QUESTION: Dear Sir,

I have one set Mizuno MX-900 iron graphite shaft (EXSAR2), and want to switch to
steel one. The local shop offers a lot discount on same model and comes with DG
Superlite R3000 or NS PRO 950. It sounds a good value and no much gap to
maintain my current iron game.
The most reason switching to steel shaft is to get better feeling and controlled
ball when playing with this iron (the current ball trajectory is high). I need
more accuracy and consistency in playing with my iron club, especially for less
than 150-160 yards.
My friends suggest to get a new game-improvement iron set which comes with steel
shaft and strong loft on each individual club (it will compensate steel shaft’s
distance which shorter than graphite iron club).
Any suggestion, please. Thank you, Sipit

 

ANSWER: Hi Sipit,

Many golfers that play with graphite shafts in their irons are not able to feel and sense the weight of the club and thus make an efficient, repeating golf swing. The result is inconsistent contact and control.

Since you are looking for a change, you may be in this category of golfer needing a bit heavier shaft model to feel and sense the golf club during your swing. The only method to know for sure if the Mizuno MX 900/Nippon Shaft 950 is ideal for your body, swing and game is to test the head/shaft combination in a live format. 

Do not assume that you will lose distance with a heavier shaft model. With the ideal shaft weight, you will attain the optimal combination of distance, control, and solid contact. If you select a shaft that is too heavy, you will certanly lose distance, but if you select a shaft that is too light, you will lose control and consistentcy, and will often lose distance as well. Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I currently own a set of Cobra S9 irons with steel Nippon Shaft NS PRO 900XH

regular flex, and want to change them for the Nippon Shaft NS PRO 950GH stiff

flex. First, will this shaft fit in the irons, and if so, how much do the steel

Nippon Shaft 950 models cost?

Many thanks, Neil

 

  ANSWER: Hi Neil,

We manufacture our award-winning NS PRO 950GH model in well over

a hundred variations of lengths, flexes, weight variations, and tip

diameters to fit into most any head design, and certainly for the

Cobra S9 model.

The price of the shaft and installation depends on the installation

services desired. Please contact any of our authorized installation

centers @ www.shaftology.com.

Best regards, Mark

Dear Sir,

I am currently using Ping S58 with ZZ-65 shaft with 5 iron SS of about 80-83 mph
(driver SS about 98 - 105 mph).  I think a TT DG S300 SL should be a comparable
product.  Am thinking about trying the NS Pro 1150GH.  Is it a comparable
product?  I have tried the NS Pro 950GH and NS Pro 1030 (made for Cobra
iron), I hit balloons with those shafts.

Does the 1150GH have a lower trajectory? 

Thanks, Agus

 

ANSWER: Hi Agus,

Yes, our NS PRO 1150GH will have a lower trajectory than our 950 model for most golfers.

The trade-off for some golfers is trajectory versus weight, but for most golfers, the shaft geometry of weight, flex and bend point typically matches up well with their swing and body type.

Our 950GH and 1050GH have the same shaft geometry with a 10 gram variation in weight. Our 1150GH model is both slightly heavier and a lower launch model than our 950GH model. Our Superpeening Blue is both a traditional weight/high kick/low launch model.

If you are a golfer that always has had adequate trajectory and distance with a traditional steel weight model, then moving to a model like our 950GH will often result in a higher launch.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

What is the Nippon Shaft iron model equivalent to the Titleist NS 100 iron shaft? Thanks, MCCP

ANSWER: Hi MCCP,

The NS 100 model, exclusively manufactured for the Titleist Company, weighs in at 110 grams and is a mid/low kick model producing a mid/high launch.

The most similar NS PRO model is our 1050GH shaft.

Always remember that every shaft has their own specific geometry, and the performance is very dependent on the installation specifications. Working with a skilled clubmaker/clubfitter will aid in your search for the best performing set. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: I sent the wrong email address in my previous question.

I play Cobra 3100 irons with stock Nippon Shaft 1030H.  Is the 

butt diameter .600 for these shafts? If so, do I need a .600 grip

to retain a “standard” size or is a  a .580 grip generally

placed on the .600 shaft for “standard?” Thanks, rwill

ANSWER: Hi rwill,

As usual, your question, like most equipment questions has 

multiple answers. I measured the butt diameter of a Nippon Shaft

1030H model and the butt diameter is a .600 measurement,

but not for the full length of the grip section. At the butt end

of the grip section, the shaft diameter is .600, in the mid portion

of the grip section, the shaft diameter is .580, and at the lowest

part of the grip section, the shaft diameter is .560. Because of this

tapering of the butt diameter, it is not really a true .600 diameter

for the length of the entire grip, and therefore is actually thinner

for most of the outer grip dimension, so most golfers will feel that a

grip installed on this butt geometry will feel quite a bit thinner

than a standard grip size.

Next, the question of what constitutes a “standard size” is up to

the manufacturer and how they build their equipment. 

I believe that if you are trying to achieve a standard grip size

with a shaft that is a .600 butt diameter, then you should install

a .600 core grip. However, many manufacturers and clubmakers 

believe that a standard size is a .580 core grip on a .600 butt diameter.

Regardless of the butt diameter, shaft butt taper, and grip core size,

I recommend that you follow some uniform formula to achieve the outer

grip diameter that works best for your hands and swing for every club

in your set. 

If you are used to installing a grip on a shaft butt that tapers, 

then no adjustments to your Cobra shafts are needed. If you are

used to playing with a grip that is installed over a shaft

diameter that is a constant .600 over the entire length of the

grip, then you will have to build up the sections of the grip that

taper so that the butt diameter no longer tapers.

Hope this makes sense. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I own a set of Mizuno MX-17’s with True Temper DGS300

steel shafts.  I have no problems getting the ball airborne in a 

high trajectory, but I’m  looking for a shaft change to gain more

distance. I have a set of Nippon Shaft NS PRO  1030H in regular 

flex.  I think that the combination of lighter shaft and flex

will do the trick. Is this true? 

Will I increase distance with this change? 

Will my ball flight be even higher? Thanks, Deovin
 
ANSWER: Hi Deovin,
The answer is always, IT DEPENDS!
Yes, if a club has a shaft model that is too heavy, and it is holding 
back your ability to swing to your maximum speed, then you will gain
distance by going to a lighter shaft.
 
If however, your body requires a heavy shaft model, to give you the
feel and communication with your body and swing, then going to a 
lighter shaft model will result in lack of solid contact, poor
control, and inconsistent flight trajectory. 
 
Please understand that it is not just a matter of finding the 
ideal shaft weight. If you have the perfect shaft weight for 
your body, swing and game, yet the shaft flex, shaft geometry,
and shaft length are all forcing your body and swing to adjust 
in a manner that is not natural, comfortable and efficient, then
you are playing with set specifications that are laborious and 
awkward and doomed to fail.
I urge you to search for the best overall combination of
equipment specifications that allow you to be the most powerful,
the most consistent trajectory-wise and the most overall efficient.
Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: I currently play Mizuno MX-23’s with stiff Dynalite Gold SL’s. These are too
stiff for me. I carry my 6 iron about 150 yds. I am a smooth swinger. My
question is what would you recommend as a replacement for these?
I am thinking of the 1050’s in regular flex as these are the closest in total
weight with the shafts I have now. The 950’s may suit me better as I am a smooth
swinger. My concern with the 950’s is the lighter weight and the change in
swingweight that I will have with these. everything I have read about the 950’s
is they play “softer” than True Temper’s.
I would greatly appreciate any advice you have for me before I reshaft my clubs.

Thanks, Denny

 

ANSWER: Hi Denny,

Be careful about “everthing you read”.

Our award-winning NS PRO 950GH model weighs in at 94 grams in the ‘R’ flex model, which for SOME golfers “feels” like a perfect ‘R’ flex and for SOME golfers “feels” very flexible. This difference arises when a golfer requires a heavier shaft for their body and swing, often times a lighter shaft model “feels” softer in flex, regardless of the actual shaft flexibility.

If you like the current weight of your irons, and have had poor performance with lighter shaft models, then I suggest that our 1050 model is a great shaft to install into your clubs.

If your current clubs are OK weight-wise, but sometimes feel a bit heavy, you may want to consider our lighter 950 model.

If your experience in the past has been that a traditional “stiff” flex plays a bit too stiff for your body, swing and game, then your thought of an ‘R’ flex is most likely right on.

Don’t forget that our 950 and 1050 shaft models come in a variety of lengths and you can easily manipulate the flex from softer to stiffer than the stated flex by adjusting the specific lengths installed. Be certain to choose the traditional raw lengths to insure that you achieve your desired shaft flex. 

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:

A question if I may.  I have heard good things about the Nippon Shaft models. 
I am presently playing a heavier (127gr), low-trajectory steel shaft, but would
like to switch to a lighter mid-trajectory steel shaft. I play to a 5 hdcp, hit my
7 iron 150 yards, and my irons are Callaway X-18 Pro-Series. Would you be able
to advise on what might be the best fit.  Would the 950 Fusion shaft work in
these irons? Thanks, Ken

ANSWER: Hi Ken,

I recommend that you read through some of the many Q&A’s on this section of our site as many golfers are dealing with this same issue. To give you even a general shaft assessment over the net is not realistic, (it happens all the time on the net, but not with success of any regularity.)

If you want a very general answer- our NS PRO 950 and 1050 models are mid-kick, lightweight models that are the best performers in the world, weighing in at 98 and 109 grams, respectively.

For a more accurate, specific answer, you will need a more interactive test format to determine the optimal shaft that produces the ball flight you are seeking, a body feel interaction that allows your body and swing to repeat, and a shaft that plays light enough for distance, and heavy enough for control. Some options to pursue include connecting with a skilled clubfitting/clubmaking operation. See some of these center locators to start your search- www.shatology.com, www.sstpure.com, and www.tttourconcept.com. 

Your Callaway irons have a unique shaft installation in that the hosel is a .370 parallel type dimension that tapers at the bore-thru opening. If you look at your irons, you will see small ”slits” in the tip section of the shaft that the Callaway company has performed. I recommend working with a competent clubmaker capable of proper installation once you have decided on your fitting specifications.

Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I don’t want to bother you with regular or stiff issue, my problem is different.

I have very small hands and I find it difficult to hold clubs tight in my hands,
I’ve tried a friend’s set of Cobra with NS PRO 1030H and I felt the grip
smaller with respect to my DG R300 set. Is my sensation correct ? Can you tell me the
butt size of these shafts? And also the butt size of other equivalent NS to my
DG R300? Many thanks, and excuse my poor english.

Angelo from Italy

ANSWER: Hi Angelo,

Trovare il suo euipment di optimum. (I am trying to say- “Find your optimal equipment”).

If your hands are smaller, and you are using a traditional grip size, your grip, swing and game are making too many unnecessary adjustments.

The shaft diameter is just part of the issue. Both shaft diameters and grip diameters are manufactured in varying dimensions. The shaft diameter and grip diameter will also vary based on how the shaft and grip are installed.

Your True Temper Dynamic Gold R300 model, in their taper tip design, has a fairly small butt diameter of .580 and tapers to an even smaller size as you move from the butt end of the shaft to the end of the grip collar portion. For your iron set to feel thicker in your hands then your friend’s Cobra set must be due to the size and installation of the grip.

My best recommendation is not to change your set and/or your shafts in order to find the best grip size for your hands. I would find a grip model that is smaller and have the grip installed to its thinnest size. All of the major grip companies like Winn, Golf Pride, and Lamkin, manufacture and offer thinner sized grips for many golfers like yourself.

One of my favorite grips for your category is made by the Lamkin Company. The grip model is called the Perma Wrap Classic Undersize. It is a traditional feel wrap type grip, black in color, with a thin green spiral wrap strip. If you have this grip installed on your set, you will be amazed at the different, secure feeling of this size.

For more information on Lamkin Grip models, go to www.lamkingrips.com.

For more information on our NS PRO shaft butt diameters, go to www.nipponshaft.com.

For more information on other undersized grip models, do an internet search for Golf Pride Grips and Winn Grips.

For purchase of a specific grip model, search around for catalog companies and/or independent clubmakers that service your country, or even worldwide, as more and more companies are shipping across borders.

Thanks for writing, best regards, Mark

 

QUESTION:

Hi,I am currently deciding on a shaft to put into new Ping I10 or S58 irons.  I
currently play the TT DGS300 in my irons, standard length.  I hit the ball mid
high to high and my 6 iron carry is about 185-190.  I have a smooth tempo, not
quick, but a higher than average swing speed.  Would you recommend the NS Pro
1150 in X?  Or would the S be enough?  I have heard the 950GH, even in X, would
cause too high of a ball flight…please let me know!
Thanks, PJ

P.S. Also, as an addition…would you recommend the NS PRO Superpeening Blue in X or
S?  I have also read the 1150 feels much lighter than it really is. Thanks again!

ANSWER: PJ,

First, regarding shaft flex and clubhead or swing speed- there is no accurate mathematical formula for the interaction between golfer and shaft, which are both in motion during the golf swing. If you are unable to test the actual shaft flexes in person, you are much better off selecting a shaft flex based on what you have had success with in the past, versus basing your flex choice on some formula from a book or website that has no relevance to your specific body, swing, game and feel.

Next, your 6 iron distance is quite a bit more than the average Tour player, so I imagine that you are more concerned with trajectory control, distance control, and shot dispersion. These are accomplished through the optimum fitting and installation specifications. Depending on the amount of golf you play, and the good information you acquire, will determine how much time, effort and money you spend on reaching your goals. To achieve optimal trajectory control, distance control, and shot dispersion, you will be required to go beyond a mere internet discussion and get your hands dirty.

A golfer with your power and therefore a lot of spin, which creates a lot of your trajectory, should run away from lightweight shaft models. They will do nothing but increase your trajectory, with less distance control and more shot dispersion. You are going in the right direction by thinking of the NS PRO 1150GH, and / or NS PRO Superpeening Blue.

If you decide to take a general approach, choose one of these models and go with the flex you have had success with.

If you decide to take a more specific approach and choose from a wide variety of fitting and installation options, a few places to start are the clubmaker locators at www.shaftology.com, www.sstpure.com, and www.tttourconcept.com. Best regards, Mark