Need advice on Project X shafts

rge · April 30, 2006

Do they run stiffer than indicated?

Hi guys:

I am contemplating going from graphite shafts to steel shafts. I intend to make a duplicate of my existing set of MX-23's which currently have stiff Exsar graphites in them.

Here's my question. Is it true that if one is moving from a stiff graphite shaft into a steel shaft that you should get a slightly softer flex? I have been told that a stiff OEM graphite shafts flex about the same as a regular flex steel shaft. Is this fact or conjecture?

In line with this, I plan to use Project X 5.0's Royal Precision literature claims that the 5.0 is a regular flex but others who are supposedly "in the know" tell me that the Project X plays stiffer than traditional Rifle shafts. Is this true? Should I opt to try the NS-PRO-950's instead? Your input on this matter would be truly valuable because, as you guys know, neither of these shafts come cheap. At least not to me.

Over here in the Philippines, the PX runs about $400 for a set of 8 shafts. NSPRO goes for about $300 in some golf shops. Knowing how much they sell for over there just makes it all the more painful. :)

If it will be of any help, I carry my 7 iron 170-175 yards. SS in driver is about 108-110. Maybe this info can be of help in determining the shaft I need.

By the way, I've always used graphite shafts ever since I started playing 15 years ago. I have concerns of the steel shafts being too heavy. Is this a valid concern? The stock graphite shafts of Mizuno spec out at 80-85 gms. will the additional 10-20 grams be noticeable throughout the round? Thanks for all the help guys.

zzmkdw · April 30, 2006

rge - I just switched from s300's to Proj X 5.0's. I was told by my clubfitter that the Proj X's do play stiffer, especially in the shorter irons.

Based on the stats you provided, I would say that 5.0 might be a little weak for you. Is is possible to get fit by a clubmaker familiar with Proj X's? I am thinking the 5.5's might work a little better for you.

I haven't played graphite in years. I am guessing that you will notice a difference in weight. My experience is that the Proj X's feel effortless to swing. When I went from DG's to Proj X's I went up two swing weights and find the Proj X's still to be easier to swing.

If you end up with the Proj X's I hope they work for you.

KingOAces · April 30, 2006

i have a 106 ss and have rifle project x (non high launch) 5.5. They play perfect for me. If it's any referance i switched them out with dg s300.

KinG

rge · April 30, 2006

Thanks guys. I appreciate the responses. I agree that the 5.0 PX's may be a little weak but I wanted to err on the weak side rather than on the stiff. I am sure that playing with steel shafts will require a few modifications to my swing and tempo due to the added heft. I am in the process of smoothing out my swing anyway so I should be able to incorporate the changes slowly. I am also prepared to get worse before I get better with them. I have a pretty realistic view on what will be happening in the first few sessions out on the course. If they work right off the bat, then I'm already ahead. I hope more of you guys keep giving advice.

King, I did get to try the s300's and I found them too stiff for me. I hope the PX's are spot on even if I have to sacrifice some distance. Hopefully not too much.

Is it true that steel shafts carry a little shorter than graphites? I know they tighten up dispersion but is distance affected significantly? Thanks y'all.