QUESTION: Hi

I’m curious to know how reasonable it is to re-shaft my DG S-300 taper tip
irons by simply shifting them within the set. So for example, the 2 iron shaft
would go into the 3 iron, and on down the line. I’m looking to make a minor
adjustment to accommodate my slowing swing speed as I get older and play less
often. I assume that they would play somewhat lighter and more tip flexible, but
my concern is that the flex point is actually moving UP, and might negate the
change(although I realize flex point my have the LEAST affect of all shaft
characteristics). Do you know of anyone who has tried this? Thanks-Jeff

ANSWER: Hi Jeff,

Golfers do these type of things all the time. Sometimes with success, sometimes not. I believe in your case, it would be “sometimes not”.

If you like the current flex of your irons and the reason for changing is to help with age and some lost speed, I believe that you would have more success with going a bit lighter in your shaft weight. I think the soft-stepping of your set might help the mind moreso than your body and swing.

Regarding the impact on the kick point of your shaft by soft stepping your irons, not so much to notice. Same things go with weight and flex. it would be a gram or two on the weight- hardly noticeable, and slightly noticeable on the flex.

You might consider the idea of lighter shaft weight and keep the flex point the same, as in the case of the Dynamic Gold SL. Or you might consider our 1050GH model, which is lighter and a mid launch design. But I recommend that you maintain the same flex that you have been having success with.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: I hear that when you install Nippon Shafts, that they have to be turned at a
certain direction, that the spine has to be at 3 o’clock- as you are facing the
head and looking down.  Is this right?. I have a set of 750GH and I am having
them put into my Ping G10 irons. Can you help and tell me the right way to
install for my fitter? ED

ANSWER: Hi ED,

If you asked 50 different clubmakers these questions, you would most likely get 50 different answers. Sometimes the reasons are financial, often times it is what we have been successful with, and many times it is just politics. With me being in the shaft business and shaft installation business, I sometimes come off sounding like a politician. 

First, I suggest looking in the category of “Shaft Alignment” located on the right side of this page. I believe the third question in this category is filled with some good overall information.

Regarding your specific question, you must rely on your installer and his expertise. Ask him your questions. He should be able to explain how and why he installs shafts in a specific manner. If you are not satisfied with his explanation, it might be time to move on to a different clubmaker.

One thing I can tell you for sure, eventhough our shaft models are famous for having razor thin tolerances, Nippon Shaft models, as well as any other shaft models do not exhibit specific tendencies that require a set formula for shaft alignment. Shaft alignment has all to do with minimizing the dis-uniformity that any non-perfect shaft possesses. Since a perfect shaft has never been made, I know that proper shaft alignment, so that all of our non-perfect shafts play a little closer to perfect, is an OK thing.

My personal answer is to align each shaft individually so that each shaft plays as uniform and efficient as possible. I do not get into recommending a specific approach beyond what I have previously wrote. However, I do believe that shaft alignment prior to installation makes for a more uniform set. Also, I like any approach that utilizes machine/tools/mechanical help in this process, since our human standards are sometimes subject to errors.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I have a question about the Nippon 850GH shafts. I bought a set in regular flex
to put on my TM R7 TP’s. I’m a 36 year old fit guy with a 12 handicap. I don’t
hit the ball too far though. My driver swing speed is between 87 and 93mph and I
carry a 7 iron about 140 yards. I have a smooth swing tempo and am more of a
swinger than hitter. I need some help getting the ball in the air though. My
question is, generally, would this be the right fit for me, or should I move to
a stiff flex. I ask this because I’ve read a lot about these shafts playing
softer than their stated flex. I know it would be best to just to put the shafts
on and try them out, but I’d like to make sure I have the right shafts before I
get the heads put on. Nippon Shafts are extremely rare in my part of Canada, so
I can’t just go hit other clubs with the different flexes on them. I’m just
looking for a general answer! Thanks for your time.
Geoff

ANSWER: Hi Geoff,

You are on the right track in some ways and off in others.

The best news is that you defined your case fairly well and what you are looking for. I also applaud how far you have come on your search.

Here are some of my thoughts-

1) The NS PRO 850GH model is a great shaft, and with the weight being lighter, it gives you the potential of gaining swing speed and thus more power and flight. However, the weight being light, almost graphite weight light, throws some golfers swings in a tizzy, because they are unable to feel the club during the swing. Thus, if you like lighter weight clubs, it should be great. If you are adverse to lighter weight shafts/clubs, be careful.

2) Be careful what you read. This “softer to flex” thing is certainly false. For golfers that fit into the 850 model, not one golfer has ever made that statement. For golfers who do not fit into the 850, they complain that the flex is “too soft”, yet the real problem is related to the shaft being too light for their bodies and swings, regardless of what flex they would select. Also, there are some unaware troublemakers armed with a butt frequency machine who attempt to classify all shafts under the same umbrella. This is like comparing the taste of a popsicle to that of a lasagna dinner. Choose your shaft flex based on what you have had success with in the past.

3) Your TP iron head, which is a quality design, is one of more traditional lofts and medium to lower flight. If switching from a heavier, lower launching shaft, you should gain more speed and height by going to the 850 model, but you most likely would gain even more distance and height with an alternate head choice. You may prefer the feel and look of your TP head, but it would not be my first choice for more power and higher flight.

Hope this info helps. Regards, Mark
 

QUESTION: Hi,

 I am about to put an order in for a set of Scratch irons and wanted to ask you guys a few questions.

I am currently playing PING i10, w/ AWT shafts in regular, hard stepped once. I
like the ball flight, but would like to have it slightly higher. I was thinking
of going w/ an EZ-1/AR-1 mix set w/ Nippon 950, regular one stepped hard. This
shaft is about the same weight as my AWT.

I am 27, 5-7, 105 swing speed driver, about 84-87 swing speed 7, about 150 carry.
On our only launch monitor in town, it says my optimum launch w/ 7 iron is
slightly lower than it should be. About 1-2* to low. Also, from playing on course,
the same launch to slightly higher would be perfect.

Any suggestions would be great. I was looking at 950, or maybe the peening brown
(i think brown). I could be totally wrong but I thought it said the brown had
tip flex? To me I translate that to being like a driver tip flex, to help get
the ball up slightly higher.

Looking for your suggestions.

Thanks so much, Ryan

ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

The most important factor in fitting is our individual interaction with a given set of specs. Of course this is only define-able, if we find a fitter capable of a comprehensive fitting, or if we actually are able to play that set beforehand…, which is a challenging state of affairs in our industry.

Here are some things to consider-

-The Scratch Company is quite good at what they do- ask your questions and ask about what happens if the set is not working for you.

-If you like the flex of your existing set, match up the flex in your new set in the same manner. Not every manufacturer, due to the hosel geometry, and due to their installation methodology will build their clubs in the same manner, and this can lead to some difference in feel regarding flex. However, start with the same flex and installation method as you are suggesting.

-Don’t get too hung up on swing speed and launch numbers. They offer some data points, but then, what do you do with the information? Are they really relate-able to anything? Certainly not in a general way. if you had access to a comprehensive set of test clubs capable of comparing apples to apples, you would then be able to compare a before and after result with your data. Comparing a few data points with a couple of mixed clubs, or with a chart of some kind, is quite a waste of your time.

-Your desire to hit the ball higher based on the flight of your ball, is worth more than the launch monitor reading.

-The NS PRO 950GH is a shaft designed for a higher launch, but remember that flight is dominated by your golf swing, and then by your head design. If you like the general weight, (94 grams), of this model, you should do great in this regard. If 94 grams is at all too light, choosing the 1050GH model is another great choice as it has the same geometry in a model 10 grams heavier.

-Regarding the Brown model- not available in North America.

-Finally, if it was me, I would find a demo day or fitting cart or facility with test clubs and at the minimum, hit the 950 model, regardless of the head design. In this manner I would at least feel how my body and swing interact with the 950 model, and I would see the general flight.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I have a set of Ping i10 irons with Ping AWT regular shafts with Cushin and  +1″
in length. I am looking at purchasing Cleveland CG-14 Black Pearl Wedges and a
Niblick hybrid iron to complete the set.

I would appreciate your advice about the importance of matching the shafts for
these new clubs to the Ping irons. Also how would I arrange it? The Ping clubs
have Ping 703 - “Gold” cord grips (+1/32″). Should I place the same grips on the
Cleveland wedges?

Thanks! Peter   

ANSWER: Hi Peter,

Yes, it is quite a smart idea to match your set with regards to playing specifications. After all, you may be playing with different brands, but your body and swing want to feel the same interactions.

The easiest part is to match up your grip. I would start by contacting a Ping retailer and inquiring how they might help you install some grips on your Cleveland wedges and Niblick.

Next, I would order your Cleveland wedges with the standard shaft offering, I believe it’s called the TRACTION shaft. It will match up well in terms of weight and flex to your Ping irons. The length should also match up in terms of your iron set. If your Ping PW is in the range of 36.5″, I would recommend a Gap Wedge length of 36.25″ and a Sand Wedge length of 36.0″.

Regarding the Niblick club, I would install either the Nippon Shaft 950GH or 1050GH model in an ‘R’ flex, and match the length to the iron set. Go with the 950 if you are looking for a bit more speed, and the 1050 for a bit more balance.

These recommendations are just a general guide. If you want to get specific and detailed, your ultimate destination is to find one of our Authorized Installation Centers and bring your questions to them.

If you want to get real fancy, check out our new WV wedge shaft series. You would fit into either the Wv 115 or WV 125.

www.clevelandgolf.com

www.shaftology.com and click on the CENTER LOCATOR link

www.nipponshaft.com and click on the North America link and look for the WV series

Best regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I currently have a set of Cobra’s with Nippon NS Pro 950 ultra light Shaft which
are soft A flex. I did get fitted for these.

I was also fitted in the fall for Cobra’s S9’s with NS PRO Lite Steel R Shafts.

The person that did the fitting is not there now. My questions were going
to be, the Cobra coming out is the SZ, is this the upgrade to the S9? They come
in stock Nippon NS 1030H steel. Is this similiar to what he fitted me in? Do
you have shaft suqqestion? My iron swingspeed was 79 and my wedge was 59 with
driver 90mph.

Thanks for any response, Mike

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

The designation, “NS PRO Lite Steel” is just a description, versus a specific model. It sounds like your contact at the store was recommending our NS PRO 1030 model in an R flex.

Now I have questions for you- Was the recommendation based on actual testing and live trial of this shaft model, or was it based on some kind of formula? Also, how are your existing irons performing? Are you looking for a different type of performance? The answers to these type of questions are what is going to make the difference in your game.

I strongly urge you to think in terms of performance when considering golf clubs, and discuss your performance goals with your fitter.

So, at the very least, get to a Cobra demo day or Cobra fitting cart, or find a retail location with Cobra test clubs, and compare and contrast the different options. If you spend just a little time in this regard, comparing the feel, contact, flight, consistency, etc., you will be much more informed versus a guess based on your math based swing speed numbers.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi, I am thinking of getting the 750GH shsfts

for my Ping G10’s. Would that be a good fit as to weight?

I need a light shaft as my shoulders and wrist and elbows

hurt me a lot, and the 750’s are the lightest shafts.

I had the G10 Ping graphites in them, but still felt

too heavy. My swing speed on irons is mid to upper 80’s,

plus can I use a stiff flex in them? I have hit stiff

and reg flexes at a golf store and the golf pro said

I could use either one as it was not making much

difference in my ball fight. Thanks, ED 
ANSWER: Hi Ed,
You absolutely need to find a skilled fitter or your
wrists will continue to hurt, your clubs will feel
“off”, and you will play with the wrong flex/specs.
Also, stay from any “Golf Pro” that says that the flex
won’t matter. For every golfer, there is a great
set of equipment specifcations waiting for you.
The good news is that there is an optimal combination
of specifications that will fit your needs for distance,
consistency, ball flight and shock absorption. The bad
news is that takes a lot of work to find this information.
At the minimum, hit as many test/demo clubs as possible.
Your ultimate fitting destination is to find a skilled
fitter that will work with you in your search. What you
are asking for is not available on a chart, formula or
website. Our NS PRO 750GH model is spectacular, but 
elbow pain, ball flight, the feel of weight, and how
you interact with your set are all motion and sensory
based. Joint pain is a serious matter and can not be 
chatted away via some internet Q and A’s. 
I urge you to go to the following sites and look
for a skilled clubfitter-
www.shaftology.com
www.accragolf.com
www.sstpure.com
Regards, Mark