QUESTION: Hi,

My hdcp is 7, 60 years old, and I play with Miura 202. I like lightweight shaft
between stiff and regular. Which shaft do you suggest for me?

Regards, Tommy- Sweden

ANSWER: Hi Tommy,

Optimal shaft selection is never accurate if based on age, gender, speed, or ability. Using these factors are the same as a random guess.

Base your selection on current testing, or past experience.

The most telling statement in your note is that you like lighter shafts with a flex between R and S.

I strongly recommend testing and comparing shaft models as the best method. However, barring this, I suggest that you go for one of our lighter shaft models- most likely the 950GH or 1050GH. Both of these models are in-between weights- in the 100 gram range, which is right between a traditional heavy steel and a traditional lighter graphite shaft model.

Regarding shaft flex, we manufacture a variety of raw lengths in both the 950 and 1050 models, which allow any quality clubmaker with enough choices to install to the desired flex, or sub-flex.

Of course, it is also nice to be fitted for the best feel and flight.

Contact CQI-Europe, our European agent, for more resources in your home country.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have been playing the Taylor Made r7 irons w ‘R’ 90 gram shafts, which launch
perfectly for me. I tried the 950GH in an identical set of r7’s and found they
launched a little lower, but the dispersion was better.

I have a new set of the 2009 Burner Irons with the ’R’ 85 gram steel shafts.

Will the 850GH launch higher? Can I match the flex from the above 90 gram ’R’
shafts in the 850GH?

Regards, Wynne

ANSWER: Hi Wynne,

You are doing the right thing by hitting and comparing the launch, dispersion and overall performance of the different combinations. However, all I can suggest to you is to continue with your comparisons and you will find the answers to your questions.

For help with your projects, I recommend that you connect with one of our Authorized Installation Centers. If you contact one of our centers, and want to match a similar model shaft or flex, make sure to bring in your existing set or sets to insure that you receive the same weight, flex, bore installation, etc.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I understand that if I use 950GH shafts in my current heads, I may lose a couple of
swingweight points (all things being equal) compared to the PX shafts.

Will there be any difference in swingweight effect between the 950GH and the V90
shafts? Thanks, WP

ANSWER: Yes,

Typically, if you install a set of 950 shafts into a set and maintain the same installation specifications with regards to length, lie, grip weight, headweight, etc., the swingweight in the 950 set will be lighter by 1 1/2 to 2 swingweight points.

Regarding the 950 and V-90 models - no difference in swingweigt, assuming the same scenario.

Thanks, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I was fitted for the 950 series with Taylor Made clubs.  6 iron swing speed is
86 mph.  Should I use the new 999 shaft?

Thanks, Donald

ANSWER: Hi Donald,

The NS PRO 999GH is made on the same design scheme as the 950. Both are ultra-light steel models with mid-hi launch profiles. However, the 999GH has an aggressive ascending weight shift when moving from the longer irons to the shorter irons.

For golfers who like a similar swing feel throughout the set, the 950 constant weight system is recommended.

For golfers who like the lightweight power in their long irons, but prefer more balance, rhythm and feel in their mid to shorter irons, the 999 ascending weight system is recommended.

The 950 model is available through the Taylor Made company or any of our Authorized Nippon Shaft Installation Centers.

The 999GH model is available only through our Authorized Installation Center Network, yet, more of the major companies are becoming open to the idea of providing many more custom shaft options in the interest of helping golfers find their best equipment.

The NS PRO 999GH Ion-Plate is a wonderful new design, and is also a cost upgrade, but I recommend contacting the Taylor Made custom department or one of our Authorized Centers for more information.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Callaway X-18 Pro irons with R300 Dynamic Gold shafts. I
have ordered a lighter set of shafts (100 gr) to install in place of the heavier
shafts. I have built a number of iron sets, but nothing in which the shaft is
through the club head. Is there any instructions available on this problem?

Thanks, John ( Denver, CO )

ANSWER: Hi John,

Your questions on your current project tells me that the installation of a shaft into a bore-thru head might not be your only question regarding uniform and competent shaft installation. For help with this project, and for other basic clubbuilding skills, here are some possible resources;

Clubmaking classes are conducted by Golfsmith, Golf Works and by Mitchell Golf. I personally like Mitchell Golf, but all of these offer a good, beginning hands-on approach.

Do a net search for clubmaking videos and tutorials for all kinds of issues that you will encounter in your clubmaking travels.

Contact some of the recent start-up clubmaking groups and equipment hobbyist groups. Some of the members are very willing to answer your questions and help with advice. Search for the ICG (International Clubmakers Guild), IPAC (International Professional Association of Clubfitters) and AGCP (Association of Golf Clubfitting Professionals).

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark

Can you please tell me if the NS Pro 1100 that you make for Callaway is the same
quality as your regular line of shafts? Do they even come close to the same
quality as say the NS Pro 950? I am concerned about the Uniflex, but I am
between an R & S flex so I feel these may serve me well. I used to hit the NS Pro
990’s and they worked quite well for me. Can you please give me your opinion on
this.

Thank you, Larry

ANSWER: Hi Larry,

The NS PRO 1100 is made with the same proprietary shaft material, the same specialized heat treatment processes, and to the same tolerances as our other premium shaft lines. Absolutely 100% the same deal.

However, just because the quality is the same, does not mean that the shaft will play the same. If you want to be the best possible equipment shopper, it will help to learn that while quality of manufacture is important, shaft selection based on weight and design is critically important.

For example, a work boot and a running shoe, even if both were manufactured with the best materials and to the highest tolerances, we all know which will work best at a construction site, and likewise, which performs best at a track meet. If you liked the 990/950 type shafts, which weigh in at a lighter 95 grams, and are mid/hi launch models, it is unlikely that you will find the 1100 model to your liking. The NS PRO 1100 is more of a mid weight and mid launch shaft model. Regardless of the quality, it will never play the same as the 990’s you have tested.

If you want to find the best performance, quality is important, but without matching the weight and design to your needs, you are wasting your time and money.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Titleist 660’s with S300’s. I was wanting to switch to
something more stiff and was considering the Project X 6.5’s. I recently
switched to an NV 85 X-Stiff in my driver, and have been hitting it
straighter, and was thinking stiffer shafts in my irons would help me hit those
straighter also. Would this help out? VT

ANSWER: Hi VT,

Here are some general rules to think about in your situation;

Most golfers who are fit optimally for shaft flex, will play a slightly stiffer flex in their driver versus their irons. So maybe your iron flex is reasonable for your swing, body and game.

If you feel that you are adjusting your swing to fit your current flex, you may need a stiffer flex, or some other specification adjustment, or even a combination of set adjustments. It is always a much better idea to go in the opposite direction, and have your irons adjusted to fit to your swing.

To determine your shaft flex needs, you need to swing and compare the various shaft options, in a live setting.

Specifically regarding your question of whether to use a stiffer shaft flex in your irons- your success with your driver leads to the common sense conclusion that maybe a stiffer flex is appropriate for your irons as well. I recommend that you pursue this thought, but only via real testing. Find a demo day, fitting cart, or optimally, connect with a skilled clubfitter willing to offer you different shaft flex options that you can test.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am thinking of reshafting to 1050’s. I am currently playing 5.5 KBS which are too stiff. My 6 iron speed is extremely consistent at 82-84 mph. Should I use a regular or stiff flex 1050 in my Mizuno MP-57’s ( B heads )?

Thanks, CC

ANSWER: Hi CC,

The question of flex is primarily based on the feel of the shaft at impact, your ability to make center contact- without swing compensation, and the flight of the golf ball. This requires some level of live testing- so that you will be able to assess these factors and make an accurate choice.

However most golfers, because of their busy lives, their burning desire to quickly acquire that new set, or just because of a lack of information, want to skip this step, and go right to the shaft selection stage, which typically results in a poor shaft selection.

Some websites and brochures offer a guide to flex based on distance, club speed data, gender, or playing ability, yet this method results in only slightly more accurate shaft flex selection versus a pure guess.

However, if you do not have the opportunity or ability to conduct live testing, or live comparisons, I strongly recommend to instead select your shaft flex based on what flex you have had success with in the past.

Things do become more complicated when you are using a longer length or a lighter headweight, as this adds to the variability of things, but shaft flex selection based on past experience is the next best thing to live testing.

The NS PRO 1050GH has a traditional flex profile for its weight class, so if you have had success typically with an ‘S’ flex in your irons, than stay with the 1050 ‘S’. If you have performed best with an ‘R’ flex or a certain sub-flex, then choose that.

Golfers try to boil things down to one variable- often this is a brand name, or a specific flex rating. However, shaft selection is about the length, weight, balance, geometry, and flex, and then how all of that interacts with a given head, and then how this mix interacts with a given golfer. Applying a single performance number is a waste of time- accuracy-wise. 

So, my best suggestion is to choose the 1050GH shaft flex based on the following methodologies;

BEST FITTING OPTION: Live, comparative, interactive testing with the help of a skilled fitter.

RELEVANT FITTING OPTION: Live testing of fitting cart clubs, demo days, etc., to test and compare feel, flex and flight. 

REASONABLE FITTING OPTION: Choose flex based on success with past flex choices.

RANDOM FITTING OPTION: Choose flex based on ability, gender, yardage, or speed.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Guys,  

Can you please offer some advice? I have a driver club head

speed of 88-90 mph and have a very shallow, flat sweeping

swing with an average tempo. I struggle to get flight on

the ball due to my shallow plane. I have been suggested

Nippon 950 shafts, but I can also order 1150 shafts as

well. I understand I will have to test both, but from the

information, which one would you recommend for me? I play 

off a 4 handicap. I am being fitted for new Mizuno MP-52

on Tuesday next week at the Mizuno factory.  

Thanks, Steve   

 

ANSWER: Hi Steve,

There is no way to give you an optimal recommendation

in an email exchange, but I will give you a good start.

First, the Nippon Shaft NS PRO 950GH model is often

recommended to golfers looking to get the ball in the 

air, and it makes sense. The 950GH is a shaft that has a

mid-hi launch profile. If you like shafts in the 95 gram

weight range, you will do well.

However, if the shaft is too light or does not

interact well with your body and swing, it will not
be a good choice for you. For example, most golfers hit
the 950GH higher than the 1150GH model, but if the
1150GH model feels better, hits better, and you are able to
swing better, than you will have an easier time achieving
your optimal trajectory with the NS PRO 1150GH Tour.
 
Your swing dominates how well we are able to get the ball
to a high trajectory, so I recommend that you first find
the ideal length and flex and lie for your swing. Next on
your search list is to find a shaft weight that is 
optimal for your sense and feel. Finally, you want to 
find a higher launch shaft with a low center of gravity
head that is not to far different in look than sets
that you have had success with in the past. This is a
lot of work, but well worth the benefits.
Regarding the choice between either 950 or 1150,
I would never recommend that you limit your choices 
to just one or two shaft models. There are dozens of
relevant shaft models available to you. It just takes
quite a bit of searching. 
Regards, Mark