QUESTION: Hi, I recently got a good deal on Ebay. I purchased a new set of Cobra 3100 I/H irons with Nippon 1030H regular shafts for $81. The 4, 5, wedge had broken shafts. Can I still purchase 3 of these shafts for repairs?? Thanks Greg

ANSWER: Greg,

This shaft model is a Cobra Company exclusive, meaning the shafts are manufactured and shipped directly to the Cobra Company. Your best option is to contact the Cobra Company for your service needs. The 1030 model is not available through our Authorized Installation Centers or a Catalog option. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION:  Hi, I am a 2 handicapper and currently am playing with Titleist AP2 with
NS Pro 970 shafts. My last set of irons had the same shaft and I love them! I
have a set of Mizuno MP-67 irons that I want to reshaft with Nippons. I
understand that you make the 970 for Titleist only. Which of your shafts, which
I can purchase, will match the 970 the closest? Thanks Scott

ANSWER: Scott,

Yes, the NS PRO 970 is an exclusive model manufactured for the Titleist Company. It features a bit more weight in the tip section and a slightly higher kick point. The models with the most similar characteristics are the NS PRO 950GH and the NS PRO 999GH.

Both of these models are available through any of our Authorized Installation Centers.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I’m a relatively new golfer (started playing in Dec of 07).  I have been taking lessons with a PGA Pro 3x a week since then.  My current driver is a Ping G10 9* with the TFC129 stiff shaft.  Launch monitors at various golf centers show my swing speed at 105-112, typical ball speed around 155mph, and carry 260-288 yds. 

Recently, I acquired a Medicus Powermeter, and after clamping it on the shaft
just below the grip, I found that I immediately was able to feel the clubhead
throughout the entire swing, and my shots were far more consistent.  In talking with my pro, he thinks that the additional weight of the powermeter (approx. 6.4 oz) possibly changed the flex point of the shaft? 

Looking around online, TFC 129D in stiff flex is 63gr and has 4.1 degrees of
torque. 

I would like to know how to find a shaft that will mimic this additional weight
/ flex point - or possibly exceed it. 

I have an NS Pro Tour Tournament Special 75g MK-I X shaft (which I think is too stiff for my swing) from another driver, and a couple of UST and Aldila shafts as well (I seem to be collecting drivers). 

Thanks for your help! Sincerely, Jeffrey

 

ANSWER: Hi Jeffrey,

Don’t take this wrong…, but new golfers, bitten by the golf bug, can be dangerous in that they can’t seem to take in all the new information about this game fast enough.

One of the odd results of this is that they often seem to find themselves with a lot of swing thoughts, and a lot of golf clubs. The good news is that this game has its own schedule, and these swing thoughts and your driver collection eventually finds a way to shrink itself.

Regarding your question about shafts, adding a 6.4 ounce attachment to your existing shaft is quite a bit of excessive weight, yet it sounds like it is doing something quite wonderful to your swing. If you do the math, 6.4 ounces times 28 grams in an ounce yields 178 grams. If we add this amount to a 63 gram shaft, which equals 241 grams, or roughly twice the overall weight of a typically heavier steel shaft model, however, nothing like this exists.

Many golfers do not receive adequate feedback from many super-lite-weight shafts, and it seems like you absolutely fall in this category as well. It is likely that you require more weight in your club in order for your body to interact with the club during the swing, so most 60 gram shafts will not work so well for you. It is also common for many golfers in your power category to prefer heavier shaft models. Options to consider for a driver shaft are our NS PRO WT8000 graphite, and our NS PRO 950FW steel series.

For length and flex and installation requirements, please see a qualified fitter.

The only proven method of proper shaft fitting is to connect with a skilled clubfitter who can show you different shaft geometries for you to test and compare.

I caution you to be careful in your search for equipment, after all, your random methodology so far has only produced a growing driver collection.

Places to start are our own locator at www.shaftology.com, as well as www.tttourconcept.com, www.sstpure.com, and www.usttour.com.

Best regards, Mark

 

 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I am trying to put two irons together with the same shaft to make a “combo” set of irons. The two irons I am working with are both from the Exotics line of
clubs. The 3-6 irons are the EX-1. They come stock with the 950GH shaft (95
grams). The 7-W irons are the CNC forged, that come stock with the Dynamic Gold shaft (127 grams). I would like to have the same shaft in each of these.

I am looking at the 1050GH and the Pro 1150GH Tour. I have been playing the Dynamic Gold R300, however I am getting older and would like a little less weight. I have played with the “95″ gram shafts. I have to alter my tempo because they don’t respond as quickly. I am also trying to get my ball flight up to a mid-level trajectory to maximize the distance and still have a little roll. My
normal shot is a low draw.

Will the 1150GH Tour have a lower trajectory than the 1050GH? Will the 1150GH Tour be a little less forgiving than the 1050GH because of the increased butt and tip stiffness? Can the tip rigidity in the 1150GH Tour
be slightly compromised in the trimming stage? Will I lose some control in the
CNC forged because of the weight difference? Do you reccomend dropping from 127 grams to 106 grams in the forged CNC iron? Grant

ANSWER: Hi Grant,

Most of your questions can only be answered via an iron assessment and testing and comparing the various shafts.

You have already answered the biggest question- 95 grams is too light, and 120+ grams is getting a bit too heavy. So the 1150GH Tour and 1050GH models seem like good models to consider. (and I heartily aree that only one shaft geometry per iron set is a must).

With regards to your ball flight,  a low draw is mostly due to your swing mechanics and it is not reasonable to expect that a shaft choice will radically change this. However, if your current shafts are making your body and swing compensate for a poor fit, and swing off balance, so to speak, then finding the right combination of shaft model and flex, will have a greater impact.

Regarding comparison of the 1150 and 1050 models, yes, most golfers hit the 1150 a bit lower than the 1050. Both shafts are defined as mid launch, but with the extra weight and counterbalancing of the 1150 model, this model typically will feel a bit heavier and fly slightly lower.

Regarding the choice of your head, Tour Edge is making some excellent products. The head model has more to do with trajectory than most shaft models. A combo set of a lower center of gravity models in the longer irons seems like a good common sense approach.

With regards to the rest of your questions and the core question of, what exact setup is right for me?, please contact a skilled fitter. These type questions can only be answered in a live fitting session. Some sites to begib your search are our Center locator at www.shaftology.com, or www.tttourconcept.com, or www.usttourshop.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I have a set of Ping Eye 2 irons with a JZ regular shaft in them.  What would be
a good regular graphite shaft for these irons?  What is the tip diameter for the
Eye 2 and do they make a taper tip graphite shaft for Eye 2’s. Charlie

 

ANSWER: Charlie,

The Ping Eye 2’s, unless previously altered are a .355 taper tip hosel diameter.

The question of a good graphite shaft model is mostly dependent on how well the shaft model will fit your body, swing and game. The only accurate method is to connect with a skilled fitter and go through an iron assessment to determine the optimal combination of shaft, length, lie, weight, etc.

Our WT Graphite Series is a great performer as it is offered in a constant weight version, meaning each shaft weighs the same amount. This give great sensory interaction between golfer and clubhead for each of your iron.

This series is available in a variety of lengths to fit a variety of iron set makeups, and comes in 50, 60, 70, and 80 gram shaft weights. The tip diameter on this series is .370, thus your hosels would need to be adjusted accordingly.

For more information on our WT Graphite line, NS PRO specifications, and Authorized Installation Centers, go to www.nipponshaft.com and www.shaftology.com.

Thanks, Mark

QUESTION: Good Afternoon,

Mark, Thank you for your rapid response. Can you please recommend a Nippon Shaft that is between regular steel flex and stiff. I am very disappointed that my new club fitting process was not beneficial.

And also Mark, how would I know the difference between a professional fitter vs. a so called professional fitted at golf store? I feel like the money I spent towards this new purchase was a loss.

Thanks again for your help. DZ

 

ANSWER: DZ,

With regards to this equipment search, we are all learning and hopefully moving towards acquiring the best set for our games. So, if you have learned anything about your set and what is right for your game, you are making progress. Yes, you spent some money on a new set, but you have already learned that golf clubs can make a great difference in performance. There are many golfers spending all kinds of money, and are more confused then ever.

Regarding which Nippon Shaft models are available in a flex between R and S, well…, all of our models can be installed in such a manner. The tricky part is that one of our Authorized Installation Centers is required to achieve this or any other sub-flex. Few major manufacturers offer this service, but you might inquire with them.

At the very least, every golfer purchasing new golf clubs should hit the general concept of shaft, length, weight, etc., in a live setting, prior to purchasing a set. This goes a long way to determine the proper shaft specifications. Demo days, fitting carts, and test clubs are several options in learning about your ideal specs.

Regarding finding a skilled fitter, I recommend asking a lot of questions, live testing, and the ability to compare different shaft models, shaft flexes, shaft lengths, etc. And, finally, the fitter should, within reason, warrant the fitting recommendations.

Good places to start for a quality fitter and clubmaker are the following websites, beginning with our Authorized Center locator at-

www.shaftology.com.

Also, www.tttourconcept.com and www.usttourshop.com.

Best regards, Mark

  

 

QUESTION: Hi, I’m considering buying a single 6 iron Mizuno MP-57 (available cheap on ebay) and having it re-shafted with a NS PRO 950 regular shaft so that I can take my time in determining if I can benefit from buying a complete new iron set.

I have a slower swing speed. Do you think that an NS PRO 950 shaft works well with the MP-57 or should I try a different shaft?  Thanks Vince

ANSWER: Hi Vince,

You have another good option, in that you can also purchase an MP-57 6 iron from an authorized Mizuno dealer, and have the shaft of your choice, including our NS PRO 950 model, installed into a #6 iron. This also allows you to have the length, lie and grip model of your choice at no additional charge. I recommend that you pursue this route in that you have a warranty, the exact specifications of your choice, and it might be the least expense. 

Regarding shaft selection, the NS PRO 950 is a popular choice for many of the Mizuno premium irons, but the shaft selection is more about the golfer’s needs than how well the head and shaft marry.

There is an article in the current August issue of Golf Digest that shows the results of several iron shaft model testing, all with the identical #6 iron head. The graph shows very clearly that the golfer hit some of these models very well, and some very poorly. The performance is based on the interaction of the golfer and the different test shafts. The article is urging all golfers to conduct such a live test to determine the best shaft model for your needs.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Good Evening,

I had been playing the Cobra FPS 2007 with the Nippon regular steel shaft and
wanted to buy the Cobra FPS 2008. I went in to get fitted for the new irons and the salesman at Edwin Watts recommended the steel stiff shafts.

I have had my new Cobras for two weeks and find it hard to shape the ball. I was wondering, is it the shaft? Also I’m about 4 or 5 yards shorter with my irons. I can hit my 8i 150 yards now, but with the new set, 145 yards. With the old irons regular shaft I had a nice draw and could really work the ball better. The new set with the steel shaft is very hard to work but they hit pretty straight. Any suggestions please? 

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. DZ

ANSWER: Hi DZ,

Most likely the shaft is the difference in your performance. Most golfers today buy their golf clubs from “salesmen”, which is kind of like going to Walgreens and asking the clerk at the photo counter to fill your prescription. Unfortunately, we don’t have an ideal fitting infrastructure in place for golfers to go, and we often settle for the clerk.

The good news is that there are many great manufacturers and many great heads and shafts to choose from. The fact that you could see and chart such obvious performance differences means that golf club specifications truly make a difference.

Ideally, I would consult with a serious clubfitter and search out the optimal combination of shot workability, consistent trajectory, accuracy, and distance. It sounds like you have found elements of these in both of your sets. maybe it turns out that you need a flex somewhere between an R and an S?

Keep searching for that best combination and you will find the best choices with regards to length, lie, shaft weight, shaft geometry, grip type, grip taper, grip model, swingweight, head sole, head geometry, head style, and installation. All of these will also have an impact on the performance of your game.

Best regards, Mark
 

Hi,

I’ve been hitting Dynamic Gold S300 shafts for the last 15 years… I’ve just
bought the Titleist AP2 irons that have come with the 950 S shafts.

Should I change the shafts? Are they too drastic of a difference? or do you
think I can keep them. The club feels lighter but I’ve tried them in the range
and they seem ok.

What should I be aware of if I were to keep them?

My average distance with a 7 iron is 176 yards.

Thanks, Abbi

 

 ANSWER: Hi Abbi,

When determining if any set is optimal for your needs, consider the following 4 consistency questions;

-Do I achieve consistent center face impact?

-Do I achieve consistent shot trajectory?

-Do I achieve consistent distance?

-Do I achieve consistent direction?

If you have good answers to these questions, then you probably have a good set of irons.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Are the Nippon 999 shafts available? If so, how much are they?
Thanks, Dean

ANSWER: The NS PRO 999GH are now available through our Authorized Installation Centers in parallel and taper tip designs, R and S flexes, and lengths of 39.5″ through 35.0″. These 40 different shaft lengths allow for a variety of flex and sub-flex installations into most any hybrid, iron and wedge.

This high performance ascending wight design and the deluxe Ion-Plate Bronze-Metallic finish make this model the most expensive iron model in the industry. The MAP pricing is $149.00 per install.

Contact any of our centers for more info. Best regards, Mark