QUESTION: Mark, 

I have two sets of Mizuno irons with NS Pro 950 GH shafts, 

one stiff and one regular flex( stepped stronger). The

frequencies run between 10 to 15 cpms different between sets

and the shaft in the wedges are at least one full flex weaker

than the rest of the set. Neither set fits well.

I am considering reshafting at least one set and would like a

fitting recommendation. My swing speed with a six iron is 83

mph, driver is 97/98, smooth tempo, medium trajectory. My

current handicap is 6, but at 60 years old it has been 

trending higher.

I was looking at either the NS 1050’s or NS 1150’s as I

prefer a little more weight than the NS 950’s.

What is your best guess based upon my specs. Thanks, Thornton

 

 
ANSWER: Hi Thornton,
You most likely have answered your own question. If you are 
not thrilled with your 950 sets, in a couple of different
flexes, it most likely is a function of the weight. 
I don’t have a specific recommendation to give you, but
strongly urge you to find a golf shop, fitting cart, demo day,
or fitting center that offers a side by side comparison of
a few different options. 
Prior to obtaining your two Mizuno sets, if you had been able
to hit lighter shafts, mid-weight shafts, and heavier shafts,
I am sure that you would have learned quite a bit about the 
best shafts for your body swing and game.
My guess is that if the NS PRO 950GH model is too light for
you, the 1050 model, at 10 grams heavier, might not be enough
of a difference for you. So, I am guessing that the NS PRO 
1150GH Tour, in a flex that you have had success with in the
past, might be a good model to test/consider.
Regarding your wedges- after you find your best iron shaft, 
you might consider using the same model in your wedges, but
if you generally prefer a bit more head weight, you might 
choose a slightly heavier shaft model. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I am changing the shafts in my irons to either the 850GH or 950GH Nippon Shafts. 
However before doing so, I would like to ask you which of these shafts do you
think would be the best to switch to.  My swing speed is consistently between 84
& 92.  I am 68 years old with a slightly fast swing.  I currently hit my 7 iron
between 145 & 150 yards.  My current iron shafts weigh approximately 111 grams
and I am looking for a lighter shaft to create more swing speed.

Your suggestions please, Ken

 
ANSWER: Hi Ken,

Regarding the choice of shaft weight, the goal should always be to find the best weight.

The best weight means to find a shaft that is light enough to give us a good amount of club speed, but heavy enough to give us the ability to feel and engage our larger muscles so that we swing with both power and control. Finding the best weight is about achieving that balance that gives us the ideal combination of speed, feel, and control, without the need to alter, adjust or modify our swing.

If your current set of 111 gram shafts feels on the light side, I would caution you not to go any lighter.

If your current set feels okay or even a bit heavier than you would like, you might be a candidate for our NS PRO 950GH model.

If your current set feels quite heavy, our NS PRO 850GH might be a great option for you.

When it comes to determining the optimum shaft model- guesses, predictive analyses, or swing speed formulas, will never accurately deliver the exact model needed.

My best recommendation is to find a demo day, Authorized Center @ www.shaftology.com, fitting cart, driving range or other facility that offers some shafts to compare side by side, so that you can compare the feel and flight and definitively determine the best performing shaft for your body, swing and game.

Best of luck on your search. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello Mark,

I’m currently playing with Mizuno MP-52 irons, with the Project X 5.5 shafts
installed. I’m a taller player, so my clubs were fitted with +1 1/2′’. I hit
the ball quite good, but I’m starting to hate the total clubweight I have. (I get
the feeling I need to work hard to keep them in plane). The Project X shafts are
know as heavy shafts, and my extra length is making it even worse in my point of
view. Now I’ve played with someone else’s clubs a few days ago, TM R7TP’s with
the Nippon Shafts installed (think the 850 model), and I was surprised by his
total weight. I didn’t need to work in my swing, it just happend as it’s supposed
to. But now I have started looking for Nippon Shafts that fit my ‘’players profile'’
and I’m not sure what’s best for me.

I’m a taller player as I already said, have a swingspeed with a 6 iron between
the 90-93mph and like to attack the ball. So if I read your comments on the 850
shaft, I’m pretty sure it ain’t gonna be good for me. Now I looked at the 1050
shafts, in my point of view it fits better to my game, but the weight of the
shaft is 104 gr. considering the ‘’S'’ flex

Besides, do you have any idea how heavy my shafts are going to be with my extra
length if I would go for the 1050??

What is your suggestion?

Yours faithfully,

Raymond (Netherlands)

 

ANSWER: Hi Raymond,

Thanks for writing in. For taller golfers using longer length irons, you should be feeling the need to work extra hard to make your swing perform. However, you deserve to find a shaft that is matched to your body and swing needs.

Since the 850 model you tested did not force you to work extra in your swing, this would be a good choice if you can answer affirmatively to these questions- 1) Did you feel like you were able to make consistent contact with the 850 model? and 2) Did you like the flight, meaning trajectory, distance and control?

If you answered YES to both questions, then likely the NS PRO 850GH, in the flex you tested, would be a good performer. If you answered NO to either question, then you will need to continue the search. At +1 1/2″ in length, the 950 model has proven to be good for many golfers. With this model you will get a naturallly high launch, but not a ballooning flight.

My best recommendation is to email our European agent for recommendations in your country as to a skilled clubmaking facililty. All golfers will benefit from developing a relationship with a good clubmaker as an ally, and longer length golfers like yourself, will especially benefit. I would consider emailing Garry Price at garry@nipponeurope.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

Would you consider the Project X shaft 6.0 soft stepped and Dynamic Gold S300
exact opposites- meaning the Project X is butt stiff and a soft tip and the DG
S300 is soft butt and firm tip?  I load the shaft hard and have a fast transition
but I am looking for a tighter dispersion.  Which would you recommend?

Thank you, Joe

ANSWER: Hi Joe,

I tend not to answer questions about our colleague’s shaft models- as they are best qualified to describe their products. However, I can say that these are both different and the same. They are different shaft models in that they do have different geometries, but they are the same in that they are typically played by stronger players.

If you want your above question answered as asked, I suggest that you contact one of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com, as they deal with all of the premium shafts brands on a daily basis.

The definitive answer to your question should not be based on which geometry is best for a golfer who loads the shaft hard, has a fast transition, and is looking for a tighter dispersion. If you follow this path, you will find yourself endlessly going in circles.

My best recommendation is to cast-off the notion of hard loading and fast transition and choose a shaft model based on achieving the best feel and the best flight.

If you select a shaft that feels the best with regards to your ability to sense where the shaft is during your swing, and how it connects with your abililty to engage your larger muscles, and your ability to square the clubface at impact, and how it feels at impact, without the need to alter your body and swing to achieve the above, you most asuredly are on the right track. And if the flight you achieve is consistent, and far and optimum and tight, without the need to adjust your body or swing or game, then you are for sure on the right track.

This is how a champion golfer selects their optimum shaft model.

This is how the best tour players select their optimum shaft models.

Of course, this requires that you compare and test, in a live setting, models side by side.

I urge you to leave behind the notion of “predicting” the optimum shaft model, and go out and test and compare different shaft models and “know” your optimum shaft model.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a Mizuno MX-23 set with a stock graphite shaft. I’d like to reshaft it with NS
Pro 950GH. Any tip on how to get the swing weight to D-0 to D-3?
Thanks, BB

ANSWER: Hi BB,

I do not know the specifications of your clubs, (club length, balance point, grip weight, lie angle, shaft weight, head weight, etc.) or if you desire to maintain or adjust your iron set specifications, but changing from a typical graphite model to our NS PRO 950GH model should not be that much of an extreme makeover- swingweight wise.

It is quite easy to achieve a specific swing weight range. The difficult part is to achieve the desired swingweight range within your desired equipment specifications and performance needs.

This means that you need to blend your MX-23 heads, and the NS PRO 950GH shaft model, with your desired length, lie, shaft flex, grip weight, to achieve your desired swingweight, so that your set plays natural and efficient, without the need to adjust or modify your body, swing or game.

We don’t offer specific step by step installation information on this site. My best recommendation is not to solely fixate on one specification such as swingweight, but seek to blend ALL of the equipment and performance variables so that you have the most overall success. My roadmap to achieving this success is to enllist the aid of a skilled clubmaker with your project.

One option is to visit www.shaftology.com and click on the CENTER Locator and inquire with one of our Authorized Installation Center as to the services they offer. Another option is to ask around locally or on the net for a referral to a competent clubmaker or facility to aid in achieving your equipment goals.

Regards, Mark 
 

QUESTION: Hi,

I am looking for a low to medium flight in my irons. Which shaft do you
recommend? I was looking at the Titleist AP2, Mizuno 300, and maybe the Cobra
forged S2. I am looking at a mid weight shaft. Like the Project X stiff 5.5. or
the KBS 120. What does the NS Pro 1130 offer in flight trajectory and spin
information? Tommy

ANSWER: Hi Tommy,

The only true answer is to define your shaft category, and then go out and test a few of the models in your category. So, if you are looking for a shaft model that generally produces a mid to low flight and is in the mid weight range, then it is time to go out and find a shop, golf range, demo day, or fitting center that offers a few of the above choices.

We don’t compare our colleagues’s shaft model on this site- however, you might consider working with one of our Authorized Installation Centers as they work with all the premium shaft brands on a daily basis. Their contact information can be found at www.shaftology.com.

Regarding your specific question about the Cobra Forged S2/Nippon Shaft 1130 combination- It is in the category you are seeking. The next step is to find a shop or center to actually hit that combination. Many golfers inquire as to specific flight characteristics, but the reality is that no two golfers will have the same flight geometry. General category of mid weight and mid to low flight?- YES!, Specific performance for you?- You have to answer that question for yourself by live testing!

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

What does “uniflex” mean on the golf shaft. What type of golfer can use it? Bobby

ANSWER: Hi Bobby,

The term ‘Uniflex’, is used by many equipment manufacturers to describe a shaft flex that is between Stiff and Regular.

It is similar to the shoe manufacturers describing their shoe widths as ‘Medium’. Medium is good for Medium width shoe wearers, but not so good for Narrow or Wide or Extra Wide width shoe wearers.

If you are a golfer who swings most efficiently and naturally with a flex rating between ‘R’ and ‘S’, then the flex of ’Uniflex’ will be good for you. The more that your optimal flex rating varies from a flex rating between ‘R’ an ‘S’, the more you will need to adjust your swing in order to make the shaft flex work for your swing.

Of course, shaft flex is only one part of the fitting equation. I urge you to test and compare the shaft flex, shaft length, shaft weight, and shaft geometry to determine if a given shaft model is for you. Regards, Mark  

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a new set of Titleist AP2 tour heads and I would like to know the
difference between the 950GH and the Red Superpeening shafts other than weight.
Both appear to be mid bend shafts but I like the idea of a slightly (@ 15 grams)
heavier shaft. Are the playing qualities essentially the same?. I am a low
handicap senior player and would appreciate any advice here.

Regards, Dennis

ANSWER: Hi Dennis,

As a low handicap senior player, thus having played for quite a few years, you have developed a good idea of what a shaft should feel like, and what your optimum flight should look like. If you read through just a few of my postings, you will understand the absolute need for live comparison. It would be an insult to you and your game to accept anything less than feeling and seeing how a shaft performs.

Regarding your specific questions, you can visit www.nipponshaft.com and see that the NS PRO 950GH, (in an ‘S’ flex), weighs in at 98 grams, and the NS PRO Superpeening RED, (in an ‘S’ flex), weighs in at 115 grams, for a 17 gram difference. Both of these models produce a mid/hi flight. The NS PRO 1050GH, 108 grams in an S flex, yields a similar mid/hi flight, and the NS PRO 1150GH Tour, 116 grams in an S flex, yields a mid flight.

After many thousands of shaft assessments, I have learned one unequivocal truth- golfers perform differently with different shaft models, and the definitive method of shaft selection is via live, comparative testing.

The alternative method is to make a guess, and then spend a lifetime adjusting your posture, swing, and game to suit a shaft that is just not quite right. Choose to compare feel and flight and your body and game will forever be in your debt.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: HI-

I recently bought a new set of Louisville Smart Forged irons with Nippon 1050GH
Superpeening stiff shafts.  Every where I look at the Nippon websites, they do
not list this shaft in a Superpeening model. What gives? 

Is it possible that this was an earlier model of the super peening line?  Could they have been made as a special order?  By the way; They are not brown, blue, red, or orange,  They are a grey or silver dull matte finish.  On the shaft under the grip they are
screened with;  N S Pro 1050GH Superpeening with an S under that. then to the
side is an S in a square and for shaft.  They are also stiff and SST Pured.   
Any info you can give will be helpful.
Sincerely; Vern

ANSWER: Hi Vern,

Thanks for your note. What you found is exactly as you described. A set of NS PRO 1050GH with the Superpeening treatment, and these were definitely a special order and a rare find for you.

Regarding our ”Superpeening” shaft models, Blue, Orange, Brown and Red- after the manufacture of the shaft, the exterior of the shaft is sprayed or ‘peened’ with tiny steel pellets to increase the durability and uniformity of the shaft. After this process, the shaft is chromed as normal, but the rough finish below the traditional chrome shows through in a kind of brushed or matte type finish.

We use this process on the Superpeening line only, and this set was made up for a tour player or for a specialty order of some kind.

The 1050GH shaft model is the same 1050GH shaft model available through our Authorized Installation Centers and many of the major manufacturers.

The ’S for Shaft’ symbol is found on many Japanese shaft manufacturers whose shafts have passed a high level of product quality. The ‘S’ is actually an SG, which stands for ‘Safety Goods’- which is a Japanese quality mark, similar to the ’UL’ in UL listed for electrical products in our country.

Hope this information is helpful. Regards,Mark  

QUESTION: Hi,
I just purchased an almost new Nikent 3dx Ironwood Hybrid 3H. The shaft has a
Nickent decal that says Nickent 3dx Uniflex. The shaft has a decal that says
NS Pro 950GH with a stylish S FOR SHAFT.
I’ve researched the internet and can not find out exactly what shaft
and flex this shaft is.  Can you help?

Many thanks, Ray

ANSWER: Hi Ray,

Thanks for sending in your note.

It sounds like you have one of our NS PRO 950GH shaft models. For more specification information, please go to www.nipponshaft.com, click on North America and navigate the site to the NS PRO steel models and find the NS PRO 950GH.

The iron and hybrid shafts are the same geometry, just longer in a hybrid type club.

The uniflex designation means that this was installed by the Nickent Company between an ‘S’ and an ‘R’ flex.

The S for Shaft, is common on many Japanese Shaft models, and is actually an SG symbol, which stands for Safety Goods, which is a product quality rating, similar to the UL Listed rating on electrical products in this country.

Good luck with your club. Mark