QUESTION: Hello Mark,

I just wanted to ask you what the advantages are of fitting a competitive junior golfer with a lightweight steel shaft.  I am selectively looking for a set for my son who has graduated from his Cobra junior set.  I am considering getting him clubs fitted with a lightweigt steel shaft.  Please let me know what your insight and experience is with this.  Thanks! MN

ANSWER: Hi MN,

The most important concept to remember in fitting younger golfers is that they are learning how to play and how to swing, and the equipment should never get in the way. If the equipment specifications are wrong, major obstacles prevent their development.

For example, if their clubs are too light, or too short, they will easily be able to swing with their hands and arms and overpower their set. A set that is the right length and weight will engage all parts of their body, and they will develop a swing that is uniform, natural and powerful.

If the set is too long and heavy, the set specs will overwhelm their body and swing and they will typically develop a swing that is awkward and unbalanced as they push their bodies and swings in a forced effort to make their clubs work.

The question of whether a younger player needs a steel shaft, versus a lighter graphite model, depends on the individual. Younger golfers are no different than adult golfers in that they feel and sense the shaft and head in an unique manner to their bodies and swings. Many younger players do prefer a steel shaft model. Our 750, 850, and 950 models are all popular with younger players. Typically because of the shorter length considerations and the effect on flex, often our longer raw shaft lengths are used to make sure the shortened shafts take advantage of the lighter weights, but not causing the flexes to be too stiff. Of course, this also depends on the indivdual player.

Having said all of this, my best recommendations are;

1) Fit your golfer into the general specifications for length and weight and flex, (which encompasses your shaft model question), based on the need to remove any major obstacles to their swing and playing development. Exact specifications of shaft, length, weight, flex should be determined by a simple fitting formula- what specifications allow them to achieve an athletic swing, devoid of obstacles and thus compensations.

2) Do not ”over-fit” the clubs. Younger players need their equipment to be in the general area for their size and power, but remember also that they are in a dynamic environment, (meaning they are growing in size, strength, and golf development), and constantly making changes to their equipment can interrupt their learning and make things worse.  

3) If your player is working with a swing coach or teaching pro, ask for their input with regards to the above criteria. Often teaching pros get lost in trying to get their students to make great swings, and forget that the equipment dominates the swing and learnig experience. Nevertheless, teaching pros are uniquely qualified to comment on if a set is pushing your player in a certain direction of needless compensation or adjustment.   

4) Connect with a skilled fitter/clubmaker who can help you follow the above and make the needed club adjustments.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I was given a set of NS 990 shafts. I am presently using X-20 irons with
Uniflex shafts. I was concerned if I can swap the the shafts. The NS 990 are
also uniflex but are lighter. Can you advise me? Thanks, Puck

ANSWER: Hi Puck,

The answer depends- Installation-wise, it depends on the dimensions of the set and the dimensions of the shafts. Performance-wise, it depends on what is the optimal fit for your performance needs. Here are some basic questions that need some answers:

Will the 990 tip diameter set match up with your hosel with regards to hosel depth and hosel diameter?

Do you like lighter shafts?

Do you like lighter shafts in the flex of your 990 set?

Are the raw lengths of your 990 shafts correct for your X-20 set make-up?

Will you sense and feel this set of shafts in combination with your X-20 set in the same manner as most golfers?

What is going to happen to the set balance? What balance do you prefer?

What will happen to the swingweight?

Will you choose to keep the set the same length? How will that effect your optimum lie angle?

How will this change affect your ball flight?

How will this effect distance? Control? Solidness of hit?

There are so many factors that relate to the proper installation of a set, and how this set will effect your interaction with the set, and your performance with the set. Like different car brands, you can never assume that parts are interchangeable, and you can never assume that a lighter set or heavier set will feel and play the same for every golfer.

There is no special chart or graph to indicate the answers to these questions with any degree of accuracy. Many golfers for the sake of convenience will install shafts themselves, or enlist the aid of a friend or acquaintance and hope things work out. However, there is no regard for the determination of these above questions. Thus, I always recommend seeking the help of a competent clubmaker for installation issues, and a skilled fitter for performance issues.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Gentlemen,

I am a former strong player with a single digit handicap that has gone through hip replacement a couple of years ago and have lost a lot of swing speed. I should be playing graphite’s, but do not like the numbing effect. I still like to know when I hit it poorly. Ball flight has become my greatest challenge. I hit a set of demo MP-57’s with NS Pro 950 shaft, which did help. However, I think going to the new NS Pro 750 shaft would increase my ball trajectory height and allow for slightly more distance.

Do you concur with these thoughts and is there anything special I need to consider that possibly I have missed?

Where can I purchase these shafts, and at what cost?

Thanks, Jeffrey

ANSWER: Hi Jeffrey,

There are two dominant factors in your question regarding the proper shaft- these factors are- 1) swing efficiency, and 2) flight efficiency. There is also another consideration in head geometry, which has the greatest effect on ball flight.

Golf is an interactive game, and discovering your optimal equipment requires no less interaction.

Shaft-wise, it sounds like you need a lighter model, with the ability to achieve a higher initial launch. However, if the shaft weight becomes too light, then it also becomes difficult to feel, and thus swing in an efficient manner. Unfortunately, the only method to determine your best path is to test drive the shaft models you are contemplating so that you can “feel” your body, and “see” how the ball reacts. Because you had some success with our 950 model, it makes sense that our 750 or 850 models may provide even more of a benefit.

My best suggestion is to contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquire as to help with comparing different models, testing options, and other recommendations.

One word of caution, do not attempt to adjust your flex in weaker manner in an attempt to increase flight or distance, this will only cause problems with consistent ball-striking. Choose the flex that allows you to swing in the most comfortable, natural manner, that promotes solid contact.

Our shaft models are not available for direct purchase. In North America, our shaft models are only available through the major equipment brands, and through our Authorized Installer network, both exclusively on an installation basis only. The pricing is set by our centers and is dependent on the services they provide. 

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Mark,

When is the 999 available?  and what is the pricing? JG

ANSWER: Hi,

The NS PRO 999GH is available now through our specialty network of Authorized Installation Centers in North America.

The initial series is made up of .370 parallel, .355 taper, ‘R’ and ‘S’ flexes, raw lengths of 39.5″ through 35.0″, and an ascending weight system that allows our centers to fit golfers with this series in hybrids, irons, and wedges.

This specialty product is premium priced- with the rates determined by each individual center. Like all of our models, the pricing depends on the installation services offered by our centers. The minimum advertised pricing is $149.00 per shaft.

Because of the limited exclusivity of this model, the deluxe Ion-Plate finish, and the unique design, the installation rates will be much, much higher than our traditional models. Please contact one of our centers for more information.

Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello,

I use the 1050GH shaft in my Bridgestone set, and am considering a new set of Miura irons. Will this shaft work in the Miura irons, and just as importantly, will this shaft work for me? Carl, Houston, TX

ANSWER: Hi Carl,

The NS PRO 999GH model is a series that can be installed in every iron model, including the premium Miura offerings. The Miura irons are a .355 taper hosel and the 999 is available for immediate delivery in this tip diameter.

The question of which shaft model is for you, can best be determined through live testing. Live, interactive testing gives the whole picture as to feel, flight, and consistency. Contact any of our Authorized Installation Centers for more information on this model. We have several wonderful Centers in your area.

Regarding the NS PRO 999GH model, with an ascending weight shaft series from 94-98 grams in the longer irons and hybrids, to mid irons in the 100 gram range, and short irons and wedges in the 105-109 gram range, the 999 is geared for the golfer who fits between the traditional heavy steel shaft models, and the ultra-lite-weight graphite models. It has a mid launch geometry, which is maintained throughout the series, and is well liked by golfers who have had experiences with our 950, 1050, and even our NS PRO Superpeening RED model.

Like the Miura irons, the 999 carries a premium price tag. Depending on the services offered by our centers, the NS PRO 999GH will typically cost more than the original price of your current iron set.

If you like your 1050GH set, I am sure you will enjoy the extra power and speed that the NS PRO 999GH offers.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I have 2 Adams Idea Pro hybrids that I want to add to my set of Srixon i-701 irons with my 999 shafts. Will there be a shaft for my hybrids?

Thanks, Brad

ANSWER: Hi Brad,

Yes, the NS PRO 999GH is an entire series of shafts that is available from hybrids to irons and through your wedges. Eventhough the bronze metallic ion-plate finish is quite amazing, this shaft collection is not just another pretty face. This series is a concept of ascending weight, positioning the weights within the set for the highest performance features. The hybrids and long irons, requiring the most speed, are matched with the lighter shaft models to aid in long, consistent flight and ease of getting the ball airborne. The mid irons, requiring a blend of power and control, are mid weight, designed to increase your greens in regulation percentage. The short irons and wedges are the heavier models for control, feel and stability.

As our equipment choices become spread out for specific situational uses, (a mix of hybrids, irons and wedges), the 999GH is a concept series that connects the performance needs of a golfer in one package.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Mark,

I am a low handicap player in the market to purchase a new set of irons. I’m
considering MacGregor’s new MT forged blades. I have played my current irons
(Mizuno blades) for eight years, and they are fitted with Rifle Flighted 6.5
shafts. I like the performance of my Rifle shafts and naturally thought of
fitting my new irons with Rifle’s Project-X shaft. What Nippon Shaft would be a
good fit for me considering what I play now, and what performance and/or feel
characteristics should I expect from the Nippon Shaft compared to my Rifle’s?

Thanks, Robert

 
ANSWER: Hi Robert,

The new MacGregor irons are excellent quality. They have really done a great job with their current line-up.

I am the biggest supporter of interactive shaft testing to determine the best combination of swing efficiency and flight efficiency. If you have had great success with your current iron shafts, it makes a lot of sense to continue with them in your new set. If you are interested in experimenting with a new shaft model, this can be a difficult road to navigate. The best suggestion I have is to use some form of live testing to compare different shaft models and options. Fitting Carts, Demo Days, Test Clubs, and ultimately, working with a Skilled Clubmaker/Clubfitter, are options that help in the comparison questions you are asking.

It is impossible to quantify or describe what you might feel and sense with different shaft geometries, and especially how you individually will interact with a given shaft model versus your existing model. Based on your current shaft model, you might consider our NS PRO 1150GH Tour or NS PRO Superpeening BLUE models. Both of these models are available in stiffer flexes, are in a similar weight range, (the BLUE is a bit heavier), and typically played by golfers with a fair amount of power.

To find one of AUTHORIZED INSTALLATION CENTERS, go to www.shaftology.com and click on our center locator.

To find specification information, go to www.nipponshaft.com.

Best regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Mizuno MP-37s I bought from a friend and they have your 950 shafts. I thought the flex was “stiff” but after closer examination it turns out they are marked “SR”. Does this mean they are Senior Flex or are they somewhere between Regular and Stiff?I have had a clubmaker friend look at them and he says they are probably from Japan. He also says that they are stiffer than a regular flex Dynamic Gold.  Is this true? JohnANSWER: Hi John,

Yes, the 950 shaft model in your Mizuno set is an SR flex, which is a flex between S and R.

An SR flex in a 950 model is stiffer than a traditionally installed regular flex in a True Temper Dynamic Gold set.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

What does “hard-stepping” mean when done to Rifle shafts?

And, how much stiffer will a set of “hard-stepped” Rifle

6.0 compare to a set of “normal” Rifle 6.0 shafts?

Thanks, Ham

ANSWER: Hi Ham,

“Hardstepping” and “Softstepping” are terms used to describe

a method of installation different then a traditional method.

In a traditional installation method, the #3i shaft is 

installed into the #3i head, the #4i shaft into the #4i head, 

etc. Using a hardstep approach, the #4i shaft is installed

into the #3i head, the #5i shaft into the #4i head, etc. 

Eventhough the shafts are trimmed to the same final length,

the result is a slightly stiffer tip section, which makes 

each club a bit stiffer or “harder” flex. Sometimes this 

process is done to achieve an incremental sub-flex that is

slightly stiffer.

This process can be performed on any brand shaft model.

The opposite installation method of achieving a slightly 

softer flex is called “softstepping”.

Regarding your question of how much difference exists-

it really does depends on the golfer, their swing, and

what they are feeling. With regards to Nippon Shaft

models, it changes things mechanically, about 1/3 of a

flex. Golfers may report slightly more, or slightly less.

You may also want to contact a CRC- Certified Rifle Center,

for more information.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I have recently purchased a set of Cobra FP’s which come with NS 1030H shafts. 
I am looking to add two additional wedges and am wondering whether the 950GH,
950GH FW or 1050GH are most similiar to the 1030H.
Alternatively is there another shaft to purchase here is Asutralia?

Thanks, Stuart

ANSWER: Hi Stuart,

Our 1050 model in a similar flex is what I would recommend to match up with your Cobra set. Most golfers find that their wedge shafts typically should be the same weight or maybe a bit heavier than their iron shaft model. If you really like heavier wedge shafts, then you might pursue our NS PRO Superpeening ORANGE shaft model.

Best regards, Mark