QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I am considering the purchase of Titleist AP2 irons.  Can you please
compare/contrast the NS Pro 100 and NS Pro 970 shaft options Titleist offers to
other standard shafts offered by Nippon. 

V/R, Stephen

 

ANSWER: Hi Stephen,

Here’s your list-

NS PRO 100 and NS PRO 970 - exclusive iron shaft models made for the Titleist Co.

Manufacture - premium base materials, and subject to our high end heat treatment

Most similar shafts - Not exactly the same, but similar NS PRO 105GH and 950GH

More info - Do a search here by clicking on the ‘Read Answers’ section on the right side of this page, under “OEM Shaft Models”.

More info - All of our open shaft specifications are located at www.nipponshaft.com

More info - Go to www.titleistgolf.com

Best Info - Find a range, shop , store, demo day, fitting cart, etc. and hit them.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, 

Other than being a bit heavier, are the shaft flexes between

the Nippon 850GH and the Nippon 970 (that Titleist uses now),
comparable and similar?  That is, if irons are shafted with
Nippopn 850 stiff shafts, can I get Titleist wedges with  
their stock Nippon 970 in stiff flex and get similar
performance?  Or should the wedges be shafted in regular
flex because the 970 shafts are heavier?  Your advice 
and guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Al
ANSWER: Hi Al,
Yes, if installed in a similar manner, the flexes are 
the same. I would suggest choosing the same flex in the
wedges as your irons, or maybe a bit more flexible.
There are a growing number of golfers who are realizing
that a wedge is swung with a different load, and thus
are using a slightly softer flex than their iron shafts,
but I would not recommend going one entire flex range
different. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Hogan Apex Plus with Apex shaft 3 (regular flex). My shaft length is 1/2″ longer than standard, but otherwise standard lie angle.  I hit my 7 iron about 150 carry distance, 6 iron about 165 carry distance. I am interested in a lighter shaft and am seeking a mid-high flight. I was considering the NS PRO 1150GH shaft. Any thoughts? I am also considering TT
Dynamic Gold Superlite S300, Rifle Fighted 5.5, and Project X Flighted 5.5. Thanks, Red

 

ANSWER: Hi Red,

My first thought in looking for a lighter shaft than your existing model, with a mid-high flight, is to consider the 1050GH shaft model. Your next option might be to then consider the 1150GH Tour. Our NS PRO 950GH is also a lighter shaft with a mid-high launch, but is quite a bit lighter.

Regarding flex, if you are having success with your current ‘R’ flex, then I recommend that you stay in the same flex range.

For comparisons with the other models you have suggested, please contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers as they are experienced with all of the high performance shaft brands.
As always, live testing, versus using a static speed or distance formula, yields vastly superior results. Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, Do you have a replacement shaft with bend for an ODYSSEY putter SCORPION model?

Thanks, Jim

 

ANSWER: Hi Jim,

While we make 100’s of the most popular putter shaft designs for the major manufacturers, and most likely have made the exact model you are looking for, we do not carry all of these choices in our inventory in our Chicago office.

My best recommendation is to either contact the Odyssey Company for their service choices, or contact a clubmaking shop in your area to determine if they are able match up your putter shaft and get you back in action.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I recently heard an interesting description of a particular

manufacture of graphite shafts differentiating three 

distinct performance characteristics. 

1. The stiffest shaft with predominate bend in the butt

section, and stiff in the tip.

2. The lighter (54g) shaft is stiff in the tip and butt

end while being soft in the midsection.

3. The 76g shaft is stiff in the butt end and midsection

and softer in the tip. (a trait favorable for fairway clubs). 

I have only heard shaft being soft in the tip or stronger

in the tip end, but never heard the butt end of the shaft

being described as soft or rigid. 

Can you shed some technical explanation for each of these

characteristics as releated to a particular swing type

player?  Thanks, Bob Houston Texas

 
ANSWER: Hi Bob,
I fit golf equipment in a “totality mindset”, which means 
matching the golfer with the sum of equipment specifications
that achieves the best level of performance. I do not think
in terms of matching a particular shaft tip stiffness to a 
specific golfer’s body or swing or ball flight. It is a 
total combination of the shaft design, torque, weight, 
length, flex, head, swingweight, etc.
 
However, I wil give you some ideas;
Higher speed golfers typically prefer stiffer butt sections
as they want to feel the resistance of the shaft to the
stress they are exerting onto the shaft. Conversely, lower
speed golfers typically prefer a butt soft shaft as this 
feels better to them. A stiffer butt section feels harsh to 
these lower speed type players.
 
Regarding the tip section of a shaft, higher speed golfers 
are generating plenty of their own power, and they prefer a 
stiffer tip section for a more stable feel and less spin. 
The lower speed golfers want and need a more responsive
shaft tip to aid in a softer feel, and to create more spin.
 
This short explanation does not tell a complete story.
The reality is that every golfer interacts with every part of
the shaft, and every part of the club, not just the butt or
tip section of the shaft. When I guide someone in a fitting
session, my goal is to help them learn which sum of golf
club specifications is going to allow them to swing with 
the best efficiency, and have the ball fly through the air
with the best effficiency. This is best achieved by an actual 
comparison of a variety of club specifications. 
 
I like to see the EI curves of various shaft models, and learn
all I can about the design properties of different models, but 
always keep in mind the totality of the fitting session.
Best regards, Mark  

QUESTION: Hi Mark,
I play with Nippon NS PRO 1050 regular shaft and like them. A methodology of MOI
matching to make all the full swing clubs feel the same with the same swing
effort appeals to me. In a previous post you advised me frequency matching was
not necessary for Nippon shafts. What are your feelings about this technology?
From what I read it is superior to swing weighting and will enhance my enjoyment
of my clubs.

Thanks, Les

 

ANSWER: Hi Les,

First, for others reading this post- Frequency matching is a consequence of premium installation practices and premium grade golf club parts. In this regard, if the tolerances are 99.9% uniform with regards to the head, shaft, installation, etc., then the result will be a set that is already “frequency matched”. However, if you install any Nippon Shaft model without a head, grip or installation methodology that is precise and uniform, you will then have to manipulate the parts and installation method to achieve a set that is “frequency matched.” The preference is the former versus the latter need to compensate.

With regards to your question of MOI set matching- the goal of this method is to go beyond a traditional swingweight/balance/feel type system by matching a set to the optimal energy that a golfer’s body requires to swing a club. If the iron set is installed so that each club requires the same amount of optimal energy to swing, then the golf ball will be struck in the most consistent manner for a given golfer.

This system allows the golfer to be more efficient.

There are a couple of obstacles to overcome for many golfers regarding this method of installation. MOI set matching will result in a different feeling than what golfers are used to. Also, the major equipment companies manufacture heads based on the traditional swingweight matching system making it more difficult to MOI match traditional heads.

For more information, search around on the web, and you will find independent clubmaking shops that perform this service.

As always, ask your questions of these shops as to services, pricing and warranty. Independent shops offer specific options unavailable at the major manufacturer level, but there are great facilities and not so great facilities. If you ask your questions, you will find your best set.

Best regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi,

My driver swing speed is in the 85 mph range. My 6 iron distance 150 yards. I am
looking at the new Adams A4 irons, and one of the shaft options is the Nippon
850-would this be a good fit for me?
Thank you,Norm

 

ANSWER: Hi Norm,

The Adams A-4 irons are a wonderful design and especially effective for golfers with medium speeds like yourself. The lower center of gravity aids in getting the ball up in the air and headed at your target.

The tricky part of any set of irons is proper shaft selection.

The NS PRO 850GH is one of our premium ultra-light steel models made with our exclusive NSGS8655V shaft material. With the combination of our specialized heat treatment processes and our fanatical adherence to razor thin production tolerances, you are contemplating a great choice.

Shaft selection based on power or swing speed is only a guess. Shaft sleection based on actual testing is the preferred method.

Actual testing options to consider are;

-purchase one A4 iron with the 850 model installed

-contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers and ask to try the 850 model, (many of our centers are Adams dealers as well)

-contact the Adams Company as to any scheduled demo days in your area 

-find any store, driving range, or demo day that has some of our models- our 950 model is often in Callaway, Titleist, and Mizuno demo/fitting cart clubs, and this model is our 10 gram heavier sister to our 850 model. If the 950 is too light, the 850 is not the club for you. If this model feels good and could even go a little lighter, than most likely the 850 is a good choice.

Finally, choose the flex and length based on what you have had success with in the past.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Nippon NS Pro 1100 Uniflex Shafts? Can you please tell me if the flex of these
shafts is what might be called “REGULAR FLEX”?
I can no longer handle a Stiff 6.0 shaft and need to know if these Nippon NS
Pro 1100 Uniflex Shafts will be more flexible.
Thank you, Ian

ANSWER: Hi Ian,

Typically, a Uniflex means a shaft flex somewhere between a R and an S flex.

So, Yes, a Uniflex will be more flexible than a Stiff flex.

One word of caution. Us human golfers all feel things differently. Just because a shaft carries a “label” that says ‘R’ or ‘S’ or ‘Uniflex’ is not always a true measure of how a given club will play. The length, head design, sole design, shaft weight, shaft kick point, swingweight, club lie, and shaft balance, are all factors that make a club play a certain way.

Use the shaft label as a guide, but use live testing as the serious method of determining a clubs playability.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,
I’m trying to verify the launch characteristics of your various models,
specifically 750, 850 and 950.  Do they all follow the same Mid to High launch
that is characteristic of the 950GH, or do the lighter models have different
characteristics?
Thanks for all your help in answering these diverse questions.
Tom

 

ANSWER: Hi Tom,

These 3 models all have a similar launch design, which is mid to high.

However, the greater effect is the human element. Golfers do not simply hit a shot with out measuring, interpreting, and adjusting their stance and swing to best match their performance needs.

Also, we have tested these models on a TRACKMAN system with varying levels of golfers and have found them to be similar in trajectory, but the part that varies is that some golfers will achieve more or less trajectory based on which shaft weight interacts best with their body, swing, and ability. 

So, the crazy answer is that some golfers will hit the 850 lower than the 950, and some golfers will hit the 950 lower than the 750, etc. And some golfers will achieve inconsistent trajectories if they require a completely diffferent weight/shaft geometry.

The best approach to determine the optimum performing shaft is through live testing of the different shaft models, hopefully in the same head geometry and with the same installation specifications.

Another information source to consider is our Authorized Installation Center network available at www.shaftology.com.

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Dear Mark,

I play Mizuno MP-57 with 950GH S flex. I am considering
replacing the long irons with Mizuno MX-200. The readings for my MP-57 #6 iron is 
D3 Swgwt, 303 CPM, +3/4″ Length and +2* Up Lie.  I find them sometimes
playing a little too stiff.

I demoed a Mizuno MX-200, 6 iron (standard lie and length), with a 950GH R flex. Nice smooth feeling. The readings are D1 Swgwt and 297 CPM. If I order them +3/4″ longer, the swgwt will be D3.
What will be the effect on flex? What is the best way to inform them to get the best possible fit? I hope you can me give an indication.

Regards, Peter

 

ANSWER: Hi Peter,

The benefit of working with a Mizuno dealer is that you have some great choices and the prices are very reasonable.

The benefit of working with an independent clubmaker is that you are able to “dial in” exactly the fitting and installation specifications that you desire.

If you choose to work through a Mizuno dealer, and since you have tested both an S and an R flex in their models, I would consider ordering the 950GH ‘R’ flex. The question of the effect on flex by going to a +3/4″ longer length depends on the individual, but typically will not have a major impact.

So, if you decide to work with a Mizuno dealer, communicate your specifications as MX-200, 950GH, R Flex, +3/4″, +2 Deg, D3.

Always remember that quality sets like those of the Mizuno Company are adjustable for future needs. You don’t hope to need adjustments, but the possibility exists.

Of course, if you are serious about your performance needs, the best option to pursue is to work with one of our Authorized Installation Centers, many of whom are also Mizuno dealers. The first step is to contact one of our centers and ask your questions about their services, pricing, warranty, etc. Next, the benefits of working with a competent independent center is direct communication, the ability to work on your new MX-200 irons and adjust your MP-57 irons, taking into account the individual hosel/bore depth designs of the two models, choosing an exact sub-flex for your specific needs, and also making adjustments on the varying head weights.

Working with one of our centers gives you the opportunity to have all of your questions answered, and the best in installation services.

One word of caution, you will pay more for specialized services, and you will receive more performance, however, it is up to you to be your own advocate. Good independent clubmakers have their own way of doing things and their own biases, but you must be a partner in communicating exactly what you expect. If you work as a partner in your search for the best performing set, you will find the best set you have ever owned.

Best regards, Mark