a yard or two on my best shots,  but mostly as a result of losing the efficiency of use of my larger muscles, and not solely due to a reduced swing arc.

Ideally, it is most important to find the OPTIMUM LENGTH for your body and swing so that you engage your larger muscles and that you swing in balance. This efficiency results in the most consistent power and control.

Also, to determine the optimum length for your swing and body- you must test this “in motion”. A static measurement of your legs, arm length, etc., may be great for measuring you for a pair of pants or a sport coat, but length can only be measured in motion.

Regarding achieving the ideal distance gaps in your set- this is determined by setting your length and lofts in even increments, and then testing “in motion”. After the set is built with even increments, (or maybe you prefer some other distance gaps, and thus a different increment formula), then you test your actual distances by utilizing a TRACKMAN system or GPS or Laser Gun methodology.

Follow the above recommendations and you will learn more about your game, your set, and you will acquire a powerful new perspective.

Best regards, Mark
 

QUESTION: Hi Mark, What is the bore size of a Hogan CFT hybrid? Also,
What shaft do I use to reshaft a Titleist Vokey wedge? Thanks, Pookers

ANSWER: Pookers, the best method of determining a hosel bore dimension is always to have the shaft pulled and the hosel measured. This verifies your information in case the hosel has been altered. I would contact the Hogan company for the specific dimension. They may have a different dimension for steel and graphite shafted models. In the past the Hogan hybrids were .355  in the steel shafted models.

Regarding the question on the Vokey wedge- are you asking also about the bore size, or the type of shaft that is optimal performance? Unless altered, the hosel diameter is for a .355 taper tip shaft. The shaft for optimal performance depends on your set, your body, swing, interaction, needs, goals, etc.

Please visit www.shaftology.com and click on our center locator for more help with one of our Authorized Installation Centers. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark, I’d like to know what the ball flight of the 1150GH Tour iron shafts are compared to the 950 and 1050.  I’ve read on your site that the 1050 launches the
long irons high, but the short irons don’t balloon.  Thanks.  Willy

ANSWER: Hi Willy,

The 1150GH Tour, for most golfers, will have a lower trajectory than the 950 and 1050 models. The 950 and 1050 models are designed for a higher launch. However, none of these 3 models will balloon the ball if fitted properly.

One area that is often misunderstood is that if a shaft model is generally a misfit geometry for a given golfer, there is nothing that can be done to adjust the characteristics of that model to make it work. if the shaft is too light, you can adjust the length, flex, and installation variables all day long and the club will never fit.

You must find the optimal shaft model/geometry, find the best performing characteristicsof length, flex, lie, etc., choose a well matched head and grip, and install all the elements in proper manner. Otherwise, you will fight to make your shaft model work.

It’s like the other day, one of our centers called in to order a shaft and said, “Hi, I need to order a 950GH 38.0S .355 shaft. I’ve cut this one 3 times, and it’s still too short.”

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

My swing speed is around 99 mph on most days with my favorite driver, age= 59, good shape, I am capable of breaking 90 on a good day, I like to go to movies when I am not playing golf, and also read. I own two dogs, have been known to frequent garage sales- as I collect old records, my wife is an excellent cook, and I used to live in Pasaic NJ, but now reside in Pheonix, AZ.

Based on your magic shaft flex chart that I have read so much about- What shaft flex am I? Waiting anxiously, Charlie

 

 ANSWER: Hi Charlie,

Thanks for all the empirical data. Based on our newly developed magical flex chart- you are clearly a shaft flex that is kind of estimated at a thoeretical undetermined.

Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Looking to order a set of clubs overseas and do not have a Nippon Shaft fitter nearby. I have had the 950GH in R and have not really liked the distance. I have had the 1050s in R and they were too soft for me. I am looking at the 1150s and am
wondering if the S would be too stiff or if I should soft step. I am present
playing standard Rifle flighted in the 5.0 flex which is a Regular plus. Thanks
for your help. Bob

ANSWER: Bob, If the lighter models have not performed well for you…, it sounds like a heavier shaft model is the right direction to pursue.  If we were working in a fitting session, I would have you hit several different shaft models in terms of weight, flex and length. These are the dominant variables, and can only be determined “in motion”. Any other theoretical method will only achieve theoretical results.

Some of the traditional weight Nippon Shaft models include the NS PRO 1150GH Tour, the NS PRO Superpeening Orange, and the NS PRO Superpeening Blue, which weigh in at 115, 120, and 125 grams respectively.

Regarding the optimal flex for you- there is no magical chart to determine optimal shaft flex. If you are trying to fit your needs on your own, I would try one of our heavier models and choose a flex that you have had success with in the past.

Don’t forget that all the specifications in a set matters. The wrong head, the wrong installation or the wrong fit can derail your chances for optimal performance. 
Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I am about a 10-12 handicap, been playing for 10 years (I’m now 24). I’m 6′2″ 210 and pretty strong–I work out with heavy weights 4 times a week. My swing
speed averages between 105-110 mph with the driver. I am currently using a Stiff
55 gram shaft and I cannot control it AT ALL. Someone told me I need to get a
heavier shaft–more towards 75 grams, and possibly an extra stiff flex. Does
this sound right? What do you suggest? BROCK

ANSWER: BROCK, When I conduct a fitting session, I interview the golfer and review their equipment. They relate their situation and their desired area of improvement. It typically goes like this:

GOLFER: “I am having trouble with my driver control and I think the problem is that my driver is too light.”

MARK: “Let’s measure your driver and test you with various driver combinations…, (WHACK, WHACK, WHACK). You know what? Your driver is too light…, please pay the cashier!”

My point is that most golfers already know the problems with their equipment, and now they just need a nudge in the right direction.

Moving towards a heavier shaft is certainly a good idea.

Optimally, it is wise to test your game and swing with several different combinations of shaft weight, shaft length, and shaft flex to find the set-up that you best perform with. Also, if you can have your Driver ANGLE OF ATTACK, or strike angle, measured by a premium fitter, you will go a long way to finding your optimum performance.

If experimenting on your own, try shafts in the 75 and 85 gram range. Our premium NS PRO Tour TOURNAMENT SPECIAL models are fantastic and offered in 75 and 85 grams and S and X flexes and are designed for stronger players. If you have a more measured swing and the shaft weight is the biggest variable, our NS PRO WT8000 is a great performer and is available in R, S, and X flexes. We are selling more and more of the 8000 series shafts as golfers are seeking more control and consistency.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi! I am a golf professional in Edmonton Alberta Canada and I am getting a set of Miura Blades.  I would like to put in Nippon Shafts and am wondering which Nippon Shaft model produces the lowest ball flight and least amount of spin? Ben

ANSWER: Hi Ben,

This is a two part answer-

Part One: The shaft model/weight/flex that allows you to swing in the most efficient/balanced/natural manner will give you the most balanced strike and thus the optimum ball flight.

Part Two: The NS PRO Superpeening Blue with its heavier weight and higher bend point will typically produce the lowest ball flight and spin.

However, whichever shaft you choose cannot solely be chosen on ball flight- see Part One. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: I currently play the Callaway Fusion with the NS PRO 990 shaft. My wedges are
Titleist Spin Milled with the Dynamic Gold. I broke my hand last fall and now
the wedges feel too heavy in the left hand. My Callaways feel fine when I hit
them. Can the shaft in the wedges be replaced with the 990 and give me the feel
of the Callaways. If not, can you recommend a NIPPON shaft that may give me a
similar feel that I can have installed at a Shaftology fitter near me in
Virginia. Thanks–Jerry

ANSWER: Hi Jerry,

My best recommendation is to go with the NS PRO 950GH model (exact same geometry as the 990) and more important, available through any of our centers, or if you prefer just a slight bit heavier, our NS PRO 1050GH model.

Here’s your approximate shaft weight comparison:

990/950 = 95 grams

1050    = 105 grams

current = 125 grams

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello:
If I have some old (6 iron) clubs which have the NS PRO 950GH shafts in them,
Can I remove them and butt cut to length and install
them in other (7-pw) clubs ?
I bought some cheap demo’s for the shafts…………..
Thank you,
Rob

ANSWER: Hi Rob,

If I install a 6 iron shaft into a 6 iron, and follow sound installation principles, the shaft will play like a 6 iron shaft. If I install a 6 iron shaft into a 9 iron, the shaft will play… differently. Mostly you will have clubs that feel light weight-wise, and quite flexible. As you move from the 7 to the PW, you will have a set that is distorted and feels unmatched.

I have seen most every kind of installation system, but hardly ever recommend one like this. Best regards, Mark  

QUESTION:
Mark: I put a set of Dynalite Gold SL steel shafts in my irons with a low kick
and stiff flex. I do not hit the ball high in the long and mid irons and at
times I push them to the right. I have been reading about the Nippon NS PRO
950GH shafts and would like to know if you think the lighter shaft in stiff
would help. I like the tight pattern the stiff flex gives me but i need to be
more concessate with my shots. I am 68 yrs old, short in height. 5 iron Swing Speed is
75-80. I think the DG SL was too heavy. I have read about the Nippon NS PRO 8950GH
steel iron shaft. Does Nippon make the NS PRO 8950GH shaft and is it the same as the
Nippon 950GH shaft? I am thinking about buying this shaft in S flex if you think
I can handle it or that it will help. Any info will be a great help  Thanks Ron.

ANSWER: Hi Ron,

You most likely have answered your own question- If your current shaft feels heavy, then it probably is. If you feel like you have inconsistency with your current model- it may be due to your shaft feeling a bit heavy. Please remember it could also be due to your length, lie, weight, flex, aim, swing, etc., as well.

Yes, the NS PRO 8950GH is manufactured by Nippon Shaft using the same base materials and same heat treatments as all of our premium shaft models. The NS PRO 8950GH is not the same as the NS PRO 950GH but it is in the same family as our premium models. It runs slightly heavier than our NS PRO 950GH, is just a bit stiffer, and is available in both .355 taper and .370 parallel models.

Regarding a flex recommendation, I refer you to your clubmaking professional, or at the very least to live testing, a demo day, fitting cart, demo clubs, etc. Many golfers want me to recommend a shaft and flex to them over the internet, but your guess would be just as effective as any guess on my part. The magic fitting chart really does not exist. I know that every option, live testing-wise does not exist at your neighborhood range/store, yet your best option performance-wise, is to connect with a competent clubmaker or demo day or fitting cart.

I am not sure of your meaning of “concessate”. Were you trying to spell consistent or concise or something of that meaning? If so, my best recommendation is to realize that every specification of your golf club affects your interaction with your set, and thus your consistency. Make sure that your shaft model, shaft flex, length, lie, etc., are all of reasonable fit and your consistency will soar.

Best regards, Mark