November 29th, 2011
 QUESTION: HI,
I am considering buying a set of Bridgestone J40 dual cavity back irons with 950 GH Reg flex shafts. My concern is whether these are too lightweight or flexible for my swing. I am 57 years old, in very good physical condition and play to approx 9-10 handicap. I currently have Bridgestone J36 irons with Project X 5.0 shafts which work well—6 iron distance approx. 165 yards; 7 iron distance approx 155 yards. I have had good experience previously with True Temper R100 shafts in reg flex but this was some years ago. Prior to the j36 irons, I used Ping i5 irons with stock reg flex shafts.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Kevin
ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
Thanks for writing to us.
I am always especially pleased to have an email exchange with someone from St. Louis. I was born in St. Louis and a couple of times a year I am able to return to visit family and take in a baseball game. One of my goals in the future is to offer a special shaft fitting day in St. Louis to area golfers.
The shaft question is so …, involved.
Many golfers your age find that as they get older, they do not lose strength in their bodies, but they do lose the ability to apply this strength as efficiently and lose swing speed. One way to offset this loss of speed is to choose a lighter shaft model. However, this can be a CATCH-22 in that our bodies are not used to swinging with a lighter model and our ability to adjust to the feel of a lighter shaft model can be confusing.
The solution is to find a shaft model that is-
-lighter than our existing model, TO MAXIMIZE SPEED,
-but not so light, so that we have no idea where the club is during our swing- TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENT CONTACT AND CONTROL.
Regarding the best method of determining this optimal shaft sleelction;
1) selection based on age, handicap, swing speed, yardage or gender, are just guesses.
2) selection based on live testing and comparison yields definitive results.
There is quite a bit of room between points 1) and 2) above, but I recommend finding a shaft selection method closer to 2). You might consider finding a fitting cart in your area, (of any major manufacturer), and test and compare different shaft models to see and feel the differences in feel, flight, swing, contact, etc.
Reading other golfers experiences can provide some good insight, but another option to pursue is to talk with a fitter in your area, or if your travels take you to a warmer climate this winter, you might consider a fitting session by a skilled fitter.
Regarding your specific questions on the Bridgestone / 950GH combination- both are premium manufactured items, and the quality is without question. The true question is- Will they perform for you?. If you are looking for more speed in your game, the 950GH shaft model gives you the opportunity for more speed, but if you generally prefer a heavier shaft model, such as your previous experience with the True Temper Dynamic Gold model, then I would be cautious regarding the 95 gram NS PRO 950GH model. This model might be exactly what your body and swing requires, or possibly models like the 1050GH or MODUS3 TOUR120 would be perfect for you.Â
After many thousands of fitting assessments, I have learned that our bodies and swings each require a specific set of head, shaft and installation variables, and there is no formula or guide to accurately select this, beyond live comparison, interaction and experience.
Keep me posted on your thoughts.
Best regards, Mark
MORE RESOURCES-
NIPPON SHAFT website- For more information on our Nippon Shaft N.S. PRO models, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.
SHAFTOLOGY CENTERS- To contact one of our Nippon Shaft Authorized Installation Centers, please visit www.shaftology.com and click on the CENTER LOCATOR link.
FITTNG Q&A blog- To view entries on a wide variety of Fitting, installation and Product Inquiries, please go to www.shaftology.com and click on the FITTING Q&A link.
For information on the NS PRO models offered by the major manufacturers, please contact them directly, or one of their authorized dealers.
In 2011, our Authorized Catalog Partners include GOLFSMITH, THE GOLFWORKS, SWING SCIENCE, LEADERBOARD GOLF
Posted in Shaft Fitting, General Fitting Questions |
October 25th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a set of MP-67’s that I have had for about four years now and they are
getting worn out and I was looking to replace them with Mizuno’s new MP-69’s. I
was fitted for my MP-67’s at Hot Stix and have been very happy with them . The
irons have Project X 6.0 shafts 1/2″ over standard in them and are tipped to
play at a 7.0 frequency, I called to ask about buying another set with the same
specs and the quote I received seemed a little high. I could order the same
clubs on TGW customized with 1/2″ long 7.0 Project X shafts for a much better
price. What would the difference in performance if I went with this option as
far as trajectory, feel, and swing weight etc.? Thanks
ANSWER: HI,
Thanks for writing to us.
I recently had an inquiry from a local player here in Chicago who wanted a 2nd set of clubs to match his existing set, and had a frequency rating, as well as the length, and lie specifications that were given to him by the installer of the first set.
I replied this way-
“If you give me your original set, that I can measure, I have a 100% chance of installing your 2nd set to the exact same specifications, and guaranteeing you the same 100% duplicate performance. However, if you only give me the stated installation specifications from the previous installer, I have a 0% chance of duplicating the set and your performance.”
The concrete reason for this is that the golf industry does not operate with concrete agreed upon measurement standards, and I can guarantee you that if you choose to “give” your specifications to another outlet to have your set built, they will also have a 0% chance of duplicating the same feel and performance as your existing set. This may not seem right, but truer words have never been written. The set installation and performance may be “OK”, or “reasonable”, or even “good”, but the value in paying for a premium installation is that you receive the premium performance that you desire.
So, my recommendation is either-
1) Contact your original installer and have them duplicate your set,
or
2) Bring your set to a skilled installation center in your area, and provide them with the ability to measure your existing set for exact duplication,
or
3) Contact a clubmaking/clubfitting facility in your area and ask to be checked to see if your set specifications need to be updated or fit to your current swing and game.
Please reply to this email with any questions.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Installation, Shaft Installation Primer |
October 25th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I’m a 5 handicap. I feel that I hit my irons a bit low. I wanted to get your
opinion about 2 options to hit my irons a little higher.
1) weaken the loft by 1 degree? or,
2) replace the steel shafts from one’s with a low/mid ball flight to a
shaft with mid ball flight?
Thank you, Jeff. Â
ANSWER: Hi Jeff, Â
Thanks for writing to us.
Your shot height is the result of several factors, including your stance, swing, head choice, shaft choice, installation specifications, golf ball, etc. Any or all of these can be considered when addressing the need for more height. However, changing your loft on your irons will have a minimal impact on your shot height. Â
The shaft geometry will have some impact, so if you are in need of just a slight adjustment on your trajectory, it is probably a good idea to consider a shaft model change. I would be careful not to change the other specifications that are working in your game. For example, if you choose a lower kick point shaft model, in an effort to raise your trajectory, make sure that your shaft model does not vary much from the weight and flex that you have best performed with. Otherwise you will have to make an extra swing compensation to make that weight or flex work for your game.
Here are three iron shaft models to consider:
NS PRO Super Peening ORANGE- 118 grams, mid launch profile, low spin
NS PRO 1150GH Tour- 116 grams, mid launch profile, mid spin
NS PRO 1050GH- 109 grams, mid/hi launch profile, mid spin
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
October 19th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I play Project X non flighted 7.0 in my irons I am looking to lower my
trajectory. What shaft in your line would you recommend? I am playing Callaway
Proto blades, standard length, D4.
Thanks, Mike
Â
ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Thanks for writing to us.
There are so many components to trajectory- (swing, head model, shaft model, golf ball), and typically, lowering your ball flight requires a comprehensive approach. I am guessing that you have a high speed, high spin profile, and the shaft model can only do so much. However, below are some shaft models for you to consider.
For your category, here are 3 NS model descriptions:
NS PRO Super Peening BLUE - 125 grams, MID/LOW launch, MID spin, TRADITIONAL balance (For hard swinging golfers seeking a traditional weight shaft, with a mid to low flight)
NS PRO Super Peening ORANGE - 120 grams, MID launch, LOW spin, TRADITIONAL balance, (For hard swinging golfers with a swing that yields a low launch and high spin, but prefer a traditional weight)
NS PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 - 110 grams, MID/LOW launch, MID spin, strong TIP balance, (For hard swinging golfers seeking a softer feeling in the butt, with stiff overall feel, due to extra stiff tip section, with a mid to low flight)
NOTE: Because of the extra weight in the tip section, this model will feel heavier than its raw weight, but will swing faster than a traditional weight shaft)
Best regards, Mark
MORE RESOURCES-
NIPPON SHAFT website- For more information on our Nippon Shaft N.S. PRO models, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.
Â
SHAFTOLOGY CENTERS- To contact one of our Nippon Shaft Authorized Installation Centers, please visit www.shaftology.com and click on the CENTER LOCATOR link.
Â
FITTNG Q&A blog- To view entries on a wide variety of Fitting, installation and Product Inquiries, please go to www.shaftology.com and click on the FITTING Q&A link.
Â
For information on the NS PRO models offered by the major manufacturers, please contact them directly, or one of their authorized dealers.
Â
In 2011, our Authorized Catalog Partners include GOLFSMITH, THE GOLFWORKS, SWING SCIENCE, LEADERBOARD GOLF
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
October 17th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi Mark,
I was talking to a Pro at golf Galaxy and they said that you could “soft line
the set” which he described as taking the shafts off of the set and moving them
up, like taking the 3 iron shaft off and putting it on the 4 iron and so on… Is
this a standard practice in club fitting?
I am interested in doing this to add
extra length and he said that it would make them more flexible because the
shafts on the lower irons are more flexible than on the higher lofted irons…
Is this true? I have the gear to do this but I was wondering if it was a waste
of my time. Thank you.
Brandon
ANSWER: Hi Brandon,
Thanks for writing to us.Â
Yes, it is possible to so this. However, your first question is- will this installation format be a performance upgrade for you?
Note that when choosing flex, you want to find the optimal flex for your swing. The optimal flex will give you the best combination of feel, flight and power. If you adjust this flex stiffer or more flexible, you will find less performance. Too stiff of a flex will result in a shaft that feels harsh, boardy, and the need to swing quicker than your natural termpo, and an erratic pattern of distance and direction. Too flexible of a shaft will result in a shaft that feels out of control, and loose, and the need to swing more cautiously than your natural swing, with erratic contact.
For example, if you tested and compared a given iron club with different flexes, and you hit the Stiff flex wonderfully, with good, consistent contact, and good flight, and good distance, then you should choose that Stiff flex. If however, you “soft stepped” your set, (installing the #3 iron shaft into your #4 iron head, #4 shaft into your #5 head, etc.), then you would hit this set a little less than wonderful, and constantly feel the need to adjust your swing to make better contact, etc.
On the other hand, if you tested an R flex and an S flex, and the S flex felt and played better than the R flex, but the S flex still felt and played a little Stiff for you, then “soft stepping” your iron set by one club number would seem to be a good idea.
“Soft stepping” a shaft model gives us the opportunity to dial-in a shaft sub-flex, (approximately changing a given flex by 1/3rd of a flex rating), and is a great tool for fine-tuning ones exact shaft flex. However, what is required is to first determine what flex is optimal for your swing.
Finally, regarding the question of adding length to your iron set- it is important to achieve the proper length, but not at the expense of the lie angle, shaft flex and swing weight, all of which will be affected by your proposed change. My recommendation is to seek a skilled fitting facility that will be able to find your best equipment specifications in a comprehensive manner.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Installation, General Fitting Questions, Shaft Installation Primer |
September 27th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I am currently playing DG s300 in my MP60s and like the overall flex, but I am a
high launch player and am also putting too much spin on the ball (great with no
wind, but ballooning when playing into the wind). Handicap is 8.
The Modus3 has aroused my interest, and I have read online that many high spin
players have had success with this shaft.
My swingspeeds (measured on several occasions) are as follows:
Driver: 100 to 104 mph
6i: 86 to 90mph.
So, my two questions are:
1. Do you think this shaft might give the lower launch and lower spin I am
looking for ?
2. What flex would you recommend?
Regards, Alex
ANSWER: Hi Alex,
Thanks for writing to us.
If a golfer is launching the ball too high, with a lot of spin, then,
-the golfer is not really launching it high, but achieving a high flight as the result of too much spin, or,
-the golfer is playing with a shaft that creates too much spin, or,
-the golfer is playing with a head that adds too much spin, or,
-the golfer is using a shaft flex that is too flexible, or,
-the golfer swing is very steep, causing a lot of spin.
The most definitive recommendation is to connect with a fitting service that allows you to test and
and compare a variety of different heads, shafts, and flexes, to find the best equipment combination
for your iron flight needs.
I have seen thousands of golfers compare all major brands and combinations, including the MODUS³
Tour120 and I rate this shaft model as a Low to Mid Launch Profile, with a Mid Spin Rate. The real
truth is that some golfers achieve more or less than this rating, and the only definitive method to
determine your performance is via live testing and comparison.
If you like your flex, head, and swing, and hope to learn if a shaft model can help you in windy
conditions, it makes sense to me to have one shaft installed in one of your irons to determine
your result. This approach is certainly much better than a guess.
You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Nippon Shaft Installation Centers for help with
your search for a lower flight, @ www.shaftology.com, or by visiting any retailer that offers shaft
installation services.
Regarding your choice of flex. I strongly advise that you choose the flex based on the flex that you
have had the most success with in your past experiences, versus some arbitrary handicap or swing
speed number.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, NS PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 |
September 27th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I have read you do not recommend tip trimming the Modus3 120’s? I have a set of X
flex shafts, new and uncut and did not realize you made a stronger tour-x
version? I have played Rifle PX 6.5 for the past 5 years and want to go to a
lighter shaft, now i am afraid the regular x will be to whippy and don’t want to
cut and install if that is the case. So i thought about tipping them a 1/2 inch
to increase the flex. or will you exchange uncut shafts. Thanks, Luke
ANSWER: Hi Luke,
Thanks for writing to us.
Yes, we manufacture the NS PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 in flexes of Stiff, Extra-Stiff and Tour X, which is
rated as a double extra-stiff.
We so not recommend tip trimming your set as this changes the unique tip design and thus
the feel and performance of your set of shafts.
If you have a set of X, and want to return your set, I would contact your supplier, and if your
set is in brand new, unused condition, I am sure they will allow you to exchange your set.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Uncategorized |
September 19th, 2011
QUESTION: Hi,
I have your 1050GH shafts on my Srixon Z-Star’s, and love the feel of the shafts,
but think they are launching high for me. Do you have something that is a lower
flight shaft with similar feel to them?
ANSWER: Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
The NS PRO 1050GH is a mid/hi launch profile, with our NS PRO 1150GH Tour iron shaft model being a mid launch profile, which should give you a noticeably lower ball flight. The 1150GH is also approximately 10 grams heavier., so it will feel slightly heavier than your 1050GH model.
If you are making good contact with your set, and the only issue is with the height of your ball flight, then changing to the NS PRO 1150GH Tour shaft model, in a similar flex, seems like a good option.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting, NS PRO Models |
September 17th, 2011
QUESTION: HI, I need new irons and would like to know if regular flex Nippon
might be more suitable than stiff flex? My 6 iron swing speed is 80-85,
but I am 70 years old, and would like to swing easier for my poor ole back.
All the club fittings say I should use stiff, but what will be the result if I use regular?
ANSWER: Hi,
Thanks for writing to us,
As we get older, there are several ways that we can “cheat age”, as well as taking it easy on our backs.
1) Find the lightest shaft model that you still can feel and control. What shaft model are you currently using? Try going a bit lighter, and your body will thank you. Of course, if you go too light, it will be hard to maintain swing control and you will not easily find the center of the face.
2) Play the most flexible shaft that still yields good control and trajectory. If you have always played well with stiffer flexes, and your performance has been good, there is no reason to change. If you play with too flexible of a shaft, then you will have a hard time with your consistency, because the flex will never feel natural or in the right place during your swing.
3) Play with an iron head model that gives you the best combination of launch and spin. There is no other way to determine this, except via a comprehensive fitting and/or testing session.
4) Make sure that your lofts are providing the best combination of launch and spin, and achieving your best possible distance.
5) Have a comprehensive review of all your equipment specifications, and adjust your equipment as needed. There is no longer any need to have to work extra hard to get your best performance.
Please reply with any questions to this email.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Shaft Fitting |
September 14th, 2011
 QUESTION: Hi,
I’ve just acquired a set of uncut Nippon Modus 3 Shafts. Are you able to
provide trimming instructions. Ie, how much I need to trim from each end for a
standard length set of irons?
Kind Regards
John
ANSWER: Hi John,
Thanks for writing to us.
The tirmming instructions for the N.S. PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 shaft model is as follows:
Trim from the butt end to the desired length. Do not tip trim.
The MODUS³ TOUR120 has a unique tip construction, and trimming from the tip end will alter the feel and performance of this shaft model.
Best regards, Mark
Posted in Trimming Instructions, NS PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 |
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