Tip Trimming and Soft Stepping

[SAndrew]

Hi all,
I know this topic has been covered extensively as an individual discussion but I can't seem to find any advises for the following situation...

I have a set of Project X 5.5 (taper tipped) 3-PW with corresponding lengths of 40.5", 40", 39.5", 39, 38.5", 38, 37.5" and 37".  I like to fit these shafts into my Mizuno TZoid Pro II, which have a parallel hosel (0.37").

Now, I have been advised that that fitting taper tipped shafts onto parallel hosels would require "shmming" but in case I wouldn't want to take this route, what is your opinion if I were to tip trim the first 5/8" of the shafts (since after 5/8" from the tip of a tapered shaft, it will be parallel...is that true?), soft step it once (fitting the shaft meant for 3i into my 4i etc) and then extend the overall length from the butt to make the standard length for the particular iron (if the overall length is compromised due to the tip trim of 5/8")?

If I were to proceed with this process, will I be able to achieve my desired swing weight (I play D2 now with my other set)?  I know by soft stepping it once, the shaft will play softer but since it's only 5/8", I don't expect a dramatic change plus I read that the real difference can hardly be told by even tour pros.  My real concern is if I'm able to achieve the same performance as an original Project X 5.5 (tapered tipped) fitted onto a tapered hosel iron with these modifications?

Appreciate your time on this.

Thanks.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by SAndrew

... Now, I have been advised that that fitting taper tipped shafts onto parallel hosels would require "shmming" but in case I wouldn't want to take this route, what is your opinion if I were to tip trim the first 5/8" of the shafts (since after 5/8" from the tip of a tapered shaft, it will be parallel...is that true?)... ,

Line A: If you would have to tip-trim, softstep and extend... why not trade the PX 5.5 set for a parallel tip PX.5.0 set?

Also, you need to contact Mizuno or PX to find out if the 5/8" trim from taper gets you to parallel tip. Once you start cutting, you can't hit the re-set button.

Another issue... tip trimming will stiffen the shaft, and will work slightly against softstepping.

Another issue... how deep is the hosel well in the TZoid irons? This will influence how long the shafts end up being once inserted, and how much you will have to butt-trim.

As for swingweight, shortening the shaft 1/2" lowers swingweight three factors, lengthening the shaft 1/2" increases by three factors.

To softstep the irons: if you put the 3i shaft in the 4i, you would need to butt-trim the  new 4i shaft 1/2" to keep 4i standard length. This assumes you have a standard hosel well depth.

If you don't work on golf clubs a lot, consider consulting a veteran clubfitter. There's a lot of ifs and uh-ohs lurking which you need to figure out.

Any way you could just choose Line A from top of my response?

[SAndrew]

Thanks, WUTiger...the reason why I'm not trading for a parallel tipped PX5.5 is because I have no avenue to do it.  I guess I will go with shimming but would first like to understand the process.  I was reluctant at first because my local fitter forewarned me that if he would use shims to install the taper tipped shafts onto the parrallel hosels, it would make a "cracking" everytime the club head is twisted against the shaft.  I'm not sure how competent this fitter is but the last thing I want is for my club heads to fly out on my swing =).

Thanks for your input anyway.