Which shaft

[mizuno player]

Looking at changing shafts. Did a demo day and hit the KBS C Taper. They only had S and X. By all indications I should be S+. Mostly weight and based on the fact I've played X100 for 20 years. ( Also weight is #1 in fitting. ?)

Question. The clubs I'm looking at only one offers the S+. The other two have only S or X. What would soft stepping an X two times do to playability of the shaft? Higher ball flight? Or just softer playing in each shaft compared to straight in?

[Jagpilotohio]

If you are buying them new any manufacturer that stocks the S and the X can certainly get the S+....unless they just don’t want to. You should ask a rep or call customer service if you haven’t yet.

I think soft stepping twice if they refuse to get you the S+ would work well. They are only 5 grams different in weight. You won’t notice that.

[mizuno player]

I thought of that then figured they would charge through the roof for special order... Trying to make it as easy as possible. Thanks.

[Stuart_G]

> @"mizuno player" said:

What would soft stepping an X two times do to playability of the shaft? Higher ball flight? Or just softer playing in each shaft compared to straight in?

 

Might feel a little bit softer and it they will play a little heavier when soft stepping CW shafts - so they will play more like 133-135 gm shafts. If the 'ideal' weight really is 125 gm, I certainly would NOT just dismiss out of hand those extra 7-9 gm. It may or may not be in issue but no one can say that it definitely wont be an issue and you wont know until you give it a try.

 

Normally wouldn't expect any noticeable change in ball flight - but you never know how the change in feel might effect ones swing so there is no guarantee.

 

 

[mizuno player]

Stuart. That's interesting. I had no idea they would play heavier. That throws a little wrench in this.

So, the S flex would be same? 7-9 gr heavier? And play slightly softer?

 

[Stuart_G]

> @"mizuno player" said:

> Stuart. That's interesting. I had no idea they would play heavier. That throws a little wrench in this.

>

 

Keep in mind that const weight shafts are designed such that the shorter clubs at the shorter lengths will end up the same static weight as the longer clubs at the longer lengths. So the shorter the club, the more "grams per inch" are needed to end up as the same cut shaft weight. So by plying a shaft meant for a shorter club into a longer club (soft stepping), the cut weight will go up. Soft stepped x 2 means the shafts will be played 1" longer than intended to get the designed weight. The opposite is true for hard stepping, the cut weight well go down and the shafts will play a bit lighter.

 

You could get around that by possibly playing the single length parallel tip versions (along with possibly having to bore out the hosels if they are taper tip hosels). Also, the parallel versions actually allow for a lot more 'tweaking' of the flex than the taper tip version does. The downside is you loose static weight in the shorter irons.

 

> @"mizuno player" said:

> So, the S flex would be same? 7-9 gr heavier? And play slightly softer?

>

Sorry, not sure the context of the question? If you asking about the consequences of soft stepping the stiff's then yes, They will also play heavier and slightly softer if soft stepped. But since the total weight is less (120 vs 130), the increase per step will also be a bit less with the stiffs than with the x-stiffs. So probably more like a 5-7 gm increase for SS x2.

 

Also realize that exactly how much softer they might feel to you is very subjective and will depend on a lot of things - including your swing and sensitivities. All references to how soft stepping (or hard for that matter) will effect the stiffness feel are just generalizations. The point at with 'a little softer' might become "too soft" is going to be different for different players. So it's always best to test out a single shaft prior to committing to a whole set.

[mizuno player]

Thanks. I may that confusing. You answered my questions perfectly. Thank you.

[cxx]

That's funny, I thought that soft stepping was taking a shaft intended for say a 7 iron and installing it in an 8 iron head and cutting to 8 iron length.

[mizuno player]

I meant to ask. If a S is hard stepped would it play heavier? Or lighter?

I think with all this info I may just go with Titleist as they offer the S+.