QUESTION: Hello,

My 15 yr. granddaughter is approx. 60-62″ tall.  What length(s) should the
shaft(s) be on her various clubs? Thanks for considering this question. ZIA

ANSWER: Hi,

If you were hoping for that magic length answer, it doesn’t exist on this site.

The length of a golf club should always be based on the build, strength, and swing of a golfer. Eventhough there are quite a few women on the LPGA, Futures Tour and among the college ranks in the 5′0″ to 5′2″ range, (who many play with traditional length clubs), most likely your grandaughter has not achieved her full adult size and strength, and thus, might not play with the same weight and length as these women. My general guess is that she might be in the -1/2″ range, with a lighter shaft, and a flatter lie angle.

There is no accurate formula for determining the optimum length for a given golfer, but I will give you some good ideas to help with your question.

The most important thing to remember in fitting- is that the golf ball and club do not kow the age, gender, hair color, etc of a given golfer. The golf club only knows how efficiently, how powerfully, and how consistent it is being swung.

The next thing to realize is that there is no accurate mathematical formula based on a golfers gender or height - (eventhough many golf shops and brochures still promote these myths).

My best recommendation is to take your grandaughter out to a golf range where they have a fitting cart of various brands, lengths, lies, and shaft weights. Between your eye of what looks like a good address posture, and a well balanced golf swing, and her feedback as to what feels good and natural and comfortable, you will be able to determine her length needs better than I could ever over the internet, or better than any web formula or manufacturer’s brochure or some of these crazy wrist to floor measurements.

I would start with a traditional length (typically this means a standard #6 iron length of 37.25″) and then try 1/2″ shorter than standard, and even 1″ shorter than standard. If she hits several shot with each length, her body will show what works for her.

Another component of the length question is the lie angle specification. it is very difficult to even discuss optimal length without considering the lie specification. The proper lie angle aids the golfer in swinging the club in harmony and balance, and assures the golfer will find their best path at impact. For more information on testing for lie and its relationship to club length, I urge you to connect with a quality fitter.

This length discussion also will lead to the proper weight and flex of a given shaft. The weight of a shaft will also affect the rhythm, balance and efficiency of the golf swing.

If you do not know of a fitter in your area, one place to start is to inquire with one of our Authorized Installation Centers as to their services at www.shaftology.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a Mizuno MP-57 set with NS PRO 950GH (regular) shaft,

and I’m planing to get a Mizuno MP T 51 wedge, but my golf 

supplier only has True Temper (wedge shaft for the MP T as a

standard shaft ) but they offer to customize it for me. I’m

afraid if they customize the wedge, it may lose its balance.

What is the proper set up of irons to wedges? Should the 

shaft of my irons be the same with my wedges?  If the 

NS PRO 950GH is 95grams, what is the max difference in weight

of the irons to wedges?  NS PRO 950GH is 95 grams, while the

Dynamic Gold is 125. Is this too big of a difference?  

Thanks, Alvin 

ANSWER: Hi Alvin,

Most golfers that like the 950 shaft model in their irons, 

find they typically play best with a slightly heavier 

shaft in their wedges. 125 grams is usually too much of a 

difference in feel and performance. I recommend that you use

either our NS PRO 1050GH shaft, or our new WV105 shaft. 

You might have to contact one of our Authorized Installation

Centers for help with this project. 

FOr more information, click on the WEDGE SHAFTS category

located on the right side of this page for similar questions

on this subject. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I would like to switch from my Callaway X Tour irons to the regular X-22s. The problem is that I hit my 6 iron on a reliable launch monitor 3.5 to 4 degrees lanunch angle higher, and approximately 2500 rpm ball spin more than the X-22 stock shaft. I would like to increase my trajectory and ball spin with
the X-22 through the shaft that I order. Any suggestions?  Parker

 
ANSWER: Hi Parker,

I hesitate to answer these type questions because often you wind up chasing one variable, (trajectory), at the expense of so many other variables, (distance, control, contact). Also, eventhough I use launch monitors and head delivery measurement systems everyday, they should only be used as comparison tools, versus pure fitting tools.

Having said all of the above, the real trouble is that golfers have the mistaken idea that heads and shafts perform the same for every golfer, yet the reality is that every golfer’s body and swing interact differently with each head and shaft combination, which is why the only definitive method of shaft selection is live testing.

If we go back to the original question that you are looking for more trajectory, I would look at different shaft models that are characterized as having a specific flight profile.

In the Nippon Shaft catalog, based on actual testing, across a wide range of golfers I would characterize these shafts models and their flight profiles as follows:

NS PRO 850GH, 950GH, 1050GH = mid to high flight

NS PRO 1150GH, Superpeening ORANGE = mid flight

NS PRO Superpeening BLUE = mid to low flight

Another good option is to contact some of our Authorized Installation Centers for help with your project. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Nippon!

I need your help.

I have a set of Nickent 4DX PRO irons with Nippon 1050GH Stiff shafts installed on them. They feel amazing, and I’m very happy with my shafts!!

A friend of mine bought the same Nickent 4DX PRO irons but with the stock Nippon 1180GH Stiff shafts. He tried them and saw that the ball flight with his 3 and 4 irons were considerably lower than mine’s.

Can you write me a few lines comparing the 1050GH and the 1180GH Nippon shafts?
Is it true that the 1180GH’s quality is lower than the others because it’s a Nickent stock shaft, and so this could be the explanation of the lower ball flight?

Or maybe his swing is not fast enough to activate the long iron’s shafts?

We would like to know what’s your thought on the 1180GH. He’s already willing to change to a set of Project X because of this.

Thanks Nippon, I’m very happy with my set.

Regards, Facundo

ANSWER: Hi Facundo,

Different shafts will certainly perform different. In the case of your two Nickent sets- you absolutely have different sets. The 1050GH is more of a mid to high flight profile versus the 1180 stock shaft, which is most likely why your friend saw the difference in trajectory. The quality of the two shaft models are the same since both are made from our premium base materials and go through the same high end heat treatment processes.

Most golfers believe that the brand name is somehow more important than the actual performance specification. The reality is that the both the shaft brand and the shaft architecture are crucial to your performance.

If your friend desires to have the same performance and ball flight as your set, then he must have his set installed to the same shaft model, flex, raw length, finished length, lie, swingweight, insertion depth, etc. If any specification is different, he will encounter different performance.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I currently use DG X-100 and have +1.5 inches on my irons - I hit them well; the
problem is +1.5 inches means I can swing easier and the ball-strking is
excellent but unlike at 1/2 inch the irons can be a little more consistent -
would I get any benefit out of using a lighter shaft that is still X-Stiff?

If so what are your recommendatons?

Thanks, Ryan

 

ANSWER: Hi Ryan,

I am assuming that what you are saying is that you like the length of the +1.5″ setup, but that they are heavy to swing. Is this right?

Using a heavier shaft model at +1.5″ can make any set play quite HEAVY.

The answer to your question is - Yes, I would keep the longer length and find a shaft model that is lighter to help the overall feel and balance.

The hard part to determine is the selection of the shaft model- this depends on the feel and the flight based on your body, swing and game. I suggest that you discuss these issues with a clubfitter or contact a knowledgeable installation center and experiment with having a lighter shaft installed into your current set.

Flight is a big consideration when discussing lighter shafts. Longer lengths typically are used by taller golfers, who have steeper angles of attack- which creates spin and thus a very healthy trajectory. Finding a lighter shaft, that will not make the ball fly higher, is often a challenge.

One other option is to have a new set built with lighter heads, to keep the weight down. Mizuno is one company that offers lighter head models for longer length needs.

Please write back if I am not on track with the intent of your question.

Regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

Should your hybrids be the same shaft weight as your irons.  Example, If I hit
the NS PRO 850, should my hybrids that I use for a 3 and 4 iron also be a 85
gram weight in the graphite shaft? Thanks, Barry

ANSWER: Barry,

If you are contemplating using the same shaft weight in your hybrid clubs, as in your iron clubs, why not use the same NS PRO 850GH in both your irons and hybrids? We offer the NS PRO 850GH in raw lengths up to 39.5″, which is enough to support most hybrid designs.

The best answer to your question is- use the shaft weight/model that works best. For most people, their iron shaft model will perform great in their hybrids. For some golfers, they find that a lighter shaft model, with a higher flight profile works best.

My rule of thumb is- for maximum consistency, choose the same shaft for your hybrid clubs as you have in your irons. If you are looking for more power or more height in your hybrid clubs, you may be a candidate for shafts lighter than your irons.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I am looking at the Cobra FP irons w/ Pro 1030H shafts for

my son who is 13 (5′5″). My question(s)are- what is the

approximate weight of the shaft in regular flex?  

And second, is this too much shaft for him?    Thanks, Trout

 

ANSWER: Hi Trout,

This answer, like most in this Q&A, is- “it depends”.

The 1030 shaft model, in the Cobra series, is in the 100-105

gram range, which is not that heavy. It falls in the mid to

light range. If your son likes lighter shaft models, than it

should be a reasonable choice. If he likes heavier models, 

than this set might result in slower, inconsistent contact.

The best way to tell is to at least hit various weight 

models and flexes and compare how well he makes contact, and

how his swing looks and feels. If he labors with his swing and 

seems at a loss for power and speed, then the shaft is too

heavy and/or stiff. If he swings erratic and out of control,

and has a hard time making consistent contact, then most 

likely the shaft is too light and/or flexy. And if he swings

within balance and rhythm and makes good contact, then the

shaft is a good fit. Hope these ideas help. Regards, Mark