Fairway wood shaft question

[scomac2002]

I've been looking at maybe picking up a new to me 5W for a bag for all seasons project. I've always had a bit of a hankering for a Sonartec fairway wood if for no other reason than the reputation those clubs had and the scarcity with which they appear on the golf course. It also helps that they can generally been had cheaper and in better shape than the majority of V-Steels out there.

 

There are several different models which to my untrained eye look pretty much the same, so I'm thinking the deciding factor is more likely to be the shaft with which the are equipped. I'm hopeful that someone who hangs about these parts may have some insight into how these various shafts from the past played in terms of launch and feel.

 

There are four 5W's that I'm looking at and they come so equipped:

• NP-99 with Fujirkura Tour Platform 70
  
• SS-02 with Fujikura Vista Pro 80
  
• NP-99 with GD AD YS6+
  
• SS-01 with Sonartec shaft
  

They're all the same price basically so I would be looking for something that launches easily and doesn't feel like a piece of rebar. I'm assuming that the YS6+ is the most likely candidate in that regard. Any opinions or input?

 

TIA

[Eidolon]

I have spent many days with these woods. Very good weapons. Incase you are not aware, the model number reflects face depth. Ss01, shallow, ss02 mid, ss03 deep. This has big effect on launch angle. NP 99 is a ss03 with back weighting to increase launch angle. Hope this helps. Mike

[Fellaheen51]

Think you're spot on with your assessment of the YS6+. Have one in the modern D and a 3 wood (V-Steel), another ready to go into a 9W. All R Flex. Good mid-high launch characteristics, have no issues with getting the ball up and away with the fairway (swing things aside). At +/- 65 g., the right weight, not to heavy, not to light. Not rebar feeling in the slightest. No experience with the Fuji shafts. I like them a lot, right there with the preference I've had for the old Grafalloy ProLaunch Platinums. They've been around this long for a reason, solid performing shaft IMHO. As always, YMMV.

[scomac2002]

I have spent many days with these woods. Very good weapons. Incase you are not aware, the model number reflects face depth. Ss01, shallow, ss02 mid, ss03 deep. This has big effect on launch angle. NP 99 is a ss03 with back weighting to increase launch angle. Hope this helps. Mike

 

Thanks for that info Eidolon! I was aware that with the ss series refected face depth figuring that the 02 would be most appropriate. Is it safe to assume that the NP-99 with back weighting would launch similar to the ss-02 but with a taller face thus better off the tee?

[scomac2002]

Think you're spot on with your assessment of the YS6+. Have one in the modern D and a 3 wood (V-Steel), another ready to go into a 9W. All R Flex. Good mid-high launch characteristics, have no issues with getting the ball up and away with the fairway (swing things aside). At +/- 65 g., the right weight, not to heavy, not to light. Not rebar feeling in the slightest. No experience with the Fuji shafts. I like them a lot, right there with the preference I've had for the old Grafalloy ProLaunch Platinums. They've been around this long for a reason, solid performing shaft IMHO. As always, YMMV.

 

Thanks Pal! I usually figure what's good for you will be good for me based on our past discussions. When I saw one with the YS shaft I thought would likely be the ticket.

[Eidolon]

Scomac, the NP heads were a result of Nick Price getting on staff. They basically took a ss-03 and added back weighting. This NP & 03, are the same size. Both are the 'deep' head version. I like the deep head from the tee. But I also preferred it in the grass as well. They flight very much like persimmon. The shallow head just did not fit my eye. But they definately launch higher than the deep. Quite a bit actually.my advice is get both. You can't tell until you hit balls which one is best for you. Mike

[Eidolon]

Need to add: I liked the 'NP' heads best of the four versions. ;) Mike

[scomac2002]

Great to know. Thanks for all the help Eidolon! :good:

[Mitchell]

The NP-99 was indeed named after Nick Price, was basically a rebadged Royal Collection Super CV Pro. Price tended to favor a more closed face angle than many other pros of the period, so may want to take that into consideration if any left bias is an issue. Personally like the ss03, ss3.5, and GS tour models for the more commonly available models- if can locate one, the ss07 was a superb club that many good clubmakers can bend to meet preferences due to longer hosel.

[Eidolon]

Yeah, I had forgotton about the ss07 that Mitchell referred to. Nice option with the bendable hosel. Shorter guys could bend it nice and flat. :)

[scomac2002]

Yeah, I had forgotton about the ss07 that Mitchell referred to. Nice option with the bendable hosel. Shorter guys could bend it nice and flat. :)

 

Probably not something I'm going to require being 6' 2". 57°-58° lie angles at 42.5" playing length works pretty well for me even with a hook face, although I would prefer it to be square.

 

[Added] I'm not sure what it is about this time of year, but I've just bought another fairway wood. With some guys it's putters or wedges or drivers. For me it seems to be fairway woods. At any rate, an NP-99 with YS 6+ shaft is on its way. Next thing you know I'll be buying another set of irons. D'oh!

[Eidolon]

That shaft and head combination work well together. Should not take long for it to become a good friend.

Golf clubs are like good candy, you can never have enough! :) Mike

[scomac2002]

I know what you mean, Mike. I already need another bag for casual storage (currently four on the go). I picked one up off of our version of CL last spring for $10. I'll be looking for another this coming spring!

[scomac2002]

I picked up my NP-99 at the post office today as it came in yesterday. My first impression was that this sucker has a heavy head compared to just about any other metal fairway that I have used. The bulge and roll is also more prominent than on other clubs I have. Should be interesting to hit if we get a bit of a thaw as it's getting down into the teens tonight. Footprint is similar to my BB War birds, but with a taller face and more width to the face down low. Should make for an excellent tee option with a flight that I anticipate to be more persimmon like than most metal woods. The crown has a very nice blue-black metallic finish that looks pretty sharp next to the bright blue colour of the YS 6+. Needs a new grip, but other than that the club is in really nice shape. If I get a chance I'll add a photo or two.