IRONS- Moving from Dynamic Gold S300 to regular flex ___?

[TJBam]

I have never reshafted and have decided, after hitting some RocketBladez R-flex on a trackman, that a regular flex shaft in my irons will be better suited for my game.  My swing speed is less than 100 with irons. What aftermarket shaft is most similar to the regular flex shaft found on TM's rocketbladez? Forgive my ignorance this is an aspect of golf I have not yet delved into.

Price is a limiting factor as I would like to keep the cost manageable.

[TJBam]

I am looking at brands like Aerotech and KBS but do not know the major differences, or if there even is any that would apply to a 12 handicap.  I would like to keep the price <$50 per shaft.

[Dave2512]

Have you been to a fitting? If I remember correctly the average 8i SS for tour pros is around 85 mph with just a slight increase as the clubs get longer. Something like 2-3 mph difference per club. My experience is shafts can feel very different. Maybe it's just the S300's. Personally I can't hit KBS, feels dead to me.

[TJBam]

Originally Posted by Dave2512

Have you been to a fitting? If I remember correctly the average 8i SS for tour pros is around 85 mph with just a slight increase as the clubs get longer. Something like 2-3 mph difference per club. My experience is shafts can feel very different. Maybe it's just the S300's. Personally I can't hit KBS, feels dead to me.

Thanks for the input.  I have not been to an official fitting but have hit regular flexes on a trackman with better trajectory and more distance.

I'm looking at Projext X 4.5 or 5.0's.  Probably 5.0's.  Didn't know they would be priced so well (they look like $25 per shaft).

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by TJBam

I'm looking at Projext X 4.5 or 5.0's.  Probably 5.0's.  Didn't know they would be priced so well (they look like $25 per shaft).

You have to include the cost of installation, as well as a new grip.

Cost of shaft            $25

Cost of grip             $10

Shaft installation      $20

Grip installation        $3

Total cost                $58/shaft

There are likely better deals out there for installation. I just used Golfsmith as a baseline since I've seen you mention them several times and I assumed you would start there.

Definitely get fitted. There can be huge differences between different shafts that have the "same" flex. Last time I got fitted, Project X 6.0 was recommended, and there were pretty significant differences between those, DG, Nippon, KBS, etc.

[MitsuEd]

For the last 20 years (55 now) I always used DG S300 shafts but when I bought new irons irons late last year ( Adams Idea Black CB3 Forged ) with regular flex KBS Tour 90 Steel shafts I am hitting my irons better than ever. (My driver swing speed is 95mph +/- 3)

I really like this combination (Adams & KBS)

If regular flex shafts feel good, I say go for it.

BTW, I still use stiff shafts in my Driver, 3W & Hybrid.

[TJBam]

Originally Posted by geauxforbroke

You have to include the cost of installation, as well as a new grip.

Cost of shaft            $25

Cost of grip             $10

Shaft installation      $20

Grip installation        $3

Total cost                $58/shaft

There are likely better deals out there for installation. I just used Golfsmith as a baseline since I've seen you mention them several times and I assumed you would start there.

Definitely get fitted. There can be huge differences between different shafts that have the "same" flex. Last time I got fitted, Project X 6.0 was recommended, and there were pretty significant differences between those, DG, Nippon, KBS, etc.

Yes I am using $25 for the shaft as a baseline with all other things included.  Golfsmith is always my baseline so thank you for thinking of me.

The Nippon NS Pro 8950's are appealing to me too. Thanks for the input.  I wonder if they do fitting at Golfsmith.

[geauxforbroke]

Originally Posted by TJBam

The Nippon NS Pro 8950's are appealing to me too. Thanks for the input.  I wonder if they do fitting at Golfsmith.

My father has Nippon shafts, but they're too light for me, so I can't really say much about them.

And yes, Golfsmith can get you fitted. In the Houston area, you can also try Edwin Watts or Golf Galaxy. I'm sure there are also some great local places, but I haven't found them yet.

[Mr. Desmond]

Originally Posted by TJBam

Thanks for the input.  I have not been to an official fitting but have hit regular flexes on a trackman with better trajectory and more distance.

I'm looking at Projext X 4.5 or 5.0's.  Probably 5.0's.  Didn't know they would be priced so well (they look like $25 per shaft).

See this guy

Frank Viola at www.aceofclubstp.com

He handles most quality shafts and is a stickler for detail - you will get consistency. He handles Aerotechs and many other shafts. He is one of those top 100 guys that is actually good. But don't just fish for info - he is busy.. Let him know you are serious, and that Jerry sent you. Let him know what you're looking for, and see if he can get close to your budget. Then tell him your budget and see what he can do. But don't call him to waste his time. He doesn't like to give his info away for free... lol.

[TJBam]

Dangit Mr Squints!! Didnt see your post in time. Thank you very much for the info it will be bookmarked. Tell him not to worry for next time, I pay cash an dont play around. ;-) Just pulled the trigger on the Nippon 8950 regular. They had me borderline between regular and stiff with an avg 80mph swing (with jeans and dress shoes). Told them I'd like to err on the softer side and track man showed a nice tight grouping with the Nippon. The KBS 90 stiff came in a close second. The DG Pro-Lite (??) with the multi color sticker were miserable. Was a stiff. Low launching lasers that sliced 40 yds lol. Compared to my current shaft I'm getting lighter and a little less flex but not much. A slower more fluid swing seemed to be the fit for the nippons. Forgive if I've gotten a few models a little wrong, I've busted into the scotch to celebrate!

[TJBam]

I'm sure there are also some great local places, but I haven't found them yet.

Strictly Golf on W Alabama is a little player. Heard of it but haven't been yet.

[WUTiger]

The stock steel shaft was the Rocketfuel 85 Steel, an 85-gram flighted shaft; weight same for R and S flexes.

Here's the specs on clubs and shaft: http://taylormadegolf.com/taylormade/rocketbladez-irons/DW-JN933.html

Rf85 lives in different part of jungle than S300: about 35 grams lighter, and a softer flex. It would be hard to compare these two. As for something similar to the Rocketfuel 85, you might look at the TT GS-85.

Now, one thing to consider: The Rf85 may feel good in the Rocketbladz irons, but that's no guarantee a similar shaft would feel good in your 755 Forged irons. I think the NS Pro 8950 or the KBS Tour 90 would be closer to the Rf85. The 8950s might have a higher launch on the short irons, since the Rf85 model is flighted. Both the Tour 90 and the 8950 would be slightly heavier in the R flex, at under 100 grams each. Check the shaftmaker specs for details.

[TJBam]

The stock steel shaft was the Rocketfuel 85 Steel, an 85-gram flighted shaft; weight same for R and S flexes. Here's the specs on clubs and shaft: [URL=http://taylormadegolf.com/taylormade/rocketbladez-irons/DW-JN933.html]http://taylormadegolf.com/taylormade/rocketbladez-irons/DW-JN933.html[/URL] Rf85 lives in different part of jungle than S300: about 35 grams lighter, and a softer flex. It would be hard to compare these two. As for something similar to the Rocketfuel 85, you might look at the TT GS-85. Now, one thing to consider: The Rf85 may feel good in the Rocketbladz irons, but that's no guarantee a similar shaft would feel good in your 755 Forged irons. I think the NS Pro 8950 or the KBS Tour 90 would be closer to the Rf85. The 8950s might have a higher launch on the short irons, since the Rf85 model is flighted. Both the Tour 90 and the 8950 would be slightly heavier in the R flex, at under 100 grams each. Check the shaftmaker specs for details.

Thanks for your thoughtful input. This validates my decision to go with the 95 gram nippon 8950. Was on the border between R and S with 80mph s/s but opted to go with R. Maybe a tad less distance but I would rather have a higher more accurate albeit slightly shorter shot. Plus the R felt a lot better with my slower fluid swing and I didn't feel like I had to kill the ball. The whip felt very on-time if that makes since. 6i was a laser and I hope it translates to the course. I hope they fit in well with the forged heads, I'm sure they will. We'll know in a week or so. Thanks again to everyone for the input.