QUESTION:Hello,

I am planning to buy myself a present this Christmas- a whole new set of irons, fairways and driver (Callaway Fusion wide sole irons, Big Bertha fairway (3,5) and a
HiBore XL driver 9.5°).
I am 30 years old and not a long hitter and all my friends always beat me in
distance. Someone told me that I was using the wrong shaft and that was why I
was not hitting long, I am currently using stiff in all my clubs, and especially
with my driver having a slice, mostly because I tend to move my hips way to
early in my swing, but always lack distance off the tee.

Here at my hometown, there is not a place to have a fitting for my clubs so I measured my swing speed with the blue stick, (the one that Vijay uses),  and it measures on average 90-95 mph.
So my questions are-
What flex of shaft I should buy for my new clubs in order to obtain more yards
and accuracy. I do not want to spend money wastefully. 
I was also thinking to buy all of them in graphite. Would this be a good or a
bad call?

Thanks for your help, Gerry

ANSWER: Gerry,

Regardless of where you live, you have the same question that every golfer asks. “How do I know what to buy so that I don’t waste money and find the best performance?”

There are no easy answers. But I will help you with some general guidelines.

The ideal situation would be to save up some money, and seek out a competent clubmaker that can provide you with both a fitting assessment and an installation methodology based on your needs and your goals, and finally combine this with premium equipment choices like you are suggesting above. Having a premium set fitted and built to your body, swing and game makes a tremendous performance difference because you no longer have to adjust, manipulate or modify your body, swing or game to make your set perform in an optimal manner. A set that is fitted and installed for you is natural, comfortable and efficient. I recommend that every golfer should consider setting aside money and time to find their optimal performing set.

Your secondary choice is to keep in mind several common sense principles in selecting your equipment. 1) Choose a shaft flex that you have had success with in the past, 2) Choose a shaft weight that you have had success with in the past. Do not go crazy for all graphite shafts throughout your set. Most golfers are not suited for graphite shafts in their Putter, Wedges, Irons, and Hybrids. 3) Choose the set make-up that makes sense to you and your Pro. If you do not have a teaching Pro available to you, talk things over with the some of the better players in your circle as to what type of set makeup has been successful for them, 4) Hit as many clubs as possible - test clubs, demo clubs, demo days, friends clubs, your current clubs, and gain a perspective of what shafts you like and don’t like, 5) Read some of the other posts on this site and you will begin to develop a mindset for what is important, and what is nonsense.

Regarding your question of distance-

Distance is driven by the strength of our bodies, and the efficiency of our golf swings. If the shaft, weight, lie, grip specifications are misfit and do not allow our bodies to perform in an efficient manner, our distance output will suffer. If you want to gain more distance, you must develop more strength in your body, more efficiency in your swing, or a set of clubs that is optimally fitted. There are no easy paths to more distance.

Do more research, discard anything that sounds foolish, and find some time, money, and maybe even some travel options, and find your best set.  Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I am about to go to one of your fitting centers and will probably get the NS PRO 750GH as I have hit one with surprising results on distance and accuracy. My
question is should I have the shafts “PURED” before installation. (the clubs in
question were Nippon NS PRO 750GH PURED)

Is ths necessary? Do you offer it?

John

ANSWER: Hi John,

The question of shaft “PUREing”, and other shaft alignment systems is becoming less controversial than it used to be. Whenever things are brand new, it initially tends to scare the institutionalized equipment and shaft brands. However, methods of shaft alignment installation are becoming commonplace among most every independent clubmaking shop, and even on the Tours, where the SST PURE Van, (Strategic Shaft Technologies) is a frequent visitor and accepted by the players, tour reps and technicians. I know of several players at this week’s Presidents Cup who play with shafts using the SST PURE process, because I have been inside the SST PURE van on numerous occasions, and have seen shafts being installed into Woody Austin and Vijay Singh’s, clubs that were PUREd.

I have an interest in a clubmaking shop that is licensed by the SST company to perform the same process as performed on Tour, and I will try to relate why I prefer this system. Also, special orders that go out to the Champions Tour Van for the Senior Players are all first SST PUREd by our sister club center.

There are many differing opinions as to the optimal method to install and align a shaft model, and also differing opinions as to the benefits gained. However, there are several issues involved here.

First, several years back the USGA ruled that shafts, if installed so that they would play in a neutral manner, could be so oriented. There is a basic conflict in the rules that says a shaft must be symmetrical, yet shafts made by humans are not always going to be 100% symmetrical, so the intent of their ruling is to allow shaft installation in a manner that supports the spirit of the rule.

Second, a poor quality shaft model is always going to be of poor quality no matter how much is spent on shaft alignment.

Finally, to the point of your question- is it necessary? Many of our Authorized Installation Centers are also licensees of the SST PURE company, and I believe that all of them would admit that the proper fitting and proper installation and proper choice of head and shaft technology are the dominant factors in golf equipment performance. However, I believe they would also admit that PUREing a shaft means that the shaft is going to be aligned in a very specific methodology, versus the random nature of pure chance, and this insures that the set will perform more consistent with respect to center face contact.

One other note. Nippon Shaft, and the other premium shaft brands, design and manufacture beautiful products. Shaft alignment processes are most like having your tires balanced. Most premium tires are of great quality and offer excellent performance, and having a reputable center balance the tires will only make them wear more consistent and ride more uniform. 

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:I was reading somewhere that with regular shafts after tipping and butt trimming, a 5 iron would essentially still be heavier then a shaft on say a 7 iron. Was also
told that tapered shafts have consistent weight through out. I notice that your
850 shaft specs shows 39.5″ to 35″. Do you have a chart showing the individual
actual weight? Does the different shaft lengths mean they are pre-cut to length?
Also, If they are already pre-cut, are they also parallel or do I have an
option.

Thanks, Stan

ANSWER: Hi Stan,

The one thing that you can count on regarding shaft specifications is that there are no absolutes.

With regards to your first question, you most likely are reading about a parallel/unitized shaft model. Most of these models will have a post-trimmed weight 5i shaft that will be heavier than a post-trimmed 7i shaft. This is the result of utilizing one shaft blank, and trimming a specific amount for each iron number. The least amount of trimming will be for your longest iron, and the most trimming will be for your shortest iron. Thus, in most of these designs, the heaviest shaft will be in your longer irons, and the lightest shafts will be in your shorter irons.

This is not preferred by every golfer, especially most tour players, who generally prefer a constant weight shaft system, (where each shaft in an iron set weighs the same amount). Most taper tip shaft designs, but not all, are constant weight, discrete length models.

The NS PRO 850GH shaft model is available in both .355 taper and .370 parallel tip diameters and is a constant weight design. The 850 R flex model weighs in at 87 grams prior to trimming. Each of the various lengths is 87 grams.

For more specification information on our shaft models, please go to www.nipponshaft.com. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:

Hello -

I hope you can help me.  I have a combination set of TaylorMade irons.  The 3-7 irons are r7 XD‘s.  The 8-9 irons are RAC MB TP‘s.  The 48, 52, 56 and 60 degree wedges are RAC MB TP‘s.  I currently use flighted Rifle shafts (5.0) in the irons and Rifle Spinner Wedge shafts in the wedges.

I want to install ultra light steel shafts, and I believe Nippon Shaft models to be some of the finest shafts manufactured.

I was told by TaylorMade that the tip on the r7 XD‘s (parallel) is different than the tip on the MB‘s (tapered).  Does Nippon Shaft offer an ultra light shaft that would be compatible with all the clubs?  I am most interested in the 750GH.

Thank you for your help - Lee

ANSWER: Hi Lee,

No problem.

Nippon Shaft designs and manufactures its shaft models with both a global mindset and the realization that golfers like yourself will encounter this specific situation. Before you even collected your current set make-up, we already were preparing for this eventuality.

Our 750GH model is available in the tip diameters that your set requires. Please contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers for help with this project. If you have any concerns, please write to me again. Go to www.shaftology.com and click on our center locator link for more information. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:Hi, I recently purchased a new set of Mizuno MP-57 custom from the factory with NS PRO 950 stiff shafts.  Previous to this, I’ve been playing the MP-60 with TT
Black Gold R installed by a local golf pro.  I must say that the MP-57s are the
most forgiving, hittable irons that I’ve ever tested.  The 950 is a good fit. 
I’m not sure if it is the head or shaft, but the MP-60’s feel a tad more solid,
although less forgiving.  I’m interested in the NS PRO 999 model that you
previously mentioned to be coming out in late 2007.  Would I be able to order a
MP-57 set with this shaft installed by an authorized Mizuno center anytime soon?

Thanks, Cobyjon

ANSWER: Hi Cobyjon,

Your previous set, and your new set of iron shafts are certainly different geometries, weights, etc. By trying different sets, you learn a lot about what feels good to your body and swing, the solidness of hit, the ball flight, etc.  

Our new “body interactive” NS PRO 999GH will be available sometime at the beginning of 2008, and will initially be available in .355 taper tip, (which will fit nicely into a set of Mizuno MP-57’s), and 31 different shafts SKU’s of length and flex, allowing our premium installation centers to install this model in several flexes and sub-flexes from a soft R to a strong x.

This goal of this model has more to do with ideal shaft matching within a set make-up and how our bodies interact with the hybrids, irons and wedges for maximum efficiency. However, we have been testing the flight characteristics of this model using a TRACKMAN system so that our select group of Authorized Installation Centers will have the most data possible to recommend and install the NS PRO 999GH.

Save your loose change for the coming year, as these shafts are going to be both premium performance and premium priced.  

This model will be EXCUSIVELY available through our premium installation centers only in North America. Please watch our web-site for more information on the debut of this high performance model. For more descriptions on the 999, please check out the other post in this category- NS PRO 999GH.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello, Can you please try to give me an answer on the following question?
I’m 50 years, have been playing for 10 years and I am playing at HCP 16. I’m a
“swinger”, not a “hitter”. I don’t hit it long, but fairly accurate.
I use Titleist 822OS irons with Soft-R graphite shafts.
My plan was to buy new Titleist 775.CB with Titleist 3970 graphite shafts
Soft-R. When I look at the custom possibilities I see that I can get Titleist NS
Pro 970 by Nippon Shaft with the same flex.
What will be the major differences between these two shafts?

Tor/Norway
ANSWER: Hi Tor, Greetings from Chicago

When I conduct a personal iron fitting assessment, I show no favoritism for steel vs graphite iron shaft models. However, few golfers, especially golfers as you describe yourself, really perform optimally with graphite shaft models. The answer lies in the fact that the overall weight of the club is so light, and it is difficult for our body to feel, sense and swing the club in a repeating, efficient motion.

Having said the above, if you have had great success with your current iron shafts and you body and club swing in a wonderful rhythm and make consistently solid impact, then it makes sense to order the same or similar shaft in your new set of irons.

For most golfers, the weight of a steel shafted club promotes a more efficient swing because our sensory system is engaged and we make great use of our larger, core muscles.

The 970 model weighs in at 950-100 grams, which is approximately between the weight of a traditional graphite and steel shaft. Many golfers love this in-between weight. The 970 shaft will make the whole club feel a bit heavier. 

If you are looking for more feel and consistency and want better face impact, go with the 970.  If you like the power and control and face impact of your current set- stay right there.

One last note- there may be even better shafts options out there, but this really requires live, interactive testing. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:Hi, I snapped the Nippon 900 stiff shaft on my Cobra 3400 8 iron while swinging. Looking for a solution or a replacement shaft that will work.

Thanks, Dan

ANSWER: Hi Dan, Contact the Cobra Company for their service options as far as time and cost. The other choice is to contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers. If one is located in your area, and you do not want to pursue connecting with the Cobra Company, they have the ability to measure your shaft and provide you with the best possible match.

Always call ahead to see if the center offers a shaft matching service, what is the cost, and what they need from you to perform the work. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: I am now using an iron with 950 R shafts and they fit well. But I want to use a lighter iron so I am now thinking to buy irons with 850. But I was told my
fitter that 850 R shaft is softer than 950 R shaft. So I was suggested to use
850 S shaft. Is it right? Best regards, Toby

ANSWER: Toby,

Probably not. Some golfers who try a shaft that is too light, find that if they use that shaft in a stiffer flex, it may work for them - kind of. However, eventhough the stiffer flex shaft is a bit heavier, it is still too light and will most likely, never be ideal.

The confusing part about this is that if you put both shaft models on a flex board or a butt frequency meter, the 850 R will “measure” softer than the 950 R, but they will “play” the same. The golfer who is a Regular flex player, and likes the weight of the 950, and the Regular flex player who connects with the weight of the 850, will equally have good results. This has to do with basic properties of metallurgy and wall thickness, (way too much for my brain) and how the golfer swings and senses the shaft while it is in motion.

This is why I include in almost every answer that shaft testing has to be live, so that the golfer’s body, swing and sensory system can be factored into the shaft fitting eqaution.

So the answer is, if you are having great success with your current 950 R set, try the 850 in an R flex and if it is not superior to your 950 R set, then you probably will never perform better with the 850 shaft no matter what 850 flex you choose.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Greetings,
I’m buying a new set of Callaway X Forged irons (5-pw) from Golf Galaxy.  I
didn’t enjoy demoing the stock Project X shafts, so the Golf Galaxy rep
suggested that I put some Nippon Shaft 990 shafts in my clubs.  He said the shaft had
been mis marked stiff by the factory in China and the shafts would actually be
the regular-Uniflex.
He was probably mistaken by the shafts place of origin.  Aren’t all of Nippon’s
Shaft models manufactured in Japan.  These shafts actually cost less than the Project
X shafts and I want to make sure I am making the right decision. Whit

ANSWER: Whit,

Yes, all of our shaft models are designed, manufactured, and finished in Japan.

In the models that the Callaway company has installed the 990 as a standard installation, they have rated the shaft as a “Uniflex”, which I rate as a flex between Regular and Stiff. To determine the shaft flex of the 990 that you are considering having installed, you will have to check with the Callaway company.
The question of knowing how to make the right shaft decision for your body, swing, and game is what this FITTING Q&A section is all about.  I suggest you read a little bit through some of the other questions and answers, find a demo day, fitting cart, store, pro-shop, or one of our Authorized Installation Centers so that you have the possibility of actually testing the shaft model that you is optimal for you.

Finally, price is certainly an important factor, but the enjoyment of the game via optimal shaft performance is important as well. Best of luck on your search. Mark

QUESTION:  Hello,I am considering NS PRO shafts, either 950GH or 1050GH in some new irons. My
other choice would be a Project X. As I live in Ohio, there are no Shaftology
clubfitters within 100 miles. Can you somehow help me with this? Lee

ANSWER: Hi Lee,No matter how far you live away from a competent clubmaker, you still can apply some good common sense and begin your search for your optimum shaft. The greatest obstacle that you must overcome is not your geography, but adequate education on shaft fitting and installation options.