tweaky

Both are reputable companies who produce expensive shafts. Your best bet is to have your swing analyzed by a reputable clubfitter/maker who has access to a database of shafts that match your swing characteristics and/or tests shafts for their flex values along their entire length. This will save you a lot of time and money. A clubfitter/maker can also trim the tips of your shafts to custom fit them to your swing. A name doesn't buy a game.

The difference is most likely the overall weight of the uncut shaft. Not sure but the 96 may be a 60 gram shaft and the 99 a 90 gram shaft. Just checked my old OEM chart and there doesn't appear to be much difference at all. Same weight, flex (in CPMs), torque, etc. Color maybe? Pixie dust?

Just ran you're numbers through my trajectory profiler and at 95mph swingspeed with a 9* driver you'd need to swing upward at about 10* more to achieve the necessary 18* launch angle to pick up an additional 10 to 15 yards more carry (this is assuming you swing straight thru the ball and not upward). Before you spend any more money on shafts I highly recommend you seriously look toward a more lofted driver (12* or more). The added loft will have more affect on carry distance than shaft flex. As far as overall club length- longer clubs can mean longer drives, to a point. You might find that a shorter (let's say 44" or less) overall length might actually work better for you as far as overall driver distance and accuracy. I swing my 44", 9.5* drivers at 110mph on average with consistant distance and accuracy. Anything longer and I'm losing it all over the place. It's not just the shaft that matters, it's matching loft and shaft flex with your swingspeed/tempo/wrist release than makes the fit. Find an experienced clubfitter in your area and you'll never buy anywhere else. Good luck in your endeavors!

Try putting a piece of black electrical tape on the face. It's legal and slows the ball speed slightly. It's the cheapest fix and still legal. I did it with my Enterprise putter and the feel changed dramatically for the better.

As a clubfitter/maker I use a frequency machine to match the flex in shafts. One thing I've noticed is that when the S300 are trimmed to TTs specs they will come out waaay stiffer than what was needed. I've usually found that an untrimmed 3i shaft fits the flex curve for the 3i and 4i and sometimes 5i and very little trimming for the rest of the set. Having the lofts and lies checked is also a key issue especially when reshafting as the new shafts will have an affect on them.

With that kind of iron speed you're probably around 105mph average driver speed. When someone comes to me with the same kind of info you gave I look at the loft of the driver first (I measure it's actual loft and not just look at what is stamped on the head). Actual driver loft effects ball trajectory and spin more than the shaft flex. Any shaft you buy can be tip trimmed to produce a lower ball flight and spin but the driver loft is the first thing to match up to your swingspeed and angle of attack (whether you swing thru, up, or down on the ball). Hope this helps!

I go with Zeph on this. Try a couple different setups. Start with a midsize and add tape if it feels too small. Regripping is really an easy task and you can make your own tools (grip remover, tape scraper). I've switched to midsize Crosslines after years of standard Winn Excel RF #5s. Very relaxing and still a soft touch.

I put my 2 cents with Shanks A Million. It's the indian in this case (no insults intended!). If you haven't been to a clubfitter/maker to be sure the lofts and lies are right for your swing then it's definitely worth the effort to do so. I've heard nothing but raves about the PXs and if yer ball flights are that high then the shaft isn't going to make enuff of a difference.

If they're steel it's cosmetic only. If they're graphite then it depends on whether, and how much, the underlying material is affected. For graphite you could put a little ring of epoxy around the top of the hosel for added protection. I've done this with my irons and no problems after a year of use.

So glad to hear that someone is getting fitted for clubs! As a clubfitter/maker (since 2001) it does my heart good to know that there is still hope for this trade. Too many people give up on this sport/game due to ill-fitted equipment or just plain junk. There are so many subtle nuances to clubs that can make a big difference. A name doesn't buy a game! Good luck with the fitting and make sure they adjust the lofts and lies of EACH CLUB INDIVIDUALLY to fit your swing. By that I mean swing each club with lie tape or somesuch method to check EACH CLUB before you buy! Good luck!