QUESTION: Hi Mark,

Please confirm the right “head” for NS 8950 35.5″ and 38.5″. Do 9 iron and Wedge
use the same shaft, or is there a specific one for wedge?
Regards, LJV

ANSWER: HI LJV,

The question of how to match up the proper shaft with the proper head depends on a few variables. For a traditional hosel design, and thus to maintain a uniform flex rating, the raw lengths for the NS PRO 8950GH should be selected as follows:

#3= 39.0″, #4= 38.5″, #5= 38.0″, #6= 37.5″, #7= 37.0, #8= 36.5, #9= 36.0

The question of the wedge shaft should be selected based on the needs of the golfer. Regarding use of the NS PRO 8950GH series, golfers and clubmakers choose the 35.5″ length for all wedge clubs. However, I recommend that you select your raw wedge length according to this guideline; if you like the feel and flex of your #8 and #9 iron and generally see your PW as a full swing club, in the NS PRO 8950GH series, select the 35.5″ raw shaft length. If you like increased feel with your PW and you use your PW generally for shorter shots and the like, in the 8950GH series, select the 36.0″ raw shaft length.

For more information on the NS PRO 8950GH, including shaft selection and trimming instructions, please go to the right side of the page and look for the categories of “NS PRO 8950GH, and TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I play Dynalite Gold regular 125 grams and am looking at clubs with NS 950, I
swing about 70-80 mph, I heard these are softer and do not like a flexy shaft,
should I get stiff? Thanks, Davana

ANSWER: Hi Davana,

The weight, flex, and geometry of any shaft model are a huge reason why you should always test out the shaft in a live setting. There is no reasonable formula for determining the shaft flex and model for you. Live testing via a demo day, fitting cart, working with a skilled clubfitter, are all good places to start.

You might also consider reading through a few of the hundreds of similar questions we receive that are posted on this FITTING Q&A to get a better idea of the randomness of trying to fit yourself using a speed number.

One big caution is regarding your existing shaft weight. If you generally perform well with your existing shaft weight, you may find a hard time going to a shaft that is many grams lighter. It may be too light for your body and swing, regardless of the flex chosen. however, if your existing set feels heavy, you may find renewed energy and power with a premium model like our NS PRO 950GH.

Regarding the idea of, “I heard these are softer…”, if fitted and installed properly, the NS PRO 950GH plays exactly to a uniform flex. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Will shaft length play an important role in determining distance and accuracy?
I was thinking if 3 and 4 iron are the most difficult iron to hit, then why not
cut them short- equal to the length of, say 5 or 6 iron. Your comment please?
Preman, KL

ANSWER: Hi,

The reason the longer #3 and #4 irons are the most difficult to hit are because they require the most head speed. If you reduce the length of your typical #3 iron or #4 iron club without any other adjustments to the club, you will reduce the speed, and make the  clubs both stiffer and unbalanced.

Most golfers, that do not have enough power to supply the speed needs of the longer irons, translate that the longer length of these clubs is what makes them feel “out of control” and harder to hit. While it is true that the longer irons also require more of a center hit, and often a shorter club will aid in this goal, the reality is that the longer irons need a certain amount of speed to perform optimally. If you reduce the length of these clubs, you will limit yourself even further.

Better suggestions include using hybrid type clubs, or even more lofted fairway clubs. Both of these designs do not require the same high speed as your conventional longer iron clubs, which is why these choices are so popular.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello,  

I currently play the Dynalite Gold XP shafts in stiff in

MP-52’s, but am interested in lowering my ball flight a 

little and getting a shaft that feels a little firmer.

Since I play my irons 1.5″ over standard, would the 1050’s

or 1150’s be a good match for me?  Are these shafts even 

available in 1.5″ overlength?  Thanks very much, Dave

 
ANSWER: Hi Dave,
We manufacture our shaft models in enough variations to
adjust for a variety of length and flight needs. Golfers
who require longer lengths,(in any flex or sub-flex), will
typically utilize the next stiffest flex range chosen, but  
then installed with longer raw lengths and trimmed to meet
both the exact length and flex needs.
 
Regarding your flight needs, your existing head model and
shaft are both designed for a higher flight. You may find 
that a change in both may be required. 
Regarding potential shaft recommendations, most golfers find
that the NS PRO 1050GH is a mid to high flight model, the 
NS PRO 1150GH is a mid flight model, and the NS PRO
Superpeening Blue is a mid to low flight model. For more
onformation on these models, go to www.nipponshaft.com.
For contact information of our Authorized Installation 
Centers, go to www.shaftology.com.  Regards, Mark  
 

 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

Where can I find trimming instructions for the Nippon 8950GH shafts?

Do the 8950GH shafts raw length as shipped by Swing Science start a half inch
longer than the Nippon 950s?

Thanks, Mike

 

ANSWER: Hi Mike,

The NS PRO 8950GH Series, in both taper and parallel models, are to be trimmed as follows-

1- Select the raw shaft length and flex as needed. *

2- Trim from the Butt to desired length.

3- Trimming any amount from the tip is not recommended.**

*Different hosel designs, especially with regard to variations of the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement will affect the flex of the shaft. For a bottom of the bore to the ground measurement 1/2″ closer to the ground than a standard 1″ bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, select the shaft model that is 1/2″ longer than recommended- i.e. use the #4 iron shaft for a #5 head that has a 1/2″ bottom of the bore to the ground measurement. For a bottom of the bore to the ground measurement of 1/2″ farther than the standard 1″ bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, select the shaft model that is 1/2″ shorter than recommended- i.e. use the #6 iron shaft for a #5 iron head that has a 1 1/2″ bottom of the bore to the ground measurement. Consult with a skilled clubmaker for specific help with any project to insure your best performance results.

**Alteration of these trimming instructions will alter both the flex and the balance of the shaft . Consult with a skilled clubmaker for specific help with any project to insure your best performance results.
Regarding the length of the NS PRO 8950GH- We manufacture each of our models in a variety of variations. The NS PRO 950, in the most popular variation, is 1/2″ shorter in the butt section than the NS PRO 8950GH variation offered by the Swing Science Company.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have your shafts in my Titleist 704 irons from 4 or 5 years ago - stiff flex.
I need to replace my 7-iron shaft but I don’t see the same number, I think it is
NS PRO 970, or something close to that. Can you tell me what to get to replace
it? Thanks, JS

ANSWER: Hi JS,

The NS PRO 970 model is manufactured exclusively for the Titleist Company. These 970 shaft models after manufacture become the sole property of the Titleist Company, and thus are your source for restoring your iron to its original performance specification.

I strongly recommend that you install the 970 model in your #7 iron. Any other model will certainly play different than the 970 model.

Please contact one of their dealers or contact Titleist directly for shipping information.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I have been using Ping G5 irons for about a year.  I just moved up to the I-10
irons.  I am finding that I am not hitting the ball as far with the I-10’s as I
did with the G5s and the ball flight is as high with the 10’s, which is
perplexing.  I thought that having an iron where the Center of Gravity is closer
to the face and not as low as in the G5’s, would allow me to hit lower flighted
shots with more distance.  I have AWT reg flex steel shafts in the I-10’s, whereas
I had standard stiff steel shafts with my G5s.  Is it the shaft, or something
else? I do feel that I have a more consistent contact with the I-10s. Thanks, SM

ANSWER: Hi SM,

If you read Ralph Maltby’s work on iron head designs and playability, you will soon learn that how an iron looks, and how an iron plays, can be quite different.

When you play with a given iron model, you are not just hitting the head and the center of gravity. You are interacting with the head, C of G, sole, shaft weight, shaft flex, shaft geometry, etc. These differences cause all kinds of variances with regards to both the feel during the swing and at impact, and to the flight parameters of the ball.

A head may produce more or less launch, or more or less spin, which will have a significant impact on flight, and thus distance. The sole of the iron will impact your ability to swing efficiently and contact the turf in the most uniform manner. Different shaft flexes will absolutely demand a different swing pace and rhythm.

Even with the lofts and lengths most likely being uniform between your two sets, you have enough different variables of head, sole and flex to cause all kinds of performance differences. The variety of these club specification variables make it almost impossible to predict the performance, distance, contact, etc., that a golfer will achieve. As you have learned, live testing showed you the actual performance results.

Regarding your specific situation, because of the more consistent contact with your I-10’s, the head style and/or the sole may be more matched to your swing, or maybe the flexier flex or even the shaft weight may be better matched to your body and swing. Also, the flex most assuredly is having an impact on your flight.

My recommendation, to achieve the best performance you are looking for, is to connect with a skilled clubmaking shop, show them your existing set, explain your performance goals, and adjust the shaft weight and/or flex in your heads to find your optimal performance. Regards, Mark

Hello!,

QUESTION: Hi,

I’m wondering why would a golfer be fitted with 1150GH Tour stiff shafts to
Mizuno MP-52 irons and not one of the options that Mizuno offers- (Rifle Project
X 5.5, Dynamic Gold R300 or S300?).
Thanks a million, Mark

ANSWER: Hi Mark,

Why would anyone ever go out of their way to find ”butter brickle” ice cream when chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are offered at their neighborhood store?

If a golfer, or ice cream lover, has a better experience or better performance with the NS PRO 1150 Tour/Mizuno MP-52 combination, it makes all the sense in the world that the golfer would choose this combination over other options.

Just like butter brickle is different than strawberry ice cream, the 1150GH Tour is a distinctive shaft “flavor”, with distinctive performance properties.

I recommend that you find a clubmaker that offers all of these models for comparative testing and see which model you prefer. A good place to start is to check out our Center Locator and inquire as to which centers offer comparative testing options- www.shaftology.com.

Regards, Mark

Hi I recently purchased a new set of PING Rapture V2 irons.  They come with AWT
shafts.  According to PING, the shafts in the longer irons are lighter than the
short irons.  I previously played PING G5 with CS Lite shafts that weighed
approximately the same as the AWT shafts.  It seemed to me that I had more
control with the CS Lite shafts then the AWT shafts.  Although both are nearly
identical in weight and torque, I feel as if the AWT shafts are a bit “whippy”
for a stiff flex and seem to have less control.

I was thinking about re-shafting my irons with NIPPON shafts.  I’m looking for
control mostly.  Is there any major difference besides weight between NS PRO
1050’s and NS PRO 950’s? In addition, my shafts come with the sensicore insert,
putting them into the 112 to 115 gram weigt category.  When I spoke to a PING
rep, they spoke very highly of the AWT, but I have serious doubts.  Can you help
with a recommendation? 

Oscar

ANSWER: Hi Oscar,

When any of us take on a new set, we are getting a complex mix of a length, lie, shaft model, shaft flex, shaft geometry, grip weight, head weight, etc. You might have trouble with control due to the varying shaft weights, or due to the lighter weight, or maybe this set is more flexible, or maybe due to the change in head geometry, or maybe it is a combination of all of these factors.

The only remedy to determine what is optimum for you is through live testing. The best format is one in which you can hit and compare several variables of shaft, weight, length and flex. These type of testing centers are not located on every street corner, but I would contact the Ping Company and inquire as to the facilities that utilize their most comprehensive fitting systems. Another option is to connect with a clubmaker that offers a wide range of name brand head and shaft models for testing. At the very least, make your best guess as to the shaft that you believe is a good performance candidate for your needs and have that shaft model and flex installed into one of your clubs, and test out the performance of that iron.

Regarding your desire for control- when it comes to equipment specifications, this usually means finding the flex that is natural for your swing pace, the weight that is natural for your body and for past usage, and the head that allows you to be in concert with your head delivery. I have fit thousands of golfers over the years, and if I am able to guide to them to their best flex, weight, and head geometry, they will achieve the most control. 

There is no quick sound bite of an answer for your overall question - live testing and comparison is the best way to find what is right for your body and your swing.

Regarding your question about the 950 and 1050 models- Yes these two models have the same geometry and they will launch and spin the ball in a similar fashion. The difference is in the overall weight of 95 grams for the 950 and 105 grams for the 1050. For exact weight comparisons of our popular models and the flexes, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.

Regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi,

Can your iron shafts be used to reshaft TW Nike irons? LAH

ANSWER: Hi LAH,

Yes, we manufacture our shaft models for all types of irons, hosel geometries, etc. TW Nike clubs present no problems.

Your specific installation needs will have to be taken into account. I highly recommend working with a competent clubmaker to insure that you achieve the specifications and performance that you desire. Regards, Mark.