Scott Cokeing is the Director of Steel Design
Scott has worked for True Temper Sports since 1997. Prior to True Temper, Scott worked as an Aerospace engineer for 10 years, responsible for the design of both metallic and composite aircraft structures. Scott has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University. Scott is an avid golfer playing over 50 rounds per year and carries a single-digit handicap.
Greg Cavill - Golf Shaft Design and Test Engineer
Greg initially worked for Apollo Sports Technologies as their development
engineer, designing and managing all new steel product introductions. He now
works for True Temper Sports developing new steel products for both catalog
and OEM customers, and manages the TTS test center.
BigHitter:We would like to welcome you all to the first addition of BSG Industry Chat. Thank you to Greg and Scott from True Temper for leading this discussion. We hope that all BSG members appreciate and enjoy this experience. Ask away.
TrueTemper>Good afternoon. In preparation for some of the questions we thought you would ask about Black Gold, we've prepared a frequently asked questions page that will hopefully set the stage for more specific questions.
TrueTemper>Question 1 - How does Black Gold differ from Dynamic Gold? Answer - Black Gold and Dynamic Gold are vastly different products. Firstly, when comparing the discrete length versions of both shafts Dynamic Gold features a constant weight design while Black Gold is a descending weight design. This means that the Black Gold shafts get lighter and progressively softer throughout the set than do the Dynamic Gold.
TrueTemper>The second point of differentiation is that lack old features a stepless shaft profile compared to the stepped design of ynamic old. Thirdly, Black Gold features a slightly higher ball flight than Dynamic old. ynamic Gold is characterized as low while lack old is characterized by "low to mid." "Both shafts feature True Temper's "gold" manufacturing strategy to deliver the tightest controlled specification of any shafts in the game today.
jamboy72:First, let me say thank you to True Temper for helping to make this event possible. My question is this, "How does the Black/Gold series compare to the Tour Concept design in terms of performance characteristics?"
TrueTemper>Black Gold is a descending weight product while TCI is a constant weight product. TCI is a flighted product meaning variable kick points throughout the set where Black Gold has a constant low kick point.
dixongolfer:How long have the Black Gold shafts been in development?
TrueTemper>April 2003 was when a stepless shaft was initiated. Over time it became black gold. Over 30 iterations of stepless shafts were designed, built and tested to achieve the final black gold design.
BigHitter:In terms of butt stiffness, will this shaft feel more or less stiff than something like Project X or Dynamic Gold Tour?
TrueTemper>Comparing the same flex of black gold to dynamic gold tour, the black gold x-flex will be the same butt stiffness as dynamic gold tour. project x is slightly stiffer in the butt.
hultis:In terms of feeling, how would you say Black Gold compares to Dynamic Gold?
TrueTemper>black gold will be stiffer in the butt section and softer in the tip section due to the descending weight characteristics.
DTown3011:I was wondering if you could explain obtaining inbetween flexes such as a firm stiff or a soft X. Since these are taper tip shafts, does that mean they are able to be tipped to achieve these flexes?
TrueTemper>there are extra raw lengths available (42-35 1/2) so you will be able to hard step or soft step this shaft multiple times to achieve desired subflexes.
swing981:Type hereHow has the new black gold been received on the pga/nationwide tours??
TrueTemper>the anticipation is very high with the oem tour reps and technicians because of its versatility and ease of assembly due to its gold characteristics which combine extremely high tolerances on frequency, weight and balance point. there are particular players who have requested this product and will be testing it in the off season.
Go_UNM_Lobos:Again, thank you so much to True Temper for taking our questions, I know I speak for the entire membership when I say this is absolutely a privilege. My question is: "What player profile do you feel that Black Gold fits the best?"
TrueTemper>the player who has been playing butt stiff descending weight products in the past, i.e., rifle/px.
BigHitter:compare the playing characterisics to Rifle's Project X if possible. This shaft is VERY popular among our members so this should be of high interest.
TrueTemper> project x is a discrete length, constant weight golf shaft that was meant to replicate the design features of dynamic gold. black gold is the first stepless golf shaft to incorporate a complete focus on consistent wall thickness, shaft diameter, balance point as well as frequency. Not one, but all of these shaft parameters are essential to produce a properly tuned set of irons.
TMMike: With a constant low kick point for each shaft, do you believe the Black Gold will benefit the high handicapper more than the low handicapper who wants variable kick points for different ball flight patterns through out the irons?
TrueTemper> black gold has been designed for a niche market sector and is currently more suitable to the high loader of the golf club. however, in our 200+ player test panel all levels of handicap had a positive response to the feel and ball flight that they got from black gold.
parman312: why would you want a lighter shaft in a wedge and heavier in a long iron?
TrueTemper> it is completely personal preference. the majority of true temper's products are constant weight which by far is more preferred on the tour. a descending weight shaft also gives you a less aggressive frequency slope from long to short irons aiding feel in the short irons.
mizuno291:For years I have searched for a weight sorted, frequency matched shaft. when you say that the Black Gold progressively gets softer, does this mean that they are frequency matched along with being weight sorted? All of my irons built with DG shafts in the past have ended up way too soft in the long irons. Thanks for your time guys.
TrueTemper> black gold shafts are what true temper has coined "frequency tuned." utilizing true temper's exacting manufacturing processes, the consistency of the raw blank is held to within + or - 1 1/2 grams and the raw frequency is controlled to within + or - 1 cpm. there is a lower gradient frequency slope on black gold vs. dynamic gold .
Stewart_Keigher:I'm presently trying out a set of Nippon 1150 shafts; do you have any reference or comparative data on black gold that would help me assess there differences and/or suitability
TrueTemper>while black gold would not be put in the same category as the nippon 1150, we are introducing the dynalite gold sl at the pga show which would more closely compare.
scot109: What kind of advantages would the Black Gold have over the Dynamic Gold?
TrueTemper>a different feel overall due to the descending weight and a slighter higher ball flight.
jungpro:What are the differences in the ballflight compared to the normal True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft?
TrueTemper>slightly higher
itsaboutfeel: Any relationship between this and the Formula 1? Was the Formula 1 sort of a proof of concept and the BG a more refined outgrowth?
TrueTemper>black gold features the "gold" shaft specifications while formula one is manufactured to a more moderate standard. also, formula one is lighter and features a higher ball flight than black gold. we have manufactured many stepless parts in the past but none of them to the gold standards.
DTown3011:The finish on the Black Gold shafts is obviously very unique. It is very comparable to a brushed bronze color and I have heard that it will darken with time. Is this correct? Also, how did you decide on the finish for the final product?
TrueTemper>the black gold finish has a brushed champagne finish. we were looking to differentiate this product from other steel shafts and found in our player testing that this finish was most desirable. the black gold finish is stable and will not change over time.
jamboy72:Following up on Derek's question, "In order to achieve a desired flex/subflex or CPM, would this be best achieved by avoiding tip trimming entirely. That is, simply install the raw shaft and butt trim to desired length?
TrueTemper>with tapered tipped product either hard or soft stepped, is the only way to achieve subflexing because you can only butt trim to length. with the parallel option you can purchase this product either in frequency tuned sets or purchase a 41 " master shaft and trim to your desired frequency. interested club makers can attend the true temper gold certified shaft performance specialist school and learn all the possibilities regarding building clubs with this shaft.
tomhorley: How will this shaft compare to the Tour Flighted Rifle? My understanding is that this is True Temper's version of the TFR.
TrueTemper>you must have someinsider information on what we are working on. however, the black gold is not a flighted product by design although you can manipulate the trimming schedule to achieve different ball flights off the parallel tip product. tci is a true variable kick point shaft.
fsmith84:I'm sure this could have already been asked, but thanks for doing this. Will the Black Gold shafts compare to Project X shafts by Rifle, in terms of who can play them (hitters vs. pickers, etc.?)
TrueTemper> we have a comparable butt frequency to project x and therefore we would suggest that a 6.5 player should try x flex black gold and experiment with the descending weight properties.
frankis843: Which OEM's will be offering the new product line and when will they be available?
TrueTemper>we started shipping to the aftermarket this week. there has been considerable interest from the oem's and all of them will undoubtedly offer this as a custom offering.
BK--33-: How do the spin rates of the Black Gold and Dynamic Gold compare?
TrueTemper> our robot testing has shown us that the black gold has a slightly higher trajectory and slightly lower spin rate compared to the dynamic gold. however the spin rate and launch angle always depends on the individual player's swing profile and technique.
BirdieTime: When you say PX is "slightly stiffer"in the butt, can you put a % on how much softer the Black Gold will be compared to retail PX shafts in the same flex?. Thanks.
TrueTemper>since the black gold is descending mass and the project x is constant mass, the frequency slopes are slightly different but comparing a 5 iron the black gold is 2 mm softer.
kingyoda: What is the frequency increment of the "less aggressive frequency slope"?
TrueTemper> 4.25 cpm's per club for black gold
MattTitleist: sorry if this has already been asked but what is the cut weight differece betwen the black gold and normal dynamic gold?
TrueTemper> 5 iron weight of dg s-flex is 120.9 grams and black gold s-flex is 119.5 grams
GolfYoda: Spining has been the topic of much debate, what do you think and do you recommend spining the BG?
TrueTemper> the black gold label is applied in the same orientation as the frequency was measured providing frequency tuned consistency through the set.
BigHitter: Would you say Black Gold is more counterbalanced than say, X100, or would you acheive the same swingweight at the same length, assuming all other components of the set up were identical?
TrueTemper> since bg is descending mass, replacing dg x100 and maintaining same head weights the long irons will be approximately 1 swing weight point higher and the short irons approximately 1 swing weight point lower.
nobogey: Do these start as a stepped design, then swedged to a steppless profile?
TrueTemper> you might not know, but all steel shafts start with steps. the new bg begins with steps but then they are removed through a process called swaging.
bart_t: What would be the advantage of changing from PX to Black Gold as you see it?
TrueTemper> the frequency tuned performance of bg implies a more consistent set.
br61: Following up on fsmith's question of Black Gold X=PX 6.5, how would you put Black Gold stiff flex be comparable to which PX shafts?
TrueTemper> just speaking in stiffness, bg s-flex = 5.5 and r-flex = 4.5
omello: In some countries, a proper fitting can be a problem. Do you have any guidelines on who this shaft is targetting? Also; Black Gold in regular flex, is the flight profile different? Thanks.
TrueTemper> the stronger player who in the past has used a butt stiff product. if you are properly fit to the correct flex there is no difference in flight profile.
fsmith84: How will these compare, flex wise, to the Tour Concept? I like the flex and kick of my current sets of S-3's, but could do with a little less spin. Is this possible through your tuning methods with these shafts?
TrueTemper> BG will be stiffer than TCI flex to flex. Should also spin less than TCI
DTown3011: What type of performance differences are we expected to see in a wedge? Do you expect these to be better than say the S400 which seems to be your most popular wedge shaft?
TrueTemper> while s400's have found their home as the preferred wedge shaft, bg will be a softer and lighter for those players looking for that type of feel in their short irons.
naccpro: Will the shafts be offered in the traditional Dynamic Gold style of R300, S300, etc or will they be frequency rated as Precision does?
TrueTemper> neither. the shafts will be available in R, S, X in frequency tuned sets all to a finished weight tolerance of + or - 1.5 grams and + or - 1 cpm
dodge: Which tour players are currently playing bg shafts?
TrueTemper> there are certain players testing bg in the off season. because TT does not pay to play we cannot name names.
MattTitleist:i really like the idea of a freq matched/tuned set of iron shafts but is there any way of getting freq matched and weight matched thru the set?, is there any way to do it with BG or is there another shaft in development?
TrueTemper> we have that product in development, but it is not ready to be released yet.
MattTitleist: addition to golfyodas question is that logo up or logo down?
TrueTemper> either way because the frequency is measured in a single plane. player preference dictates logo up or logo down
jamie24: will the Black Gold shafts be available for fairway woods, like the DG X100 Wood shaft, if so what are the differences, would it play stiffer for intance and give a lower ballflight?
TrueTemper> no. the original design brief was to design the most consistent stepless descending weight iron shaft in the game. there is some demand for some superlite steel wood shafts as evidenced by dg sl but bg will remain as an iron.
BigHitter: Will these come set sorted, or pieced like most True Temper products?
TrueTemper> they will be available as freqency tuned sets 3-p in both .370/.355
Shankboy: can i just say whilst i love all things True Temper is there going to be a complete lack of European avaliability on testing the new product or again will that be up to the OEM's that will stock them??
TrueTemper> bg should be available to test at all oem demo days however if you require additional information please contact our UK division.
j-dizzle7: what will be the retail price of the shafts
TrueTemper> we have suggested that these shafts be $156 per set plus installation.
Shankboy: Will these be another install only shaft through a authorised dealer or avaliable indivdually etc etc for experimenting with??
TrueTemper> bg will be available through all of our normal distribution channels.
frankis843: About how much softer does the 35.5" shaft play compared to the 42" and will there be people who will hard/soft step on just part of a set? Is this discouraged?
TrueTemper> certified gold shaft specialists will be able to properly fit you based on your swing characteristics and whether hard stepping or soft stepping is involved will depend on the individual's needs. at d2 swing weight bg s-flex ranges from 313 cpm to 347 cpm (1-9 iron) using a 5" clamp.
frankis843: Will there be a Sensicore option?
TrueTemper> do you want one?
fsmith84: When we discuss weight matching and frequency matching customizability, are you talking in terms of overall feel, or exact same specs? For example, I'm sure my putter and driver have a different frequency and torque rating, but they both feel great to me. I'm not sure if I'd like the exact same frequency in all my irons, especially if the long irons wind up being stiff and the short irons loose, with the mid irons just right. Or is that not what BG is intended to do?
TrueTemper> frequency tuning is not a flat line frequency. the term is used to describe the consistency of the frequency slope. in this example, 4.25 cpm increase per club from long to short iron.
indexof1: How will they be labled, i.e. X-100 or 6.5 etc...?
TrueTemper> R,S,X
BigHitter: Okay guys, we are now going to opening the chat to suggestions on future True Temper products. What would YOU like to see from True Temper in the future?
danimal: How does the BG's charteristics of launch angle and realtive flex compare to the true temper shaft made for ping the z-z65 which I feel plays a bit stiff for it's flex.
TrueTemper> zz65 has a stiffer butt frequency compared to dg. it is similar to bg butt frequency.
halvo21: Are all of the standard flexes going to be available (i.e S300, X1) in the Black Gold? Will there be any subflexes?
TrueTemper> through the TT gold certified school, you will be able to learn how to customize the raw blank to whichever frequency profile you desire.
frankis843: Personally, I think a sensicore option would be a good thing, I by no means speak for everybody, but I would be interested in seeing this.
TrueTemper> it would be an easy one to do.
Canuck9: A design that produces a lower, flatter ball flight than Dynamic Gold. Any plans for this?
TrueTemper> ball flight is more dependent on your swing and head design than it is shaft design. market research has shown that the majority of golfers have difficulty in hitting the ball high, thus most of our design efforts go toward higher flight products. however, if there is a significant need for a lower ball flight option, we will certainly look into it.
BigHitter: Any thoughts of selling sensicore inserts alone to Tour Concept dealers, so sets like TCI and Black Gold could be customized by your high end dealers?
TrueTemper> yes. but the placement is critical to the swing weight and the insertion procedure requires specialized equipment.
jamie24: i personally would like a stiffer shaft than the X100, i alreaddy have it tipped 2" but still feels too whippy and gets the ball to high, would like to see a stepless shaft that would possibly be stiffer, maybe the same weight/ maybey heavier, with a low launch? Would this be Dynamic Gold Tour?
TrueTemper> try bg x-flex
DTown3011: How about custom colored shafts? If you have the ability to do the coating in the Tour Concept (IE: the blue/green color) surely you could make other color options available as special order only?
TrueTemper> we are always investigating new cosmetics. manufacturing processes would dictate minimum order requirements and is cost prohibitive to oem's but nothing is impossible!
asleep: Has True Temper ever considered licensing a shaft alignment/spining technology such as SST Pure? Do your studies of this type of technology shows any efficacy or do you find it to have negligible impact on shaft performance?
TrueTemper> consistency from shaft to shaft is always a top priority. we have left it up to independent club builders to determine if puring/spining is necessary.
jamboy72: I would love to see a product, perhaps similar to BG, which is constant weight, but exhibits the same frequency and design tolerances
TrueTemper> so you are looking for a constant weight bg? we are working on its design right now.
BigHitter: Any plans for a shaft with the butt flex of a Black Gold, with the tip stiffness of something like X100?
TrueTemper> dg tour
Croonie15: In your opinion why has true temper kept their edge on the market? Technology wise the Dynamic Gold would seem not as advanced compared to say Project X but it still is the most played out there. Why do you think this is?
TrueTemper> can you tell us why the project x is perceived as being more advanced than dg? there is no new technology in px. are you referring to it being stepless or possibly a different finish?
DTown3011: Will True Temper ever release or do they have plans for a specific wedge shaft similar to Rifle Spinner?
TrueTemper> absolutely with focus on consistency in line with the gold standard. these are your scoring clubs and have a high priority in our development program.
indexof1: I would like to see True Temper introduce the Tour Concepts with a brushed steel finish.
TrueTemper> already available, see your TC dealer for installation
BigHitter: So how far out are we in terms of seeing a wedge specific shaft? Very exiting news!!
TrueTemper> that is for marketing to decide. your interest has been noted.
BigHitter> We would like to thank everyone who participated today, with obvious special thanks to True Temper for making today's discussion possible. It has been our sincere pleasure to act as host to the #1 Steel Shaft company in golf!!
TrueTemper>From Greg and Scott, we really appreciate this opportunity to field your great questions on this exciting new product! You have spurred a lot of new design ideas that you will probably see in the near future. your feedback is always very important to us at True Temper Sports. Thanks again.
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