QUESTION: Hi,

I have NS 950 ’R’  flex shafts in my Ping i5 irons.  I would like to place the same
shafts in my Cleveland CG14 wedges.  Would this pose any problems?

Joe

ANSWER: Hi Joe,

I will answer your question, but I also recommend reading similar wedge shaft questions in this FITTING Q&A section. Look for the “wedge shafts” category on the right side of the page.

Regarding your question, the general rule is to install the same shaft model in your irons, or a model that is just a bit heavier. Also, regarding shaft flex, install a flex that is the same or just a bit more flexible.

If you want a similar “swing feel”, then I recommend installing the NS PRO 950 into your CG-14’s. If you want a slightly heavier feeling at address and through impact, then I recommend installing the NS PRO 1050 model. Some golfers prefer even a heavier model in their wedges.

I recommend connecting with a competent clubmaker who can address the issues of hosel type, bore depth, measurement of the bottom of the bore to the ground, matching the ideal swingweight, and even optimum shaft alignment methods.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,
I moved from Japan recently.  I sold my Mizuno Japan clubs with NS Pro 950 GH
stiff.  Are the NS Pro GH stiff I buy in the US the same specs as those in
Japan?  Thank you for your help.

Taka Ogawa

 
ANSWER: Ogawa-san,

Yes, the 950 model is manufactured and delivered to the major equipment companies to the exact same specifications, regardless of the country.

The only possible variance is the manner in which each equipment manufacturer installs our shafts. I believe that in your specific case, Mizuno USA and Mizuno Japan install the 950 model to the same flex, insertion depth, etc. However, the length, swingweight, and lie angle differences will make the shaft feel and play differently.

I always recommend working with a competent shop, fitter, or clubmaker to guide you in your search for the best possible performance in your set.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a customer that wants to replace the graphite shafts (TFC 909i)in his
Ping Rapture irons with steel.  Would the NS Pro 750GH be a good choice? The
total weight would go up 10 grams, but how would it affect the swing weight? 
Clubs are currently at C6.  What shaft would you suggest?

Thanks, Nick

ANSWER: Hi Nick,

These are impossible questions to answer without some kind of fitting methodology based on the goals of the golfer. And don’t get hung up on the idea of what will happen to the swingweight. You are asking an installation question before you know what the golfer wants. This is like asking a customer how they want their steak cooked, but the only thing they have decided so far is that they don’t want the lasagna.

My assumption is that if a golfer wants their shaft replaced, they most likely are the wrong weight, the wrong flex, the wrong length, or a combination of all of these. If the weight is the issue, meaning the golfer needs more substance to interact with during their swing, I doubt changing the shaft to a steel model of 10 grams heavier will be the magic bullet.

To make a meaningful change, your golfer would have to at least move in to the weight of our 950GH model.

I would ask your customer what he prefers- guess using the trial and error system? hit some shaft models of differing flexes and weights? seek out a serious fitting assessment?

After you have some idea of what shaft weight, flex, or length will help the golfer, then you can make the calculations of swingweight for a given head.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I currently have 1050 stiff shafts and hit a mid high trajectory. Would
the 1050 X shafts give me a lower trajectory or is the only difference a slight
weight increase? Regards, Gordon

ANSWER: Hi Gordon,

If you change your shaft flex, you will have to change the way you swing. It might be a good change, or it might be a bad change. Ideally, we all want to find a shaft design that we can feel the weight, are able to gain maximum speed, return to impact in a consistent  manner, hit solidly, and achieve the ideal flight. This is a lot to ask for, but in today’s universe of shaft options, the optimal shaft model does exist for you.

If you are currently playing with too flexible of a shaft, then certainly your best direction is to go stiffer, which in this case, should help your trajectory issues.

If you like the weight and feel of your existing shaft, and are able to swing your set in a uniform manner, devoid of swing adjustments, then your only issue is to determine if the shot height is functional for your game. If everything is great except your trajectory, don’t change the flex or you will have to swing in an un-natural manner. The better choice is to find a shaft model that gives you a natural swing, optimum speed and optimal trajectory.

The only serious method to determine this is to find a serious skilled fitter and test different shaft options.

Of course, there is the question of your swing mechanics and the head style of your irons, but that is for another discussion.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

About two weeks ago, while waiting on a tee, I pulled out a 7 iron from the bag
of a 6’7” guy.  It was a Titleist 735 with a shaft made for Titleist (950) by
Nippon, stiff flex.  The real difference was in the club length.  His 7 iron is
the same length as my 5 iron (38.5″). 

Of course, I hit his irons a number of times over the past weeks and played very
well.  I found it easier to get into the ball at address and my balance and
tempo was much better with the longer club.  It was just easier to play from a
more upright position and without as much knee flex.

I have played well with my current specs, 4-6 USGA index, however, I feel that
many of my problem periods are caused by the need to fit into the ball at
address.  Consistency is difficult.

I would love to try one of your shafts, however, I think the shaft from the
Titlest iron would produce a trajectory that is a bit too high.  Not to mention
that I will be putting your shafts into irons with a .370″ bore.
What scares me is trajectory.  The stiffer shafts have always helped me keep the ball
down a bit.  Can we accomplish the extra length I want without getting a
swingweight of E5 and preventing 7 irons that need a “Heat Shield” for re-entry
into our atmosphere?

I can always just rip my rifle 6.5’s out and start experimenting, however, I
thought you guys would be able to lend some advice as where to start.

I have had a couple of static and dynamic fittings over the years. I have played these specs because that is what the fittings and personal experience recommended.

Thank you, John

ANSWER: Hi John,

I subtracted most of what you wrote in your letter and left the gist of your question.

First of all, I strongly advise you to find a serious fitter to guide you in your search. Obviously, you were able to stumble upon something by yourself that your other fitting sessions were unable to see, and you settled for a poor recommendation.

Next, the length seems to be the dominant specification in your improved balance and consistency, but do not discount the combination of the head, shaft weight, flex, lie angle, and swingweight. When you tested the Titleist iron, you were trying both the extra length, and the completed integrated combination of specifications.

Finally, the only way to know if a trajectory is going to be too high is by getting out there and experimenting. Many golfers write long missives asking perfect strangers on various internet golf forums trying to estimate how a club combination will play. Don’t join that club of golfers wasting their time behind a computer screen. Get out and enjoy the weather. Have some test clubs installed with some combinations that make sense and smack that little white ball around the green carpet and see what works for you. Also, don’t get too worked up over a swingweight number. Get worked up over performance, or lack of it.

One last thing, Nippon Shaft lives in the current world with all kinds of hosel diameters and geometries. We have .355 and .370 tip diameters in the same exact shaft models.

Best regards, Mark
 

QUESTION: Hi,

Two 5 irons are assembled with an NS PRO 1050 S flex. The weight of the heads ,
grips, ferrules, length, and hosel bore depth are all identical.  The only
difference is one iron head has a hosel that is 1/2 inch shorter.  Which club
will swing stiffer?

Thanks, Doug

ANSWER: Hi Doug,

I am assuming that in saying that the hosel is -1/2″ shorter, that you mean that the bottom of the bore of the hosel to the ground measurement is 1/2″ closer to the ground. Or said another way, the shaft goes into the hosel the same amount, for example 1.25″, but if held side by side in the playing position, the relative insertion depth on one of the clubs is 1/2″ closer to the ground then the other club. Is this your intention?

In your example, the club with the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement that is smallest, will play approximately 1/3 of a flex stiffer.  Please write back if we are not on the same page. Regards, Mark