Archive for September, 2009
Monday, September 28th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi,
I play the 1150 GH Tour shaft throughout my set and want to reshaft my two most
lofted wedges with the WV 125 wedge shaft, as I rarely use these for full shots. However, I cannot seem to source the wedge shaft with a parallel tip. Is it available in
the UK? Kroy
ANSWER: Hi Kroy,
The WV wedge series has not been manufactured in a parallel tip version. It is currently available worldwide, only in a .355 taper tip. However, a traditional .355 taper tip shaft model can be installed into a traditional .370 parallel designed hosel if installed in a professional manner.
My best recommendation is to contact a skilled installer and have the WV 125 wedge shafts installed into your wedges. Regards, MarkÂ
Posted in Shaft Installation, Wedge Shafts |
Monday, September 28th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi Jamie,
I am currently playing Mizuno MP-32’s with the TT Tour Concept shaft, X1 soft stepped.
I am trying to decide on a new set for next year and might buy a custom set of
Mizuno’s MP68’s through TourSpecGolf. I can’t get the TC shaft and am researching a
potential switch. What would be a comparable shaft from Nippon, and what changes
will I notice in ball flight, spin rate, feel, etc, etc?
Thanks, Jamie
ANSWER: Hi Jamie,
We do not compare our shaft models to our colleaques shaft models. The human interaction can not be accurately quantified in data points. Our thousands of fitting assessments have only shown success via live comparison. Your best source is to connect with one of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquire as to the fitting, testing, and installation services that they offer, so that you are able to use a shaft selection method based on reality.
Regarding the difference in performance, spin rates, feel, etc., since each golfer interacts with a shaft on an individual basis, there is no way to accurately predict these differences. You can measure the data points, but as the golfer interacts with two different shafts, their swing is not the same, leaving the data point comparison, mostly meaningless. It’s kind of like going to a video store or Netflix type site, with a group of people, and asking them about their favorite movie, and then predicting what other movie they will like to see. You might choose one in the same category, but their reaction will only be a guess. Interaction with a shaft is the same deal.
For a starting point, you can go to the Tour Concept site, and to our shaft specification site at www.nipponshaft.com, and compare weight and flex point specifications, but ultimately, the only accurate method of shaft selection is through live testing.
Finally, if you have great success with your current model, I would still contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers, many of which are Mizuno dealers and Tour Concept dealers, as well as Nippon Shaft Centers.
Regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
Monday, September 28th, 2009
QUESTION: Hello,
I currently use the 09 Taylormade Burner irons (3-PW) with Burner Superfast 85
steel, Stiff shaft. On full shots, I hit my PW 120-125yds under normal
conditions. My trajectory is HIGH on all my iron shots, especially 7-PW. I am
looking for a set of wedges that will fit my short game (100-110yds, 75-90yds,
20-50yds), and need assistance with which shaft to get.
I liked the feel of the Titleist Vokey Spin Milled, and looking at getting the
50.08, 56.11, 60.07 set, to match my yardage gaps (unless you have some advice).
Of the many shafts to choose from on the Titleist Vokey website, which would you
recommend for me? My local golf shops don’t carry too many shafts variations, so
I will have to special order. Just by looking at the specs and reading posts on
your site, I am thinking the NS PRO 970 BY NIPPON would be good for my current
set and playing ability.
Any advice is much appreciated.
Sincerely, HM
ANSWER: Hello HM,
Based on the shaft weight and shaft flex of your current set, and assuming that you have good success with your current set, the NS PRO 970 model, available in Titleist clubs, should be a great performer.
You might also look at some of the other wedge-related question and answers, which are located on the right side of this page, in the READ ANSWERS- WEDGE category.
Thanks, Mark
Posted in Wedge Shafts |
Friday, September 25th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi Mark,
I am looking to reshaft my Titlesit AP2 irons and Vokey wedges. I am a PGA
professional currently playing The Rifle Project XÂ 6.0. Can you recommend a shaft model
that normally professionals or better players prefer.
Thank you, Kevin,
ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
If you read through a few posts on this Q&A section, you will soon realize that we support live, comparative testing as the best method of determining the optimal performing shaft for your swing, body and game. This is the preferred method for shaft selection. You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Installation Centers as to the testing and comparison services that they offer. Click on the CENTER LOCATOR at www.shaftology.com.
Regarding your specific questions, most better players prefer a more traditional weight shaft model, that aids a mid to low flight pattern. Some of these models include our mid flight NS PRO 1150GH Tour and NS PRO Superpeening Orange, and our lower flight NS PRO Superpeening Blue. Next spring we will also have introduced 2 new NS PRO Tour models, which are currently being tested on the worldwide tours. Regarding your wedges, both the NS PRO Superpeening Blue model and the NS PRO WV 125 wedge shaft are great options for you to consider.
For specifications on most of our core NS PRO models, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.
Regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
Friday, September 25th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi Again Mark,
Just wanted to follow up with you about my quest to find my 11 year old son the
proper shaft. I went ahead and ordered one 6 iron Titleist AP 2 with the NS Pro
970 shaft. I recently went to a local club fitter and he tested the flex of the
shaft. He told me that the shaft, even though labled as “Regular Flex,” was
actually playing at a “Senior Flex.” He recommended that if I wanted a true
regular flex shaft for my son, that I order the shaft in stiff. Based on your
experience, have you found that the NS Pro 970 is softer in flex than it’s
suppose to be? Also, how would I know if the flex is too whippy for my son
(i.e. what kind of ball flight should I expect for something too soft for him)?Â
Another question I have is, when a shaft is cut down, does it make the shaft
stiffer? Again, the local fitter I went to told me that cutting the butt end of
a shaft does NOT make a shaft stiffer. This seems to be contrary to what I’ve
heard by others. Thanks, MN
ANSWER: Hi MN,
Almost every answer to every question can be determined by one parameter- PERFORMANCE!
Most likely your 970 model was measured on a butt meter, which has no relationship to reality. Comparing shaft models of different weights and geometries and then comparing them to a static numerical flex system, will always give seemingly confused results. This is like going on vacation to Colorado to ski, holding a thermometer in the air, and then have the travel agent exclaim, “You don’t want to go there, it’s 25 degrees. It’s much better in Scottsdale where the temperature is 80!”. Of course- the real method to determine the success of your vacation is- “Did I have fun?”.
You have written many words, but you have not commented on the PERFORMANCE of the club. Has your son had success with the club? Is it better than his previous performance?Trajectory? Contact? Distance? Consistency? Does he like the Look? Feel? Abililty to swing the club? These are valid measures of performance and are the sole criteria why a golfer would choose a club. I would take the word of the user in every case versus calculations by an ill-informed third party.
Regarding the question of ball flight and the shaft being too flexible. Again, this is always a question of performance. If a golfer has a club that is too heavy or light, too whippy or stiff, or too long or short, the first thing that suffers is the golfer’s swing. If the club is not right for a given golfer, that golfer is forced to make non-natural swing adjustments, resulting in a less than efficient golf swing. The result is not a higher or lower ball flight, or more fade or hook, but a diminished capacity to perform optimally.
If you want to see your son have the most success, he must choose his clubs based on performance. Leave the notions of calculating the ideal flex and weight in the rubbish bin. This is the only real measure of a properly fitted set. Regards, Mark
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Posted in Shaft Fitting |
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
QUESTION: Hi,
I want to have a set of NS PRO 850GH shafts installed into my Callaway thru-bore irons.
What instructions should I give to the installer?
The standard shaft length of the NS PRO 850 is 39.5″. The thru-bore clubs usually require additional shaft length, because the shaft is inserted to the heel base.
What is the best way to compensate for the needed additional length? Add the length underneath the grip (shaft extensions) or order longer shafts.
Also, will the longer shafts affect the median weight.
Thanks, Maurice
ANSWER: Hi Maurice,
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We offer our shaft models in hundreds of variations to meet the requirements of the various hosel geometries and your set of Callaway irons is certainly a common installation task. However, please do not take offense to my reply, as there are three types of questions that we do not answers, hosel diameters, comparison of our colleagues shaft brands, and specific step by step shaft installation information.
We have created our Authorized Installation Network for this purpose and we expect that they know the methods of installing our shaft models in the proper manner. We offer over 400 different combinations of shaft models, lengths, tip diameters and flexes in our inventory and it is the job of the installer to know the specific model to select to achieve the performance you are looking for. This is the service that our Authorized Installation Network of shops provide. If you are looking for a certain model, weight, and flex via installation into your set of Callaway bore-thru hosels, or any hosel geometry, it is required that the installer selects the correct raw length, tip diameter, and raw shaft flex for your desired playability.  Â
The most important info to give your installer is the model and flex you want. I would contact your installer and ask your questions, and make sure that you communicate the playability you are seeking. If they are a skilled installer, they will have no problem with the shaft installation of your Callaway set.Â
Regarding your other comment, I would never recommend installation of an extension piece into a shaft when the option of selecting the proper shaft model is available at the time of original installation. Finally- as to your last question, no, there will be no impact as to a weight issue regarding a bore-thru assembly. The 850 model will have a weight difference than a heavier shaft model, which is a fitting issue, but there will be no difference, installation-wise with regards to any weight or balance issue.
Please write back if you have trouble finding a competent installation center. Regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Installation |
Monday, September 21st, 2009
QUESTION: Hi,
I have an extremely high ball flight. I play Dynamic Gold X100 shafts, and my clubs are
tour lofted. I am a 2 handicap and I am strong enough and have enough swing speed to
hit my irons further than I do, 8 iron stretching to hit it about 150 yards. It wouldn’t be such a concern if I wasn’t hitting it flush, but it just goes straight up and falls out of the sky. I have recently found a driver and shaft combo that had a wow factor, and I don’t have to worry about hitting to high. I wish I could do the same with my irons. Any suggestions? T
ANSWER: Hi T,
Most golfers that hit it “straight up and then falls out of the sky” have a ball flight pattern with an excessive spin rate that causes a loss of distance.
If this is what is happening in your case, the cause is a result of-
1) an angle of attack at impact that is quite steep, which creates excessive spin and results in a climbing up the elevator shaft type flight,
2) a head with a geometry that aids in gaining more spin,
3) a shaft that adds to the spin equation.
Of the 3 factors, #1 is by far the greatest contributor to your flight, and thus loss of distance. It is not easy to change your swing mechanics, but if you are looking for a dramatic change to your ball flight, altering your swing mechanics will produce huge benefits. Find a skilled instructor and go to work.
Regarding a change in your equipment, there is no perfect formula. You must connect with a competent clubmaker and hit and compare different head and shaft types. Generally, a blade model, with a flatter sole, a heavier shaft model, and a stiffer tip section will produce less trajectory for stronger golfers, but this is not true for every golfer and swing type. Some golfers actually hit ‘X’ shafts higher than ‘S’ shafts.Â
You most likely found a lower spinning driver head that is going great for you, but this will typically not be found in an iron club. Thus, my best recommendation on your iron flight is to work on all 3 of the above factors, with the emphasis on your angle of attack at impact. Regards, Mark
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Posted in Shaft Fitting |
Friday, September 18th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi,
I am playing TaylorMade RAC HT with TM Lightmetal Uniflex 95 grams steel shaft. I
am going to change my irons and the recommended shaft model is NS 950GH. So I
have to decide between stiff and regular. My hdp is 18, 33 years, 150-160 meters
with 5-iron and new irons will be Srixon I701 or WR.
Thanks, Torres
ANSWER: Hi Torres,
If your question is about flex, there is only two methods that have proven to reasonably select the proper shaft flex.
Option 1 is to test/hit the different flexes to determine your best feel, flight, distance, etc.
Option 2 is to choose the flex that you have had the most success with in the past.
The least acceptable method is to choose a shaft flex based on handicap, age, yardage, or some other fanciful notion. Regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
Friday, September 18th, 2009
QUESTION: Dear Sir, I am at the point of playing full 100
yard shots with my 52 degree wedge, but I feel the club is
too heavy. Yet I appreciate heavy for my close shots.
What are your thoughts on this? I would like to have both,
if possible. My irons: Mizuno MX-25, NS PRO 950GH, stiff
flex,(love the way this feels by the way).
Wedges: Cleveland CG-12 52,56,60 with True Temper shafts.
Now, I’m thinking of the 950GH wedge shaft for my 52 for
full shots, 1050GH for my 56, and will keep the 60 stock
for now. Do you think this will work?
Should I get them in stiff too?
Or should I go straight to 1050GH for both wedges(52,56)??
Do you think I’ll be able to swing them full-on? What
swingweight should I have with my wedges? I look forward
to hearing from you. Thank you. Mr. S
Â
ANSWER: Hi Mr. S,
Yes, the trick is to find the optimal shaft weight to achieve
the lighter weight you prefer for full shots and the heavier,
more stable feel for close-in shots. Most golfers, who like
lighter weights shafts in their irons, typically have a hard
time adjusting to the heavier and stiffer stock wedge shafts.
I think you are on the right track with your idea of lighter
shafts than your existing wedge shafts, but slightly heavier
than your existing irons. I think the 1050GH model is a good
selection based on your note.
Please read some of the other posts on this subject.
Look in the WEDGE SHAFTS category on the right side of this
page. Other golfers have inquired on this same subject and I
reference both weight, flex, and our new NS PRO WV wedge
series that is designed for golfers in your situation.
Regarding achieving the ideal swingweight, I would discuss
this with your clubmaker with regards to your current set.
If your current set is in the D2 range, a reasonable
swingweight for your 52 degree Gap wedge would be D-3 to D-4.
A reasonable swingweight for your Sand wedge would be in the
D-5 to D-6 range. Regards, Mark
Posted in Wedge Shafts |
Friday, September 18th, 2009
QUESTION: Hi,
I drive about 230 yards (carry without roll) with my driver, believe I am a
slow-medium speed. I am currently using an S/R flex, 56 gram shaft, 45.25 inch,
4.5 torgue. But I am not sure about my swing speed. What CPM shaft would suit me
if I want to go for a 65 gram shaft with 3.8 torque? Michael
ANSWER: Michael,
I am sure that there is a real answer to your question. However, I do not expect that you will ever find it using swing speed and CPM numbers. These are good for fanciful discussions at your local bar, eatery, or web forum. In a practical sense, it is impossible to accurately predict/calculate the effect of torque, flex, etc. and quantify this into some magical CPM number.
Predicting the optimum shaft flex using a CPM number, (Cycle Per Minute), has 3 basic flaws. 1) Some shafts that play to a same flex will read the same in a butt frequency machine, and others that play to the same flex will read quite a bit different. This is the result of the variety of tip, mid and butt geometries of a given shaft. A butt frequency meter can only measure the CPM of the butt portion of the shaft. 2) Some machines will give uniform results, and others will give vastly different CPM readings. This is not due to the quality of the machines or the operators, but the result of different clamp lengths, different head weights, different clamping pressures and even how the meter is mounted to its base. Within the golf industry, there are hundreds of these kinds of variations. Each company quantifies these variations to achieve accuracy within the company needs for information, but are not meant to be compared with other company’s methodologies. 3) Some golfers that swing 90 mph may require the same flex, and other golfers that swing 90 mph will require a different flex. This is due to the variety of the swing types, which are long and short, smooth and hurried, and applied with all manner of stops and starts.
Thus, the true answer requires a more scientific direction. And that direction is via live, comparative testing. Which goes something like this-
1) State your performance goal- a certain distance, control, trajectory, feel, etc.
2) A rating of your current driver in reference to your goal
3) Find a demo day, fitting cart, skilled clubfitter, etc. and test and compare different clubs and rate the performance in relation to the achievement of your goal.
Step #3 is best achieved by finding a competent club shop that offers advanced fitting services with quality measurement tools, and a variety of interchangeable premium head and shaft combinations. The result of this testing is the best combination of shaft weight, flex, torque for your body, swing and most importantly, your performance goal.
It is not an easy search, but you will find the optimum shaft if you take my recommendations. One place to start your search is via our Authorized Installation Network at www.shaftology.com.
Regards, Mark
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Posted in Shaft Fitting, Ultimate Fitting Destination |
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