Nippon Shaft

Nippon Shaft has been designing and manufacturing golf shafts since 1959. We would not be considered the world’s best shaft manufacturer if we did not have partnerships with vendors of like quality and manufacturing philosophies. Two key vendors are Nisshin Steel and Sun Industry. Nisshin Steel, founded in 1959, is one of the world’s leading steel manufacturing houses specializing in specialty steels and alloys. After a few years of close cooperation, we co-developed a proprietary spring steel that created the game-changing, legendary N.S.PRO 950GH, the world’s first sub-100 grams constant weight steel irons shafts. In 2014, Nisshin and Nippon Shaft again shook the industry by co-developing the proprietary NZNS60, allowing us to manufacture the world’s lightest steel shaft series, N.S.PRO Zelos, that are steel shafts with playing characteristics of a light weight carbon fiber iron shafts. Sun Industry has been one of the world’s leading material finishing companies since it’s inception in 1949. Certified ISO-9001 and ISO-14001, Sun provides a variety of finishes for the electronic, automotive and other specialty industries. All steel Nippon Shaft products are zinc-nickel electroplated on a dedicated line and returned to us in foam containers. 100% of the shafts are visually inspected at Sun (and Nippon Shaft), before and after plating to insure full surface protection on a fully polished shaft surface.

Every top club manufacturer audits potential, as well as current vendors on a regular basis to insure consistent quality. We very proud to hear “clean” and “efficient” after plant tours, but we expect these comments. Why? Nippon Shaft is the only ISO-14000 registered shaft manufacturer. ISO-14000 is a globally recognized series of standards that provides guidelines for companies to manage their environmental responsibilities. Registration indicates a company’s philosophy to be efficient and mindful of resources and their effects on the environment. Being an ISO-14000 registered company does NOT guarantee product quality. However, a company without clear goals for efficient production is unlikely to consistently produce high quality products. Since our plant is located in the farming valley of the Komagane mountain range and surrounded by farms, houses, and river/forested areas, we are morally compelled to discharge clean air and water back into the environment.

The air is filled with pride and nostalgia as we commemorate the company’s 65th anniversary. Six and a half decades of unwavering commitment to precision and innovation in the world of golf stand as a testament to our enduring legacy. From our humble beginnings in 1959 to becoming a global force in golf technology, this anniversary is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that brought us here. This milestone year holds extra significance as we also mark 25 years since the release of the iconic N.S.PRO 950GH irons shaft. A true game-changer, the 950GH revolutionized the industry with its perfect blend of lightweight design and exceptional stability. It remains a favorite among golfers worldwide, a symbol of Nippon Shaft’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, it has been 15 years since Nippon Shaft embarked on its journey to support the PGA Tour. The partnership with the PGA Tour has not only showcased our commitment to providing the best equipment to professionals but also fueled our drive to innovate and elevate the game for players at every level. One year later, we proudly released the N.S.PRO MODUS³ Tour 120 as our first players’ designed model in the hugely successful MODUS³ lineup. Our legacy is not just about the past; it is the foundation upon which we build an even more promising future for golf enthusiasts around the globe.

Nippon Shaft may be viewed by some as a new company, however Nippon Shaft has been quietly designing and manufacturing golf shafts since 1959. With the release of the iconic N.S.PRO 950GH in 1999, Nippon Shaft has become the most popular lightweight steel shaft brand with over 30 million shafts sold. All steel shaft models are manufactured in Komagane, Japan with all raw materials made in Japan to the exacting standards required by Nippon Shaft. There are structural and performance differences with every model however steel shaft production for all models follow the same processes. Steel golf shaft production is series of time-intensive processes that starts with the highest quality spring steel manufactured by Nisshin Steel, one of the world’s largest steel producers. The first major step is forming the flat, raw steel through a series of dies and welded into a tube. These tubes are then heat treated to relieve material stress. The tubes are then stretched/thinned and cut to lengths close to the final product. Steps are formed to ensure performance features and durability requirements, then heat treated again to reduce material stress. The last few steps to turn tubes into golf shafts are polishing the outside surface, then electroplating with nickel and chrome. Every shaft is then inspected visually as well as key attributes measured. Any defect, including small surface scratches, will be cause for scrapping. Repeatable and reproducible processes are required by manufacturers of any products to ensure high quality and timely shipments. We are proud that many industry leaders who have visited our plant have commented Nippon Shaft has the best steel shaft manufacturing plant.

The N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid shaft represents a significant advancement in golf shaft technology, offering performance and feel characteristics that appeal to a wide range of players, from top professionals to serious amateurs. The N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid shaft is engineered to deliver exceptional control, a critical factor for top golfers aiming to consistently hit precise shots. The MODUS³ Hybrid’s design minimizes unintended lateral movement and reduces the likelihood of mishits, allowing players to focus on executing their desired shot shape in challenging conditions, such as strong winds or difficult lies, where accuracy is paramount. The shaft’s low torque rating is a key contributor to this enhanced control. By reducing the amount of twisting during the swing, the shaft ensures that the clubface remains stable through impact, leading to straighter shots and improved accuracy. This stability also helps in maintaining the intended trajectory, whether the player is looking to hit a high, towering shot or a penetrating low ball flight. The N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid’s construction allows for a higher launch angle, which can be particularly advantageous for players seeking to maximize carry distance. The optimized spin rate ensures that the ball maintains a stable flight path, reducing the chances of ballooning or excessive spin that could lead to a loss of distance. For top golfers, the balance between launch and spin is crucial for achieving optimal performance on the course. The N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid shaft’s ability to deliver consistent launch conditions makes it a reliable choice for players who need to control their ball flight under various playing conditions. Feedback is a crucial aspect of any golf shaft, and the N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid excels in this area. The shaft provides golfers with immediate and precise feedback on their swing, allowing them to sense the quality of their contact with the ball. This level of feedback is essential for players who rely on feel to gauge their performance and make necessary adjustments. The smooth feel of the N.S.PRO MODUS³ Hybrid shaft is the result of its carefully engineered flex profile and steel/graphite material composition. The shaft’s ability to dampen vibrations while still providing a responsive feel is a key reason why it is favored by both professional and amateur golfers alike.

We are proud to announce the N.S.PRO 750GH neo, designed to help golfers gain distance, accuracy and feel in their iron game, will be available this Fall in Europe and the Americas. N.S.PRO 750GH neo steel irons shafts are designed to help golfers who play larger, strong loft distance irons heads that tend to produce little or no spin, maximize distance with optimal spin. The 750GH neo is the third in a family of super-lightweight Nippon Shaft products, which include the N.S.PRO Zelos7 and the N.S.PRO 750GH. The 750GH neo was designed for the golfer who finds the Zelos7 to be “too soft” and the 750GH to be “too firm”. Our goal always is to develop products that will bring more enjoyment to people who play the game. Adding the 750GH neo is just the latest product to do that. 750GH neo will promote an appropriate ball spin that stops on target even when matched with strong loft iron heads that tend to produce little or no spin. Also, a comparatively smaller-than-standard grip size helps promote sharper swings. The N.S.PRO 750GH neo will be available from club fitters in October and through our authorized online partners: The GolfWorks, Swing Science, Grips for Less, and The Golf Club Trader.

The smallest adjustment can make the biggest difference for a professional golfer. Nippon Shaft understands this, and for the last few years, our tour van has been at professional golf tournaments across the United States. More than just a mode of transportation, the van is a mobile fitting workshop where our mission is clear: to provide the best custom shaft fittings and on-the-spot assembly for tour professionals. With a dedicated team of veteran technicians, our van travels to over 30 events a year, working closely with tour professionals and club manufacturers. Whether it’s making a last-minute adjustment, experiment with our latest designs or collaborating with club manufacturers to find the “perfect” shaft, the tour van ensures that the world’s best players can have their clubs dialed in for optimal performance. Beyond standard fittings, our van also serves as a testing ground for prototype shafts. New designs are tested by tour pros for feel and performance, giving us critical feedback. Many of these prototypes eventually lead to public releases, like every N.S.PRO MODUS³ model. These real-world trials on tour play a key role in ensuring our products meet the highest performance and quality standards before they reach golfers worldwide. At Nippon Shaft, we’re not simply following the professional golf circuit. We’re driving innovation in the game, helping players “Realize Golfers’ Dreams.”