QUESTION: HI,

I just purchased a set of Callaway Diablo Forged irons and they have a Nippon
1100 Pro shaft. My question is just how stiff is this shaft compared to the
Project X 5.0?  I have been unable to turn this shaft over with a draw and think
they may be a bit stiff.  Also, which shaft does it most closely match in your
line; the 950, 1050 or 1150.   I used to hit a DG R300 in the Mizuno forged and
was able to turn it over.  Thanks for any insight, Randy

ANSWER: Hi Randy,

A shaft model has a weight, flex, and geometry that allows us to swing in a natural, efficient manner and achieve good performance, or forces us to make swing compensations, in order to achieve reasonable performance.

In your case, you are unable to achieve a certain ball flight, so this head/shaft/specs combination is not allowing your body and swing type to achieve a flight performance that you have achieved in the past. It might be the shaft weight, or flex, or length, or lie angle, or head type, or a combination of these factors that is the obstacle to your drawing the ball with your Diablo irons.

I ask you to consult our Authorized Installation Network for help with comparison of our colleague’s shaft models. These clubmaker facilities work with all premium shaft brands and are most skilled with comparison and evaluation of different models and flexes.

Regarding the Callaway 1100 model, it is a specific shaft model, with a specific shaft performance, but it is in the range of our 1050 and 1150 models.

The contact information for our Authorized Centers can be found at www.shaftology.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I was fitted by a reputable fitter and had Dynamic Gold S300’s installed in my
irosn.  I’ve been taking a lot of video of my swing with an 8 iron and noticed
that right before impact the shaft looks like a big “C”: the grip and clubhead
are at similar spots on plane, but the middle of the shaft is bent away from my
target (looking straight on, not down the line).  I always thought the shaft
should bend to create a lag.  Am I casting (releasing early) or is my shaft not
right?  I’ve seen pics of Tiger’s driver shaft doing the same thing, but never
in irons!  Please help!!!  Thanks, Chris

ANSWER: Hi Chris,

Yes, for most every golfer, the head lags behind the shaft during the downswing, and then bends ahead of the shaft at impact, creating the C type shape. If there is too much bend, then you are playing with a shaft with too much flex. If there is too little bend, then you are playing with a shaft that has too little flex.

My best recommendation is NOT to try and quantify the amount of bend, but to judge the quality of fit based on your performance.

If you are making good, consistent contact, and have good distance, and good trajectory, and the shaft feels good during the swing, (not too heavy, not too light), and the shaft feels good at impact, ( sweet/smooth versus harsh/unstable), and finally, you do not feel any need to make a swing adjustment to achieve the above, then your shaft is a good fit.

This can be hard to evaluate, but if you have some other shaft options to compare, then you should be able to make a valid assessment. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello,
Can you explain how a shaft can make a difference in feel?
I tried the Nippon Shaft with a Miura head.  It felt crisp but still not sure.
I tried the Nike Victory Red irons with a True Temper ultra lite steel shaft and
it felt kinda whippy but I think I liked the head. Confused and need advice. 
What do I look for when it comes to new irons with customized shafts.  I am
looking for a forged head and a regular shaft.  Thank you, Razina

ANSWER: Hi Razina,

Yes, equipment selection can be a difficult, confusing process.

This is primarily because shafts and heads feel and perform different for different golfers. One golfer will say that a shaft feels heavy, another will say it feels light. One golfer will say the shaft feels harsh, or smooth, or stiff or ???, while the other golfer may say the opposite.

The same exists with head designs. Two golfers of the same age, size and ability, may have differing views on a head due to their different swing types, clubhead delivery into the turf, and how their bodies feel during the golf swing.

The only true method of equipment selection is via side by side comparison. This is why more and more fitters, and major manufacturers are beginning to offer quick coupling, interchangeable head and shaft fitting systems. These systems offer instant side by side comparisons for evaluation of what your body and swing feel, and what the flight of your ball is.

You have done a good job in that you have tried a few combinations. Maybe you have tested enough, or maybe you need to go on further with more combinations.

My best recommendation is to evaluate every combination that you test with the following questions-

1) Does this combination feel good during the swing and at impact?

2) Does this combination allow me to make consistent contact?

3) Does this combination feel like I can swing naturally, comfortably, and efficiently?

4) Does this combination give me an ideal flight?

5) Does this combination force me to make any swing adjustments to achieve a good feel, consistent contact, or an optimal flight?  

If you can answer correctly to all of these questions, you have an ideal set.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

Could you compare the Nippon NS PRO 950 R flex that is available as an
optional shaft for the Ping G15 irons vs. the Ping AWT shaft R flex shaft?
Please compare kick points and trajectories and overall performance.

Is the PRO 950 a shaft that would be suited to slower swing speeds on driver, mid eighties? Thanks, Ed
 

ANSWER: Hi Ed,

Thanks for taking the time to send in your note.

We have set up our Network of Nippon Shaft Authorized Installation Centers to answer questions like yours. These clubmakers work with all of the premium shaft brands on a regular basis and are skilled at comparing shaft models and brands.

I do not answer questions regarding our colleague’s shaft models. This would be like the McDonald’s Company describing for you/recommending for you/discussing with you, products made by the Burger King and Wendy’s Companies.

Regarding our NS PRO 950GH model- this model is 94 grams, in an R flex, is constant weight, and typically yields a mid/hi flight.

The weight is a key component of any shaft model since this is the feel and interaction that our body senses during the motion of our swing. There is no swing speed formula or mathematical equation that adequately predict how a shaft weight and balance will feel to your body and swing. However, in general, power players typically prefer heavier shaft models, and less powerful players, find lighter shaft weight models to their liking.

Constant weight means that each shaft in your iron set is the exact same weight, for uniform feel and balance throughout the set.

One source regarding our shaft models is www.nipponshaft.com.

Our Authorized Centers can be found at www.shaftology.com.

You also might consider finding a Ping Center to test and compare some of their shaft models, including the AWT model.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

What is the difference between a Callaway Uniflex shaft and a
Callaway True Temper “Memphis 10″ shaft.
I recently ordered Callaway X-22 Tour Irons with Uniflex shafts, because I am
between a stiff and regular flex and the Uniflex felt good.
When they were delivered they had the Memphis 10 shaft. I was told they are the
same shaft. Are they? SJ

ANSWER: Hi,

Thanks for your note.

“Uniflex” is a term that some manufacturers use to indicate a flex between a Regular and a Stiff. “Memphis 10″ is a trademarked name that the Callaway company uses to name a shaft model.

So your set is most likely a Memphis 10 shaft model, with a uniflex flex rating.

For more information on the specification of your shaft model, I suugest contacting the Callaway Company. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello Mark,

I’ve been reading your Q and A on fitting and I’m very impressed with your
knowledge of Nippon Shafts.
I’ve been using Callaway Diablos with their Nippon Uniflex and will be playing
Mizuno shortly. I’ve tried the 950 in regular which is a bit soft and high and
wanted to know whether I should go for the 950 in stiff or a 1150 in regular?
I know a test is the only way to be sure but what would be the principal
differences between the two in terms of feel and flight all things being equal.

Thanking you in advance, Tom

ANSWER: Hi Tom,

Thanks for the compliment. I have been with the Nippon Shaft Company for 10 years, and have tested, and have seen golfers test our models, thousands of times. So I learn quite a bit every day.

The NS PRO 950GH typically yields a mid/hi flight, whereas the NS PRO 1150GH Tour gives a mid flight.

The 950 R weighs in at 94 grams and the 1150 model, in an S flex is 116 grams.

If the 950 R model feels a bit soft, you have to determine if that is a result of the flex only, or a feeling of both the flex and the weight. This is why I have such a strong opinion about live, side by side club testing. How can anyone use a mathematical formula to express feel?

If you think the 950 model is too soft, meaning in flex and also a bit light in feel, then I would suggest that the 1150GH model will give a lower flight versus the 950 model, and the extra weight would be a good thing, feel-wise for your body and swing. However, if you like the weight of the 950 model, the 1150 most likely will be too heavy, regardless of the flex chosen.

It is very important for your body, swing and game to determine if the 950 model is feeling soft due to the weight, or due to the flex, or both. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hello,

I am a 7 handicap (59 year old, 5′6″, 145lb) female player.  I require a Senior
flex and a torque of @ 4.5-4.9 with a optimal swing weight of C9.  I would like
to get back into steel shafts in my irons for more feel, but am having a heck of
a time finding anything and can’t order clubs with a steel shaft light enough or
flexible enough from the major manufacturers.  I got fitted at the Titleist
program and they recommend an  85 gram Graman(?) shaft, graphite and say I won’t
notice any difference.  I am trying to hold out for steel.  Can you help?  I know
“light” is popular, so you are making a lighter shaft for men but how about
women?

It’s very difficult finding equipment as a lower handicap female player.  How
about getting into this market?  You will get a bonus of all the aging baby
boomer men as well as all the good women college golfers.  In the meantime, any
suggestions?

Just looked at your 850 and it only comes in men’s regular.  I need
senior flex.  Help?

Thanks! Cherie

 

ANSWER: HI Cherie,

Thanks for sending in your note.

One of the reasons why our Nippon Shaft Company has had such great growth over the last decade is the number of lightweight shaft variations that we offer. In Chicago alone, we inventory over 400 different sku’s of shaft diameters, flexes and weight options. 

By the end of this reply I think you will see quite a few shaft options for your game.

First- after having performed over 20,000 individual iron fitting assessments, I have learned that every single one of these golfers had very individual, specific needs. None of these golfers fit into a box. None of these golfers fit into a label of “Men’s, Ladies, Junior, Senior, Good Player, Bad Player, etc. What they fit into was a set of equipment specifications.

Through hitting, testing, and side by side comparison of different head, shafts, lengths, weight, flexes, etc, their body and swing and game, led them to find their optimal set of equipment specifications. This is the true method to find equipment that allows you to swing in the most natural, comfortable and efficient manner, without the need to adjust our body, swing or game.

Regarding your specific questions of finding lightweight steel models in an A flex or “Senior” type flex.

1) We manufacture the NS PRO 850GH in an R and an S flex, but we also make the R and S flexes in 10 raw lengths of 39.5″ through 35.0″. By selecting the specific raw length shaft for installation into a given set, a clubmaking shop can install a set of 850 shafts into a set to achieve flexes from a stiffer S, to a traditional S, a flex between an R and an S, a traditional R, a more flexible R, and even an A flex.

2) The NS PRO 950GH model is manufactured in even more flex ranges of X through A, and lengths of 40″ to 35″, allowing for flex installations of stronger X, traditional X, weaker X, stronger S, traditional S, weaker S, stronger R, traditional R, weaker R, stronger A, traditional A, weaker A, and stronger L flexes.

3) The weight of a custom installed 850 A flex set, depending on the final length of your set, will be in the 82-84 gram range. The weight of a custom installed 950 A flex set, also depending on your final length needs, will be in the 88-90 gram range.

4) Both the 850 and 950 models are of a “constant weight” design, which means that each shaft in your set will have the same final weight, which gives uniform feel and balance for each club in your iron set, eliminating the need to make swing adjustments from club to club.

Regarding instant availability of these choices, this is certainly an obstacle. The major manufacturers are not able to offer every shaft option and every equipment specification and financially remain in business. This is why many of the independent clubmaking shops exist. To provide the role of being able to special order and install the above shaft variation that exists in our industry.

My best recommendation is to contact the major manufacturer and inquire as to their custom department’s offerings, or contact one or more of our Authorized Installation Centers at www.shaftology.com and inquire as to their services. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I just bought a set of irons with NS950 shafts. How can I tell if they are R or
S? Do I need to remove a grip? They feel stiff and I just wanted to see how to
I.D. them. Lefty

ANSWER: Hi Lefty,

The NS PRO 950GH model that is in your set may not have a flex label on your shaft. If you remove one of the grips you should be able to find a printed number and flex. For example- S 36.5. This printing means that your shaft is a raw S flex and a raw length of 36 1/2″.

Please note that raw shafts can be installed in different club numbers to achieve a different flex range. Also, factors like hosel geometry, including the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement, swingweight, and club length, will affect how the club feels and plays regarding flex.

To best determine the flex of a club, you might consider having your set looked at by one of our Authorized Installation Centers.

Of course, the truest measure of a set’s flex rating is the feel that you determine via playing with your set. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Mizuno MP-60 with TT S300 and are too stiff for me. My old set of
Hogan BH-5 have Apex 3 shafts. I was wondering which shaft was close to an Apex
3 of slightly firmer. TECO

ANSWER: Hi TECO,

Your current set is too stiff, but also might be a little heavy.

The ‘3′ in Apex 3 has traditionally meant ‘R’ or Regular.

You might consider our NS PRO Orange in an ‘R’ flex or our NS PRO 1150GH Tour iron shaft model in an ‘R’ flex. Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I’m interested in buying Ping i-15 irons.  I’m currently

playing Callaway X-Forged w Project X Flighted 6.0.  

The feel is boardy, and the ball flight is high.  

I  want a smoother feeling shaft with lower ball flight.

My 7 iron (smooth swing) carries 160-165yards.  

What Nippon Shaft is available from Ping, and what shaft

and flex do you suggest? I’ve heard your product flex is

a bit softer than the PX. I have tested the NS PRO 950 

(stiff) in Miura blades.  The trajectory seemed fine, 

but not sure of the flex.  J

ANSWER: Hi J,

My first questions are- 

How did the 950 model feel? Was it the smoothness you

are looking for? Did it feel too light- so light that 

you had a hard time feeling the club and controlling

the head? Or felt great? How was your direction control?

These are important questions in helping to learn 

about which model and flex is right for your body,

swing and game. 

If the shaft played with smooth feel, and you were

able to make consistent contact, without making any

swing compensations, then the NS PRO 950GH, in an ‘S’

flex is the right combination for you. If you can’t 

answer affirmatively to all of the above, then you

will need to test more shaft models and flexes.

 
My best suggestion is to find a demo day, fitting cart,
or one of our Authorized Installation Centers, and contect
them as to the fitting services offered.  
Regarding your question of the Nippon Shaft models that
the Ping company offers, many of our models are
available through their WRX division. Please call them
to learn of their current offerings. 
 
Regarding flex, always choose the flex that you
have had most success with in the past. Regards, Mark