QUESTION: Mark,

Is it possible to hit the ball shorter with a lighter shaft?

I recently bought a new Ping G10 9 deg with a Grafalloy Pro Launch Red stiff
shaft.  It is much lighter than my old 975D 8.5 deg with UST ProForce 65 stiff
shaft.  I bought the new driver for some extra yards but it seems that I’m not
hitting it any longer and possibly slight shorter than my old driver.  How is
this possible? Thanks, JA

ANSWER: JA

What might seem likely “on paper” has no relevance to your actual results.

First of all, YES, it is possible to hit a lighter club shorter. If the club is so light that your body can not feel and interact with the club, you will swing less efficient, and less powerful. For example, which will give you the greatest “arm speed”, a heavier baseball, or a lighter wiffle ball? We all need a certain amount of weight to sense during the swing, or we will not be as mechanically powerful.

Next, there are so many other factors that affect your driver distance. It could be the extra length is throwing you off, or the weight, or the flex, or the head geometry is causing too much or too little spin. Any of these can interfere with your “swing efficiency” or your “flight efficiency”.

My best recommendation is to keep trying different models and different combinations. Live testing is the only true method of determining your optimal driver specifications.

Ultimately, you want to travel to a premium clubfitter, who has the capability of offering all kinds of variations, using a premium tracking device like the ISG Trackman to give you more of a definitive answer.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I am currently playing a Nippon Shaft NS PRO 900 R flex, on a 2007 Cobra S9 iron- what is the replacement for this shaft as I want to get these installed on a new iron set from Mizuno. Is the 900 replaced by the 950? 
Thanks, Ed

ANSWER: Hi Ed,

The 900 model is a proprietary shaft design for the Cobra Company and is exclusive to their iron models. The NS PRO 950 is in the same family, but is slightly heavier. No model will perfectly match in specifications, but the closest model is the NS PRO 850GH.

I suggest that you contact the Mizuno Company to verify if they offer the 850 model for your new set.

Another option is to contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers, mnay of which are Mizuno dealers, as they have access to our 850 model in 44 different raw lengths, tip diameters, and flexes. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Dear Mark,

I am considering buying a set of Titleist Z Blend irons 1 deg flat with NS Pro 970 ’R’ shafts half inch shorter than standard from a shop in the US.

As I’m in the UK and can’t “try before I buy” I have tried a set of Titleist
904 OS fitted with the same shafts but standard length and hit them well. I
currently play TTDG R 300s standard length in 735cm’s, 2 deg’s flat. I believe
that the shorter shaft on the new clubs will flatten the lie towards my optimum
2 deg’s flat and in any case I can have them bent further if needed.
My concern is that the shafts are half an inch shorter than standard. Will this
make much difference to me? I have previously played well with Mizuno irons
which are all half an inch shorter so I guess not? If I do need to lengthen the
shafts back to standard is it just a case of placing an extention in the butt
and re-gripping and will this effect swingweight? Sorry for the complex question but thanks. Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve,

It seems like you have actually have a pretty good frame of reference based on your note.

First, the lie angles can certainly be adjusted to meet your needs.

Next, length should always be fitted/tested in a dynamic or moving manner. So, your main question should be- “I have played with the 970 ‘R’ shaft, but what is my optimal length?” You will have to answer this question based on these criteria- Which length puts you in the most athletic position? Which length allows you the best chance of centered contact? Which length do you feel the most comfortable at both address and during the swing? Do you feel hunched over or at an odd posture with the shorter set? Does the longer set feel long to you?

Having said all of this, most golfers of average builds and average power (again, depending on the answers to the above questions) typically prefer a standard length over a shorter length, and then the correct lie adjustment for that length.

If you do purchase the set you are referencing, length adjustments of 1/2″ will add 3 swingweight points to the set, meaning a D1 spec will become D4.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Dear Mark,

I just bought from a friend, a set of Honma MG 801 with NS PRO 950GH, and I’m
really happy with them. I have a question for you: I need to change the grip and
I’d like to have them smaller than standard, but I realized that the butt of
this shaft is .610 that is quite big, compared to standards. I do not find M62
grip to stretch down and make them smaller, have you any suggestion for me?
Thank you in advance for your answer. Angelo
 

ANSWER: Hi Angelo,

You are not the only one in this situation. Many golfers who prefer a thinner option are having difficulty, especially with the .610 butt diameter on our 950 model.

You have a couple of options;

1) Your best option is to contact a few different clubmakers and ask your same question to them. Many clubmakers have solved this problem for their customers. Lamkin used to make their Perma Wrap Classic in a very thin size and Golf Pride has made many models over the years in a .620 core diameter, and it is likely, with a little searching, that you will find a clubmaker shop that still has some stock in these models.

2) Installation-wise, it is not a crime to install a grip without any tape. There are thousands upon thousands of clubs in play around the world without any tape and no fear of the grip twisting or slipping. No tape makes the grip play thinner. Also, stretching the grip a bit longer than its normal length will also help the grip play thinner.

My best recommendation is to contact a competent clubmaker and you will find a solution to your needs. Regards, Mark